Dubai Police issue Dh50,000 fines after yacht party breaks Covid-19 rules

Dubai Police have issued Dh50,000 fines to the organisers of a yacht party that flouted Covid-19 safety rules.

Several people incurred financial penalties after ignoring social distancing regulations and failing to ensure face masks were worn during the gathering, said Dubai Media Office.

The licence of the yacht operator was suspended for a month.

Officers swooped on the party in tandem with Dubai Tourism.

Police did not disclose when the raid took place or the location of the yacht at the time.

Last week, tourism chiefs said tours or parties on yachts would be restricted to 10 people in response to a recent rise in coronavirus cases.

Previously, vessels were allowed to sail with 50 per cent capacity.

In October, Dubai Police imposed a Dh10,000 fine on an airline pilot who hosted a yacht party that breached Covid-19 safety measures.

The force said as many as 25 people gathered on the vessel, with guests ignoring social distancing rules and failing to wear masks.

Action was taken after video footage of the party was posted on social media by some of those in attendance.

Coronavirus in Dubai - in pictures

A Covid-19 vaccination centre in Dubai's International Financial Centre district. AFP
A masked falconer entertains tourists at Dubai's historic Al Fahidi neighbourhood. AFP
Cove Beach at Caesars Palace, Dubai. Reuters
Fitness enthusiasts in Dubai return to gyms as Covid-19 restrictions ease. Antonie Robertson / The National
Coronavirus vaccine shipment arrives at Dubai International Airport. AFP
The number of joggers has increased steadily along Dubai's Palm Jumeirah island in recent months. EPA
A nationwide vaccination and screening drive in Dubai has been credited for helping to limit the spread of Covid-19. Dubai Media Office
Temperature scanners at Dubai International Airport are one of several measures introduced by the emirate to help detect Covid-19 among travellers. AP

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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

Director: Shady Ali
Cast: Boumi Fouad , Mohamed Tharout and Hisham Ismael
Rating: 3/5

Living in...

This article is part of a guide on where to live in the UAE. Our reporters will profile some of the country’s most desirable districts, provide an estimate of rental prices and introduce you to some of the residents who call each area home.

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Syria v Australia
2018 World Cup qualifying: Asia fourth round play-off first leg
Venue: Hang Jebat Stadium (Malacca, Malayisa)
Kick-off: Thursday, 4.30pm (UAE)
Watch: beIN Sports HD

* Second leg in Australia scheduled for October 10

How to apply for a drone permit

Individuals must register on UAE Drone app or website using their UAE Pass
Add all their personal details, including name, nationality, passport number, Emiratis ID, email and phone number
Upload the training certificate from a centre accredited by the GCAA
Submit their request

What are the regulations?

Fly it within visual line of sight
Never over populated areas
Ensure maximum flying height of 400 feet (122 metres) above ground level is not crossed
Users must avoid flying over restricted areas listed on the UAE Drone app
Only fly the drone during the day, and never at night
Should have a live feed of the drone flight
Drones must weigh 5 kg or less

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JAPANESE GRAND PRIX INFO

Schedule (All times UAE)
First practice: Friday, 5-6.30am
Second practice: Friday, 9-10.30am
Third practice: Saturday, 7-8am
Qualifying: Saturday, 10-11am
Race: Sunday, 9am-midday

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Circuit Length: 5.807km
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