A dangerous shortage of materials for vaccines

The danger posed by delays in the vaccine supply chain

I write in reference to Ramola Talwar Badam’s article Serum Institute chief sounds alarm over vaccine raw materials shortage (March 16): as a former pharmaceutical worker myself, I feel strongly about this issue. The chief of India’s Serum Institute has good reason to worry. If stocks are jeopardised, there are fears that half the world’s population will not be vaccinated until as late as 2022. A US export ban on raw materials makes this unpleasant possibility more likely. Hopefully the new administration will realise this and relax its measures in the coming days.

K Ragavan, Bengaluru

Why India's current rate of inoculation needs to speed up

I write in reference to Sholto Byrnes’ article Quad pact on vaccines could inject needless geopolitical tensions (March 17): if India’s vaccination race is indeed of geopolitical significance, the country will be some way behind other nations. It has only administered 2.6 million doses as of March 11, 55 days after it started its inoculation programme. This translates to just two percent of its population, or roughly 47,272 vaccinations per day. India’s target is 300 million by the end of July. It would need to administer roughly two million doses per day to reach this target. At current rates, we would need eight years and four months to reach this number. India must step up the pace.

Rajendra Aneja, Dubai

A situation no family would want to find itself in

I write in reference to Patrick Ryan’s article Filipino couple overjoyed as Dubai businessman pays infant twins’ Dh57,000 hospital bill (March 16): I can imagine exactly how this poor couple felt, having myself been in a similarly difficult situation. My eldest child was delivered prematurely. When he was moved into an incubation unit for an extended period of time, my husband’s employer stopped paying his salary and insurance. We had a remaining Dh63,000 to pay. I begged the hospital for a reduction, which they gave to the sum of Dh13,000. The rest we covered with our credit cards, as well as with the help of a generous friend. God will always provide. We can never predict the ways in which he chooses to do so. I am so grateful that their incredibly challenging ordeal is now at an end.

Ruth Villaflor Dela Cruz, Dubai

Generosity has relieved a young family of a huge burden

I am so happy for this couple. This gives you a fresh start with your twins. I wish your family good health. Thank you very much to the person who made such a generous gesture.

Shirley van Erven, Dubai

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

Classification of skills

A worker is categorised as skilled by the MOHRE based on nine levels given in the International Standard Classification of Occupations (ISCO) issued by the International Labour Organisation.

A skilled worker would be someone at a professional level (levels 1 – 5) which includes managers, professionals, technicians and associate professionals, clerical support workers, and service and sales workers.

The worker must also have an attested educational certificate higher than secondary or an equivalent certification, and earn a monthly salary of at least Dh4,000.

UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets

A dangerous shortage of materials for vaccines

Our readers have their say on current challenges in the Covid-19 inoculation drive and a generous donation to help a young Filipino family in need

Ten tax points to be aware of in 2026

Classification of skills

UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets