The ban on importing waterpipe tobacco and e-cigarette plugs without digital tax stamps comes into effect on March 1.
According to the UAE’s Federal Tax Authority (FTA), these products are required to carry digital seals that track the items all the way from production to end-use.
From June 1, the FTA will also prohibit the supply, transfer, stockpiling or possession of such products that are unmarked.
The scheme, which was introduced last year, aims to combat tax evasion and protect consumers from fraud.
Initially, it only applied to cigarette packs but later it was expanded to include other forms of tobacco as well.
The FTA has started organising training programmes for inspectors from Departments of Economic Development and Customs Agencies across the Emirates, a well as workshops for importers, producers, and retailers so that they are familiar with the scheme.
OPEC+ agreed on Saturday to raise production by 548,000 barrels per day in August, further accelerating output increases at its first meeting since oil prices jumped - and then retreated - following Israeli and US attacks on Iran.
The United Arab Emirates has consolidated its status as a leading force and key player in the digital nomad economy, rising to second place globally as a top destination for digital nomads in 2025.
A walkout by French air traffic controllers to protest against staff shortages and ageing equipment forced airlines to cancel hundreds of flights on Thursday, just as the summer season gets under way.
Abu Dhabi’s economy continues to show strong momentum in 2025, with new data from the Statistics Centre–Abu Dhabi revealing a GDP of AED 291 billion in the first quarter, up 3.4 per cent year-on-year.
Dubai has launched a programme for first-time home buyers, aiming to make homeownership more accessible and affordable by facilitating priority access to new launches, preferential pricing and tailored mortgage solutions.
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