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Grant Thornton UAE's Partner Insights series brings together the experience and expertise of our leadership team through a collection of short videos. Across a range of sectors and service lines, our partners share valuable perspectives on market developments, business challenges, emerging opportunities and the issues that matter most to organisations today.
Many businesses assume that Free Zones and Designated Zones have the same meaning across all UAE tax laws, but this is not the case. The FTA's Public Clarification TAXP010 brings together the definitions used under Corporate Tax, VAT and Excise Tax legislation, clarifying where they align and where they differ. This article explores the key takeaways and the practical implications for businesses operating in UAE free zones, including the need to evaluate their status independently under each tax regime.
Generative AI is becoming a key driver of business growth and customer engagement, yet many private companies remain behind larger organisations in adoption. This article examines the opportunities and challenges of AI adoption in the UAE, where businesses are increasingly leveraging AI to enhance personalisation, improve operational efficiency and support digital transformation strategies.
Grant Thornton UAE and Avalara hosted an insightful webinar on the evolving e-invoicing landscape and how businesses can prepare for the UAE’s upcoming mandate. Find out more by watching the recording available below:
In our May 2025 edition of GT’s regional monthly Tax Newsletter, we provide the latest Tax news updates affecting International Tax, Corporate Tax, Transfer Pricing, and Indirect Taxes in the UAE and across the Middle East region.
This second installment in our three-part series examines the crucial impact of effective complaints handling on Licensed Financial Institutions (LFIs). We aim to provide valuable insights into conduct risk management and how LFIs can strengthen their control frameworks to meet the Central Bank of the UAE (CBUAE)’s Consumer Protection Regulation and Standards. GT UAE offers expertise in navigating the evolving regulatory landscape and the complexities of maintaining ethical standards while addressing consumer protection and market conduct risks.
The Ministry of Finance has announced significant updates to the existing Cabinet Decision in relation to Qualifying Investment Funds and Qualifying Limited Partnerships, with the release of Cabinet Decision No. 34 of 2025 which has replaced Cabinet Decision No. 81 of 2023.
In our April 2025 edition of GT’s regional monthly Tax Newsletter, we provide the latest Tax news updates affecting International Tax, Corporate Tax, Transfer Pricing, and Indirect Taxes in the UAE and across the Middle East region.
The transfer pricing provisions in the UAE Corporate tax law impose an obligation on UAE taxpayers to determine the pricing of related party transactions in accordance with the Arms’ Length Principle (‘ALP’). Failure to comply with the ALP will warrant Transfer Pricing (‘TP’) adjustments.
The UAE’s financial sector is evolving with a focus on consumer protection, market conduct, and ethical practices, driven by innovation and sustainability. Key advancements include the rise of digital banking, fostering a cashless society and greater convenience. Retail lending has increased, boosting profitability, while fintech solutions enhance financial inclusion. CBUAE Consumer Protection Regulations & Standards emphasize integrating conduct risk management in financial institutions to ensure fairness, transparency, and accountability. Further, with the launch of the CBUAE’s Ombudsman “Sanadak” highlights the importance of consumer protection, market conduct and the importance of effective complaints handling. Institutions that neglect conduct risk may face regulatory and reputational issues, while those adopting strong market conduct frameworks can build resilience, consumer trust, and competitiveness. Read the full article to learn more.
Over the past six years, Grant Thornton UAE has tracked the progress of women in leadership across mid-market companies, multinational corporations, and the public sector. ‘Women in Business 2025’ highlights notable advances in female representation at senior levels, while also identifying the structural, cultural, and regulatory shifts driving change.
In our March 2025 edition of GT’s regional monthly Tax Newsletter, we provide the latest Tax news updates affecting International Tax, Corporate Tax, Transfer Pricing, and Indirect Taxes in the UAE and across the Middle East region.
The UAE Federal Tax Authority (FTA) has issued Public Clarification VATP040, which provides further guidance regarding specific amendments introduced by Cabinet Decision No. 100 of 2024 to the UAE VAT Executive Regulations. This alert does not encompass all amendments; rather, it focuses on the key clarifications issued by the FTA that present new interpretations or significant updates beyond prior knowledge. Read the article to learn more:
Understanding the Central Bank of UAE's Fitness and Propriety Regulation and Standards The Regulation and Standards align with international standard setters and global best practices, reflecting the UAE’s commitment to maintaining and growing a globally competitive financial sector. By adhering to these standards, financial institutions in the UAE can enhance their reputation and credibility on the international stage.
The GCC region is undergoing a major digital transformation in tax administration, with e-invoicing systems leading the way and the UAE is at the forefront of this change. Recently, the Ministry of Finance (MoF) released a Public Consultation paper on e-invoicing, with Grant Thornton actively participating to provide valuable feedback.
On 3 March 2025, the Federal Tax Authority (‘FTA’) published FTA Decision No. 2 of 2025 on FTA Policy for Issuance of Clarifications and Directives (‘Decision’). This Decision is effective from 1 March 2025. In Section IV (3) of the Decision, a mechanism was provided for issuing directives through unilateral Advance Pricing Agreements (‘APAs’).
We hosted an insightful webinar on tax governance and risk management in the evolving UAE tax landscape. Our session covered critical topics such as tax governance frameworks, strategic tax policy development, compliance and reporting, transfer pricing, and VAT procedures. Attendees had the opportunity to engage with experts during our interactive Q&A session, equipping them with the knowledge and strategies needed to navigate the complexities of the new tax era.
The Women in Business project has explored what helps, and what hinders, women in the workplace through a period that’s offered plenty of challenge. Global mid-market companies have navigated the financial crisis of 2007-08, worked through the pandemic and currently contend with the impact of geopolitical tension and conflict.
The National In-Country Value (ICV) Program is a UAE government initiative aimed at generating economic benefits through redirecting government procurement expenditures and those of leading national companies to the UAE economy through the industrial and services sectors. It encompasses the total amount spent within the country on manufacturing, local products and services, and other national investments.