FTA And Abu Dhabi Customs Collaborate To Streamline Tax And Customs Procedures Via Electronic Linking

The Federal Tax Authority (FTA) and Abu Dhabi Customs have enhanced their strategic alliance to streamline commercial operations in Abu Dhabi. This collaboration aims to improve compliance with UAE tax laws by developing electronic linking channels for tax returns and payments. The announcement was made during GITEX Global 2025 at the Dubai World Trade Centre.

Rashed Lahej Al Mansoori, Director-General of Abu Dhabi Customs, highlighted that this partnership reflects the integrated government approach of Abu Dhabi. It supports a competitive business environment, enhancing the emirate's status as a prime business hub. He emphasised that it is crucial for improving procedures and boosting tax and customs compliance.

Khalid Ali Al Bustani, Director-General of the FTA, stated, "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."

He further explained that this agreement sets a solid framework for collaboration, aiming to deliver comprehensive digital services through innovative models. These efforts reflect the government's commitment to excellence in operations, simplifying procedures while adhering to strict governance standards.

Al Mansoori also mentioned that Abu Dhabi Customs is dedicated to working with strategic partners to promote sustainable economic growth in line with leadership goals. He assured that they are ready to offer expertise and advanced technologies for joint cooperation by sharing best practices and implementing innovative digital solutions.

This partnership aims to boost coordination between FTA and Abu Dhabi Customs in areas like investigation, review, inspection procedures according to UAE laws, and exchanging necessary information for determining taxes and customs duties. This includes data related to international trade.

Commitment to Customer Experience

The cooperation involves joint awareness campaigns to educate investors about tax and customs procedures. It also focuses on developing solutions for challenges faced by investors and companies in these areas. The goal is to design services aligned with "Zero Government Bureaucracy" targets for operational efficiency.

Al Bustani added, "This agreement establishes a clear and robust framework for collaboration and coordination, contributing to our ongoing plans to provide comprehensive digital services through innovative models reflecting the Government's commitment to leadership and excellence in its operational systems. This will enhance the customer experience by saving time and effort, while ensuring that procedures are simplified in accordance with the most rigorous governance and transparency standards."

The partnership between FTA and Abu Dhabi Customs is set to facilitate trade flows, positively impacting government performance while serving national goals. By focusing on proactive services, it aims at enhancing operational efficiency while maintaining high-quality service standards.

With inputs from WAM