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Presented by Shoayb Patel, Founder - RDVault
The UAE R&D tax incentive is the first of its kind in the GCC, and in this video RDvault founder Shoayb Patel explains what motivated him to bring R&D tax credits to the UAE and why the timing matters for Dubai and Abu Dhabi startups and businesses across the Emirates. The credit forms a direct part of the We the UAE 2031 vision, which targets GDP diversification, innovation leadership, and the attraction of global talent, intellectual property, and capital. The credit became effective from 1 January 2026 under Cabinet Decision 215 of 2025, offering non-refundable credits of 15 to 50 percent on qualifying R&D expenditure up to AED 5 million per period. Shoayb explains why this represents a structural shift in UAE business policy. For the first time, businesses operating here have access to a genuine non-dilutive capital mechanism tied directly to innovation activity. His background in UK R&D tax credits, combined with deep familiarity with the Frascati Manual framework that the UAE scheme is built on, positions RDvault as the firm that has been preparing for this moment since before the legislation was confirmed. If you want to understand the vision behind RDvault and why the UAE R&D tax incentive matters for founders and businesses building here, this is the right place to start.
So folks, you're probably wondering, why is the UAE introducing R&D tax credits? Well, the good news is this isn't just another tax reform. The UAE is playing the long game, and R&D is at the epicenter of it. The new tax credit is part of the "We the UAE 2031" vision to attract global talent, IP, and capital. Now, it's the first national R&D tax incentives in the GCC of this kind, and it signals one thing. The government wants to reward innovation. And whether you're building in AI, clean tech, or SAS, this is your chance to turn your technical investments into real returns. And we're here to help. RD Vault is fully aligned with what the Federal Tax Authority is rolling out now. Follow us for the inside track and start planning now.
15 minutes, you’ll know either way – a free eligibility check with a chartered adviser. No obligation.
R&D tax credits are all we do. Built in Manchester in 2017, AED 396M+ (£80M+) processed in UK claims. Now claiming for the UAE.
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