An important milestone in strengthening the country’s innovation ecosystem and supporting sustainable, long-term economic growth.
Phase 1 is designed to provide immediate and meaningful support to businesses undertaking genuine R&D activities.
The R&D incentive operates as a tax credit allowing businesses to offset their Corporate Tax liability.
In practical terms, companies investing in developing new products, improving processes, or creating new technologies can directly reduce their tax payable.
For example, a UAE-based startup developing an AI-driven accounting solution may be eligible to benefit from the R&D credit.
Key features include:
• Minimum R&D spend of AED 500,000 per project, per tax period
• Tiered, non-refundable tax credit of up to 50% on eligible expenditure
• Focus on substance-based R&D activities carried out within the UAE
• Regime designed to evolve and scale over time
• Emphasis on UAE-based costs and activities
• Requirement for pre-approval of projects
Businesses should start identifying potential qualifying projects and relevant stakeholders now to maximise the opportunity.
At Sanctuary, we would be delighted to support you in assessing eligibility for the UAE R&D regime and provide end-to-end assistance with the preparation and submission process.
Contact us for a bespoke consultation via the contact form or email us at: hello@sanctuary.ae.
For UK businesses considering opportunities in Saudi Arabia, the following steps outline the overall process:
1. Business Activity: Determine the appropriate business activity which will aligns with your business and satisfies all undertakings you will engage with in the Kingdom.
2. Local Partnerships: Consider any potential opportunities for collaborations with established local businesses to ease market entry and meet regulatory requirements.
3. Documentation: Gather the required documentation for incorporation in KSA.
4. Company Registration: Work with experts and the relevant governing bodies to assist with the incorporation process, ensuring compliance with local laws and regulations.
5. Other Requirements: Consider any other requirements for establishing in Saudi Arabia such as capital and tax requirements.
Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 represents a significant opportunity for UK businesses to engage with an expanding market with vast potential. As the Kingdom continues to diversify its economy and expand its global influence, UK companies are well-positioned to support and benefit from this transformation. With the right strategy, partnerships, and local support, there are a wealth of possibilities.
By aligning your business with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, the benefits for UK and international businesses looking to Saudi Arabia have never been greater.
At Sanctuary, we specialise in assisting businesses looking to expand into Saudi Arabia. We help navigate the complexities of the Saudi market, ensuring that you have the expertise needed to best prepare for success, so get in touch today.
Our expert team offers comprehensive support across a range of services, from company registration, advisory services, and more. Explore our services to discover how we can help you.
Vision 2030 is a strategic framework designed to diversify Saudi Arabia’s economy, reduce its dependency on oil, and transform the Kingdom into a global business hub.
Key points include economic diversification, social reforms, investment in technology and infrastructure, sustainability, and creating a competitive workforce.
The main focus of the Saudi Arabian Vision 2030 strategy is to build on key economic sectors such as hospitality, travel and tourism and build economic stability and sustainability.
Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 initiative is aimed at diversifying its economy through strategic investments into the non-oil sector and ensuring a more sustainable economic future.
Saudi Arabia has committed over $500 billion to Vision 2030, funding projects that span a variety of sectors, including energy, tourism, and infrastructure.
Yes, with its growing economy, reform initiatives, and investment incentives, Saudi Arabia is a highly attractive destination for foreign businesses seeking growth opportunities.
Key growing industries include renewable energy, tourism, healthcare, technology, and education.
Saudi Arabia permits foreign owned businesses and investment into the Kingdom, which has been elevated by the Vision 2030 initiative. A MISA licence is required for foreign investors or businesses to establish.
As a result of the diversification efforts of Saudi Vision 2030, the non-oil and private sector in the Kingdom have witnessed unprecedented growth in the past few years. The private sector continues to grow each quarter and the non-oil sectors continue to reach record contributions for the Kingdom’s GDP.
