Al Ain are currently training in Austria ahead of a hugely important season both domestically and on the continent. Left-back Mohammed Fayez spoke Tuesday to the club's official website.
A crucial campaign
The 2016/17 season holds much promise, with Al Ain beginning the campaign with their Asian Champions League quarter-final double-header against Uzbekistan’s Lokomotiv. The first leg takes place in Al Ain on August 23. Zlatko Dalic’s side then kick off the Arabian Gulf League on September 18 as they seek to improve on last season’s runner-up finish to Al Ahli.
On lifting the Asian crown for a second time
“Certainly, there’s a sense of responsibility and genuine desire within all the team to win the Asian Champions League,” Fayez said. “Everyone here is striving for continental glory and bringing the title back to the UAE, especially since the current Al Ain team has in the past three years managed to reach the latter stages. This can help us this year.”
On the absence of first-team regulars
Al Ain are missing seven players in Austria, with Omar Abdulrahman and others training with the UAE national team in Spain ahead of September’s 2018 World Cup qualifiers. “Missing these seven key players is affecting the training camp and also affecting the coach’s ability to perform his duties,” Fayez said. “I hope we can get these players back by the beginning of August.”
• 2016/17 AGL transfers: Diaky set for Al Jazira return, Al Ain add another Abdulrahman to ranks
On Al Ain’s new recruits
The club have signed Amer Abdulrahman, the UAE international midfielder from Baniyas, and Caio, the Brazilian winger from Japan's Kashima Antlers. "They will be strong additions to the team and will make a difference to our style," Fayez said. "Amer is a national team player who can add to the team, while Caio is very fast and will bring more to the side. I wish them both all the best."
On a highly competitive 2016/17 AGL
“For sure, the league will be very strong and different from previous seasons, because the new champion will represent the country in the 2017 Fifa Club World Cup,” Fayez said. “All the teams began preparations early and have brought excellent additions to strengthen their squads. Al Ain will continue to be a strong contender as usual, as well as Al Ahli and Al Nasr, but I won’t be surprised if we see another opponent in the race with us.”
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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
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2) Symptoms can include a lump, discharge, swollen glands or a rash.
3) People with a history of cancer in the family can be more susceptible.
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Price, base / as tested Dh57,000
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