New job opportunities are expected to emerge across various tax roles in the UAE and GCC, with the Middle East’s tax advisory market projected to grow four times faster than other regions. This growth is fueled by the introduction of corporate taxes in the UAE, personal income tax in Oman, and other initiatives across the region.
According to a recent report from Source Global Research, the Middle East is facing a significant shortage of skilled professionals in almost all areas of tax.
The report shows the Middle East’s economy is expected to grow by 13% this year, reaching $758 million, while North America and Europe will grow by only 3%.
The UAE introduced a 9% corporate tax last year and a 5% VAT in 2018. It also implemented excise taxes on unhealthy drinks and tobacco products. Oman is set to introduce its own personal income tax in the near future, marking the first of its kind in the Gulf region.
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has emphasized that diversifying revenue sources and reforming tax systems are key priorities for the Gulf countries, which have long relied on oil exports.
“With strong growth in the Middle East, we expect tax advisory growth to bounce back across all regions in 2025,” said Tony Maroulis, principal consultant at Source Global Research. “Despite recent crises, we anticipate a 6% growth in tax advisory services by 2025.”
Job creation in the UAE and other Gulf countries for tax consultancy services is booming. Industry leaders predict demand for tax consultants will remain high as more taxes are introduced in the GCC region.
Skill Shortages Across Tax Roles
“There are significant shortages in nearly all areas of tax, with the most affected being global employer/mobility tax services,” the report revealed. “41% of companies reported shortages both internally and externally in this area. Companies also noted shortages in newer areas of tax, such as environmental tax, with only a quarter of companies not reporting external skill shortages here.”
While external skill shortages are clear, environmental tax is the area with the least reported internal skill shortage. This suggests companies are either upskilling their current tax staff or relying on their sustainability officers to meet these needs.
“As the global tax environment becomes more complex, multinational companies want to minimize risks by staying on top of critical regulations,” explained Maroulis. “Tax advisers will need expertise in environmental tax regulations to offer a comprehensive range of services. This is great news for firms, as demand for tax advisory services is expected to continue growing over the next few years.”
