The UAE’s first electric vehicle brand, Rabdan, will not only advance the country’s industrial sector but will also boost its contribution to gross domestic product and net zero commitments, Dr Sultan Al Jaber, UAE Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology and Cop28 President-designate, has said.
Dr Al Jaber was visiting NWTN, the UAE electric car maker that produces the Rabdan in Khalifa Economic Zones in Abu Dhabi.
“The Rabdan brand embodies the ambitious and forward-looking vision of the UAE’s leadership to innovate and advance the industrial sector and enhance its contribution to GDP and net zero commitments,” said Dr Al Jaber, who is also UAE Special Envoy on Climate Change.
“The company operates in a key sector within the national economy, making it a fundamental contributor to the UAE’s climate neutrality goals, sustainable development, and the objectives of the National Strategy for Industry and Advanced Technology,” he added.
Dr Al Jaber’s visits “come as part of the field tours undertaken by [him] to follow up on the development in the industrial sector, and to discuss means of supporting and attracting investors to benefit from the competitive advantages that the UAE offers,” the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology said.
NWTN specialises in environmentally friendly technology and mobility.
“The company’s car assembly facility is helping to meet the growing demand for electric vehicles in the UAE and the Middle East region, in addition to promoting green mobility and accelerating the country’s energy transition,” the ministry said.
The Rabdan 1 is a multi-use all-wheel drive sports car.
The car can achieve a maximum range of 860 kilometres while saving energy and reducing emissions.
A dual-motor system produces 684 horsepower, and 1040 Nm torque, while acceleration from 0 to 100kph takes 4.5 seconds.
Dr Al Jaber also inaugurated Standard Carpets Industries’ new factory Standard Turf at Dubai Industrial City, a member of Tecom group.
Standard Carpets is one of the world's largest producers and exporters of carpets, rugs, and artificial grass.
“The ministry plays a strategic role in enhancing the growth and development of the national industrial sector, supporting it to adopt 4IR (Fourth Industrial Revolution) solutions in line with the objectives of the National Strategy for Industry and Advanced Technology,” Dr Al Jaber said.
He also stressed the importance of the role played by industrial cities and zones in the country.
Standard Carpets has been based at Dubai Industrial City since 2013. In 2021, the company expanded its operations to increase production capacity by introducing two new product lines – grass carpets and hard flooring.
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'The Sky is Everywhere'
Director:Josephine Decker
Stars:Grace Kaufman, Pico Alexander, Jacques Colimon
Rating:2/5
Q&A with Dash Berlin
Welcome back. What was it like to return to RAK and to play for fans out here again?
It’s an amazing feeling to be back in the passionate UAE again. Seeing the fans having a great time that is what it’s all about.
You're currently touring the globe as part of your Legends of the Feels Tour. How important is it to you to include the Middle East in the schedule?
The tour is doing really well and is extensive and intensive at the same time travelling all over the globe. My Middle Eastern fans are very dear to me, it’s good to be back.
You mix tracks that people know and love, but you also have a visually impressive set too (graphics etc). Is that the secret recipe to Dash Berlin's live gigs?
People enjoying the combination of the music and visuals are the key factor in the success of the Legends Of The Feel tour 2018.
Have you had some time to explore Ras al Khaimah too? If so, what have you been up to?
Coming fresh out of Las Vegas where I continue my 7th annual year DJ residency at Marquee, I decided it was a perfect moment to catch some sun rays and enjoy the warm hospitality of Bab Al Bahr.
Naga
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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
