Bahrain Moves Closer to Introducing Corporate Income Tax: What Businesses Need to Know
Bahrain has taken a significant step toward reshaping its tax landscape by advancing a draft law that would introduce a broad-based corporate income tax. This development signals a major shift for businesses operating in Bahrain and reflects a wider regional move toward diversified government revenues and global tax alignment. According to recent updates, Bahrain’s Cabinet […]
FTA Releases New VAT Guide on the Profit Margin Scheme (VATGPM1)
The UAE Federal Tax Authority (FTA) has released a detailed Profit Margin Scheme Guide (VATGPM1), offering long-awaited clarity on how Value Added Tax (VAT) should be calculated on the resale of certain goods. This guide is a significant development for businesses involved in the trading, resale, or disposal of used assets and restricted goods. The […]
VAT Treatment for REITs in the UAE: A Practical Guide for Investors and Fund Managers
Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) play an increasingly important role in the UAE’s investment landscape. However, the VAT treatment of REIT activities is often misunderstood, particularly where different property types and services are involved. In the UAE, VAT treatment for a REIT is not determined by its legal form alone. Instead, it depends on the […]
UAE Corporate Tax Filing FY 2025: Deadlines, Compliance Risks & Free Zone vs Mainland Explained
The UAE Corporate Tax (CT) regime has officially moved beyond its introductory phase. FY 2025 marks the year where compliance maturity truly matters. Businesses that fail to align early with filing timelines, Federal Tax Authority (FTA) intimations, and accurate reporting frameworks face increased scrutiny, penalties, and operational disruption. This guide breaks down everything UAE businesses […]
UAE VAT Credits Are No Longer Evergreen, Act Before They Expire
For years, many UAE businesses treated unutilised VAT credits as a long-term balance carrying them forward indefinitely and waiting for the “right time” to claim a refund. That era has officially come to an end. From 1 January 2026, the Federal Tax Authority (FTA) has introduced a time limit on VAT credits, fundamentally changing how […]
UAE Federal Tax Authority Releases Excise Tax Guide (ETGP1): What Businesses Need to Know
The UAE Federal Tax Authority (FTA) has officially published the Excise Tax Guide (ETGP1) – Taxable Person Guide (Part 1), offering much-needed clarity on who qualifies as a taxable person under the Excise Tax regime and what registration and compliance obligations apply. This guide is a critical resource for businesses involved in the import, production, […]
FTA Issues Key Clarification on Excise Tax for Sweetened Drinks Effective 1 January 2026
The Federal Tax Authority (FTA) has issued a new Excise Tax Public Clarification (EXTP013), providing critical guidance on the tiered volumetric excise tax model for sweetened drinks, effective 1 January 2026. This clarification marks a significant shift in how excise tax on sweetened beverages will be calculated, reported, and audited in the UAE. Businesses involved […]
Transfer Pricing in the UAE: Why It’s Not Limited to Multinationals and Why Domestic Transactions Matter
Transfer Pricing in the UAE is no longer a niche compliance issue applicable only to multinational enterprises (MNEs). With the introduction of the UAE Corporate Tax regime, Transfer Pricing has become a critical consideration for local groups, family-owned businesses, and domestically operating companies as well. Many businesses still assume that Transfer Pricing rules apply only […]
UAE Double Tax Avoidance Agreements (DTAAs): How to Check, Access, and Use Official Treaty Documents
Double Tax Avoidance Agreements (DTAAs) are among the most critical instruments in international taxation, particularly for businesses, investors, and professionals operating in or through the UAE. With the UAE’s position as a global business hub, cross-border transactions, foreign investments, and international employment structures are increasingly common. In such cases, DTAAs play a vital role in […]
UAE Golden Visa Expansion 2025–2026: 8 New Professions Now Eligible for 10-Year Residency
The UAE has taken another major step forward in strengthening its long-term residency programme, officially expanding eligibility to 8 new professional categories. This development reinforces the nation’s vision of attracting world-class talent, supporting key economic sectors, and empowering high-impact individuals to build their careers and futures in the UAE. As the UAE continues its transition […]