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This checklist, developed by Grant Thornton UAE and based on ThoughtLab’s AI maturity framework, guides asset and wealth management leaders through seven pragmatic steps to advance AI maturity. Covering strategy, innovation culture, IT platforms, talent, advanced tools, data management, and governance, the article addresses the unique challenges and opportunities for UAE and GCC firms. It highlights the importance of aligning AI adoption with business goals, regulatory requirements, and local market realities, empowering organisations to move from pilots to enterprise-wide transformation and realise tangible ROI from AI investments.

Generative AI is transforming the UAE insurance sector through automation, personalised services, and advanced risk management. This article examines adoption challenges, responsible AI principles, and governance models that insurers need to stay competitive and compliant.

There have been recent amendments to the VAT Laws, VAT Executive Regulations and the Tax Procedures Laws -an important amendment amongst others is the Emirate-wise VAT reporting applicable to businesses engaged in electronic supplies. This amendment is effective from 1 July 2023 and applies to VAT returns to be filed for the period beginning on or after this date.

Spurred on by government initiatives and the emergence from COVID-19, the GCC IPO markets are now seeing unprecedented levels of activity, captivating institutional and retail investors alike.

Amidst global economic uncertainties, the MENA region is on a growth trajectory fuelled by elevated oil prices and accelerating business-friendly reforms. The global logistics market is estimated to be $9.1Tn in 2022 and is expected to reach $12.3Tn by 2027, growing at a CAGR of 6.2%. A combination of initiatives by regional governments and developments in e-commerce are driving the growth in logistics and warehousing activity in the region.

In this paper we explore Trade-Based Money Laundering in further detail focused in particular on the December 2020 FATF publication “Trade-Based Money Laundering, Trends and Developments”* and provide guidance to Financial Institutions and other entities on how to assess, mitigate, identify and report the financial crime threats arising from the global trade system.

The GCC is emerging stronger than ever with diversified and efficient economies becoming magnets for investment and new ideas, and hence, influencing a global shift towards the region. Such seismic shifts will drive new market entrants, along with opportunities to invest in new markets.