A new resolution on VAT on exhibitions and conferences

MEDIA IN – Abu Dhabi 13 May 2018 / WAM /
The Council of Ministers adopted a decision on value added tax for exhibitions and conferences, which stipulates that enterprises in the exhibitions and conferences sector are entitled to refund value added tax in the amounts imposed for the provision of services related to the establishment and organization of these events, to ensure the ease of doing business and the competitiveness of the state in this sector. At the same time applying the tax system efficiently in the state and keeping pace with the best international standards.
The decision comes in support of the exhibition sector and accompanying activities in order to preserve the leadership of the State in this field, in light of the facilities offered to develop the exhibition and conference sector in the country, and to provide the appropriate environment, infrastructure and legislation necessary for business and growth in this sector. The international events and attracting them to the world’s largest exhibitions and conferences organizers.
The latest statistics show that the conference and exhibition tourism sector in the country contributes about 2.39 billion dirhams per year in the national economy and is expected to grow to 5.1 billion dirhams by 2020.
The decision is for any exhibition held under a license from the competent local authority for a period not exceeding 7 days, or any formal meeting between persons of mutual interest and a license from the competent local authority for a period not exceeding 7 days. If the recipient of the service does not have a permanent establishment or establishment in the State and that the recipient of the service is not registered or obliged to register in the State, and that the recipient of the service has not paid a tax to the supplier.