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Middle East Edition
4th March 2025
 
THE HOT STORY
PwC seeks to repair Saudi ties
PwC is currently navigating a challenging situation with Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF), which has suspended activities with the consulting firm until February 2026. According to sources, the decision is related to a "client" matter rather than a regulatory issue. PwC has a significant presence in Saudi Arabia, with over 2,600 employees dedicated to projects in the Kingdom, generating £1.97bn in revenue in the last financial year. Reuters notes that the Kingdom's reliance on foreign consultants is crucial for executing Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman's Vision 2030 plan, especially as it seeks to diversify its economy away from fossil fuels. As oil prices decline, managing costs has become essential for Saudi Arabia's mega projects, including the ambitious city of Neom.
HIRING
Jordan employment initiative sees success
Since its inception in 2018, the Sustainable Employment Promotion project in Jordan has successfully generated 6,139 sustainable jobs and provided employability training to 6,366 individuals. The initiative, implemented by the Eastern Amman Investors Industrial Association (EAIIA) in collaboration with the Trade for Employment (T4E) project and funded by the German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ), has created 4,450 job opportunities in Jordan's industrial sector. Minister of Industry, Trade and Supply, Yarub Qudah, highlighted the project's success, saying: "Every dinar invested in industry generates a threefold return." The project has also trained over 2,300 job seekers and improved production supervision across more than 30 companies, aiming to enhance the industrial sector's role as a key driver of economic growth.
Soundlines Group fuels Saudi growth
Soundlines Group is working to support Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 by providing a skilled workforce essential for the country's rapid development. With extensive experience in international manpower deployment, the company has established itself as a trusted partner for large-scale infrastructure projects. It specialises in recruiting blue-collar professionals, including electricians and welders, ensuring that the Kingdom meets its growing demand for specialised expertise. A company spokesperson said: “We are proud to contribute to Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 by bridging the gap between manpower demand and supply.” Soundlines Group says it is committed to ethical recruitment practices, adhering to Saudi labour laws, which enhances the Kingdom's reputation as a global hub for talent-driven growth.
TAX
Qatar's tax authority launches penalty exemption
The General Tax Authority in Qatar has implemented a six-month initiative offering a 100% financial penalty exemption for businesses. This programme aims to ease financial pressures and help companies achieve tax compliance. To qualify, businesses must register on the Dhareeba Tax Portal, update taxpayer data, and submit all required tax returns and financial statements. H.E. Mr. Khalifa bin Jassim Al-Jaham Al-Kuwari, president of the General Tax Authority, said: "The launch of this initiative underscores the General Tax Authority's ongoing commitment to enhancing Qatar's business landscape."
Iraq tax reform pact signed
Iraq has signed an agreement with the Washington-based International Tax and Investment Centre (ITIC) to reform its taxation system, aiming to enhance non-oil revenue for reconstruction projects and address fiscal deficits. Abdul Hussein Al-Ankabi, Chairman of the Tax Reform Committee, said: “This agreement is a significant step towards reforming the tax system in Iraq.” The pact follows a 22% increase in tax revenues, reaching approximately 3.75 trn Iraqi dinars ($2.8bn) in 2024. The new tax law, set for 2024, will introduce income taxes for companies and investors, aiming to create a fair and transparent tax environment to attract foreign investment. Iraq aims to increase non-oil revenues to 20% of its total national income to mitigate its budget deficit.
REMOTE WORKING
Ajman government employees to work remotely
All government employees in Ajman will work remotely on Fridays during Ramadan, with official hours set from 9am to 2.30pm, Monday to Thursday, and 9pm to 12pm on Fridays. The initiative, directed by Sheikh Ammar bin Humaid Al Nuaimi, aligns with the UAE's "Year of Community" efforts. The Department of Human Resources has allowed flexibility in implementing the remote work policy to ensure business continuity. Departments operating on shifts will determine hours based on operational needs, with a maximum shift duration of five and a half hours. The circular also permits a flexible work system at the director-general's discretion, ensuring employees meet required hours while maintaining service efficiency. Similar measures have been announced in Dubai and Sharjah, with private sector employees also seeing a reduction in working hours.
INTERNATIONAL
Meta faces lawsuit over hiring bias
Meta Platforms is facing a lawsuit alleging that it systematically favours foreign workers over qualified US citizens due to lower wage expectations. US Magistrate Judge Laurel Beeler has allowed three plaintiffs — Purushothaman Rajaram, Ekta Bhatia, and Qun Wang — to pursue a class action against the company. They claim they were denied jobs at Meta between 2020 and 2024 because of the company's preference for H-1B visa holders. The lawsuit follows a previous settlement in 2021, where Meta agreed to pay up to $14.25m to resolve similar claims. Daniel Low, the plaintiffs' lawyer, expressed hope that the lawsuit would address the "favouritism towards visa workers" that he said is prevalent in the tech industry.
Australia’s opposition vows work from home crackdown
Australia’s opposition party has pledged to crack down on “unsustainable” remote working arrangements in the civil service, vowing to force public sector workers back into the office full time if elected.
OTHER
Saudi Arabia's housing market struggles
Saudi Arabia's residential real estate market is facing significant challenges, with demand from first-time buyers dropping to 29% from 40% in 2023, according to Knight Frank's 2025 Saudi report. The report highlights that many potential buyers find prices excessively high and are seeking more financing options. In Riyadh, apartment prices surged nearly 11% to about $1,500 per square metre in 2024. Faisal Durrani, head of Middle East research at Knight Frank, said: “The crux of the issue is the misalignment between buyer expectations and the current pricing or market realities.”
 


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