Other Briefings
Qatar Introduces Trusted Entity Regime Allowing Immediate Tax Treaty Benefits
Qatar has introduced a Trusted Entity regime, allowing approved taxpayers to apply reduced withholding tax rates or exemptions under double taxation treaties directly at source. The reform replaces the previous refund-based system, reducing administrative burdens and improving cash flow for companies making cross-border payments.
Saudi Arabia and Egypt Sign Visa Exemption Agreement for Official Passport Holders
Saudi Arabia and Egypt have signed a reciprocal visa exemption agreement for holders of diplomatic, special, and service passports to facilitate official travel and strengthen bilateral coordination. The move reflects broader efforts by both countries to deepen political cooperation while expanding trade and investment ties, which have continued to grow through 2025.
Saudi Arabia’s Renewable Energy Investment Surge: Implications for Businesses in the Middle East
Saudi Arabia’s US$34 billion investment in renewable energy in 2025 marks its entry into the global top ten and signals a rapid shift toward diversifying its energy mix under Vision 2030. This expansion is creating new opportunities across infrastructure, manufacturing, and energy-intensive industries, while reshaping the competitive landscape of the Middle East energy market.
Strait of Hormuz Disruption: Managing Force Majeure and Supply Chain Risks
Disruptions affecting the Strait of Hormuz are increasing pressure on global shipping routes, raising force majeure concerns and creating new challenges for energy and logistics supply chains. Businesses involved in Gulf trade should reassess contracts, insurance coverage, and contingency planning to manage force majeure risks and supply chain disruption.
UAE Launches Up to 50% R&D Tax Credit for Businesses
The UAE has officially launched Phase 1 of its Research and Development (R&D) Tax Incentives Program, introducing a non-refundable corporate tax credit of up to 50 percent on qualifying R&D expenditure capped at AED 5 million per tax period.
Oman’s Sustainable Tourism Boom: The Investment Case for Hospitality, Eco-Lodges and Heritage Sites
Oman’s sustainable tourism industry is becoming a core investment sector under Vision 2040, with growth driven by eco-tourism, heritage assets, and selective hospitality projects rather than mass-market development.
Bahrain Is Set to Introduce Corporate Income Tax: What Businesses Need to Now
Bahrain is planning the introduction of Corporate Income Tax, marking a structural shift from a tax-free to a taxable business environment, expanding obligations beyond large multinationals to the wider corporate sector.
Saudi Arabia Public Investment Fund Strategy Shift 2026: Key Sectors, Risks, and Opportunities
Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund is not retreating but redirecting capital toward priority sectors amid fiscal pressure and lower oil revenues. Understanding where funding is accelerating—and where it is being cut—is now critical for investors and businesses entering the Kingdom.
Saudi Arabia’s New Investment Law: Implications for Market Entry Strategy
Saudi Arabia’s shift from a licensing-based foreign investment regime to a registration model represents more than administrative simplification. It signals a structural reorientation of how market access, regulatory control, and investor responsibility are balanced.
Energy Shock: What GCC-Based Businesses Must Do Right Now
The escalation in Iran has triggered a major energy and logistics shock across the Gulf. Companies operating in the GCC should urgently reassess treasury exposure, supply chains, and contractual risks.
