Lockheed takes a stake in Abu Dhabi military maintenance unit


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The Advanced Military Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul Centre (AMMROC) announced on Sunday that Lockheed Martin had taken an equity stake in the centre, underpinning its ambitions to become a global leader in military aviation maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) services.

The Texas-based aerospace and technology giant joins US peer, Sikorsky Aerospace Services, which holds an equivalent holding in AMMROC, and majority owner, Abu Dhabi Aircraft Technologies (ADAT).

The aggregate investment exceeds US$800 million, AMMROC said, expanding the centre's capabilities while complementing its existing service to customers. Lockheed's addition is expected to bring significant expertise to AMMROC's offering to both the United Arab Emirates (UAE) Armed Forces and military operators in the Gulf.

The deal will see AMMROC provide platform solutions for all fixed and rotary-wing aircraft, thus ensuring aircraft readiness, deployability, improved safety and self reliance.

Homaid Al Shemmari, chairman of ADAT and AMMROC said: "Lockheed's decision to acquire an equity interest in AMMROC is an important component of our plans to create a world class facility that provides a self-sustaining and commercially viable platform for the UAE Armed Forces."

"This is an exciting development in AMMROC's evolution and we are delighted to partner with another global leader in the aerospace industry," Mr Al Shemmari added.

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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

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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

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6. Further transfer pricing enforcement

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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. 

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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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Date started: Okadoc, 2018

Founder/CEO: Fodhil Benturquia

Based: Dubai, UAE

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