UAE: New Era for Tax Expertise Development

500 Emirati Tax Advisors Training Begins in 2026: A New Era for Tax Expertise Development

The United Arab Emirates is taking another significant step in expanding economic independence and expertise: Starting January 1, 2026, the "Emirati Tax Agent" program launches with the aim of training and certifying 500 local citizens as official tax agents within three years. This initiative is a collaboration between the UAE Federal Tax Authority (FTA) and the New Economy Academy and is part of a long-term strategy to make the country the world's startup capital.

Why is there a need for new tax agents?

VAT was introduced in the UAE in 2017, followed by corporate tax in 2023, demanding new expertise and professional service structures. Since then, the demand for experts who understand tax laws and can advise, prepare tax returns, and enforce regulations has grown. The "Emirati Tax Agent" program aims to meet this need by equipping local citizens with knowledge and rights.

This initiative is crucial not only from an economic but also a social perspective, as it strengthens Emirati citizens' involvement in the private sector and expands national competencies in taxation.

The program's five key objectives

The FTA's five-point goal framework provides comprehensive training where participants:

1. Gain in-depth knowledge of the UAE's VAT and corporate tax systems.

2. Get admitted to the FTA's official tax agent registry.

3. Learn how to market tax advisory services, that is, how to build a client base and manage a successful tax advisory practice.

4. Develop practical and analytical skills to provide tailored advice for complex financial situations.

5. Finally, receive official certification and operating license, allowing them to practice independently.

Two types of tax expertise diplomas

The program offers two distinct diplomas focusing on specific fields:

1. VAT Diploma (VAT Specialist Training)

A six-day intensive course covering:

The legal and regulatory environment of VAT,

registration procedures,

compilation of returns,

accounting requirements,

and real-world case studies.

2. Corporate Tax Diploma

An eleven-day comprehensive course including:

The regulatory environment of corporate tax and business operations,

record keeping and reporting practices,

methodologies for determining the tax base,

and case studies based on specific corporate examples.

Application requirements – a strict yet open system

Prospective participants have three main pathways based on educational background and professional experience:

1. Main Option – With relevant qualifications

Applicants must have:

A bachelor's or master's degree in taxation, accounting, or law,

Or

A non-relevant degree but with a recognized international tax professional certification.

In both cases, a minimum of three years of professional experience in taxation, accounting, or law from the past three years is expected.

2. Alternative Option – Non-relevant degree but tax certification

If the applicant's degree is not from taxation or legal fields but possesses international tax certification:

A minimum of three years of experience in taxation is required from the past five years.

3. Exceptional Case – Non-relevant degree, non-tax experience

In this scenario:

No relevant degree or certification,

But

A minimum of five years of financial or legal experience, which may be outside of taxation, is required from the past five years.

This system allows professionals with various backgrounds to join the new generation of tax experts' community.

What opportunities does this program open?

The new tax agents will not only provide services to state entities but will also be accessible to businesses, small business owners, and startups. The UAE's tax system is becoming increasingly complex, and in parallel, the demand for reliable and up-to-date knowledge experts is growing. This newly launched program can long-term enhance the domestic economy's competitiveness and simplify administrative processes.

Moreover, it is significant on a social level as well, as it provides Emirati citizens the opportunity to start their own businesses in tax consultancy or even join local offices of large international consultancy firms.

Summary

The Emirati Tax Agent program is not just an educational or professional project but a strategic step toward realizing the UAE's long-term economic vision. In the next three years, 500 new, highly trained, and officially recognized Emirati tax advisors are expected to enter the market, contributing to the development of tax culture, business environment transparency, and the country's economic independence. The program also serves as an example of how targeted, structured training can strengthen national human resources in an emerging but highly important field.

(The source of this article is a statement from the Federal Tax Authority (FTA).)