Pickl comes to Abu Dhabi: Dubai burger brand to launch in capital

Ever since home-grown burger brand Pickl opened its first restaurant in Dubai in 2019, there’s been a recurring question from its loyal fan base: is there an Abu Dhabi branch in the pipeline?

It looks like foodies in the capital finally have their answer. After teasing an Abu Dhabi expansion for a while now, the news has been confirmed via Pickl-branded boarding spotted at restaurant sites in the city.

Numerous Abu Dhabi residents have spotted the advertisements in recent days, which appear to confirm two branches opening in the capital – one at Mamsha Al Saadiyat, a beachfront complex, and another in The Mall World Trade Centre.

The brand has not confirmed exactly when either of these branches will be opening, with the boards simply saying “soon-ish”. However, a post on Pickl's Instagram account confirmed there will be a launch in November 2021, so Abu Dhabi residents can expect to tuck into Pickl’s famous burgers, shakes, and chicken sandos within the next two months.

Apart from its menu staples, Pickl is known for its creative limited-edition burgers, which have ranged from a chicken katsu curry burger to the boujee bird, featuring fried chicken and a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Since its launch in JLT in 2019, the burger brand has gone from strength to strength. Its most recent openings include branches at Motor City and Time Out Market, while in July, it launched concept store An/Other by Pickl in City Walk, which pays tribute to the history of burgers, and also sells a range of Pickl apparel.

The National has reached out to Pickl for an official statement on the Abu Dhabi expansion.

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 specs

Engine: 5.0-litre supercharged V8

Transmission: Eight-speed auto

Power: 575bhp

Torque: 700Nm

Price: Dh554,000

On sale: now

Key 2013/14 UAE Motorsport dates

October 4: Round One of Rotax Max Challenge, Al Ain (karting)

October 1: 1 Round One of the inaugural UAE Desert Championship (rally)

November 1-3: Abu Dhabi Grand Prix (Formula One)

November 28-30: Dubai International Rally

January 9-11: 24Hrs of Dubai (Touring Cars / Endurance)

March 21: Round 11 of Rotax Max Challenge, Muscat, Oman (karting)

April 4-10: Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge (Endurance)

Pickl comes to Abu Dhabi: Dubai burger brand to launch in capital

And there’s more than one branch in the works

Ten tax points to be aware of in 2026

The specs

Key 2013/14 UAE Motorsport dates