Increasingly, international businesses are using the UAE as a regional base for the Middle East. In this case, it’s wise to reconsider whether operating companies, regional management functions and investments should all sit within the same entity, writes Scott Cairns, the Founder and Managing Director of Creation Business Consultants.

A company designed originally for a small commercial presence may not be the appropriate vehicle for a group now managing employees, assets and subsidiaries across several markets. For multinational groups seeking to contract with Saudi government entities, Saudi Arabia’s Regional Headquarters framework may also become an important structuring consideration, subject to the applicable rules and...