Cigarettes and energy drinks to double in price, UAE tax authority says

The new 100 percent tax rate will be extended to cigarettes sold at duty free for those arriving in the UAE (Shutterstock)
Updated 23 August 2017
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Cigarettes and energy drinks to double in price, UAE tax authority says

DUBAI: The cost of a pack of cigarettes will double on Oct. 1 in the UAE – including those arriving in the country at duty free, the tax authority has confirmed.
Energy drinks will also double in price on the same day as the new 100 percent tax rate is introduced.
The announcement was made by Younes Hajji Al-Khouri, Under Secretary at the Ministry of Finance, who confirmed the date on Tuesday.
The new price will also be reflected on cigarettes bought in duty free for people arriving in the country.
But Al-Khouri told state news agency WAM that people leaving the country, or passing through would not be taxed at the new level.


About 50,000 worshippers perform Taraweeh prayer at Al-Aqsa Mosque

Updated 23 February 2026
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About 50,000 worshippers perform Taraweeh prayer at Al-Aqsa Mosque

  • Palestinians are observing Ramadan amid heightened tensions in the occupied West Bank
  • Over 300 Jerusalemites have recently received Israeli orders prohibiting their entry to Al-Aqsa Mosque during the fasting month

LONDON: Nearly 50,000 worshippers performed the Isha and Ramadan Taraweeh prayers on Sunday evening at the Al-Aqsa Mosque in the walled city of occupied East Jerusalem.

Thousands of Palestinians gathered at Al-Aqsa despite facing Israeli military checkpoints and strict identity checks at the mosque’s gates, according to the Jerusalem Governorate.

Palestinians are observing the fasting month of Ramadan, which began last Wednesday, amid heightened tensions in the occupied West Bank, including attacks by settlers, and Israeli raids and arrests.

Over 300 Jerusalemites have recently received Israeli orders prohibiting their entry to Al-Aqsa during Ramadan, the Wafa news agency reported.

Israeli forces have increased their military presence in Jerusalem and restricted access to Al-Aqsa to children under 12, men over 55, and women over 50.

Since Wednesday, thousands of Palestinians have lined up to pass through military checkpoints, including Qalandiya and Bethlehem, in hopes of attending prayers at Al-Aqsa Mosque during Ramadan.