Oman- October 13, 2020: Oman has issued a decree to start levying a 5 per cent value-added tax (VAT) in six months’ time to offset a slump in oil prices and an economic downturn exacerbated by coronavirus.

The tax will be on most goods and services, though with some exceptions. Essential food items, medical care, education and financial services will be exempt from the planned levy, according to a royal decree detailing the tax.

Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Bahrain have already introduced the tax, with Riyadh tripling it this year. Oman, Kuwait and Qatar have not yet introduced the tax.

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