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UAE VAT Credits Expiring in 2026: Last Chance to Claim VAT Refunds Before 31 December

Unused UAE VAT credits from 2018 to 2021 may permanently expire after 31 December 2026 under new UAE VAT law amendments. Businesses carrying forward excess input VAT balances must review their EmaraTax records, file VAT refund claims, or offset credits against liabilities before the applicable deadlines to avoid irreversible loss of recoverable tax.

Mahesh Maddu

May 27, 2026

VARA Derivatives Rules 2026: UAE Crypto Futures, Perpetuals & Options Framework Explained

Dubai’s VARA Exchange Services Rulebook V2.1 introduced a formal regulatory framework for crypto derivatives in 2026. Licensed UAE virtual asset exchanges can now offer futures, options, CFDs, and perpetual contracts under strict compliance rules. The framework includes retail suitability checks, leverage controls, disclosure obligations, and risk management requirements, positioning Dubai as one of the world’s leading regulated jurisdictions for virtual asset derivatives trading.

Mahesh Maddu

May 27, 2026

UAE Single-Use Plastics Ban 2026: What Businesses in F&B, Retail, and Hospitality Must Do Now

The UAE Single-Use Plastics Ban will expand from January 2026, introducing stricter restrictions on disposable plastic products across the food service, hospitality, retail, and delivery sectors. Businesses using plastic cups, cutlery, plates, straws, or Styrofoam containers must transition to compliant alternatives or risk fines and enforcement action under the UAE’s growing sustainability regulations.

Mahesh Maddu

May 27, 2026

UAE R&D Tax Credits 2026: 30 to 50 Percent Relief on Innovation Spending Explained

The UAE is strengthening its position as a global innovation hub through the new UAE R&D Tax Credits framework under the Corporate Tax regime. Eligible businesses may claim tax credits of 30 to 50 percent on qualifying research and development expenditure, alongside full deductibility of R&D costs. In addition, qualifying Intellectual Property income such as patent royalties and copyrighted software may benefit from a 0 percent Corporate Tax rate under the UAE patent box regime. Together, these incentives significantly reduce the cost of innovation and encourage businesses to conduct genuine R&D activities within the UAE.

Mahesh Maddu

May 27, 2026

UAE Anti-Abuse Rule (GAAR) 2026: How the FTA Is Targeting Artificial Tax Structures

The UAE anti abuse rule under Article 50 of the UAE Corporate Tax Law gives the Federal Tax Authority (FTA) broad powers to challenge artificial tax arrangements that lack genuine commercial substance. As UAE corporate tax enforcement intensifies in 2026, the General Anti-Abuse Rule (GAAR) is becoming a major focus area during FTA audits and tax reviews. The rule targets arrangements designed mainly to obtain a tax advantage, including artificial business splitting, intercompany profit shifting, and structures created only to access corporate tax reliefs or exemptions. Businesses operating in the UAE should now ensure that every part of their structure has clear commercial rationale, genuine economic activity, and proper documentation.

Mahesh Maddu

May 25, 2026

UAE FTA Voluntary Disclosure 2026: Why Acting Early Can Reduce Tax Penalties

A UAE FTA voluntary disclosure allows businesses to correct tax errors before the Federal Tax Authority discovers them during an audit. In 2026, voluntary disclosure has become far more important due to rising FTA inspections, active Corporate Tax audits, and the revised penalty rules introduced under Cabinet Decision No. 129 of 2025. Businesses that identify and correct mistakes early can often reduce penalties, limit interest exposure, and improve their audit position. Once the FTA issues an audit notification for a specific tax period, the opportunity for lower-cost correction may no longer be available.

Mahesh Maddu

May 25, 2026