The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has backed plans to raise taxes in the UAE on retail sales and company profits. The IMF also believes the government needs to reviews its spending habits over the forth coming years. Masood Ahmed, IMF's Middle East director, told ARN News Centre taxes will help plug the gap left by lower oil prices in government finances.Some UAE residents are opposed to higher taxes, saying the cost of living is already high and that people and companies will leave the country if taxes are increased. But Ahmed says that even after a small tax increase, the UAE's overall tax rate will remain one of the lowest in the world. The UAE Ministry of Finance said this summer that it is drafting new tax legislation, but gave no details on the likely timeframe or tax rates.

Abu Dhabi partners with Boehringer Ingelheim to advance precision medicine
H.H. Sheikh Ahmed approves launch of business media platform
Saudi Aramco resumes oil loading at Ras Tanura after 4-month halt
Summer Davos ends with call to boost innovation and growth
ADNOC and partners to develop mega gas project
