The UAE Ministry of Finance has extended the corporate tax Small Business Relief regime through 31 December 2029 under Ministerial Decision No. 131 of 2026. Resident businesses with annual revenue up to AED 3 million remain eligible for nil taxable income treatment. Businesses electing the relief must still register with the Federal Tax Authority and file annual returns.
The UAE Federal Tax Authority has warned businesses to prepare for the nationwide mandatory e-invoicing framework. Companies with annual revenues of AED 50 million or more must appoint an Accredited Service Provider by October 30, 2026. Entities earning under AED 50 million face a deadline of March 31, 2027, with penalties anticipated for non-compliance.
The UAE Ministry of Finance has updated the scope of Economic Substance Regulations under Cabinet Decision No. 98 of 2024. Companies are no longer required to file annual ESR notifications or reports for financial years ending after December 31, 2022. Free zone businesses seeking a 0% corporate tax rate must still demonstrate adequate substance.
The Arab Monetary Fund stated that artificial intelligence can assist Arab governments in improving tax collection and strengthening public finances, provided robust governance frameworks are in place. The assessment was presented in Abu Dhabi during the 17th Ordinary Session of the Council of Arab Finance Ministers alongside the fund's Golden Jubilee. Regional finance leaders examined fiscal policies, AI integration in revenue administration, and resilience to geopolitical volatility.
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