File photo shows flooding in Al Ain in July 2022. Ruel Pableo for The National
File photo shows flooding in Al Ain in July 2022. Ruel Pableo for The National
File photo shows flooding in Al Ain in July 2022. Ruel Pableo for The National
File photo shows flooding in Al Ain in July 2022. Ruel Pableo for The National

Abu Dhabi's crisis management team prepare for bad weather


Sarah Forster
  • English
  • Arabic

Abu Dhabi Emergency, Crises and Disaster Management Team has held a meeting before the bad weather expected this week.

Officials met in person on Sunday morning to discuss proactive measures to be taken across the emirate to limit the potential damage from the forecast heavy rainfall.

The meeting was chaired by Major General Pilot Fares Khalaf Al Mazrouei, commander-in-chief of Abu Dhabi Police, and chairman of the Emergency, Crises and Disaster Management Team.

Maj Gen Al Mazrouei reviewed and approved plans submitted on how to ensure all critical teams were ready for the bad weather.

He also emphasised the importance of all teams collaborating together and following a unified procedure to deal with emergencies.

Dr Nasser Humaid Al Nuaimi, acting director general of Abu Dhabi Emergency, Crises and Disaster Management Centre, said follow-up plans were in place to ensure all required resources were available to deal with the adverse weather.

He said they were co-ordinating with the Department of Municipalities and Transport’s various teams to ensure valley streams flow freely. Dr Al Nuaimi promised to hold co-ordination meetings with all relevant field teams from Al Ain Municipality and Al Dhafrah Municipality, Red Crescent Authority, Tadweer, Department of Health – Abu Dhabi and Al Ain Distribution Company to ensure a quick and efficient response to all emergencies.

Officials emphasised the importance of following the latest weather developments through official sources and channels, and called on the public to follow instructions to stay safe and avoid being in dangerous places.

The meeting was attended by representatives of Abu Dhabi Government Media Office, Abu Dhabi Police, Abu Dhabi Civil Defence Authority, Department of Municipalities and Transport, Emirates Red Crescent Authority, Department of Health - Abu Dhabi, Department of Energy – Abu Dhabi, Tadweer, the National Meteorology Centre and Adnoc.

Flood recovery work in Fujairah: in pictures

  • Many residents lost appliances and cars in the floods that hit Fujairah in July. All photos: Aster
    Many residents lost appliances and cars in the floods that hit Fujairah in July. All photos: Aster
  • Homes across Fujairah and Sharjah were damaged due to floodwaters.
    Homes across Fujairah and Sharjah were damaged due to floodwaters.
  • Mud left behind by floodwater has been a challenge for volunteers helping families in Fujairah with the clean up.
    Mud left behind by floodwater has been a challenge for volunteers helping families in Fujairah with the clean up.
  • Aster Volunteers arrived from Dubai to help with the clean-up in Fujairah.
    Aster Volunteers arrived from Dubai to help with the clean-up in Fujairah.
  • Many residents were without insurance so are facing huge repair bills.
    Many residents were without insurance so are facing huge repair bills.
  • Work from 15 young people from the Youth India Fujairah group, operated by Aster healthcare, helped families get back into their homes.
    Work from 15 young people from the Youth India Fujairah group, operated by Aster healthcare, helped families get back into their homes.
  • Floodwaters posed a potential health hazard to families hoping to move back home.
    Floodwaters posed a potential health hazard to families hoping to move back home.
  • Aster Volunteers helped with the clean up to allow families like the Kumars move back in.
    Aster Volunteers helped with the clean up to allow families like the Kumars move back in.
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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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Updated: August 14, 2022, 5:27 PM