The UAE government’s decision to implement excise tax has led to a sharp decline in the value of tobacco trade in Abu Dhabi.
According to the emirate’s Statistics Centre, the overall trade of raw and manufactured tobacco products dropped to AED 62.4 million last year, compared to AED 410 million in 2017.
The UAE began applying excise tax on certain goods in October 2017.
It increased the cost of carbonated drinks by 50 per cent and doubled the price of tobacco and energy drinks.
Fitch affirms Ras Al Khaimah at A+ and raises growth forecast
Fitch Ratings has affirmed Ras Al Khaimah’s long-term credit rating at A+ and raised its economic growth forecast for 2026.
G7 to release 100 million barrels from energy stocks
Group of Seven (G7) countries agreed on Friday to release 100 million barrels of diesel and crude oil from emergency reserves and pledged to refrain from energy export restrictions after pressure from US President Donald Trump.
First UAE-built commercial satellite launches successfully
Altair-1, the first commercial satellite built in the UAE, has successfully launched into orbit, marking a major milestone for the country's growing private space sector.
UAE lists second Sovereign Retail T-Sukuk on Nasdaq Dubai
The Ministry of Finance has announced the official listing and commencement of secondary-market trading for its second five-year Sovereign Retail T-Sukuk on Nasdaq Dubai on Friday, following the successful completion of subscription, allocation, and settlement.
Abu Dhabi invests AED 300 million to advance public transport
Abu Dhabi has announced plans to invest AED 300 million to upgrade its public transport system with smart tech.
Five UAE humanitarian aid convoys comprising 55 trucks and carrying 617 tonnes of humanitarian aid entered the Gaza Strip this week under Operation Chivalrous Knight 3, as part of the UAE's continued efforts to support the Palestinian people and meet their basic needs.
His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence, has attended the unveiling of the probe for the Emirates Mission to the Asteroid Belt.
The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) is organising the inaugural Dubai International Electric Vehicle Exhibition and Conference 2026 (EV World 2026) from November 10-12, 2026 at Dubai World Trade Centre.
