There has been recent correspondence about the creation of new traffic laws designed to force drivers to be more aware (Only enforcement and culture change will make our roads safer, April 29).
The majority of poor driving is committed by a small minority of the population, who wear non-conformity on the roads like a badge.
The biggest deterrent in controlling this minority is the certainty of being caught. Rules for them are a game.
Every day I drive in from Baniyas to Abu Dhabi on the Al Ain road. This minority are in evidence at this busy time with their flashing lights and tailgating, overtaking on the hard shoulder, sudden lane-switching and weaving in and out of queues.
Lately, I noticed a police car driving at slow speed in the third lane – all other traffic being forced to pass left or right under the nose of the officers in the police car.
The change in behaviour of the anti-social minority was dramatic. All their activities suddenly ceased at the sight of the police car.
The lessons to be drawn are clear. Anti-social drivers are already well aware of the rules they are breaking and more laws will therefore have little effect upon them.
During rush hours, regularly spaced police cars driving slowly in the line of traffic can have an immediate improvement in the behaviour of the bad driving minority.
Implementing these changes requires more police cars on all major entry roads to Abu Dhabi during rush hours and again at night when the workforce exits.
But it would surely be well worth it. Behaviour is learnt, and the inability to carry out their daily antics by the bad driving minority would slowly replace their cavalier behaviour with more normal social attitudes on the road.
Andy Preston, Abu Dhabi
Missing Huda Kattan in Dubai
I am writing about Huda Kattan's cancelled Dubai Mall appearance (Beauty blogger Huda Kattan cancels Dubai Mall appearance over security concerns, May 1). Honestly I think that Sephora should be blamed for this because of their lack of planning. My niece went bright and early and kept asking about queuing.
At one point a staff member told her that queues start at 4 and even if you’ve been here since 10 you’ve just got to fight for a spot. That is unsafe.
Zamin Dharsi, Dubai
In one of her videos Huda Kattan said it was her safety that was of concern. Today she claims it’s the safety of the crowd.
Huda Dhalie, Dubai
A little honesty with finance
I am writing about the latest debt panel (Struggling business owner borrowed Dh230,000 in India and Dubai to fund his company, May 2).
There are many measures that can be taken to lower costs. Sell your car and buy a scooter or use public transport. Moreover, you can look at other changes for cheaper living.
When you start a business, you have to bear in mind that you will not be making very much money during the first three years.
As such, your funds should be calculated in a way that will ensure that you have enough money for living and running your business.
You can’t forget costs such as insurance and taxes. With so many costs, it is critical to make honest calculations about how much money you need to live on and how much your business will actually make.
Once that calculation is completed, take half of it and see if your business will make you a good living after all costs and fees are understood.
It is ideal to take someone on-board who can help you with these considerations. If the business doesn’t work out, it is critical that you stop and start a new project.
Stop in time to give you new possibilities to start again.
Mussi Myllymaa, Abu Dhabi
Language, lost in translation
With regards to the column about communication and the majlis (The majlis: Cultural context is key to communication, April 26), English to English translation is a huge part of my work day. Then we add Arabic into the mix.
It makes for interesting work stories and a lot of fun.
An example would be the New Zealanders and British using “fortnight” and our friends from the United States thinking they were speaking Shakespearean English.
Arnna Graham, Dubai
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Who's who in Yemen conflict
Houthis: Iran-backed rebels who occupy Sanaa and run unrecognised government
Yemeni government: Exiled government in Aden led by eight-member Presidential Leadership Council
Southern Transitional Council: Faction in Yemeni government that seeks autonomy for the south
Habrish 'rebels': Tribal-backed forces feuding with STC over control of oil in government territory
WRESTLING HIGHLIGHTS
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
Quick pearls of wisdom
Focus on gratitude: And do so deeply, he says. “Think of one to three things a day that you’re grateful for. It needs to be specific, too, don’t just say ‘air.’ Really think about it. If you’re grateful for, say, what your parents have done for you, that will motivate you to do more for the world.”
Know how to fight: Shetty married his wife, Radhi, three years ago (he met her in a meditation class before he went off and became a monk). He says they’ve had to learn to respect each other’s “fighting styles” – he’s a talk it-out-immediately person, while she needs space to think. “When you’re having an argument, remember, it’s not you against each other. It’s both of you against the problem. When you win, they lose. If you’re on a team you have to win together.”
if you go
The flights
Etihad, Emirates and Singapore Airlines fly direct from the UAE to Singapore from Dh2,265 return including taxes. The flight takes about 7 hours.
The hotel
Rooms at the M Social Singapore cost from SG $179 (Dh488) per night including taxes.
The tour
Makan Makan Walking group tours costs from SG $90 (Dh245) per person for about three hours. Tailor-made tours can be arranged. For details go to www.woknstroll.com.sg
