The Federal Tax Authority lists 31 August as the final filing date. The ordinary deadline fell on Friday 28 August, a public holiday, and the Saturday-Sunday weekend pushed it to the next working day. The extension is automatic and covers the payment as well as the return.
What happened
The announcements panel of the Federal Tax Authority (FTA), the UAE's federal tax administration, gives Monday 31 August 2026 as the final deadline for filing VAT returns. The ordinary deadline falls 28 days after the end of the tax period, which for a period ended 31 July 2026 would have been Friday 28 August. That day was a public holiday for the Prophet's Birthday.
What changes in practice
Where a deadline falls on a weekend or a national holiday, it moves to the first business day that follows. The extension is automatic: no application is filed and nothing is requested. Because the federal weekend runs Saturday to Sunday, Friday 28 August becomes Monday 31 August. The shift covers the payment as well as the return, and the two travel together — filing without paying does not stop the interest running.
Who it applies to
Every person registered for Value Added Tax in the UAE, mainland or free zone, whose tax period ended on 31 July 2026. Filing frequency is set by the FTA according to turnover, so the exact date for a given registrant is the one shown in its EmaraTax profile, the FTA's online filing and payment platform.
The exposure
Late filing carries a penalty of AED 1,000 on the first occasion and AED 2,000 where it recurs. Late payment attracts interest of 14% per annum, calculated monthly on the unpaid tax. The larger practical risk is that the extension has not created time: three consecutive non-working days closed the banks and the support channels, so a failed EmaraTax login or a payment that does not clear can no longer be fixed the day before.
What to do now
Confirm today, rather than on Monday morning, that EmaraTax access works and the return is prepared. Time the payment so that cleared funds reach the FTA by Monday: a transfer instructed on Monday morning may well be treated as late. Where the figures for the period are not complete, file on time and correct afterwards through a voluntary disclosure — the penalty for not filing is heavier than the one for amending.
Sources
- https://tax.gov.ae/en/announcements.aspx
- https://tax.gov.ae/en/taxes/Vat/vat.topics.aspx
- https://u.ae/en/information-and-services/public-holidays-and-religious-affairs/public-holidays
Published 29 August 2026 on the basis of public sources and official United Arab Emirates instruments. This is not legal or tax advice. Verify your position with a qualified professional before acting.