Uae

In the digital era, data stands as one of the most valuable assets for any business. Yet, with the growing reliance on digital systems, the risk of data theft looms larger than ever. In the UAE, the average cost of a data breach reached AED 20.1 million in 2023, reflecting a significant financial burden on businesses. Beyond financial losses, companies suffer significant reputational damage, with 52% of UAE businesses reporting a decline in customer trust after a data breach. Given these stark realities, safeguarding your UAE business against data theft is a necessity for ensuring its continued success and security. This article looks at some of the essential strategies to consider for data protection and compliance. Read more

Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 is ambitiously charting a new economic future, one that moves away from oil dependency and embraces a diversified economy. Central to this vision is the Nitaqat programme, designed by the Saudi Government to increase employment opportunities for Saudi nationals by classifying companies based on their compliance with Saudisation targets. In a significant shift, the Saudi Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development has approved changes to this programme which will allow certain foreign investors and other non-Saudi categories to be treated as Saudis. This move is set to benefit the labour market and business operations in the Kingdom, promoting a more inclusive and flexible economic environment. Read more

Qatar is consistently expanding opportunities for international companies seeking to establish or grow their presence in the Middle East. With a variety of jurisdictions to suit different business needs, tax incentives and easy access to capital and resources, it’s an attractive investment and business environment. The Ministry of Commerce and Industry, the main authority overseeing commercial and industrial activities, provides licences, regulates markets, and offers incentives like custom fee exemptions, income tax holidays, land allocations, and up to 100% foreign ownership. There are also four additional specialised licensing authorities—Qatar Financial Centre, Qatar Science and Technology Park, Qatar Free Zones Authority, and the Ministry of Municipality and Environment, which use a cluster approach to support specific sectors. Read more

The Bahraini government has implemented various reforms to promote entrepreneurship and foreign investment. Setting up a business in Bahrain is relatively straightforward with 100% foreign investment ownership in most business activities, robust ecosystem and business incubators and minimal administration compared to other countries in the region. Bahrain is centrally located in the GCC, just a stone's throw away from Qatar, and connects to the East of Saudi Arabia by a short 20-minute drive via a single causeway. Bahrain is closer connected to the Northeast of Saudi Arabia than some of Saudi Arabia’s own cities, providing a great connection and easy commuting to the largest market in the GCC. Read more

Recent expansion plans have been announced for Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC), marking a major milestone for Dubai’s aviation and business sectors. Operational since June 2010 and open to passengers since October 2013, the airport is set to receive a $35 billion investment. This transformation will make DWC the world’s largest airport, featuring five runways, five terminals, and the capacity to handle 260 million passengers annually. This ambitious project is a key component of the broader Dubai World Central (DWC) initiative—a massive residential, commercial, and logistics complex designed to create a self-sustained economic zone. This new development is set to have significant implications for businesses, business opportunities, and the economy in Dubai and the wider UAE. Read more

With the evolution of global markets, it is crucial for entrepreneurs and businesses to seek avenues of opportunity for their expansion and growth. For businesses looking for opportunities to expand into the Middle East, they should consider the opportunities available in Oman. A combination of strategic location and economic diversification, Oman stands as a compelling prospect for companies looking to establish or expand their presence in the region. Read more

Saudi Arabia is quickly becoming a prime destination for entrepreneurs and investors. Traditionally reliant on its vast oil reserves—the second largest in the world—the Kingdom is now undergoing a significant economic transformation. Under the ambitious Vision 2030 plan, Saudi Arabia is diversifying its economy, creating a wealth of opportunities across various sectors. The government is rolling out numerous incentives to attract foreign investment, including loan programmes, attractive land solutions, tax credits and exemptions, and financial incentives for research and development, making it an opportune time for entrepreneurs to explore this dynamic and rapidly evolving market. Read more

Dubai holds a perennial appeal for entrepreneurship. Each year tens of thousands of new business licences are issued as entrepreneurs flock to the Emirate in search of lucrative opportunities. It’s easy to see why. The Emirate offers a unique blend of tax incentives, a strategic location at the crossroads of major global trade routes and flexible economic policies that encourage foreign investment and make it easy to start and scale a business. With such a conducive environment for business, all you need to succeed is a visionary idea and the drive to make it happen. So, here is a look at some of the current emerging business trends poised to reshape the marketplace in the coming months and years. Read more

Abu Dhabi, the capital and largest emirate of the UAE, plays a pivotal role in the country's economy, contributing about two-thirds of the roughly $503 billion national GDP. It controls more than 90% of the country’s oil reserves and 95% of its natural gas reserves, making it a key player in the global energy market. However, Abu Dhabi is much more than just an oil powerhouse. Sustained investment in knowledge-based industries has enabled it to diversify into sectors such as aviation, clean technology, financial services, legal services tourism, logistics and education which now collectively contribute over 60% to the emirate’s GDP. This has opened up opportunities for investment and made the emirate an attractive destination for international businesses looking for a stable and progressive environment to expand their operations. Read more

The Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development (MHRSD) in Saudi Arabia has issued a policy update regarding the new deadlines for submission and management of establishment locations in Saudi through the QIWA portal. Read more