Nimbus Consultancy

 The UAE has earned its place as one of the world’s leading hubs for international trade, investment, and entrepreneurship. With its business-friendly policies, strategic location, and robust infrastructure, it attracts companies across industries.  Among the different structures available for business setup in the UAE , one that has gained significant popularity among investors is the holding company. A holding company is not designed to carry out commercial trading activities itself but to own and control assets, shares, or subsidiaries.  This makes it an ideal choice for investors who want to centralize management, protect assets, and simplify cross-border ownership in a tax-efficient jurisdiction like the UAE.  - What is a Holding Company in the UAE?   A holding company is a parent entity established primarily to hold controlling stakes in other companies. It may also own intellectual property, real estate, and other investments. The UAE off...

  In April 2025, Saudi Arabia launched a new VAT refund program for tourists and GCC nationals, allowing eligible visitors to reclaim the 15% VAT on purchases over SAR 500 (US$133).  The initiative is part of Vision 2030’s wider strategy to diversify the economy, strengthen tourism, and attract global retail investment with business setup in Saudi Arabia in the retail sector.  This move positions the Kingdom alongside Gulf peers like the UAE and Bahrain, where VAT refund systems have already proven successful in boosting retail spending.  - Who Is Eligible?   The program is open to:  Non-resident tourists aged 18 and above with a valid passport.  GCC nationals from Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, and the UAE, using either a passport or valid GCC ID.    Travelers must complete the refund process within 90 days of purchase and before leaving the Kingdom.  - What Purchases Qualify?   Refunds are available on physical goods purchased for...

 The UAE has quickly become a hub for entrepreneurship, innovation, and the creative economy. From business setup in the UAE to attracting global talent with long-term visas, the country continues to roll out initiatives that cement its reputation as a leading destination for professionals and creators.  In 2025, content creators from around the world now have a unique opportunity: applying for a 10-year Golden Visa through the newly launched Creators HQ project. This initiative reflects the UAE’s ambition to host 10,000 influencers and creative professionals as part of its growing digital economy.  So, what does this mean for content creators, and how can you apply? Let’s break it down.  - What Is the Creators HQ Project?   Launched at the 1 Billion Followers Summit in Dubai, the Creators HQ is a dedicated hub designed to empower digital creators and support the booming creative economy. Endorsed by leading global platforms such as Meta, TikTo...

  The UAE continues to attract global investors with its robust economy, business-friendly reforms, and diverse opportunities across mainland, free zones, and offshore jurisdictions.  In 2025, one option increasingly discussed by entrepreneurs is purchasing a shelf company , a ready-made, pre-registered business entity that has remained dormant. But is it really the shortcut it seems?  This synopsis breaks down the essentials, weighing the advantages, risks, and key considerations before deciding.  - What Is a Shelf Company?   A shelf company is a legally registered business that has never conducted operations. These entities are created by providers and held inactive until purchased, offering buyers a business license that can be transferred quickly. While they seem like a fast track to business setup in the UAE , the reality is more nuanced.  - Why Do Investors Consider Shelf Companies?   Many investors are drawn to shelf companies for:  Faster...

 Saudi Arabia is entering a new era of workforce regulation with its skill-based classification system for work permits, coming into effect in mid-2025. These reforms are a core part of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 agenda, designed to attract global talent, strengthen labor market transparency, and align workforce quality with international standards.    For companies considering business setup in Saudi Arabia as a gateway into the wider Gulf region, these updates are vital for a compliant business incorporation in the KSA region.  The New Skill-Based Classification System   From July 1, 2025 (new expats) and June 18, 2025 (existing workers), the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development (HRSD) will categorize expatriates into three tiers:  High-Skill Workers   Skilled Workers   Basic Workers   Unlike the previous one-size-fits-all model, the classification will now consider factors such as educational qualifica...

 Saudi Arabia is amid one of the most ambitious transformation journeys in the world, thanks to its recent regulatory reforms and rapid economic growth via business setup in the KSA .  However, while much has been written about reducing oil dependency and fostering innovation, one of the most powerful shifts is happening within the workforce: the rise of women.  The scenario was different a few years ago when women in Saudi Arabia had limited professional opportunities. Today, through policy reforms, cultural shifts, and targeted investments in education and entrepreneurship, they are becoming critical drivers of economic growth.    This blog explores how female participation is reshaping Saudi Arabia’s economy, the industries leading this transformation, and what it means for businesses and investors.  - The Numbers Tell the Story   According to the General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT), the female labor force participation ra...

  Saudi Arabia’s education landscape is rapidly evolving under Vision 2030 , which emphasizes economic diversification, human capital development, and private sector participation.  The government has set ambitious goals, including raising private school enrolment by 25% by 2030, making it an opportune time for investors and education providers to enter the market.  Cities like Riyadh, Jeddah, and Khobar are seeing heightened demand, fueled by foreign investment, more business setup in Saudi Arabia , and a growing expatriate community.  However, launching a school in the Kingdom requires careful navigation of legal, cultural, and regulatory frameworks. Success depends on aligning with government regulations, securing approvals, and ensuring operational compliance.  Choosing the Right School Model   The first step is defining your school type, as each comes with its own licensing path: preschools, primary, middle, and high schools, training centres, tutori...

Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are at the heart of economic transformation, and in Abu Dhabi, they’re getting the boost they need to thrive.  The Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED) launched the SME Champions Program with a clear vision: to make SMEs a cornerstone of the UAE’s long-term, diversified economy and to boost business setup in Abu Dhabi .  Since its launch, the program has already facilitated $183 million worth of procurement deals, connecting SMEs to new opportunities that would otherwise take years to achieve. From local startups breaking into major supply chains to established SMEs scaling their services, the initiative is proving to be a real catalyst for growth.    - Tackling the Challenges SMEs Face   Like many global markets, SMEs in Abu Dhabi have traditionally struggled with limited access to finance, difficulty competing with large suppliers, and low visibility among potential clients. The SME Champi...

 Dubai continues to shine as a top-tier investment destination, not just for entrepreneurs pursuing business setup in the UAE , but also for foreign nationals seeking high-yield property opportunities.    With zero property, income, or capital gains tax, and average rental yields ranging from 4.87% to over 10%, Dubai stands out among global real estate markets.  In 2024 alone, the Dubai Land Department (DLD) recorded nearly 181,000 property transactions valued at AED 522.5 billion (US$142.2 billion). Foreign investors accounted for 60% of that value, driven by favorable ownership laws, flexible financing options, and a clear path to residency.  So, how can international investors capitalize on Dubai’s booming property sector? Let’s break it down.  - Understanding Ownership Options in Dubai   Foreign nationals can buy property in designated freehold zones, enjoying full ownership of both land and structure. Areas such as Downtown Dubai,...

 When it comes to business setup in the UAE , the initial excitement often overshadows what happens later, when circumstances change, markets shift, and strategic priorities evolve. Many business owners eventually face a crucial question: should you keep your company dormant or close it completely?  Both options carry implications for compliance, costs, and future flexibility. The right choice depends on your business strategy, budget, and market outlook. Here, we break down the key differences, regulatory requirements, and practical considerations, so you can make an informed decision.  - The New Compliance Landscape in the UAE   The UAE’s federal Corporate Tax (CT) regime, effective from 1 June 2023, introduced a 9% tax on taxable profits exceeding AED 375,000 (USD 102,090), with certain exemptions for small businesses and qualifying Free Zone entities.  From January 2025, large multinationals will also face a 15% Domestic Minimum Top-up ...

  Saudi Arabia has taken a major step toward regional financial integration. From February 2025, the Kingdom’s stock market, Tadawul, is open not just to GCC citizens but also to residents of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, including the UAE, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, and Oman.Oman.    This historic change, driven by the new Investment Law and updates from the Capital Market Authority (CMA) , marks a significant milestone in Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 economic transformation.  - What Has Changed?   Previously, only GCC citizens could invest directly in Tadawul, while residents needed to navigate the Qualified Foreign Investor (QFI) program or use indirect investment channels. The new rules now allow:  Direct investment in listed and unlisted Saudi companies  Equal opportunities for individual and institutional investors living in GCC states  Elimination of swap agreements or QFI requirements (if funds are sourced within the GCC)...

 Saudi Arabia’s financial sector has taken another decisive step towards global competitiveness with the Capital Market Authority (CMA) announcing wide-ranging amendments to its investment fund rules.    The changes, effective immediately from July 9, 2025, reshape how funds operate, expand investor access, and enhance market transparency.  For fund managers, investors, and firms exploring business setup in Saudi Arabia , these updates carry both opportunities and new compliance requirements. Here’s a detailed look at what’s changed, and why it matters.  1. Expanding Fund Distribution Channels   One of the most significant changes is the CMA’s green light for licensed electronic money institutions and digital fund distribution platforms to sell investment fund units online, including via mobile applications.  This is a milestone for the Kingdom’s fintech ecosystem, making it easier for retail investors to participate and for foreig...

Saudi Arabia is accelerating its digital transformation and the Cloud Computing Special Economic Zone (Cloud SEZ) in Riyadh is proof of its forward-thinking vision.  Strategically located at the Innovation Tower in King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (KACST), this SEZ is designed to attract investment in cloud computing, AI, and data-centric industries.  As part of the National Strategy for Digital Transformation and the ICT Sector Strategy, the Cloud SEZ supports the Kingdom’s ambitious goal of attracting $13 billion in tech-related investments by 2030. For businesses looking to expand in MENA’s tech space, this SEZ offers a powerful launchpad.  - What Is the Cloud SEZ?   The Cloud SEZ is a dedicated zone created specifically for cloud computing and digital technology companies. It offers a highly optimized environment for the setup of data centers, cloud platforms, and AI operations, with regulatory and infrastructural advantages that su...