British and American diplomats on Wednesday thanked the UAE for supporting international withdrawal efforts in Afghanistan.
Patrick Moody, Britain's ambassador to the UAE, said 4,883 people had left Kabul and travelled safely to the UK through the Emirates.
"The UK government team here in the UAE continues to work closely with our Emirati friends around the clock to ensure safe passage for the brave men and women who have helped us in Afghanistan,” Mr Moody said.
"This endeavour would not be possible without the generosity and support provided to us by the UAE government.
The UAE had shown the strength of its partnership with Britain and how friends stand together in moments of crisis, said Mr Moody.
“We extend our deepest thanks and appreciation to all UAE authorities, including Dubai Airports Authority, Dubai Police, the Ministry of Defence, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation, the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority and the National Crisis and Emergency Management Authority," he said.
"We praise the UAE’s humanitarian support – not just to the UK but across many international partners – which demonstrates its commitment to the global relief efforts for Afghanistan, and enables us to do our work."
Ethan Goldrich, US Chargé d'Affaires, also thanked the UAE for its efforts.
He said the US was extremely grateful to the Emirates for co-ordinating the safe transit of thousands out of Afghanistan.
These included US citizens, special immigrant visa applicants and their families, vulnerable Afghans, and third-country nationals.
Mr Goldrich described the process as a highly complex global effort that would not have been possible without the close co-operation of the two countries.
The US diplomat said his country was grateful to the UAE for hosting 5,000 Afghan citizens temporarily before they depart for other destinations.
"Together, the UAE and US have quickly stood up a transit hub and processing centre in Abu Dhabi from where individuals undergo health and security screenings before continuing to the US or another country," he said.
"Emirati immigration officials are working side-by-side with our consular and customs and border patrol officers to make this happen, efficiently and safely, 24 hours a day."
Xavier Chatel, French Ambassador to the UAE, praised the UAE for its co-operation and quick response in the evacuation efforts.
He thanked the UAE for hosting the Afghan nationals before they are taken to other countries.
Heidi Venamore, Australian Ambassador to the UAE, also expressed his gratitude to the UAE in facilitating flights in and out of Kabul.
''Our Prime Minster Scott Morrison expressed his appreciation for the support provided by the UAE. On August 23, the prime minister spoke at length in the Australian Parliament about the generosity and support provided to Australia by the UAE during these extraordinary times.''
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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
