The Gulf Cooperation Council (“GCC”) has been drawing workers from all over the world over the last 30 years as the number of member countries, and their business environments, has grown. Workers moving to GCC countries come from a variety of backgrounds; they range from highly skilled professionals to low-wage laborers. Many of these migrants have built substantial professional profiles for themselves, taking on senior roles at major enterprises, most of which have extensive connections to members of royal families, or ultra-high net worth merchant families with huge business interests and substantial political connections.

Clients seeking to make directorial appointments of individuals with extensive careers in the GCC, or invest in a firm led by such an individual, are advised to consider extensive due diligence to verify the individual’s bona fides, potential political connections, and involvement in adverse issues.

Due diligence in the GCC comes with its own challenges and difficulties. The region’s economic development has been dramatic, access to public records can be limited, and the media ecosystem leaves something to be desired. These limitations, along with the potential for sanctions-related issues and political exposure, make discreet source inquiries a valuable addition to any due diligence exercise conducted in the region.