How AI Transformation Will Fuel Growth?

Secret difficulties include determining and handling these threats effectively, balancing worker needs with compliance, and adapting MTC rules for protected and affordable movement. If managed well, remote work can be a strategic advantage for multinationals, offering functional continuity and access to talent. Nevertheless, counting on out-of-date policies might develop liabilities, such as unexpected tax direct exposure and compliance burdens.

Daida Hadzic is Director, KPMG LLP.

Words by Kevin McKenna, Elder Advisor, EMIR Mirages typically deceive the eye in the desert, appealing water and relief where there is none. Likewise, the Middle East, at the minute, can appear daunting to global magnate who wrongly look at it as one homogeneous bloc. Unlike mirages, and despite geopolitical tensions in the wider area, the Gulf Co-Operation Council (GCC) economies' capacity is no illusion.

Crucial GCC Business Analysis Insights for 2026

Many regional leaders of worldwide companies still struggle to unshackle themselves from misconceptions and biases held by an international HQ that often looks at the Middle East through a narrow keyhole. International budget holders' frequently misdirected viewpoints can cause missed out on chances and impede growth. With over a years of experience recommending local magnate in the Middle East, I've seen how crucial it is to make the case for the area by focusing on these 5 simple actions.

ANSR July GCC PRs 50DR+

This place also operates very differently from our domestic market, so don't anticipate the very same linear pathways to growth and timelines." This technique requires robust preparation, clear interaction, a deep local network and an abundant understanding of the local business environment due to the fact that, ultimately, you need to provide on that assured development.

By resolving misunderstandings and engaging proactively, local CEOs can open the region's true potential, transforming perceived mirages into an oasis of opportunities waiting to be found.

Set up a session with our experts to check out how YCP can assist you in addressing your service challenges.

Similarly, concerning Israel's controversial policies of limiting humanitarian aid into Gaza, the Trump administration has followed Netanyahu's lead. Israel's complete blockade of Gaza from March 2 through mid-May sparked a dramatic degeneration in humanitarian conditions. In May, the Gaza Humanitarian Structure (GHF), an Israeli- and U.S.-backed alternative to the UN aid circulation system in Gaza, began operations at 4 distribution websites.

Local Versus Modern Strategy Within the MENA Market

Taken together, these policies show two intertwined components of the Trump administration's technique to Gaza: a deference to Prime Minister Netanyahu's preferences and a deprioritization of humanitarian needs. The administration has not pushed back on the Israeli government's plans to occupy Gaza City and by force evacuate Palestinians into a smaller sized area of Gaza.

They can best be captured by unpacking how Israel and Saudi Arabiaeach with strong ties to the United Stateshave responded. Not surprisingly, their reactions differ significantly in all 3 cases. Their actions also show the growing variation in between these 2 local powers as they pursue widely differing strategies for how to shape the Middle East's emerging order.

It has indicated a determination to utilize force whenever and wherever risks emerge. This determination has translated into ever-bolder military interventions throughout the region that have redrawn the Middle East's balance of power. Yet, Israel has not translated these military gains into enduring tactical wins. For Saudi Arabiathe Arab world's present center of gravitythe necessary for financial diversity has fueled a drive to de-escalate tensions in the area, a push for post-conflict stabilization in the Levant, and goals to develop out business and trade ties throughout the Middle East and beyond.

Essential GCC Business Research Trends in 2026

Just like Israel, however, whether and how Saudi Arabia translates its broadening utilize into long lasting tactical gains stays to be seen. Israel was strongly helpful of the U.S. strikes on Iranian nuclear centers. For decades and throughout several U.S. administrations, Prime Minister Netanyahu looked for U.S. assistance for and involvement in strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities.

ANSR July GCC PRs 50DR+

Israel has actually made clear that it will strike Iran againideally with U.S. supportin either scenario. Missing a clear U.S. "red light" opposing additional Israeli military intervention in Iran, perhaps combined with a U.S.Increasingly, the Gulf views Israel, not Iran, as the primary threat to regional stability.