In 2026, buying a sugary drink in the United Arab Emirates will feel a little different, and cost a little more if it is packed with sugar. The country is introducing a new tiered tax that links the price directly to how much sugar a drink contains per 100 millilitres. The sweeter the beverage, the higher the tax. It is a clear shift away from today’s flat-rate system, designed not just to raise revenue but to push manufacturers toward healthier recipes and give shoppers a nudge toward lower-sugar choices. The move reflects a growing urgency to tackle obesity, diabetes, and other lifestyle-related diseases, and brings the UAE in line with global health trends that are rethinking our relationship with sugar.

What is added sugar?

Understanding the difference between natural and added sugar is the first step to making better choices in daily life. Added sugar refers to any sugar that is not naturally present in food but is added during processing, cooking or at the table to enhance taste. This includes white sugar, brown sugar, syrups, honey and sweeteners used in packaged products, desserts and sugary drinks. Unlike natural sugars found in fruits and milk, added sugars provide calories without essential nutrients, often called “empty calories.” Consuming too much can lead to weight gain, tooth decay and a higher risk of chronic diseases like diabetes and heart disease. Health experts recommend limiting added sugar intake to protect overall well-being.

Also Read: Eating less sugar keeps you younger: New study reveals surprising link

Major sources of added sugar

The primary sources of added sugar include sugar-sweetened beverages like sodas, energy drinks, and sweetened teas, which can deliver significant sugar in a single serving. Processed foods, such as candies, cookies, cakes, and pastries, are major contributors due to their high sugar content. Breakfast cereals and flavored yogurts often contain hidden added sugars, even in products marketed as healthy. Condiments and sauces, including ketchup, barbecue sauce, and salad dressings, can unexpectedly increase daily sugar intake. Checking nutrition labels for ingredients such as high-fructose corn syrup, cane sugar, or dextrose helps identify these sources. Limiting consumption of these items can promote better health outcomes.

Study reports on added sugar

Recent research has raised alarms about the dangers of added sugar in our diets. A major report from the World Health Organization suggests keeping added sugar to under 10% of daily calories, ideally closer to 5%, to lower the chances of obesity, diabetes, and heart problems. A 2019 study in a leading medical journal tied sugary drinks to higher risks of heart disease and even early death. Another report from 2020 found that kids who consume lots of added sugar are more likely to gain weight and have dental issues. These studies point out that added sugars, found in sodas, snacks, and processed foods, add calories without any real nutritional value. The American Heart Association advises women to stick to 25 grams of added sugar daily and men to 36 grams to stay healthy. This research supports the UAE’s new 2026 tax on sugary drinks, which aims to encourage people to choose healthier options by making high-sugar beverages more expensive.

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How much sugar is safe daily

The World Health Organization (WHO) and the American Heart Association (AHA) recommend that added sugars should make up less than 10 percent of total daily calories, with an ideal limit of about 5 percent for additional health benefits. For most adults, this equals roughly 25 grams (6 teaspoons) of added sugar per day for women and 36 grams (9 teaspoons) for men. For children aged 2 to 18, the AHA advises no more than 25 grams per day, while children under 2 should ideally avoid added sugars altogether. Older adults are encouraged to follow the same limits as younger adults, but with extra caution, as excessive sugar intake in later life is linked to higher risks of type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and cognitive decline. It is important to note that these guidelines refer to added sugars, not the naturally occurring sugars found in fruits, vegetables, and dairy.

Remember, it’s not about eliminating sugar completely, it’s about cutting back consistently. Even small swaps each day can add up to big health benefits.

How to control daily sugar intake

Cutting back on sugar doesn’t mean giving up everything sweet, it’s about making smarter choices every day. Here are a few simple ways to keep your sugar intake in check:

• Check food labels: Many packaged foods contain hidden sugars under names like glucose, fructose, or corn syrup. Look for “added sugars” and aim for products with less than 5g per serving.
• Skip sugary drinks: Sodas, sweetened juices, and energy drinks are some of the biggest sources of added sugar. Try switching to water, unsweetened tea, or fruit-infused water.
• Choose whole fruits: Whole fruits are naturally sweet and packed with fiber, which helps slow down sugar absorption. Avoid fruit juices, they often contain more sugar and less fiber.
• Cook at home more often: Preparing meals yourself lets you control what goes in. Use spices like cinnamon or nutmeg to add flavor without sugar.
• Snack smart: Instead of cookies or candy, go for nuts, seeds, plain yogurt, or fresh fruit.

Making small changes like these can help you feel better, reduce cravings, and support your overall health. Remember, it’s not about eliminating sugar completely, it’s about cutting back consistently. Even small swaps each day can add up to big health benefits.

Overall, while countries are taking bold steps to protect individual health, we too must take care of ourselves with utmost attention. Let us enjoy the sweetness of life, not the excess of sugar. And if we are addicted, let us gradually move away from it, for our own health, for a nourished family, for an empowered community, and for a prosperous country.