Watch: Dubai Police bust desert party that breached Covid-19 rules

Dubai Police shut down a desert camp party where coronavirus safety rules were breached.

Police and Dubai Tourism worked together to break up the gathering.

The camp operator was fined Dh50,000, while each guest had to pay Dh15,000.

Video footage released by Dubai Media office showed a large stage erected in the desert as strobe lighting darted into the skies.

The specific location of the event was not disclosed, nor when it took place.

Police are stepping up efforts to close down gatherings that defy health regulations.

On Sunday, it was announced that Dubai Police had issued Dh50,000 fines to the organisers of a yacht party.

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

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

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 at 50 per cent capacity.

Dubai Economy has carried out extensive sweeps of businesses for several months to ensure they are abiding by precautionary measures.

The UAE has recorded a significant rise in coronavirus infections since the turn of the year.

Case numbers have risen from about 1,000 to day to a daily average of more than 3,000.

Coronavirus in the UAE:

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

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

Tips from the expert

Dobromir Radichkov, chief data officer at dubizzle and Bayut, offers a few tips for UAE residents looking to earn some cash from pre-loved items.

Sellers should focus on providing high-quality used goods at attractive prices to buyers.
It’s important to use clear and appealing photos, with catchy titles and detailed descriptions to capture the attention of prospective buyers.
Try to advertise a realistic price to attract buyers looking for good deals, especially in the current environment where consumers are significantly more price-sensitive.
Be creative and look around your home for valuable items that you no longer need but might be useful to others.

The specs: 2018 Audi Q5/SQ5

Price, base: Dh183,900 / Dh249,000
Engine: 2.0L, turbocharged in-line four-cylinder / 3.0L, turbocharged V6
Gearbox: Seven-speed automatic / Eight-speed automatic
Power: 252hp @ 5,000rpm / 354hp @ 5,400rpm
Torque: 370Nm @ 1,600rpm / 500Nm @ 1,370rpm
Fuel economy: combined 7.2L / 100km / 8.3L / 100km

MATCH INFO

Manchester United 1 (Fernandes pen 2') Tottenham Hotspur 6 (Ndombele 4', Son 7' & 37' Kane (30' & pen 79, Aurier 51')

Man of the match Son Heung-min (Tottenham)

UAE%20medallists%20at%20Asian%20Games%202023

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MATCH DETAILS

Barcelona 0

Slavia Prague 0

Match info

Bournemouth 0
Liverpool 4 (Salah 25', 48', 76', Cook 68' OG)

Man of the match: Andrew Robertson (Liverpool)

Company%20Profile

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