Bahrain calls on its citizens to leave Lebanon 'immediately'

Bahrain called on all citizens to leave Lebanon immediately on Tuesday, in the latest escalation following a dispute between the Gulf and Beirut over a Lebanese minister’s pro-Houthi comments.

Information Minister George Kordahi said in an interview last week that the Iran-backed Houthis in Yemen were acting in self-defence, comments deemed insulting by Riyadh.

He refused to apologise or resign amid the biggest diplomatic crisis in years between Lebanon and its allies in the Gulf.

“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Bahrain calls on all citizens present in the Lebanese Republic to leave immediately due to the tense situation there,” Manama said in a statement shared by the state news agency.

“The ministry confirms its previous statements not to travel to the Lebanese Republic at all, to ensure citizens are not exposed to any risks and to ensure their safety.”

Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Bahrain and Kuwait recalled their representatives in Beirut last week.

Riyadh has also banned imports from Lebanon.

The Yemeni government in Aden said in a statement on Tuesday that it will also recall its ambassador in Beirut for consultations over the comments.

A Saudi-led Arab coalition has backed the internationally-recognised Yemeni government against the Houthis, after the group took over Sanaa in 2015.

Iran-backed Hezbollah, which aids the Houthis, has expressed support for Mr Kordahi.

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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MATCH INFO

Uefa Champions League semi-final, first leg
Bayern Munich v Real Madrid
When: April 25, 10.45pm kick-off (UAE)
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Live: BeIN Sports HD
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Section 375

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Director: Ajay Bahl

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