Tommy Fleetwood and Adam Scott have been confirmed for this month’s Slync.io Dubai Desert Classic.
Fleetwood, winner of the 2017 Race to Dubai, and Scott, a former world No 1 who triumphed at the 2013 Masters, are the latest names to be announced for the January 27-30 event at Emirates Golf Club.
The tournament, now with logistics technology provider Slync.io as title sponsors, will for the first time feature on the DP World Tour’s Rolex Series. As such, it carries a prize fund of $8 million.
In signing up for the Desert Classic, Fleetwood and Scott join the likes of reigning Race to Dubai champion and two-time major winner Collin Morikawa, four-time major champion Rory McIlroy, and defending champion Paul Casey.
Fleetwood, a two-time winner of the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship, will make his 11th consecutive appearance at the Desert Classic. His best finish thus far is tied for sixth, in 2018.
Fleetwood said: “I start my season in the Middle East and come to Dubai each year, so this is an event and venue that I know well. It’s no secret that I enjoy playing in the region and I would love to be able to add to my success here."
Scott, meanwhile, will compete at the Desert Classic for the first time in two decades. The Australian, who like Fleetwood tees it up in Abu Dhabi next week, came home T-46th in 2002. Scott had debuted at the event the previous year. His 11 DP World Tour wins include two Qatar Masters titles, in 2002 and 2008.
“I’ve made a bit of a change to my schedule,” Scott said. “It doesn’t seem quite as long as 20 years since I last teed it up at Emirates Golf Club, but I’m certainly looking forward to experiencing the tournament again.
“I’ve had a couple of wins in the region over the years and it would be fantastic to add one more this month.”
In November, organisers confirmed the tournament would for the first time be free for all four days of competition. The event has been a staple of Europe’s lead professional circuit since its introduction in 1989.
Simon Corkill, executive tournament director, said: “The additions of Tommy and Adam to an already stellar field further demonstrates the appeal of the Slync.io Dubai Desert Classic among the game’s global elite.
“This is shaping up to be the most memorable edition yet, with a star-studded field and free entry for spectators for the first time in the event’s history. We can’t wait to see these players in action alongside world-class performers including Collin Morikawa, Rory McIlroy, Sergio Garcia and defending champion Paul Casey.”
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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
