Free Zones

Opening a business bank account in the UAE is rarely as simple as people expect. Many assume they can walk into a bank, submit some paperwork, and have an account ready in a few days. In reality, banks follow strict procedures, and missing even a small detail can slow things down or lead to rejection. Read more

Setting up a construction company in Qatar may become the go-to choice for construction businesses. Unlike other GCC countries, where construction businesses often require extensive external approvals and engineering qualifications from the outset, Qatar’s Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MoCI) specifies that no external approvals are needed at the licensing stage. Read more

Saudi Arabia is building one of the most powerful AI data centres in the world. Designed to process vast amounts of data and support next-generation AI applications. The new facility is part of a major push to establish the kingdom as a global technology leader. Read more

A faster, smarter way to renew visas Renewing a UAE residence visa has always meant dealing with medical screening, paperwork, multiple digital platforms, and long processing times. That’s changing. Dubai’s General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) has launched Salama, a new AI-powered platform designed to cut out delays and streamline the entire process. Read more

Qatar’s popularity as a business destination continues to grow. Recent reforms have expanded opportunities for full foreign ownership, introduced tax incentives, and encouraged growth in key sectors like finance, technology, and logistics. The impact is clear— in the second quarter of this year alone, the Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MOCI) issued around 4,000 commercial registrations and 12,000 commercial licences. Read more

The UAE has signed several Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreements (CEPA) with key global markets such as Malaysia, New Zealand and Kenya, opening doors for businesses and entrepreneurs like never before. Read more

Recently, DAMAC Properties, led by UAE billionaire Hussain Sajwani, announced a $20 billion investment in U.S. data centres during a high-profile event with President-elect Donald Trump. The investment reflects a significant move by DAMAC, known for its real estate developments, into the rapidly growing digital infrastructure sector. Sajwani, a close business associate of the Trump family, has built a reputation for leveraging strategic partnerships to expand into new markets. Read more

As Saudi Arabia continues to move towards its Vision 2030 diversification goals, it's taking a proactive approach to attracting investment from around the world. One major step in that process is the ability for foreign companies to open and manage their own operations in the kingdom without a Saudi partner. Read more

Luxury real estate in the UAE is attracting more investment than ever. In 2023, $64 billion worth of transactions took place in Dubai alone, with prime property sales surging over 50%. Read more

This article breaks down the key taxes in Oman, from corporate tax and VAT to industry-specific levies, and looks at what these changes mean for those living and operating in the country. Read more