Insights: General
Cultural awareness, expat life and practical guides for anyone building a life or career in the Middle East.
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Swedish retail giant IKEA inks deal for Jeddah mall anchor store
Arabian Centres, the Saudi-based developer, owner and operator of shopping malls, announced on Wednesday that it has entered into a tenancy agreement that will see Swedish giant IKEA open in Jeddah. The deal has been signed with Ghassan Ahmed Al Sulaiman Furniture Trading Co Ltd and IKEA Saudi Arabia to open an anchor store in
Expats Outnumber Saudis in Jeddah & Jubail: Learn More
The number of expats in the Saudi Arabian cities of Jeddah and Jubail is reportedly higher than that of Saudi nationals, according to reports from the kingdom. The revelation prompted calls for the Vision 2030 to include plans to curb the number of expats in some cities, with one researcher claiming cultural identities and traditions
Qatar looks to attract foreign investment with free zones
Ministers have approved a draft law setting out regulations for special economic zones aimed at attracting inward investment in Qatar, it was reported on Thursday. Qatar’s cabinet has referred the bill to the Advisory Council, Qatar News Agency (QNA) was quoted as saying. Its provisions stipulate that the cabinet can establish one or more economic
Oman’s population increases to 4.44m in May
Oman’s total population exceeded 4.44 million in May, posting a 0.3 percent increase over the previous month, according to the latest data published by the National Centre for Statistics and Information (NCSI). Expatriates numbered over 2.02 million, forming 45.5 percent of the total population, according to news agency WAM, which cited information from Oman News
Opera’s Middle Eastern conquests
DUBAI, renowned across the world for its oil wealth, now wants to forge a reputation for the arts. In recent years, the emirate has built several contemporary art galleries including Artspace and the Mottahedan Projects. Now, construction crews are putting the final touches on a striking building designed by Janus Rostock, a Danish architect. Featuring
June 17, 2016
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Ramadan for foreigners – as explained in the UAE
Ramadan is well underway, one of the most important periods on the Islamic calendar. In the United Arab Emirates, where the native population is heavily outnumbered by foreigners, efforts are underway to explain to expats the holy month and other aspects of local life. “We have large millions of non-Emiratis living in the UAE. We
Only these people will get ‘Green Card’ in Saudi Arabia
Riyadh: Saudi Arabian government will provide green card only to foreign investors and highly qualified experts among expats. The Kingdom expects to reap economic benefits generated by experts in the expat community. “The new system will be similar to the US residence model. The Saudi government is interested in taking advantage of foreign investors and
The Gulf Will Always Need Migrants
Forecast Slumping remittances sent by migrant workers in the Persian Gulf to their homes in the developing world will rebound when oil markets stabilize and Gulf diversification plans pan out. But to appease and employ their growing local populations, Gulf states will edge out some white-collar expatriates in favor of citizens. Since the burden of
June 15, 2016
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Saudi cabinet approves land tax, foreign investment rules
Saudi Arabia’s cabinet approved a tax on undeveloped urban land and rules allowing foreign investors to own 100 per cent of retail and wholesale businesses, an official said on Monday. The measure aims to help resolve a shortage of affordable housing in Saudi Arabia by putting more unused land on the market where it can
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