US President Joe Biden has sent a message of solidarity to the UAE on the anniversary of a terrorist strike on Abu Dhabi that killed three people.
Mr Biden said his country will support the Emirates against any threat, saying: “We stand resolute to ensure it cannot happen again.”
Three people were killed and six were injured when an oil distribution plant in Mussaffah was attacked by Yemen's Iran-backed Houthi rebels, prompting worldwide condemnation.
Several further attempted rocket and drone strikes were intercepted.
“One year ago, in a terrorist attack launched from Yemen, two ballistic missiles and a series of drones targeted civilian sites in the United Arab Emirates,” Mr Biden said in a White House statement.
“While the UAE’s air defence systems — a hallmark of our decades-long security partnership — shot the missiles out of the sky, three innocent civilians died during this heinous attack.
“Today, we remember the lives that were so tragically lost, and we reaffirm the United States’ commitment to the safety and security of the Emirati people.
“Working in close co-operation with my friend President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, the United States will continue to support the UAE as it defends itself against threats — whether from Yemen or anywhere else.”
Mr Biden said the US would work to bring an end to conflict in Yemen, while ensuring security for allies in the region.
“We remain steadfast in our pursuit of diplomacy to bring a peaceful end to the war in Yemen, and the United States will continue to support the security of the UAE and our other partners in the Middle East, including providing needed military assistance,” he said.
“Therefore, as we commemorate the tragic events of one year ago, we stand resolute to ensure it cannot happen again.
“As the UAE prepares to host the world to address the climate challenge during Cop28 this fall, the United States and UAE will continue our work to advance impactful new initiatives, like the Partnership for Accelerating Clean Energy and the Partnership for Global Infrastructure and Investment,” Mr Biden said.
“Our strong partnership is critical to building a shared future of greater peace, stability, and integration throughout the region.”
Earlier, Dr Anwar Gargash, diplomatic adviser to the UAE President, said the Emirates had grown in strength since the events of last January.
“They wanted to shake confidence in our country, but it is stronger than any terrorist threat, proud of the determination of its leadership and people and its capabilities,” Dr Gargash said.
How to vote
Canadians living in the UAE can register to vote online and be added to the International Register of Electors.
They'll then be sent a special ballot voting kit by mail either to their address, the Consulate General of Canada to the UAE in Dubai or The Embassy of Canada in Abu Dhabi
Registered voters mark the ballot with their choice and must send it back by 6pm Eastern time on October 21 (2am next Friday)
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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
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
