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UAE to introduce sugar tax on drinks from 2026: Here’s what it means for residents

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From January 2026, the cost of sugary drinks in the UAE will depend on their sweetness level. The Ministry of Finance and the Federal Tax Authority (FTA) have announced a major change to the country’s excise tax system on sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs). Instead of the current flat 50% tax rate, a new tiered system will link tax per litre to the drink’s sugar content per 100ml; the more sugar, the higher the tax.

The move aims to curb sugar consumption, promote healthier choices, and encourage manufacturers to reduce sugar levels in their products. The UAE has one of the highest diabetes rates in the region, with over 20% of the adult population affected, according to recent health data.

What’s Changing?

Under the new model:

  • Drinks with lower sugar content will be taxed at a lower rate.
  • High-sugar beverages will face increased excise duties, making them more expensive for consumers.
  • The tax calculation will no longer be based on product type alone, but on its nutritional content.

This approach, officials say, gives consumers clearer information about what they’re drinking while pushing manufacturers toward healthier formulations.

Why It Matters

The policy shift is part of the UAE’s wider strategy to improve public health and reduce the burden of lifestyle diseases like obesity and Type 2 diabetes. It also aligns with Gulf-wide efforts to unify tax frameworks and use fiscal tools to drive better health outcomes.

“This enhanced model encourages manufacturers to reduce added sugars and empowers consumers to make informed dietary choices,” the Ministry of Finance said.

Authorities are giving businesses over a year to prepare for the changes, which will require updates to pricing, packaging, and supply chain systems. Awareness campaigns and more details will follow in the coming months.

How Will It Impact You?

For consumers, this means the price of your favourite soft drink, juice, or energy beverage may vary based on how much sugar it contains. Drinks with less sugar, or no sugar, are likely to become more competitively priced.

For example, if you reach for a full-sugar soda, expect to pay more than you would for a reduced-sugar or sugar-free version of the same brand.

Major producers such as Coca-Cola and PepsiCo are already adapting. In 2023, nearly 30% of Coca-Cola’s drinks sold in the UAE were low or zero-calorie, and 68% contained less than 100 calories per 355ml serving. Companies are now exploring sugar alternatives like stevia to maintain taste while reducing calories.

What’s Next?

The updated sugar tax model will come into effect in early 2026, pending the release of implementing legislation. Until then, businesses, importers, and retailers are being encouraged to prepare, with health authorities working closely with the tax authority to ensure a smooth transition.

While it’s unclear if the new rules will affect alcoholic drinks, the broader message is clear: the sweeter the drink, the higher the price tag, and that’s by design.

With over 35 years of experience in journalism, copywriting, and PR, Michael Gomes is a seasoned media professional deeply rooted in the UAE’s print and digital landscape.

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Canada Super 60 names Women’s Trophy after cricketing legend Mel Jones

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Canada’s pioneering cricket league, Canada Super 60, has announced that its inaugural Women’s Trophy will be named in honour of Mel Jones, the former Australian cricketer, respected broadcaster, and tireless advocate for women’s cricket.
Canada Super 60 is the world’s first-ever ten-over-a-side event to launch with both men’s and women’s competitions from its inaugural season. The league will be staged under the roof of the iconic BC Place in Vancouver, showcasing international stars alongside homegrown Canadian talent.

As part of its commitment to celebrating women’s cricket and inspiring future generations, Canada Super 60 will name the Women’s Trophy each year after an international women’s cricket legend. This tradition will not only create awareness but also honour trailblazers whose contributions have shaped the women’s game.

This year, the league has chosen Mel Jones—not only for her outstanding career in cricket and broadcasting, but also for her leadership off the field. Jones has been a leading voice for women’s cricket worldwide, and the ICC has widely recognized her efforts. She played a pivotal role in supporting Afghan women cricketers forced to flee their homeland after the Taliban takeover in 2021, helping coordinate their evacuation to Australia, providing resources, and co-founding the Pitch Our Future initiative to support their education and sporting careers. In recognition of these efforts, she was honoured with the prestigious MCC Spirit of Cricket Award in 2025.

Thanks to her advocacy and international coordination, many of these Afghan players found refuge abroad including two who are now living in Canada, following the Canadian government’s support for their refugee applications. This aligns with the Canada Super 60 vision of using cricket as a platform for opportunity and inclusion. Mel Jones on Receiving the Honour said “This honour from Canada Super 60 truly humbles me,” said Mel Jones. “To have the Women’s Trophy named after me is something very special. What excites me most is the vision behind this initiative creating more opportunities and visibility for women’s cricket, especially in associate nations. Platforms like Canada Super 60 will inspire and empower a new generation of players. My hope is that one day, a Canadian cricket legend will have this trophy named after them, as the women’s game continues to grow in this country.”

The Canada Super 60 Women’s Trophy will be presented at BC Place, Vancouver, during the inaugural edition of the tournament, taking place from October 8–13, 2025.

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Mosaic opens in Dubai, promising smarter marketing decisions for UAE businesses

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Mosaic, an integrated marketing agency, was officially launched in Dubai recently promising a new, more intentional approach to business growth for companies in the UAE. Led by Agency Director Shubhang Bhattacharya and Head of Digital Prasanna Venkat, Mosaic aims to buck a common market trend: businesses that start strong but struggle to scale.

Bhattacharya and Venkat have spent the last decade in the business setup space in Dubai, launching campaigns that helped countless businesses start. This experience has given them a clear vision for Mosaic. 

“So many businesses, no matter how long they’ve been around, try to handle marketing on their own and miss out on huge opportunities,” says Bhattacharya. “Making the right decisions at the right time is a make-or-break moment for any business. We give businesses the expertise to make marketing a cornerstone of their success, not just an afterthought.”

Mosaic’s philosophy centres on making “better decisions” rather than simply chasing bigger budgets. “We’ve seen too many businesses struggle with direction,” adds Venkat. “At Mosaic, our starting point is always the same: what actually creates value for the client, and how do we get there without overcomplicating it?”

Mosaic isn’t waiting around to make an impact. Since its soft launch in February 2025, the agency has already delivered serious results. That includes the “Employee to Entrepreneur” campaign, which pulled in over 23 million impressions, and the launch of the UAE’s first-ever mobile business setup initiative, the “Startup Wagon.” The team also proved its ability to tap into the culture with a simple, silly reel on the Coldplay concert trend that went on to get over 14 million views on Instagram.

The name “Mosaic” is a core tenet of the agency’s operational philosophy. It represents how the team works: bringing distinct, diverse perspectives together to create a result that is greater than the sum of its parts. 

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Pakistan’s Fly Jinnah airline to start direct flights from Lahore to Dubai

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Fly Jinnah, Pakistan’s low-cost carrier, has announced the launch of a new non-stop flight route connecting Lahore and Dubai. The service is scheduled to begin on October 29.

The new route will operate twice weekly, on Wednesdays and Sundays, linking Lahore’s Allama Iqbal International Airport (LHE) with Dubai International Airport (DXB).

This expansion marks Dubai as the second UAE destination in the airline’s Lahore network, which already includes flights to Sharjah. The carrier also operates flights to Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam, and Bahrain, utilising its fleet of six Airbus A320 aircraft.

The airline, founded in Karachi, is a joint venture focused on offering travellers the best value for money. This means you can expect a no-frills experience with all the essentials you need for a great trip.

Bookings for the new Dubai–Lahore flights are now available through Fly Jinnah’s official website (www.flyjinnah.com), call centre, and travel agencies.

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