The UAE is cracking down harder on tax evasion and pushing for stronger compliance with excise tax rules. Over the first half of 2026, joint inspection campaigns run by the Federal Tax Authority (FTA) and Dubai Police led to the seizure of more than 3.58 million non-compliant excise goods across the country.
These inspections also turned up some serious tax violations, with outstanding tax liabilities and penalties adding up to more than Dh82 million. The latest numbers show just how focused the country remains on protecting consumers, backing legitimate businesses, and making sure excise tax laws are actually being followed.
More Than 3.58 Million Excise Goods Confiscated
Per the Federal Tax Authority, inspectors confiscated a total of 3,587,315 packs of excise goods that did not meet UAE tax regulations. These products turned up during coordinated inspection campaigns run jointly with Dubai Police.
Authorities also issued 59 violation reports against businesses and individuals caught up in tax related offences. These violations ranged from products that failed to meet excise tax requirements to cases of administrative non-compliance.
Tax Liabilities and Penalties Surpass Dh82 Million
These inspection campaigns brought outstanding taxes and penalties to a total of Dh82,064,198. That figure covers unpaid excise taxes along with the administrative fines handed down to violators.
Officials say these enforcement actions reflect the UAE’s push to maintain a transparent tax environment while cracking down on illegal business practices. Authorities continue keeping a close eye on the market to make sure businesses stick to tax legislation and the rules that apply to them.
Senior Officials Review Enforcement Results
These inspection results were reviewed at a joint meeting held at the Federal Tax Authority’s headquarters in Dubai, bringing together senior officials from both the FTA and Dubai Police to look back at enforcement performance over the first six months of 2026.
Those in attendance included Abdulaziz Al Bustani, Director-General of the Federal Tax Authority, Sarah Al Habshi, Executive Director of the Tax Compliance Sector, and Colonel Dr Saud Mohammed Al Khalidi, Assistant Director of the General Department of Criminal Investigation for Specialised Crimes at Dubai Police.
The officials also talked through future strategies to strengthen cooperation, sharpen inspection efficiency, and cut down tax evasion further across the UAE.
Strong Partnership Between FTA and Dubai Police
Abdulaziz Al Bustani pointed to the long standing partnership between the Federal Tax Authority and Dubai Police as a key part of this success. He noted that close coordination between the two organisations has become one of the main pillars holding up the country’s tax oversight system.
He explained that joint inspection teams keep delivering solid results, catching violations quickly while still protecting businesses that play by the rules. This kind of collaboration also helps keep the UAE’s reputation intact as a competitive, transparent place to do business.
Advanced Technology Strengthening Tax Enforcement
The Federal Tax Authority says technology is playing a bigger role than ever in catching violations and sharpening enforcement.
By pooling expertise and using advanced digital tools, authorities have gotten a lot better at spotting suspicious activity, investigating possible tax evasion, and taking legal action when needed.
This tech driven approach lets inspection teams work more efficiently while keeping a closer, more accurate eye on excise goods moving through the market.
Public Participation Through the Raqeeb Platform
Sarah Al Habshi explained that the FTA’s compliance strategy goes beyond official inspections alone. Members of the public can report suspected cases of tax evasion through the Raqeeb platform, which lets people share information directly with the authority.
This reporting platform helps authorities pick up on potential violations faster while getting the wider community more involved in protecting the country’s tax system.
Officials believe this kind of public cooperation plays a real role in strengthening compliance and keeping competition fair among businesses.
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Protecting Consumers and Legitimate Businesses
These inspection campaigns are not just about recovering unpaid taxes. They are also about protecting consumers from products that do not meet regulatory standards.
The FTA continues ramping up market monitoring to make sure excise goods meet approved tax obligations and quality standards. Pulling non-compliant products off the market helps protect consumers while making sure businesses are all playing on an equal, fair footing.
Authorities also noted that solid tax enforcement builds more confidence in the UAE’s business environment by keeping illegal trade practices in check.
UAE Plans to Expand Inspection Campaigns
Both the Federal Tax Authority and Dubai Police have confirmed plans to keep expanding joint inspection campaigns across the country.
Going forward, the focus will be on catching more untaxed excise goods, sharing intelligence more effectively, and strengthening cooperation between enforcement agencies. Officials also plan to keep leaning on advanced technology to support investigations and boost tax compliance.
These ongoing efforts are part of the UAE’s broader strategy to keep its tax system sustainable while holding onto high standards of transparency, regulatory compliance, and consumer protection.