UAE Launches First Phase of Research and Development Tax Incentives Program, Providing a Non-Refundable Tax Credit

The UAE Ministry of Finance has announced the launch of the first phase of a new research and development (R&D) tax incentives program, providing a non-refundable R&D tax credit of up to 50% on qualifying expenditure of up to AED 5 million. The Ministry has also published Cabinet Decision No. 215 of 2025, which establishes the R&D tax credit, and Ministerial Decision No. 24 of 2026, which provides further implementing rules for the R&D tax credit. The decisions apply to tax…