Italian art to go on display in Dubai

The hyperrealistic paintings of Giovanni Antico Gagliardini and the more emotional abstract work of an artist known only as Mumari are two of the highlights of a forthcoming exhibition at Dubai Community Theatre & Arts Centre (DUCTAC) in Mall Of The Emirates. The idea is to showcase Italian art across genres and styles and whilst, most of the artists are based in Italy, there are some including textile artist Sara Berti, who live and work in the UAE.

Gina Affinito is the curator for the exhibition and, although she lives and works in Napoli, has organised four exhibitions in Dubai and Abu Dhabi since 2014. “Napoli is a city where there is a rich history of art and many promising young artists,” she says. “Whilst there is no obvious connection between Napoli and Dubai, there is a positive comparison to be made between two different cultures. I really like the reality of Dubai, and I believe that comparison, in art, with other countries is an added value and a stimulus for every artist and every art curator.”

Her aim, she says is to promote the Italian art in the UAE, to promote young italian artists and encourage a conscious approach to contemporary art. Therefore, Italian Vanity Art Exhibition, is an exhibition of visual arts including painting, sculpture, photography and installation.

“We have worked on putting this together for six months and I hope that it will be visited by those who are passionate about art and that it is received well. This will allow us to return each year with a new and different project.”

* Italian Vanity Art Exhibition opens on Thursday, May 4 at 7pm. www.ductac.org

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.

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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