The UAE Federal Tax Authority (FTA) shared a detailed update on its latest regulatory and operational work during its third annual Strategic Partners Forum 2025, held in Dubai. The forum reflected the UAE’s continued shift toward a tax system that relies on digital delivery, clear processes, and closer coordination with both government entities and private-sector partners.
Khalid Ali Al Bustani, Director-General of the FTA, said 2025 included major steps to improve tax systems and service delivery. The focus has been on reducing unnecessary steps, improving internal operations, and expanding digital services that make it easier for businesses to complete tax requirements.
Partnerships That Support Implementation and Business Awareness
Al Bustani said the FTA has built a broad network of partners since its establishment, helping businesses understand tax obligations and apply them correctly. The Authority has signed more than 55 Memoranda of Understanding with government and private entities. These agreements cover data exchange, electronic integration, audit coordination, awareness activities, and operational cooperation.
The FTA said these partnerships supported faster services, fewer compliance hurdles, and better preparation across the business sector as tax requirements continue to grow.
EmaraTax and the “Zero Bureaucracy” Program
As part of its digital service program, the FTA approved 100 new processes under the “Zero Bureaucracy” initiative through the EmaraTax platform. Most of these processes have already been completed, with the remaining ones still being implemented.
The FTA also received the “Zero Government Bureaucracy Award” in its first edition under the category “Impact on the Business Sector.” The UAE ranked first globally in indicators related to taxation, reduced bureaucracy, and tax evasion control.
EmaraTax has become the main channel for tax services, receiving and processing thousands of requests every day. The platform reduced administrative workload for companies and made tax compliance steps more straightforward.
Registration and Filing Figures
During the forum, the FTA reported:
- More than 680,000 entities registered for Corporate Tax
- More than 520,000 registered under VAT
- Hundreds of thousands of tax returns and annual declarations processed within legal deadlines
The Authority linked these figures to stronger tax awareness, simpler digital procedures, and continued communication with taxpayers through multiple support channels.
Public Services and Workforce Development
The FTA also reported continued improvements to its VAT refund service for UAE citizens building new homes, completing more than 44,000 refund transactions during the past period.
On the internal side, the Authority said it expanded staff training programs, reaching 100% employee participation over the past year.
Next Regulatory Steps
The FTA said it is preparing for the next phase of work, which includes:
- A new excise tax calculation method for sweetened beverages, linking the tax to sugar content
- An e-invoicing project in partnership with the Ministry of Finance, supporting automated filing and simpler procedures
- Preparations for the minimum top-up tax, aligned with OECD rules and global tax standards
What This Means for Businesses
The forum’s update suggests the UAE tax system has moved beyond early implementation and is now running at a stable level. Tax procedures are clearer, digital services are more widely used, and businesses have a defined framework to manage compliance with fewer disruptions.
In this environment, Absher Business supports companies and entrepreneurs by helping them understand tax requirements, complete registration, manage compliance tasks, and connect tax readiness with operating and expansion plans.
Summary
Honoring strategic partners reflected the role of coordination and digital systems in the UAE tax model. The next phase introduces new tools and requirements, making tax readiness an essential part of business planning in the UAE.
