The longest-running American musical in Broadway history, Chicago, is returning to the UAE for a limited-season run at Abu Dhabi's Etihad Arena from September 12 to 22.
A tale of passion, murder, greed, betrayal and redemption, the hit musical first appeared on Broadway 27 years ago, and has since played at top venues around the world, including London's West End, Sydney, Tokyo, Seoul, Paris, Berlin Madrid and Dubai.
It has also won a host of awards including six Tony Awards, two Olivier Awards and a Grammy.
A 2002 film adaptation, starring Renee Zellweger, Catherine Zeta-Jones and Richard Gere, went on to win six Oscars the following year, including one for Best Picture.
Chicago follows two fiercely competitive women accused of murder – aspiring jazz performer Roxie Hart and vaudeville Velma Kelly – who fight for fame in an attempt to avoid the gallows.
The show produced many popular songs including All That Jazz, Cell Block Tango and Razzle Dazzle.
Chicago is brought to Abu Dhabi by Proactiv Entertainment, who've also staged hit musicals The Lion King and Hamilton at the Etihad Arena.
“We are thrilled to bring the classic and timeless production of Chicago to Abu Dhabi. This is one of the most successful and most loved musicals out there. You haven’t experienced Broadway until you’ve seen Chicago,” said chief executive Nicolas Renna.
Broadway producers Barry and Fran Weissler added: “We are thrilled to be bringing Chicago to Abu Dhabi. The show continues to be as fresh, vibrant and relevant as the day we opened on Broadway. The legendary John Kander, Fred Ebb and Bob Fosse created a near perfect musical. Whether you are a seasoned theatergoer or a first-timer, Chicago delivers must-see entertainment.”
Pre-sale tickets for Chicago will go on sale on Thursday for those who registered, with general tickets available from Monday.
More information is available at etihadarena.ae
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The Abu Dhabi Awards explained:
What are the awards? They honour anyone who has made a contribution to life in Abu Dhabi.
Are they open to only Emiratis? The awards are open to anyone, regardless of age or nationality, living anywhere in the world.
When do nominations close? The process concludes on December 31.
How do I nominate someone? Through the website.
When is the ceremony? The awards event will take place early next year.
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
Company profile
Name: Dukkantek
Started: January 2021
Founders: Sanad Yaghi, Ali Al Sayegh and Shadi Joulani
Based: UAE
Number of employees: 140
Sector: B2B Vertical SaaS(software as a service)
Investment: $5.2 million
Funding stage: Seed round
Investors: Global Founders Capital, Colle Capital Partners, Wamda Capital, Plug and Play, Comma Capital, Nowais Capital, Annex Investments and AMK Investment Office
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