At a time of extreme volatility in the Middle East over the Israel-Gaza war and very real fears of a regional confrontation, several recent developments have shown that other factors are vital for international stability – especially the need for robust cyber security.
On Tuesday, the UK’s National Cyber Security Centre released its annual review, highlighting the need for effective and adaptive cyber security that can keep up with the growing pace of online attacks. The report noted the risk artificial intelligence and aggressive state-aligned groups pose to critical infrastructure, as well as civic processes such as elections.
This warning should be alarming, but we are already seeing similar threats playing out around the world. DP World Australia, part of Dubai's global ports operator DP World, was forced to take urgent action to restore landside freight operations at its ports following a cyber security incident on Friday. The attack on and ensuing disruption to this essential piece of trade infrastructure was so serious that Australia’s Home Affairs Minister Clare O’Neil was involved, confirming that the country’s Cyber Security Centre was providing technical advice and assistance to DP World.
The dangers posed by a lapse in cyber security are particularly of note in the Middle East, which is the fastest-growing region in the world when it comes to internet adoption – already 98 per cent of the GCC’s population are online. With this connectivity, and the many advantages it brings, also come challenges; earlier this month the head of the UAE’s Cybersecurity Council, Dr Mohammed Al Kuwaiti, said more than 71 million attempted cyber attacks in the Emirates had been blocked in the first three quarters of this year.
Cyber security, whether on personal computers, our smartphones or within a wider setting such as in the military or major businesses, remains the first line of defence against online criminals and terrorists. To stay one step ahead of such a threat requires constant investment, innovation and co-operation. The UAE has always been aware of the risks that come with a high level of digital advancement. Last month, the country signed a co-operation deal with the US Treasury on cybersecurity and digital resilience. According to the US, this co-operation will involve information sharing relating to the financial sector, staff training and study visits, and cross-border cybersecurity exercises.
Co-operation between business and government is also vital. PureHealth, the largest healthcare platform in the Middle East, announced last week that it was integrating its online security with the UAE’s National Security Operations Centre to safeguard sensitive clinical and patient data.
Phishing, brandjacking, blockchain, clickjacking – cybercrime can seem jargon-heavy, abstract and technical, until one falls victim to it. However, the serious political, financial and economic consequences of failing to deal with cyber threats – which are far removed from the realms of science fiction or spy thrillers – are a reminder that in our increasingly interconnected world, online defence is integral to national defence.
MOUNTAINHEAD REVIEW
Starring: Ramy Youssef, Steve Carell, Jason Schwartzman
Director: Jesse Armstrong
Rating: 3.5/5
Sun jukebox
Rufus Thomas, Bear Cat (The Answer to Hound Dog) (1953)
This rip-off of Leiber/Stoller’s early rock stomper brought a lawsuit against Phillips and necessitated Presley’s premature sale to RCA.
Elvis Presley, Mystery Train (1955)
The B-side of Presley’s final single for Sun bops with a drummer-less groove.
Johnny Cash and the Tennessee Two, Folsom Prison Blues (1955)
Originally recorded for Sun, Cash’s signature tune was performed for inmates of the titular prison 13 years later.
Carl Perkins, Blue Suede Shoes (1956)
Within a month of Sun’s February release Elvis had his version out on RCA.
Roy Orbison, Ooby Dooby (1956)
An essential piece of irreverent juvenilia from Orbison.
Jerry Lee Lewis, Great Balls of Fire (1957)
Lee’s trademark anthem is one of the era’s best-remembered – and best-selling – songs.
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
Groom and Two Brides
Director: Elie Semaan
Starring: Abdullah Boushehri, Laila Abdallah, Lulwa Almulla
Rating: 3/5
