Most UAE residents support the country’s new tax on sugary drinks – survey

Most of the UAE’s residents back the government’s decision to levy a new tax on sugary drinks, a new survey has found.

The survey by YouGov, which polled 1,002 adult respondents across the UAE, revealed that 55 per cent support the implementation of the new tax while only one in five (20 per cent) oppose it. Of those who support the initiative, 77 per cent also agree with the notion of enforcing a complete ban on the sale of high sugar drinks across the country.

Earlier this year, the UAE government announced its intent to tax sugary drinks and electronic smoking devices effective January 1, 2020. Sweetened drinks will be taxed at 50 per cent while a 100 per cent excise tax will be applied to electronic smoking devices, notwithstanding whether they have nicotine or tobacco.

Read more: UAE to tax sugary drinks, e-cigarettes from 2020

In terms of awareness, the survey found that the majority of the respondents (61 per cent) knew of the initiative while 39 per cent were unaware about it.

The survey also revealed that a total of 67 per cent respondents felt that the new tax will help reduce the intake of unhealthy foods and beverages and 65 per cent felt that it would help prevent sugar-related diseases. Meanwhile 73 per cent appreciated greater transparency regarding a product’s contents, believing that it would further assist consumers in making healthier choices.