Dubai: Khalid Ali Al Bustani, Director-General of the Federal Tax Authority (FTA), announced that the Authority achieved several significant milestones in 2025, advancing its development plans and enhancing customer experience through innovative policies.
According to Emirates News Agency, Al Bustani, speaking at the third Strategic Partners Forum of the FTA in Dubai, emphasized the importance of collaboration with government and private sector partners in the continuous evolution of the UAE's tax ecosystem. This collaboration has played a crucial role in strengthening the FTA's efforts towards achieving national financial sustainability.
Al Bustani outlined the Authority's comprehensive plans to modernize systems and expand digital transformation. This includes the delivery of efficient, future-ready services via the EmaraTax platform. He expressed gratitude to the Authority's partners, revealing that over 55 memoranda of understanding have been signed with federal, local, and private entities. These agreements aim to enhance cooperation in areas such as data exchange, electronic integration, audit mechanisms, and tax awareness initiatives.
The FTA has approved 100 new zero-bureaucracy processes through EmaraTax, with most already implemented. These efforts led to the Authority securing first place in the Impact on the Business Sector category of the Zero Government Bureaucracy Award. The UAE also achieved top rankings globally in the Tax and Low Bureaucracy Index and the Tax Evasion Index.
There was a notable increase in corporate tax compliance in 2025, with more than 680,000 corporate tax registrants and over 520,000 VAT registrants. This growth is attributed to heightened tax awareness and streamlined digital procedures that facilitate round-the-clock service delivery.
Additionally, Al Bustani highlighted the completion of over 44,000 VAT refund transactions for citizens reclaiming VAT on new home construction, demonstrating ongoing enhancements in VAT refund services for housing.
The Authority remains committed to human capital development, with 100 percent of FTA employees participating in training and professional development programs throughout the year.
Looking forward, the FTA plans to implement a new excise tax calculation mechanism for sweetened beverages based on sugar content, aiming to promote healthier consumption patterns. Preparations are also underway, in cooperation with the Ministry of Finance, to introduce e-invoicing and the Domestic Minimum Top-up Tax in alignment with OECD standards.
During the forum, government and private sector partners were honored for their contributions to the Authority's pursuit of institutional excellence.