Around 200 senior executives from the Bahrain business community attended today a session organized by KPMG in Bahrain to jointly discuss the recently published VAT Law, the implications and consequences the new tax will have across the main economic sectors of the Kingdom. Being 60 days away from VAT implementation in the Kingdom of Bahrain, the half-day event was an ideal platform for delegates to discuss and understand the type of changes they need to make to comply with the new tax environment.

Philippe Norré, Partner and Head of Tax & Legal at KPMG in Bahrain and Ali Al Mahroos, Senior Tax Manager at KPMG in Bahrain were the keynote speakers. During the event, they reviewed practical steps companies must take in the next few weeks to be VAT ready in time. There were lessons to be learnt from the United Arab Emirates and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia but in particular the very specific Bahrain environment and the specifics of the Bahrain system were reviewed against actions required.

“VAT will not impact the business itself, but it will change how companies administer their business. VAT does not need to be only a burden and risk to businesses but it can also be an opportunity for better processes, optimization of systems, introduction of technology for tax and better risk management.