James Thornton 
The Gulf region is rolling out its first comprehensive regulatory framework for AI-driven companion technology imports and commercial licensing. Here is what businesses need to know before entering this market in 2026.
Incorporating a UAE company is the first step. Staying compliant after incorporation requires action across six regulatory tracks — corporate tax registration, VAT registration, WPS salary setup, Emiratisation, health insurance, and annual licenc
UAE labour law is governed by Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021 (the Labour Law), effective 2 February 2022, replacing the 1980 Labour Law. The new framework introduced fixed-term contracts, flexible work models, anti-discrimination protections,
Opening a corporate bank account is the single slowest step in UAE company formation — taking 2 to 12 weeks depending on jurisdiction, entity type, and banking relationship. UAE banks have progressively tightened KYC requirements since 2024, and
The UAE retirement visa is a 5-year renewable residence permit for individuals aged 55 and older who want to retire in the UAE. Applicants must meet one of three financial thresholds: AED 1 million in savings, AED 1 million in property, or AED
The UAE issues a 1-year remote work visa that allows digital nomads, freelancers, and remote employees of foreign companies to live in the UAE while working for an employer or clients based outside the country. The visa does not require a UAE
UAE entrepreneurs and investors can sponsor spouse, children (regardless of age under the Golden Visa), parents, and one domestic worker on their residence visa. The minimum salary requirement is AED 4,000 per month with employer-provided accom
Kuwait applies a 15 % corporate income tax exclusively to foreign-owned entities. Kuwaiti and GCC nationals pay no CIT — they are subject instead to 1 % Zakat and 2.5 % NLST (National Labour Support Tax). Kuwait is the only GCC country where the
Oman levies a 15 % corporate income tax on all entities operating in the Sultanate, with a reduced 3 % rate for SMEs with taxable income below OMR 100,000. Free zone entities in Sohar, Duqm, Salalah, and Mazunah can receive tax holidays of up
The UAE issues two investor-linked residence permits: the Golden Visa (10-year) for investments of AED 2 million+ and the standard Investor Visa (2- or 3-year) for company owners and shareholders who do not meet the Golden Visa threshold. Bot
