Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation, held talks with Somalian counterpart Abshir Omar Jama on Saturday.
The two men discussed ways to strengthen bilateral ties during the meeting in Abu Dhabi.
Sheikh Abdullah spoke of the strong bonds between the countries and emphasised the UAE's determination to support efforts to bring peace and stability to Somalia.
The meeting was attended by Sheikh Shakhbout bin Nahyan, Minister of State.
The visiting minister expressed his thanks for the UAE's ongoing support of the African nation.
Vital aid sent was recently to Somalia from Dubai after the city of Mogadishu was hit with a deadly car bomb late last month.
The emirate's International Humanitarian City responded to a call by the World Health Organisation to help those affected by the attack that killed 120 people and injured more than 300 others.
Thirty-eight tonnes of trauma kits and surgical equipment worth about $130,000 were flown to Somalia's capital and are expected to help up to 55,000 people.
Somalia is battling its worst drought in 40 years, with about eight million people impacted, and more than a million of those displaced.
In August, an Emirati ship carrying more than 1,000 tonnes of food and relief supplies was sent to the port of Mogadishu in the African country, following directives by President Sheikh Mohamed.
Maldives meeting
Sheikh Abdullah also reviewed efforts to boost UAE partnerships with the Maldives during a meeting with the country's foreign minister.
Sheikh Abdullah held talks with Abdulla Shahid in Abu Dhabi on Saturday, with regional and international issues on the agenda.
Discussions centred on their shared vision to drive development and prosperity, the UAE's hosting of the Cop 28 climate summit next year, and plans for the countries to work together to pursue environment goals.
Mr Shahid praised the Emirate's determination to help address global climate change challenges.
He also delivered a letter from the Maldives President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih to President Sheikh Mohamed.
The message focused on the strong ties between the countries.
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
