United Arab Emirates

Starting in February 2026, the United Kingdom will introduce major changes to its travel entry requirements – affecting how visitors, dual citizens, and frequent travellers enter the country. These updates are among the most significant in decades and can affect travel planning, airline check-in procedures, and documentation requirements.  Key Change: “No Permission, No Travel” From 25 February 2026, the UK will fully enforce its Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) system – a digital pre-travel permission designed to streamline immigration checks and improve border security. Under this new regime: Most visa-free travellers (e.g., citizens of the United States, Canada, EU, Australia, and other eligible countries) must obtain an ETA before departure, even for short visits. Airlines, ferry operators, and rail carriers will deny boarding to travellers who do not hold an approved ETA or valid UK immigration status at check-in. An ETA is not a visa; it is a mandatory travel authorisation for eligible visitors. The timing and enforcement of this system are part of the UK Government’s broader plan to digitise its border controls, similar to systems such as the U.S. ESTA or Canada eTA.   What This Means for Different Travellers  1. Visa-Exempt Visitors If you currently enter the UK without a visa – for tourism, business, or short-term trips – you must secure an ETA before travel. This includes travellers from: United States Canada Australia New Zealand EU/EEA countries and several other eligible passport holders. The ETA application is digital and typically processed within days, but authorities recommend applying well in advance of travel to avoid disruptions.  2. British and Irish Citizens (Including Dual Nationals) British and Irish citizens are exempt from needing an ETA, as they do not require formal authorisation to enter the UK. However, the way their status is checked has changed: Dual British citizens (those holding another nationality as well as British citizenship) are now expected to travel on a British passport when entering the UK. Travelling on a foreign passport alone, even one that would normally permit visa-free travel, is no longer accepted because: Dual citizens cannot obtain an ETA with the foreign passport Carriers must confirm travel authorisation prior to boarding If they cannot demonstrate exemption, airlines may refuse boarding. Alternatively, British citizens can use a Certificate of Entitlement to the Right of Abode in a foreign passport to prove their right to enter, although this is a less common and more expensive option.   3. Implications for Frequent and Business Travellers For regular travellers, global mobility teams, and organisations that send staff to the UK: Passport and travel document tracking becomes critical Travel policies must be updated to ensure valid ETAs are obtained before booking flights Expired passports or mismatched digital records can trigger boarding refusals or entry delays Companies and frequent flyers must ensure that documentation evidence clearly matches immigration status at the point of departure — not just at entry.  Why These Changes Matter  The enforcement of the ETA regime represents a shift from post-arrival checks to pre-departure screening. Previously, many carriers relied on later border checks to resolve eligibility questions. From February 2026, UK border policy will operate much more like the modern “no permission, no travel” systems seen in North America and parts of Asia. This means lawful status alone, such as having the legal right to enter the UK, is not enough unless it can be evidenced in an airline-verifiable format (passport, ETA, visa, or approved certificate).  Practical Steps for Travellers Here’s how to prepare for the new rules: Check if you need an ETA. Most visa-free nationalities do. Apply early through the official UK ETA portal, decisions can take up to a few days. Ensure your passport is valid and matches your ETA application. If you are a dual British citizen, travel using your British passport or obtain a Certificate of Entitlement. Check carrier requirements before booking, carriers will enforce airside checks from 25 February 2026.   What Has Not Changed While travel requirements and document checks are evolving: The legal right to enter the UK for British citizens has not changed Changes do not affect visa conditions for longer-term stays, work visas, or residence permits Irish citizens still enjoy Common Travel Area rights, but must use appropriate identity documents aligned with UK and Irish border requirements Final Thought The UK’s travel regime in 2026 reflects a global trend toward greater pre-departure screening and digital authorisation frameworks. For international travellers, dual citizens, and global mobile professionals, understanding and adapting to these changes now will avoid costly disruptions, denied boardings, or last-minute complications.

Dubai, UAE – 1 February– SAT & CO is pleased to announce the appointment of Emad Saad Elhabbak as Senior Legal Advisor, further strengthening the firm’s Dispute Resolution and Commercial Advisory capabilities. Emad brings over 25 years of experience in civil, commercial, and maritime law, including more than two decades in senior advisory roles at one of the UAE’s leading local practices. Throughout his career, Emad has advised individuals, corporations, and commercial institutions on complex matters, representing clients before courts at all levels, including the Courts of First Instance, Appeal, and Cassation. Known for his strong procedural expertise and strategic insight, he has led high-value litigation strategies, drafted and negotiated sophisticated commercial and shipping agreements, supported senior management with high-level legal guidance, and successfully managed technically complex disputes from initial assessment through to final judgment, enforcement, and alternative dispute resolution, including arbitration and negotiated settlements. Emad’s appointment reflects SAT & CO’s ongoing commitment to expanding its senior advisory capabilities and delivering sophisticated, results-driven legal services to its growing client base across the UAE and internationally. His addition further supports the firm’s strategic vision to grow its market presence and develop innovative solutions for complex commercial and maritime challenges. Emad Saad Elhabbak said: “I am pleased to join SAT & CO and become part of a firm known for its strong market presence and professional excellence. I look forward to contributing my experience to support the firm’s clients and to working closely with the team to deliver practical, strategic, and high-quality legal solutions.” Salah Al Blooshi, Co-Founder and Managing Partner at SAT & CO, commented: “Emad’s expertise and deep knowledge of civil, commercial, and maritime law bring a fresh perspective to our advisory practice. His appointment aligns with the firm’s growth ambitions and vision to deliver innovative, high-impact solutions, ensuring our clients continue to benefit from both strategic guidance and operational excellence.” About SAT & CO SAT & CO is a full-service law firm based in the United Arab Emirates, known for its sharp legal expertise and deep roots in the local market. The firm advises a diverse portfolio of clients, from individuals to multinational corporations, across sectors such as oil and gas, real estate, finance, insurance, telecoms, and gold trading. Its Dispute Resolution department is recognised for handling high-value, complex litigation and enforcement proceedings, with matters exceeding AED 2.5 billion in claims over the past year. SAT & CO combines deep local knowledge with international experience, offering a pragmatic and strategic approach to legal problem-solving. For more information and interview enquiries, please contact: Ksenia Ozerova Business Development & Marketing Manager +971 4 5514441 [email protected] www.sat-law.com

For years, international investors seeking European residency and tax efficiency have focused on a narrow group of jurisdictions – most notably Portugal, and more recently Dubai. Italy, by contrast, has often been overlooked. That may now be changing. Quietly, and with far less publicity than some of its European peers, Italy has undergone a notable economic and fiscal turnaround. For globally mobile entrepreneurs, investors, and internationally minded families, this shift is creating a compelling – and still underappreciated – geo-arbitrage opportunity.  Italy’s Economic Repositioning: A Quiet Comeback A decade ago, Italy was frequently cited as one of Europe’s weakest large economies. High public debt, political instability, and slow growth dominated international commentary. Today, the picture looks markedly different. Italy is the 8th largest economy globally by GDP, and 3rd largest in Europe Italian financial markets have outperformed the European average since 2020 Public debt levels have stabilised relative to GDP Exports exceeded €600 billion in 2024, with a substantial trade surplus Thousands of high-net-worth individuals have relocated or returned to Italy in recent years Perhaps most tellingly, major international publications have begun to reassess Italy’s trajectory, noting improvements in fiscal discipline, competitiveness, and reform momentum.  Real Estate: A Contrarian Opportunity While real estate markets in countries such as Portugal experienced dramatic appreciation over the past decade, Italy’s property market followed a very different path. In many regions, values stagnated or declined – not due to lack of fundamentals, but rather structural inertia and underinvestment. For investors, this divergence matters. It suggests: Lower entry prices Greater upside potential A market that has not yet been “priced for perfection” Southern regions such as Puglia, Sicily, and Sardinia in particular continue to offer lifestyle-driven real estate at valuations that would be difficult to replicate elsewhere in Europe.  Italy’s Competitive Tax Regimes (Often Overlooked) Italy has quietly built one of the most targeted and flexible tax regimes in Europe, designed to attract talent, capital, and internationally mobile individuals. Key regimes include:  The Impatriate Regime 50–60% exemption on qualifying employment or professional income Available for up to 5 years (with possible extensions) Designed to attract returning Italians and foreign professionals The 7% Flat Tax for Retirees 7% tax on qualifying foreign income Available for up to 10 years Applies in designated southern municipalities The Lump-Sum Tax Regime Flat annual tax (currently €200,000) on foreign-source income Particularly attractive for high-income individuals Predictability and simplicity are key advantages Researcher and R&D Incentives Up to 90% income exemption for qualifying researchers Available for extended periods One of Europe’s most generous specialist regimes These regimes are profile-specific, not universal – but for the right individuals, they can materially reduce effective tax rates while offering full access to EU residency and services.  Italy’s Investor Visa: Flexibility Without Immediate Relocation Italy’s Investor Visa, introduced in 2017, remains one of the more flexible residency pathways in Europe. Key characteristics include: Investment routes starting from €250,000 (innovative companies), with higher thresholds for other categories Initial residence permit valid for 2 years, renewable thereafter No minimum physical stay requirement to maintain the visa Full Schengen mobility Access to education, healthcare, and public services Unlike some competing programs, the Italian framework allows applicants to obtain visa approval before committing capital, reducing execution risk.  Italy vs Portugal vs Dubai: Different Tools for Different Objectives  These three jurisdictions are often compared, but they serve very different strategic goals.  Portugal Traditionally favoured for citizenship-focused investors Minimal stay requirements Longer timelines and evolving legislative uncertainty Best suited for those prioritising EU citizenship without relocation Italy Lower investment thresholds for residency Strong tax-planning options for those willing to relocate Flexible residency without immediate lifestyle disruption Particularly attractive for those seeking optionality and quality of life Dubai 0% personal income tax World-class infrastructure and ease of doing business No pathway to citizenship Ongoing visa dependency and private provision of services In practice, sophisticated families increasingly combine jurisdictions, using each for what it does best.  The Strategic Lens: Why Italy Merits Reconsideration  Italy is not without challenges. Bureaucracy remains real, and certain sectors — particularly early-stage tech — may face friction compared to other hubs. However, for individuals earning internationally, spending in euros, and seeking: EU residency Lifestyle optionality Long-term tax efficiency Geographic diversification Italy now deserves a more prominent place in strategic discussions.  A Knightsbridge Group Perspective At Knightsbridge Group, we view Italy not as a “replacement” for Portugal or Dubai, but as part of a broader multi-jurisdictional planning conversation. The key question is not where is best, but rather: Which jurisdiction aligns with your objectives, time horizon, and risk tolerance? Italy’s resurgence — economic, fiscal, and lifestyle-driven — makes it a jurisdiction that serious investors should no longer overlook.  Interested in Exploring European Residency and Tax Planning? Knightsbridge Group advises clients on: European residency and investor visa options Cross-border tax planning Relocation structuring Comparative jurisdictional analysis For a confidential discussion tailored to your profile, we invite you to contact our advisory team.

Private credit has moved from a niche option to a regular part of Gulf financing over recent years. Regional banks still play a central role, but private funds, family offices and structured lenders are now active across real estate, trade finance, energy services and private equity style transactions. This growth brings capital faster, but it also brings tighter legal expectations. This article looks at why private credit has expanded and what lenders now expect to see before they commit funds. Why private credit is expanding Several factors sit behind the rise of private credit in the region. Bank lending standards tightened after recent cycles, especially for mid-sized businesses and complex structures. At the same time, private capital pools have grown quickly, often backed by regional families or international funds with a higher return target. These lenders are comfortable with tailored deals, but only if legal risk is controlled. We see borrowers turning to private credit for speed and flexibility. Terms can be agreed in weeks rather than months. Covenants can be shaped around the business rather than a standard bank template. That speed comes at a price, usually higher cost, and it comes with stronger legal controls. Private lenders do not rely on relationship history. They rely on documents that work in practice. The legal environment lenders are watching Gulf jurisdictions have invested heavily in legal and regulatory frameworks over the past decade. Insolvency laws, security registration systems and court procedures are clearer than they once were. That said, enforcement still varies by jurisdiction, asset type and counterparty. Private lenders price risk carefully, so they focus on certainty. They want to know which court has jurisdiction, how long enforcement takes and whether judgments are respected locally. Where uncertainty remains, lenders compensate by demanding more control upfront. That’s why legal protections have become more detailed, not less. Security packages are no longer basic A few years ago, a pledge over shares or a simple mortgage might have been enough. Today, private lenders expect layered security. This often includes share pledges, asset pledges, bank account control agreements and assignment of receivables. Each element is designed to work together so that if one route fails, another remains open. Perfection of security is just as important as the security itself. Lenders now insist on proof of registration, notarisation where required and confirmation that corporate approvals are valid. In practice, this means borrowers must prepare earlier. Last minute fixes rarely satisfy a private credit committee. Control rights during the life of the loan Private credit lenders expect more than security that only works at default. They want ongoing visibility and influence. This shows up in information rights, consent requirements and operational covenants. For instance, lenders often require approval for new debt, asset sales or changes to group structure. We often see cash control becoming central. Borrowers may be required to route revenue through controlled accounts or agree to cash sweep mechanisms. From a lender’s perspective, this reduces reliance on court enforcement. From a borrower’s perspective, it requires careful planning to avoid operational strain. Sponsor support and guarantees Where a borrower is part of a wider group, lenders increasingly expect sponsor support. This can take the form of guarantees, equity commitment letters or undertakings to inject funds if ratios fall below agreed levels. The legal drafting here has become more precise. Lenders pay close attention to who is giving the support and where that entity sits. A guarantee is only useful if it can be enforced and if the guarantor has real substance. As a result, group charts, shareholder agreements and constitutional documents are reviewed in detail. Governing law and dispute resolution Choice of law remains a key point in private credit deals. Many lenders prefer English law for facility agreements, with local law security documents where assets sit. Arbitration is sometimes used, but courts remain common for enforcement heavy structures. What has changed is the level of alignment required. Lenders want governing law, jurisdiction clauses and enforcement routes to work together. Mismatches create delay and delay increases loss. We see far fewer compromises on this point than in the past. Financial covenants and early warning tools Private lenders rely heavily on financial covenants as an early signal. These are often tighter than bank covenants and tested more frequently. Breach thresholds may be lower, giving lenders the right to step in before value erodes. The legal side of these covenants is critical. Definitions, testing mechanics and cure rights must be clear. Ambiguity benefits no one. Borrowers who understand this early are better placed to negotiate terms that are workable rather than restrictive by accident. Intercreditor and priority issues As private credit grows, so does complexity. Many borrowers already have bank facilities, leasing arrangements or shareholder loans in place. Lenders now expect clean intercreditor arrangements that set out priority, enforcement control and payment waterfalls. These documents are often the hardest to agree. They require coordination between banks, private lenders and sponsors. From our experience, early engagement saves time. Leaving intercreditor points to the end can stall closing entirely. Documentation standards have risen Private credit documents used to be lighter than bank facilities. That’s no longer true. Lenders now use detailed term sheets, conditions precedent lists and representations that mirror institutional standards. The difference lies in customisation, not simplicity. Borrowers shouldn’t assume that private credit means informal credit. Legal teams on the lender side are well resourced and commercially sharp. Preparing early and understanding the documents reduces friction and cost. What this means for borrowers The growth of private credit brings opportunity, but it also raises the bar. Borrowers who approach these lenders with incomplete structures or weak documentation face tougher terms or delays. Those who prepare properly often secure better pricing and smoother execution. In practice, this means reviewing group structure, asset ownership and existing obligations before entering discussions. How The Knightsbridge Group can help With over ten years advising international businesses and families, The Knightsbridge Group supports clients across the UAE and worldwide. We work across legal, tax and immigration and fiduciary matters, so private credit structures are assessed as a whole rather than in isolation. That integrated view helps clients present stronger, clearer propositions to lenders. We support borrowers and lenders through structuring, due diligence and documentation. This includes reviewing security packages, coordinating with trustees, banks and regulators and aligning cross-border elements so enforcement works as intended. Our role is often to spot issues early, before they become negotiation blockers. To review your current arrangements or plan new strategies, contact [email protected]