Saudi Arabia’s point-of-sale spending has once again highlighted the strength of consumer activity in the Kingdom. According to recent market reports based on Saudi Central Bank data, weekly Saudi POS spending edged up by 1.9% to $3.36 billion, reflecting continued movement across retail, food, services, lifestyle, and other consumer-driven sectors. Read more
The newly concluded GCC-UK Free Trade Agreement marks an important milestone in trade relations between the United Kingdom and the Gulf Cooperation Council. The agreement is expected to reduce trade barriers, remove tariffs on key goods, strengthen access to services, and create new business opportunities across the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Read more
The UAE is taking another major step in digital transformation with the launch of the eInvoicing 4-Corner model. Announced by the Ministry of Finance, this development is designed to help businesses exchange electronic invoices more efficiently through accredited channels, creating a more connected and automated financial ecosystem across the country. Read more
Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) has introduced its 2026–2030 strategy, setting out a renewed framework to guide its investment priorities over the next phase of the Kingdom’s economic development. The strategy reflects PIF’s evolving role as both a global investor and a key institution supporting Saudi Arabia’s long-term transformation. Read more
Across the Middle East, the business environment has entered a phase where opportunity and uncertainty coexist. On one hand, GCC economies continue to demonstrate strong growth potential, supported by government spending, diversification strategies, and infrastructure development. On the other hand, geopolitical developments, supply chain pressures, and global economic shifts are Read more
As global companies look toward Asia for growth opportunities, Southeast Asia has emerged as one of the most promising regions for investment and international business expansion. Rapid economic development, growing digital economies, and expanding consumer markets are creating strong opportunities for businesses entering the region. At the center of this Read more
The UAE has taken a significant step toward strengthening legal clarity and transparency with a new federal decree under the Civil Transactions Law. The move directly addresses a long-standing grey area: what happens to the assets of expatriates who pass away without leaving a will or identifiable heirs. Under the Read more
Saudi Income Tax Law Withholding tax [Article 68, new insertion 1] – Salary payments to non-resident employees The Saudi Arabian Government has unveiled a new draft outlining potential changes to the Income Tax Law, inviting public feedback. These proposed changes follow recent enhancements made to the tax regulations. These suggested Read more
A procedural guide for the decision of localizing consulting services was issued by The Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development (HRSD). In the first phase, 35% of consulting professions and businesses will be localized as of April 6, 2023. In The second phase, 40% will be implemented as of Read more
Riyadh: The Saudi Central Bank (SAMA) announced granting a new batch of companies the permit to provide Open Banking Solutions in the Regulatory Sandbox. Permitted FinTechs are: Wally Global Arabia Sanam Aliliddikhar for Information Technology Istishraf Al-Bayanat for Financial Technology Spare Arabian Financial Company This will bring the whole number of Read more
