John Mayer to make Abu Dhabi debut at Saadiyat Nights in January

American singer-songwriter John Mayer will perform in Abu Dhabi for the first time as part of the new Saadiyat Nights season.

The seven-time Grammy Award winner, known for his soulful voice and expressive guitar work, will perform at the Saadiyat Island amphitheatre on January 24. The show is part of the UAE capital’s flagship open-air concert series, which has become a highlight of the cultural calendar.

Mayer is the second artist announced for the new season, following news that Scottish singer Lewis Capaldi will perform on January 17.

Mayer, 48, has sold more than 20 million albums worldwide and built a reputation as one of contemporary music’s most distinctive performers. His ability to blend pop, rock and blues has won him international acclaim and a devoted following.

Audiences in Abu Dhabi can expect to hear many of his most recognisable songs, including Gravity, Your Body Is a Wonderland, Daughters, Slow Dancing in a Burning Room and Waiting on the World to Change.

Since its launch, Saadiyat Nights has hosted stars including John Legend, Christina Aguilera, Gwen Stefani, Robbie Williams and Jennifer Lopez, making the series one of the Middle East’s most impressive live music platforms.

Mayer’s appearance follows acclaimed tours in North America and Europe, where he has been praised for his musicianship and improvisational live sets. In addition to his solo career, he has also earned recognition for his work in the John Mayer Trio and the band Dead & Company.

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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Place a sun reflector in your windshield when not driving
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John Mayer to make Abu Dhabi debut at Saadiyat Nights in January

American singer joins Lewis Capaldi for new season

Ten tax points to be aware of in 2026

Tips to keep your car cool