Emirati leaders send condolences after death of Russian ambassador to UAE

UAE leaders sent condolences to Russian President Vladimir Putin after the death of Moscow's ambassador to the Emirates.

Sergei Kuznetsov, who died suddenly according to reports, served as ambassador since 2019. The cause of death has not yet been released.

On Sunday, President Sheikh Khalifa sent his condolences to Mr Putin.

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, and Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, also expressed their sympathies.

The Russian Embassy in the UAE tweeted a tribute.

"The embassy deeply grieves over the death of the Russian Ambassador to the UAE, Sergi Kuznetsov," it said.

The UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation also sent condolences.

In a statement published by Emirates news agency Wam, the ministry expressed appreciation for the ambassador’s “tireless efforts to strengthen the bonds of solidarity and friendship between the UAE and Russia during his tenure”, and for helping to promote the strategic partnership between the countries on many fronts in recent years.

Russia and the UAE have worked together in different fields over the years. In 2019, the first Emirati astronaut, Maj Hazza Al Mansouri, was sent to space on board a Russian Soyuz rocket.

Shortly afterwards Mr Putin visited Abu Dhabi, where he met Maj Al Mansouri and the two countries agreed on stronger collaboration in space.

The UAE also took part in the clinical trials of Russia’s Sputnik V coronavirus vaccine.

UAE-Russian relations - in pictures

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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