Ajman has emerged as a strategic centre for non-oil economic growth, leveraging its free zones, infrastructure investments and cultural heritage. The emirate’s GDP reached Dh36bn ($9.8bn) in 2023, with key contributions from manufacturing, construction and trade. Ajman Vision 2030 outlines a roadmap for sustainable, inclusive development, prioritising smart governance, environmental protection,
Bahrain remained a tax-free jurisdiction until 2017, when the kingdom introduced excise tax – followed by the implementation of value-added tax (VAT) two years later. The country’s tax landscape continues to evolve, with a number of other notable tax and reporting regulations launched in recent years. Among these, a domestic minimum top-up tax (DMTT) law will take effect for Bahrain entities that…
Bahrain’s tax landscape has evolved in recent years, with the introduction of excise tax in 2017 and value-added tax in 2019. Since then, new regulations have been aimed at improving financial oversight. Notably, a domestic minimum top-up tax law is set to be implemented in 2025, impacting Bahraini entities that are part of large multinational enterprise groups. As a financial leader in the Middle…
On September 1, 2024 Bahrain became the first GCC country to implement a domestic minimum top-up tax (DMTT) aligned with pillar two of the OECD base erosion profit shifting inclusive framework. The DMTT law applies the global minimum tax of 15% on Bahraini constituent entities of multinational enterprises (MNEs) and contains key operative provisions of pillar two of the OECD global anti-base erosion…
Bahrain has seen its economy expand through diversification efforts, with a focus on finance, industry and technology. Projects in infrastructure, digital transformation and tourism aim to drive growth and attract foreign investment. The kingdom is committed to sustainability, targeting a 30% reduction in carbon emissions by 2035. The financial sector is a key contributor with innovation in financ
Businesses across Saudi Arabia face an evolving and increasingly complex tax environment as the Kingdom continues to diversify its economy under Vision 2030. With the introduction of value-added tax (VAT) in 2018, the implementation of excise taxes and the forthcoming zakat (a payment under Islamic law used for charitable or religious purposes) and income tax reforms, the regulatory landscape is rapidly…
In recent years Saudi Arabia has established itself as one of the strongest and most dynamic economies in the Middle East. Central to this has been the reformation of the tax and zakat (a payment under Islamic law that is used for charitable or religious purposes) systems, both of which are vital for the financing of public services and the realisation of Vision 2030. Updates are focused on economic…
Saudi Arabia’s economic growth has been driven by reforms in taxation and zakat (a payment under Islamic law that is used for charitable or religious purposes) systems, central to Vision 2030. Financial reporting requires annual audited statements filed with authorities, ensuring transparency and compliance. The financial services sector is regulated by agencies like the Saudi Central Bank and the…
Saudi Arabia, the region’s largest economy, is progressing towards diversification under Vision 2030. The digital economy is a standout performer, contributing 14% of GDP, while government-led giga-projects open long-term opportunities across various sectors. Despite a dip in oil activities that reduced the current account surplus to 3.2% in 2023, tourism income surged by 38%, boosting the servi
On recent tax developments, technological advancements, and environmental, social and governance integration How have recent regional developments in tax regulations influenced the management landscape in the GCC? RASHEED AL-QENAE: The tax regime in the region has evolved considerably over the last few years. This evolution includes the implementation of value-added tax in early 2018 in…
