UAE ranked second globally in fighting tax evasion: report

The United Arab Emirates has earned global recognition for its strong tax policies, ranking second in the world for tackling tax evasion and fifth for the overall efficiency of its tax system.

The latest rankings, published by the IMD World Competitiveness Centre in Switzerland and reported by Gulf News, were announced during a cabinet meeting held on Monday at Al Watan Palace in Abu Dhabi.

The meeting was chaired by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.

According to Gulf News, Sheikh Mohammed credited the country’s achievements to the dedication and hard work of Emirati teams, highlighting the successful registration of 520,000 companies under the corporate tax regime and 470,000 entities under the VAT system.

The cabinet also reviewed recent progress in the development of the UAE’s tax system, a cornerstone of the country’s strategy to ensure long-term financial sustainability and strengthen its position on the global economic stage.

Sheikh Mohammed underlined the critical role of a strong, streamlined tax framework in advancing the UAE’s economic infrastructure, describing it as a key benchmark for economic resilience and performance.

“In recent years, we’ve witnessed the emergence of a new culture of tax awareness and compliance across sectors,” he said. “This shift reflects the growing maturity and adaptability of our national economy.”