Industry Updates across the GCC

Bahrain has approved the commercial rollout of Starlink satellite internet services, allowing nationwide deployment for businesses, government entities and offshore operations. The move strengthens digital infrastructure and provides an additional layer of connectivity resilience for companies operating in Bahrain. Read more

Expired Iqamas or exit/re-entry visas can create serious operational disruption for companies in Saudi Arabia, particularly when employees are outside the Kingdom. For General Managers, expiry issues can restrict access to government systems, delay renewals and in some cases require the full visa process to be restarted. Read more

Insurance demand in the UAE is rising as residents stay longer, build assets locally and shift financial planning onshore. Growth is being driven by property ownership, business expansion and retirement planning, leading to broader use of life, health and liability cover across individuals and companies. Read more

Saudi Arabia’s Qiwa platform now requires employers to submit supporting documents when registering employment contracts backdated by more than one month. This applies to GOSI validation and is intended to improve compliance, accuracy of employee records and alignment with labour regulations. Read more

The UAE has introduced an R&D tax credit of up to 50% on qualifying expenditure, directly reducing corporate tax liability for eligible businesses. Unlike deductions, this incentive provides a more immediate financial benefit and signals a shift towards supporting innovation, technology development and intellectual property creation. Read more

Dubai’s latest economic support measures introduce a three-month deferral on selected government fees to improve business liquidity and support continuity. While payments can be postponed, all compliance obligations remain unchanged, meaning businesses must continue meeting regulatory requirements while managing deferred costs. Read more

The GCC aluminium sector is facing disruption as shipping constraints through the Strait of Hormuz impact raw material flows and export routes. Producers are adjusting logistics, output and routing strategies to maintain supply, while global prices and delivery timelines react to tighter availability. Read more

Saudi Arabia now requires companies appointing General Managers from certain nationalities to meet a minimum capital threshold of over SAR 200,000 for visa approval. This applies to candidates from Turkey, Lebanon and Yemen who are not existing Iqama holders, with compliance required at the final approval stage. Read more

Saudi Arabia is introducing a formal exemption framework to its Regional Headquarters (RHQ) requirement, allowing foreign companies without an RHQ to bid for government contracts under defined conditions. While the core policy remains, this update creates a structured pathway for participation where technical or commercial factors justify it. Read more

Arla Foods recently announced an investment of over USD 60 million to expand its dairy production facility Bahrain at the Bahrain International Investment Park (BIIP). The Bahrain facility, located within the Bahrain International Investment Park, is already the company’s largest production site outside Europe, and the expansion is designed to significantly increase production capacity, output,Continue reading "Establishing a Dairy Production Facility in Bahrain: Key Considerations" Read more