I write in reference to your article Coronavirus: US postpones summit with Asean leaders (February 29): the coronavirus is the biggest and most important problem facing the entire world. The virus has spread to many countries, and world leaders should be galvanising themselves – as well as their countries – to manage what is clearly a mammoth challenge.
If the virus spreads further, it could cause immense human and economic damage across the world. I dread to think of the consequences if the virus spreads to some highly populated South Asian and African countries, where standards of hygiene might not be very high and where medical facilities might be inadequate.
Finding a solution to the coronavirus expeditiously is the number one challenge that confronts the entire world today.
Rajendra Aneja, Dubai
A comparison with an authentic source can single out fake news
I write in reference to your editorial Coronavirus: Can you tell fake news from real information? (February 27): absolutely. It is creating unwarranted fear and a mystery around the coronavirus. A comparison with an authentic source is good enough to single out fake news. People should use their own sense of understanding.
Nazim Hasan Khan, India
Malaysia needs to fix its politics to deal with more urgent problems
I write in reference to your article Malaysian king appoints Muhyiddin Yassin as prime minister (February 29): after what has been a dramatic past few days in Malaysian politics, the country has a new prime minister. Of course, Muhyiddin Yassin still has to win a vote of confidence from fellow parliamentarians, scheduled for next week, before ordinary Malaysians can feel at ease.
In any case, the matter should be resolved soon so that the country can deal with more pressing issues, such as a slowing economy and the coronavirus.
K Ragavan, Bengaluru, India
May peace, stability and prosperity return to Afghanistan
I write in reference to Stefanie Glinski's article United States and Taliban sign deal to withdraw troops from Afghanistan (February 29): This is great news. May Allah bring peace, stability and prosperity to war-torn Afghanistan.
Zarmeen Ijaz Ul Haq, Rawalpindi, Pakistan
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 five pillars of Islam
1. Fasting
2. Prayer
3. Hajj
4. Shahada
5. Zakat
ON%20TRACK
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Champions League Last 16
Red Bull Salzburg (AUT) v Bayern Munich (GER)
Sporting Lisbon (POR) v Manchester City (ENG)
Benfica (POR) v Ajax (NED)
Chelsea (ENG) v Lille (FRA)
Atletico Madrid (ESP) v Manchester United (ENG)
Villarreal (ESP) v Juventus (ITA)
Inter Milan (ITA) v Liverpool (ENG)
Paris Saint-Germain v Real Madrid (ESP)
What can victims do?
Always use only regulated platforms
Stop all transactions and communication on suspicion
Save all evidence (screenshots, chat logs, transaction IDs)
Report to local authorities
Warn others to prevent further harm
Courtesy: Crystal Intelligence
The%20Killer
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Getting there
The flights
Emirates and Etihad fly to Johannesburg or Cape Town daily. Flights cost from about Dh3,325, with a flying time of 8hours and 15 minutes. From there, fly South African Airlines or Air Namibia to Namibia’s Windhoek Hosea Kutako International Airport, for about Dh850. Flying time is 2 hours.
The stay
Wilderness Little Kulala offers stays from £460 (Dh2,135) per person, per night. It is one of seven Wilderness Safari lodges in Namibia; www.wilderness-safaris.com.
Skeleton Coast Safaris’ four-day adventure involves joining a very small group in a private plane, flying to some of the remotest areas in the world, with each night spent at a different camp. It costs from US$8,335.30 (Dh30,611); www.skeletoncoastsafaris.com
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