Every Eid Al Fitr is different but some things remain the same. As over a billion Muslims emerge from a month of fasting, they celebrate with family and friends, and look forward to the coming year renewed by weeks of prayer and spiritual contemplation.
Ramadan this year has been a special one, with much to celebrate for the UAE. Emirati astronaut Sultan Al Neyadi observed the holy month in space, far from his family and country, but always in the thoughts of a nation that feels a deep sense of pride in his achievement.
Closer to home, the One Billion Meals campaign — the UAE's Ramadan food drive — raised more than Dh1 billion ($27.2 million) to help fight global hunger. This milestone was the culmination of the hard work and generosity that has been the mainstay of the campaign since it began, helping to give expression to the charitable nature of the holy month.
Another record was set during Ramadan this year when more than 60,000 Muslims gathered at the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi on the night of the 27th day of the holy month to observe Laylat Al Qadr, a significant night in the Islamic faith.
And, in contrast to years gone by, the spectre of Covid has receded sufficiently to allow communal prayers, family visits and group iftars to take place without restrictions. This social aspect of Ramadan cannot be overlooked and millions of Muslims will be happy that the disease — although not eradicated — no longer disrupts Eid celebrations.
Sadly however, for many more Muslims around the world this Eid will be one characterised by struggle. The earthquakes that killed tens of thousands in Turkey and Syria have left many families bereft. Eid celebrations in the areas affected by the disaster will be tinged with sadness at the absence of loved ones and apprehension at an uncertain future.
Elsewhere, Muslims had to content with problems of a manmade nature. The violence and unrest in Palestine over the past weeks was particularly heartbreaking as it took place during what is meant to be a time of peace and spirituality for Muslims. In Yemen, the deaths of more than 80 people late on Wednesday, killed in a crush as they scrambled for financial aid at a school in Sanaa, was a bitter blow before Eid.
Elsewhere, Ramadan has given Muslim communities in other parts of the world the opportunity to share more about their faith. This week, the UAE embassy in Paris hosted an interfaith iftar to mark the inauguration of the Abrahamic Family House, a project in Abu Dhabi that celebrates the common heritage of Islam, Judaism and Christianity. In London, the British capital’s historic Trafalgar Square will host a family-friendly Eid even that is open to all — an important reflection of the city’s diversity.
It is a fact that tragedy and hardship will always be with us. But so are the religious and ethical principles that inform Ramadan and which motivate people to share, donate and care for one another. Eid is a time for celebration, for family, for remembering those worse off than ourselves. This year, although much in the world has changed, those valuable principles remain the same.
Ten tax points to be aware of in 2026
1. Domestic VAT refund amendments: request your refund within five years
If a business does not apply for the refund on time, they lose their credit.
2. E-invoicing in the UAE
Businesses should continue preparing for the implementation of e-invoicing in the UAE, with 2026 a preparation and transition period ahead of phased mandatory adoption.
3. More tax audits
Tax authorities are increasingly using data already available across multiple filings to identify audit risks.
4. More beneficial VAT and excise tax penalty regime
Tax disputes are expected to become more frequent and more structured, with clearer administrative objection and appeal processes. The UAE has adopted a new penalty regime for VAT and excise disputes, which now mirrors the penalty regime for corporate tax.
5. Greater emphasis on statutory audit
There is a greater need for the accuracy of financial statements. The International Financial Reporting Standards standards need to be strictly adhered to and, as a result, the quality of the audits will need to increase.
6. Further transfer pricing enforcement
Transfer pricing enforcement, which refers to the practice of establishing prices for internal transactions between related entities, is expected to broaden in scope. The UAE will shortly open the possibility to negotiate advance pricing agreements, or essentially rulings for transfer pricing purposes.
7. Limited time periods for audits
Recent amendments also introduce a default five-year limitation period for tax audits and assessments, subject to specific statutory exceptions. While the standard audit and assessment period is five years, this may be extended to up to 15 years in cases involving fraud or tax evasion.
8. Pillar 2 implementation
Many multinational groups will begin to feel the practical effect of the Domestic Minimum Top-Up Tax (DMTT), the UAE's implementation of the OECD’s global minimum tax under Pillar 2. While the rules apply for financial years starting on or after January 1, 2025, it is 2026 that marks the transition to an operational phase.
9. Reduced compliance obligations for imported goods and services
Businesses that apply the reverse-charge mechanism for VAT purposes in the UAE may benefit from reduced compliance obligations.
10. Substance and CbC reporting focus
Tax authorities are expected to continue strengthening the enforcement of economic substance and Country-by-Country (CbC) reporting frameworks. In the UAE, these regimes are increasingly being used as risk-assessment tools, providing tax authorities with a comprehensive view of multinational groups’ global footprints and enabling them to assess whether profits are aligned with real economic activity.
Contributed by Thomas Vanhee and Hend Rashwan, Aurifer
'Operation Mincemeat'
Director: John Madden
Cast: Colin Firth, Matthew Macfayden, Kelly Macdonald and Penelope Wilton
Rating: 4/5
Key products and UAE prices
iPhone XS
With a 5.8-inch screen, it will be an advance version of the iPhone X. It will be dual sim and comes with better battery life, a faster processor and better camera. A new gold colour will be available.
Price: Dh4,229
iPhone XS Max
It is expected to be a grander version of the iPhone X with a 6.5-inch screen; an inch bigger than the screen of the iPhone 8 Plus.
Price: Dh4,649
iPhone XR
A low-cost version of the iPhone X with a 6.1-inch screen, it is expected to attract mass attention. According to industry experts, it is likely to have aluminium edges instead of stainless steel.
Price: Dh3,179
Apple Watch Series 4
More comprehensive health device with edge-to-edge displays that are more than 30 per cent bigger than displays on current models.
The National Archives, Abu Dhabi
Founded over 50 years ago, the National Archives collects valuable historical material relating to the UAE, and is the oldest and richest archive relating to the Arabian Gulf.
Much of the material can be viewed on line at the Arabian Gulf Digital Archive - https://www.agda.ae/en
Quick pearls of wisdom
Focus on gratitude: And do so deeply, he says. “Think of one to three things a day that you’re grateful for. It needs to be specific, too, don’t just say ‘air.’ Really think about it. If you’re grateful for, say, what your parents have done for you, that will motivate you to do more for the world.”
Know how to fight: Shetty married his wife, Radhi, three years ago (he met her in a meditation class before he went off and became a monk). He says they’ve had to learn to respect each other’s “fighting styles” – he’s a talk it-out-immediately person, while she needs space to think. “When you’re having an argument, remember, it’s not you against each other. It’s both of you against the problem. When you win, they lose. If you’re on a team you have to win together.”
THE SPECS
Engine: 3.5-litre V6
Transmission: six-speed manual
Power: 325bhp
Torque: 370Nm
Speed: 0-100km/h 3.9 seconds
Price: Dh230,000
On sale: now
How to watch Ireland v Pakistan in UAE
When: The one-off Test starts on Friday, May 11
What time: Each day’s play is scheduled to start at 2pm UAE time.
TV: The match will be broadcast on OSN Sports Cricket HD. Subscribers to the channel can also stream the action live on OSN Play.
