DUBAI // Cyber criminals not only target personal information and vital infrastructure, but some may target children, parents have been warned.
Parents should be aware that electronic devices such as laptops and mobile phones can easily be compromised by cyber criminals, said Mahesh Vaidya, chief executive of ISIT, a data storage and security company based in Dubai.
He spoke ahead of a cybersecurity event taking place in Dubai on Sunday as part of the EdTech Meetup, an initiative between two Dubai technology companies.
The internet can be a safe medium as long as users are aware of where they are navigating, said Mr Vaidya, who will speak at the event.
“The internet is like any metropolitan city,” he said. “There are places you should visit cautiously or even avoid. Education on what to do and not to do on the internet is a very important aspect of cybersecurity.”
Once they gain access, cyber criminals or a even a stalker can monitor a child’s day-to-day activities, said Mr Vaidya.
“Children should not click on unknown web links that are sent to them via email, SMS, or instant messages,” he said.
“Young children might also visit illicit websites, some of which will download malicious code onto their devices which can, for example, take video and pictures of them using the webcam without them knowing.”
Mr Vaidya said his talk on Sunday would address threats and the methods parents can employ to enhance their security, such as installing antivirus software with built-in tools that can help monitor their children’s internet activity.
Also speaking at the event is Jennifer Christianson, senior manager of forensic technology and discovery services for the Middle East and North Africa region at Ernst and Young, a professional services company.
“The internet can be a valuable educational tool and is a necessity in stimulating the development of a child’s education and intelligence in today’s world,” said Laura Toma, event organiser and director at the Coding Circle, which teaches children computer programming skills.
“While controlling and monitoring internet usage is vital, the extent of control varies with age and becomes less restrictive while the child grows both mentally and physically.”
The event takes place on Sunday in Dubai at the Marina Plaza.
esamoglou@thenational.ae
The Porpoise
By Mark Haddon
(Penguin Random House)
THE SPECS
Engine: 4.0L twin-turbo V8
Gearbox: eight-speed automatic
Power: 571hp at 6,000rpm
Torque: 800Nm from 2,000-4,500rpm
Fuel economy, combined: 11.4L/100km
Price, base: from Dh571,000
On sale: this week
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
Our legal advisor
Ahmad El Sayed is Senior Associate at Charles Russell Speechlys, a law firm headquartered in London with offices in the UK, Europe, the Middle East and Hong Kong.
Experience: Commercial litigator who has assisted clients with overseas judgments before UAE courts. His specialties are cases related to banking, real estate, shareholder disputes, company liquidations and criminal matters as well as employment related litigation.
Education: Sagesse University, Beirut, Lebanon, in 2005.
The specs
Engine: 4.0-litre V8 twin-turbocharged and three electric motors
Power: Combined output 920hp
Torque: 730Nm at 4,000-7,000rpm
Transmission: 8-speed dual-clutch automatic
Fuel consumption: 11.2L/100km
On sale: Now, deliveries expected later in 2025
Price: expected to start at Dh1,432,000
