UAE: Mandatory Health Insurance, Starting 1 January 2025

Khaleej Times, 17 December 2024: Starting 1 January 2025, employers in the Northern Emirates, including Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, Ras Al Khaimah, and Fujairah, will be mandated to provide health insurance for their employees as a condition for issuing or renewing residency permits.

This move aligns with similar policies already in place in Abu Dhabi and Dubai.

Although the Human Resources and Emiratisation Ministry has not explicitly stated it, industry experts anticipate that the mandatory insurance scheme will eventually extend to employees’ family members.

This would require employees to secure health insurance for their dependents, similar to the existing requirements in Dubai and Abu Dhabi.

The basic health insurance package, starting at Dh320 per year, is designed to be affordable and accessible. It covers individuals aged one to 64, with no waiting period for those with chronic illnesses.

The plan includes a 20% co-payment for inpatient care, with a maximum of Dh500 per visit and an annual cap of Dh1,000.

Outpatient care requires a 25% co-payment, capped at Dh100 per visit, with no co-payment for follow-up visits within seven days. Medication co-payments are capped at 30%, with an annual limit of Dh1,500.

Industry leaders highlight the affordability and competitiveness of the Dh320 package, emphasising its role in expanding healthcare access and aligning with the UAE’s goal of universal health insurance coverage.

However, they advise sponsors to evaluate whether the basic plan meets their family’s comprehensive healthcare needs.

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UAE: Launches World’s First VAT Refund System for E-Commerce Tourists

Khaleej Times, 16 December 2024: The Federal Tax Authority (FTA) has unveiled a groundbreaking VAT refund system for e-commerce retail purchases made by tourists during their stay in the UAE, marking a world-first initiative.

This innovative system, developed in partnership with Planet, the authorised operator, is part of the FTA’s strategy to embrace proactive solutions through innovation and digital transformation.

The new system integrates platforms and e-commerce retailers registered with the Authority into the ‘VAT Refund for Tourists on E-Commerce Purchases’ program.

This initiative builds on the success of a fully digital VAT refund system launched over two years ago, which has been continuously updated to remain entirely paperless.

Tourists can now enjoy a seamless shopping experience, easily scanning their passports and completing purchase transactions that are automatically converted into digital invoices.

The system allows for quick verification of invoices via a shoppers’ portal, ensuring fast and efficient VAT refund procedures for eligible purchases.

The FTA’s Director-General expressed pride in launching this pioneering electronic system, which enhances the UAE’s reputation as a leading international tourism destination.

The system has been praised for its simplicity, efficiency, and speed, offering tourists a unique experience by enabling VAT recovery on purchases from both traditional stores and registered e-commerce platforms.

The VAT refund process is designed to be smooth and efficient, from purchase to refund completion upon the tourist’s departure.

Tourists can apply for VAT refunds directly through registered e-commerce platforms by providing travel document details and personal information to verify eligibility at the time of purchase.

The registration is finalised once the tourist’s identity is confirmed during delivery or online order fulfillment.

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UAE: Announces Amendments to Corporate Tax Law

Finance Ministry has announced updates in relation to certain provisions of Federal Decree-Law No. 47/2022 on the Taxation of Corporations and Businesses.

These amendments aim to enhance the business environment in the UAE and promote greater compliance with global standards for tax transparency and fairness.

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UAE: Announces 15% Domestic Minimum Top-Up Tax for Multinationals in 2025

Khaleej Times, 9 December 2024: The UAE is set to implement a new tax on multinational companies operating in the Emirates.

Large multinational enterprises (MNEs) must pay a minimum effective tax rate of 15% on their profits.

The Finance Ministry has announced that Domestic Minimum Top-up Tax (DMTT) will be effective for financial years starting on or after 1 January 2025 to establish a fair and transparent tax system aligned with global standards.

The Ministry has added that the DMTT will apply to multinational enterprises operating in the UAE with consolidated global revenues of €750 million (Approx Dh300 billion) or more in at least two out of the four financial years immediately preceding the financial year in which the DMTT applies.

Further details on this legislation will be issued by the Finance Ministry in due course.

The UAE continues to improve its business-friendly environment, reflecting its commitment to national strategic objectives such as strengthening economic competitiveness and improving ease of doing business.

This major update is in line with the country’s commitment to implement the Organisation for

Economic Co-operation and Development’s (OECD) Two-Pillar Solution.

To promote sustainable growth, innovation, and investment, the Finance Ministry is considering the
introduction of the following Corporate Tax Incentives under Federal Decree-Law No. 47/2022.

A research and development (R&D) tax incentive is being considered to encourage research and development (R&D) activities and foster innovation and economic growth within the UAE.

Based on feedback received during public consultations conducted in April 2024, the proposed incentive is expected to take effect for tax periods starting on or after 1 January 2026.

The R&D tax incentive will be expenditure-based, offering a potential 30-50% tax credit and will be refundable depending on the revenue and number of employees of the business in the UAE.

The scope of Qualifying R&D activities will be aligned with the OECD’s Frascati Manual guidelines and must be conducted within the UAE.

Another incentive being considered is a refundable tax credit for high-value employment activities.

This aims to encourage businesses to engage in activities that deliver significant economic benefits, stimulate innovation, and enhance the UAE’s global competitiveness.

This incentive is proposed to take effect on 2 January 2025 and will be granted as a percentage of eligible salary costs for employees engaged in high-value employment activities.

This includes C-suite executives and other senior personnel performing core business functions that add substantial value to the UAE economy.

The final form and implementation of the proposed incentives are subject to legislative approvals.

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UAE: New Federal Traffic Law Introduces Stricter Regulations and Safety Measures

Khaleej Times, 3 December 2024: On 29 March 2025, a significant federal decree on traffic regulations will be implemented, introducing several key changes aimed at enhancing road safety.

The minimum driving age will be reduced to 17 years, allowing younger individuals to obtain a driver’s license.

In a bid to reduce noise pollution, the decree bans the operation of excessively noisy vehicles and restricts the use of car horns within city limits, except in situations where they are necessary to prevent danger or accidents.

The new regulations also prioritise pedestrian safety by prohibiting road crossings where speed limits exceed 80 km/h.

Authorities have emphasised that non-compliance will result in civil or criminal liability.

To deter serious traffic violations that could lead to fatal accidents, the law outlines “deterrent penalties” for offences such as driving under the influence of alcohol or narcotics, hit-and-run incidents, jaywalking, and driving in flood-prone areas during adverse weather conditions.

Additionally, transporting hazardous materials or unusual loads will now require a special permit from the relevant authorities, ensuring safer transportation practices across the country.

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