Many of us have heard time and again that there is no tax in the UAE, or that taxes are very low in comparison with other countries. However, what is the realistic cost of moving and operating a company in the UAE? This article looks at compliance, banking, and other hidden costs that will affect businesses setting up in the UAE in 2025. Read more
Human Resources
Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) recorded a strong start to 2025, with a 33% rise in assets under management and over 600 new firms added in the first three months of the year. The figures point to growing international confidence in Abu Dhabi’s financial centre and reinforce ADGM’s role as a gateway for firms looking to access the Gulf and wider MENA markets. Read more
Re-domiciliation to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is rapidly becoming a strategic move for international entities looking to retain legal continuity while unlocking new advantages. Read more
A new Saudi-backed initiative is placing deep-sea environments at the centre of global scientific collaboration. OceanQuest, a not-for-profit foundation headquartered in the Kingdom, is scheduled to launch at the 2025 UN Ocean Conference. Its mission is to expand access to ocean data, enable shared use of advanced research tools, and foster international cooperation in marine science. Read more
All full-time employees working in the UAE, whether UAE nationals or foreign employees, are entitled to receive ‘end of service benefits’ at the end of service, subject to conditions, under Article 51 of the UAE Federal Labour Law. Read more
The word Arab means ‘nomad’ in the old Assyrian language, and Saudi Arabia’s journey from sand to screen has been truly exceptional. In today’s global power play, you are considered mighty when you have nuclear weapons, a strong military base, or you are a global domain of Artificial Intelligence (AI). There is no doubt about Saudi ambitions to be crowned as the experts and global base for all things AI. A nation that once relied heavily on manual, extensively human-based work is now digitizing itself in every aspect of everyday life. Read more
In Saudi Arabia, corporate income tax (CIT) applies to profits attributable to non-Saudi ownership in resident companies, as well as to certain foreign entities operating in the Kingdom. It is one of several obligations managed by the Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority (ZATCA), alongside Zakat, VAT, and withholding tax. Read more
In a significant step toward strengthening global financial ties, the Financial Services Regulatory Authority (FSRA) of Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) and Hong Kong’s Securities and Futures Commission (SFC) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) Read more
Opening a padel club in the UAE presents a promising business opportunity, given the sport's growing popularity across the region. To launch this venture, start with a detailed market study to identify ideal locations with strong demand and minimal competition. Read more
The Public Works Authority (Ashghal) just announced a major 5-year infrastructure plan worth over QR81 billion, spanning 2025 to 2029. This ambitious programme aims to advance multiple sectors including land development for citizens, government buildings, sewage networks, and large-scale drainage systems. Read more