Qatar Stands In Solidarity With Lebanon After Devastating Airstrikes
Four Injured After Intercepted Missile Debris Hits Residence In Muraikh
Qatar’s Prime Minister Rejects Regional Escalation Following Call From Iran
Loyal Lovin readers can support Lovin so we can continue to share the stories of all amazing cities
Minimum custom amount to enter is AED 2
By donating, you agree to the Privacy Policy and Terms of Service
Qatar Introduces New Health-Focused Tax On Sugary Drinks And Juices
Huge news for anyone who loves a sweet refreshment! Qatar is making a big move to help everyone stay healthy. Starting July 6, 2026, the General Tax Authority is rolling out Law No. (2) of 2026. This isn’t just any regular tax update; it specifically changes how much is paid for sweetened beverages. Instead of a flat fee, the cost will now depend on exactly how much sugar is packed into that bottle or can. Whether it is a favorite soda at the corner store or a juice box in a lunchbox, the goal is to make healthy living a little bit easier for everyone across the country.
A smarter way to calculate cost
The old system used to charge a fixed percentage based on the retail price, but things are getting a lot more specific now. The new law introduces a “tiered volume model.” This means the tax amount is directly tied to the grams of sugar or sweeteners found in every milliliter of the drink. Basically, if a beverage has a high sugar content, the tax will be higher. This shift encourages brands to rethink their recipes and potentially lower the sugar levels to keep prices friendly for shoppers.
What is staying in the shopping cart
It is not just fizzy sodas seeing a change. The list of taxable items is expanding to include juices with added sugar, energy drinks, and even those handy powders or concentrates used to mix drinks at home. If a product can be turned into a sweetened beverage, it falls under the new rules. By including concentrates and powders, the law ensures that all sugary options are treated fairly, helping to guide the community toward fresher, natural alternatives that do not have hidden sweeteners.
Getting ready for the july deadline
Businesses have a three-month window to get everything in order before the law officially kicks in this July. One of the most important steps for shop owners and distributors is checking their current inventory. Once the law starts, anyone holding these sugary goods must hop onto the Dhareeba Portal to disclose their stock levels. This transition period ensures that the market stays stable while the country moves toward these new public health goals, making sure there is plenty of time to adjust to the new pricing and reporting steps.
Lovin Doha Newsletter 