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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.

Business

UAE jobs: Thousands of opportunities and internships on offer as Careers Festival returns to Ras Al Khamiah

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Jobseekers across the UAE will have the chance to connect with top employers and explore real career opportunities when the Ras Al Khaimah Jobs and Internships Festival (RAKJIF) returns on October 9. The one-day event at the RAK Exhibition Centre will feature on-the-spot interviews, internships, CV clinics, and personalised career guidance, making it one of the country’s fastest-growing career platforms for young talent and professionals alike.

Ras Al Khaimah is set to host its third edition of the Jobs & Internships Festival (RAKJIF) on Thursday, October 9, at the RAK Exhibition Centre, bringing together leading UAE employers and ambitious jobseekers.

Organised by the Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi Foundation for Policy Research, in partnership with the Investment and Development Office Ras Al Khaimah (IDO) and the Department of Human Resources, the festival has quickly grown into one of the UAE’s most trusted platforms for career development.

This year’s edition will feature employers across key industries, including banking, oil and gas, consulting, engineering, hospitality, and real estate, with opportunities for on-the-spot interviews, CV clinics, and personalised career guidance. More than 1,000 Emirati job seekers are expected to attend.

New for 2025 is the AI & Future of Work Forum, where international experts, business leaders, and policymakers will share insights on how artificial intelligence is reshaping recruitment, workplace culture, and the skills needed for the jobs of tomorrow.

The one-day event, running from 9am to 5pm, aims to serve as a hub for professional growth, networking, and talent development.

For more information or to register, employers and job seekers can visit www.alqasimifoundation.com/rakjif

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UAE urges businesses to file Corporate Tax returns on time to avoid fines

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The Federal Tax Authority (FTA) has reminded companies in the UAE to finalise their financial records, submit their Corporate Tax returns, and pay any tax due within the official deadlines to remain compliant with the law.

In a statement today, the FTA stressed that all Corporate Tax taxpayers, including exempt persons required to register, must file their returns (or annual declarations) and settle outstanding tax within nine months from the end of each tax period.

The Authority underlined that timely filing and payment are legal obligations, with non-compliance exposing businesses to fines and penalties for delays or non-submission.

To ensure smooth and accurate filing, the FTA advised companies to begin preparations early by compiling essential documents such as commercial licences, financial statements, and business activity details. Early readiness, it said, allows registrants to meet obligations “efficiently and on time.”

Highlighting its role in supporting businesses, the FTA stated that it remains committed to enhancing services in line with global best practices. Digital filing and payment can be completed via the EmaraTax platform, available 24/7, which offers “clarity, ease, and speed.”

The Authority also urged taxpayers to ensure that submissions are complete and accurate. Corporate Tax returns can be filed directly through EmaraTax or with the assistance of authorised tax agents listed on the FTA’s website.

Stakeholders seeking detailed guidance on Corporate Tax law, implementing decisions, and related regulations can access resources directly at tax.gov.ae.

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British millionaires eye UAE amid UK wealth tax fears

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Amid mounting concerns over a possible wealth tax in the UK, the UAE is increasingly being seen as a preferred relocation hub for British millionaires, ranking alongside established tax havens such as Monaco and Malta.

A new survey by consultancy Arton Capital found that nearly 60 per cent of British millionaires believe they could have a better life abroad, with more than half saying they would consider leaving the UK if Chancellor Rachel Reeves implements new wealth-based taxes.

The research, carried out among 1,009 wealthy UK residents with assets of at least £1 million, revealed that the UAE ranked fourth globally as a preferred relocation option. The United States topped the list (35 per cent), followed by Canada (33 per cent) and Australia (25 per cent), while 17 per cent of respondents named the UAE as their destination of choice.

Armand Arton, CEO of Arton Capital, said the findings show the UK is “at a tipping point” as the government considers new levies on high-value homes and global inheritance tax for non-domiciled individuals. “The uncertainty around the government’s proposed wealth tax mirrors the ongoing economic uncertainty seen around the world, from Trump’s tariffs to conflict in the Middle East,” he said.

“The longer that unpredictability persists, the greater the risk of losing capital, talent, and long-term investment to countries that offer greater security for individuals, families, and their futures.”

The UAE, which has consistently ranked as one of the world’s most attractive hubs for wealthy expatriates, continues to draw global high-net-worth individuals thanks to its tax-free environment, political stability, and investor-friendly policies.

According to the Henley Private Wealth Migration Report, the UK is expected to lose a record 16,500 millionaires in 2025, part of a broader global trend that could see 142,000 millionaires relocate this year alone.

Industry experts note that the UAE’s appeal has been bolstered by long-term residency programmes such as the Golden Visa, its diversified economy, and world-class lifestyle offering.

Dubai and Abu Dhabi, in particular, have cemented their status as safe havens for global wealth, attracting investors not only from Europe but also from Asia and Africa.

Meanwhile, more Conservative-leaning millionaires in Canada are also weighing the option of moving abroad compared to their Liberal counterparts, as the right-leaning party faces the prospect of losing a fourth consecutive election.

An Arton Capital Ltd. survey revealed that among Canadians with a net worth of at least C$1 million ($721,000), 34 per cent of Conservative voters said they are now more likely to leave the country than they were during the 2021 election, while 28 per cent said they are less likely.

The findings highlight the growing trend of wealthy Canadians reassessing their future in light of political and economic shifts, with affluent individuals increasingly considering relocation to jurisdictions that offer greater stability, lower taxation, and stronger wealth-preservation policies.

For the UAE, this presents another opportunity to position itself as the destination of choice for individuals seeking stability, growth, and long-term prosperity.

Source: Azertag/Bloomberg

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