Human Resources

Artificial Intelligence is no longer an idea on the horizon. It is already changing how organisations in the GCC attract and hire talent. In the UAE’s financial sector, predictive tools are helping recruiters manage large applicant pools. In Saudi Arabia’s tech industry, AI-driven mapping is helping firms identify future skill needs. Read more

Off the back of GITEX earlier this October, we noticed a clear trend. Many of the fintech firms we spoke with who were exhibiting in the UAE are also setting up operations or exploring opportunities in Saudi Arabia. Read more

The UAE’s insurance industry is entering a new era of expansion and maturity. Recent figures show that gross written premiums grew by 14.5 percent in the first half of 2025, reaching AED 40.9 billion, or about 11.1 billion US dollars. Property and liability insurance rose by 17.8 percent, health insurance by 12.7 percent, and life and savings products by 11.2 percent. Read more

Saudi Arabia’s global sports footprint continues to grow with the recent announcement that the Kingdom’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) has signed on as an official partner of the FIFA Club World Cup 2026, the tournament’s first expanded edition featuring 32 clubs. The deal deepens Saudi influence in global football and ties in with the Kingdom’s broader efforts to align its investment with international visibility ahead of its bid to host the 2034 FIFA World Cup. Read more

Bahrain has been reshaping its business environment in recent years, moving in step with wider Gulf reforms aimed at opening markets and drawing long-term investment. Changes to company ownership rules, a broader e-visa system and new residency categories are part of that push. For investors, this means the entry process is far more flexible than it once was, with options that cover short trips for meetings through to permanent residence linked to investment. This article explains the main visa categories, what they require, how much they cost and how long approvals usually take. Read more

Dubai’s role as a hub for trade and investment makes it one of the most attractive places in the region to establish a company. For entrepreneurs and investors, the first step towards building a presence is securing the appropriate visa. A Dubai business visa provides the right to reside in the UAE, manage operations, and meet legal requirements tied to company ownership. This guide outlines the main visa categories, eligibility criteria, application procedures, and costs. Read more

Saudi Arabia continues to see strong demand for visit visas across tourism, business and family categories. With entry volumes rising, staying compliant with visa rules has become increasingly important. Extensions are available in many cases, but procedures differ depending on visa type and applicant status. Visitors and sponsors are now expected to manage visa timelines through digital platforms, most commonly the Absher portal. Missing a deadline can lead to fines, blocked re-entry, or administrative delays. At the same time, the Kingdom has introduced several policy changes in 2025, including new limits on re-entry and a shift toward single-entry visas for some nationalities. These developments highlight the need for careful planning when extending a Saudi visa. Read more

The United Arab Emirates has emerged as a leading destination for global investors and high-net-worth individuals seeking more than just financial opportunity, they are choosing a lifestyle defined by both sophistication and stability. Read more

Qatar’s Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MoCI) has taken a significant step in modernising its food and hospitality sector by introducing cloud kitchens as a recognised commercial activity. This new licensing framework is designed to meet the growing demand for delivery-focused food services while supporting digital transformation and operational efficiency across the industry. Read more

Extending a short stay in Qatar is common, whether for travel, family visits, business or while waiting for residency paperwork. In most cases, it can be done without leaving the country, as long as the visa type and entry terms allow it. This guide sets out who can apply, how the process works and what to check before your current permission runs out. Read more