Sheikh Khalifa leads tributes as UAE celebrates Mars mission success

President Sheikh Khalifa led the tributes as the nation rejoiced over the success of the Hope probe's historic journey to Mars.

The UAE on Tuesday evening became only the fifth nation in the world to successfully send a spacecraft to the Red Planet.

Frayed nerves gave way to jubilation when the Mohammed bin Rashid Space Centre received the message that a remarkable mission had been accomplished.

Sheikh Khalifa congratulated the country's citizens and residents on a brilliant new chapter in the UAE's history,

He praised 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, for their roles in the success.

"This historic achievement would not have been possible without the persistence and determination to implement the idea that emerged at the end of 2013 by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, who followed it up closely until its success," Sheikh Khalifa said.

He said the support of Sheikh Mohamed had proved pivotal.

"Thanks to both leaders and the team of scientists and engineers behind the project for proving to the world that the UAE is capable of achieving the impossible," Sheikh Khalifa said.

Senior figures in the UAE joined the chorus of praise as the UAE's space sector took a huge leap forward.

Huge outpouring of support as UAE makes it mark in history

"The Hope probe’s historic arrival to Mars is the greatest celebration of the 50th anniversary of our country." - Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai

"The entry of the Hope Probe into the orbit of Mars is a significant accomplishment in our nation’s history." - Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces

"The Hope probe’s historic space journey to Mars is a significant Arab and Emirati achievement." - Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, Crown Prince of Dubai

"What has made this mission remarkable is not only the 200 Emiratis that were working on this, it's the 450 people from different continents, backgrounds and beliefs." - Sarah Al Amiri, chairwoman of the UAE Space Agency

"February 9, 2021 marks a new dawn in the Emirati and Arab space exploration journey. Congratulations to our leadership, Emiratis and Arabs on the successful Mars orbit insertion of the Hope probe." - Sultan Al Neyadi, UAE astronaut

"Dear Hope Mars Mission, congratulations on arriving at Mars! In the words of the poet Al Mutanabbi: 'If you ventured in pursuit of glory, don’t be satisfied with less than the stars.' - Nasa Perseverance Rover

"We congratulate Mohammed bin Rashid Space Centre for this incredible accomplishment, guided by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid's inspiring vision to set up the first Arab interplanetary mission." - Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed, chief executive of Emirates airline

"Congratulations to the UAE on their arrival at Mars today. Their Hope orbiter will perform a detailed study of the atmosphere, which long ago sustained running water on the Martian surface. Now it doesn’t. Lessons for us back on Earth, waiting to be learned." - Neil De Grasse Tyson, astrophysicist

"The probe’s success in entering the Martian orbit and commencing its scientific mission is a momentous milestone in the UAE’s journey. It leaves an imprint in history that reflects the hard work of a nation that is not yet 50 years old." - Abdullah Al Nuaimi, Minister of Climate Change and Environment

"Reaching Mars is a new opportunity for Arabs and Muslims to elevate their global standing, and an Emirati message of hope for the new generation in our Arab world." - Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid, Deputy Ruler of Dubai.

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

Groom and Two Brides

Director: Elie Semaan

Starring: Abdullah Boushehri, Laila Abdallah, Lulwa Almulla

Rating: 3/5

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

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