President Sheikh Mohamed has honoured eight people for their contributions to communities across the UAE at the 11th Abu Dhabi Awards.
The awards, held at Qasr Al Hosn in Abu Dhabi, honoured people whose contributions have positively benefited the UAE across fields including education, sustainability, medicine, humanitarian relief, community awareness and the empowerment of people of determination.
Sheikh Mohamed conveyed his congratulations to all the honorees, recognising their inspiring efforts and significant contributions to society, Wam reported.
“The recipients of the Abu Dhabi Awards truly embody the timeless values of giving, compassion, and altruism, and through their deeds they have positively impacted UAE society in a variety of ways,” he said.
“By honouring their selflessness and dedication, we also celebrate and reinforce the values exemplified by the Founding Father of the UAE, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan.”
The ceremony was attended by Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi; Sheikh Saif bin Zayed, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Interior; Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed, Chairman of the Office of Development and Martyrs' Families Affairs at the Presidential Court; Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohamed; Sheikh Zayed bin Mohamed; Sheikh Zayed bin Hamdan; Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad, Adviser for Special Affairs at the Presidential Court; in addition to a range of dignitaries, senior officials, the families of award recipients, and the official partners and supporters of the initiative.
Those honoured at this year's Abu Dhabi Awards include:
- Amna Al Qemzi is a pioneer in organic agriculture who promotes environmental sustainability while sharing her expertise with community members.
- Dr Ahmed Shatila, a consultant neurologist who manages the Multiple Sclerosis Clinic at Sheikh Shakhbout Medical City - which he also played a pivotal role in establishing - uses his expertise to benefit the UAE community.
- Imen Sfaxi used her first aid expertise to assist people injured in a fire in a residential building in Abu Dhabi in 2022.
- Salaamah Al Teneij, at 16, plays an active role in raising awareness about various topics of importance to children, including bullying prevention and online safety.
- Klaithem Al Matrooshi is a pioneering figure in the field of human rights and has worked to empower people of determination, especially women, achieving local and global accomplishments.
- Mezna Al Mansoori is a key figure in the educational sector in Al Sila area in the Western Region who has made significant contributions to the field of child development, working to instil in young people the foundations of civic responsibility and the values of tolerance, giving and goodness.
- Saeed Al Mansoori has become a role model known for his generosity, charitable endeavours and exemplary citizenship, with one of his most notable contributions being his unwavering support for education in Al Wathba region for more than 30 years.
- John Sexton is renowned for his dedication to education and he has made a significant contribution to the nation's educational landscape, most notably through his role in the founding of New York University Abu Dhabi.
The Abu Dhabi Awards recognise those who have devoted their time and efforts to serving the UAE community, Wam reported.
The awards also aim to serve as a source of inspiration, motivating all members of the community to perform acts of goodness and make their own positive contributions to society.
They provide an opportunity for people to nominate unsung heroes who have contributed to the advancement of society.
Established in 2005, the Abu Dhabi Awards have recognised 100 people from 17 different nationalities for their contributions to various fields.
Community members are encouraged to nominate their own heroes for future awards by visiting the Abu Dhabi Awards website: www.abudhabiawards.ae
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- Olympic-size swimming pool with a split bulkhead for multi-use configurations, including water polo and 50m/25m training lanes
- Premier League-standard football pitch
- 400m Olympic running track
- NBA-spec basketball court with auditorium
- 600-seat auditorium
- Spaces for historical and cultural exploration
- An elevated football field that doubles as a helipad
- Specialist robotics and science laboratories
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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
On the menu
First course
▶ Emirati sea bass tartare Yuzu and labneh mayo, avocado, green herbs, fermented tomato water
▶ The Tale of the Oyster Oyster tartare, Bahraini gum berry pickle
Second course
▶ Local mackerel Sourdough crouton, baharat oil, red radish, zaatar mayo
▶ One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest Quail, smoked freekeh, cinnamon cocoa
Third course
▶ Bahraini bouillabaisse Venus clams, local prawns, fishfarm seabream, farro
▶ Lamb 2 ways Braised lamb, crispy lamb chop, bulgur, physalis
Dessert
▶ Lumi Black lemon ice cream, pistachio, pomegranate
▶ Black chocolate bar Dark chocolate, dates, caramel, camel milk ice cream
The specs
Engine: 2.0-litre 4-cyl turbo
Power: 201hp at 5,200rpm
Torque: 320Nm at 1,750-4,000rpm
Transmission: 6-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 8.7L/100km
Price: Dh133,900
On sale: now
