• Musical and dance performances were the highlight of the independence day festivities at the Pakistan Embassy in the UAE. All photos: Pakistan Embassy in UAE
    Musical and dance performances were the highlight of the independence day festivities at the Pakistan Embassy in the UAE. All photos: Pakistan Embassy in UAE
  • Pakistan officials and residents cutting a large cake to celebrate the day.
    Pakistan officials and residents cutting a large cake to celebrate the day.
  • Gayan Chand, deputy consul general, speaking during the festivities.
    Gayan Chand, deputy consul general, speaking during the festivities.
  • Imtiaz Feroz Gondal, Pakistan charge d'affaires in Abu Dhabi, speaks to the community in the UAE capital.
    Imtiaz Feroz Gondal, Pakistan charge d'affaires in Abu Dhabi, speaks to the community in the UAE capital.
  • Hassan Afzal Khan, centre, consul general of Pakistan, with community members at the 75-year independence day celebrations in Dubai.
    Hassan Afzal Khan, centre, consul general of Pakistan, with community members at the 75-year independence day celebrations in Dubai.
  • Pakistani officials in Abu Dhabi speak to hundreds of citizens gathered to mark 75 years since British colonial rule.
    Pakistani officials in Abu Dhabi speak to hundreds of citizens gathered to mark 75 years since British colonial rule.

Pakistani officials in UAE recall leaders' sacrifices that led to creation of country


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Patriotic songs and performances by school pupils were part of the ceremonies organised at Pakistan missions in the UAE to celebrate 75 years of independence from British colonial rule.

Residents joined in to cheer, sing and applaud as children in white outfits and green scarves danced and sang popular national tunes at the Pakistan embassy in Abu Dhabi on Sunday.

In Dubai, Hassan Afzal Khan, consul general of Pakistan to Dubai and the Northern Emirates, spoke of the unmatched sacrifice of leaders such as Muhammad Ali Jinnah that led to the creation of Pakistan on August 14, 1947.

He praised the UAE's Pakistani community for playing a vital role in the development and growth of the UAE and Pakistan.

He said relations between the two nations would continue to thrive under the visionary leadership of both countries.

Mr Khan assured them that community-friendly initiatives were being taken to reach more members of the Pakistani community across the country.

Officials cut a large green-and-white cake as part of the festivities in the embassy in Abu Dhabi and consulate in Dubai after the national flag was hoisted and residents joined in to sing the national anthem.

A photographic exhibition with images of Jinnah and scenes from Pakistani life were on display at the Dubai consulate.

Messages from the Pakistan president and prime minister were read out to mark the country achieving independence from British rule.

Imtiaz Feroz Gondal, the charge d'affaires in Abu Dhabi, prayed for Pakistan's peace and prosperity and urged community members to play a constructive role in the progress and development of the country.

Essentials

The flights

Emirates and Etihad fly direct from the UAE to Geneva from Dh2,845 return, including taxes. The flight takes 6 hours. 

The package

Clinique La Prairie offers a variety of programmes. A six-night Master Detox costs from 14,900 Swiss francs (Dh57,655), including all food, accommodation and a set schedule of medical consultations and spa treatments.

UAE v Gibraltar

What: International friendly

When: 7pm kick off

Where: Rugby Park, Dubai Sports City

Admission: Free

Online: The match will be broadcast live on Dubai Exiles’ Facebook page

UAE squad: Lucas Waddington (Dubai Exiles), Gio Fourie (Exiles), Craig Nutt (Abu Dhabi Harlequins), Phil Brady (Harlequins), Daniel Perry (Dubai Hurricanes), Esekaia Dranibota (Harlequins), Matt Mills (Exiles), Jaen Botes (Exiles), Kristian Stinson (Exiles), Murray Reason (Abu Dhabi Saracens), Dave Knight (Hurricanes), Ross Samson (Jebel Ali Dragons), DuRandt Gerber (Exiles), Saki Naisau (Dragons), Andrew Powell (Hurricanes), Emosi Vacanau (Harlequins), Niko Volavola (Dragons), Matt Richards (Dragons), Luke Stevenson (Harlequins), Josh Ives (Dubai Sports City Eagles), Sean Stevens (Saracens), Thinus Steyn (Exiles)

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

Profile

Co-founders of the company: Vilhelm Hedberg and Ravi Bhusari

Launch year: In 2016 ekar launched and signed an agreement with Etihad Airways in Abu Dhabi. In January 2017 ekar launched in Dubai in a partnership with the RTA.

Number of employees: Over 50

Financing stage: Series B currently being finalised

Investors: Series A - Audacia Capital 

Sector of operation: Transport

The specs

Engine: 8.0-litre, quad-turbo 16-cylinder

Transmission: 7-speed auto

0-100kmh 2.3 seconds

0-200kmh 5.5 seconds

0-300kmh 11.6 seconds

Power: 1500hp

Torque: 1600Nm

Price: Dh13,400,000

On sale: now

MOUNTAINHEAD REVIEW

Starring: Ramy Youssef, Steve Carell, Jason Schwartzman

Director: Jesse Armstrong

Rating: 3.5/5

In numbers

Number of Chinese tourists coming to UAE in 2017 was... 1.3m

Alibaba’s new ‘Tech Town’  in Dubai is worth... $600m

China’s investment in the MIddle East in 2016 was... $29.5bn

The world’s most valuable start-up in 2018, TikTok, is valued at... $75bn

Boost to the UAE economy of 5G connectivity will be... $269bn 

RESULTS

1.30pm Handicap (PA) Dh 50,000 (Dirt) 1,400m

Winner AF Almomayaz, Hugo Lebouc (jockey), Ali Rashid Al Raihe (trainer)

2pm Handicap (TB) Dh 84,000 (D) 1,400m

Winner Karaginsky, Tadhg O’Shea, Satish Seemar.

2.30pm Maiden (TB) Dh 60,000 (D) 1,200m

Winner Sadeedd, Ryan Curatolo, Nicholas Bachalard.

3pm Conditions (TB) Dh 100,000 (D) 1,950m

Winner Blue Sovereign, Clement Lecoeuvre, Erwan Charpy.

3.30pm Handicap (TB) Dh 76,000 (D) 1,800m

Winner Tailor’s Row, Royston Ffrench, Salem bin Ghadayer.

4pm Maiden (TB) Dh 60,000 (D) 1,600m

Winner Bladesmith, Tadhg O’Shea, Satish Seemar.

4.30pm Handicap (TB) Dh 68,000 (D) 1,000m

Winner Shanaghai City, Fabrice Veron, Rashed Bouresly.

Updated: August 16, 2022, 3:26 AM