Things to do in the UAE this week, from festive fun to World Arabic Language Day celebration

Festive cheer goes up a notch this week when it comes to the UAE's events calendar. Dozens of Christmas markets and villages are scattered across Dubai and Abu Dhabi, but there are outliers too, such as a food festival in the desert and an art-inspired meal at Louvre Abu Dhabi.

Here, The National rounds up seven things to do around the Emirates, from December 16 to December 22.

Monday, December 16

As the school break kicks off, check out Winter District at Dubai Media City Amphitheatre, which returns with a bustling Christmas market, seasonal treats and a range of handcrafted gifts from vendors such as Toy Corner and Joyful Candle. Family-friendly attractions include a snow play area and Santa's grotto with carolers. Food pop-ups, such as Joe and the Juice, Freedom Pizza and Garrett popcorn, are on site to provide refreshments.

Daily, noon-midnight; until December 22; from Dh25; Dubai Media City

Tuesday, December 17

Fouquet's is offering art-inspired dishes. Photo: Fouquet's

Head to Fouquet’s in Louvre Abu Dhabi for an artfully curated meal that draws its cues from the works of four artists – Paul Cezanne, Paul Gauguin, Vincent Van Gogh and Georges Seurat – part of the museum's Post-Impressionism: Beyond Appearances exhibition. Think dishes such as artistic scallops, cauliflower puree and colourful carrot and beetroot starter – all with elements inspired by Van Gogh’s swirls, Cezanne's love for structure forms and Seurat's pointillism.

Tuesday to Sunday, noon-11pm; until February 9; Dh325; Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi

Wednesday, December 18

Yas Winter Fest is best for families with young children. Photo: Yas Winter Fest

Catch the last few days of Yas Winter Fest at Gateway Park North. Plenty of festive attractions and activities are on site, from a winter cinema, snow park and a carnival with several rides and Santa land. Best for families with young children, the festival also hosts a range of fun workshops, such as paining ornaments, decorating gingerbread and making slime. Watch out for a quirky freeze wall for Instagram-worthy shots.

Until December 22; from Dh20 for general admission; noon onwards; Yas Island, Abu Dhabi

Thursday, December 19

In celebration of World Arabic Language Day, Miral is organising a community event on Thursday and Friday called Funoon Bil Arabi. Free for families to attend, the two-day affair features Arabic workshops in tote bag design, bracelet-making and ceramic-painting. Visitors can also attend storytelling sessions, musical performances, puppet shows, as well as meet-and-greet sessions with beloved children's character Faynoonah. Screenings of popular films such as Al Eid Eiden and Shabab Sheyab will be organised, and there's a dedicated henna station too.

December 19 and 20; 5pm-10pm; Mamsha Al Saadiyat, Abu Dhabi

Friday, December 20

Take the family to Dubai Racing Carnival's Christmas village, where Santa Claus and his elves will put in an appearance to bring festive cheer. A host of seasonal activities are on the schedule, including decorating gingerbread house and other themed arts and crafts. A performance from harpists and flautists is set to add to the entertainment, as well as roaming ice queens, tin solders and more. Guests can take pictures at the snow globe photo booth, while the festive menu includes a traditional roast turkey.

December 20; gates open 4pm; from Dh50 for general admission; Meydan Racecourse, Dubai; 04 327 0077

Saturday, December 21

Join a meaty desert food festival at Jebel Hafeet. Photo: Cucina del Sul

Head to Al Ain's Jebel Hafit Desert Park for Meats & Mountains, a food festival held in the desert by Cucina del Sul. The full-day affair includes unlimited barbecue, including Texas-style brisket, fire-grilled Mexican street food and a kunafa cooked over coals. Emirati cultural activities are also part of the programme, such as a falconry demonstration and guided hikes. Guests can also enjoy camp bonfires and kite-flying sessions.

December 21; 3.30pm onwards; Dh378; Jebel Hafit Desert Park, Al Ain

Sunday, December 22

Continue the festive cheer at Dubai Opera by catching a performance of The Nutcracker. The ballet masterpiece by illustrious Russian composer Tchaikovsky features the company and orchestra of Astana Opera, weaving a narrative of magic, courage and festive wonder, complete with snowflakes gracefully dancing with the toy soldiers.

December 19 to December 22; 2pm, 7pm, 8pm; from Dh290; Dubai Opera; 04 440 8888

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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