Starting June 15, Oman will impose a new tax on sugary drinks and tobacco products.
A 100 per cent excise tax will be introduced on tobacco products, energy drinks, while 50 per cent tax will be applied on carbonated drinks, according to Oman's state news agency.
The new taxes are forecast to generate about 100 million Omani rial (US$260 million) annually.
Oman had originally planned to introduce a 5 per cent value-added tax in 2018, which is now expected to start in 2020.
UAE–South Korea CEPA comes into force on May 1
The Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) between the UAE and South Korea will officially enter into force on May 1, 2026.
Meraas awards AED 2.4 billion in construction contracts for 'The Acres'
Meraas, a member of Dubai Holding Real Estate, has awarded AED 2.4 billion in main construction contracts for new phases of its flagship villa developments, The Acres and The Acres Estates, in Dubailand.
Bangladesh set to sign Boeing jet deal, shifting from Airbus
Bangladesh is set to sign a deal on Thursday to buy 14 aircraft from US planemaker Boeing, officials said, a move that marks a shift away from Europe's Airbus amid trade pressure from Washington.
UAE Circular Economy Council focuses on food security, sustainable growth
The UAE Circular Economy Council held its first meeting of 2026 on Wednesday, with discussions centred on strengthening food security, expanding sustainable production, and increasing investment in circular economy sectors.
UAE announces decision to withdraw from OPEC and OPEC+
The United Arab Emirates announced on Tuesday its decision to exit the Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC and OPEC+), effective 1 May 2026.
His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, has praised the efforts of the first batch of Emirati government officials to secure scholarships to study at the world's top universities.
Dubai Police have summoned a driver for running a red light and trying to evade the authorities by removing the number plate of his Nissan Patrol.
The UAE's Attorney-General, Dr. Hamad Saif Al Shamsi, has ordered the referral of 13 defendants and six UAE-registered companies to the Abu Dhabi Federal Court of Appeal (State Security Court) on charges of illicit trafficking in military materiel, forgery and money laundering.
