Inspection of food outlets necessary during summer
I am commenting on the news report Ramadan: Wahda Mall restaurants fined in Abu Dhabi hygiene crackdown (June 26). Such inspections are necessary.
Summer is upon us. It's a time when more people prefer to hang around in shopping malls and eat at the restaurants there. That's why it's so essential for the food outlets to maintain hygiene standards.
Every year many people suffer from food poisoning. Some of those cases prove to be fatal.
Recently, my son and one of his friends fell ill after eating at a restaurant in a mall. Both of them had to visit a clinic.
When we visit a restaurant, we expect the food to be fresh and hygienically prepared. But that's not always the case. This kind of impromptu inspections by the authorities will compel the restaurants to maintain standards. They will also make us feel safe to eat in any food outlet in the city.
Sneha Shruti, Abu Dhabi
Spend on Salik or spend on petrol
It is encouraging to read, as we often do, of trams, new tunnels, new roads, and the like. These are all welcome.
But at the same time the increase in Salik fees (Dubai drivers count the costs as RTA scraps daily Dh24 Salik cap, July 1) is frustrating. For most people, even a small increase in their costs can be hard to manage.
I find it exhausting to take longer routes to avoid Salik toll points, and if I don't spend on Salik, I must spend on extra fuel.
Moiz SA, Sharjah
If it's online then it isn't private
I was interested to read Man denies blackmailing ex-girlfriend with pictures (June 25), about a woman who sent a man three pictures of herself for him to show to his mother.
The story also refers to earlier cases of blackmail using pictures posted on the internet.
The internet is not safe; I wish people would understand this basic concept.
Joe Burns, Dubai
Nothing restful under the water
Work to start "soon" on underwater hotels (July 1) was interesting.
I would visit one of these hotels underwater, but I wouldn't try to sleep in it.
Shondale Galindo, US
Physical abuse is unacceptable
I am responding to the news report Family of boy beaten to death by father opt against death penalty, UAE court told (June 27).
According to the report, the child's mother and grandfather told the Criminal Court that the boy was his father's favourite child and that he did not mean to kill him.
If he was indeed a favourite child, then what about the other children? You don't beat someone like that if you love that person. The wife of the man is obviously afraid for her own life. Another sad story.
Monica Carver, Dubai
Foolish parents can't be taught
I refer to Parents face charges after leaving child, 3, in car and forgetting where they parked (June 26).
When it comes to the idea of legislating against this practice of leaving children alone, there's no point, in my opinion. You can't teach common sense to those who don't have it.
Jeff Taylor, US
Register for the e-gate service
The Ministry of Interior's registration drive at two Abu Dhabi malls for the airport e-gate service was a great success.
The ministry called on Emiratis, as well as UAE residents and GCC nationals, to register for the service that will enable them to pass through immigration at UAE airports in as little as 20 seconds.
The campaign kicked off at Marina Mall on June 9 and ran until June 13. From there it moved to Abu Dhabi Mall, where it ran from June 23 to 27.
At both locations, the initiative received an overwhelming response. The registration process was simple and quick.
I urge those who haven't yet registered to take advantage of the next round of campaigns.
Ramesh Menon, Abu Dhabi
MATCH INFO
Uefa Champions League semi-finals, first leg
Liverpool v Roma
When: April 24, 10.45pm kick-off (UAE)
Where: Anfield, Liverpool
Live: BeIN Sports HD
Second leg: May 2, Stadio Olimpico, Rome
Who is Mohammed Al Halbousi?
The new speaker of Iraq’s parliament Mohammed Al Halbousi is the youngest person ever to serve in the role.
The 37-year-old was born in Al Garmah in Anbar and studied civil engineering in Baghdad before going into business. His development company Al Hadeed undertook reconstruction contracts rebuilding parts of Fallujah’s infrastructure.
He entered parliament in 2014 and served as a member of the human rights and finance committees until 2017. In August last year he was appointed governor of Anbar, a role in which he has struggled to secure funding to provide services in the war-damaged province and to secure the withdrawal of Shia militias. He relinquished the post when he was sworn in as a member of parliament on September 3.
He is a member of the Al Hal Sunni-based political party and the Sunni-led Coalition of Iraqi Forces, which is Iraq’s largest Sunni alliance with 37 seats from the May 12 election.
He maintains good relations with former Prime Minister Nouri Al Maliki’s State of Law Coaliton, Hadi Al Amiri’s Badr Organisation and Iranian officials.
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
Best Foreign Language Film nominees
Capernaum (Lebanon)
Cold War (Poland)
Never Look Away (Germany)
Roma (Mexico)
Shoplifters (Japan)
