United Arab Emirates to become first oil-rich Gulf Arab state to introduce value added tax. DUBAI - The United Arab Emirates is on course to shed its reputation as a tax haven and become the first oil-rich Gulf Arab state to introduce value added tax, marking a step towards diversifying public revenues.
As early as next year, shoppers in the sumptuous malls of Dubai -- the city-state whose oil resources are dwindling -- could find a VAT of up to five percent slapped on their receipts.