Last week was a difficult one for pumpkin spice fans in the UAE.
It was confirmed that Starbucks would not be selling its famous autumnal drink in the region this year as it has decided to stock toffee nut instead. The reason behind the cancellation of the popular drink? Surplus stock, courtesy of the work-from-home situations in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic.
However, if you're among the many who feel like it's just not autumn without the seasonal drink, fret not. Here's a look at other places in the UAE you can visit for that pumpkin spice fix.
Tania’s Teahouse
The Instagrammable cafe has launched the fall drink with a twist. Tania's Teahouse has a pumpkin spice chai latte, made with a black tea base, elements of apple, cinnamon, ginger, cardamom, cloves, nutmeg and, of course, pumpkin. The best part is that all the ingredients are natural (no artificial flavours are used) so UAE residents can enjoy the treat, relatively guilt-free.
Price: Dh25.
Revo Cafe
The casual restaurant and all-day breakfast spot has introduced a limited-edition version of the drink, infused with notes of cinnamon, nutmeg and clove. Guests can enjoy both hot and cold versions of the drink. It can be customised on request, be it an extra shot of coffee or more cream. There's even a vegan version of the drink, recreated with almond or coconut milk. The pumpkin spiced drinks are available until the end of October.
Price: Dh40.
Black Tap
The burger joint will be bringing back its popular Pumpkin Pie shake to celebrate American Thanksgiving in November. The crazyshake features mini marshmallows, whipped cream and a whole slice of pumpkin pie to satiate those sweet cravings. Black Tap's Pumpkin Pie shake will be available from Wednesday to Saturday, November 25 to 28.
Price: Dh62 at the Mall of the Emirates and Dubai Mall branches; Dh69 at the JBR and Jumeirah Al Naseem venues.
Turf Cafe
Abu Dhabi residents can get their own pumpkin spice fix at this quaint cafe located in Al Khalidiya. Turf Cafe launched its pumpkin spice latte on Thursday, October 1, available iced or warm, with the syrup made in-house. Even better, the cafe has also launched pumpkin spice doughnuts for those who just can't get enough of the fall favourite.
Price: Dh26 for the drink; Dh22 for the doughnut. The restaurant also sells six doughnuts by pre-order for Dh100.
Keto Bowl
Looking for a version of the popular drink that is on the healthier side? This JLT spot, known for serving keto diet-friendly dishes, has a pumpkin spice latte made with pumpkin puree, coconut milk, chia seeds, coffee and nutmeg, topped with cinnamon and walnut. All the ingredients for a healthy morning cuppa.
Price: Dh34.
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Real estate tokenisation project
Dubai launched the pilot phase of its real estate tokenisation project last month.
The initiative focuses on converting real estate assets into digital tokens recorded on blockchain technology and helps in streamlining the process of buying, selling and investing, the Dubai Land Department said.
Dubai’s real estate tokenisation market is projected to reach Dh60 billion ($16.33 billion) by 2033, representing 7 per cent of the emirate’s total property transactions, according to the DLD.
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
Other workplace saving schemes
- The UAE government announced a retirement savings plan for private and free zone sector employees in 2023.
- Dubai’s savings retirement scheme for foreign employees working in the emirate’s government and public sector came into effect in 2022.
- National Bonds unveiled a Golden Pension Scheme in 2022 to help private-sector foreign employees with their financial planning.
- In April 2021, Hayah Insurance unveiled a workplace savings plan to help UAE employees save for their retirement.
- Lunate, an Abu Dhabi-based investment manager, has launched a fund that will allow UAE private companies to offer employees investment returns on end-of-service benefits.
UPI facts
More than 2.2 million Indian tourists arrived in UAE in 2023
More than 3.5 million Indians reside in UAE
Indian tourists can make purchases in UAE using rupee accounts in India through QR-code-based UPI real-time payment systems
Indian residents in UAE can use their non-resident NRO and NRE accounts held in Indian banks linked to a UAE mobile number for UPI transactions
