President Sheikh Mohamed led congratulations for Al Ain football club after the team overcame Yokohama to win the Asian Champions League final on Saturday, with a 5-1 win on the night, and a 6-3 victory on aggregate.
Sheikh Mohamed praised the side’s “outstanding performance and high spirits”, saying “the victory is a moment of great pride for their fans and the whole nation”.
“I applaud the efforts of the players and coaches for this historic achievement that will inspire further sporting success,” he said in a post on X.
“This tournament represents a major achievement for Emirati sports, and an incentive for more achievements in various sporting forums.
“I also praise the performance of the Japanese Yokohama Marinos team and the sportsmanship that prevailed in the match, which embodied the true goal of such competitions,” he said.
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, also hailed the victory of Al Ain, saying on X: “Congratulations to the President and our people for Al Ain’s victory in the Asian Cup.”
“A beautiful match … a fighting spirit … a well-deserved victory.”
“Beautiful memories of the superiority of Emirati football have returned today,” Sheikh Mohammed added.
Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister and Chairman of the Presidential Court, congratulated Al Ain players, management and fans on the impressive victory.
In a message on X, he said the continental triumph had made "the people of the Emirate happy".
Sheikh Mansour commended the sportsmanship displayed by their Japanese opponents throughout the tie.
Dr Anwar Gargash, diplomatic adviser to the President, said that Al Ain’s win has “drawn happiness into the heart of every Emirati through this honourable achievement”.
“Congratulations from the heart for Al Ain club’s well-deserved historic victory in the AFC Champions League and its place on the throne of the continent.”
More than 20,000 home fans cheered on Al Ain at Hazza bin Zayed Stadium on Saturday evening.
Al Ain had 70 per cent possession and dominated parts of the game.
At the final whistle, there were tears of joy everywhere among the Ainawi.
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Members of Syria's Alawite minority community face threat in their heartland after one of the deadliest days in country’s recent history. Read more
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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
The Prison Letters of Nelson Mandela
Edited by Sahm Venter
Published by Liveright
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Background: Chemical Weapons
