The ‘Gulf Cooperation Council’ (GCC) states are gearing toward the introduction of a ‘Value Added Tax’ (VAT) in the region commencing on 1 January 2018. The proposed VAT will tax most goods and services with a limited number of specifically exempt or zero-rated supplies. VAT registered businesses that supply goods and services subject to VAT at a standard rate or zero-rate are usually entitled to claim a ‘credit’ for VAT paid on their business expenses (input VAT). However, in the case of a supply of exempt goods and services, no input tax credit will be available. Therefore the VAT cost will be borne by these businesses.