Which Middle East country is best to start a business?

Selecting the best country in the Middle East to start a business can depend on various factors including the industry, market access, regulatory environment, and economic stability. However, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is widely regarded as one of the top destinations for starting a business in the region due to several reasons:

1. Business-Friendly Environment: The UAE, particularly Dubai and Abu Dhabi, has a highly business-friendly environment with robust infrastructure, a strategic geographic location for global trade, and a cosmopolitan workforce.
2. Ease of Doing Business: The UAE ranks highly in global ease of doing business indexes. It offers various free zones where businesses can be 100% foreign-owned, are exempt from taxes, and benefit from custom duty benefits.
3. Diverse Economy: While the UAE's economy was historically driven by oil, it has diversified significantly into sectors such as tourism, real estate, aviation, and financial services. This diversification reduces dependency on oil and offers multiple opportunities for business.
4. Political Stability: The UAE is one of the most politically stable countries in the Middle East, which is crucial for business confidence and investment.
5. Incentives for Investment: The government offers numerous incentives to attract foreign investment including tax breaks, no minimum capital requirement, and full repatriation of profits and capital.
6. Innovation and Technology Focus: The UAE is investing heavily in becoming a hub for technology and innovation, making it an appealing destination for tech startups and businesses involved in innovative industries.

However, it's important to consider specific business needs and conduct thorough market research. Other countries like Israel, known for its vibrant tech startup ecosystem, and Saudi Arabia, with its large domestic market and ongoing economic reforms under Vision 2030, also offer substantial business opportunities depending on the sector and business model. Each country has unique advantages and challenges, and the best choice depends on the specific dynamics of the business you intend to start.