President Sheikh Mohamed thanks supporters of Abu Dhabi charity initiatives

President Sheikh Mohamed has paid tribute to a number of contributors for their support of programmes and initiatives managed by the Authority of Social Contribution, better known as Ma’an, in 2023.

Individual and corporate efforts were honoured, recognising their promotion of philanthropy, humanitarianism and volunteerism, at a ceremony at Qasr Al Bahr attended by Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi.

Sheikh Mohamed expressed his appreciation for the efforts of all recognised people and institutions, highlighting how these contributions represent the spirit of generosity in UAE society, state news agency Wam reported.

He added that their work supports the national vision of strengthening and sustaining community solidarity for current and future generations.

Since its inception in 2019, Ma'an has channelled Dh370.4 million into socially prioritised projects across key sectors such as health care, education, environment, infrastructure and community services.

These initiatives have positively affected more than 800,000 people through 153 community projects.

Ma’an collaborates with public and private sector partners, as well as third-sector entities, to direct and channel community contributions towards initiatives and programmes that address the social priorities set by the Department of Community Development.

The aim is to improve the quality of life across the Abu Dhabi community.

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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

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3. More tax audits

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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

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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.

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