Sixty nurses from India touched down in the UAE on Saturday night to join the country's fight against Covid-19.
The medics - all trained in critical care - have been drafted in by Aster DM Healthcare from its hospitals in India as the first batch of 88 professionals due to be integrated into UAE facilities.
The influx of talent comes after support from the Indian Consulate, Dubai Health Authority and the UAE's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation.
The welcome arrivals will bolster staff numbers at Covid-19 care facilities in Dubai.
While India remains in lockdown, the healthcare workers were granted permission to fly to the UAE.
“The initiative reflects the trusted relationship that exists between India and the UAE and the deep commitment shared by the two nations to support one another," said Dr Azad Moopen, founder managing director of Aster DM Healthcare.
"It is all the more pertinent during such unprecedented crisis. Aster felt duty bound to assist UAE by bringing our medical professionals from India for best possible healthcare delivery to citizens, residents and visitors alike during the Covid-19 situation, and to be part of increasing the surge capacity. "
Humaid Al Qutami, director-general of the Dubai Health Authority said the move was part of efforts to ensure patients receive the "highest standards of care".
“We have a long-standing relationship with India and our private sector partners in healthcare. This initiative is testimony to the relationship shared by the two nations and it highlights the close collaboration between the government and the private health sector," he said.
"We have built sufficient capacity to tackle the situation in case the need arises and we are closely working with healthcare authorities in the UAE to ensure we provide the highest standard of care to Covid-19 patients in the country. We are deeply grateful to all frontline workers including all medical professionals who are working tirelessly to serve the community.”
Pavan Kapoor, India's Ambassador to the UAE, and Shri Vipul, Consul General of India said the partnership highlighted the strong ties that exist between the UAE and India.
“India and the UAE are showing how a strategic partnership translates into concrete co-operation on the ground in dealing with this pandemic. Helping a friend in need is the motto of co-operation between our two countries, and will further strengthen our long-standing friendship,” said Mr Kapoor.
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Gallery: Mass testing in Mussaffah
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Israel Palestine on Swedish TV 1958-1989
Director: Goran Hugo Olsson
Rating: 5/5
Fifa Club World Cup quarter-final
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Al Ain 3 (Ahmed 02’, El Shahat 17’, Al Ahbabi 60’)
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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The Bio
Favourite Emirati dish: I have so many because it has a lot of herbs and vegetables. Harees (oats with chicken) is one of them
Favourite place to go to: Dubai Mall because it has lots of sports shops.
Her motivation: My performance because I know that whatever I do, if I put the effort in, I’ll get results
During her free time: I like to drink coffee - a latte no sugar and no flavours. I do not like cold drinks
Pet peeve: That with every meal they give you a fries and Pepsi. That is so unhealthy
Advice to anyone who wants to be an ironman: Go for the goal. If you are consistent, you will get there. With the first one, it might not be what they want but they should start and just do it
