new pricing system<\/a>, which was announced in July by the Ministry of Finance and the Federal Tax Authority, links the tax rate directly to the level of sugar content per 100ml, marking an evolution from the flat-rate tax on soft drinks introduced in 2017.<\/p>\nUnder the new pricing strategy, drinks containing between 5 and 8 grams of sugar per 100ml will be taxed at 79 fils (Dh0.79) per litre, while those containing 8g or more of sugar per 100ml will be subject to a tax of Dh1.09 per litre.<\/p>\n
Beverages with fewer than 5g of sugar per 100ml, as well as those containing only artificial sweeteners, will be exempt from the new taxation rules.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe policy encourages both manufacturers and consumers to choose low-sugar or natural-sugar alternatives,\u201d said Dr Ali Elhouni, a consultant endocrinologist at Medcare Royal Specialty Hospital Al Qusais. <\/p>\n
\u201cThis method is more effective than the usual flat tax and this connects financial policy with health results, which is important in a place where obesity and type 2 diabetes rates among young people are increasing.\u201d<\/p>\n
Concern over obesity and diabetes<\/p>\n
The UAE obesity rates are forecasted to hit new highs by 2050, according to a Lancet study earlier this year. It showed that overweight and obesity prevalence among males aged 25-plus will increase from 84 per cent in 2021 to 94 per cent in 25 years, among the highest globally. For females, it is expected to rise to 95 per cent.<\/p>\n
As for type 2 diabetes, it is estimated that there is nearly a 21 per cent prevalence among the UAE\u2019s population as of 2024, according to the International Diabetes Federation. In the Middle East and North Africa region, it is believed 163 million people will have some form of diabetes by 2050, an increase from 85 million last year.<\/p>\n
\u201cCutting back on sugar can significantly improve long-term health,\u201d added Dr Elhouni. \u201cWhenever possible, individuals should opt for natural sugars found in fruits instead of sugary drinks, as the body can digest these sugars more effectively.\u201d<\/p>\n
International precedence <\/p>\n
While some may question whether these financial measures will lead to real-world change in the health space, international data suggests they do. <\/p>\n
For example, in Ireland, a Sugar-Sweetened Drinks Tax was introduced in 2018, with independent evaluations showing that sugar consumption from carbonated soft drinks fell by 30.2 per cent in retail purchases and 19.8 per cent in food service settings within a year.<\/p>\n
Similarly, the UK\u2019s soft drinks industry levy, which also came into effect in 2018, showed a significant drop in the amount of sugar in people\u2019s diets across the UK \u2013 about half in children and by a third in adults after the tax was announced in 2016 \u2013 according to the Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health.<\/p>\n
Protecting the next generation<\/p>\n
The medical community is particularly focused on how the tax might wean young people off high-sugar habits in the UAE. \u201cI wish more individuals would see that drinking high-sugar beverages is closely related to obesity and type 2 diabetes,\u201d said Dr Elhouni. \u201cEven slight decreases in the daily consumption of these drinks can lead to significant health improvements.\u201d<\/p>\n
Sugars in drinks can be easy to over-consume because they are not as filling as food, he added. \u201cBut they still add calories that can lead to weight gain and metabolic issues. <\/p>\n
\u201cThis is why it\u2019s advised to eat whole fruits instead of drinking fruit juice, where it\u2019s easy to add more sugar for better taste.\u201d<\/p>\n
Good for your teeth<\/p>\n
It is not just metabolic health disorders, either, as high sugar consumption is also linked to faster dental decay. Dr David Roze, founder of Dubai\u2019s Roze BioHealth and BioDental Clinics, also \u201cstrongly\u201d supports the new sugar tax as it\u2019ll help address the imbalances he frequently sees in the oral microbiome. <\/p>\n
\u201cFrom a dental perspective, this policy tackles one of the root causes of disease,\u201d he told The National. \u201cReducing sugar exposure directly lowers rates of cavities, gum disease and tooth loss.\u201d<\/p>\n
Dr Roze said he commonly sees early signs of biological imbalances showing up in the mouth, such as aggressive tooth decay at a surprisingly young age, chronic gum inflammation and early bone loss around the teeth. There is often also advanced dental breakdown in patients with undiagnosed or poorly controlled diabetes or pre-diabetes. <\/p>\n
\u201cThe underlying pattern is often frequent and hidden sugar exposure not just from soft drinks, but from sweetened coffees, flavoured teas, energy drinks and products marketed as \u2018healthy\u2019,\u201d said Dr Roze. <\/p>\n
\u201cWhen sugar is consumed continuously throughout the day, the mouth remains acidic for hours, disrupting the oral microbiome and allowing harmful bacteria to dominate.\u201d<\/p>\n
A shifting retail industry<\/p>\n
As obesity rates rise, there has been a move towards healthier lifestyles and decreased sugar consumption across the UAE in recent years, particularly in the retail sector. <\/p>\n
The country\u2019s healthy snacks industry is booming, as consumers demand more sugar-free, gluten-free, low-fat, plant-based and organic items. The healthy snacks market is expected to reach a projected revenue of more than $1 billion by 2033, a compound annual growth rate of 7.2 per cent, according to Grand View Research. <\/p>\n
As more manufacturers incorporate alternative and natural sweeteners, such as stevia, the UAE\u2019s sugar-free drinks market is also projected to reach $1.2 billion by 2033, with a CAGR of 9.3 per cent from this year, according to Deep Market Insights. <\/p>\n
\u201cBy pushing manufacturers to create products with lower sugar content and backing public awareness efforts about healthy eating, we might witness a slow decline in obesity and associated chronic illnesses over time,\u201d said Dr Elhouni. <\/p>\n
\u201cThis should be included in a wider health promotion plan that focuses on education, better access to nutritious foods and increased awareness of preventing chronic diseases,\u201d he added.<\/p>\n
The specs<\/p>\n
Engine: 2.0-litre 4-cylinder turbo<\/p>\n
Power: 240hp at 5,500rpm<\/p>\n
Torque: 390Nm at 3,000rpm<\/p>\n
Transmission:\u00a0eight-speed auto<\/p>\n
Price: from Dh122,745<\/p>\n
On sale: now<\/p>\n
Why it pays to compare<\/p>\n
A comparison of sending Dh20,000 from the UAE using two different routes at the same time – the first\u00a0direct from a UAE bank to a bank in Germany, and the second\u00a0from the same UAE bank via an online platform to Germany – found key differences in cost and speed. The transfers were both initiated on January 30.<\/p>\n
Route 1: bank transfer<\/p>\n
The UAE bank charged Dh152.25 for the Dh20,000 transfer. On top of that, their exchange rate margin added a difference of around Dh415, compared with the mid-market rate.<\/p>\n
Total cost:\u00a0Dh567.25 –\u00a0around 2.9 per cent of the total amount<\/p>\n
Total received: \u20ac4,670.30\u00a0<\/p>\n
Route 2: online platform<\/p>\n
The UAE bank\u2019s charge for sending Dh20,000 to a UK dirham-denominated account was Dh2.10. The exchange rate margin cost was Dh60, plus a Dh12 fee.<\/p>\n
Total cost: Dh74.10, around 0.4 per cent of the transaction<\/p>\n
Total received: \u20ac4,756<\/p>\n
The UAE bank transfer was far quicker \u2013 around two to three working days, while the online platform took around four to five days, but was considerably cheaper. In the online platform transfer, the\u00a0funds were also exposed to currency risk during the period it took for them to arrive.<\/p>\n
Specs <\/p>\n
Engine: Dual-motor all-wheel-drive electric<\/p>\n
Range: Up to 610km<\/p>\n
Power: 905hp<\/p>\n
Torque: 985Nm<\/p>\n
Price: From Dh439,000<\/p>\n
Available: Now<\/p>\n
The specs<\/p>\n
Engine: 2.0-litre 4-cyl turbo<\/p>\n
Power: 247hp at 6,500rpm<\/p>\n
Torque: 370Nm from 1,500-3,500rpm<\/p>\n
Transmission: 10-speed auto<\/p>\n
Fuel consumption: 7.8L\/100km<\/p>\n
Price: from Dh94,900<\/p>\n
On sale: now<\/p>\n
The President’s Cake<\/p>\n
Director: Hasan Hadi<\/p>\n
Starring:\u00a0Baneen Ahmad Nayyef, Waheed Thabet Khreibat, Sajad Mohamad Qasem\u00a0<\/p>\n
Rating: 4\/5<\/p>\n
The biog<\/p>\n
Name: Younis Al Balooshi<\/p>\n
Nationality: Emirati<\/p>\n
Education: Doctorate degree in forensic medicine at the University of Bonn<\/p>\n
Hobbies: Drawing and reading books about graphic design<\/p>\n
‘Panga’<\/p>\n
Directed by\u00a0Ashwiny Iyer Tiwari<\/p>\n
Starring Kangana Ranaut, Richa Chadha, Jassie Gill, Yagya Bhasin, Neena Gupta<\/p>\n
Rating: 3.5\/5<\/p>\n
SPECS<\/p>\n
Toyota land Cruiser 2020 5.7L VXR<\/p>\n
Engine: 5.7-litre V8<\/p>\n
Transmission: eight-speed automatic<\/p>\n
Power: 362hp<\/p>\n
Torque: 530Nm<\/p>\n
Price: Dh329,000 (base model 4.0L EXR Dh215,900)<\/p>\n
RACE CARD<\/p>\n
6.30pm Maiden Dh165,000 (Dirt) 1,200<\/p>\n
7.05pm\u00a0Handicap Dh165,000 (D) 1,600m<\/p>\n
7.40pm\u00a0Maiden Dh165,000 (D) 1,600m<\/p>\n
8.15pm\u00a0Handicap Dh190,000 (D) 1,600m<\/p>\n
8.50pm\u00a0Handicap Dh175,000 (D) 1,400m<\/p>\n
9.25pm\u00a0Handicap Dh175,000 (D) 2,000m<\/p>\n
\u00a0<\/p>\n
The National selections:<\/p>\n
6.30pm\u00a0Underwriter<\/p>\n
7.05pm\u00a0Rayig<\/p>\n
7.40pm\u00a0Torno Subito<\/p>\n
8.15pm\u00a0Talento Puma<\/p>\n
8.50pm\u00a0Etisalat<\/p>\n
9.25pm\u00a0Gundogdu<\/p>\n
Company%20profile%20<\/p>\n
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EName%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EYodawy%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EBased%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Egypt%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EFounders%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EKarim%20Khashaba%2C%20Sherief%20El-Feky%20and%20Yasser%20AbdelGawad%3Cstrong%3E%3Cbr%3ESector%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EHealthTech%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ETotal%20funding%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E%2424.5%20million%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EInvestors%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EAlgebra%20Ventures%2C%20Global%20Ventures%2C%20MEVP%20and%20Delivery%20Hero%20Ventures%2C%20among%20others%3Cstrong%3E%3Cbr%3ENumber%20of%20employees%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20500%3Cbr%3E%3C%2Fp%3E%0A<\/p>\n
SPECS<\/p>\n
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EEngine%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E2-litre%204-cylinder%20petrol%20(V%20Class)%3B%20electric%20motor%20with%2060kW%20or%2090kW%20powerpack%20(EQV)%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EPower%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20233hp%20(V%20Class%2C%20best%20option)%3B%20204hp%20(EQV%2C%20best%20option)%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ETorque%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20350Nm%20(V%20Class%2C%20best%20option)%3B%20TBA%20(EQV)%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EOn%20sale%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EMid-2024%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EPrice%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3ETBA%0D%3C%2Fp%3E%0A<\/p>\n
THE BIO<\/p>\n
Ms Al Ameri likes the variety of\u00a0her job, and the daily environmental challenges she is presented with.<\/p>\n
Regular contact with wildlife is the most appealing part of her role at the Environment Agency Abu Dhabi.<\/p>\n
She loves to explore new destinations and lives by her motto of being a voice in the world, and not an echo.<\/p>\n
She is the youngest of three children, and has a brother and sister.<\/p>\n
Her favourite book, Moby Dick by Herman Melville helped inspire her towards a career exploring\u00a0 the natural world.<\/p>\n
The specs<\/p>\n
Engine: 2-litre 4-cylinder and 3.6-litre 6-cylinder<\/p>\n
Power: 220 and 280 horsepower<\/p>\n
Torque: 350 and 360Nm<\/p>\n
Transmission: eight-speed automatic<\/p>\n
Price: from Dh136,521 VAT\u00a0and Dh166,464 VAT\u00a0<\/p>\n
On sale: now<\/p>\n
Company%20profile<\/p>\n
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EName%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Belong%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EBased%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Dubai%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EFounders%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Michael%20Askew%20and%20Matthew%20Gaziano%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ESector%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Technology%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ETotal%20funding%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20%243.5%20million%20from%20crowd%20funding%20and%20angel%20investors%3Cstrong%3E%3Cbr%3ENumber%20of%20employees%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%2012%3C%2Fp%3E%0A<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"A tiered beverage tax set to launch in the UAE from January 1 is being hailed by medical…\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":208128,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[36],"tags":[163,512,85,46,543,2865,789,1078,3177],"class_list":{"0":"post-208127","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-nutrition","8":"tag-health","9":"tag-health-news","10":"tag-il","11":"tag-israel","12":"tag-nutrition","13":"tag-standard","14":"tag-story","15":"tag-uae","16":"tag-uae-desk-team"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/il\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/208127","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/il\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/il\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/il\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/il\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=208127"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/il\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/208127\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/il\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/208128"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/il\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=208127"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/il\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=208127"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/il\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=208127"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}