Visa

Saudi Arabia’s consulting boom is slowing as the government scales back spending and places greater scrutiny on external advisory work. In the years after the pandemic, global consulting firms expanded rapidly in the kingdom, drawn by state-led mega projects and a strong pipeline of public sector work linked to Vision 2030. Advisory contracts were awarded at speed, often with broad scopes and minimal cost scrutiny, as ministries and government-backed entities moved quickly to launch major initiatives. Read more

The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE) has issued a stern warning to private sector employers and recruitment agencies in the UAE: hiring workers without valid permits will not be tolerated. With stringent enforcement of Federal Decree-Laws No. 33/2021 and No. 9/2022, MOHRE is making it clear that illegal employment practices will face severe consequences. Let's delve into the key implications and what employers need to know. Read more

The Limited Liability Company (LLC) is the most common business setup choice in Saudi Arabia, especially for international investors. It offers flexibility in ownership, limits personal liability, and allows a wide range of commercial activities, making it suitable for most types of business operations. Read more

In Qatar, you’ll often see both LLC and WLL used when talking about company formation. They mean the same thing—both refer to a limited liability company structure where shareholders are only responsible for their investment in the business. The terms are interchangeable, but there are still a few details worth understanding before setting up. Read more

The UAE has positioned itself as a major player in global finance, with a securities market that’s both well-regulated and full of opportunities. The country’s capital markets have grown rapidly, attracting international firms looking for a stable and business-friendly environment. The UAE’s financial sector now contributes over 13% of the country’s GDP, and its stock markets—Dubai Financial Market (DFM) and Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange (ADX)—have seen record-breaking listings and surging investor interest in recent years. Read more

Opening a business bank account in the UAE is rarely as simple as people expect. Many assume they can walk into a bank, submit some paperwork, and have an account ready in a few days. In reality, banks follow strict procedures, and missing even a small detail can slow things down or lead to rejection. Read more

Setting up a construction company in Qatar may become the go-to choice for construction businesses. Unlike other GCC countries, where construction businesses often require extensive external approvals and engineering qualifications from the outset, Qatar’s Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MoCI) specifies that no external approvals are needed at the licensing stage. Read more

Saudi Arabia is building one of the most powerful AI data centres in the world. Designed to process vast amounts of data and support next-generation AI applications. The new facility is part of a major push to establish the kingdom as a global technology leader. Read more

A faster, smarter way to renew visas Renewing a UAE residence visa has always meant dealing with medical screening, paperwork, multiple digital platforms, and long processing times. That’s changing. Dubai’s General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) has launched Salama, a new AI-powered platform designed to cut out delays and streamline the entire process. Read more

Qatar’s popularity as a business destination continues to grow. Recent reforms have expanded opportunities for full foreign ownership, introduced tax incentives, and encouraged growth in key sectors like finance, technology, and logistics. The impact is clear— in the second quarter of this year alone, the Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MOCI) issued around 4,000 commercial registrations and 12,000 commercial licences. Read more