Zlatko Dalic’s defence was laid out for all to see, the Al Ain coach running through his record as his contract quickly ran out of time.
“Sorry if I speak too much,” he said. “But it’s from my heart.”
That much was clear. Dalic had been asked on the eve of the President’s Cup final about his future, an obvious query that drew an impromptu and impassioned response.
Fire stoked, he listed his achievements during two and a half years in the Garden City: one Arabian Gulf League title, President’s Cup success, the Super Cup, the semi-finals of the Asian Champions League, not to mention the potential to go farther later this year.
“I’m not Superman,” he said. “What can I do? What they want from me?”
See more on Al Ain:
• John McAuley: Zlatko Dalic agrees new one-year Al Ain deal to end doubts over future
• John McAuley: Zlatko Dalic may stay on after Al Ain board dissolved following car commercial row
• John McAuley: Al Jazira edge Al Ain on penalties to win President's Cup
The following day, after his side lost on penalties to Al Jazira and with his Al Ain contract apparently expired, Dalic detailed plans to rest with family before taking a decision as to what he did next.
“This is my club,” he said. “If I leave I’m really proud of my time here. I will stay ‘Ainawi’ forever.”
That affiliation now seems set to deepen, with Dalic agreeing to a new one-year deal on Tuesday. He had other offers, from clubs within the UAE and outside, but a chain of unlikely events paved the way for an extension, for another go at restoring Al Ain to the summit of football not just in the country but on the continent, too. It is a wise decision, all around.
The news met with considerable opposition on social media, little more than a week after '#thankyouzlatko' was trending on Twitter, but Dalic represents the best balm to a turbulent time at Al Ain. Last week, the club board was dissolved and its replacement is yet to be instated, although the hierarchy will seek to act fast given what is at stake. Confirming Dalic was the first step on that road.
In 10 weeks’ time, Al Ain contest the first leg of the Asian Champions League quarter-final, a competition that remains priority since they became its only UAE winners back in 2003, a competition that has opened up to such an extent that Al Ain recognise this is a golden opportunity to reclaim the title. With Dalic in charge, they have minimised the upheaval, reduced the risk in appointing the wrong guy at completely the wrong time.
The new board will need to act swiftly in the transfer market as well, and it appears Dalic will be given more authority to avoid the misguided acquisitions that blighted last season. His detractors will point to a relinquishing of their Arabian Gulf League title to Al Ahli and the final defeat to Jazira, but Dalic had to balance domestic commitments with safe passage in Asia. Al Ain still finished second in the league. They were the better team against Jazira in the cup, helped no doubt by his decision to introduce Ibrahim Diaky in the second half, but were outdone in the lottery of a shoot-out.
Dalic is often derided as nothing more than a safe hand, a capable-but-not-exceptional coach who is fortunate to manage a hugely talented squad. However, he is more than that. He has guided Al Ain to significant success even despite Ahli’s recent lavish spend and his own club’s relative frugality, and he is trusted by the majority of his players. Unlike some of his peers, Dalic does not court controversy, takes no delight in drama.
Make no mistake, Al Ain have been as good for Dalic as Dalic has been for them; as he says, they lifted him from comparative obscurity and let him build his name. With the new contract agreed, that reputation has been granted the chance to climb further. Al Ain have made the correct call considering the forthcoming Champions League. Dalic’s success, though, is dependent on Al Ain’s in that.
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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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Torque: 620Nm
Transmission: seven-speed automatic
Price: upon application
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The specs: 2018 Maserati Levante S
Price, base / as tested: Dh409,000 / Dh467,000
Engine: 3.0-litre V6
Transmission: Eight-speed automatic
Power: 430hp @ 5,750rpm
Torque: 580Nm @ 4,500rpm
Fuel economy, combined: 10.9L / 100km
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- Cancer is the second-leading cause of death worldwide, after cardiovascular diseases
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- By 2040, global cancer cases are on track to reach 30 million
- 70 per cent of cancer deaths occur in low and middle-income countries
- This rate is expected to increase to 75 per cent by 2030
- At least one third of common cancers are preventable
- Genetic mutations play a role in 5 per cent to 10 per cent of cancers
- Up to 3.7 million lives could be saved annually by implementing the right health
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- The total annual economic cost of cancer is $1.16 trillion
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Name: Capt Shadia Khasif
Position: Head of the Criminal Registration Department at Hatta police
Family: Five sons and three daughters
The first female investigator in Hatta.
Role Model: Father
She believes that there is a solution to every problem
Breast cancer in men: the facts
1) Breast cancer is men is rare but can develop rapidly. It usually occurs in those over the ages of 60, but can occasionally affect younger men.
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.
4) Treatments include surgery and chemotherapy but early diagnosis is the key.
5) Anyone concerned is urged to contact their doctor
The specs: 2018 BMW R nineT Scrambler
Price, base / as tested Dh57,000
Engine 1,170cc air/oil-cooled flat twin four-stroke engine
Transmission Six-speed gearbox
Power 110hp) @ 7,750rpm
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