The states of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) are increasingly opening their markets to foreign investors. Numerous restrictions on company ownership have been relaxed or completely lifted in recent years. This creates new options for German companies and investors that were previously inaccessible or only accessible through local partners.

• In the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia, companies can now be established in many sectors without a local majority shareholder.
• Privatizations and partial privatizations of state-owned enterprises open up entry opportunities for strategic investors.
• Sectors such as infrastructure, transport, healthcare, and education, which are being significantly expanded, are particularly attractive.
• At the same time, the framework conditions remain complex: country-specific laws, approval processes, and cultural factors require careful preparation.

Conclusion
The market opening in the GCC is a historic opportunity for German companies. Those who position themselves early can secure markets in the future that promise decades of growth. Thorough legal and cultural advice remains indispensable.