01 | Qatar Low-Cost Home Business Licence Reshapes the Micro-Business Economy
Summary: As of 2026-08-14, Qatar’s QR300 home business licence has drawn market attention as a policy tool that lowers the entry threshold for local micro-business activity. The licence is directly relevant to small business registration, home-based business compliance and low-cost entrepreneurship, and it gives light-asset service providers, individual operators and companies testing the local market a practical reference point.
Source: Ministry of Commerce and Industry of Qatar, 2026-08-12
02 | Saudi Government Tenders Under Localization Rules Reached USD 16.8 Billion in Q2
Summary: Under Saudi localization rules, government tender value reached approximately USD 16.8 billion in the second quarter of 2026. This reflects a closer link between government procurement, engineering contracting, supply-chain access and localization requirements, meaning foreign contractors evaluating Saudi project opportunities need to consider entity structure, procurement qualifications, employment arrangements and local supply-chain configuration together.
Source: Arab News, 2026-08-11
03 | Houthis Claim Another Attack on Saudi Aramco’s Jazan Refinery
Summary: Multiple media outlets reported that the Houthis claimed to have used drones to attack Saudi Aramco’s Jazan refinery. The incident relates to the security of critical Saudi energy infrastructure and is likely to be factored into companies’ assessment of regional energy risk, insurance arrangements, supply-chain stability and emergency planning. For businesses dependent on Gulf energy, shipping or regional logistics, the issue is not only the security event itself but also subsequent changes in risk pricing and transport arrangements.
Source: Saudi Aramco, 2026-08-13
04 | Turkey Omnibus Bill Removes Crypto Asset Tax Provisions
Summary: Turkey’s omnibus bill removed crypto asset tax provisions after objections. The adjustment affects digital asset taxation, the regulatory boundary for fintech and business compliance expectations, and also shows that the relevant policy framework remains in a dynamic balancing phase. Companies watching Turkey’s digital assets, payments, fintech or cross-border funding arrangements should rely on the latest publications from regulators rather than building long-term plans only on draft provisions.
Source: Capital Markets Board of Türkiye, 2026-08-13
05 | Qatar Reminds Employers to Comply With Summer Outdoor Working-Hour Rules
Summary: Qatar’s Ministry of Labour reminded employers to comply with summer outdoor working-hour rules to prevent heat-stress risks. The issue is directly relevant to local employment compliance, construction-site scheduling, contractor management and occupational health and safety responsibilities. For companies undertaking engineering, facility maintenance, logistics delivery or outdoor services in Qatar, summer working-hour restrictions should be built into project timelines and workforce management processes.
Source: Ministry of Labour of Qatar, 2026-08-13
06 | Saudi Aramco Seeks to Route Crude Shipments Away From the Strait of Hormuz
Summary: Saudi Aramco is seeking to route part of its crude transport away from the Strait of Hormuz. The information points to Gulf energy-route risk management and shows that companies are reserving alternatives for uncertainty around critical shipping lanes. For businesses linked to regional logistics, energy trading, marine insurance and commodity procurement, Strait of Hormuz risk is not only a geopolitical issue; it can also affect contract terms, delivery schedules and cost assumptions.
Source: Saudi Aramco, 2026-08-12
07 | Turkey Diesel Excise Tax Cut Takes Effect
Summary: Turkey’s diesel excise tax cut took effect on the evening of 2026-08-12. Changes in diesel tax burden directly affect transport, production and distribution costs and may feed through into inflation expectations and operating expenses. For businesses sourcing, manufacturing or relying on local logistics in Turkey, fuel-cost adjustments should be assessed together with quotation cycles, inventory planning and supplier contracts.
Source: Ministry of Treasury and Finance of Türkiye, 2026-08-12
08 | Oman Awards 74 Projects to Advance Vision 2040
Summary: Oman awarded 74 projects with a total value of approximately USD 1.9 billion to advance Vision 2040. The project package shows that Oman continues to use infrastructure, industrial and public-project investment to promote economic diversification. For engineering contractors, supply-chain providers, equipment companies, professional service firms and regional investors, opportunities in Oman should be assessed together with project category, procurement rules, local partnership requirements and long-term operating capability.
Source: Oman Vision 2040, 2026-08-12
Last updated: August 2026. This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or tax advice. For professional consultation, please contact the MIRISE team.