New tax programme for government employees

Dubai Finance (DOF) and PwC Academy, the talent and skills development arm of PwC Middle East, have announced a strategic partnership to introduce a new Tax Professional Certificate aimed at tax professionals working within Dubai’s government entities.

This initiative is part of the UAE's ongoing efforts to develop a highly skilled workforce capable of managing the nation’s evolving tax system.

The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed by Abdulrahman Saleh Al Saleh, Director-General of DOF, and Samar Sayegh, PwC Partner and PwC Academy Middle East Leader. The new certification is designed to provide specialized professional training in UAE Value-Added Tax (VAT) and Corporate Tax, addressing the growing need for skilled tax professionals in the country’s public sector.

The Tax Professional Certificate is delivered through an intensive training program that spans 18 training days (totaling 108 training hours). The program is available in both Arabic and English to ensure accessibility for a broad range of participants. The certification includes two diplomas awarded by the UK’s Association of Tax Technicians (ATT-UK), covering UAE VAT and UAE Corporate Tax (CT), both essential components of the UAE's tax system.

The professional qualification aims to equip Dubai’s government employees with in-depth knowledge and practical skills related to the UAE’s tax laws and regulations. Upon completion of the training, participants will take a comprehensive final exam administered by PwC Academy to earn the certification.

Abdulrahman Saleh Al Saleh emphasized that the initiative aligns with the UAE’s goal of fostering a robust, transparent, and efficient tax system. He stated, “The tax system in the UAE is based on the best international practices and foundations, considering the country's unique financial and business sectors. DOF plays a pivotal role in fostering and developing this ecosystem, ensuring a balance between public interest and private sector needs.”

The Dubai Department of Finance (DOF) has long been at the forefront of developing programs that support the country’s tax framework and overall economic development. According to Abdulaziz Mohammed Al Mulla, Commissioner for Tax Affairs in Dubai, this initiative is an important step towards enhancing the skills and work efficiency of government professionals. He noted, "Tax revenues contribute both directly and indirectly to the development of economic sectors, and the introduction of this tax certification is in line with our efforts to enhance government work and improve outcomes within the UAE’s advanced tax system."

The Tax Professional Certificate is a pioneering initiative, being the first of its kind in the UAE and the wider Arab world. 

With the UAE’s tax system continuously evolving, particularly with the introduction of VAT and Corporate Tax in recent years, the need for highly skilled tax professionals has never been greater.

This collaboration between Dubai Finance and PwC Academy is expected to play a key role in shaping the future of tax management in the region.

By investing in advanced tax education, Dubai aims to create a sustainable tax system that supports long-term economic growth and attracts further investment.