UAE unveils big tax changes, public holidays and record real estate boom – 10 things you missed this week
The UAE and the wider Gulf saw a week of major policy shifts, market reforms and regulatory reforms for 2026 and beyond.
Dubai’s record-breaking construction activity, breaking Dubai law, the UAE’s new tax and VAT laws, and the first public holiday in 2026 dominated the national headlines. Across the region, Oman accelerated long-term investment, launched VISA accessibility for GCC residents, and Saudi Arabia approved a budget of SR1.31TN.
Catch up on the 10 biggest news stories this week, as selected by Arabian business editors.
The UAE’s first holiday of 2026 days has been revealed
UAE citizens and residents enjoyed the last public holiday of the year this week, with a long weekend to commemorate EID al Etihad 2025.
After the last public holiday of the year, workers don’t have long to wait until the first break starts – with the next break just a few weeks away.
New Year’s Day is a public holiday in the UAE, meaning there is less than a month to wait before the next public and private sector holiday.
The UAE’s major problems are the changes in the main tax law from January 1, 2026
The UAE introduced important revisions to its framework for tax procedures with the issuance of Federal Screen Law No. (17) of 2025, to prepare the basic provision of the organization of the Federal law No. (28) of 2022 on tax procedures.
The Ministry of Finance confirmed that the new law will come into effect on January 1, 2026. The amendments improve efficiency, and improve transparency for taxpayers, and strengthen transparency, fairness and financial fairness throughout the UAE tax system.
The central part of the amendments is a defined period – without passing five years from the end of the relevant tax period – for taxpayers to request additional refunds from the Federal tax Authority (FTA) or to use that limitation for outstanding tax debts.
UAE announces new VAT rules effective January 1, 2026
The UAE has issued new changes to the value added tax (VAT), introducing measures that strengthen administration, regulatory processes and improve compliance.
Revised rules – effective January 1, 2026 – Aim to improve administrative efficiency and keep the tax system aligned with international standards. The Ministry of Finance announced the issuance of Federal Somcre-Law No. (16) of 2025, to amend certain provisions of Federal Law No. (8) of 2017 for value added tax. The amended law will take effect from January 1, 2026.
According to the ministry, the changes are part of the UAE’s ongoing efforts to improve its tax system and improve efficiency and governance. These amendments aim to simplify tax procedures for taxpayers while ensuring transparency and compliance with international standards.
UAE fuel prices increase in December 2025
The UAE has announced a cut in petrol and diesel prices by December 2025.
Fuel prices have risen across the board, following major cuts last month.
It is now less expensive to fill the tank than a year ago, with e-plus 91, 95 and 98 being less expensive than 12 months ago. Diesel remains slightly cheaper than this time last year.
Abu Dhabi is passing engineering standards with the new TIER GROPRICTION SYPELOD system
Abu Dhabi is unveiling a major overhaul of its technical engineering framework, introducing a new tier structure designed to strengthen capacity, streamline workflows, and optimize performance levels.
The changes were announced by the Department of Municipality and Transport (DMT) as part of administrative decision 113/2025.
The revised framework replaces the previous third grade structure with four distinct sections:
- Independent Engineer
- Exercise Engineer
- Professional engineer
- Professional engineer
Dubai Real Estate Sets New Annual Record As 2025 Sales Hit AED624.1bn
Dubai’s real estate market extended its record run to 2025, in November forcing sales volumes and values over the previous year, according to new data from Fäm data.
The firm’s latest market report shows that last month they produced 19,019 transactions, a year-on-year rise of 30.9 percent, taking total deals for the entire year to 197,263. This surpasses the all-year high of 180,900 raised set for 2024, with one month to go.
The sales volume has continued to rise. After the record of 2024 aEd522.1bn was bankrupted in October, the estimated surplus of AED64.7NN in November raises the total amount to AED624.1bn, a year of 49.6 percent year on year.
Oman’s new 10-year scheme is attracting increasing investor interest
Oman recently launched a Gold Residency program of 10 structures to attract increasing interest from international investors, businessmen and mobile families abroad, three months after its release.
Placed under Oman Vision 2040, the program is designed to provide long-term information, transparency and a secure basis for investing in one of the region’s most neutral markets and economies.
The residency scheme enables long-term status for eligible applicants with a minimum investment of US$520,000,000. Investors can qualify through seven routes, including purchasing completed properties from integrated tourism companies, establishing a registered fund in Oman, investing in a listed MUSCAT Stock Exchange or placing a five-year fixed deposit in a licensed Omani Bank.
Saudi Arabia approves 2026 budget: $349.2bn Spending, $305.9bn Revenue
Saudi Arabia has approved the general budget of the Kingdom for the fiscal year 1447/1448 Ah (2026 AD), sr1.31tn ($ 349.2bn) in spending and the Kingdom is considered as the Kingdom continues to develop economic and development plans for 2030.
This decision was made during a Cabinet session chaired by Prince Mohammed Bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Abrain Abdulaziz Abrairs, in the church in December 2025. The Cabinet considered the full items of the general budget before issuing its decision.
- The approved government expenditure amounts to SR1,312,800,000,000 ($349.2BN)
- The general revenue of the state is estimated at SR1,147,400,000,000 ($305.9bn)
- Deficit estimated at SR165,400,000,000 ($44BN)
Qatar unveils major hayya visa renewal for GCC residents for long-term stays
Qatar has introduced new updates to its Hayya GCC Residence Visa (A2), extending stays and improving the flexibility of travel times for regional visitors ahead of a year of sports, culture and entertainment.
The enhancements, announced by Qatar Tourism in collaboration with the Ministry of Interior and the Standing Committee on Tourist Inflow Management, are designed to create a smoother and easier arrival experience. Under the new rules that come into effect on November 30, 2025, GCC citizens will be able to stay in Qatar for up to two months and enjoy more access.
The changes are designed to make it easier for visitors to go to the full season of events and get in and out of the country at all points of arrival.
Dubai Real Estate Sales Pass $17.5bn in November – The best performing areas and projects are revealed
The property market of Dubai Real Estate has recorded one of the strongest months in The November 2025, with the sales volume and the price increasing significantly for all apartments, villas, plots and commercial properties.
The latest data from the Dubai Land Department (DLD) shows strengthened investor confidence, continued demand and continued learning in 2026.
19,016 transactions were recorded in November, with a combined value of AED 64.7bn ($17.63bn) – Marking 30.9 percent in value compared to November 20,755 ($479).
