FTA and Dubai Police seize 3.59 million non-compliant selective goods in H1 2026
FTA and Dubai Police seized 3,587,315 non-compliant selective goods in H1 2026, filing 59 cases and pursuing over AED 82 million in taxes and penalties to strengthen compliance.
The Federal Tax Authority and Dubai Police carried out joint inspection campaigns across the emirate during the first half of 2026, seizing 3,587,315 units of selective goods that did not meet tax requirements. The operations resulted in 59 official enforcement reports against a mix of commercial outlets and individuals, and triggered assessments and fines that together exceed AED 82 million in tax liabilities and penalties. Officials said the coordinated effort was designed to curb tax evasion, protect legitimate businesses and sustain the integrity of the UAE’s tax system. The headline seizure figures and enforcement actions underscore an intensified focus on excise and selective goods compliance this year.
Scale of the seizures and enforcement outcomes
The joint actions between the Federal Tax Authority and Dubai Police uncovered millions of units of non-compliant selective goods, encompassing a range of excisable products subject to UAE tax law. Inspecting warehouses, retail outlets and distribution points produced the large-volume seizures that were recorded during H1 2026. Authorities issued 59 formal enforcement records to address non-compliance, with cases spanning administrative violations to suspected deliberate tax evasion. The estimated tax dues and fines linked to the confiscated goods were reported to top AED 82 million, reflecting both assessed excise and related penalties.
Officials review half-year results in Dubai meeting
FTA leadership and senior Dubai Police investigators met at the Authority’s Dubai office to review results and next steps following the inspection campaigns. The meeting was attended by Federal Tax Authority Director General Abdulaziz Al Mulla, the Authority’s Executive Director of Tax Compliance Sara Al Habshi, and Assistant Director for Specialized Crime Affairs in the General Directorate of Criminal Investigations and Intelligence at Dubai Police, Colonel Dr Saud Mohammed Al-Khalidi. Participants examined performance indicators from the joint inspections and discussed operational lessons and enforcement priorities for the remainder of the year. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to ongoing collaboration and information-sharing to increase the reach and effectiveness of future campaigns.
Boosting detection through technology and expertise exchange
Representatives from both agencies highlighted the role of technology and specialist expertise in improving detection and investigative capability. The FTA noted that integrating data analytics, transaction monitoring and targeted field operations allowed inspectors to identify anomalous supply chains and high-risk actors more efficiently. Dubai Police emphasized the value of forensic investigative methods and criminal intelligence support in cases where deliberate evasion is suspected. Officials said continued cross-agency training and technical exchanges will be used to enhance the pace of detection and accelerate legal follow-up against offenders.
Community reporting platform Raqeeb strengthens oversight
The FTA reiterated the importance of public participation through its Raqeeb reporting platform, which enables citizens and businesses to report suspected cases of tax evasion and non-compliant selective goods. The Executive Director of Tax Compliance, Sara Al Habshi, noted that Raqeeb helps channel community tips into enforcement workflows and supports inspections with actionable leads. Authorities said the platform is part of a broader outreach and compliance strategy that complements on-site inspections and administrative monitoring. Officials encouraged market participants and members of the public to use the reporting tool to help protect consumers and public funds.
Implications for market competitiveness and legitimate traders
FTA and Dubai Police stressed that enforcement of selective goods rules is intended to preserve a level playing field for lawful businesses and to protect consumers from illicit or unregulated products. By removing non-compliant stock and pursuing liabilities, authorities aim to deter unfair pricing and undercutting that arise from tax avoidance. Both agencies underscored that stronger enforcement contributes to investor confidence and the long-term sustainability of regulated markets. They also signalled that businesses should accelerate internal compliance measures to avoid enforcement action and potential financial exposure.
Next steps and continued cooperation in enforcement
Moving forward, the agencies said they will scale up targeted inspection campaigns and continue to refine risk-based approaches to identifying non-compliant selective goods. The FTA and Dubai Police plan to maintain frequent coordination meetings, share intelligence on emerging schemes, and invest in joint training to handle complex investigations. Officials indicated that follow-up actions will include administrative assessments, criminal investigations where warranted, and public awareness efforts to reinforce legal obligations. The partnership is being positioned as a central pillar of the UAE’s wider strategy to strengthen tax compliance and protect public revenue.
The combined enforcement drive in H1 2026 illustrates an intensified regulatory posture toward selective goods and excise compliance, with both agencies signalling sustained collaboration to detect, deter and penalize tax evasion.
