Sheikha Fatima, Mother of the Nation, was given the honour at the opening of this year's Dihad conference. Antonie Robertson / The National
Sheikha Fatima, Mother of the Nation, was given the honour at the opening of this year's Dihad conference. Antonie Robertson / The National
Sheikha Fatima, Mother of the Nation, was given the honour at the opening of this year's Dihad conference. Antonie Robertson / The National
Sheikha Fatima, Mother of the Nation, was given the honour at the opening of this year's Dihad conference. Antonie Robertson / The National

UAE

Sheikha Fatima honoured for ‘big heart and soul‘ behind her humanitarian efforts

Mother of the Nation given International Personality Award for Humanitarian Relief

The National

March 13, 2023

  • English
  • Arabic

Sheikha Fatima, Mother of the Nation, on Monday received the 2023 International Personality Award for Humanitarian Relief at the Dubai International Humanitarian Aid and Development (Dihad) conference.

The accolade was presented by the Dihad International Scientific Advisory Board (Disab) based in Geneva, Switzerland, in recognition of her unwavering support of those in need.

She is the first woman to receive the honour in 19 years.

Sheikha Fatima has played a leading role in improving the lives and conditions of people in the UAE, as well as supporting women globally, and helping survivors of last month's earthquake in Syria and Turkey receive medical treatment in the Emirates.

Disab also honoured her with the title of Mother of Peace due to her commitment to spreading kindness and compassion.

The award was presented by Dr Maitha bint Salem Al Shamsi, UAE Minister of State and adviser to Sheikha Fatima, at the Dihad opening ceremony.

"Her Highness is one that has been blessed with a big heart and a soul that yearns for giving and today marks an incredible recognition for her efforts in bettering humanity," said Dr Al Shamsi.

The Dihad International Personality Award for Humanitarian Relief is presented in recognition of international figures and leaders who play a prominent role in supporting people in need around the world.

“Her Highness Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak has shown us all what it means to be an outstanding figure in the humanitarian world, and we are pleased to present her with this award in high recognition of her long history and commitment to all people around the world,” said Gerhard Putman-Cramer, director of Disab.

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: March 13, 2023, 3:32 PM
Sheikha Fatima bint MubarakDubai