Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence, on Tuesday chaired a meeting of the Higher Committee for Development and Citizens Affairs in Dubai.
During it, he announced that a total of 426 citizens will be exempted from housing loans payments, amounting to a value of Dh146 million, in the emirate. He also announced the launch of the Thukhr initiative, which will honour Dubai’s retirees.
The measures were approved under the theme of improving the well-being and quality of life of citizens, something Sheikh Hamdan described as a “top priority” for Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai.
Investing in the future
A plan for spending endowment funds by the Endowments and Minors’ Trust Foundation in Dubai was approved, featuring real estate and financial assets worth Dh10 billion.
Sheikh Hamdan added that, since the committee’s launch, more than 33,400 Emiratis have been employed across the public and private sectors. In that time, he said 1,315 housing units have been delivered, in addition to 10,131 land grants, 8,663 financial and housing grants, and 9,204 loans.
“Quality housing remains central to our efforts to ensuring citizens’ comfort, stability and well-being. We’re building a more prosperous, cohesive, and happy society – and the best is yet to come for Dubai,” he wrote on X.
The Ghamran Camp Initiative was also approved. It is aimed at bringing together fathers and sons to camp in the Dubai desert, to build social skills and reinforce core values.
It follows Sheikh Hamdan’s announcement on Monday that nurses in Dubai who have served for more than 15 years will be rewarded with golden visas.
He said nursing staff are at the forefront of the healthcare system and are essential in building a healthier society. Sheikh Hamdan also praised their dedication to patient care and commitment to the well-being of others, Dubai Media Office reported.
A new landscape
Sheikh Hamdan also witnessed the launch of the Barwa programme on Tuesday. An initiative developed by the Dubai Land Department and the Community Development Authority, it is intended to empower senior citizens and the disabled to manage housing assets independently and with greater ease.
Described as a first in the region, Barwa also aims to promote family cohesion and social stability.
“We are committed to pioneering innovative approaches that deliver world-class services to our citizens, aligned with the goals of the Dubai Social Agenda 33,” Sheikh Hamdan wrote on X.
“This initiative underscores our dedication to improving quality of life, fostering equal opportunities, and ensuring the inclusion of all segments of society – a genuine reflection of Dubai’s leadership in social development.”
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BMW M5 specs
Engine: 4.4-litre twin-turbo V-8 petrol enging with additional electric motor
Power: 727hp
Torque: 1,000Nm
Transmission: 8-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 10.6L/100km
On sale: Now
Price: From Dh650,000
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Match info
Costa Rica 0
Serbia 1
Kolarov (56')
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
Cricket World Cup League 2
UAE results
Lost to Oman by eight runs
Beat Namibia by three wickets
Lost to Oman by 12 runs
Beat Namibia by 43 runs
UAE fixtures
Free admission. All fixtures broadcast live on icc.tv
Tuesday March 15, v PNG at Sharjah Cricket Stadium
Friday March 18, v Nepal at Dubai International Stadium
Saturday March 19, v PNG at Dubai International Stadium
Monday March 21, v Nepal at Dubai International Stadium
Marathon results
Men:
1. Titus Ekiru(KEN) 2:06:13
2. Alphonce Simbu(TAN) 2:07:50
3. Reuben Kipyego(KEN) 2:08:25
4. Abel Kirui(KEN) 2:08:46
5. Felix Kemutai(KEN) 2:10:48
Women:
1. Judith Korir(KEN) 2:22:30
2. Eunice Chumba(BHR) 2:26:01
3. Immaculate Chemutai(UGA) 2:28:30
4. Abebech Bekele(ETH) 2:29:43
5. Aleksandra Morozova(RUS) 2:33:01
Indoor cricket in a nutshell
Indoor Cricket World Cup - Sep 16-20, Insportz, Dubai
16 Indoor cricket matches are 16 overs per side
8 There are eight players per team
9 There have been nine Indoor Cricket World Cups for men. Australia have won every one.
5 Five runs are deducted from the score when a wickets falls
4 Batsmen bat in pairs, facing four overs per partnership
Scoring In indoor cricket, runs are scored by way of both physical and bonus runs. Physical runs are scored by both batsmen completing a run from one crease to the other. Bonus runs are scored when the ball hits a net in different zones, but only when at least one physical run is score.
Zones
A Front net, behind the striker and wicketkeeper: 0 runs
B Side nets, between the striker and halfway down the pitch: 1 run
C Side nets between halfway and the bowlers end: 2 runs
D Back net: 4 runs on the bounce, 6 runs on the full
