Following allegations made against Sir David Adjaye, founder of Adjaye Associated, Sharjah's Africa Institute has cancelled a major new campus project the architect had designed.
Designs for the new 32,000-square-metre campus for academic research were unveiled by the company two years ago.
However, following allegations of sexual misconduct and exploitation made against Sir David, the institute said it would not be proceeding with construction of the building.
The Africa Institute is deeply troubled by the recently reported allegations regarding David Adjaye, and we have made the decision to cancel the building project with Adjaye Associates
Hoor Al Qasimi,
president of Sharjah's Africa Institute
“The Africa Institute is deeply troubled by the recently reported allegations regarding David Adjaye, and we have made the decision to cancel the building project with Adjaye Associates,” said Hoor Al Qasimi, president of Sharjah's Africa Institute.
“Our decision will not impact our robust research and educational programming at the institutes current facilities.
“The Africa Institute remains as committed as ever to our fellows, faculty and staff, and to our mission of training a new generation of critical thinkers in African and African diaspora studies, serving as a model of excellence in research, teaching and documentation.”
The UK's Financial Times reported last week that three women formerly employed by the company have accused Sir David and his practice of various forms of exploitation that went unchecked for years, including alleged sexual assault and harassment.
Sir David rejected the claims but has resigned from a number of roles so the allegations did “not become a distraction”.
“Although I continue to strongly reject the very serious allegations against me, it is important that they do not become a distraction for those organisations where I hold a personal role,” he said.
“In order to focus on restoring trust and accountability, I have agreed to stand aside from those personal roles with immediate effect.”
The Royal Institute of British Architects awarded Sir David a royal gold medal in 2021. It said it would not comment on the “serious and concerning” allegations “until all the relevant facts have been determined”.
It added that anyone who has experienced “unacceptable behaviour in the workplace” from a member should report it to the organisation so that it can conduct its own investigation.
“We will not hesitate to take the appropriate action” when the organisation's code of conduct has not been met, said the body.
Industry regulator the Architects Registration Board said it “will investigate complaints against any architect that is alleged to have fallen below the standards set out in the Architects Code, or has been convicted of a criminal offence”.
Sir David is no longer working on the UK National Holocaust Memorial, nor is he part of the design team for the Multnomah County Library in Portland, Oregon.
He has also stepped down as architectural adviser to London Mayor Sadiq Khan and resigned as one of the Serpentine Galleries' trustees.
Sir David's previous projects include the National Museum of African-American History and Culture in Washington.
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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
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