Abu Dhabi authorities are stepping up efforts to combat the illegal oyster trade after warning offenders they could face jail time and heavy fines of up to Dh100,000.
The Environment Agency Abu Dhabi (EAD) joined forces with the Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Safety Authority to snare poachers and rogue businesses selling unsourced shellfish in a two-month operation.
Ten fish trading facilities were inspected in Abu Dhabi city along with ten other facilities in Al Dhafra Region, including Delma Island.
Three illegal oyster extractions were discovered at Al Salamiyah area and Bu Sayayif marine reserve during the joint initiative, held in August and September.
It is prohibited to extract oysters, sponges and coral reefs
Five shops received a final warning for offering the local oysters – known as Al Doug - to the public without providing records and documents that identify their source, an offence punishable with a fine of at least Dh10,000.
Ahmed Al Hashmi, acting executive director of the terrestrial and marine biodiversity Sector at EAD, said those caught breaching regulations could be imprisoned for a minimum term of six months and fined up to Dh100,000 for illegally catching oysters.
“It is prohibited to extract oysters, sponges and coral reefs except with permission and we don’t issue any permissions for that purpose in the emirate,” said Mr Al Hashmi.
“Al Doug clams are part of the food chain of some fish species and sea birds.
“Therefore, it is very important to protect the clams and similar seashells and prevent any illegal extracting as they play an important part in the ecosystem.”
Mr Al Hashmi said that the inspections were launched as part of efforts to protect natural resources.
“Inspectors also found that some shops were selling Al Doug clams without documents showing the source of product and if it was imported from outside the emirate,” he said.
“That is also against the law and can put the consumer's health at risk as the source is unknown.”
Two breaches were reported for using prohibited fishing nets made out of nylon.
EAD officials said the clamp down on illegal activities in the emirate's waters will continue.
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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
Day 4, Dubai Test: At a glance
Moment of the day Lahiru Gamage appeared to have been hard done by when he had his dismissal of Sami Aslam chalked off for a no-ball. Replays suggested he had not overstepped. No matter. Two balls later, the exact same combination – Gamage the bowler and Kusal Mendis at second slip – combined again to send Aslam back.
Stat of the day Haris Sohail took three wickets for one run in the only over he bowled, to end the Sri Lanka second innings in a hurry. That was as many as he had managed in total in his 10-year, 58-match first-class career to date. It was also the first time a bowler had taken three wickets having bowled just one over in an innings in Tests.
The verdict Just 119 more and with five wickets remaining seems like a perfectly attainable target for Pakistan. Factor in the fact the pitch is worn, is turning prodigiously, and that Sri Lanka’s seam bowlers have also been finding the strip to their liking, it is apparent the task is still a tough one. Still, though, thanks to Asad Shafiq and Sarfraz Ahmed, it is possible.
The biog
Age: 32
Qualifications: Diploma in engineering from TSI Technical Institute, bachelor’s degree in accounting from Dubai’s Al Ghurair University, master’s degree in human resources from Abu Dhabi University, currently third years PHD in strategy of human resources.
Favourite mountain range: The Himalayas
Favourite experience: Two months trekking in Alaska
