Other Briefings
Saudi Arabia’s New Employment Contract and Wage Enforcement System: What Employers Need to Know
Saudi Arabia’s latest labor law reforms introduce unified employment contracts, digital compliance systems, and stronger wage enforcement. Learn how the new regulations affect employer compliance and workforce management in the Kingdom.
Saudi Arabia Iqama and Visa Rules: What Changed in Q1 2026
Saudi Arabia introduced major residency and labor reforms in Q1 2026, including a new 5-year physical Iqama (Resident ID), skill-based work permit classifications, emergency visa extensions, and expanded labor mobility rules. These changes increase digital compliance requirements, requiring HR teams and expatriate employees to closely monitor Iqama validity, profession classification, and visa status.
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.
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.
Saudi Arabia’s SEZs (Special Economic Zones): What the New Regulatory Framework Means for Foreign Investors
Saudi Arabia’s SEZs (Special Economic Zones) are now subject to a new, comprehensive regulatory framework offering foreign investors incentives such as reduced corporate tax rates, customs exemptions, and streamlined licensing procedures. The initiative, aligned with Vision 2030, aims to attract global investment in sectors including logistics, advanced manufacturing, maritime industries, and digital technologies.
Saudi Arabia Proposes New Corporate Rules for Special Economic Zones
Saudi Arabia is strengthening its Special Economic Zones regulatory framework to attract foreign investment and support Vision 2030 diversification goals.
Saudi Arabia Refines RHQ Procurement Rule with Formal Exemption Framework: What Businesses Need to Know
Saudi Arabia has formalized exemptions to its Regional Headquarters (RHQ) requirement for government contracts, introducing a structured framework that allows non-RHQ firms to participate in public procurement under defined competitive and technical conditions.
