UAE Issues Decree-Law Imposing a Corporate Tax

The building of the Ministry of Finance in Abu Dhabi (WAM)
The building of the Ministry of Finance in Abu Dhabi (WAM)
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UAE Issues Decree-Law Imposing a Corporate Tax

The building of the Ministry of Finance in Abu Dhabi (WAM)
The building of the Ministry of Finance in Abu Dhabi (WAM)

The United Arab Emirates has issued a decree-law imposing a corporate tax at a 9 percent rate for taxable business income exceeding 375,000 dirhams ($102,000).

The tax will apply to all firms from June. 1 next year.

The UAE’s Ministry of Finance confirmed the Federal Decree-Law on Taxation of Corporations and Businesses is an important milestone in building an integrated tax regime that supports the strategic objectives of the UAE and enhances its global economic competitiveness.

The ministry said that the Corporate Tax “has been designed in line with global best practice to both promote investment and ensure the principles included in the law are widely accepted and understood.”

Profits up to and including the $102,000 threshold will be taxed at a 0 percent rate to support small businesses and start-ups.

The 9 percent standard rate ensures that the Corporate Tax regime is among the most competitive in the world and will strengthen the UAE’s position as a global business and financial center.

There are exemptions to the Corporate Tax.

Natural resource extraction activities in the country are exempt from Corporate Tax; however, they remain subject to existing local emirate-level taxation.

Other exemptions are available to organizations such as government entities, pension funds, investment funds, and public benefit organizations.

In recognition of the fundamental role of free trade zones in driving the nation’s economic transformation, the existing free zone entities will be eligible to benefit from a 0 percent Corporate Tax rate on qualifying income.

Under the provisions of the Corporate Tax Law, Corporate Tax will not be applied to salaries or other personal income from employment, whether it is earned from work in the government, semi-governmental or private sector.

Interest and other personal income earned from bank deposits or savings programs are also not subject to Corporate Tax, as well as investment in real estate by individuals in their personal capacity.



Saudi Business and Job Growth Hit 14-Year High

Riyadh, Saudi Arabia (AFP)
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia (AFP)
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Saudi Business and Job Growth Hit 14-Year High

Riyadh, Saudi Arabia (AFP)
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia (AFP)

Business conditions in Saudi Arabia’s non-oil private sector improved notably in June, driven by a marked rise in customer demand and expanded production, according to the latest Riyad Bank Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) data.

New business volumes surged, fueling the fastest pace of employment growth since May 2011. This strong demand for workers pushed wage costs to record highs, adding pressure on overall expenses and contributing to a fresh increase in output prices.

The headline PMI climbed to 57.2 in June from 55.8 in May - its highest level in three months and slightly above the long-term average of 56.9. The reading signaled a robust improvement in the health of the non-oil private sector economy.

Companies reported another rise in new orders last month, with growth accelerating following a recent low in April. Many firms cited gaining new clients, alongside improved marketing efforts and stronger demand conditions. Domestic sales were the main driver of the increase, while export sales edged up slightly.

Purchasing Activity Expands

Production continued to expand through the end of Q2, although growth slowed to a 10-month low. Purchasing activity picked up sharply as companies sought to secure additional inputs to meet rising demand, with the pace of purchase growth reaching its fastest in two years.

Employment growth accelerated as businesses rapidly expanded their workforce to keep pace with incoming orders, pushing hiring to the highest level since mid-2011. This strong recruitment trend, which began early in 2025, was largely driven by a rising need for skilled workers, prompting companies to increase salary offers. Consequently, overall wage costs rose at the fastest rate since the PMI survey started in 2009.

Facing mounting cost pressures from higher raw material prices, firms raised their selling prices sharply in June , the biggest increase since late 2023, reversing declines recorded in two of the previous three months. This price hike largely reflected the passing of higher operating costs onto customers, although some companies opted for competitive pricing strategies by cutting prices.

Resilient Economic Outlook

Looking ahead, non-oil private sector firms remained confident about business activity over the next 12 months. Optimism hit a two-year high, supported by resilient domestic economic conditions, strong demand, and improved sales. Supply-side conditions also showed positive momentum, with another strong improvement in supplier performance.

Dr. Naif Alghaith, Chief Economist at Riyad Bank, said: “Future expectations among non-oil companies remain very positive. Business confidence reached its highest level in two years, underpinned by strong order inflows and improving local economic conditions.”

He added: “However, cost pressures became more pronounced in June, with wage growth hitting record levels as companies compete to retain talent. Purchasing prices also rose at the fastest pace since February, partly driven by increased demand and geopolitical risks. Despite these challenges, companies broadly raised selling prices to recover from May’s declines, reflecting an improved ability to pass higher costs onto customers.”