Industry Updates across the GCC

Businesses in the UAE have been required to maintain proper records to support their VAT claims since the tax was introduced in 2018. As of 1 October 2026, these responsibilities have expanded significantly, with new rules requiring businesses to verify their suppliers and examine the transactions behind their input VAT deductions. The changes are setContinue reading "Know Your Supplier (KYS): New UAE VAT verification rules take effect in October 2026" Read more

Bahrain attracted a record USD1.8 billion in investment through Bahrain Economic Development Board (EDB) in 2024, across 99 companies establishing or expanding operations in the country. More than half of that investment came from businesses already operating there and choosing to expand their presence. That level of new and repeat investment gives a useful indicationContinue reading "Where business activity is growing in Bahrain" Read more

ADIPEC returns to Abu Dhabi from 2 to 5 November 2026, with more than 239,000 attendees and 2,250 exhibitors expected. Hosted by ADNOC, the event has grown considerably since it began in 1984, attracting senior executives and energy professionals from across the international energy industry. The ADIPEC exhibition has become an established meeting place forContinue reading "The impact of ADIPEC 2026 on oil and gas" Read more

Saudi Arabia changed its rules on foreign property ownership in January 2026, giving overseas companies much wider scope to own real estate in the Kingdom. For a business establishing locally, the option of owning its premises or other property can now be considered alongside the structure of its Saudi operation. The route depends on whetherContinue reading "Saudi Arabia Foreign Property Ownership – Can a foreign company buy property? " Read more

Qatar is strengthening commercial ties with mainland China and Hong Kong through new cooperation agreements, investor meetings and business introductions. The Qatar Financial Centre is helping connect businesses across both markets, creating opportunities for companies exploring Qatar as a base for regional expansion, financial services and wider commercial activity. Read more

DIFC surpassed 10,000 active registered companies in the first half of 2026, reaching 10,018 after 30% annual growth. Expansion in regulated financial services, AI and FinTech businesses, and private wealth structures is broadening its role as an international business and wealth management hub in Dubai. Read more

Global technology companies are increasingly establishing a presence in Saudi Arabia as digital investment, AI adoption and Vision 2030 create new opportunities. Local presence can also improve access to government and corporate contracts, making the right structure and operating setup increasingly important. Read more

Foreign direct investment in Bahrain reached BD17.733 billion at the end of 2025, an 81% increase over the past decade. The sustained rise reflects continued international investment across financial services, manufacturing, logistics, ICT and other sectors. Read more

Financial services companies are increasingly choosing the UAE as a base for regional and international operations. Growth across ADGM and DIFC, clearer regulatory frameworks, access to capital and expanding fintech activity are helping position the UAE as a more established global financial centre. Read more

What does a corporate secretary do? From maintaining statutory records and preparing corporate documents to managing filings and corporate changes, company secretarial services help businesses stay on top of their ongoing legal and administrative obligations. Read more