Abu Dhabi Pet Festival returns to the capital for the first time in three years

Four-legged friends took over the Sheikh Zayed Cricket Stadium in Khalifa City on Saturday, as the Abu Dhabi Pet Festival returned to the capital.

Taking place over the weekend, the event features activities including a dog agility competition, a pet fashion show and an international cat and dog competition, as well as food and drink stalls for owners. There will also be a pet and owner fancy dress competition, a petting farm, as well as a demonstration from the police K9 Unit.

Scroll through the gallery above for more pictures from the Abu Dhabi Pet Festival

The Abu Dhabi Pet Festival is designed to raise awareness about animal welfare and pet services in the UAE, including their health, training, nutrition and fashion. Veterinary specialists will also be on hand to help educate guests about pet care and the resources available in the UAE.

Animal owners have the chance to sign up for photo sessions with their furry friends, and on Sunday, there is a special “Bully Speciality” competition taking place, with a $1,000 prize up for grabs for the best in show bulldog.

All pets entering the venue should be registered in advance and will be required to undergo a vet check. The owners are also required to show vaccination proof via a pet passport or letter from reputed veterinary clinic to be granted entry into the venue. Vaccination should have been carried out within the past two years.

The festival is returning for the first time in three years, after taking a break owing to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Tickets are priced at Dh25, with free entrance for pets and children under 12. More information is available at petfestival.ae

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Rufus Thomas, Bear Cat (The Answer to Hound Dog) (1953)

This rip-off of Leiber/Stoller’s early rock stomper brought a lawsuit against Phillips and necessitated Presley’s premature sale to RCA.

Elvis Presley, Mystery Train (1955)

The B-side of Presley’s final single for Sun bops with a drummer-less groove.

Johnny Cash and the Tennessee Two, Folsom Prison Blues (1955)

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Carl Perkins, Blue Suede Shoes (1956)

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Roy Orbison, Ooby Dooby (1956)

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Jerry Lee Lewis, Great Balls of Fire (1957)

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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.

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- set out well ahead of time

- make sure you have at least Dh15 on you Nol card, as there could be big queues for top-up machines

- enter the right cabin. The train may be too busy to move between carriages once you're on

- don't carry too much luggage and tuck it under a seat to make room for fellow passengers

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