February is off to a busy start, with a combination of food, music, fitness and family-friendly events. The annual UAE Swat Challenge will take place in Dubai during the first half of the week, while families in Abu Dhabi can check out a wellness retreat at Jebel Hafeet as the weekend arrives.
Here, we round up seven things to do around the Emirates, from February 3 to 9.
Monday, February 3: Kokoro x Hattem Mattar
Head to the recently opened Nad Al Sheba branch of Kokoro, a hand roll bar that also has an outpost in Alserkal Avenue. The restaurant has teamed up with Arab pitmaster Hattem Mattar to offer limited-time dishes such as brisket nigiri, pastrami gunkan, brisket hand roll and pastrami hand roll.
Until February 5; 2pm-11.30pm; The Square, Nad Al Sheba, Dubai
Tuesday, February 4: Dubai Police Swat Challenge
Head out to Al Ruwayyah for Dubai Police's UAE Swat Challenge, where teams from all over the world are going head-to-head in contests ranging from assault courses to officer rescue challenges. The event is open to the public and spectators can expect exhilarating demonstrations, parades by police units and a variety of food and drinks pop-ups. There is also an e-sports area, and guests can drop into the Dubai Police Museum to find out more about its history.
Until February 5; 8am onwards; free entry; Al Ruwayyah, Dubailand; uaeswatchallenge.com
Wednesday, February 5: Sweeney Todd musical
Theatre fans can check out Sweeney Todd at Dubai Opera. The story follows the titular character, also known as the Demon Barber of Fleet Street, and his story of vengeance. The dark thriller-comedy musical made its debut on Broadway in 1979, and combines dramatic themes with the haunting melodies of Stephen Sondheim.
Until February 8; various timings; from Dh350; Dubai Opera; 04 440 8888
Thursday, February 6: The Corrs concert
Book a ticket for a nostalgic performance by The Corrs at Coca-Cola Arena. Made up of siblings Andrea, Sharon, Caroline and Jim, the Irish band blend pop-rock with traditional Celtic music. Concertgoers can expect to sing along to classics such as Runaway from their debut album Forgiven, Not Forgotten, and other fan favourites such as I Never Loved You Anyway and So Young.
February 6; doors open 8pm; from Dh195; Coca-Cola Arena, Dubai; 800 223388
Friday, February 7: Magic Box by Disney
Disney fans can catch a show of The Magic Box at Etihad Arena. The musical extravaganza combines Disney classics and contemporary hits to tell a new story. Expect whimsical stage sets, colourful costumes and talented actors performing songs such as Let It Go from Frozen, Under The Sea from The Little Mermaid, and Be Our Guest from Beauty and the Beast. More than 75 beloved songs will feature in the show.
February 7 to 15; various timings; from Dh150; Yas Island, Abu Dhabi; 600 511115
Saturday, February 8: Jebel Hafit wellness event
Pura Eco Retreat in Jebel Hafit Desert Park is hosting a festival-style wellness event, featuring fun activities for the family including yoga, Zumba and skateboarding. There are also scenic hikes in the mountainous setting and trail runs for adrenalin seekers.
Children's activities range from life-size games to orienteering challenges. Wellness workshops such as clay meditation and sound therapy are also on the agenda. Guests can pay extra for a barbecue dinner in the evening.
February 9; 6am-10pm; from Dh70 per person for a half-day pass; Jebel Hafit Desert Park, Abu Dhabi
Sunday, February 9:
Italian restaurant Roberto's is bringing back its 2012 dishes – and prices – in a throwback to its early days in the UAE. Before making its foray into Dubai, the restaurant first opened at Rosewood Hotel on Abu Dhabi's Al Maryah Island, an outpost that has since shut down. The discounted menu includes classics such as beef carpaccio, vitello tonnato and saffron risotto. The meal is accompanied by a throwback playlist and live DJ sets.
Every Sunday; noon-midnight; Gate Village 1, Dubai International Financial Centre; 04 386 0066
RESULTS
5pm Maiden (PA) Dh80,000 (Turf) 1,600m
Winner Thabet Al Reef, Bernardo Pinheiro (jockey), Abdallah Al Hammadi (trainer)
5.30pm Handicap (PA) Dh80,000 (T) 1,600m
Winner Blue Diamond, Pat Cosgrave, Abdallah Al Hammadi
6pm Arabian Triple Crown Round-1 Listed (PA) Dh230,000 (T) 1,600m
Winner Hameem, Adrie de Vries, Abdallah Al Hammadi
6.30pm Wathba Stallions Cup Handicap (PA) Dh70,000 (T) 1,400m
Winner Shoja’A Muscat, Szczepan Mazur, Ibrahim Al Hadhrami
7pm Maiden (PA) Dh80,000 (T) 1,200m
Winner Heros De Lagarde, Szczepan Mazur, Ibrahim Al Hadhrami
7.30pm Handicap (TB) Dh100,000 (T) 2,400m
Winner Good Tidings, Antonio Fresu, Musabah Al Muhairi
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COMPANY PROFILE
Company name: Blah
Started: 2018
Founder: Aliyah Al Abbar and Hend Al Marri
Based: Dubai
Industry: Technology and talent management
Initial investment: Dh20,000
Investors: Self-funded
Total customers: 40
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Director: Siva
Stars: Suriya, Bobby Deol, Disha Patani, Yogi Babu, Redin Kingsley
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
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