Greater compliance due to new legal aspects such as country-by-country reporting and Base Erosion and Profit Shifting (Beps), increased spending for Expo 2020, and more companies listing for value-added tax (VAT) will help the UAE to increase its revenues through VAT by up to 30 per cent this year, say tax experts.

Jomon K. George, chairman of The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India’s South Region, estimated that the UAE’s VAT collection is expected to increase by Dh8 billion or 30 per cent in 2019 to reach Dh35 billion as compared to Dh27 billion last year.

“With increased Expo 2020 spending, VAT revenues would easily be Dh35 billion-plus this year. The way Expo is being marketed by Dubai, naturally the spending and consumption will increase which will enhance tax collection in the UAE, notably in Dubai,” George said.

Sangeetha Nahar, executive member of The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) – Dubai chapter, believes that awareness is spreading and the market is becoming more mature.