Rayyanah Barnawi: an inspiration for girls who dream of becoming astronauts

With reference to Sarwat Nasir's report Saudi astronauts return safely to Earth after historic space mission (May 31): This is such a proud moment for Rayyanah Barnawi and her family. Her achievement will long be a special source of pride for Saudi Arabia. A whole generation of Arab children, especially girls, will be able to look up to Ms Barnawi. Her journey to the International Space Station will be an inspiration to many. It conveys the all-important message that space is not just a man's world.

Raheema Naim, Muscat, Oman

A game for all seasons

With reference to the report Carlos Alcaraz made to battle as he beats Taro Daniel to reach French Open third round (May 31): Outstanding! It was a tough match against Taro Daniel and Alcaraz really shone. Great game.

Louise van Tonder, Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa

Jebel Ali megaproject caters to growing population

With reference to the report Sheikh Mohammed approves master plan for Palm Jebel Ali mega project (May 31): New housing and added commuting lines, both road and metro lines, are essential to the growth of a metropolis. Going by the plentiful details, it is a sprawling project, one that those with an interest in architecture would like to learn about. As a part of the Dubai 2040 Urban Plan, the megaproject would cater to the needs of a cosmopolitan city and the growing numbers of residents. All the new entertainment and dining options apart, people who enjoy going to the beach will have much to look forward to as a big part of the plan too – to stretch the beaches in Dubai by 400 per cent by 2040 and to increase the services provided on public beaches by 300 per cent by 2025. It is an exciting time for the UAE.

Auwal Idi, Yola, Nigeria

The inauguration of India's new Parliament building

With regard to Chitrabhanu Kadalayil's op-ed India may have needed a newer parliament building, but did it really need a bigger one? (May 30): As an Indian, I was upset that 19 parties did not participate in the event, despite their reasons. India is a vast country comprising many states, languages and political parties. Such an event should not have been neglected by them. Domestic problems should not be visible on momentous occasions such as these.

K Ragavan, Bengaluru, India

Islamophobia definition

A widely accepted definition was made by the All Party Parliamentary Group on British Muslims in 2019: “Islamophobia is rooted in racism and is a type of racism that targets expressions of Muslimness or perceived Muslimness.” It further defines it as “inciting hatred or violence against Muslims”.

UAE SQUAD

Ahmed Raza (Captain), Rohan Mustafa, Jonathan Figy, CP Rizwan, Junaid Siddique, Mohammad Usman, Basil Hameed, Zawar Farid, Vriitya Aravind (WK), Waheed Ahmed, Karthik Meiyappan, Zahoor Khan, Darius D'Silva, Chirag Suri

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