Visa, a global payments leader, is reorganising its Middle East operations in response to Saudi Arabia's new requirement for foreign companies to establish regional headquarters in the Kingdom to qualify for government contracts. Traditionally, Dubai has been the preferred base for multinationals due to its business-friendly environment, but Saudi Arabia's policy is shifting the corporate landscape, prompting Visa and other firms to reconsider their regional structures.

Visa has adopted a dual-hub strategy, maintaining its established presence in Dubai while creating a new regional centre in Riyadh to comply with Saudi regulations. This approach allows Visa to retain access to both major markets, reflecting the broader trend of multinational companies balancing regulatory demands with operational efficiency and talent access.

Saudi Arabia's headquarters mandate is a key part of its economic diversification plan, aiming to transform the country into a global business hub and attract foreign investment. The move by Visa and other global firms signals growing competition among Gulf states for economic influence, and highlights the evolving intersection of policy, business strategy and regional mobility reforms.