The next challenge in the coronavirus pandemic will be to avoid a second wave of infections as shops and businesses begin to re-open.
Italy and Spain, two of the countries that were hit hardest by Covid-19 outbreaks, have begun taking small steps to lift some of the restrictions that were implemented to contain the pandemic that has killed more than 40,000 in both countries.
With some countries declaring they are passed their peak infections, the World Health Organisation (WHO) has issued a guideline of six key criteria for governments to consider when lifting lockdowns.
1. Transmission control
The first key step to easing restrictions and preventing a second wave is having no local transmission. The WHO said they would measure this as being when new cases are either detected sporadically or when they come in clusters from known contacts or people coming into the country.
The WHO also highlighted health system capacity as key. Ensure health systems are operating at manageable levels and not overburdened, this includes maintaining what the WHO calls a substantial reserve of clinical care capacity or enough empty beds and doctors to accommodate an influx of new cases if needed.
2. Health system capacity
The WHO listed five key measures needed to continue managing the outbreak effectively. These were detection, testing, isolation, treatment and contact tracing.
The WHO recommends authorities continue to actively look for new cases through measures such as entry screening and providing test results within 24 hours.
Effective testing capacity would allow health systems to quickly asses both suspected patients and recovered patients in order to verify they are virus-free.
The WHO recommends designated isolation spaces, whether that is in a hospital or an isolation facility. Home isolation is to be used as a last resort as it further burdens authorities when it comes to contact tracing. All close contacts are to be quarantined for 14 days.
3. Protect the vulnerable
The WHO says authorities must take additional steps with high-risk or high-infection settings such as shared accommodation and nursing homes.
The measures should aim to minimise the risk of infection - with personal protective equipment and regular sterilisation - but also have plans for outbreaks that include triage capability.
4. Keep workplaces safe
Essential but high footfall spaces such as workplaces and schools must keep measures to lower the risk of infection, such as physical distancing, hand washing, respiratory etiquette (such as covering your mouth and nose with your arm when you sneeze) and temperature monitoring.
5. Screen passengers
Authorities should not consider lifting lockdowns until they've completed a thorough analysis of likely origin and routes of cases that entered the country. Measures to rapidly detect and isolate travellers suspected of carrying coronavirus must also be in place.
6. Engage the public
The WHO says public co-operation will be vital to successfully transitioning out of lockdown.
Countries that ease restrictions should wait at least two weeks to evaluate the impact before moving further.
In Asia, many countries saw a rise in cases when restrictions were first eased.
China, Hong Kong and Singapore are still recording new cases after promising declines.
In China, the government says almost all new cases are coming from overseas - highlighting the need to test and monitor passengers.
Singapore, which was viewed as a model for contact-tracing during its initial outbreak, remains in a "critical situation" said Health Minister Gan Kim Yong as the country faces a second wave of infections, many originating from foreign worker dormitories.
In Spain, employees in select industries such as manufacturing and construction have been allowed to return to work, while Italy has also reopened limited shops and businesses. Germany is preparing to open schools and lift restrictions in May.
Three trading apps to try
Sharad Nair recommends three investment apps for UAE residents:
- For beginners or people who want to start investing with limited capital, Mr Nair suggests eToro. “The low fees and low minimum balance requirements make the platform more accessible,” he says. “The user interface is straightforward to understand and operate, while its social element may help ease beginners into the idea of investing money by looking to a virtual community.”
- If you’re an experienced investor, and have $10,000 or more to invest, consider Saxo Bank. “Saxo Bank offers a more comprehensive trading platform with advanced features and insight for more experienced users. It offers a more personalised approach to opening and operating an account on their platform,” he says.
- Finally, StashAway could work for those who want a hands-off approach to their investing. “It removes one of the biggest challenges for novice traders: picking the securities in their portfolio,” Mr Nair says. “A goal-based approach or view towards investing can help motivate residents who may usually shy away from investment platforms.”
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
The National's picks
4.35pm: Tilal Al Khalediah
5.10pm: Continous
5.45pm: Raging Torrent
6.20pm: West Acre
7pm: Flood Zone
7.40pm: Straight No Chaser
8.15pm: Romantic Warrior
8.50pm: Calandogan
9.30pm: Forever Young
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What the law says
Micro-retirement is not a recognised concept or employment status under Federal Decree Law No. 33 of 2021 on the Regulation of Labour Relations (as amended) (UAE Labour Law). As such, it reflects a voluntary work-life balance practice, rather than a recognised legal employment category, according to Dilini Loku, senior associate for law firm Gateley Middle East.
“Some companies may offer formal sabbatical policies or career break programmes; however, beyond such arrangements, there is no automatic right or statutory entitlement to extended breaks,” she explains.
“Any leave taken beyond statutory entitlements, such as annual leave, is typically regarded as unpaid leave in accordance with Article 33 of the UAE Labour Law. While employees may legally take unpaid leave, such requests are subject to the employer’s discretion and require approval.”
If an employee resigns to pursue micro-retirement, the employment contract is terminated, and the employer is under no legal obligation to rehire the employee in the future unless specific contractual agreements are in place (such as return-to-work arrangements), which are generally uncommon, Ms Loku adds.
Living in...
This article is part of a guide on where to live in the UAE. Our reporters will profile some of the country’s most desirable districts, provide an estimate of rental prices and introduce you to some of the residents who call each area home.
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Muslim Council of Elders condemns terrorism on religious sites
The Muslim Council of Elders has strongly condemned the criminal attacks on religious sites in Britain.
It firmly rejected “acts of terrorism, which constitute a flagrant violation of the sanctity of houses of worship”.
“Attacking places of worship is a form of terrorism and extremism that threatens peace and stability within societies,” it said.
The council also warned against the rise of hate speech, racism, extremism and Islamophobia. It urged the international community to join efforts to promote tolerance and peaceful coexistence.
