The effects of the VAT are beginning to show in inflation. According to Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank, January UAE inflation data shows a marked strengthening with the introduction of 5% VAT. Headline inflation accelerated by 2.7% m-o-m in January (December: 0.7%) with the y-o-y rate rising to 4.8% rounded (December: 2.7%). The rise in prices was broad based, particularly in categories subject to VAT, including food and clothing.