When it comes to credit cards, most financial institutions cast a wide net in the hope of capturing the biggest client base possible.
Reward points, endless discounts at restaurants and free roadside assistance are a few of the generic benefits that get thrown our way. But Dubai First, the consumer finance subsidiary of Dubai Group, is now focusing on cards that target a specific demographic. Its latest offering is Simply Emirati - the UAE's first credit card dedicated exclusively to UAE nationals.
"Launching the Emirati Card delivers a competitive advantage for us," says Abrahim Al Ansari, the chief executive of Dubai First. "It answers a need among UAE nationals for a high-value premium credit card that caters to their specific cultural aspirations."
Every feature of the credit card, he adds, has been included with Emiratis in mind. According to Mr Al Ansari, Dubai First consulted with UAE nationals throughout the card's development to get an accurate feel for what they want.
Some of the more unique aspects of Simply Emirati are its various concierge services.
Do you need to renew your car registration? That's not an issue. Simply call Dubai First's 24/7 Arabic Contact Centre and someone will collect your vehicle, take care of the paperwork and return the car to your driveway.
The same service is offered if you need an international driving licence.
You also receive two free courier deliveries on anything you desire each month, and two more if you order movie or concert tickets. And with Valentine's Day coming up, here is the real kicker - with Simply Emirati, you get free delivery on flowers anywhere in the world.
The card also comes with some of the typical bells and whistles, such as a cash reward of 3.5 per cent for every dirham spent, purchase protection of up to Dh40,000 a year and a 3 per cent travel discount for flights within the GCC.
Clients receive a voucher book with 100 buy-one-get-one-free coupons on dining, beauty and entertainment. But each one is geared towards Emiratis, Mr Al Ansari says, such as shops specialising in perfumes or ghutras.
Finally, each client who signs up to Simply Emirati benefits from an introductory gift - a polished black box filled with Oud, Dehn El Oud and perfumes.
"The idea is to evoke pride and gear it towards the needs of this specific group," Mr Al Ansari says. "Each time they swipe the card, they are waving the flag."
jtodd@thenational.ae
The burning issue
The internal combustion engine is facing a watershed moment – major manufacturer Volvo is to stop producing petroleum-powered vehicles by 2021 and countries in Europe, including the UK, have vowed to ban their sale before 2040. The National takes a look at the story of one of the most successful technologies of the last 100 years and how it has impacted life in the UAE.
Read part four: an affection for classic cars lives on
Read part three: the age of the electric vehicle begins
Read part one: how cars came to the UAE
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Paatal Lok season two
Directors: Avinash Arun, Prosit Roy
Stars: Jaideep Ahlawat, Ishwak Singh, Lc Sekhose, Merenla Imsong
Rating: 4.5/5
All Black 39-12 British & Irish Lions
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Tamkeen's offering
- Option 1: 70% in year 1, 50% in year 2, 30% in year 3
- Option 2: 50% across three years
- Option 3: 30% across five years
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
Springsteen: Deliver Me from Nowhere
Director: Scott Cooper
Starring: Jeremy Allen White, Odessa Young, Jeremy Strong
Rating: 4/5
Key facilities
- Olympic-size swimming pool with a split bulkhead for multi-use configurations, including water polo and 50m/25m training lanes
- Premier League-standard football pitch
- 400m Olympic running track
- NBA-spec basketball court with auditorium
- 600-seat auditorium
- Spaces for historical and cultural exploration
- An elevated football field that doubles as a helipad
- Specialist robotics and science laboratories
- AR and VR-enabled learning centres
- Disruption Lab and Research Centre for developing entrepreneurial skills
The specs: 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk
Price, base: Dh399,999
Engine: Supercharged 6.2-litre V8
Gearbox: Eight-speed automatic
Power: 707hp @ 6,000rpm
Torque: 875Nm @ 4,800rpm
Fuel economy, combined: 16.8L / 100km (estimate)
The stats
Ship name: MSC Bellissima
Ship class: Meraviglia Class
Delivery date: February 27, 2019
Gross tonnage: 171,598 GT
Passenger capacity: 5,686
Crew members: 1,536
Number of cabins: 2,217
Length: 315.3 metres
Maximum speed: 22.7 knots (42kph)
MATCH INFO
Uefa Champions League semi-final, second leg result:
Ajax 2-3 Tottenham
Tottenham advance on away goals rule after tie ends 3-3 on aggregate
Final: June 1, Madrid
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
