Tax Treaty developments GCC Member States

UAE Cabinet approves Double Tax Treaty with Russia

On 14 April 2025, the Emirati Cabinet has approved the Double Tax Treaty (DTT) between the UAE and Russia. The new DTT will replace the previous treaty of 2011. We will report on further developments as they occur.

 

Bahrain Shura Council approves Double Tax Treaty with Oman       

On 11 May 2025, the Bahraini Shura Council has approved the DTT between Bahrain and Oman. Further developments will be reported as they occur. 

 

Kuwait – San Marino Double Tax Treaty ratified      

On 29 April 2025, San Marino has ratified the DTT with Kuwait. We will report on further developments as they occur. 

 

Saudi Arabia approves Double Tax Treaty with Croatia      

On 22 April 2025, the Saudi Arabian Council of Ministers has approved the DTT with Croatia. Further developments will be reported as they occur.

 

Bahrain Double Tax Treaty with Hong Kong enters into force

On 4 March 2025, the DTT between Bahrain and Hong Kong entered into force. The DTT will generally apply from 1 April 2026. We will report on further developments as they occur.

 

Saudi Arabia authorizes Double Tax Treaty with Bahrain      

On 22 April 2025, the Saudi Arabian Council of Ministers has authorized the signing of a DTT with Bahrain. Further developments will be reported as they occur.

 

UAE and Peru to expedite Double Tax Treaty negotiation      

According to a press release of 28 April 2025, the UAE and Peru have expressed their commitment to expedite DTT negotiations, among others. We will report on further developments as they occur. 

 

Saudi Arabia approves Double Tax Treaty with Kuwait      

On 22 April 2025, the Saudi Arabian Council of Ministers has approved the DTT with Kuwait, which was signed on 4 December 2024. Further developments will be reported as they occur.

 

UAE and Cambodia continue Double Tax Treaty negotiations      

According to a press release, the UAE and Cambodia held a third round of negotiations for a DTT between the jurisdictions. Negotiations will continue and further developments will be reported as they occur.

 

Ivory Coast approves Double Tax Treaty with Qatar

On 21 May 2025, the Ivory Coast’s National Assembly authorized the President to ratify the DTT with Qatar. The DTT between the two countries was signed on 7 December 2022. We will report on further developments as they occur. 

 

Oman and Czech Republic initial Double Tax Treaty

On 22 May 2025, Oman and the Czech Republic have initialed a DTT. Further developments will be reported as they occur.

 

Saudi Arabia negotiating Double Tax Treaty with Brazil      

According to a Brazilian Senate publication, negotiations for a DTT are ongoing between Saudi Arabia and Brazil. We will report on further developments as they occur.

 

Brazil removes UAE from Low-Tax Jurisdiction List

As per publication in the Brazilian Official Gazette on 13 May 2025, Brazil’s Federal Revenue Service has removed the UAE from its Low-Tax Jurisdiction List, resulting in reduced withholding taxes on Brazil sourced payments, among others. The changes are effective as from the publication date.

 

Conclusion 

The GCC Member States continue expanding and updating their Double Tax Treaty networks for the benefit of international businesses.