Companies behind two of the UAE's largest infrastructure projects will go head to head after being named as sponsors of arch-rival football clubs.
Khalifa Port, Abu Dhabi's new state-of-the-art deepwater facility, will be the official sponsor of Al Ain Football Club in the Asian club competition, the AFC Champions League, while Etihad Rail has signed a three-year agreement with Al Jazira Sports Club.
Khalifa Port, which was inaugurated last December, is home to six of the largest ship-to-shore cranes, and is expected to be able to handle 35 million tonnes of general cargo by 2030.
Abu Dhabi Ports Company (ADPC), which manages the port, would not reveal the size of the sponsorship deal but a spokesman said it was more of an "economic partnership" than a commercial one.
Mohamed Al Shamisi, executive vice president of ports at ADPC and chairman of Abu Dhabi Terminals, said Al Ain had an unparalleled history that all Emiratis can be proud of.
"From ADPC's part, we are fully aware of the importance of the Asian markets as keen investors into the UAE. With the newly inaugurated Khalifa Port, we now have a greater opportunity to have increased maritime links with most Asian ports," he added.
Being associated with Al Ain, which won the AFC Champions League in 2003 and are the runaway league leaders this season, would help to support the marketing of the port, its infrastructure, technology and ability to accommodate the world's largest ships, he said.
"There is no doubt that the presence of Al Ain in AFC Champions League 2013, as one of the cup's previous holders, and now carrying the name and logo of Khalifa Port, will help to position the United Arab Emirates as one willing to go the extra mile to support its sporting heroes, while, in turn, Al Ain Club can provide a platform for highlighting one of the UAE's key achievements in modern times - a commercial maritime centre that has all it takes to attract investment and trade."
Supporting the economic development of the UAE is also a key aim of Etihad Rail - the developer and operator of the country's planned national railway network, which has been named as a sponsor of Al Jazira, UAE Football League champions for 2010-2011 and President's Cup champions for the 2010-2011 and 2011-2012 seasons.
Under the terms, Etihad Rail will become the club's strategic sponsor for the next three years and will have branding placement rights at Mohammed Bin Zayed Stadium and on team jerseys, among other marketing benefits.
"Etihad Rail has always stood for distinction and utmost efficiency, having adopted best international practice in the development of our railway," said Nasser Saif Al Mansoori, the chief executive of Etihad Rail.
The partnership is in line with the company's vision and reflects its commitment to support local sports organisations, he added.
Hamad Al Hurr Al Suwaidi, a board member of Al Jazira Club and head of Al Jazira Club's professionalism committee, said the club had sought since its inception to strengthen relations with government bodies that contribute to the UAE's development.
"We are very pleased to be partnering with Etihad Rail, a national company that will improve the transport and logistics sector in the UAE by linking airports, seaports, and key centres of population and industry," he added.
gduncan@thenational.ae
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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