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Saudi Arabia has formally issued the much-anticipated regulatory frameworks governing several key Special Economic Zones (SEZs).

The Saudi tax landscape for digital platforms continues to evolve. In line with its broader efforts to strengthen VAT compliance in the digital economy, Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority (ZATCA) has issued a detailed guide clarifying VAT obligations for electronic marketplaces acting as “deemed suppliers”.

In a significant step towards strengthening urban development and real estate reform, the Ministry of Municipal, Rural Affairs and Housing (MOMRAH) has announced the issuance of the updated Executive Regulations for the White Land Fees on 28/2/1447H (22 August 2025). The new regulations form part of Saudi Arabia’s ongoing efforts to promote efficient land use, stimulate housing development, and achieve the broader objectives of Saudi Vision 2030.

In a step toward greater transparency and alignment with global best practices, the GCC Financial and Economic Cooperation Committee has approved a new methodology for calculating excise tax on sweetened beverages.

Across the world, tax administrations have long recognised that compliance is not only about enforcement. It is also about providing pathways for taxpayers to voluntarily come forward, settle their obligations, and restore their standing within the system. Tax amnesty programs and voluntary disclosure initiatives have emerged as strategic policy tools that balance the needs of governments with the realities facing businesses and individuals. They do more than recover overdue revenues; they promote transparency, maintain economic stability, and foster long-term trust between taxpayers and regulators.

The Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority (ZATCA) has extended the fine cancellation and penalty exemption initiative until December 31, 2025. This extension provides a further opportunity for businesses to regularise their tax affairs and benefit from significant financial relief.

ZATCA on 21 March 2025, announced the 22nd wave of taxpayers for implementing integration (phase 2) of e-invoicing, which now includes taxpayers whose taxable revenues exceeded SAR 1.00 Million during the years 2022, 2023 or 2024.

As Saudi Arabia continues its journey towards economic diversification and tax modernisation, staying ahead of regulatory developments is crucial for businesses operating in the Kingdom. GT Saudi Arabia Tax Insights 2025 offers in-depth analysis and expert commentary on the latest tax changes introduced by the Zakat, Tax, and Customs Authority (ZATCA), as well as global tax trends that may impact the local business environment.

In a recent development, the Saudi Arabian Ministry of Finance has sanctioned a series of amendments to the income tax and Zakat regulations. These changes, published in the Official Gazette on September 12, 2023, are expected to substantially impact businesses operating in or with Saudi Arabia. Here, we delve into the nuances of these amendments and what they signify for the corporate sector.

Value Added Tax (VAT) is a relatively new introduction to the Saudi Arabian economy. Before it was implemented in 2018, Saudi Arabia was among a minority of countries in the world without any VAT system. Within this club were several of the Kingdom's neighbours, including the UAE, Bahrain, Oman, Kuwait, and Qatar. In the year 2016, a ground-breaking agreement was reached by all six nations of the GCC. The Common VAT Agreement promised to usher in a new era with its 5% VAT rate. The purpose behind introducing VAT was to generate additional revenues for the GCC economies and diversify revenue sources. So far, this move has been considered an objective success.