CFI, the region's leading online trading provider, has announced a strategic partnership with the Department of Culture and Tourism - Abu Dhabi.
Set to unfold throughout 2024 and 2025, the collaboration will see CFI sponsor a series of diverse events spanning sports, culture, and music, solidifying the group’s status as a brand leader in its home country and elevating its presence in the UAE.
Awarded the prestigious designation of 'Strategic Partner', CFI is dedicated to supporting the sustainable development of Abu Dhabi’s events and entertainment sector. The group is honoured to play a role in welcoming the world to the UAE capital.
Through this sponsorship, CFI will support key events such as the NBA Abu Dhabi Games and the USA Basketball Showcase, which bring top-tier NBA and international basketball to the region. Additionally, CFI will play a major role in entertainment events at Liwa Village and Saadiyat Nights, further enhancing Abu Dhabi’s reputation as a global centre for entertainment.
Furthermore, CFI will support thrilling mixed martial arts action through events like UFC Fight Night and Abu Dhabi Showdown Week - UFC 308, reinforcing its commitment to a diverse range of sporting activities.
With its latest initiative, CFI strengthens ties with its home country by supporting the UAE's entertainment, cultural and sporting landscape, underscoring the group’s commitment to strengthening the nation's global positioning.
This significant collaboration with DCT Abu Dhabi was celebrated in a signing ceremony attended by distinguished guests, marking another milestone in CFI's efforts to foster substantial partnerships and promote innovation.
H.E. Saleh Mohammed Al Geziry, director general for tourism at DCT Abu Dhabi, said: “A cornerstone of our success has been the power of partnerships. As we embark on our latest collaboration with CFI, a strategic partner that has championed sports and events, we look forward to further driving Abu Dhabi’s growth as a premier global destination.
"Together with our partners, we are committed to expanding our extraordinary lineup of cultural events, sports and entertainment, providing our visitors with an array of exciting and inspiring experiences to suit every taste.”
Hisham Mansour, co-founder and managing director of CFI, said: "We are proud to partner with DCT Abu Dhabi to support efforts to elevate the emirate’s events calendar and tourism landscape.
"As a UAE-headquartered group, our support for these transformative events underscores our commitment to the entertainment, cultural and sporting vibrancy of the country and enables CFI to actively contribute to bringing unique experiences to all those who visit the destination. This partnership showcases our pride in Abu Dhabi’s cultural narrative.”
CFI is dedicated to advancing its global mission of empowering traders while actively supporting the cultural and sporting fabric of Abu Dhabi. This partnership not only enhances CFI’s leadership as the region's leading online trading broker but also aligns with its long-term vision of intertwining business success with cultural enrichment. CFI remains committed to contributing to the UAE’s thriving cultural scene, ensuring that both clients and partners benefit from the rich opportunities this collaboration presents.
CFI Financial Group is the Mena region's leading broker with more than 25 years of experience, leading the field with the highest number of regulated entities and regional offices, including key locations such as London, Dubai, Larnaca, Beirut, Amman, and Cairo. Specialising in online trading services across a wide range of markets, including equities, currencies, and commodities, CFI offers highly competitive trading conditions, including zero-pip spreads and no commission fees.
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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