DUBAI // Hundreds of pupils yesterday had their say on tackling environmental challenges at the UAE’s first Pakistan student leadership conference.
Organisers at the Pakistan Youth Forum brought togther 11 schools whose pupils took on the issues of climate change, access to clean water and feeding a growing world population.
Schools each sent a team of four pupils, mostly from Grade 12, to the Pakistan Association Dubai for the conference.
Arooba Khalid and Zoha Waseem, pupils of the Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Arab Pakistani School in Abu Dhabi, took part.
“Our presentation was about how to get access to clean and fresh water. It went very well. We are happy that people appreciated our ideas to solve such a crucial global issue,” Arooba said.
Their teacher, Laila Naheed, said the conference would “not only [allow pupils to] share knowledge but also gain them confidence to face the world”.
Ms Naheed, an English teacher and environment coordinator, said: “Although the Pakistani community schools face several resources-related challenges, such an overwhelming participation from schools proves that there is a huge demand for such activities.”
Spencer Chan, a speaker and judge at the conference, found the Pakistani pupils to be “extremely confident”.
“Many of these students, despite being so young, made wonderful presentations and had excellent ideas for solving crucial global issues,” he said.
Mr Chan said the event helped children who focus on rote learning to expand their world view.
“It’s not just about Pakistan, it’s a general problem in Asian academic systems where most of the child’s energy goeson memorising things,” he said.
“Memorisation can be important but it is not everything. Asian schools need to better nurture the creative part of their students’ personalities and such events provide an excellent opportunity.”
Dr Jameela Haq, of the Pakistan Youth Forum, said she was overwhelmed by the’ response.
“Such events give an opportunity to Pakistani students to groom their interactive skills and present their ideas to a wider audience,” she said.
Pakistani Ajman School won the day by creating an app that will help users monitor their food wastage.
The team picked up a trophy and members took home Dh250 each.
akhaishgi@thenational.ae
Dhadak 2
Director: Shazia Iqbal
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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
When Umm Kulthum performed in Abu Dhabi
Known as The Lady of Arabic Song, Umm Kulthum performed in Abu Dhabi on November 28, 1971, as part of celebrations for the fifth anniversary of the accession of Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan as Ruler of Abu Dhabi. A concert hall was constructed for the event on land that is now Al Nahyan Stadium, behind Al Wahda Mall. The audience were treated to many of Kulthum's most well-known songs as part of the sold-out show, including Aghadan Alqak and Enta Omri.
