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UAE to Tax Sugary Drinks Based on Sugar Content by 2026

New rule means the more sugar in your drink, the more tax it gets

  • Publish date: Friday، 18 July 2025 Reading time: 1 min read
UAE to Tax Sugary Drinks Based on Sugar Content by 2026

Say Goodbye to One-Rate Sugar Tax

Starting 2026, the UAE is switching things up with how it taxes your favorite sweetened drinks. Instead of a flat tax based on the drink type, the new system will charge based on how much sugar is actually inside each bottle or can. Yup, the sweeter it is, the higher the tax.

Drinking more sugary beverages of any type may increase type 2 diabetes risk | Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health

What’s the Goal Here?

This isn’t just about raising prices—it’s a move to push drink makers to cut down on sugar. The idea is to encourage healthier choices without banning your favorite fizzy treats completely. Less sugar = less tax = win-win.

Why Announce It Now?

The early announcement gives manufacturers, importers, and suppliers a solid head start. They’ve got until the beginning of 2026 to update their formulas, adjust their labels, and get their systems ready.

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