Ukraine made its presence felt on the opening day of Abu Dhabi’s defence fair on Monday as the world prepares to mark the first anniversary of Russian's invasion of the country this week.
Several of its companies were flying the flag at the biennial International Defence Exhibition and Conference (Idex).
From drones to missile systems to tactical clothing, company representatives said they had come to show the world Ukraine would triumph in the war against Russia, while also shining a spotlight on weapons they can offer others towards their defence.
“We want to show that we are here and we are in the market,” said Ihor Maslov, head of business development at Ukr Spec Systems, a Ukrainian drone manufacturer established in 2014.
“We will continue our fight, not only inside of Ukraine but also outside Ukraine,” said Mr Maslov, as he showed off two drones being used in the conflict for surveillance, artillery spotting and support.
“We would like to share our technology and experience to show everyone we have our own weapons we use in Ukraine. After we win the war, this product will be popular.”
Ukraine's State Kyiv Design Bureau (Luch), which makes the Neptune missile that reportedly sank the Russian ship Moskva last year, was also present, showcasing its rocket systems and anti-tank weapons. But the company said it was focused on Ukraine’s domestic market for now.
Show of support
“We are here to show we are still working despite the Russian invasion and attempts to destroy our country,” said Oleg Skliar, project manager at Luch.
“We have had lots of visitors from Saudi Arabia and UAE. Everyone was surprised to see Ukraine but they were glad. People support Ukraine. We hope that after we win we will come back to the market.”
Ukr Spec Systems and Luch are part of the National Association of Ukrainian Defence Industries (Naudi). Founded in 2020, it brings together many of the nation’s defence, armament and ammunition companies. it is thought 10 companies under its umbrella will participate at Idex this year.
Another Ukrainian company — not affiliated with Naudi — had also set up stall. Olteks, a manufacturer of military clothing, said it was keen to expand into new markets in the Gulf.
Larisa Ter-Minasyan, the company’s export manager, said Ukrainian firms were proud to be part of the Abu Dhabi event after such a challenging year in their homeland.
Russia also had a pavilion at Idex, a long walk from the Ukrainian companies, over a motorway by the water. It was also displaying some of the weapons being used by Russia in the war.
Ukraine’s determined presence at the exhibition comes as the anniversary of Russia's invasion approaches. Russian forces crossed into Ukraine on February 24 hoping for a swift victory. A year later, the war grinds on.
When asked if anyone from the Ukrainian side had encountered Russian delegates, the response from Mr Skliar was swift.
“They were lucky not to pass by.”
Idex continues at Adnec until February 24.
More on Quran memorisation:
COMPANY%20PROFILE
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Avatar: Fire and Ash
Director: James Cameron
Starring: Sam Worthington, Sigourney Weaver, Zoe Saldana
Rating: 4.5/5
The rules on fostering in the UAE
A foster couple or family must:
- be Muslim, Emirati and be residing in the UAE
- not be younger than 25 years old
- not have been convicted of offences or crimes involving moral turpitude
- be free of infectious diseases or psychological and mental disorders
- have the ability to support its members and the foster child financially
- undertake to treat and raise the child in a proper manner and take care of his or her health and well-being
- A single, divorced or widowed Muslim Emirati female, residing in the UAE may apply to foster a child if she is at least 30 years old and able to support the child financially
Company%20profile
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ECompany%20name%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EHakbah%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EStarted%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E2018%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EFounder%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3ENaif%20AbuSaida%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EBased%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3ESaudi%20Arabia%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ESector%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EFinTech%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ECurrent%20number%20of%20staff%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E22%20%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EInitial%20investment%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E%24200%2C000%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EInvestment%20stage%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3Epre-Series%20A%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EInvestors%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EGlobal%20Ventures%20and%20Aditum%20Investment%20Management%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cbr%3E%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
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
Match info:
Manchester City 2
Sterling (8'), Walker (52')
Newcastle United 1
Yedlin (30')
PREMIER LEAGUE FIXTURES
Saturday (UAE kick-off times)
Watford v Leicester City (3.30pm)
Brighton v Arsenal (6pm)
West Ham v Wolves (8.30pm)
Bournemouth v Crystal Palace (10.45pm)
Sunday
Newcastle United v Sheffield United (5pm)
Aston Villa v Chelsea (7.15pm)
Everton v Liverpool (10pm)
Monday
Manchester City v Burnley (11pm)
