TOP STORIES THIS WEEK:

Saudi Arabia to Allow Foreign Ownership in Real Estate Companies with Projects in Mecca & Medina

Saudi Arabia is expanding access to foreign investors in Mecca and Medina’s real estate market in a major step toward easing international ownership laws. Market reactions have been positive, as companies focused on the two Holy Cities expect to see notable gains.

Kuwait’s New Workforce Regulations: Balancing Labor Rights and Economic Growth

Kuwait is implementing new workforce regulations that ensure stricter housing norms, mandatory fingerprint attendance for government projects, and ease of labor mobility.

Transforming UAE Travel: Etihad Rail’s High-Speed Train Plans

In a leap forward for the UAE’s transportation sector, Etihad Rail has unveiled plans for its first high-speed, all-electric passenger train. Promising a travel time of 30 minutes between Abu Dhabi and Dubai, this cutting-edge project is set to redefine convenience and connectivity within the emirates.

Oman-India CEPA Talks Likely to Gain Momentum as Piyush Goyal Visits Muscat

India-Oman CEPA talks advanced during Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal's visit to Muscat from January 27-28, which also saw the signing of a DTAA amendment protocol.

DIFC: Recent Amendments to Civil, Commercial, and Real Property Laws to Strengthen Legal Clarity

The Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) has enacted key legal amendments to enhance clarity and investor confidence, reinforcing its status as a leading international common law jurisdiction. The changes, effective from November 21, 2024, address the Application Law governing civil and commercial laws and the Real Property Law.

COMPLIMENTARY BUSINESS RESOURCES:

Guide to Accounting and Audit in China 2025

This guide aims to walk foreign businesses through the annual audit and compliance process from start to finish, in addition to introducing China’s accounting framework in a comparative context.

An Introduction to Doing Business in Vietnam 2025

This 2025 edition of An Introduction to Doing Business in Vietnam offers essential insights for companies aiming to establish or expand their business presence in this rapidly evolving market. The guide provides an updated overview of market entry requirements, intellectual property considerations, taxation policies, and HR & payroll regulations.

An Introduction to Doing Business in India 2025

Compiled by the experts at Dezan Shira & Associates, the "Doing Business in India 2025" guide introduces the fundamentals of investing in India, covering key topics such as India’s investment climate, corporate establishment, tax, transfer pricing, audit, and accounting, human resources and payroll, trade policy, and data protection measures.

UPCOMING EVENTS FOR ASIA:

Decoding India's Union Budget 2025-26: What’s in it for Businesses?

Webinar | Wednesday, February 12, 2025 | 2:30 PM India / 4:00 PM Vietnam / 5:00 PM China 

Strategic Manufacturing and Supply Chain Insights in Asia: Trends and Opportunities in 2025

Webinar | Thursday, February 13, 2024 | 3:00 PM JKT / 4:00 PM China / 9:00 AM CET

Diversifying and Maximizing ASEAN Opportunities in Trade and Investment Agreements [Partner Event by National University Singapore]

Seminar | Tuesday, February 18, 2025 | 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Singapore time