Police violence in the US against the black community must end

I am writing to you with regard to the article Police claim Minnesota officer meant to draw Taser in fatal shooting of Daunte Wright (April 12): you reported the fatal shooting of Daunte Wright, claimed to be an "accidental discharge" by an officer who drew her gun during a struggle instead of her Taser.

This is an infuriating case because a series of similar accidents have repeatedly occurred throughout the US against the African-American community. This form of systemic bias happens on a daily basis and courts do not hold law enforcement officials accountable for their conduct.

As a student of public health, I believe that courts and law enforcement agencies in the US must recognise the need for reform and the elimination of institutional bias. Police brutality is a public health crisis and we are rightly demanding an end to racial discrimination by certain police officers and a culture of structural racism that harms people of colour disproportionately.

I am outraged in observing how a web of violence has occurred across multiple states and counties yet police officers continue to instil fear in black communities. Far too many "unintended" and "unethical" deaths of people have gone unanswered by authorities, who have failed to apprehend or discipline the abusers. It is inexcusable that after the death of a black victim by a police officer, it is claimed that the discharge was unintentional. Why are black victims only unintentional discharge victims? It appears police instinctively equate blackness with threat or violence and this prompts them to use more force than they would in similar cases involving white people.Muqadas Ebadi, California, US

Iftar cannon brings back memories of the UAE

With reference to Nilanjana Gupta's piece Journey of Dubai's Ramadan cannon that signals iftar for thousands of people (April 13): it is not time for Iftar until I hear the canon. It made me smile yesterday when I heard it.

Renee van Otterdijk, Dubai

This piece really brought back old memories of Dubai, thank you.

Muhammed Kumail R, Islamabad, Pakistan

More such initiatives needed to end hunger

With regard to Patrick Ryan's piece UAE embassy dishes out food packages in Islamabad (April 13): Seeing some of these pictures makes me so sad. Initiatives like these are so important to make sure no one goes hungry.

Elize van Wyk, 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

The biog

Age: 30

Position: Senior lab superintendent at Emirates Global Aluminium

Education: Bachelor of science in chemical engineering, post graduate degree in light metal reduction technology

Favourite part of job: The challenge, because it is challenging

Favourite quote: “Be the change you wish to see in the world,” Gandi

While you're here

Gavin Esler: A no-deal Brexit looks imminent to mark the end of a four-year-long 'fairy tale'

David Frum: What President-elect Biden needs to fix – and preserve – from the Trump era

Damien McElroy: Post-Brexit, the UK should be more pragmatic in dealing with the world

UK-EU trade at a glance

EU fishing vessels guaranteed access to UK waters for 12 years

Co-operation on security initiatives and procurement of defence products

Youth experience scheme to work, study or volunteer in UK and EU countries

Smoother border management with use of e-gates

Cutting red tape on import and export of food

Labour dispute

The insured employee may still file an ILOE claim even if a labour dispute is ongoing post termination, but the insurer may suspend or reject payment, until the courts resolve the dispute, especially if the reason for termination is contested. The outcome of the labour court proceedings can directly affect eligibility.

- Abdullah Ishnaneh, Partner, BSA Law

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UAE squad to face Ireland

Ahmed Raza (captain), Chirag Suri (vice-captain), Rohan Mustafa, Mohammed Usman, Mohammed Boota, Zahoor Khan, Junaid Siddique, Waheed Ahmad, Zawar Farid, CP Rizwaan, Aryan Lakra, Karthik Meiyappan, Alishan Sharafu, Basil Hameed, Kashif Daud, Adithya Shetty, Vriitya Aravind

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