Nimbus Consultancy

Saudi Arabia’s logistics sector has positioned itself as a benchmark for connectivity, trade, and innovation. In 2024, the Saudi logistics market was valued at $136.3 billion, and it is expected to reach nearly $198.9 billion by 2030.  The sector’s growth is being propelled by the Kingdom’s massive infrastructure investments, regulatory reforms, and global events such as Expo 2030 and the 2034 FIFA World Cup. For investors, logistics companies, and supply chain operators, the timing could not be better.  With a $1.1 trillion development pipeline and major incentives on offer, business setup in Saudi Arabia ’s logistics sector has become an attractive opportunity. Below, we outline the driving forces shaping the industry’s trajectory in 2025 and beyond.  - Expanding Multimodal Logistics for Seamless Connectivity   At the heart of Saudi Arabia’s logistics strategy is the creation of a multimodal system that integrates roads, railways, seaports, an...

Saudi Arabia’s exemplary economic transformation has created new horizons for global investors. Among the countries responding strongly to these opportunities is Australia, with trade between the two nations reaching $1.92 billion in 2023.  Saudi exports to Australia accounted for $1.07 billion of this figure, supported by expanding ties in mining, energy, construction, and agriculture. For Australian firms, Saudi Arabia offers a chance to participate in one of the most ambitious national development strategies in the world.  With an estimated $1.2 trillion pipeline of construction projects and $2.5 trillion in untapped mineral wealth, opportunities are multiplying. But to capture them, businesses must understand both the market dynamics and the process of business setup in Saudi Arabia .  This article explores the emerging opportunities in mining and construction while breaking down the stages of Saudi Arabia business setup for Australian companies.  ...

 Chinese investment in the Khalifa Economic Zone Abu Dhabi (KEZAD) has become a defining feature of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) in the Middle East.   Anchored by the China-UAE Industrial Capacity Cooperation Demonstration Zone (ICCDZ), this partnership is more than just capital inflows; it’s about reshaping Abu Dhabi into a hub of advanced manufacturing, sustainable industries, and global connectivity.  For companies exploring business setup in Abu Dhabi , the momentum around KEZAD highlights why this zone is becoming a focal point of international trade and investment.  - The ICCDZ: A Catalyst for Bilateral Growth   The ICCDZ is a dedicated industrial platform within KEZAD, covering a planned area of 12.2 square kilometers. Its start-up area spans 2.2 square kilometers in KEZAD’s Area A, with an additional 10 square kilometers in Area B.  Positioned adjacent to Khalifa Port, one of the region’s most advanced deep-water port...

 As corporate tax becomes a permanent fixture in the UAE’s evolving business landscape, EmaraTax has emerged as the central platform for managing tax compliance. Operated by the Federal Tax Authority (FTA), this digital portal simplifies registration, filing, and payment for businesses of all sizes.    If you’re running a business in the UAE, knowing how to use EmaraTax is now essential to staying compliant and avoiding penalties.  - Corporate Tax at a Glance   Under Federal Decree Law No. 47 of 2022, the UAE rolled out corporate tax on June 1, 2023. The rates are straightforward:  0% tax on profits up to AED 375,000 (approx. US$102,110)  9% tax on profits exceeding that threshold   Starting January 1, 2025, the Domestic Minimum Top-up Tax (DMTT) came into effect. This mandates that multinational groups with global revenues above EUR 750 million meet a 15% minimum effective tax rate under the OECD’s Pillar Two framework. ...

Have you ever wondered how digital platforms can reshape payroll management and employee rights in a large economy?  Saudi Arabia is taking a significant step forward with the Mudad payroll system, part of the Wage Protection Program (WPP), to ensure timely, transparent, and fair salary payments for private-sector employees.  These updates, implemented by the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development (MHRSD), are transforming payroll compliance and providing a safer, more reliable environment for both employers and workers. For companies considering  company formation in the KSA , understanding the regulatory environment, including payroll obligations, is crucial.  The Mudad platform is now central to payroll management, aligning with broader efforts to digitize business operations, enforce labor compliance, and enhance financial governance in the Kingdom.  What is Mudad and Why it Matte...

 In recent years, the economic relationship between Brazil and Saudi Arabia has accelerated, creating exciting opportunities for Brazilian firms looking to expand internationally.    Bilateral trade between the two countries reached $6.7 billion in 2023, and new investments across energy, food, mining, and technology have further strengthened ties.  For Brazilian companies, Saudi Arabia is becoming a natural destination for expansion. With one of the fastest-growing economies in the world and a diversification agenda under Vision 2030, the Kingdom offers access to untapped markets, new investment incentives, and partnerships that align well with Brazil’s industrial and technological strengths.  In this post, we delve into the main drivers of Brazil-Saudi cooperation, highlights promising sectors, and provides a practical roadmap for Brazilian companies looking for business setup in the KSA.  – Sectors Forming Business Setup Found...

 The UAE is on the brink of a major shift in tax and compliance with the upcoming introduction of compulsory e-invoicing. By the second quarter of 2026, all VAT-registered businesses in the country will need to adopt a fully digital invoicing system.    This change is being driven by the Ministry of Finance and the Federal Tax Authority (FTA) to enhance transparency, streamline tax processes, and bring the UAE in line with international standards. For businesses and for foreign investors eyeing business setup in the UAE , the new system will fundamentally change how invoices are created, shared, reported, and stored.    While the official rollout is still some time away, companies are strongly encouraged to begin preparing now to avoid technical or legal setbacks during the transition. This post explains what the e-invoicing system means, how it works, and the steps businesses can take to prepare for the upcoming changes. UAE’s New E-Invoicing Framework — A Det...

Have you ever wondered how technology is transforming traditional processes in Saudi Arabia? The Kingdom is embracing digital innovation not just in business but also in religious services.  One of the latest examples is the launch of the Nusuk Umrah platform in 2025, which is set to streamline the pilgrimage experience for millions of pilgrims while updating visa rules for international and regional visitors.  Saudi Arabia has long been a hub for both spiritual and economic activity. With Vision 2030, the Kingdom is modernizing its infrastructure, digital platforms, and regulatory systems.  For investors considering a Saudi business setup , the transformation across sectors shows the Kingdom’s commitment to efficiency, accessibility, and growth. The Nusuk platform reflects this broader digital transformation.  - What is the Nusuk Umrah Platform?   The Nusuk portal is a one-stop online platform designed for Umrah pilgrims. It centralizes mul...

 Are you planning to expand your business into the Gulf? The good news is that as of 2025, investors no longer need a local sponsor to establish companies in the UAE or Saudi Arabia for most sectors. Major reforms in foreign ownership and corporate regulations have removed longstanding Kafala rules, giving international businesses more control, flexibility, and opportunities for UAE company formation , as well as in Riyadh. - UAE: 100 Percent Foreign Ownership Across Most Sectors The UAE has long been a preferred destination for global investors, and recent reforms have made company formation in Dubai and other Emirates even easier. The Foreign Direct Investment Law of 2018 allows 100 percent foreign ownership for most business activities, eliminating the requirement for a UAE national partner holding 51 percent equity. - Sector-Based Considerations 1. Retail, Trading, and Construction   Most retail and trading activities in the mainland now allow full foreign ownership. Capi...

 Have you ever considered how shifting global trade policies can create unexpected opportunities? The reintroduction of US tariffs on Chinese goods in 2025 is reshaping supply chains worldwide, and the UAE is emerging as a key winner in this scenario.    Positioned at the crossroads of Asia, Europe, and Africa, the UAE is becoming a strategic logistics and manufacturing hub for companies aiming to maintain US market access while minimizing tariff exposure.  - Understanding the 2025 US Tariff Landscape   The Trump administration’s 2025 tariff package reintroduced sweeping duties on Chinese imports, applying a flat 10 percent tariff across a broad range of goods, with additional punitive measures for high-value sectors.    This increase has significantly raised costs for exporters shipping from China to the US. Companies dependent on Chinese supply chains are now exploring alternative routes and assembly locations to avoid these high tariffs....

  Have you ever wondered why so many Chinese firms are choosing the UAE as their preferred location for business setup ? From high-value trade to technology, energy, and logistics, the Emirates has become a hub for businesses seeking regional and global expansion. The reasons are clear: strong bilateral trade, investor-friendly policies, world-class infrastructure, and an ecosystem designed for innovation. Here’s a more detailed look. - Booming Trade Between China and the UAE China and the UAE have built one of the fastest-growing trade relationships in the Middle East. Bilateral trade reached $101.8 billion in 2024, an extraordinary 800-fold increase since 1984. Exports from China to the UAE accounted for $65.6 billion, mainly machinery, electronics, textiles, and consumer goods, while UAE exports to China totaled $36.2 billion, led by petrochemicals and aluminum. Non-oil trade is growing rapidly. In Q1 2025 alone, UAE exports to China surged by 432.5 percent, while imports from ...