Abu Dhabi's 10% tourism tax waiver extends till December 31
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Abu Dhabi: The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) has announced an extension of the waiver on tourism fees for event organisers. Effective immediately, organisers will not be required to pay tourism fees on sold tickets until December 31, 2024.
"The extension of the tourism fee waiver until the end of the year is part of our efforts to accelerate our growth and provide continued support to our event partners and organisers, who are integral to the tourism and entertainment ecosystem of the emirate," said Saleh Mohammed Al Geziry, director-general of tourism at DCT Abu Dhabi.
The tourism tax waiver, previously set at 10 per cent of tickets sold, has been prolonged to incentivize the expansion of the events sector in Abu Dhabi. This extension aims to alleviate financial burdens on organisers and encourage the planning of diverse and engaging events throughout the emirate.
While benefiting from the waiver, event organisers are still required to adhere to certain regulations. They must obtain event licenses through the Abu Dhabi Events Licensing System and comply with specified guidelines. Additionally, organisers must accurately declare revenues generated from their events and provide supporting financial statements. Cooperation with revenue auditors designated by DCT Abu Dhabi is also mandatory to verify the accuracy of revenue declarations.
The extension of the tourism fee waiver aligns with a series of initiatives aimed at stimulating the tourism and events industry in Abu Dhabi. In addition to the waiver extension, other incentives have been introduced, including reductions in tourism and municipality fees for hotels. Further, updates to the holiday homes policy allow farmhouse owners to obtain licenses for conversion into holiday homes, while landlords and residential unit owners can acquire multiple licenses for various units.
By providing financial relief and facilitating regulatory processes, the authorities aim to foster innovation and diversity in event offerings, ultimately enhancing the emirate's appeal as a premier destination for tourism and entertainment.