Your Monthly Tax Update for the GCC region
The year 2026 has evolved very differently than what all of us expected. After the regional conflict disrupted the Gulf countries in February and March, we currently find ourselves in calmer waters, with day-to-day life on the ground in the region returning to a more normal rhythm for the time being. In the meantime, and despite the geopolitical challenges, the tax environment across the Gulf region keeps developing and existing tax regimes are being further refined. This month’s Gulf Tax Insights provides you with insights on the following topics:
- Qatar’s newly introduced tax incentive regarding Capital Gains Tax facilitates internal group reorganizations and improves Qatar’s investment climate. In addition, the Qatari tax authority’s recent Guide on the application of Capital Gains Tax provides helpful clarity and guidance for taxpayers on asset transfers in Qatar.
- Recent updates to the UAE’s Executive Regulations of the Tax Procedure Law introduces changes that, in practice, touch several core compliance and controversy areas. In particular, taxpayers should consider (i) the new record retention extension linked to pending refund applications, (ii) the updated voluntary disclosure framework relevant to tax refunds, (iii) the authority’s ability to extend the period for seizing documents or assets, (iv) the clarified refund processing timelines, and (v) the more formalized confidentiality and information-sharing conditions for disclosures to competent government entities.
- The recently introduced Qatari Trusted Entity regime for double tax treaty withholding tax relief is a welcome development that improves cash‑flow outcomes for non‑resident recipients, reduces reliance on refund procedures and brings Qatar’s withholding tax framework closer in line with international practice.
- Finally, we round up recent tax treaty developments across GCC Member States.
We hope this month’s edition of Gulf Tax Insights is helpful, and we look forward to seeing you soon.
