Abu Dhabi, Oct. 6 -- The United Arab Emirates (UAE) will introduce a new tiered excise tax on sugar-sweetened beverages from January 1, 2026, following the completion of legislative amendments by the Ministry of Finance.

The move aims to align the country's tax framework with Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) directives and international best practices while supporting public health and fiscal sustainability goals.

The updated policy adopts a tiered volumetric model, where tax rates will vary based on the sugar content or the use of other sweeteners in beverages. The amendments are designed to ensure the smooth national implementation of the policy, enhance tax efficiency, and foster a transparent and competitive business environment.

The...