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UAE Launches Phase 1 R&D Tax Incentives Programme - 50% Credit, AED 5M Cap

The UAE Ministry of Finance announced Phase 1 of its Research and Development Tax Incentives Programme on March 18, 2026. The programme offers a non-refundable R&D tax credit of up to 50% on qualifying expenditure capped at AED 5 million per business. The programme is designed to encourage private-sector investment in R&D and innovation while supporting the UAE's ambition to become a global hub for advanced industries and emerging technologies.

UAE Federal Budget Yearbook 2026 Launches

The UAE Ministry of Finance launched the Federal Budget Yearbook 2026 under the theme 'Investing in People Securing the Future.' The federal budget maintains fiscal balance with revenues and expenditures both at AED 92.4 billion, representing a 29% increase from the 2025 budget of AED 71.5 billion. Key allocations include AED 30.8 billion for public services, AED 16.9 billion for education, AED 5.7 billion for healthcare, and AED 3.7 billion for housing.

UAE Treasury Bonds AED 1.1B Auction Achieves 4.4x Oversubscription

The UAE Ministry of Finance announced successful completion of its March 2026 Treasury Bonds auction with AED 1.1 billion total issuance. Total bids reached AED 4.85 billion, representing a 4.4x oversubscription. Yields were set at 3.73% for the September 2027 tranche and 3.85% for the January 2031 tranche.

UAE Ministry of Finance Issues Electronic Invoicing Guidelines for National Rollout

The UAE Ministry of Finance has issued comprehensive Electronic Invoicing Guidelines establishing the foundational framework for the country's mandatory eInvoicing system. The guidelines define key terms, clarify scope and transaction types, outline a phased implementation timeline, and detail compliance requirements including penalties for non-compliance. All businesses operating in the UAE must prepare to issue, transmit, and store electronic invoices in accordance with the new requirements.

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.

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.

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

The UAE Ministry of Finance published Ministerial Decision 24/2026 implementing R&D Tax Credit rates under Cabinet Decision 215/2025. The decision establishes three-tier tax credit rates of 15%, 35%, and 50% based on qualifying R&D expenditure thresholds ranging from AED 1 million to AED 5 million, with minimum R&D staff requirements of 2, 6, and 14 FTE respectively per qualifying entity or tax group.

UAE Cabinet Decision 215 of 2025 on R&D Tax Credit

UAE Cabinet issued Decision No. 215 of 2025 establishing an R&D Tax Credit framework under Federal Decree-Law No. 47 of 2022 on Taxation of Corporations and Businesses. Qualifying entities engaged in R&D activities may claim tax credits against Corporate Tax and/or Top-up Tax liabilities. The decision defines qualifying entities, activities, and expenditure criteria, with credits calculated as a percentage of Qualifying R&D Expenditure.