Flooding after unprecedented storms has reduced the Dubai Metro's capability in recent weeks. AFP
Flooding after unprecedented storms has reduced the Dubai Metro's capability in recent weeks. AFP
Flooding after unprecedented storms has reduced the Dubai Metro's capability in recent weeks. AFP
Flooding after unprecedented storms has reduced the Dubai Metro's capability in recent weeks. AFP

Four Dubai Metro stations to remain out of service until May 28


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Four Dubai Metro stations will remain out of service for another three weeks, the Roads and Transport Authority announced.

Trains are not stopping at Onpassive, Equiti, Mashreq and Energy stations on the Red Line.

When work is completed, the stations will have been out of operation for six weeks. All four stations will resume normal operations by Tuesday, May 28.

On Saturday, the authority said shuttle buses are being provided for commuters to reach areas served by the affected stations.

“RTA is keen to swiftly restore Dubai Metro services at the affected stations to their normal state, ensure the safety and security of passengers and assets, and deliver seamless transport services in line with the top international practices,” the authority posted on X.

“These efforts are co-ordinated with Keolis and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, the companies in charge of the operation and maintenance of Dubai Metro.”

It comes after crowd management procedures were introduced during peak hours, from 7am until 9.30am and 5pm to 8.30pm, to help ensure the safe running of the reduced schedule.

Several stations on the Green and Red lines were closed after the UAE experienced its largest day of rainfall in 75 years last month.

It caused widespread flooding, travel disruption and damage.

The National Centre of Meteorology said the volume of rain was the highest since official records began in 1949.

NCM data recorded 254mm of rain in one area of Al Ain on April 16 – the equivalent of about two years’ worth of average rainfall in the UAE in 24 hours.

The NCM said the persistent downpours were an “exceptional event in the UAE's climate history since the start of recording climate data”.

The Year Earth Changed

Directed by:Tom Beard

Narrated by: Sir David Attenborough

Stars: 4

How to apply for a drone permit
  • Individuals must register on UAE Drone app or website using their UAE Pass
  • Add all their personal details, including name, nationality, passport number, Emiratis ID, email and phone number
  • Upload the training certificate from a centre accredited by the GCAA
  • Submit their request
What are the regulations?
  • Fly it within visual line of sight
  • Never over populated areas
  • Ensure maximum flying height of 400 feet (122 metres) above ground level is not crossed
  • Users must avoid flying over restricted areas listed on the UAE Drone app
  • Only fly the drone during the day, and never at night
  • Should have a live feed of the drone flight
  • Drones must weigh 5 kg or less
Company Profile

Name: Thndr
Started: 2019
Co-founders: Ahmad Hammouda and Seif Amr
Sector: FinTech
Headquarters: Egypt
UAE base: Hub71, Abu Dhabi
Current number of staff: More than 150
Funds raised: $22 million

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

Women’s World T20, Asia Qualifier

UAE results
Beat China by 16 runs
Lost to Thailand by 10 wickets
Beat Nepal by five runs
Beat Hong Kong by eight wickets
Beat Malaysia by 34 runs

Standings (P, W, l, NR, points)

1. Thailand 5 4 0 1 9
2. UAE 5 4 1 0 8
3. Nepal 5 2 1 2 6
4. Hong Kong 5 2 2 1 5
5. Malaysia 5 1 4 0 2
6. China 5 0 5 0 0

Final
Thailand v UAE, Monday, 7am

COMPANY PROFILE
Name: HyperSpace
 
Started: 2020
 
Founders: Alexander Heller, Rama Allen and Desi Gonzalez
 
Based: Dubai, UAE
 
Sector: Entertainment 
 
Number of staff: 210 
 
Investment raised: $75 million from investors including Galaxy Interactive, Riyadh Season, Sega Ventures and Apis Venture Partners
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Updated: May 08, 2024, 11:01 AM