How to Display VAT on Restaurant Menus Across the GCC

VAT display on restaurant menus is a compliance requirement that varies significantly across the GCC. Getting it wrong can mean fines, customer complaints, or both. Here's what you need to know for each market. ## UAE — 5% VAT The Federal Tax Authority (FTA) requires that menu prices be **VAT-inclusive**. Your displayed price is what the customer pays — no "+ VAT" surprises at the bill. - Prices must include 5% VAT - Tax Registration Number (TRN) must appear on receipts - Promotional pricing must also be VAT-inclusive ## Saudi Arabia — 15% VAT ZATCA (Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority) enforces the same VAT-inclusive pricing rule, but at the higher 15% rate. - All menu prices must include 15% VAT - The VAT amount may optionally be shown separately on the receipt - Digital menus must follow the same rules as printed menus ## Bahrain — 10% VAT Bahrain's National Bureau for Revenue raised VAT from 5% to 10% in January 2022. Menu prices must be: - Inclusive of 10% VAT - Updated to reflect the new rate (some operators still show old pricing) - Displayed clearly with the VAT-inclusive amount ## Oman — 5% VAT Oman introduced 5% VAT in April 2021. Requirements mirror the UAE: - Prices must be VAT-inclusive - Tax registration details on receipts - Both Arabic and English pricing displays must show the same inclusive amount ## Zero-VAT Markets Kuwait, Qatar, Jordan (different tax system), and Egypt (different tax system) do not have standard VAT on restaurant transactions in the same way: - **Kuwait**: No VAT — prices are what they are - **Qatar**: No VAT — straightforward pricing - **Jordan**: 16% General Sales Tax applies - **Egypt**: 14% VAT applies to restaurants ## Digital Menu Advantage With Qaima, you set your pricing and select your country — the platform handles VAT display formatting automatically. Change countries? Change VAT rates? The system updates every menu item's display price without manual recalculation.