The UAE government’s decision to implement excise tax has led to a sharp decline in the value of tobacco trade in Abu Dhabi.
According to the emirate’s Statistics Centre, the overall trade of raw and manufactured tobacco products dropped to AED 62.4 million last year, compared to AED 410 million in 2017.
The UAE began applying excise tax on certain goods in October 2017.
It increased the cost of carbonated drinks by 50 per cent and doubled the price of tobacco and energy drinks.

UAE advances agentic AI project targeting 50% of government operations
Dubai Business Forum – China to be held in Shenzhen in October
UAE-BRICS non-oil trade tops $312 billion
ADNOC affirms commitment to meeting customer requirements despite challenges
