UAE launches Emirates Majalis to strengthen public engagement on tax services

The UAE’s Federal Tax Authority (FTA) has launched Emirates Majalis, a new community engagement initiative aimed at strengthening direct dialogue with UAE citizens, gathering feedback on tax services, and improving awareness of the country’s tax system.

Launched under the slogan “Closer to Each Other,” the initiative held its inaugural session at Al Khawaneej Majlis, attended by Abdulaziz Al Mulla, Director General of the FTA, alongside Emirati community members.

The session focused on answering questions about tax procedures while giving the Authority greater insight into the challenges citizens face when accessing tax services. Discussions covered the tax implications of purchasing a business license registered in another person’s name, the treatment of residential and commercial properties, and the taxation of income earned by influencers and content creators through commercial advertising and promotional activities.

Al Mulla also highlighted the high levels of tax compliance among entrepreneurs and said public awareness of the UAE’s tax framework continues to grow.

He reaffirmed the FTA’s commitment to strengthening trust through ongoing engagement with the community, describing Emirates Majalis as a long-term platform for gathering feedback and developing more customer-centric services.

During the session, Al Mulla also urged taxpayers to keep their tax file information and reference numbers confidential, warning against sharing such details with unaccredited tax agents or third parties. He noted that tax files serve as the official record of a taxpayer’s obligations and filings.

According to the FTA, Emirates Majalis is the first community engagement initiative launched under Al Mulla’s leadership. The program aims to establish direct communication with citizens, respond to inquiries, identify pain points in tax processes, and support the delivery of simpler, clearer, and more transparent government services.

The initiative also builds on the traditional role of neighborhood majalis in fostering community dialogue and partnerships while supporting the government’s broader goal of delivering proactive, integrated public services.

Speaking at the launch, Al Mulla said: “Emirates Majalis is one of the Authority’s key community initiatives aimed at raising citizens’ awareness of tax procedures and simplifying the customer journey by providing information and responding to inquiries directly, which promotes transparency and facilitates access to tax services.”

He added: “We are committed to listening closely to UAE citizens and addressing the inquiries and challenges they may face in relation to tax procedures. Direct dialogue is the most effective way to develop more efficient services that meet the aspirations of the community and strengthen mutual trust between the FTA and its customers.”