The UAE is taking a major step to strengthen its competitive business environment with the launch of the ‘Emirati Tax Agent’ initiative, announced by the Federal Tax Authority (FTA). Set to begin on January 1 next year, the programme aims to train and certify 500 Emirati citizens as tax agents over the next three years.
This initiative is part of the broader ‘startup capital of the world’ campaign spearheaded by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai. It involves a strategic partnership between the FTA and the New Economy Academy, aiming to equip the nation’s workforce with specialised tax expertise.
Khalid Al Bustani, Director-General of the FTA, expressed pride in the initiative, highlighting its significance for the UAE’s growing economy. “We are proud to announce the Emirati Tax Agent initiative to build promising Emirati cadres in the tax field through integrated and specialised training programmes for citizens to obtain diplomas in VAT and Corporate Tax,” he said.
Al Bustani stressed that the programme will enhance reliance on Emirati talent in the rapidly developing tax sector. “There is a high demand for tax agents. This is a new field with a need for national expertise. Qualifying programmes, interviews, and follow-ups will ensure candidates pass the qualification exam,” he added.
Programme Objectives and Structure
Sara Al Habshi, Director of Tax Compliance and Enforcement at the FTA, explained the programme’s structure and key objectives. “The main goal is to empower approximately 500 Emirati tax agents over a period of three years.
The tax profession is relatively new, emerging with the introduction of tax laws in 2017 and 2018, and expertise is still highly sought after,” she said. The initiative is structured around five operational objectives designed to create well-rounded tax professionals.
Participants will gain in-depth knowledge of VAT and Corporate Tax laws and legislation in the UAE, qualifying to become registered and certified tax agents under the FTA.
The programme also incorporates essential marketing skills to promote tax agency services, alongside the development of analytical and practical capabilities to provide high-standard tax consultations. Upon completion, participants receive official registration, licensing, and recognition as certified tax agents.
Two specialised diplomas form the core of the training: the VAT Diploma and the Corporate Tax Diploma.
VAT Diploma
The VAT Diploma involves a comprehensive six-day training programme covering the legal and regulatory framework for value-added tax. Participants will learn registration procedures, tax return preparation, handling accounting records, understanding tax obligations, and applying knowledge through professional case studies.
Corporate Tax Diploma
The Corporate Tax Diploma is an intensive eleven-day programme focused on the legal and regulatory framework for corporate tax and business operations. Training covers registration and tax return preparation procedures, calculating accounting profit, determining tax obligations, and practical case studies with real-world applications.
Eligibility and Admission Requirements
The initiative offers multiple pathways for candidates, depending on their academic background and professional experience. The primary requirement is a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in taxation, accounting, or law, or a recognised professional certificate from an international association specialising in taxation if the degree is in another field.
Candidates must also demonstrate at least three years of relevant professional experience in taxation, accounting, or law. Experience must be tax-related or within the scope of financial accounting and law.
For applicants whose degrees do not align with these specialisations but hold recognised professional tax certificates, three years of tax-related experience within the last five years is required.
A third pathway accommodates candidates without relevant academic specialisation or professional tax certificates. In these cases, candidates must have five years of professional experience in any field within the last five years.
Al Habshi emphasised the importance of practical experience in ensuring accurate and reliable tax consultation. “The field is open to candidates with different academic backgrounds, but relevant experience is essential for providing accurate consultations,” she said.
Strategic Importance
The Emirati Tax Agent initiative is a key step toward building a robust national talent pool in the UAE’s tax sector. With the nation experiencing rapid economic diversification and increased regulatory requirements, the programme aims to ensure that Emirati citizens are at the forefront of this emerging profession.
By creating a structured pathway for professional certification, the initiative also addresses the high demand for skilled tax agents, ensuring that local businesses and global investors receive expert tax advisory services.
Experts believe that the initiative could significantly boost employment opportunities for Emiratis in finance and taxation, supporting the UAE’s broader economic vision of becoming a global hub for business innovation and investment.
Conclusion
As the Emirati Tax Agent initiative launches in January, it represents not only a step toward professionalising the tax sector but also a broader strategy to empower Emirati citizens with specialised skills in high-demand fields.
Through comprehensive training, certification, and professional support, the programme is set to shape the next generation of tax professionals in the UAE, strengthening national expertise and contributing to sustainable economic growth.
This article was created using automation technology and was thoroughly edited and fact-checked by one of our editorial staff members