Federal Tax Authority Opens Forum to Grow Emirati Tax Agent Workforce
Federal Tax Authority launches forum to expand Emirati tax agent workforce, boost tax literacy and compliance through training and stakeholder engagement.
The Federal Tax Authority has launched a new stakeholders’ forum aimed at increasing the number of Emirati tax agents and strengthening tax-sector capacity across the UAE. The initiative emphasizes developing a national cadre of tax professionals equipped to support voluntary compliance and modernise service delivery. Director-General Abdulaziz Mohammed Al Mulla said the move is part of a broader strategy to bring more Emirati talent into the strategic tax sector.
Federal Tax Authority opens ‘Tax Agent’ forum to engage stakeholders
The forum, held under the Authority’s “Customer Councils” platform, provided a direct line of communication between the regulator and tax service providers. Officials said the session was designed to collect feedback, explore operational challenges and refine policies that affect agents and taxpayers. The forum is intended to be recurring, with the Authority planning more dialogues to capture ongoing stakeholder input.
Drive to expand Emirati tax agent workforce
A central aim of the Authority’s policy is to attract UAE nationals to careers as tax agents, reflecting the sector’s growing importance in the national economy. The Authority highlighted that citizens already working in the field have shown strong professional performance and a capacity to meet rigorous technical demands. Expanding the Emirati tax agent workforce is being positioned as both a skills-development priority and a means to ensure long-term sustainability of the tax administration.
Emirati agents’ role in improving compliance
Officials underscored the role of tax agents as intermediaries who help taxpayers meet filing and reporting obligations efficiently. The Authority said qualified agents can reduce friction in tax administration by advising businesses and individuals on compliance requirements. By bolstering the number of Emirati tax agents, the Authority aims to support higher levels of voluntary compliance and reduce the need for enforcement interventions.
Emphasis on qualifications and practical experience
The Authority stressed that the profession requires academic qualifications, technical competence and hands-on experience. Speakers at the forum noted that practical training and exposure to the tax and financial ecosystem are essential to develop accurate, reliable service delivery. The Authority intends to work with training providers, universities and firms to ensure that certification pathways match the technical demands of the role.
Training pathways and career development for nationals
To translate policy into practice, the Authority outlined plans to expand training opportunities and clear career pathways for Emirati candidates. Proposed measures include tailored professional development, mentorship with seasoned practitioners and internships within licensed practices and businesses. The Authority also highlighted the importance of continuous professional development to keep agents updated on evolving tax rules and best practices.
Stakeholder feedback to inform policy adjustments
Participants at the forum presented proposals aimed at simplifying agent registration, enhancing support tools and improving communication channels between agents and the Authority. Officials said the feedback will feed into the Authority’s service-design and regulatory review processes. The Authority reiterated its commitment to iterative engagement, noting that regular stakeholder consultations inform improvements that make compliance more accessible.
The Authority signalled that its broader programme to support Emirati participation in the tax sector will include incentives for training, targeted outreach and collaboration with private firms to create entry points for national talent. The message delivered by leadership was that investing in Emirati tax agents not only strengthens the tax system but also aligns with national workforce development priorities.
Closing discussions at the forum focused on operational matters such as digital tools for agents, timelines for implementing new measures and ways to monitor the impact of recruitment and training initiatives. The Authority committed to publishing follow-up guidance and to scheduling further councils to measure progress and refine its approach based on practical results.
