Shoayb Patel is an ICAEW Chartered Accountant and the Founder & CEO of RDvault, with 16+ years of experience in R&D tax credits across the UK and UAE. He specialises in R&D tax legislation, Frascati Manual criteria, and helping businesses understand and navigate R&D tax incentives.
He regularly writes and speaks about R&D tax credits, innovation and tax policy, with a particular focus on the emerging UAE R&D Tax Credit regime.
Shoayb Patel’s expertise in R&D tax and innovation has been featured beyond RDvault, with his insights contributing to conversations around the evolving UAE R&D tax landscape. His external publications offer practical perspectives for businesses and advisers navigating the country’s emerging R&D incentives and legislation.
Published by: ICAEW
Date: 21 May 2026
Author: Shoayb Patel ACA
Topic: UAE R&D Tax Credit regime, eligibility, qualifying expenditure, staff thresholds, pre-approval, free-zone eligibility, Phase 1, clawback and record keeping.
⚠ This article has been updated to reflect the confirmed legislation under Ministerial Decision No. 24 of 2026 and Cabinet Decision No. 215 of 2025. See the "Last updated" date above for when changes were made. Last updated: 4/6/2026 A strategic guide to UAE R&D tax incentives for startups. Learn how…
How the Dubai Future Foundation shapes UAE R&D policy through strategic foresight, the Dubai RDI Programme, and its direct influence on innovation legislation. ⚠ This article has been updated to reflect the confirmed legislation under Ministerial Decision No. 24 of 2026 and Cabinet Decision No. 215 of 2025. See the…
STEP Dubai 2026 signalled a shift towards disciplined innovation funding. Learn how UAE R&D tax incentives offer non-dilutive capital for startups and scaleups. ⚠ This article has been updated to reflect the confirmed legislation under Ministerial Decision No. 24 of 2026 and Cabinet Decision No. 215 of 2025. See the…
RDvault CEO Shoayb Patel joined senior finance leaders at the CFO Forum to discuss UAE digital compliance, e-invoicing readiness, and R&D tax credit preparation. The UAE is building one of the world's most advanced digital compliance environments. For finance leaders, this represents a fundamental shift. Last week, RDvault…
How recent legislative amendments shape UAE R&D tax credits for finance teams. Covers settlement order, refundability, ERP readiness, and Pillar Two interactions. ⚠ This article has been updated to reflect the confirmed legislation under Ministerial Decision No. 24 of 2026 and Cabinet Decision No. 215 of 2025. See the "Last…
RDvault participated in GITEX and Expand North Star 2025, presenting on R&D tax credit eligibility under the UAE's live R&D tax credit regime with tiered rates of 15–50%. ⚠ This article has been updated to reflect the confirmed legislation under Ministerial Decision No. 24 of 2026 and Cabinet Decision No.…
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.
Expert insight on R&D tax credits, UAE compliance updates and innovation incentives, straight to your inbox.