UAE MoF Financial Legislation

UAE Ministerial Decision on Federal Economic Policies and Surplus Management

The UAE Ministry of Finance issued a ministerial decision establishing the regulatory framework for federal economic policies. The document addresses the management of surplus funds from federal entities, establishing procedures for allocation and banking arrangements. Key financial reference details include BIC Code 8888 and IBAN AE698860001000105000081 for Ministry of Finance surplus accounts.

Ministerial Decision Approves Federal Economic Policy Implementation System

The UAE Ministry of Finance has issued a ministerial decision approving the unified Economic Policy Implementation System (FMIS - Federal Management Information System), establishing standardized financial management procedures for federal entities. The decision, referenced through Federal Decree Law No. 26 of 2019 on economic policy regulation, sets out comprehensive implementation requirements including reporting mechanisms, financial compliance controls, accounting procedures, and audit provisions applicable to all federal government bodies. The system formalizes the FMIS framework for surplus management, payment processing, accounting operations, and institutional coordination across the federal government.

Exempting International Sports Entities from UAE Corporate Tax

The UAE Cabinet issued Decision No. 1 of 2026 exempting qualifying International Sports Entities, Sports Entities, and Ancillary Entities from Corporate Tax under Federal Decree-Law No. 47 of 2022. The exemption applies to entities recognized by the Ministry of Sports or Competent Authority that meet conditions including exclusive use of income for sports objectives and no distribution to personal shareholders.

UAE Ministerial Decision 24/2026 on R&D Tax Credit Implementation

The UAE Ministry of Finance has issued Ministerial Decision No. 24 of 2026, which operationalises the R&D Tax Credit framework established under Cabinet Decision No. 215 of 2025. The decision sets out a three-tier credit structure with rates of 15%, 35%, and 50% applied to qualifying R&D expenditure, subject to minimum R&D staff thresholds ranging from 2 to 14 full-time equivalents and expenditure limits between AED 1 million and AED 5 million per entity or tax group per tax period. Qualifying entities must obtain mandatory pre-approval from the Council for R&D projects, and the credit is non-refundable but may be carried forward against Corporate Tax and Top-up Tax liabilities.

Cabinet Decision No. 215 of 2025 on Research and Development Tax Credit

UAE Cabinet Decision No. 215 of 2025 establishes a new R&D Tax Credit framework under Federal Decree-Law No. 47 of 2022 on the Taxation of Corporations and Businesses. Qualifying Entities (juridical persons engaged in qualifying R&D activities and subject to Corporate Tax and/or Top-up Tax) may claim tax credits against their Qualifying R&D Expenditure, which includes staff costs, consumable costs, subcontracting fees, and arm's length cost contributions. Entities must obtain pre-approval from the Emirates Research and Development Council and meet minimum employee thresholds specified by the Minister. Cabinet Decision No. 142 of 2024 is referenced as related legislation governing Top-up Tax aspects.

Ministerial Decision 336 Designates VARA as Competent Authority for Corporate Tax Qualifying Activities

The UAE Ministry of Finance issued Ministerial Decision 336 of 2025 designating the Dubai Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA) as the Competent Authority for corporate tax purposes related to qualifying activities of Wealth and Investment Management Services and Fund Management Services. This designation applies to entities operating under Dubai Law No. 4 of 2022 regulating virtual assets.