Other Briefings
Saudi Arabia Iqama and Visa Rules: What Changed in Q1 2026
Saudi Arabia introduced major residency and labor reforms in Q1 2026, including a new 5-year physical Iqama (Resident ID), skill-based work permit classifications, emergency visa extensions, and expanded labor mobility rules. These changes increase digital compliance requirements, requiring HR teams and expatriate employees to closely monitor Iqama validity, profession classification, and visa status.
Oman’s Strait of Hormuz Advantage in a Time of Regional Disruption
Oman’s hydrocarbon export infrastructure outside the Strait of Hormuz gives it a relative advantage among Gulf economies facing potential shipping disruptions. However, recent incidents affecting key ports highlight that while Oman may offer greater resilience for trade and logistics, it should be viewed as a lower-risk option rather than a fully insulated safe haven.
Saudi Arabia and Egypt Sign Visa Exemption Agreement for Official Passport Holders
Saudi Arabia and Egypt have signed a reciprocal visa exemption agreement for holders of diplomatic, special, and service passports to facilitate official travel and strengthen bilateral coordination. The move reflects broader efforts by both countries to deepen political cooperation while expanding trade and investment ties, which have continued to grow through 2025.
Strait of Hormuz Disruption: Managing Force Majeure and Supply Chain Risks
Disruptions affecting the Strait of Hormuz are increasing pressure on global shipping routes, raising force majeure concerns and creating new challenges for energy and logistics supply chains. Businesses involved in Gulf trade should reassess contracts, insurance coverage, and contingency planning to manage force majeure risks and supply chain disruption.
Saudi Arabia Public Investment Fund Strategy Shift 2026: Key Sectors, Risks, and Opportunities
Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund is not retreating but redirecting capital toward priority sectors amid fiscal pressure and lower oil revenues. Understanding where funding is accelerating—and where it is being cut—is now critical for investors and businesses entering the Kingdom.
Energy Shock: What GCC-Based Businesses Must Do Right Now
The escalation in Iran has triggered a major energy and logistics shock across the Gulf. Companies operating in the GCC should urgently reassess treasury exposure, supply chains, and contractual risks.
Saudi Arabia’s SEZs (Special Economic Zones): What the New Regulatory Framework Means for Foreign Investors
Saudi Arabia’s SEZs (Special Economic Zones) are now subject to a new, comprehensive regulatory framework offering foreign investors incentives such as reduced corporate tax rates, customs exemptions, and streamlined licensing procedures. The initiative, aligned with Vision 2030, aims to attract global investment in sectors including logistics, advanced manufacturing, maritime industries, and digital technologies.
The Gulf Hub Model Under Stress: What the Middle East Conflict Means for Multinationals in the GCC
The Iran war is putting pressure on the GCC hub model by disrupting the infrastructure that supports regional connectivity.
US-Israel Military Operation on Iran: Gulf Business Impact
This tracker provides a real-time overview of the Middle East conflict’s impact on markets, logistics, aviation, and operations across Gulf economies.
The Strait of Hormuz Crisis: What the Iran Conflict Means for Energy, Shipping, and Business in the Middle East
As the Iran military response triggers a de facto closure of the world’s most critical oil chokepoint, the Strait of Hormuz, businesses across the world face immediate and cascading consequences.
