Mainland vs Free Zone in 2026: The Tax & Accounting Differences Nobody Tells You
Setting up a business in the UAE comes with one question that never seems to go away: Mainland vs Free Zone? Most people answer it by looking at ownership percentages, visa allocations, and setup fees. That is the wrong starting point. In 2026, the more important question is: what does each structure cost you in […]
Do You Need a Tax Agent in UAE? A Checklist for Business Owners in Dubai (2026)
The short answer is: you are not legally required to appoint a tax agent in UAE — but in 2026, with the FTA conducting 93,000 inspection visits last year (a 135% increase from 2023), a brand new penalty regime active from April 14, 2026, and corporate tax returns due for the first time for most […]
FTA Audit 2026: 7 Things Dubai Businesses Get Wrong That Trigger an Inspection
FTA audit activity in Dubai increased 135 percent in 2024. Enforcement in 2026 is moving faster still. The Federal Tax Authority now holds two complete years of corporate tax returns alongside six years of VAT history. Its systems cross-reference every filing automatically. Every registered business in the UAE carries a live audit risk score — […]
