Other Briefings
Oman’s Industrial and Manufacturing Push Gains Traction with Global Investors
Oman’s manufacturing sector grew 8.6 percent in 2024, attracting OMR 2.48 billion (US$6.45 billion) in foreign investment.
Oman’s Personal Income Tax Begins in 2028, Signaling Major Fiscal Shift
Oman’s personal income tax, beginning in 2028, will make it the first GCC country to implement such a measure.
Saudi Arabia’s ICT Hits US$10 Billion: Trends and Implications
Saudi Arabia’s ICT spending surged to over US$10 billion in 2024, driving digital transformation across health, defense, infrastructure, and education.
GCC Announces Islamic New Year Holiday Dates for Public and Private Sector
Gulf Cooperation Countries (GCC) governments have issued Islamic New Year holiday notices for both public and private sectors.
Irish Food and Drink Exports Thrive in the MENA Region
Irish food and drink exports to the MENA region hit EUR€546.9 million in 2024, driven by key markets like the UAE and Saudi Arabia.
How to Navigate Intellectual Property Protection in Qatar
A guide to Qatar intellectual property laws, registration processes, and updates for protecting copyrights, trademarks, patents.
EU Removes UAE from High-Risk Money Laundering List
The EU has removed the UAE from its high-risk money laundering list, recognizing substantial AML/CFT reforms and improved oversight. This move aligns with warming EU-UAE ties and coincides with the launch of bilateral free trade agreement negotiations.
GCC IPO Market Q1 2025: Resilient Growth Led by Saudi Arabia, UAE, and Oman
In Q1 FY2025-26, consumer markets led GCC IPO activity, capturing 42 percent of total proceeds, driven by strong investor interest in lifestyle and retail sectors.
Saudi Arabia Revises Labor Law Penalties to Strengthen Workplace Compliance
Saudi Arabia proposed updated labor law penalties to address workplace violations and enhance occupational safety standards.
China Expands Visa-Free Entry to GCC Countries: Details and Implications
China expanded visa-free entry to GCC citizens from Saudi Arabia, Oman, Kuwait, and Bahrain, facilitating business and tourism exchanges.
