INTERNATIONAL
The more sugar in this country, the more taxes the public will pay. Learn why the government took this tough decision
Why Dubai Has a High Sugar Tax: Dubai has imposed a high tax on sugary foods and drinks under the Health Excise Tax. Higher sugar means higher taxes. The aim is to reduce obesity and diabetes, and encourage people to make healthier choices.
Dubai Sugar Food Tax Rule: Health-friendly policies in Dubai are becoming increasingly strict. In this regard, the government has imposed heavy taxes on sugary foods to force people to adopt a healthy lifestyle. The rule is very simple, the more sugar a food contains, the higher the tax will be. This will directly impact soft drinks, juices, packaged food and snacks. This step has been taken not just to increase revenue, but also to reduce the rapidly increasing risk of obesity, diabetes and heart disease.
Reasons for increasing taxes
The Dubai government has implemented a Health Excise Tax (HEIT) ranging from 50% to 100% on high-sugar foods. The primary objective is to improve public health and lifestyle. Obesity and type 2 diabetes are rapidly increasing in the UAE, largely due to the consumption of sugary foods and sugar-loaded drinks.
The government believes that when people pay more for sugar-containing foods, they will automatically choose healthier options. This will reduce health expenses and, on the other hand, lead to a positive shift in society toward healthier eating.
Which 10 sugar-rich items are taxed the most?
The highest taxed products in Dubai include items with high sugar content:
- Carbonated drinks – cola, orange soda
- Energy drinks – high caffeine and high sugar
- Packaged fruit juices – even 100% juice, if high in sugar
- Flavored Milk Drinks – Chocolate/Strawberry Milk
- Ice cream and packaged dairy desserts
- Candy and Chocolate Bars
- Breakfast cereals – which are high in added sugar
- Bottled tea and coffee drinks – frappe, mocha, iced tea
- Sugar-flavored yogurt
- Packaged bakery items – cakes, muffins, cookies
Image Credit: Gemini
