Lebanon

Policy & Legal Updates

Eptalex Chairman Discusses UAE Corporate Tax, Transfer Pricing, and Cross-Border Structuring Trends

In an interview with International Tax Review following the IFLR/ITR Middle East Awards 2026, Eptalex Global Chairman Ramy Torbey detailed major tax trends across the region. Torbey noted that the introduction of UAE corporate tax and free zone qualifying income rules has turned transfer pricing into a Gulf-wide compliance issue. He highlighted growing demand for restructuring cross-border family wealth and intercompany arrangements using Abu Dhabi Global Market and Dubai International Financial Centre foundations.

Middle East Travel Alerts

Major Governments Reissue Level 4 Do Not Travel Advisories for Lebanon

The United States Embassy in Beirut and the U.S. Department of State have reaffirmed a Level 4 'Do Not Travel' advisory for Lebanon, updated on October 23, 2026. The updated guidance cites heightened security risks, including potential armed attacks linked to Iranian-backed Houthi forces and broader regional instability. Officials emphasized that the U.S. government maintains very limited capacity to provide emergency consular assistance inside the country.

Middle East Travel Alerts

US Lifts Decades-Old Flight Restrictions Governing Direct Air Links With Lebanon

The United States has revoked presidential determinations dating back to 1985 that restricted flights between the US and Lebanon. US President Donald Trump signed the order, directing transportation authorities to remove regulatory bans immediately. Lebanese officials welcomed the decision, though direct commercial flights will not resume right away.

Middle East Travel Alerts

UAE to open electronic visa centre in Beirut next month

The UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced the upcoming opening of an electronic visa centre in Beirut next month. The facility will enable applicants in Lebanon to complete all UAE visa procedures locally. The initiative aims to streamline documentation verification and travel processing for visitors, workers, and commercial delegates.