Shoppers in the capital looking for a discounts and bargains are in for a treat.
Abu Dhabi malls, which started to reopen to the public in early May, now have a new campaign to welcome back customers.
From Thursday, July 2, to Monday, August 31, 3,500 retailers across multiple malls in Abu Dhabi, Al Ain and Al Dhafra will be part of the Unbox Amazing campaign, with exclusive collections being displayed and promotions, rewards and ‘shop and win’ prize draws, exceeding Dh3.5 million, up for grabs.
Customers heading into any of the participating malls (listed below) this summer can find exclusive collections and promotional offers that are only available in Abu Dhabi, as well as brand discounts of up to 80 per cent.
Meanwhile, all eligible Visa cardholders, with the four participating banks – Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank, Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank, Al Hilal Bank and First Abu Dhabi Bank – that spend more than Dh200 in participating outlets are automatically entered into prize draws throughout the campaign.
Some of the "shop and win" prizes up for grabs include Mercedes Benz cars from Emirates Motor Company and electronic products from Sharaf DG.
"Abu Dhabi's diverse retail sector is back in business with the emirate's most ambitious and economically impactful summer season promotion to date," said Ali Hassan Al Shaiba, executive director of tourism and marketing, DCT Abu Dhabi.
As per DCT Abu Dhabi's recently launched Go Safe Certification, health and safety measures will be implemented across participating malls during the campaign.
This includes thermal scanning at entry points, mandatory protective face masks, social distancing guidelines and regular cleaning and disinfection of participating outlets.
Contactless transactions are widely encouraged, and all staff working in Abu Dhabi’s retail sector will undergo regular Covid-19 testing.
Here’s a list of the malls participating in Retail Abu Dhabi’s ‘Unbox Amazing’ campaign:
- Abu Dhabi Mall
- Al Ain Mall
- Al Foah Mall
- Al Jimi Mall
- Al Raha Mall
- Al Wahda Mall
- Barari Outlet Mall
- Bawabat Al Sharq Mall
- City Center Masdar
- Deerfields
- Fotouh Al Khair
- Galleria Al Maryah Island
- Hili Mall
- Khalidyah Mall
- Marina Mall
- Mazyad Mall
- Mushrif Mall
- Ruwais Mall
- World Trade Centre Mall
- Yas Mall.
More information is at www.retailabudhabi.ae
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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
The National selections
Al Ain
5pm: Bolereau
5.30pm: Rich And Famous
6pm: Duc De Faust
6.30pm: Al Thoura
7pm: AF Arrab
7.30pm: Al Jazi
8pm: Futoon
Jebel Ali
1.45pm: AF Kal Noor
2.15pm: Galaxy Road
2.45pm: Dark Thunder
3.15pm: Inverleigh
3.45pm: Bawaasil
4.15pm: Initial
4.45pm: Tafaakhor
Marathon results
Men:
1. Titus Ekiru(KEN) 2:06:13
2. Alphonce Simbu(TAN) 2:07:50
3. Reuben Kipyego(KEN) 2:08:25
4. Abel Kirui(KEN) 2:08:46
5. Felix Kemutai(KEN) 2:10:48
Women:
1. Judith Korir(KEN) 2:22:30
2. Eunice Chumba(BHR) 2:26:01
3. Immaculate Chemutai(UGA) 2:28:30
4. Abebech Bekele(ETH) 2:29:43
5. Aleksandra Morozova(RUS) 2:33:01
About Takalam
Date started: early 2020
Founders: Khawla Hammad and Inas Abu Shashieh
Based: Abu Dhabi
Sector: HealthTech and wellness
Number of staff: 4
Funding to date: Bootstrapped
