DUBAI // The power of the silver screen will be used to help inspire children to become interested in science next week.
Now in it’s third year, Dubai’s Children’s City the Science Film Festival will showcase a range of films based on a wide range of scientific subjects.
Gabriele Landwehr, director for the organiser Goethe-Institut Gulf Region, said the festival would “present science in an entertaining and attractive way”.
“From a small local initiative in South Asia it has grown to an international educational and film event,” she added.
Visitors will get the chance to take part in work shops and experiments based around some of the themes covered in the films.
The festival presents films that address diverse issues such as everyday science, climate change, ecology and environment, life science, natural science and technology.
This year the main theme will focus on the material sciences.
As well as this the festival also supports a broader range of initiatives that aim to improve the interest in Stem subjects.
“The Science Film Festival offers a broad platform for a programme and activities strengthening the appreciation of science communication in the community,” said Tanja Neskovic Karic, the Goethe-Institut Gulf Region’s programme coordinator.
“Through coordinated efforts of our local partner institutions from the scientific, cultural, educational and environmental sectors we are one step further to promote interest in science and technology among children, pupils and students.”
The festival, which is aimed at seven to 16-year-olds, is being run in partnership with educational activity provider, The Nutty Scientists.
The Nutty Scientists duo, Professor Mickey and Professor Ice will perform a series of fun and educational acts.
There will also be stage experiments like elephant toothpaste, a smoke canon, self-inflated balloons, smoke-filled bubbles and more.
“The Science Film Festival is a great and important contribution to provide a quality education service for the visitors,” said Naila Al Mansoory, head of Children’s City.
The festival takes place at Children’s City, at Dubai Creek Park from October 10 to 12.
nhanif@thenational.ae
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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
