Should Gulf countries ditch customs taxes?
The introduction of a value-added tax (VAT) in Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE under the GCC framework significantly expands the fiscal flexibility enjoyed by the governments. In this article in Al Arabiya, Dr. Omar Al Ubaydli notes that Gulf countries should work toward eliminating customs taxes, switching exclusively to VAT. The primary benefit will be in opening markets for the Gulf countries’ new non-oil exports as they implement their economic visions…..
Dr. Omar Al-Ubaydli, Head of Research & Studies, Director of Energy & Economic Studies