Business Advisory Services

 # Business Advisory Services  Understanding Holding Structures A holding company doesn’t typically trade or manufacture; its primary purpose is to own shares or assets in other entities. It can hold: Equity in subsidiaries Real estate and intellectual property Cash reserves or investment portfolios Interests in joint ventures and SPVs The structure allows for strategic control, tax efficiency, and limited liability , making it a preferred vehicle for multinational groups, family offices, and investment funds. 2. Key Factors When Choosing a Jurisdiction The “best” jurisdiction depends on the specific objectives of your business. The following criteria guide a sound choice: a. Taxation and Double Tax Treaties Look for jurisdictions with low or zero corporate tax rates and strong double taxation agreements (DTAs) with your operating countries. This reduces withholding tax on dividends, interest, and royalties. b. Legal and Regulatory Stability A credible a...

#  Business Advisory Services Expanding into international markets is one of the most powerful ways for a business to grow — but it’s also one of the most complex. Successful international expansion requires far more than registering a company overseas; it demands careful strategic planning , cultural awareness, and operational discipline. 1. Defining Clear Objectives Before expanding abroad, businesses must define why they are doing so. Whether it’s accessing new customers, optimizing tax efficiency, or diversifying operations, clarity of purpose guides every other decision — from market selection to capital allocation. 2. Market Research and Feasibility A solid foundation starts with understanding the target market. Key considerations include: Market size and demand potential Legal and regulatory environment Competition and local business practices Currency stability and repatriation rules Detailed feasibility analysis helps determine whether expansion is viab...

  AI Is Reshaping How Consulting Firms Operate and Are Structured The conversation around AI’s role in consulting often swings between two extremes — that it will either replace consultants entirely or simply make them more valuable. The truth lies somewhere in between. Consulting isn’t disappearing; it’s being redefined. For decades, the consulting industry has operated on a familiar “pyramid” structure — a large base of junior consultants handling research, analysis, and modeling, supporting a small group of senior leaders who shape strategy and manage client relationships. This model has long driven the economics and identity of consulting. AI is now disrupting that foundation. Tools such as generative AI, predictive analytics, and automated research systems are taking over much of the routine work that once filled the early years of a consultant’s career. As this transformation accelerates, firms must adapt their delivery models or risk fading into irrelevance. At Disruptive...

 Morning Bid: Fed Faces Tougher Policy Road Ahead The U.S. Federal Reserve’s task became more complicated yesterday. Revised data showed second-quarter GDP growth at 3.8% , the fastest pace since Q3 2023. Shortly after, President Donald Trump announced a new round of tariffs — including 100% duties on branded pharmaceuticals and 25% tariffs on heavy-duty trucks . While details remain uncertain and exemptions are likely, the mix of resilient economic growth and renewed inflationary pressure has tempered expectations for aggressive monetary easing. Markets, which had priced in an 80% probability of a 50-basis-point rate cut by December , now see that likelihood at closer to 60% . Attention is turning to today’s release of PCE inflation data . Even if rates continue to decline, political uncertainty, fiscal imbalances, and inflation fears could push long-term yields higher. That, according to Joachim Klement of Panmure Liberum , could weigh on the ongoing AI investment boom. This ...

UAE Central Bank raises economic growth forecast for 2025 The UAE Central Bank has raised its 2025 economic growth forecast to 4.9% , up from the earlier estimate of 4.4%, citing strong momentum in non-oil activity. The economy is now expected to expand further by 5.3% in 2026 , according to the regulator’s latest Quarterly Economic Review . Q1 Performance In the first quarter of 2025, the UAE economy grew 3.9% year-on-year . Non-oil GDP surged 5.3% , supported by solid growth across manufacturing, financial services, construction, and real estate . Overall GDP for the quarter reached Dh455 billion , with non-oil output contributing Dh352 billion —over 77% of total real GDP. Role of Oil & Opec+ The Central Bank noted that the revised outlook is also underpinned by “anticipated strong momentum in non-hydrocarbon activities” alongside a robust recovery in the hydrocarbon sector , driven by updated Opec+ production plans. Oil-related activities accounted for 22.7% of GDP in Q1 ...

 Emaar Eyes Global Expansion Through Acquisitions Dubai’s real estate giant Emaar Properties is setting its sights on international growth, with founder and managing director Mohamed Alabbar confirming that the company is actively exploring mergers and acquisitions in “big countries” such as the US, India, China, and Europe . Backed by a surge in Dubai’s property market — which drove net profit before tax up 25% to AED 18.9 billion ($5.1 billion) in 2024 and a further 34% growth in the first half of 2025 — Emaar is now considering global expansion to sustain its momentum. Alabbar noted that while Emaar has previously operated subsidiaries abroad, a buy-over strategy could prove more effective than building businesses from scratch. With a low debt profile and strong balance sheet, the company is well-positioned to leverage equity and debt financing for international acquisitions. Quoting Alabbar: “Emaar is strong in the UAE, but perhaps the local market is becoming too small...