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UAE Introduces Up to 50% Tax Credit for Businesses: A Strategic Boost for Innovation

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  The United Arab Emirates continues to strengthen its position as a globally competitive business hub with the introduction of a new tax incentive framework that allows eligible businesses to claim up to 50% tax credits on qualifying activities. This development reflects a clear and forward-looking strategy by the government to accelerate innovation, support enterprise growth, and reinforce the country’s long-term economic resilience. This initiative is particularly relevant for businesses engaged in research, development, and innovation-driven operations. By reducing the effective corporate tax burden, the UAE is creating an environment where companies can reinvest capital into expansion, technology adoption, and operational efficiency. It also sends a strong signal to international investors that the UAE remains committed to maintaining a pro-business ecosystem aligned with global standards. From a strategic standpoint, this policy enhances the overall attractiveness of the UAE ...
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GCC Countries Accelerate Adoption of OECD Transfer Pricing Standards

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  The tax landscape across the Gulf Cooperation Council ( GCC) is undergoing rapid transformation as regional governments increasingly align their transfer pricing frameworks with internationally recognized OECD standards. This shift reflects the region’s broader move toward greater tax transparency, stronger compliance frameworks, and alignment with the global Base Erosion and Profit Shifting ( BEPS) initiative. Across key jurisdictions such as the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar , tax authorities are introducing stricter rules governing related- party transactions, requiring multinational groups to demonstrate that intra- group pricing complies with the OECD arm’s- length principle . Businesses are now expected to maintain comprehensive documentation, including Master Files, Local Files, and Country- by- Country reporting , to substantiate the pricing of intercompany transactions. In the United Arab Emirates , transfer pricing requirements have become a core element of the new Corpo...
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UAE Ministry of Finance Introduces Tiered Volumetric Excise Tax Model for Sweetened Beverages

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  The UAE Ministry of Finance has announced the introduction of a tiered volumetric excise tax model for sweetened beverages, marking a significant evolution in the country’s fiscal and public health framework. The reform represents a strategic shift from the existing flat-rate excise regime toward a more calibrated taxation structure aligned with sugar content and product composition. Under the new model, excise tax on sweetened beverages will be applied based on the volume of sugar per 100 milliliters, rather than a uniform percentage rate. This tiered mechanism is designed to incentivize manufacturers to reformulate products with lower sugar concentrations, while simultaneously supporting the UAE’s broader public health objectives aimed at reducing sugar consumption and lifestyle-related diseases. The decision reflects a policy alignment between fiscal sustainability and preventive healthcare. By introducing a volumetric structure, the Ministry is enhancing transparency and pr...
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AsiaBC Launches Incorporation & Market-Entry Hub in Dubai to Support Global Founders (Feb 2026)

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  In a strategic move reinforcing the UAE’s position as a global business gateway, Asia Business Centre (AsiaBC) has officially launched its first incorporation and market-entry advisory hub in Dubai. The expansion reflects rising demand from international founders and growth-stage companies seeking structured entry into the UAE and wider GCC region. Strategic Expansion into the UAE AsiaBC, a Hong Kong-based corporate advisory firm with a strong footprint in cross-border structuring and Asian market entry, is now positioning Dubai as a central node in its global advisory network. The Dubai hub is designed to provide end-to-end incorporation solutions aligned with regulatory, tax, and operational requirements in the Emirates. This development underscores Dubai’s increasing role as a preferred jurisdiction for global entrepreneurs seeking access to Middle Eastern, African, and South Asian markets. Scope of Services Offered The newly launched hub will provide integrated support...
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AE Introduces Corporate Tax Exemption for Sports Entities — Feb 2026

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  Key Policy Update The UAE government has enacted Cabinet Decision No. (1) of 2026 , issued under Federal Decree-Law No. 47 of 2022 (the Corporate Tax Law), which grants a full exemption from corporate tax to qualifying non-commercial sports organizations . This marks a significant fiscal and regulatory shift aimed at bolstering the national sports ecosystem and attracting international sporting bodies to operate in the country. Objective & Strategic Rationale Primary aim: Support sustainable development of the UAE’s sports sector and align with global best practices. Economic strategy: Enhance contribution of sports organizations to the UAE’s broader economic diversification goals and strengthen the Emirates’ position as a global sports hub. Mobility impact: Eases operational and labour cost structures, potentially improving athlete and administrative talent mobility. Who Qualifies for the Exemption To benefit from the tax exemption, entities must satisf...
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Excise Tax Compliance — Regulatory Overview

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 1. Definition and Purpose Excise Tax is an indirect tax levied on the import, manufacture, production, or release for consumption of specific goods that are deemed harmful to human health or the environment, or that require controlled consumption. Excise tax compliance ensures that such goods are properly declared, taxed, and monitored by the tax authority. From a regulatory standpoint, excise tax is both a revenue mechanism and a public policy control tool . 2. Goods Commonly Subject to Excise Tax While the scope varies by jurisdiction, excise tax typically applies to: Tobacco products Carbonated drinks and sweetened beverages Energy drinks Alcoholic beverages Electronic smoking devices and liquids Entities involved in manufacturing, importing, warehousing, or distributing such goods are generally within scope. 3. Registration and Licensing Requirements Businesses subject to excise tax are required to: Register with the tax authority as an excise taxpayer ...
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Ultimate Beneficial Owner (UBO) Filings

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 Enhancing Transparency and Regulatory Compliance Overview Ultimate Beneficial Owner (UBO) filings are a mandatory compliance requirement designed to identify the natural persons who ultimately own, control, or benefit from a legal entity . Regulators worldwide require UBO disclosure as part of global initiatives to strengthen corporate transparency, combat financial crime, and enhance anti-money laundering (AML) and counter-terrorist financing (CTF) frameworks. At Devenir Corporate Services , we support clients in managing UBO filings accurately and in line with applicable regulatory obligations, ensuring full compliance while maintaining confidentiality and governance integrity. Who Is Considered a UBO? A UBO is generally defined as an individual who: Directly or indirectly holds a significant ownership interest (commonly 25% or more, subject to jurisdiction) Exercises effective control or influence over the company’s management or decision-making Ultimately benefits fr...
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