Unity is key to a healthy and thriving community. Each of us has a part to play to ensure a cohesive and tolerant society that offers support to all of its members. But this goes beyond the individual; both public and private sector organisations have an important responsibility towards society, particularly during times of uncertainty. Tasked with safeguarding communities’ social ecosystems, they must aid in fostering solidarity and compassion while maintaining calm, and propagating optimism, which is crucial to boosting the morale of a public facing unprecedented circumstances.
A health worker takes swab sample at a coronavirus drive-through screening centre in Abu Dhabi.
A health worker collects a swab sample.
A health worker wearing protective clothing administers a swab test.
A woman undergoes a nasal swab.
A health worker checks a man's temperature before conducting a coronavirus test at a drive-through testing centre.
A nurse measures the body temperature of a small girl.
A nurse collects a swab sample at the drive-through centre.
A man has his temperature checked.
A nurse administers a swab test.
A technician takes a nasal swab.
Cars line up as people wait to enter the drive-through testing centre.
Today, we are facing a global health crisis that has affected all aspects of life. Covid-19 has indeed changed the world as we know it, but it is a challenge that we will surmount no matter how long it lasts. The key to overcoming it is a unified effort from both individuals and institutions. Working together to limit the impact of this disease will accelerate our recovery and eventually allow us to resume normal life.
Time and time again, the UAE has proved its readiness to face crises and their adverse effects head-on. The World Health Organisation has, in fact, ranked the UAE number one globally in the prevention of the spread of Covid-19, thanks to our wise leadership’s prompt response and implementation of strict precautionary measures. Moreover, the UAE community has risen to the challenge by strongly adhering to these measures, which include the Stay at Home initiative, guidelines for social distancing, and instructions to stay indoors during times allocated for the National Sterilisation Programme.
Covid-19 has changed the world as we know it, but we will surmount the challenge, no matter how long it lasts
Particularly praiseworthy are the extraordinary efforts of the UAE’s medical and healthcare staff. They have diligently worked around the clock to help contain the Covid-19 outbreak, and their heroism has contributed significantly to limiting the number of cases in the country. We could not be more grateful for their skills and sacrifices, as they bravely stand at the frontlines of the battle with the virus, risking their own safety for the well-being of our community.
A berry picker at the UAE’s first raspberry and blackberry model farm in full sanitary uniform. Victor Besa for The National
That well-being is also safeguarded by the collaboration between the teams from the public security, civil and service entities, to whom we also owe our gratitude. Additionally, essential staff in restaurants, supermarkets, pharmacies, delivery workers, and those carrying out cleaning and sterilisation across the emirate must be commended for helping to keep society functioning during this difficult time. And finally, we thank all those who are working from home; this small act is a crucial step in dampening the spread of this global pandemic.
The measures taken by the UAE are bold, but they reflect the wisdom and unwavering commitment of our leadership to protect its greatest asset – its people – at all times. This social contract is seen across Emirati society, which is characterised by unity and tolerance towards others. Our cultural pillars are the legacy of our ancestors, who adapted to survive the harshest of circumstances thanks to co-operation and strong social bonds. Due to this longstanding commitment to the greater good, in the present circumstances we are proud to see community members demonstrating their support and abiding by all the measures introduced to combat the outbreak.
Part of keeping the community safe and well is ensuring economic security. Abu Dhabi’s leadership has taken the necessary steps to support those who have been adversely affected financially by the current circumstances. Key is the economic stimulus programme launched by Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, to accelerate the implementation of key economic initiatives under the Ghadan 21 programme. There have also been reductions in living costs and measures to facilitate business activity within the emirate. These incentives will help to mitigate economic damage and eventually contribute to accelerating growth, the fruits of which we will see once we emerge even stronger from this crisis.
In March, Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, reassured UAE residents and citizens that there will be adequate supplies of medicine and food available during the coronavirus outbreak. Courtesy: Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Twitter account
The Department of Culture and Tourism is appreciative of the co-operation we have received from our partners, particularly hotel establishments, tourism facilities and event organisers. While their businesses have been affected by the crisis, we are working closely with their management to ensure the safety and well-being of visitors. Our inspectors are liaising with all partners to ensure strict implementation of the necessary precautionary measures. I would like to commend the efforts of our inspectors and thank them for all their strenuous field work at this critical time.
It is when facing such challenging circumstances that we most need to stand united. We will beat this pandemic by standing together and committing to following the directives of our wise leaders. Each one of us is responsible for protecting the health of others, and our sacrifices during this crucial period will help to ensure our own safety and that of our community. We must contain the spread of the virus by staying home as much as possible, and complying with social distancing in its various forms. Equally as important, we must remain positive. Although it may seem difficult at the moment, being optimistic is key. As long as we support one another, safeguard our bonds and help those who are suffering the adverse effects of these sudden changes in our lives, we will triumph.
Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak is Chairman of the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi
The flights Emirates, Etihad and Swiss fly direct from the UAE to Zurich from Dh2,855 return, including taxes.
The chalet Chalet N is currently open in winter only, between now and April 21. During the ski season, starting on December 11, a week’s rental costs from €210,000 (Dh898,431) per week for the whole property, which has 22 beds in total, across six suites, three double rooms and a children’s suite. The price includes all scheduled meals, a week’s ski pass, Wi-Fi, parking, transfers between Munich, Innsbruck or Zurich airports and one 50-minute massage per person. Private ski lessons cost from €360 (Dh1,541) per day. Halal food is available on request.
Living in...
This article is part of a guide on where to live in the UAE. Our reporters will profile some of the country’s most desirable districts, provide an estimate of rental prices and introduce you to some of the residents who call each area home.
8.20pm: Club Vista Mare - Handicap (TB) Dh95,000 (D) 1,900m
8.55pm: The Palm Fountain - Handicap (TB) Dh95,000 (D) 1,200m
9.30pm: The Palm Tower - Handicap (TB) Dh87,500 (T) 1,600m
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
Retirement funds heavily invested in equities at a risky time
Pension funds in growing economies in Asia, Latin America and the Middle East have a sharply higher percentage of assets parked in stocks, just at a time when trade tensions threaten to derail markets.
Retirement money managers in 14 geographies now allocate 40 per cent of their assets to equities, an 8 percentage-point climb over the past five years, according to a Mercer survey released last week that canvassed government, corporate and mandatory pension funds with almost $5 trillion in assets under management. That compares with about 25 per cent for pension funds in Europe.
The escalating trade spat between the US and China has heightened fears that stocks are ripe for a downturn. With tensions mounting and outcomes driven more by politics than economics, the S&P 500 Index will be on course for a “full-scale bear market” without Federal Reserve interest-rate cuts, Citigroup’s global macro strategy team said earlier this week.
The increased allocation to equities by growth-market pension funds has come at the expense of fixed-income investments, which declined 11 percentage points over the five years, according to the survey.
Hong Kong funds have the highest exposure to equities at 66 per cent, although that’s been relatively stable over the period. Japan’s equity allocation jumped 13 percentage points while South Korea’s increased 8 percentage points.
The money managers are also directing a higher portion of their funds to assets outside of their home countries. On average, foreign stocks now account for 49 per cent of respondents’ equity investments, 4 percentage points higher than five years ago, while foreign fixed-income exposure climbed 7 percentage points to 23 per cent. Funds in Japan, South Korea, Malaysia and Taiwan are among those seeking greater diversification in stocks and fixed income.
• Bloomberg
Electoral College Victory
Trump has so far secured 295 Electoral College votes, according to the Associated Press, exceeding the 270 needed to win. Only Nevada and Arizona remain to be called, and both swing states are leaning Republican. Trump swept all five remaining swing states, North Carolina, Georgia, Pennsylvania, Michigan and Wisconsin, sealing his path to victory and giving him a strong mandate.
Popular Vote Tally
The count is ongoing, but Trump currently leads with nearly 51 per cent of the popular vote to Harris’s 47.6 per cent. Trump has over 72.2 million votes, while Harris trails with approximately 67.4 million.
Our family matters legal consultant
Name: Hassan Mohsen Elhais
Position: legal consultant with Al Rowaad Advocates and Legal Consultants.
What vitamins do we know are beneficial for living in the UAE
Vitamin D: Highly relevant in the UAE due to limited sun exposure; supports bone health, immunity and mood. Vitamin B12: Important for nerve health and energy production, especially for vegetarians, vegans and individuals with absorption issues. Iron: Useful only when deficiency or anaemia is confirmed; helps reduce fatigue and support immunity. Omega-3 (EPA/DHA): Supports heart health and reduces inflammation, especially for those who consume little fish.
Name: Peter Dicce
Title: Assistant dean of students and director of athletics
Favourite sport: soccer
Favourite team: Bayern Munich
Favourite player: Franz Beckenbauer
Favourite activity in Abu Dhabi: scuba diving in the Northern Emirates
Disclaimer
Director: Alfonso Cuaron
Stars: Cate Blanchett, Kevin Kline, Lesley Manville
Marie Byrne, a counsellor who volunteers at the UAE government's mental health crisis helpline, said the ordeal the crew had been through would take time to overcome.
“It was worse than a prison sentence, where at least someone can deal with a set amount of time incarcerated," she said.
“They were living in perpetual mystery as to how their futures would pan out, and what that would be.
“Because of coronavirus, the world is very different now to the one they left, that will also have an impact.
“It will not fully register until they are on dry land. Some have not seen their young children grow up while others will have to rebuild relationships.
“It will be a challenge mentally, and to find other work to support their families as they have been out of circulation for so long. Hopefully they will get the care they need when they get home.”
Last 10 NBA champions
2017: Golden State bt Cleveland 4-1
2016: Cleveland bt Golden State 4-3
2015: Golden State bt Cleveland 4-2
2014: San Antonio bt Miami 4-1
2013: Miami bt San Antonio 4-3
2012: Miami bt Oklahoma City 4-1
2011: Dallas bt Miami 4-2
2010: Los Angeles Lakers bt Boston 4-3
2009: Los Angeles Lakers bt Orlando 4-1
2008: Boston bt Los Angeles Lakers 4-2
