The Federal Tax Authority (FTA) and Abu Dhabi Customs (ADC) have strengthened their strategic partnership to provide enhanced facilitation for commercial operations in Abu Dhabi, aiming to streamline processes, reduce administrative hurdles, and improve overall efficiency in the business environment.
FTA and Abu Dhabi Customs have announced their renewed cooperation on the sidelines of GITEX Global 2025, the 45th edition of the event, held at the Dubai World Trade Centre. This partnership is expected to foster greater efficiency in trade and taxation, further boosting Abu Dhabi’s position as a leading commercial hub in the region.
The two entities will intensify their cooperation to develop procedures through electronic linking channels, contributing to achieving compliance with the applicable tax legislation in the UAE regarding the submission of tax returns and the payment of tax and customs dues.
This FTA, Abu Dhabi Customs partnership aims to further strengthen coordination across multiple critical areas. Key initiatives include enhancing the investigation, review, and inspection processes in full compliance with UAE legislation and regulations. Additionally, the partnership will streamline the exchange of vital information to accurately determine the amounts due for taxes and customs duties, particularly focusing on data related to international trade.
Moreover, the collaboration will intensify joint efforts in raising awareness, particularly through shared campaigns aimed at educating investors about tax and customs procedures. This will help businesses better navigate the regulatory landscape. Another important aspect of this cooperation is the development of innovative solutions to address the challenges faced by investors and companies in these sectors.
Aligned with the UAE’s ‘Zero Government Bureaucracy’ initiative, the partnership is committed to creating efficient, customer-centric services. The goal is to design and launch proactive services that drive operational efficiency and provide a smoother, more seamless experience for businesses and investors. This represents a significant step toward improving the ease of doing business in the UAE, while fostering a more transparent and efficient economic environment.
HE Khalid Ali Al Bustani Director General – FTA
“The cooperation agreement was reached as a result of the sustained efforts to enhance integration between the FTA and Abu Dhabi Customs. It consolidates the comprehensive vision of our strategic ambitions and aligns with the directives of our wise leadership to improve people’s quality of life, streamline government transactions and procedures, foster a dynamic business environment that attracts talent, and contribute to enhancing the national economy by providing proactive digital services and increasing customer satisfaction.”
Al Bustani stated the agreement with Abu Dhabi Customs creates a strong framework for collaboration, driving digital services innovation. It simplifies procedures, enhances customer experience, and ensures transparency. He stressed the importance of ongoing partnerships to foster a sustainable ecosystem and improve social well-being.
HE Rashed Lahej Al Mansoori, Director General of Abu Dhabi Customs, highlighted that this partnership reflects Abu Dhabi’s integrated government approach to support a competitive business environment, reinforcing the emirate’s position as a leading business hub. He emphasized that it is a key step toward streamlining procedures, enhancing tax and customs compliance, and achieving the “Zero Government Bureaucracy” targets, all while boosting operational efficiency.
Al Mansoori further reaffirmed Abu Dhabi Customs’ commitment to collaborating with strategic partners to drive sustainable economic growth in line with the leadership’s vision. He emphasized the agency’s readiness to leverage its expertise and advanced technologies, exchange best practices, and implement digital solutions that will enhance trade flows, improve government performance, and support the UAE’s ambitious goals.
