United Arab Emirates

Overview

Last reviewed - 24 July 2024

The United Arab Emirates (UAE), located in the southeast of the Arabian Peninsula, is bordered by the Persian Gulf to the north, Oman to the east, and Saudi Arabia to the south and west. It is a constitutional federation of seven Emirates: Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al-Quwain, Ras Al-Khaimah, and Fujairah. The federation was formally established on 2 December 1971, and the capital is Abu Dhabi. Arabic is the official language of the United Arab Emirates, with English widely spoken and used in business, and the currency is the United Arab Emirates dirham (AED).

The United Arab Emirates has a well-established infrastructure, stable political system, and one of the most liberal trade regimes in the Gulf region. It continues to be increasingly important, relevant, and attractive to businesses from around the world as a place to do business and as a hub for the region and beyond. The United Arab Emirates is also one of the best examples in the region of an economy that has successfully moved away from reliance on the energy sector. A significant proportion of the gross domestic product (GDP) is being derived from non-oil revenues.

PwC has been practising in the United Arab Emirates for over a quarter of a century, and specialises in audit, assurance, business advisory services, and tax and legal services. Complementing our depth of industry expertise and breadth of skills is our sound knowledge of the local business and regulatory environments across the Middle East.

Quick rates and dates

Corporate income tax (CIT) rates
Headline CIT rate (%)

9

Corporate income tax (CIT) due dates
CIT return due date

Under the UAE CT Law, all taxable persons are required to file a corporate tax return within nine months from the end of the relevant tax period.

CIT final payment due date

Under the UAE CT Law, all taxable persons are required to pay corporate tax within nine months from the end of the relevant tax period.

CIT estimated payment due dates

Under the UAE CT Law, there is no requirement of estimated/advance tax payments.

Personal income tax (PIT) rates
Headline PIT rate (%)

NA

Personal income tax (PIT) due dates
PIT return due date

NA

PIT final payment due date

NA

PIT estimated payment due dates

NA

Value-added tax (VAT) rates
Standard VAT rate (%)

5

Withholding tax (WHT) rates
WHT rates (%) (Dividends/Interest/Royalties)

0% WHT in case of certain categories of UAE-sourced income to be specified by way of a Cabinet decision.

Capital gains tax (CGT) rates
Headline corporate capital gains tax rate (%)

Same as UAE CT rates, where participation exemption is not available.

Headline individual capital gains tax rate (%)

NA

Net wealth/worth tax rates
Headline net wealth/worth tax rate (%)

NA

Inheritance and gift tax rates
Headline inheritance tax rate (%)

NA

Headline gift tax rate (%)

NA

NA stands for Not Applicable (i.e. the territory does not have the indicated tax or requirement)

NP stands for Not Provided (i.e. the information is not currently provided in this chart)

All information in this chart is up to date as of the 'Last reviewed' date on the corresponding territory Overview page. This chart has been prepared for general guidance on matters of interest only, and does not constitute professional advice. You should not act upon the information contained in this chart without obtaining specific professional advice. No representation or warranty (express or implied) is given as to the accuracy or completeness of the information contained in this chart, and, to the extent permitted by law, PwC does not accept or assume any liability, responsibility or duty of care for any consequences of you or anyone else acting, or refraining to act, in reliance on the information contained in this chart or for any decision based on it.