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The Federal Tax Authority announced it held 91 awareness events during the first half of 2026, an increase of more than 7 per cent from approximately 85 events in the same period of 2025. Participation exceeded 33,900, rising 23.3 per cent from 27,500 the previous year, according to authority figures. The FTA said these sessions, conducted in-person and virtually across all emirates, aim to strengthen tax awareness and support voluntary compliance among businesses and individuals.
According to the Federal Tax Authority, 68 of the events took place virtually and engaged 32,800 participants, compared with 53 virtual events that drew 23,900 attendees a year earlier. The authority conducted 23 in-person workshops that benefited 1,110 participants, down from 32 events with 3,620 participants in the first half of 2025. This evolution in format has enabled the FTA to reach a wider audience through digital platforms while sustaining engagement.
The authority introduced new workshops on tax invoices and electronic invoicing in partnership with the Ministry of Finance along with sessions covering the Domestic Minimum Top-up Tax known as Pillar Two. These additions address specific needs arising from expanding tax services and global standards, the FTA stated. Such targeted programmes form part of the authority’s strategy to eliminate knowledge gaps and promote accurate tax filing.
Beneficiary satisfaction with the awareness activities reached 94 per cent in the first half of 2026, up from 93 per cent the year before, while the measured taxpayer awareness rate stood at 83.4 per cent, FTA data shows. The authority indicated it will continue rolling out new campaigns to highlight its latest services as it expands established activities. Similar efforts in 2025, which according to earlier FTA reports involved 85 events and nearly 28,000 beneficiaries, laid the groundwork for the observed improvements in compliance.
The Federal Tax Authority, created by Decree-Law No. 13 of 2016, manages federal tax systems including value-added tax, excise tax and corporate tax while operating an advanced electronic platform. Its awareness initiatives contribute directly to the Zero Government Bureaucracy Programme by streamlining procedures and reducing administrative hurdles for taxpayers, the authority has explained. Alignment with international best practices remains a core element of the FTA’s approach to building a compliant tax environment.
Director General of the FTA Abdulaziz Mohammed Al Mulla said the efforts help strengthen tax awareness across society and align with global practices. Dr. Zahra Al Dahmani from the authority noted that the initiatives keep stakeholders informed amid the expansion of services. The FTA confirmed that participant feedback from these events continues to shape future educational programming.
