Requests for legal advice have skyrocketed by more than 5,700% in Saudi Arabia since 2024, while in Kuwait they have increased by 1,832%, a new study has revealed.

In Qatar, demand for ‘legal support’ rose by 250% in the same period, and in the UAE by almost a third, according to the research by Dubai-based law firm Willow Tax & Legal. 

The company analysed Google searches in six Middle Eastern states: the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Qatar, Bahrain, and Kuwait.

There has also been an increase in tax-related inquiries. In Saudi Arabia, demand for a ‘tax consultant’ has risen by 133.33%. In Kuwait, there has been a 54.55% increase in requests for a ‘tax consultant’ and a 200% growth in inquiries for ‘tax advice.’ In Oman, the latter rose by 30%, while in the UAE—by more than 60%.

Alexey Myagchenkov, Partner at Willow Tax & Legal, explained that despite global and regional challenges, the UAE and other Gulf countries remain highly attractive jurisdictions for foreign businesses. This drives demand for law firms that could help to establish operations in the region. 

According to Maria Nikonova, Managing Partner at Willow Tax & Legal, the trend is also tied to recent regulatory changes across the Gulf. Over the last several years, many countries in the region have joined the global Pillar Two initiative. In addition, the UAE has introduced a corporate tax, tightened tax procedures, and started an e-invoicing pilot. These developments have increased the regulatory burden on businesses and driven demand for advisory services.

Nikonova says the trend is also tied to recent regulatory changes. Over the last several years, many countries in the region joined the global Pillar Two initiative. And The UAE alone introduced corporate tax, tightened tax procedures as well as started e-invoicing pilot. These developments have increased the regulatory burden on businesses and driven demand for advisory services.

The company has also seen an increase in searches for integrated services. For example, in Saudi Arabia, the amount of inquiries for ‘tax and legal’ expanded by 65% , in Qatar by 30%. 

“As regulations become increasingly sophisticated in the region, we often see clients successfully complete transactions from a legal standpoint while overlooking key tax considerations. As a result, they may miss out on available incentives or incur significant financial losses. Our goal is to help clients address these issues earlier by providing integrated advice,” Nokinova explained.   -TradeArabia News Service