DUBAI // The transformation of the national sevens side will be complete this weekend when a tour party exclusively made up of Emirati players travels to Thailand for the second leg of the Asian Sevens Series.
The UAE Rugby Federation have been intending to select only UAE passport holders for the four-tournament series, as they look to construct a side for next year’s Asian Games.
Last time around, however, they still leaned on a little overseas help after selecting Imad Reyal, the Sri Lankan expatriate who is the leading sevens player in the country, for the first leg in Kuala Lumpur.
This time around, a squad of emerging Emirati players, including four 18 year olds, will have to fend for themselves for the first time.
Their task is likely to be a tough one. Even with Reyal in the ranks, the UAE lost every game in the opening tournament of the series.
Since then, the federation have officially announced the departure of Ian Bremner, the chief executive, while they have also revised previously stated goals for the national team.
At the end of last season, Bremner stated that the national team aimed to finish “within the top six” of all competitions entered.
However, Qais Al Dhalai, the federation’s secretary general, says results are now of secondary importance to the overall goal of developing the sport among Emiratis.
“We went [to the Asian Sevens Series] last year with 80 per cent expatriate players but we were still losing by big scores,” Al Dhalai said.
“We won some, but we lost many. Going to Kuala Lumpur and losing is not an issue.
“We don’t look at the result. We just need to develop our players and we have to start somewhere.
“If we keep saying, let’s go with expatriates, next September how can we play in Incheon at the Asian Games? How can I persuade my Olympic Committee that I have an Emirati team?”
Among the group of inexperienced players is an 18 year old debutant from Al Ain, Abdullah Al Hajri, the latest product of the federation’s schools programme.
According to Salman Hadi, the federation’s vice chairman who will be leading the 17-man delegation to Thailand, the side will be better equipped to succeed than in Malaysia last time out.
“Master Epeli [Lagiloa, the coach] has concentrated heavily during the last two months in preparing those youngsters to participate in the Asian Sevens Series,” Hadi said.
“I believe we are making history for UAE rugby by having four out of the 12 players at an age of 18 years old.”
Asian Sevens Series
Bangkok Sevens
Pool C: UAE, South Korea, Malaysia, Cambodia
UAE squad: 1 Abdullah Al Hajri, 2 Adel Al Hendi, 3 Ali Mohammed, 4 Yousef Shaker, 5 Cyrus Homayoun, 6 Majid Al Balooshi, 7 Saeed Saad, 8 Taleb Al Khaja, 9 Hareb Al Azri, 10 Mohanned Shaker, 11 Walid Al Balooshi, 12 Suhail Yaqoob
pradley@thenational.ae
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How to apply for a drone permit
- Individuals must register on UAE Drone app or website using their UAE Pass
- Add all their personal details, including name, nationality, passport number, Emiratis ID, email and phone number
- Upload the training certificate from a centre accredited by the GCAA
- Submit their request
What are the regulations?
- Fly it within visual line of sight
- Never over populated areas
- Ensure maximum flying height of 400 feet (122 metres) above ground level is not crossed
- Users must avoid flying over restricted areas listed on the UAE Drone app
- Only fly the drone during the day, and never at night
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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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Who's who in Yemen conflict
Houthis: Iran-backed rebels who occupy Sanaa and run unrecognised government
Yemeni government: Exiled government in Aden led by eight-member Presidential Leadership Council
Southern Transitional Council: Faction in Yemeni government that seeks autonomy for the south
Habrish 'rebels': Tribal-backed forces feuding with STC over control of oil in government territory
