Sheikh Maktoum Reviews FTA Plans, Pushes AI Tax Services

His Highness Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, First Deputy Ruler of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance of the UAE, and Chairman of the Federal Tax Authority (FTA), chaired a meeting of the Authority’s Board of Directors.

During the meeting, Sheikh Maktoum reviewed the latest progress in the FTA’s plans to improve its operational systems and services. The discussion focused on expanding digital transformation, adopting efficient business models, and providing proactive services that support quality of life.

These efforts are aligned with UAE leadership directives to strengthen the role of the tax system in supporting financial sustainability and improving the UAE’s global competitiveness.

AI Strategy and Digital Services

The meeting also reviewed the FTA’s Artificial Intelligence strategy. Sheikh Maktoum directed the Authority to expand the use of AI technologies to increase efficiency, reduce processing time, and simplify procedures through AI-powered tax services.

FTA Performance Results

Sheikh Maktoum was briefed on the FTA’s performance indicators and results from the recent period, along with operational and development plans for the next phase. He praised the Authority’s strong performance and its contribution to national economic diversification through effective management and collection of federal taxes based on international best practices.

Key Achievements and Registration Numbers

A report presented during the meeting highlighted the Authority’s recent achievements and ongoing projects. According to the report:

• Corporate Tax registrants reached around 710,000

• VAT registrants reached around 573,000

• Excise Tax registrants reached 1,767

• Registered tax agents reached 899

The report also stated that the FTA approved VAT refund applications from UAE nationals for newly built homes. The total value of approved refunds reached AED 94.44 million through December 2025 and January 2026.

Reducing Bureaucracy

The report highlighted continued progress in cutting red tape. The FTA implemented 75 initiatives in the second cycle of the Digital Zero Bureaucracy Programme, compared to 29 initiatives in the first cycle.

All initiatives were uploaded to the Zero Bureaucracy platform, along with more than 1,500 supporting documents related to completed initiatives.

EmaraTax and Key National Projects

The meeting also reviewed updates on the UAE’s integrated tax system EmaraTax, including electronic linking between FTA systems and relevant entities to support voluntary tax compliance.

Updates were also shared on major projects, including:

• Domestic Minimum Top-Up Tax Law (Pillar Two project)

• e-Invoicing project, being implemented with the Ministry of Finance

The e-Invoicing project aims to strengthen voluntary tax compliance through secure electronic mechanisms. It will simplify, standardise, and automate invoicing through a digital system aligned with international best practices.

The system will enable real-time invoice exchange and smoother tax reporting to the FTA, improving overall customer experience.