Industry News

Getting an MOH licence in Oman is a mandatory requirement for all healthcare professionals who want to practice in the country. The licence is required for doctors, nurses, pharmacists and allied health professionals to work in both government and private healthcare institutions throughout Oman. Whether you are setting up a medical business or working for a healthcare institution in Oman, all individuals practicing in the profession must obtain a licence. Read more

The first edition of the Global Logistics Forum 2024, organized by the Ministry of Transport and Logistic Services, concluded in Riyadh on October 14. The event saw the signing of over 65 agreements and memorandums of understanding, with commitments surpassing SAR 16 billion, setting a strong precedent for international cooperation and investment in Saudi Arabia’s logistics sector. Read more

E-commerce is booming in Qatar and becoming one of the country’s most valuable sectors. With high internet penetration, government support and a tech savvy population, the market is expected to grow from USD 4.18 billion in 2024 to USD 6.55 billion by 2029, creating plenty of opportunities for local and international businesses to contribute to this growing sector. This article looks at the trending ecommerce industry in Qatar, the main drivers of growth, relative regulations, opportunities, and appropriate jurisdictions. Read more

The unprecedented impact of AI over the last few years has reshaped entire industries, automated processes that once took hours, and unlocked data insights at a speed and scale we’ve never seen before. In addition to these many benefits, AI holds real potential for one of today’s biggest challenges of sustainability. As industries worldwide look to cut their environmental impact, AI could provide answers. In the UAE, where innovation is a national priority, there’s a unique opportunity to use AI to achieve ambitious sustainability goals. This article looks at setting up an AI company in the UAE and the benefits of AI towards creating a sustainable business. Read more

With one of the fastest-growing education sectors in the region and an increasing demand for schools and training centres to meet the needs of its growing population, Qatar presents a strong opportunity for those looking to establish an educational establishment. However, setting up a small school or educational centre in Qatar requires more than just a passion for teaching—it involves a detailed process to obtain the necessary licences. This guide outlines the process for obtaining a teaching licence in Qatar, including document requirements, premises, and the steps. Read more

With the Middle East representing 32% of global crude oil production, 48% of proven oil reserves, and 38% of natural gas reserves, the industry not only drives global energy markets but has also been the key to unlocking the region’s economic growth and influence on the world stage. This market presents significant opportunities for both business and investors, and while the oil production industry is dominated by state-owned enterprises, many international companies have been able to participate in the industry alongside regional giants through partnerships, joint ventures, and production-sharing agreements. This article looks at the key elements of foreign participation, the value of industry events like ADIPEC, the role of regulations such as Abu Dhabi’s CICPA pass, recent industry updates in Qatar, and pathways for engaging with major players like Saudi Aramco. Read more

Setting up a business in Bahrain offers valuable opportunities for investors looking to establish a presence in the Gulf market. Bahrain's appeal lies in its business-friendly climate that supports 100% foreign ownership and provides a streamlined setup process for various corporate forms, including including a With Limited Liability Company (WLL) setup and branches of foreign companies. Bahrain also stands out in the region for its cost-effectiveness, with annual operational expenses typically 20%-30% lower than those in other Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries. This guide outlines the general fees associated with obtaining and maintaining of a business licence in Bahrain, providing essential information to help you make well-informed decisions for your business venture. Read more

In its bold journey toward Vision 2030, Saudi Arabia is preparing for a series of transformative events and projects that promise to redefine its economy and private sector. The Kingdom is not only set to host major global events like Expo 2030 and FIFA 2034 but is also advancing colossal developments such as NEOM and the Red Sea Project. Saudi Arabia's economy has seen steady and significant growth trajectory since the inception of the Saudi Vision 2030 initiative. This article is a closer look at these key projects and events, their progress and the potential they hold for investment. Read more

Banks in the UAE have stringent regulatory and compliance requirements, which can make the corporate bank account opening process time-consuming and complex. In addition to meeting the bank’s minimum deposit requirements, the documentation needed is often extensive and varies depending on the company’s structure, the industry, and the bank’s specific requirements. For companies with complicated structures (e.g., multiple shareholders, subsidiaries, or holding companies), the process becomes even more intricate. This article looks at the requirements for opening a corporate bank account in the UAE, which includes identifying the corporate structure to determine the necessary process. Read more

The increasing demand for sustainable, locally sourced produce is driving rapid growth in the vertical farming market. The Middle East and North Africa, particularly the UAE and Saudi Arabia as the largest food importers in the GCC, have vast potential for vertical farming. With significant government support, tailored subsidies and the availability of strategic public-private partnerships, there is a lucrative opportunity for entrepreneurs to capitalise on this growing market. This article looks at the practical steps and considerations for setting up a successful vertical farming business in the UAE. Read more