UAE FTA engages BRICS leaders to strengthen global tax cooperation

The Federal Tax Authority (FTA) participated in the BRICS Tax Experts and Tax Heads Meeting 2026, held in New Delhi, India, bringing together Heads of Tax Authorities and tax experts from ten BRICS tax administrations to exchange expertise, discuss emerging challenges, and strengthen cooperation in tax administration.

The FTA delegation was headed by Abdulaziz Al Mulla, Director General of the Federal Tax Authority, and included Saida Kaddoumi Osman, Policy Adviser at the Authority, and Meera Qassim, International Relations Senior Analyst.

Hosted by the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT), Ministry of Finance, Government of India, the meeting brought together representatives from several Member States. Discussions focused on strengthening cooperation between BRICS tax administrations, with technology, administration, and human resources among the key themes addressed.

Speaking on the occasion, Abdulaziz Al Mulla emphasised the importance of international cooperation and knowledge exchange in supporting the continued development of modern and efficient tax systems. He highlighted the value of platforms such as the BRICS working groups as well as the BRICS Tax Experts and Tax Heads Meeting 2026 in enabling participating countries to exchange experiences, explore emerging trends, and identify practical approaches to shared challenges.

He said: “The Federal Tax Authority places great importance on strengthening international cooperation and exchanging knowledge and expertise with tax administrations around the world. Our participation in the BRICS Tax Experts and Tax Heads Meeting 2026 provides an important opportunity to learn from diverse experiences, share best practices, and explore new approaches that can contribute to the continued development of tax administration.”

He added: “The UAE continues to advance an efficient, transparent and technology-enabled tax system that supports economic growth and enhances the customer experience. International platforms such as BRICS provide valuable opportunities to deepen cooperation, strengthen professional relationships and contribute to the development of tax systems that can respond effectively to evolving economic and technological developments.”

The Federal Tax Authority was established by Federal Decree-Law No. 13 of 2016 to help diversify the national economy and increase non-oil revenues in the UAE through the management and collection of federal taxes based on international best practices and standards, as well as to provide all means of support to enable taxpayers to comply with the tax laws and procedures. Since its inception in 2017, the FTA has been committed to cooperate with the competent authorities to establish a comprehensive and balanced system to make the UAE one of the first countries in the world to implement a fully electronic tax system that encourages voluntary compliance, with simple procedures based on the highest standards of transparency and accuracy – beginning from registration, to the submission of tax returns, to the payment of due taxes through the Authority’s website.

Meanwhile the Federal Tax Authority (FTA) has strengthened the presence of Emirati women across its various roles and specialisations, with 407 Emirati women accounting for 87 per cent of its total female workforce, while Emirati women represent 93 per cent of all female employees in the youth category, reflecting the growing role of national female talent in developing the tax system.

Abdulaziz Mohammed Al Mulla, Director-General of the FTA, said on the occasion of Emirati Women’s Day that empowering women is an established approach inspired by the vision of the UAE leadership and translated by the Authority into opportunities for leadership, innovation and participation in shaping the future.

He explained that women account for 51 per cent of the Authority’s total workforce, while 50 Emirati women have been newly appointed so far in 2026.

A total of 330 Emirati women work in specialised and professional roles, 60 in executive positions, and 13 in supervisory and leadership positions.

Al Mulla affirmed that Emirati women have demonstrated their competence in the tax sector and contributed effectively to developing the tax system and enhancing its sustainability.

The FTA Women’s Committee is organising a programme running from 28th August to 28th September, 2026, featuring a range of initiatives and activities celebrating the achievements of Emirati women and highlighting distinguished national female figures in the tax sector and their role in the UAE’s development journey.

Meanwhile, Adnoc continues to empower Emirati youth in technical, digital and leadership capabilities to shape the future of energy and contribute to the UAE’s long-term progress.