Cyberattacks by terrorists foiled by UAE authorities

A number of cyberattacks on the UAE by terrorist groups have been foiled, according to authorities.

Systems were able to prevent the attacks on “a number of vital and strategic sectors in the country”, state news agency Wam reported.

The UAE Cyber Security Council said defences were activated nationwide in co-operation with all relevant authorities.

“These were able to professionally, efficiently, and proactively repel these terrorist cyberattacks and deter anyone who thinks of tampering with the security of the country and its capabilities,” state news agency Wam reported.

“The council noted that the identities of these terrorist organisations and the location of their cyberattacks have been identified and dealt with in accordance with protection systems and cybersecurity policies.

“The council stressed that all national teams continue to work on fortifying the country's digital ecosystem in accordance with the best practices and international standards in this regard.”

The UAE has a highly developed digital infrastructure capable of dealing flexibly and quickly with all cyberattacks, said a statement on Wam.

The council also called on all government and private institutions and individuals to be cautious and vigilant to avoid falling victim to such attacks.

More than 71 million attempted cyberattacks in the UAE were blocked in the first three quarters of last year, The National reported in November.

Institutions and individuals should be wary of constantly evolving hacking and electronic fraud tools to avoid attacks that could cause harm and breaches, the council said on Wam.

Individuals were also warned by the council to take measures to ensure the safety of their personal data.

“The council emphasised the importance of safeguarding personal data; avoiding disclosing such data through unverified links or unknown messages; utilising only official channels for communication; exercise caution when handling emails; and refraining from opening links unless their legitimacy is confirmed,” said Wam.

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Biography

Favourite book: Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance

Holiday choice: Anything Disney-related

Proudest achievement: Receiving a presidential award for foreign services.

Family: Wife and three children.

Like motto: You always get what you ask for, the universe listens.

ENGLAND SQUAD

Eoin Morgan (captain), Moeen Ali, Jonny Bairstow, Sam Billings, Jos Buttler, Tom Curran, Alex Hales, Liam Plunkett, Adil Rashid, Joe Root, Jason Roy, Ben Stokes, David Willey, Chris Woakes, Mark Wood

Tightening the screw on rogue recruiters

The UAE overhauled the procedure to recruit housemaids and domestic workers with a law in 2017 to protect low-income labour from being exploited.

Only recruitment companies authorised by the government are permitted as part of Tadbeer, a network of labour ministry-regulated centres.

A contract must be drawn up for domestic workers, the wages and job offer clearly stating the nature of work.

The contract stating the wages, work entailed and accommodation must be sent to the employee in their home country before they depart for the UAE.

The contract will be signed by the employer and employee when the domestic worker arrives in the UAE.

Only recruitment agencies registered with the ministry can undertake recruitment and employment applications for domestic workers.

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But agents not authorised by the government sidestep the law by illegally getting women into the country on visit visas.

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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