Other Briefings
UAE Cabinet Approves Record Federal Budget for 2025
The UAE’s 2025 federal budget, totaling AED 71.5 billion (US$19.5 billion), emphasizes social welfare, infrastructure, and economic development while projecting a budget surplus of 2.4 percent of GDP.
Meat Importers in the Middle East Should Note India’s Updated Halal Export Guidelines
India’s halal export system has been updated with fresh certification guidelines in effect from October 16, 2024. Key export markets in the Middle East are the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Bahrain, among others.
UAE and Jordan Sign CEPA Agreement to Boost Trade Engagement
The UAE-Jordan CEPA is the first partnership of its kind between the Emirates and an Arab nation. Jordan is the UAE’s third-largest Arab trade partner outside the GCC.
UAE-Serbia CEPA Expected to Boost UAE GDP by US$351 Million by 2032
The UAE-Serbia CEPA will eliminate up to 96 percent of customs tariffs across several categories, setting a new standard for trade partnerships outside WTO frameworks.
UAE VAT Exemptions: Impact on Crypto and Investment Firms
From November 15, 2024, businesses in the UAE, including cryptocurrency firms and investment funds, will benefit from new VAT exemptions.
UAE’s New Organizational Framework to Combat Financial Crimes
Amending its organizational framework to combat financial crimes, the UAE has established the NAMLCFTC, which replaces the Executive Office of the Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT).
Navigating Saudi Arabia’s Personal Data Protection Law and Regulatory Framework
Saudi Arabia’s Personal Data Protection Law (PDPL), effective September 14, 2024, requires organizations to follow comprehensive guidelines from the Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority (SDAIA) to ensure data privacy compliance.
UK FDI Interest in the GCC Markets: Opportunities for Strategic Growth
The Gulf Cooperation Council countries present a fertile ground for UK foreign direct investment, with opportunities across diverse sectors from renewables to healthcare to technology. These prospects will foster greater business collaboration, market penetration, and job creation, and are fueling the UK’s drive to secure a free trade agreement with the GCC.
A Guide to AML/CFT Compliance and Reporting in the UAE
This guide provides an overview of Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Combating the Financing of Terrorism (CFT) compliance requirements for Financial Institutions (FIs) and Designated Non-Financial Businesses and Professions (DNFBPs) in the UAE, reporting best practices, and area-wise supervisory authorities.
Türkiye Revises Economic Outlook for 2025-2027: Balancing Inflation, Growth, and Opportunities
Turkiye’s revised economic outlook for 2025-2027 reflects a strategic shift amid high inflation and slowing growth.
