Sharjah Police has launched a mountain rescue team to come to the aid of hikers.
The task force comprises 20 officers dedicated to providing swift assistance in a range of hiking incidents, from missing person reports to helping those stranded due to fatigue.
Police said the unit, which is now operational, will be a crucial resource as the return of cooler weather prompts more people to explore mountainous areas in the eastern region of Sharjah.
“The launch followed several meetings with relevant departments so as to identify all forms of incidents that happen during mountain hiking,” said Col Ali Al Kai Al Hamoudi, director of the Eastern Region Police Department at Sharjah Police.
He said hiking incidents can be reported by calling the emergency 999 number or via WhatsApp, on 092370000.
Officers had extensive training before the unit became active.
“The unit will bring more support to the paramedics and rescuers at Sharjah Police who have always responded to such reports with professionalism,” said Col Al Hamoudi.
Be prepared before setting out
He said the force has conducted several awareness campaigns to help people stay safe when out hiking.
“These have been posted on the force’s different media channels and on the radio during our My Country is Safe show,” he said.
“No matter how experienced you are or where you’re going, unexpected incidents can and do happen.”
He urged hikers to be well prepared and to follow set routes.
“The more prepared you are, the more likely you are to have a good time and stay safe,” he said.
He called on the public to go on trips in a group to remove the risk of someone being stranded on their own.
“We advise that the group inform the police’s operations room so that we ensure they get to their destination safely.”
The senior officer urged hikers to pack essentials like water, snacks and a first aid kit and to make sure they stay on trail to avoid losing mobile and internet connections.
Spate of winter accidents
Emergency services regularly come to the aid of hikers, particularly during the winter period.
In March, Sharjah Police rescued an Italian tourist after he fell on a mountain, broke his arm and lost consciousness.
The man, aged 42, was hiking with two of his friends on Jebel Mleiha when the incident occurred.
He fell from a high point on the hill and got stuck on a ridge.
MATCH INFO
League Cup, last 16
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Juventus v Hellas Verona (11.45pm)
Monday AC Milan v AS Roma (11.45pm)
Ruwais timeline
1971 Abu Dhabi National Oil Company established
1980 Ruwais Housing Complex built, located 10 kilometres away from industrial plants
1982 120,000 bpd capacity Ruwais refinery complex officially inaugurated by the founder of the UAE Sheikh Zayed
1984 Second phase of Ruwais Housing Complex built. Today the 7,000-unit complex houses some 24,000 people.
1985 The refinery is expanded with the commissioning of a 27,000 b/d hydro cracker complex
2009 Plans announced to build $1.2 billion fertilizer plant in Ruwais, producing urea
2010 Adnoc awards $10bn contracts for expansion of Ruwais refinery, to double capacity from 415,000 bpd
2014 Ruwais 261-outlet shopping mall opens
2014 Production starts at newly expanded Ruwais refinery, providing jet fuel and diesel and allowing the UAE to be self-sufficient for petrol supplies
2014 Etihad Rail begins transportation of sulphur from Shah and Habshan to Ruwais for export
2017 Aldar Academies to operate Adnoc’s schools including in Ruwais from September. Eight schools operate in total within the housing complex.
2018 Adnoc announces plans to invest $3.1 billion on upgrading its Ruwais refinery
2018 NMC Healthcare selected to manage operations of Ruwais Hospital
2018 Adnoc announces new downstream strategy at event in Abu Dhabi on May 13
Source: The National
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Name: Hassan Mohsen Elhais
Position: legal consultant with Al Rowaad Advocates and Legal Consultants.
COMPANY%20PROFILE
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Temple will be spread over 6,900 square metres
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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
Company profile: buybackbazaar.com
Name: buybackbazaar.com
Started: January 2018
Founder(s): Pishu Ganglani and Ricky Husaini
Based: Dubai
Sector: FinTech, micro finance
Initial investment: $1 million
THE SPECS
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