DUBAI // British teenagers have been warned to steer clear of a synthetic cannabis product that was recently banned in the UAE.
All UK curriculum schools received a circular from the British embassy yesterday, warning them about the rising number of arrests related to a drug known to police as Spice, but most popularly referred to by teenagers as K2.
“From July 1, the drug called Space, Spice or K2 has been confirmed as an illegal substance in the UAE,” read the circular sent by Mandy Smith, the vice consul of the British Embassy in Dubai.
“I should perhaps tell you that on the first day we had 35 British nationals arrested and detained. It has escalated from there.
“The Dubai Police have been relentless in arresting citizens throughout the UAE and are ‘determined’ to prevent the usage of the drug in their country.”
The circular says the consequences of being caught with the drug are a four year sentence followed by deportation. Anyone caught selling the drug could face up to 15 years in prison.
“I had a meeting at the public prosecutors’ office and they have informed us that they will make examples of anyone caught. That includes young adults.”
Ms Smith said their research suggested the drug was widely used in schools across the UAE and there were students buying and supplying to others, too.
Head teachers at British schools in the emirate said they had forwarded the details on to parents.
Clive Pierrepont, director of communications at Taaleem, said their schools would intensify the anti-drug messages to pupils.
“The circular from the embassy mentions a very strict clampdown on people caught with this drug,” said Mr Pierrepont. “Pupils need to understand that this not only affects them but their family as well.”
Fiona Cottam, principal of Jumeirah College, said the advice would be added as a link in parent emails they sent out late on Monday.
“We have not come across any drug related incident inside the school campus yet,” said Ms Cottam. “But a lot of the issues with young people happen outside school. We need to make sure we reach them with the right information so that they make educated choices.”
Mr Pierrepont said their schools were careful to ensure the awareness campaigns they run avoid glamorising the drug.
“Our schools cater to different nationalities and children of different age groups,” he said. “So each school has to deliver a slightly different message on the harm of the drug and highlight the legal repercussions.”
Every parent worries about their child being pressured into bad decisions, said Niloofer Rouhani, who has two children in enrolled at an international school in Dubai. “But if parents and schools work together to instil values of honesty and integrity then they will be able to make the right decision,” she said.
“I always give my children the example of a good fruit that begins to rot when put in with the other bad fruits.
“Children should be taught to stay away from people who do not have their best interest in mind.”
She suggests schools hold more awareness sessions for the parents. “I think parents need to be educated about spotting such trouble, what to prevent and how to address such issues.”
Spice was available in the UAE for two years before it was banned. The higher narcotic drug review committee first recommended Sprice be banned in late March, and the first court case involving Spice began in July, when an Asian man was prosecuted for possession and use of the drug.
The trial is still under way.
aahmed@thenational.ae
UAE v Gibraltar
What: International friendly
When: 7pm kick off
Where: Rugby Park, Dubai Sports City
Admission: Free
Online: The match will be broadcast live on Dubai Exiles’ Facebook page
UAE squad: Lucas Waddington (Dubai Exiles), Gio Fourie (Exiles), Craig Nutt (Abu Dhabi Harlequins), Phil Brady (Harlequins), Daniel Perry (Dubai Hurricanes), Esekaia Dranibota (Harlequins), Matt Mills (Exiles), Jaen Botes (Exiles), Kristian Stinson (Exiles), Murray Reason (Abu Dhabi Saracens), Dave Knight (Hurricanes), Ross Samson (Jebel Ali Dragons), DuRandt Gerber (Exiles), Saki Naisau (Dragons), Andrew Powell (Hurricanes), Emosi Vacanau (Harlequins), Niko Volavola (Dragons), Matt Richards (Dragons), Luke Stevenson (Harlequins), Josh Ives (Dubai Sports City Eagles), Sean Stevens (Saracens), Thinus Steyn (Exiles)
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
Winners
Ballon d’Or (Men’s)
Ousmane Dembélé (Paris Saint-Germain / France)
Ballon d’Or Féminin (Women’s)
Aitana Bonmatí (Barcelona / Spain)
Kopa Trophy (Best player under 21 – Men’s)
Lamine Yamal (Barcelona / Spain)
Best Young Women’s Player
Vicky López (Barcelona / Spain)
Yashin Trophy (Best Goalkeeper – Men’s)
Gianluigi Donnarumma (Paris Saint-Germain and Manchester City / Italy)
Best Women’s Goalkeeper
Hannah Hampton (England / Aston Villa and Chelsea)
Men’s Coach of the Year
Luis Enrique (Paris Saint-Germain)
Women’s Coach of the Year
Sarina Wiegman (England)
