OH NO: Eating Out To Become More Expensive As 5% VAT Will Be Imposed On Restaurant Bills From Next Week

Before we proceed further, let’s do a quick recap.

Dubai saw the roll out of VAT on tobacco, energy drinks and certain soft drinks from October 1. 

Then came the news that all essential food items, along with water and power would be subjected to five percent tax increase. So would our phone bills!

And if that wasn’t enough, it was announced that our salaries would not be increased after the introduction of VAT. 

Now, the new tax will be imposed on restaurant bills too

As part of the GCC agreement, the imposition of five percent VAT on dining out will be effective from January 1, 2018.

VAT will be imposed on all kinds of eateries and multi-cuisine restaurants including fast food outlets. 

Yep, it seems you can kiss those fancy brunches goodbye!