As the NEW YEAR “2023”, open it doors, UAE announced and effect the New Rules and Regulation to their Netizens.

  • Unemployment Insurance Scheme
  • Corporate Tax
  • Emiratisation Fines
  • Scrapping 30% Tax on Alcohol
  • Free of Charge on getting Alcohol License from MMI and African + Eastern
  • Imposition of the Plastic Ban Across More Emirates
  • Personal Status Law for Non-Muslims

Unemployment Insurance Scheme / Job Loss Insurance

Is a Social Security Program called Involuntary Loss Employment Insurance that gives benefits to all Netizens in UAE – both Emiratis and Expat Residents working either in Public / Federal Government and Private Sector . This Insurance is to protect all employees if in case they loss their jobs . Employees can get 3 months sum cash accordingly.

Starting January 1, 2023, all employees both in Public / Federal Government and Private Sector are required and a must to subscribe to the insurance programme in a number of ways, including through the insurance pool’s website and its smart application, the employee’s bank, ATMs, money exchange companies, business service centres, kiosk machines, du and Etisalat or directly with an insurance company.”

For further info : https://u.ae/en/information-and-services/jobs/unemployment-insurance-scheme

Corporate Tax

The regime includes features that represent best practices in international taxation. That will levy a headline 9 % (per cent) rate on taxable income exceeding Dh375,000 ($102,000). Several exemptions are available for businesses operating across strategic sectors. The Corporate Tax Law will be effective from 1 June 2023.

The Ministry stated that “The introduction of corporate tax is intended to help the UAE achieve its strategic objectives and accelerate its development and transformation,” .

For Further Details :  https://mof.gov.ae/corporate-tax/

EMIRATISATION Fines

In Effect on January 1, 2023, the non-compliant companies will have to pay thousands of dirhams (a monthly fine of Dh6,000 will be levied) in penalties for every Emirati who has not been hired. This works out to Dh72,000 annually. The fine will be increased by Dh1,000 on an annual basis. -source : Khaleej Times-

What you mean by Emiratisation? It means the employment of Emiratis / Hiring an Emirati National_ UAE citizens in the Private Sector. Its been among the top priorities for the UAE government since November 2022, the UAE Cabinet announced a comprehensive plan to boost Emiratisation in the private sector.

For Further Information : https://u.ae/en/information-and-services/jobs/emiratis-employment-in-private-sector#:~:text=A%20maximum%20fine%20of%20AED,95%20of%202022.

Scrapping 30% Alcohol Tax

In effect on January 1, 2023, Dubai suspended 30% Tax on Alcohol sales. This Government Tax suspension in effect immediately for a year. This Initiative called a Trial Period in consolidating as Gulf’s Hotspot in Business and Tourism. “The idea of axing the Tax is to Boost Tourism Sector”, – Ministry Explained-

Free of Charge on getting Alcohol License from MMI and African + Eastern

The process of acquiring an alcohol license used to be long-winded and require many documents. Now however, it’s much simpler to apply. Since November 7, 2020, the UAE removed the law which stated anyone consuming alcohol should be in possession of an alcohol license in Dubai. Drinking alcohol without a license is no longer a criminal offence, however you do still need one to purchase and possess alcohol in Dubai.

Effective January 1, 2023 alcohol licenses are free to obtain / free of charge . All you need to get an alcohol license in Dubai is your Emirates ID. You just need to head into an African + Eastern or MMI store with your ID and the staff will begin the process of your application which takes around four weeks.

And for tourists can apply for an instant 30-day alcohol license. They’ll just need to visit a store with their passport and Dubai entry stamp.

To purchase or consume alcohol, individuals must still be over the age of 21 and non-Muslim.

Imposition of the Plastic Ban Across More Emirates

The Executive Council of the Emirates announced that the decision to ban the use of single-use plastic bags in the emirate will enter into force as of January 1, 2023.

According to the decision, single-use plastic bags in the emirate will be replaced with multi-use bags, with technical specifications and standards approved by Emirates Municipality Department, or biodegradable, or bags made of paper or cloth.

According to the Council, sales outlets in the emirate are obligated to impose a tariff of no less than 25 fils as of January 1, 2023, on each single-use plastic bag they presents to the consumer, in preparation for the complete ban on single-use plastic bags in the emirate, while informing the consumer of the tariff imposed on Consumption of single-use plastic bags.

Personal Status Law for Non-Muslims

The federal-decree law on personal status will come into effect nationwide on February 1, 2023. The UAE has announced new laws for non-Muslim expatriates covering key family matters such as marriage, divorce, inheritance and child custody. 

The Federal Personal Status Law comes in line with the UAE’s continuous efforts to develop its legislative ecosystem and supports the country’s endeavours and ambitions for the next fifty years, through strengthening the country’s position as a destination for tolerance, family stability and demographic diversity.