ABU DHABI // The fear of expensive medical bills is discouraging many expatriates from sponsoring their parents.
Even though companies frequently offer medical insurance for employees’ spouses and children, parents are not considered part of the immediate family and are not covered.
Dr Asjad Hameed, a medical consultant in Abu Dhabi, says insurers charge a lot of money for elderly expatriates because they expect a lot of medical complaints.
“Insurance companies waste no time in doubling the premium,” he says.
Raza Ahmed, a Pakistani banker who lives in Dubai, wants to bring his parents here, but cannot afford it. He moved from Karachi three years ago, leaving his elderly parents behind.
“In the first two years, things were somehow managed. But now my parents’ health is deteriorating and I don’t want them to live alone,” he says.
“I thought sponsoring parents wouldn’t be so much of a problem as I fall into the category that can sponsor parents.”
However, when he looked at the cost of medical insurance he realised the extent of his problem.
According to Mr Ahmed, the cheapest option that Daman offers is the Care Bronze Card for people over 65 years of age.
“The customer service person told me that each senior person’s medical insurance would cost Dh27,000, which means I have to pay Dh54,000 every year from my pocket, which isn’t an affordable option,” he says. Mr Ahmed checked almost all other medical insurance in the country but either they refused to provide insurance to expatriates above the age of 60 or started quoting exorbitant prices.
Mr Ahmed says insurers should deem parents immediate family.
“The UAE is a traditional, family-orientated country. We realise the importance of parents in our lives,” he said.
“We cannot leave them all alone especially when there is no one to care of them.”
However, Naqi Shahid, an Indian who lives in Abu Dhabi, said he found affordable insurance for his father. He brought his surviving parent to the UAE five years ago.
“In the first year, my company gave me the medical insurance for my father. But afterwards, it refused to continue as he does not qualify as immediate member,” he said.
Mr Shahid said he was surprised when Daman offered affordable insurance for his father.
“The premium plan is a basic card and does not cover him comprehensively. But at least it covers emergencies and other basic and regular medical care,” he said.
Another challenge for expatriates is home nursing care.
“Unfortunately, not many of the insurance companies cover home nursing in Dubai,” said Clodagh Withington, commercial manager at Emirates Home Nursing, a private health centre in Dubai that provides senior care at home.
“As a result, many of those who need our help are not able to afford to pay for it.”
akhaishgi@thenational.ae
MEYDAN RESULTS
6.30pm Baniyas (PA) Group 2 Dh125,000 (Dirt) 1,400m
Winner ES Ajeeb, Sam Hitchcock (jockey), Ibrahim Aseel (trainer).
7.05pm Maiden (TB) Dh165,000 (D) 1,200m
Winner Galaxy Road, Antonio Fresu, Musabah Al Muhairi.
7.40pm Maiden (TB) Dh165,000 (D) 1,400m
Winner Al Modayar, Fernando Jara, Ali Rashid Al Raihe.
8.15pm Handicap (TB) Dh170,000 (D) 1,900m
Winner Gundogdu, Xavier Ziani, Salem bin Ghadayer.
8.50pm Rated Conditions (TB) Dh240,000 (D) 1,600m
Winner George Villiers, Tadhg O’Shea, Satish Seemar.
9.25pm Handicap (TB) Dh175,000 (D)1,200m
Winner Lady Parma, Connor Beasley, Satish Seemar
10pm Handicap (TB) Dh165,000 (D) 1,400m
Winner Zaajer, Fernando Jara, Ali Rashid Al Raihe
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
What is safeguarding?
“Safeguarding, not just in sport, but in all walks of life, is making sure that policies are put in place that make sure your child is safe; when they attend a football club, a tennis club, that there are welfare officers at clubs who are qualified to a standard to make sure your child is safe in that environment,” Derek Bell explains.
Race card
1.30pm: Handicap (PA) Dh 50,000 (Dirt) 1,400m
2pm: Handicap (TB) Dh 84,000 (D) 1,400m
2.30pm: Maiden (TB) Dh 60,000 (D) 1,200m
3pm: Conditions (TB) Dh 100,000 (D) 1.950m
3.30pm: Handicap (TB) Dh 76,000 (D) 1,800m
4pm: Maiden (TB) Dh 60,000 (D) 1,600m
4.30pm: Handicap (TB) Dh 68,000 (D) 1,000m
Sukuk explained
Sukuk are Sharia-compliant financial certificates issued by governments, corporates and other entities. While as an asset class they resemble conventional bonds, there are some significant differences. As interest is prohibited under Sharia, sukuk must contain an underlying transaction, for example a leaseback agreement, and the income that is paid to investors is generated by the underlying asset. Investors must also be prepared to share in both the profits and losses of an enterprise. Nevertheless, sukuk are similar to conventional bonds in that they provide regular payments, and are considered less risky than equities. Most investors would not buy sukuk directly due to high minimum subscriptions, but invest via funds.
ZAYED SUSTAINABILITY PRIZE
How to protect yourself when air quality drops
Install an air filter in your home.
Close your windows and turn on the AC.
Shower or bath after being outside.
Wear a face mask.
Stay indoors when conditions are particularly poor.
If driving, turn your engine off when stationary.
