The Covid-19 pandemic is accelerating the shift to distance learning in the UAE, with massive potential for the nation to become a regional hub for education technology (EdTech), according to a new report.
The global EdTech market is expected to be worth $40 billion by 2022, according to Valustrat, a Dubai consultancy and advisory group.
Continued distance learning initiatives in the UAE after Covid-19 could help centralise some of this market potential locally, according to the Dubai Future Foundation (DFF).
“Had the crisis not occurred, this change might well have taken years of planning, prototyping and other steps before being implemented,” the DFF said in a statement.
“In effect, this phase could be seen as a pilot project.”
Regulators should use the experience to develop and improve platforms for distance learning, the foundation added, emphasising there was significant potential for instruction to become more personalised, focusing on the specific needs and interests of each student.
More than 775 million school children have been affected by school closures around the world as a result of Covid-19.
On March 22 in the UAE, distance learning began across all emirates and last week the decision was made to close all schools and universities through to the end of the academic year, affecting nearly 1.1 million pupils in the country's schools – and their parents.
To support them, the UAE’s Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) has launched a new platform called 'In This Together', which is a new resource aimed at helping the education community take full advantage of online and distance learning.
During the Covid-19 outbreak, the DFF predicts that in the short-term, new guidelines, regulations and platforms will be created to accommodate the high demand for distance learning.
“It is already clear that education technology start-ups are benefiting as more and more students are moving towards online learning currently,” the report said.
As the world recovers from Covid-19, the DFF predicts regulatory bodies in education may begin setting up more ambitious overhauls of traditional schooling, developing innovative solutions such as training interested parents as teachers.
Officials said the believed that as out-of-classroom learning became more widespread, students and parents would become more involved in designing both learning tools and the teaching curricula.
The DFF has already published research on “life after Covid-19” as part of efforts to explore the future of work and learning, including the impact of physical distancing.
The intention is to help Dubai and the UAE better navigate and anticipate the future in light of the current global health pandemic, through highlighting opportunities and providing recommendations.
Countries recognising Palestine
France, UK, Canada, Australia, Portugal, Belgium, Malta, Luxembourg, San Marino and Andorra
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This article is part of a guide on where to live in the UAE. Our reporters will profile some of the country’s most desirable districts, provide an estimate of rental prices and introduce you to some of the residents who call each area home.
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
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Starring: Anthony Mackie, Aiysha Hart, Ben Kingsley
Director: Rupert Wyatt
Rating: 3/5
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Dos
- Wear the right fabric for the right season and occasion
- Always ask for the dress code if you don’t know
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UAE squad
Humaira Tasneem (c), Chamani Senevirathne (vc), Subha Srinivasan, NIsha Ali, Udeni Kuruppuarachchi, Chaya Mughal, Roopa Nagraj, Esha Oza, Ishani Senevirathne, Heena Hotchandani, Keveesha Kumari, Judith Cleetus, Chavi Bhatt, Namita D’Souza.
