Four days of celebrations came to an end on Monday, marking the vital contribution of blue-collar workers in Sharjah.
Labourers were provided with free medical and dental check-ups, and were treated to live music and dance shows.
The variety of events were held at Al Sajaa Labour Park to coincide with International Workers' Day, also known as Labour Day, which was marked across the globe on Monday.
The large-scale event was organised by Sharjah's Labour Standards Development Authority (LSDA).
The UAE is home to millions of labourers who form the backbone of the country's economy, particularly in the construction sector where they have laid the foundations for mega projects such as Dubai's Burj Khalifa and Museum of the Future.
Salem Yousef Al Qaseer, chairman of LSDA, said workers turned out in large numbers to enjoy the festival.
He spoke of the vision of the emirate's leadership to deliver "an attractive and decent work environment in Sharjah for both workers and employers".
“It is a rare event in the region to show our commitment to promote human values among all segments of society," he said. "We aim to contribute to workers' well-being, decent working and living conditions.”
Workers queued at a mobile dental clinic for tests and treatment, while others queued for free medical examinations.
Naser Al Islam, 27, a construction worker from Bangladesh, told The National he had come with his to watch live performances after sunset.
“I returned from my work in a construction site to the labour camp and walked to the park with my workmates,” Mr Al Islam said. "It is a nice atmosphere to enjoy music and songs.
He attended workshops and an awareness event held by Sharjah Police on employment rights.
One of the highlights of the festival was the forming of a human chain of workers drawn from all parts of the world, to underline the importance of promoting unity and equality.
Zahid Khan, 24, a worker from Pakistan, said the yoga, folk and martial shows enthralled onlookers.
He said he was happy that such an event had been staged.
“We felt that other segments of the society are close to us,” he said. "I feel safe and happy by living and working in the UAE without discrimination to support my family back home."
Volunteers from Emirates Red Crescent distributed free meals to workers in a box with a message saying ‘We are grateful’.
“We enjoyed a free meal in the park distributed by officials,” Mr Khan added. "Having a meal with nice music and shows creates a positive atmosphere for workers."
Al Sajaa Labour Park opened to the public in September 2021 to provide a valuable recreational space for up to 100,000 Sharjah workers.
Game Changer
Director: Shankar
Stars: Ram Charan, Kiara Advani, Anjali, S J Suryah, Jayaram
Rating: 2/5
Four tips to secure IoT networks
Mohammed Abukhater, vice president at FireEye in the Middle East, said:
- Keep device software up-to-date. Most come with basic operating system, so users should ensure that they always have the latest version
- Besides a strong password, use two-step authentication. There should be a second log-in step like adding a code sent to your mobile number
- Usually smart devices come with many unnecessary features. Users should lock those features that are not required or used frequently
- Always create a different guest network for visitors
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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
Libya's Gold
UN Panel of Experts found regime secretly sold a fifth of the country's gold reserves.
The panel’s 2017 report followed a trail to West Africa where large sums of cash and gold were hidden by Abdullah Al Senussi, Qaddafi’s former intelligence chief, in 2011.
Cases filled with cash that was said to amount to $560m in 100 dollar notes, that was kept by a group of Libyans in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso.
A second stash was said to have been held in Accra, Ghana, inside boxes at the local offices of an international human rights organisation based in France.
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All matches at the Harare Sports Club
- 1st ODI, Wednesday, April 10
- 2nd ODI, Friday, April 12
- 3rd ODI, Sunday, April 14
- 4th ODI, Sunday, April 16
Squads:
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- Zimbabwe: Peter Moor (captain), Solomon Mire, Brian Chari, Regis Chakabva, Sean Williams, Timycen Maruma, Sikandar Raza, Donald Tiripano, Kyle Jarvis, Tendai Chatara, Chris Mpofu, Craig Ervine, Brandon Mavuta, Ainsley Ndlovu, Tony Munyonga, Elton Chigumbura
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Proudest achievement: “I came to a new country and started this shop”
Favourite TV programme: the news
Favourite place in Dubai: Al Fahidi. “They started the metro in 2009 and I didn’t take it yet.”
Family: six sons in Dubai and a daughter in Faisalabad
