The UAE Federal Tax Authority (FTA) has reported that it conducted 176,000 market inspection visits during 2025, representing an 89% increase compared to the previous year. The FTA announced this figure through its official media centre, signalling a clear and sustained escalation in on-the-ground enforcement activity across the country.
Market inspections typically cover areas such as VAT registration status, invoice compliance, display of tax registration numbers, and correct pricing disclosures. While the FTA has not published a breakdown of findings in the source we reviewed, a near-doubling of visits in a single year suggests enforcement is being applied more broadly across business sizes and sectors.
What this means for our clients
For founders who have recently set up in the UAE — whether on the mainland or in a free zone — this trend is a practical reminder that registration and filing obligations need to be current before you open your doors, not after your first inspection. In most cases, businesses that are VAT-registered should ensure their tax registration number is visibly displayed, their invoices meet FTA formatting requirements, and their returns are filed on schedule.
We work with our clients to establish compliance processes at incorporation so that an unexpected inspection visit does not create operational disruption. If you are unsure whether your current setup is inspection-ready, we recommend reviewing your obligations proactively rather than reactively.
You can read the original announcement directly on the FTA media centre at tax.gov.ae, or contact Sirius Consulting to walk through your specific compliance position.