Two marina developments have been launched in Abu Dhabi's Al Dhafra region as part of a maritime master plan created to generate jobs, boost trade and tourism and promote local heritage.
Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed, the Ruler's Representative in Al Dhafra, opened Sila Community Harbour and Al Fayiyi Island Marina on Friday, state news agency Wam reported.
They are part of a series of marina projects from the Department of Municipalities and Transport and Abu Dhabi Maritime, part of Abu Dhabi Ports Group.
Sheikh Hamdan toured the new-look Sila Community Harbour, which features two sets of pontoons for 64 fishing boats and private vessels, a dhow quay wall and 68 wet berths, along with a fishing market, an administration building and a restaurant.
He was also briefed on the new Al Fayiyi Island Marina, which boasts a navigational canal 500 metres long and 35 metres wide, a 220-metre road connecting the land to the basin, a 1.5-metre-deep basin for mooring and handling boats, 26 wet berths, solar lighting, a dhow ramp, a slipway, and a ramp for navigational aids in the canal, providing safe access to and from Al Fayiyi Island for residents and visitors.
Sheikh Hamdan praised the UAE leadership for their work in supporting the development of the vast Al Dhafra region through infrastructure projects encouraging a growth in trade, industry and tourism.
Al Dhafra, in the western region of Abu Dhabi, accounts for about two-thirds of the emirate by total area, made up of sprawling desert, beaches and a network of islands.
Distinguished destination
“Today's inaugurations mark an important milestone in enhancing the commercial, economic, maritime and logistical capabilities of the Al Dhafra Region, elevating its position as a distinguished maritime destination,” said Sheikh Hamdan.
“These development projects contribute to strengthening the local fishing sector and advancing a sustainable maritime community, but they also significantly promote economic diversification and create new investment opportunities in the UAE and the region.”
Mohamed Al Shorafa, chairman of the Department of Municipalities and Transport, said the two schemes would boost transport links and improve quality of life for residents.
“These projects are not only pivotal for their role in preserving local heritage and creating economic opportunities, but also for providing improved access to our maritime assets,” he said.
“They enable smoother connectivity and promote sustainable mobility, all contributing to a higher quality of life for our community.”
Abu Dhabi Ports Group had earlier announced the completion of improvement works at Mugharraq Port and the provision of free wet and dry parking for residents as part of its efforts to develop the Al Dhafra region and support the local community.
Sheikh Hamdan also inspected Marawah Island, when he directed a study to be conducted to develop the island’s marina.
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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