UAE finalises sugar-tax rates for sweetened drinks, sets 0% rate for artificial sweeteners

The UAE has finalised plans to introduce a tiered volumetric tax on sweetened drinks from 1 January 2026, replacing the flat 50 per cent rate. Announced earlier this year and confirmed in October, the policy links tax to sugar content per 100 ml. Authorities say the update gives producers and retailers ample time to reformulate products and ensure compliance.