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FTA Conducts 103,680 Inspection Visits in Six Months, Up 21% AED 174 Million in Tax Liabilities and Administrative Penalties Associated with 8.5 Million Non-Compliant Excise Products Seized Across UAE Markets During First Half of 2026

Tue, 11 Aug 2026

FTA Conducts 103,680 Inspection Visits in Six Months, Up 21%

AED 174 Million in Tax Liabilities and Administrative Penalties Associated with 8.5 Million Non-Compliant Excise Products Seized Across UAE Markets During First Half of 2026

Abu Dhabi, 11August 2026: The Federal Tax Authority (FTA) conducted approximately 103,680 field inspection visits across local markets during the first six months of 2026, compared to approximately 86,000 inspection visits during the first half of last year, representing a 21% increase.

The inspections were conducted as part of the Authority’s regulatory efforts, in cooperation with the relevant entities, to enhance tax compliance, protect consumer rights, and combat tax evasion.

The Authority confirmed that, during the visits conducted across all emirates, its teams seized and confiscated 8.45 million non-compliant excise products during the first half of this year, compared to 17.6 million in the corresponding period in 2025.

The seizures included 6.58 million non-compliant packages of tobacco and tobacco products, compared to 15.8 million during the first half of last year. In addition, 1.87 million non-compliant packages of other excise goods, including carbonated drinks, energy drinks, and sweetened beverages, were seized, compared to 1.7 million packages seized during the first six months of 2025.

The Authority also issued 3,343 registration notices to persons who were not registered for Value Added Tax, compared to 2,845 notices issued during the same period last year.

His Excellency Abdulaziz Mohammed Al Mulla, Director General of the Federal Tax Authority, said: “The Authority continues its efforts to enhance market supervision and prevent smuggled products from entering the UAE’s markets. These efforts aim to maintain high levels of compliance with tax legislation and procedures, which clearly define the obligations of the Authority and taxable persons. The Authority is also fully committed to protecting consumers, combating commercial fraud, and preventing the trade of low-quality and counterfeit products that negatively affect quality of life.”

He added: “The close and ongoing cooperation between the Authority and its strategic partners from the relevant federal and local entities is a key factor in enhancing the efficiency, speed, and effectiveness of regulatory operations across all areas of the UAE. This is achieved through the exchange of information and the utilisation of the advanced capabilities available to the relevant entities, including qualified personnel, logistical support services, and monitoring and tracking systems that comply with international best practices.”

Sarah AlHabshi, Executive Director of the Tax Compliance Sector at the Federal Tax Authority, said: “The indicators confirm that the Authority’s inspection campaigns have delivered strong regulatory outcomes. The total value of tax dues and fines associated with the non-compliant goods seized during inspection visits conducted by the Authority’s inspection teams in the first six months of this year exceeded AED 174 million.”

She added that the inspections aim to ensure compliance with tax laws, particularly regarding the issuance of tax invoices for sales, the display of tax-inclusive prices, and the payment of tax due on products traded in the markets. The inspections also aim to identify cases of tax evasion and other violations of the applicable tax legislation.

Federal Tax Authority and Dubai Police Seize 3.5 Million Non-Compliant Excise Goods Packages

Tue, 11 Aug 2026

Federal Tax Authority and Dubai Police Seize 3.5 Million Non-Compliant Excise Goods Packages

Abu Dhabi, .. July 2026: The Federal Tax Authority (FTA) announced that inspection campaigns carried out in cooperation with the General Department of Criminal Investigation of Dubai Police during the first half of 2026 resulted in the seizure of 3,587,315 non-compliant packages of excise goods and the issuance of 59 seizure reports against several establishments and individuals. The campaigns formed part of the two entities’ joint efforts to enhance tax compliance and combat tax evasion. The total tax dues and penalties associated with the seized goods amounted to AED 82,064,198.
A joint meeting was held at the FTA’s premises in Dubai, attended by His Excellency Abdulaziz Al Mulla, Director General of the FTA; Sara Al Habshi, Executive Director of the Tax Compliance Sector at the FTA; and representatives from the Authority. Also in attendance were Colonel Dr. Saud Mohammed Al Khalidi, Assistant Director of the General Department of Criminal Investigation for Specialised Crimes Affairs, and officials from Dubai Police General Headquarters.
During the meeting, both parties reviewed the results of the inspection campaigns, their joint efforts, and performance indicators for inspection and monitoring activities resulting from their cooperation during the first half of the year. Attendees were also briefed on the latest developments in the joint efforts between the FTA and Dubai Police to combat tax evasion and identify administrative violations.
His Excellency affirmed that the strategic partnership with Dubai Police is one of the key pillars supporting the efficiency of the Authority’s tax control system. He praised the role of the joint teams in carrying out inspection campaigns and the results achieved in combating tax evasion and apprehending violators, thereby supporting compliance with tax legislation, preserving the competitiveness of the UAE’s business environment, and protecting legitimate businesses and companies.
He explained that cooperation between the FTA and Dubai Police, supported by the exchange of expertise and the use of modern technology in monitoring and inspection activities, contributes to improving the efficiency of oversight operations, strengthening the ability to detect violations, and taking legal action against perpetrators.
Both entities reaffirmed their continued cooperation in conducting monitoring and inspection campaigns and intensifying efforts to detect excise goods for which tax has not been paid. They will also continue to monitor taxable persons’ compliance with tax legislation and procedures across all transactions. These efforts contribute to raising tax compliance levels, enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of monitoring and inspection activities, and leveraging the capabilities and expertise of both entities to support the sustainability of the UAE tax system.
Additionally, Sara AlHabshi, Executive Director of the Tax Compliance Sector, affirmed that the Authority’s efforts to combat tax evasion are not limited to conducting monitoring and inspection campaigns, but also extend to strengthening community partnerships through the Raqeeb platform, which is dedicated to reporting cases of tax evasion.
The platform enables members of the public to contribute to supporting regulatory efforts aimed at protecting markets and public funds from tax evasion activities.
She added that the Authority is intensifying its monitoring efforts to ensure that all taxable persons comply with tax legislation and procedures across their various transactions. These efforts contribute to protecting consumers from the circulation of taxable products that do not meet the approved quality standards of the UAE market.
She also emphasised that effective communication and continuous coordination between the Authority and its partners are fundamental pillars in improving the efficiency of monitoring operations and enhancing the effectiveness of efforts to combat tax evasion and protect the market.
Notes to Editors:
The FTA was established pursuant to Federal Decree-Law No. (13) of 2016 with the objective of contributing to the implementation of the UAE’s economic diversification strategy and increasing non-oil revenues through the administration and collection of federal taxes in accordance with international best practices and standards. The Authority provides all necessary support and assistance to enable taxable persons to comply with tax laws and procedures governing their dealings with the Authority. Since its launch in 2017, the Authority has cooperated with relevant entities to establish a comprehensive and balanced tax system, making the UAE one of the first countries globally to implement a fully electronic tax system that encourages voluntary compliance through simplified and efficient procedures, starting from registration through to tax return submission and payment of due taxes via the Authority’s website: www.tax.gov.ae.

Number of Retail Outlets Connected to Digital Tourist VAT Refund System Reaches More Than 19,300

Wed, 05 Aug 2026

Number of Retail Outlets Connected to Digital Tourist VAT Refund System Reaches More Than 19,300

Abdulaziz Al Mulla: “The FTA is adopting ambitious plans to advance digital transformation and establish a pioneering, future-ready government experience.”

Expansion of platforms available through the Digital Tourist VAT Refund System for purchases made via e-commerce

Abu Dhabi, 5 August 2026: The Federal Tax Authority (FTA) has confirmed that the Digital Tourist VAT Refund System continues to expand across the UAE, delivering strong operational results during the first half of 2026.

The number of retail outlets registered with the Authority and electronically connected to the system rose by 5.9% to approximately 19,340 outlets by the end of June 2026, compared with 18,260 outlets at the end of the first half of 2025.

The FTA added that 449 retail outlets were connected to the system during the first six months of 2026, compared with 697 outlets during the same period last year. This brought the total number of outlets connected to the system over the past two and a half years to 2,983.

The number of self-service kiosks for tourist VAT refunds reached 100 by the end of the first half of 2026, compared with 93 at the end of the first half of 2025. This reflects the addition of seven kiosks, representing an annual increase of 7.5% between the end of June 2025 and the end of June 2026.

A total of 23 kiosks were added during the past two and a half years. These kiosks are available at various shopping centres and hotels, as well as at points of departure for tourists leaving the UAE.

His Excellency Abdulaziz Mohammed Al Mulla, Director General of the FTA, said: “The Authority is committed to the continuous development of its systems and services, including the Digital Tourist VAT Refund System. We continue to introduce new measures to enhance the process of registering retailers in the system by introducing new features that further simplify registration through a system that is considered the most advanced of its kind globally and operates through fully digital processes.”

He added: “Continuous enhancements to the system have further strengthened its performance. Within minutes, tourists can complete their transactions, receive a digital invoice and submit it directly through the system before leaving the UAE. They can also use one of the self-service kiosks available at all departure points covered by the system, as well as at numerous hotels and shopping centres, to complete their VAT refund process quickly and easily.”

His Excellency emphasised that the Authority is adopting ambitious plans to continue expanding its digital transformation efforts and delivering tax services in line with government directions aimed at continuously enhancing the efficiency and quality of services, fostering a business-friendly environment and establishing a pioneering, future-ready government experience.

The FTA noted that citizens from five countries accounted for the largest number of beneficiaries of the Tourist Tax Refund Service this year: India, the Russian Federation, Turkey, China and the United States of America.

The Authority added that the Tourist VAT Refund Service has undergone several developments in recent months to further improve the customer experience and enhance service efficiency.

The Noon e-commerce platform was incorporated into the system, enabling tourists to claim VAT refunds on eligible online purchases while they are in the UAE. This initiative is the first of its kind globally and forms part of the Federal Tax Authority’s plan, implemented in collaboration with Planet, the approved system operator, to expand the range of platforms and online retailers registered with the Authority and increase the categories of beneficiaries of this pioneering service.

The Authority also explained that the enhanced version of Planet’s smart application was launched during the current year. The application now supports 12 languages, including English, following the introduction of 11 additional languages.

This further improves accessibility to the service for a diverse international visitor base. The application also adopted the official UAE dirham symbol.

FTA Confirms Taxable Persons Eligible for the Small Business Relief Must Submit Simplified Corporate Tax Returns Within Prescribed Legal Deadline

Mon, 03 Aug 2026

FTA Confirms Taxable Persons Eligible for the Small Business Relief Must Submit Simplified Corporate Tax Returns Within Prescribed Legal Deadline

Abdulaziz Al Mulla: The FTA continues to enhance its services in line with international best practices, facilitating accurate and efficient tax compliance.

Corporate Tax registrants with a financial year ending on 31 December 2025 are urged to submit their tax returns by September 30 2026.

Abu Dhabi, 3 August 2026: The Federal Tax Authority (FTA) has emphasised that Taxable Persons eligible for the Small Business Relief must continue to fulfil all their obligations under the Corporate Tax Law for each tax period. These obligations include registering for Corporate Tax, submitting simplified tax returns, and maintaining all relevant records to support the accuracy of the information provided in their tax returns or any other documents required to be submitted. Such records enable the FTA to verify Revenue, Taxable Income and the eligibility for the Small Business Relief for Corporate Tax purposes.

The FTA called on Taxable Persons, and exempt persons required to register, to submit their Corporate Tax returns (or annual declarations) and pay any Corporate Tax due within nine months of the end of their respective tax period or financial year, as applicable.

The Authority stressed the importance of preparing early by gathering all documents required to complete Corporate Tax returns (or annual declarations) and ensuring that any Corporate Tax due is paid on time. This is a fundamental legal obligation that supports compliance with tax legislation. Early preparation also enables taxpayers to meet their obligations efficiently and avoid late-submission penalties and other non-compliance sanctions.

The FTA confirmed that taxpayers whose financial year ended on 31 December 2025 must submit their Corporate Tax returns and settle any Corporate Tax due no later than 30 September 2026. It further clarified that eligible businesses must elect to apply Small Business Relief through their Corporate Tax returns. Furthermore, eligibility for the relief does not remove the obligation to file a Corporate Tax return. Businesses that elect the relief benefit from a simplified tax return, thereby reducing the amount of information required to be submitted.

The Authority explained that Small Business Relief treats an eligible resident person as having earned no taxable income for Corporate Tax purposes if its revenue does not exceed AED 3 million for the relevant tax period and all previous tax periods. In order to demonstrate its eligibility to benefit from the Small Business Relief, the eligible Taxable Person must be able to provide evidence to the FTA confirming that its revenue has not exceeded the Small Business Relief threshold throughout the relevant tax periods.

His Excellency Abdulaziz Mohammed Al Mulla, Director General of the FTA, affirmed the Authority’s commitment to continuously enhancing its services in accordance with international best practices, providing comprehensive support to the business community, and facilitating compliance with tax legislation, including the Corporate Tax Law and its implementing procedures, with accuracy, efficiency, and ease.

He added that Corporate Tax registration, tax return submission, and payment of Corporate Tax due are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week through the EmaraTax digital tax services platform, which provides a clear, simple, and seamless filing process. Taxable persons may submit their returns directly through the platform or seek assistance from FTA-approved tax agents, whose details are available on the Authority's website.

The FTA noted that the records and supporting documents required to be retained and submitted in connection with a Corporate Tax return may vary depending on the nature of the taxpayer’s business activities. However, certain core records should be maintained, including, among others, records of transactions during the tax period, records of assets including details of acquisitions and disposals, records of liabilities, and records of shares or ownership interests held at the end of the tax period.

The Authority stressed the importance of reviewing the Corporate Tax Law, the relevant implementing decisions, and the guidance issued under the Law, which are available on the Federal Tax Authority's website: https://tax.gov.ae/en/default.aspx.

Federal Tax Authority Wins SAP Global Innovation Award for Implementing Corporate Tax through the EmaraTax Digital Platform

Thu, 30 Jul 2026

Federal Tax Authority Wins SAP Global InnoVATion Award for Implementing Corporate Tax through the EmaraTax Digital Platform
• The FTA received the highest rating among 182 global entities in the Services Superstar category
• Abdulaziz Al Mulla: We are implementing a comprehensive innoVATion strategy to achieve global leadership in tax procedures

Dubai, 30 July 2026: The Federal Tax Authority (FTA) has won the SAP Global InnoVATion Award 2026 in the Services Superstar category for its implementation of Corporate Tax through the EmaraTax digital tax services platform.
The FTA achieved the highest rating among 182 global entities that competed for the award, which recognises the acceleration of business outcomes through the effective use of SAP solutions. SAP is a leading global company specialising in innoVATive software solutions, enterprise applications, and AI-driven business technologies. This achievement reaffirms the FTA’s leadership in driving innoVATion and implementing best practices in the tax sector.
H.E. Abdulaziz Mohammed Al Mulla, Director General of the FTA, received the global award during a meeting with representatives of SAP at the Authority’s headquarters in Dubai, in the presence of Abdulla Al Bastaki, Chief Executive Officer of the Information Technology Sector at the FTA, along with several officials from the Authority and the award-granting company.
The FTA confirmed that this achievement underscores the pivotal role of the integrated EmaraTax platform, which was launched by the Authority more than three years ago and continues to evolve using the latest technologies in the tax field, in cooperation with Invenio, a global consulting and information technology solutions company.
The platform serves as a benchmark for enhancing of the quality and sustainability of customer services. It offers a wide range of diverse digital services, including the comprehensive Corporate Tax system, which now has more than 742,000 registrants, enabling taxpayers to manage their tax affairs with high levels of accuracy, speed, efficiency, and transparency.
His Excellency Abdulaziz Al Mulla, said: “Winning this important award is the result of the efforts of the FTA’s team and its continuous pursuit of operational excellence and innoVATion across all areas of work.”
He added: “The FTA is implementing a comprehensive innoVATion strategy aimed at achieving global leadership in tax procedures and continuously enhancing the services provided by the FTA to customers. This is achieved by maintaining an institutional environment that encourages innoVATion and supports the development of creative ideas, in line with government priorities and directions. The strategy contributes through various initiatives and effective procedures to accelerating service delivery, reducing requirements where possible, and introducing further facilitation measures that deliver tangible impact within shorter timeframes. It also supports the development of a future generation of proactive and integrated services, contributing to making UAE government services among the best globally.”
Abdulla Al Bastaki added: “Our receipt of this global award reflects the high quality of services provided to Corporate Tax taxable persons through the EmaraTax platform, supported by advanced technologies that are flexible, dynamic, and continuously scalable, delivering the highest levels of efficiency. This has strengthened customer confidence in the Corporate Tax system, enabling the processing of high-volume transactions with a success rate of up to 99.5%, and ensuring the accurate and efficient processing of large numbers of tax returns during peak periods. The system’s services are also integrated with relevant services provided by other government entities.”
Alan Hunt, CEO of Invenio, said: “This award demonstrates what can be achieved when vision, collaboration, and large-scale execution come together. We are extremely proud of our long-standing partnership with the FTA, through which we have contributed to providing a flexible and future-ready Corporate Tax platform that supports the UAE’s long-term growth.”
The FTA confirmed that the EmaraTax platform is undergoing continuous development and updates in line with its plans for ongoing service enhancement and expansion. Procedures related to Value Added Tax, Excise Tax, Corporate Tax, and other tax types can be completed through the platform using innoVATive solutions that enable customers to services seamlessly, anywhere at any time. These services include registration, submitting tax returns, settling tax liabilities, processing tax refunds for eligible categories, submitting reconsideration requests, and completing other tax procedures.
The Authority noted that winning the SAP Global InnoVATion Award is the result of the ongoing collaboration between the Federal Tax Authority, SAP, and Invenio, representing a successful model of public-priVATe sector partnerships within a high-performing institutional work environment.