James Mitchell
158 POSTS
James Mitchell covers business and markets for Gulf Times Now — company results, economic data, banking, real estate and the deals reshaping the GCC. He writes the numbers side of the Gulf economy: what a figure actually means for the companies and people behind it, rather than the headline it makes. His work runs across our Business and Markets sections.
Exclusive articles:
Kuwait’s New Mortgage Law Set to Transform Housing Finance and Boost the Economy
The Kuwait mortgage law 2026 lets banks provide housing finance for the first time, easing the housing crunch and opening a major new growth market for lenders.
UAE Freelance and Remote Work Visa 2026: Costs, Eligibility and How to Apply
A 2026 guide to the UAE freelance visa and Virtual Work Residence Visa: permit costs in AED, eligibility, income rules and exactly how to apply for each.
UAE Traffic Fines and Salik 2026: Complete Guide to Charges, Discounts and How to Pay
Your 2026 guide to UAE traffic fines: common charges in AED, black points, Salik dynamic toll pricing, discount campaigns and how to check and pay fast.
Dubai Property Market Q1 2026: AED 120 Billion in Transactions as Off-Plan Sales Hit All-Time Record
Dubai's real estate market recorded AED 120 billion in property transactions in Q1 2026 — a new quarterly record — as off-plan sales continued to dominate, prices per square foot in premium areas exceeded AED 3,000, and international investors from India, Russia, China, the UK and Europe maintained elevated purchasing activity.
Saudi Red Sea Project: Five Luxury Resorts Open as Kingdom Targets 150 Million Tourists by 2030
The Red Sea Project has opened five luxury resort properties on Saudi Arabia's virgin Red Sea coastline in 2026, marking the transition of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman's signature tourism development from construction to commercial operation and bringing AMAALA and Shura Island's world-class dive sites within reach of international visitors.
Breaking
Bahrain’s Good Conduct Certificate Costs One Dinar, Not Three
Bahrain's Good Conduct Certificate costs 1 BD and takes five working days, not the three dinars widely quoted. Fees, documents, and the rule for former residents.
The UAE Travel Ban Page Everyone Links To Does Not Exist
The ICP travel ban inquiry everyone links to returns a 404. Where the check actually lives in Abu Dhabi and Dubai, and what the 2022 cheque law changed.
Kuwait’s Police Certificate Lives in an App, and Closes When You Leave
Kuwait issues its police clearance as a Criminal Status Certificate through the Sahel app, and only to current residents aged 18 and over. The verified process.
Oman’s Police Certificate: Almost Every English Guide Names the Wrong One
The Royal Oman Police issues two certificates, not one, and expatriates cannot get the Good Conduct one. The real process, the real fees, and where guides go wrong.


