• Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, Crown Prince of Dubai, congratulates the government entities that helped Dubai become a UN-designated role model for a smart, sustainable and resilient city. All photos: DMO
    Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, Crown Prince of Dubai, congratulates the government entities that helped Dubai become a UN-designated role model for a smart, sustainable and resilient city. All photos: DMO
  • Dubai was also the only city to be recognised among 56 cities shortlisted from 4,357 competing cities.
    Dubai was also the only city to be recognised among 56 cities shortlisted from 4,357 competing cities.
  • The UN's Office acknowledged Dubai’s adoption of best practices and innovative approaches in disaster risk reduction.
    The UN's Office acknowledged Dubai’s adoption of best practices and innovative approaches in disaster risk reduction.
  • Dubai was ranked first globally in terms of resilience.
    Dubai was ranked first globally in terms of resilience.

Dubai named world's most resilient city by United Nations


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Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed has praised Dubai's enterprising vision for the future after it was named the world's most resilient city by the United Nations.

Dubai was ranked first globally for its resilience and recognised as a role model for sustainability by the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction.

The Crown Prince of Dubai met heads of government departments whose efforts had helped secure the international accolade.

Sheikh Hamdan said the vision of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, was instrumental in its progress in sustainable development.

Earlier this year, the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan was launched with the aim of transforming the emirate and creating a truly interconnected, people-led city that balances community with tourism and modernity with heritage and nature.

The UN award acknowledged Dubai's adoption of best practices and innovative approaches in disaster risk reduction.

Dubai has been named the world's most resilient city by the United Nations. Reuters
Dubai has been named the world's most resilient city by the United Nations. Reuters

During a meeting at Dubai World Trade Centre, Sheikh Hamdan congratulated senior officials for their work towards achieving the award.

He urged the teams to continue to improve Dubai’s global sustainability rankings.

The assessment of Dubai by the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction focused on 10 key factors which make cities resilient.

“Dubai’s risk and disaster management teams work to constantly raise their preparedness to deal with unforeseen crises and develop long-term strategies to promote a culture of readiness to manage all kinds of risks,” Dubai Media Office said.

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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Key figures in the life of the fort

Sheikh Dhiyab bin Isa (ruled 1761-1793) Built Qasr Al Hosn as a watchtower to guard over the only freshwater well on Abu Dhabi island.

Sheikh Shakhbut bin Dhiyab (ruled 1793-1816) Expanded the tower into a small fort and transferred his ruling place of residence from Liwa Oasis to the fort on the island.

Sheikh Tahnoon bin Shakhbut (ruled 1818-1833) Expanded Qasr Al Hosn further as Abu Dhabi grew from a small village of palm huts to a town of more than 5,000 inhabitants.

Sheikh Khalifa bin Shakhbut (ruled 1833-1845) Repaired and fortified the fort.

Sheikh Saeed bin Tahnoon (ruled 1845-1855) Turned Qasr Al Hosn into a strong two-storied structure.

Sheikh Zayed bin Khalifa (ruled 1855-1909) Expanded Qasr Al Hosn further to reflect the emirate's increasing prominence.

Sheikh Shakhbut bin Sultan (ruled 1928-1966) Renovated and enlarged Qasr Al Hosn, adding a decorative arch and two new villas.

Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan (ruled 1966-2004) Moved the royal residence to Al Manhal palace and kept his diwan at Qasr Al Hosn.

Sources: Jayanti Maitra, www.adach.ae

What's in the deal?

Agreement aims to boost trade by £25.5bn a year in the long run, compared with a total of £42.6bn in 2024

India will slash levies on medical devices, machinery, cosmetics, soft drinks and lamb.

India will also cut automotive tariffs to 10% under a quota from over 100% currently.

Indian employees in the UK will receive three years exemption from social security payments

India expects 99% of exports to benefit from zero duty, raising opportunities for textiles, marine products, footwear and jewellery

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