Bring on the reforms Transformation in business set up and labour reforms was on top of the UAE and Gulf agenda in 2020. The Labour Reform Initiative (LRI) brought into action in Saudi Arabia under the National Transformation Program (NTP) has swung the focus back to shared services. This initiative has not only set a strong precedent for the future of workers in the Kingdom, but also carved a structured model for businesses looking to hire personnel. Similarly, there were two landmark moves in the UAE. * Allowing foreign investors to own local companies without the need for an Emirati sponsor will open doors for more FDI and greater business opportunities.