The UAE on Friday pledged a further $200 million in humanitarian funding for Sudan, with Sheikh Shakhbout bin Nahyan, Minister of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, saying the crisis in the country demands “immediate and collective action”.
The UAE, Ethiopia, the African Union and the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) hosted a high-level humanitarian conference in Addis Ababa to mobilise urgent support for the Sudanese people, as war rages between the army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces.
Representatives of countries including France, Canada and the US have joined the UAE, the UN and African partners in calling for a Ramadan ceasefire – a call previously rejected by the Sudanese army.
About 190 people participated in the conference, including representatives from at least 49 countries and international organisations. The session resulted in new commitments of $254.5 million, which combined with existing programmes, total $4.1 billion in aid.
“The situation in Sudan must be addressed and we must all address it together,” said Sheikh Shakhbout during the conference.
Sudan’s civil war, which started in April 2023, has killed tens of thousands of people, displaced millions and devastated the country. Famine has been detected in at least five areas of Sudan, including three camps for displaced people in Darfur, the Integrated Food Security Classification has said.
The Sudanese army and the RSF have been accused of obstructing the delivery of aid during the conflict. Humanitarian groups say they have struggled to reach the most vulnerable people, especially in the western region of Darfur.
“Since April 2023, the UAE has provided over $400 million to support the Sudanese people in Sudan and neighbouring countries who have so generously welcomed Sudanese refugees,” said Sheikh Shakhbout.
“Today, we reaffirm our commitment to the people of Sudan by announcing an additional $200 million in humanitarian funding. This support reflects our unwavering solidarity since, in the last decade alone, we have stood by our brothers and sisters in Sudan with $3.5 billion.”
The conference was also attended by the United Nations Secretary General, the president of Kenya, prime minister of Ethiopia, chairperson of the African Union Commission, executive secretary of IGAD and representatives of several countries.
“Civilians, including humanitarian workers, must be protected. Rapid, safe, unhindered and sustained humanitarian access must be facilitated in all areas of need,” UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres told the conference.
“The external support and flow of weapons must end. This flow is enabling the continuation of tremendous civilian destruction and bloodshed,” he added.
He said approximately $6 billion is required to support nearly 21 million people inside Sudan and up to five million others, primarily refugees, in neighbouring countries.
Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed said his country would continue to stand with Sudan in its time of need. “We will maintain our open door policy for Sudanese seeking refuge.”
During the summit, Ethiopia committed $15 million in humanitarian aid to Sudan, while Kenya pledged $1 million. The UK and several other nations reiterated their commitment to Sudan, detailing their most recent aid contributions.
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
How much do leading UAE’s UK curriculum schools charge for Year 6?
- Nord Anglia International School (Dubai) – Dh85,032
- Kings School Al Barsha (Dubai) – Dh71,905
- Brighton College Abu Dhabi - Dh68,560
- Jumeirah English Speaking School (Dubai) – Dh59,728
- Gems Wellington International School – Dubai Branch – Dh58,488
- The British School Al Khubairat (Abu Dhabi) - Dh54,170
- Dubai English Speaking School – Dh51,269
*Annual tuition fees covering the 2024/2025 academic year
If you go:
The flights: Etihad, Emirates, British Airways and Virgin all fly from the UAE to London from Dh2,700 return, including taxes
The tours: The Tour for Muggles usually runs several times a day, lasts about two-and-a-half hours and costs £14 (Dh67)
Harry Potter and the Cursed Child is on now at the Palace Theatre. Tickets need booking significantly in advance
Entrance to the Harry Potter exhibition at the House of MinaLima is free
The hotel: The grand, 1909-built Strand Palace Hotel is in a handy location near the Theatre District and several of the key Harry Potter filming and inspiration sites. The family rooms are spacious, with sofa beds that can accommodate children, and wooden shutters that keep out the light at night. Rooms cost from £170 (Dh808).
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COMPANY PROFILE
Company name: Letstango.com
Started: June 2013
Founder: Alex Tchablakian
Based: Dubai
Industry: e-commerce
Initial investment: Dh10 million
Investors: Self-funded
Total customers: 300,000 unique customers every month
