ABU DHABI // The largest private university in Abu Dhabi is expanding into Dubai.
Abu Dhabi University plans to open a new campus in either Knowledge Village or Dubai International Academic City in September 2015, the first of its kind to operate in both emirates.
“It’s important for us to expand our market in terms of accessibility for international students, and Dubai is not only a hub for international trade but is becoming a place for international education,” said Dr Nabil Ibrahim, the university’s chancellor.
In a decade, the university has grown from 800 students and seven courses to more than 6,000 students and 24 undergraduate and nine postgraduate courses. It also offers a doctorate in business administration.
The new campus will offer mainly postgraduate education, with a limited number of undergraduate courses.
Charles Diab, director of university advancement, admitted it faced stiff competition.
“The message we need to create is why ADU?” he said. “ We’ve got a lot of great assets and reasons why students should choose ADU over others in Dubai but it’s a huge challenge.”
Abu Dhabi University has campuses in Abu Dhabi and Al Ain. Mr Diab described expanding into Dubai as like “looking to move to another country”.
“We’ll have to create awareness of the university and its uniqueness. Thankfully, the chairman is giving us the resources to do this.”
Staff have a year to work on marketing and outreach programmes, said Mr Diab.
“The research going on here is what sets ADU apart. We’ve been given Dh3 million for the coming year alone for research, then there’s the five-year plan.
“International rankings depend on this and for us to be the youngest of the three universities in the UAE to have made it to the QS rankings is a reflection of our dedication to this area. As such a young university, this position is huge. In terms of moving to Dubai, this research aspect just adds to our credibility.”
The QS rankings, published annually by the British company Quacquarelli Symonds, rate the world’s top 800 universities. United Arab Emirates University, the American University of Sharjah and Abu Dhabi University are all in the top 650.
Ali Saeed bin Harmal Al Dhaheri, the university’s chairman, said research centres in areas such as pharmaceuticals and law would be launched in the next five years as ADU continues to strive for international rankings.
ADU is also seeking US accreditation from the Western Association of Schools and Colleges, said Mr Al Dhaheri. “In 2003 we said we wanted to make sure our graduates found jobs and helped the economy, and now 90 per cent find jobs.”
Dr Ibrahim said research was a priority, taking the university from a teaching institution to a research-based institution both serving the local economy and filling the gaps in the employment market.
Last year the Norwegian Institute of Air Research set up labs at ADU and the two are collaborating on research projects. Last week ADU was granted its first patent, in the application of material development in energy. Research will continue to be a major focus in addition to areas such as transport, information technology and water desalination.
“It’s what is vital for international recognition,” said Dr Ibrahim.
mswan@thenational.ae
MEYDAN RESULTS
6.30pm Baniyas (PA) Group 2 Dh125,000 (Dirt) 1,400m
Winner ES Ajeeb, Sam Hitchcock (jockey), Ibrahim Aseel (trainer).
7.05pm Maiden (TB) Dh165,000 (D) 1,200m
Winner Galaxy Road, Antonio Fresu, Musabah Al Muhairi.
7.40pm Maiden (TB) Dh165,000 (D) 1,400m
Winner Al Modayar, Fernando Jara, Ali Rashid Al Raihe.
8.15pm Handicap (TB) Dh170,000 (D) 1,900m
Winner Gundogdu, Xavier Ziani, Salem bin Ghadayer.
8.50pm Rated Conditions (TB) Dh240,000 (D) 1,600m
Winner George Villiers, Tadhg O’Shea, Satish Seemar.
9.25pm Handicap (TB) Dh175,000 (D)1,200m
Winner Lady Parma, Connor Beasley, Satish Seemar
10pm Handicap (TB) Dh165,000 (D) 1,400m
Winner Zaajer, Fernando Jara, Ali Rashid Al Raihe
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
What is safeguarding?
“Safeguarding, not just in sport, but in all walks of life, is making sure that policies are put in place that make sure your child is safe; when they attend a football club, a tennis club, that there are welfare officers at clubs who are qualified to a standard to make sure your child is safe in that environment,” Derek Bell explains.
Race card
1.30pm: Handicap (PA) Dh 50,000 (Dirt) 1,400m
2pm: Handicap (TB) Dh 84,000 (D) 1,400m
2.30pm: Maiden (TB) Dh 60,000 (D) 1,200m
3pm: Conditions (TB) Dh 100,000 (D) 1.950m
3.30pm: Handicap (TB) Dh 76,000 (D) 1,800m
4pm: Maiden (TB) Dh 60,000 (D) 1,600m
4.30pm: Handicap (TB) Dh 68,000 (D) 1,000m
Sukuk explained
Sukuk are Sharia-compliant financial certificates issued by governments, corporates and other entities. While as an asset class they resemble conventional bonds, there are some significant differences. As interest is prohibited under Sharia, sukuk must contain an underlying transaction, for example a leaseback agreement, and the income that is paid to investors is generated by the underlying asset. Investors must also be prepared to share in both the profits and losses of an enterprise. Nevertheless, sukuk are similar to conventional bonds in that they provide regular payments, and are considered less risky than equities. Most investors would not buy sukuk directly due to high minimum subscriptions, but invest via funds.
ZAYED SUSTAINABILITY PRIZE
How to protect yourself when air quality drops
Install an air filter in your home.
Close your windows and turn on the AC.
Shower or bath after being outside.
Wear a face mask.
Stay indoors when conditions are particularly poor.
If driving, turn your engine off when stationary.
