The Federal Tax Authority, in collaboration with the New Economy Academy, has announced the launch of the “Emirati Tax Agent” program. This initiative aims to empower Emirati talent and prepare a new generation of certified tax agents. The program is part of the national campaign “The UAE: Global Capital of Entrepreneurs,” launched by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President of the UAE, Prime Minister, and Ruler of Dubai, with the goal of establishing the UAE as a premier global entrepreneurship hub.
The details of the program were revealed during a press conference held in Dubai, featuring the attendance of Khalid Al Bustani, Director General of the Federal Tax Authority, Sarah Al Habshi, Executive Director of the Tax Compliance Sector, and Dr. Leila Fredoun, CEO of the New Economy Academy.
Specialized Diplomas
The program aims to license 500 Emirati tax agents over a three-year period through an intensive training program. This will include two specialized diplomas: the “Value Added Tax Diploma” and the “Corporate Tax Diploma,” in collaboration with the Federal Tax Authority and the New Economy Academy.
The “Value Added Tax Diploma” will span six days and cover the legal and regulatory framework of taxation, registration procedures, preparation of tax returns, compliance with accounting records, and includes professional applications and case studies.
The “Corporate Tax Diploma” will run for 11 days, focusing on the fundamentals of the corporate tax system in the UAE, registration procedures, tax disclosures and returns, calculation of accounting profits, and taxable income, along with practical training and real-world case studies.
Global Standards
During the conference, Khalid Al Bustani emphasized that the Emirati Tax Agent program represents a significant contribution to the country’s tax framework and directly enhances global investors’ confidence in the Emirati business environment.
He announced that the Authority aims to attract as many citizens as possible to participate in the program, seizing the professional development opportunities it offers. Al Bustani affirmed that the initiative will help establish a robust network of local tax agents capable of supporting the development efforts in the tax sector and strengthen the UAE’s position as a leader in financial and tax management.
Empowering National Talent
Dr. Leila Fredoun stated that the Emirati Tax Agent program aligns with the UAE’s vision to empower national capabilities and enhance the competitiveness of the nation on the global economic stage.
She added that the goal is to graduate a generation of Emirati specialists capable of leading the tax sector and contributing to the sustainability of the business environment, as well as preparing and qualifying a new generation of Emirati tax agents who will play a pivotal role in the financial and tax sector, aligning with the strategic directions of the state towards building a knowledge-based competitive economy.
Sarah Al Habshi mentioned that the program includes two main diplomas: the first being the Value Added Tax Diploma (six training days), which emphasizes the legal framework and registration procedures for tax returns, and the second, the Corporate Tax Diploma (eleven training days), which covers profit calculations, deductions, and exemptions based on the current legislation.
Regarding enrollment requirements, Al Habshi clarified that these include an academic qualification in accounting, law, finance, or an equivalent recognized professional certification, as well as suitable practical experience in the tax field. She confirmed that the program will launch on January 1, 2026, considering it a strategic step towards building qualified national capabilities and enhancing tax awareness to support sustainable economic development in the country.