What happened
The UAE Federal Tax Authority (FTA) held the second session of its Emirates Majalis initiative at Al Barsha Majlis in Dubai on 22 October 2026. A majlis is a traditional community gathering place for discussion.
Director General Abdulaziz Al Mulla asked customers and others who deal with the tax system to share ideas and suggestions for the long-term development of the Authority’s services. He linked this to the FTA’s work on the third cycle of the Zero Government Bureaucracy Programme, which aims to simplify and reduce procedures.
He also spoke about the role of Emirati Tax Agents in developing the tax system, the process for refunding Value Added Tax (VAT) paid on building UAE Nationals’ residences, and guidance for Emirati entrepreneurs who run small and medium-sized businesses.
Attendees raised a number of questions and difficulties about tax procedures and transactions. The Authority’s specialist teams answered them directly at the meeting.
What it means for you
The sessions are a channel for people in the UAE to put tax questions to the FTA in person. The topics covered this time were aimed mainly at UAE Nationals, so the immediate relevance for Indians living in the UAE is limited. The sources do not say whether the sessions are open to residents generally.
The upcoming sessions are:
- 24 October: Salem bin Loutia Al Ameri Majlis, Al Ain
- 27 October: Al Rahmaniya Suburb Council, Sharjah
- 3 November: Hilal Zayed Al Shehhi Majlis, Abu Dhabi
The sessions will continue through October and November 2026.
Background
The FTA launched Emirates Majalis earlier this year under the slogan “Closer to Each Other”. It is meant to create lasting channels of direct communication with different groups across the UAE who deal with the tax system. The stated aims are to build tax awareness, give people a place to raise queries and challenges, and contribute to simpler procedures and greater transparency.
For other recent UAE tax coverage, see our report on the AI platform meant to cut tourist VAT refunds to one day.
