<p>The United Arab Emirates has begun collecting new "sin" taxes on tobacco products, energy drinks and soft drinks.<br /><br />Beginning today, tobacco and energy drinks will be taxed at 100 per cent and soft drinks at 50 per cent. Shoppers could be seen stocking up the day before.<br /><br />The new tax push comes as the UAE and other oil-rich Gulf nations have struggled with low global energy prices. The UAE will start collecting a 5-per cent value-added tax on certain goods in January.<br /><br />All six members of the Gulf Cooperation Council have agreed to begin collecting so-called VAT taxes, though others may begin later than January.<br /><br />The GCC includes Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the UAE.</p>
<p>The United Arab Emirates has begun collecting new "sin" taxes on tobacco products, energy drinks and soft drinks.<br /><br />Beginning today, tobacco and energy drinks will be taxed at 100 per cent and soft drinks at 50 per cent. Shoppers could be seen stocking up the day before.<br /><br />The new tax push comes as the UAE and other oil-rich Gulf nations have struggled with low global energy prices. The UAE will start collecting a 5-per cent value-added tax on certain goods in January.<br /><br />All six members of the Gulf Cooperation Council have agreed to begin collecting so-called VAT taxes, though others may begin later than January.<br /><br />The GCC includes Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the UAE.</p>