DUBAI // Grafite, the Al Ahli captain, said the team must not rest on their laurels in the race for the Arabian Gulf League (AGL) title.
The Brazilian helped the first-place side record a convincing 4-1 victory against Baniyas on Thursday night to maintain the club's six-point lead over second-place Al Shabab.
With seven rounds remaining, it appears Ahli are set for their first league trophy since 2009, especially since they have been defeated only twice in 19 AGL matches this season.
However, Grafite reminded his teammates that difficult assignments lie in wait once league play resumes next month, following a four-week break, including daunting trips to the two sides directly below them – Shabab and Al Jazira. Next up are the club they are attempting to wrest the title from, Al Ain.
"We are in a good way, but we have seven games, so seven steps," Grafite said. "And they will not be easy because we still have to play Al Jazira and Al Shabab, and have Al Ain in the next game in the league.
“It’s the biggest game and you don’t know what will happen – you can win, lose or draw. We have these seven steps and we’ll try our best to finish the league as champions.”
Much has been made about matters off the pitch, as Cosmin Olaroiu, the Ahli coach, continues to serve a six-month touchline ban. Last week, he was given a suspended three-month sentence for defaming Al Ain, his former club.
While the controversy behind the scenes could be expected to disrupt the players’ performance in the league, Grafite insists Ahli remain focused.
“This is the way Cosmin works us: to be prepared to be champions,” he said. “If you’re not prepared to be champions, you cannot achieve it. Sometimes, we make mistakes in the game, but if we continue to play the way we played [against Baniyas] and are prepared to be champions, we can do it. The league is not so easy, but we have a big chance.”
jmcauley@thenational.ae
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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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