Saudi Arabia is at a turning point. The Kingdom’s future is increasingly defined by opportunity beyond oil, and the evidence is becoming clear. According to the General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT), the country’s real GDP rose by by 5% in Q3 2025, with non-oil activities expanding by 4.9% year-on-year. At the same time, non-oil exports surged
Saudi Arabia continues to strengthen its leadership in digital governance with the introduction of a new Absher platform service “Change Resident ID Photo.”
This update gives residents the flexibility to update their Resident ID (Iqama) photo entirely online, marking another major stride in the Kingdom’s digital transformation efforts.
The global workforce has entered a new era, one where geography no longer defines opportunity. As companies compete for skilled professionals, borderless employment has evolved from a remote-work experiment into a critical component of corporate talent strategy. In 2025, this shift is reshaping how organizations attract, manage, and retain employees. Businesses that once focused on
Saudi Arabia’s entrepreneurial landscape is thriving. Backed by Vision 2030, the Kingdom saw a 44% jump in foreign investment, US $750 million in startup funding, and thousands of new businesses in 2025, all part of a growing ecosystem that’s attracting innovators from around the world.
Dubai has always been fast to adapt to the needs of global business. Its latest step, the Unified Business License, is a game-changer for anyone looking to start or expand a company in the emirate. Instead of navigating multiple permits and overlapping approvals, businesses can now operate more freely under one simplified framework.
Saudi Arabia has now made it possible for non-Saudi, non-resident foreigners to own property with 100% foreign ownership rights. To ensure compliance, international investors must complete the following steps before acquiring or using property in the Kingdom: Obtain and Activate a Digital ID The Absher platform is Saudi Arabia’s official gateway for government services. Foreign
For expatriates living or working in Saudi Arabia, the Iqama (residency permit) is more than just a legal requirement, it’s the foundation of everyday life in the Kingdom. Whether you’re employed by a local company, relocating with your family, hiring domestic staff, or investing in the Saudi market, having the correct Iqama ensures legal residency and access to essential services.
As companies pursue international expansion, immigration planning is too often viewed as a back-office task, handled after key business decisions are made. In practice, however, visa strategy should be a front-line consideration. When addressed proactively, it becomes a catalyst for operational efficiency, talent mobility, and regulatory compliance.
Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development has introduced a new Saudization rule requiring private companies with five or more technical engineers to ensure that at least 30% of these roles are filled by Saudi nationals, starting 27 July 2025. Businesses will have a six-month grace period to make the transition, with full enforcement and potential penalties starting in January 2026.
Moving employees across borders has always been a complex process, from handling visa paperwork and staying on top of compliance, to ensuring smooth relocations and positive employee experiences. But in 2025, Artificial Intelligence (AI) is making all of this significantly easier.
