UAE relief campaign for earthquake victims launched in Syria

The UAE's Bridges of Giving relief campaign was launched on Monday in Latakia, Syria, to support the victims of the earthquake that struck the country last month.

The campaign is part of Operation Gallant Knight 2 and was organised by the Emirates Red Crescent in collaboration with the Syrian Arab Red Crescent.

In a video released by Wam, the governor of Latakia praised the UAE's efforts in providing support for those affected by the earthquake.

The UAE has been delivering food and medical aid through an airlift operation that was organised soon after the earthquake, which killed more than 50,000 people in both Syria and Turkey.

In addition, an Emirati aid ship docked at Latakia port on Sunday, carrying 1,000 tonnes of aid, the largest amount ever delivered in a single run to the area.

Food supplies will be sent across quake-hit areas in co-ordination with the Syrian Arab Red Crescent, as part of continuing humanitarian support from the UAE.

Mohamed Al Junaibi, the ERC representative in Syria, said that relief would continue to be provided to those affected by the earthquake in co-operation with the Syrian Arab Red Crescent.

He also emphasised that the UAE would spare no effort in supporting the people of Syria.

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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