Abu Dhabi's long-awaited Kinokuniya bookstore opens at the Galleria mall

Malls across the UAE are starting to get up and running again after a month of closures to help stem the spread of Covid-19.

And residents in Abu Dhabi will find an exciting new addition to The Galleria on Al Maryah Island, as the long-awaited Kinokuniya has finally opened its doors.

Already a firm favourite with book lovers in Dubai, Japanese-founded Kinokuniya is one of the UAE’s most expansive bookstores, bringing more than 150,000 titles to its flagship in the capital.

A customer picks out a book in the Kinokuniya bookshop in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. Bloomberg

It was announced last year that Kinokuniya would be joining the expansion of The Galleria, to much excitement from Abu Dhabi residents.

And it officially opened its doors on Wednesday, May 6, on level 3 of The Galleria extension.

Open daily from noon to 9pm, the store provides a space for customers to browse its shelves for hours on end, with plenty of spots to pull up a chair and get lost in one of its many titles.

Announcing the news on Instagram, Kinokuniya said: “Over 150,000 Books, huge Arabic and Children's book section, manga and collectibles, the best stationery from around the world.

“Books Kinokuniya Abu Dhabi is finally OPEN. Only in the fabulous The Galleria Al Maryah Island.”

The news was met with much excitement from followers. “Finally. This is such great news,” wrote one user, while another added, “Can’t wait to visit.”

Kinokuniya also boasts an expansive store at The Dubai Mall, which has now re-opened in line with the new coronavirus regulations for malls across the city.

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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The President's Cake

Director: Hasan Hadi

Starring: Baneen Ahmad Nayyef, Waheed Thabet Khreibat, Sajad Mohamad Qasem

Rating: 4/5

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.

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