DUBAI // A multimillion-dirham plan to build a hall for the Pakistani community remains on course despite a lack of funds.
An appeal for Dh4 million has been launched by the Pakistan Association of Dubai (PAD), which is behind the scheme, to complete the centre by May. The hall will have a capacity for 650 people, including a library with 16 computer work stations and an area for indoor games such as table tennis and badminton.
The group hopes wealthy businessmen and Pakistani companies based in the Emirate will come forward to donate money. So far Dh2 million has been spent, of which half came from existing PAD funds and the rest through donations.
“There isn’t really very much in terms of facilities for the Pakistani community in Dubai,” said Riaz Farooq, the PAD president. “That is why it’s so important that we finish the remaining work on it and get it open.”
Work on the Dh6.3 million hall behind the existing PAD centre off Oud Metha Road in Bur Dubai began in March last year. Although most of the structure has been completed, funding for the rest of the project has almost run out.
“We are hoping to complete it this year and God willing we will,” said Mr Farooq. “But to do that we will be approaching Pakistani businessmen and companies in the city for help. I’m sure we will raise the rest of the money because there is huge interest within the community about the project.”
He said the association would be able to generate extra revenue once the new hall was opened and was being used. That money would then be ploughed back into PAD coffers to fund other community projects.
The ground floor of the 1,688 square metre multipurpose hall will also feature a lobby area, a kitchen, toilets and a 43-space car park. There will be a first-floor gallery seating almost 200 people.
“It’s been our dream to have this hall completed and open for the Pakistani community to use,” said Muhammed Azeem, PAD’s vice president. “It will be a very flexible facility. Building-wise we just need to put in place the roof and then we can start on the finishings. People will be able to use it for weddings or other functions and it will be affordable. Once that has been done we can move onto our second phase, which will include restaurants.”
Some members of the community were already looking forward to the facility’s opening. Rafique Ali, who works for an information technology firm, said it should help families cut costs for major events.
“I think it will be very good once it opens,” said Rafique Ali, 23, who works in the for an IT company. “I have relatives who have had to book expensive hotels to have their wedding receptions, so when this hall opens it will be a very cost-effective alternative.”
nhanif@thenational.ae
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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.
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New process leads to panic among jobseekers
As a UAE-based travel agent who processes tourist visas from the Philippines, Jennifer Pacia Gado is fielding a lot of calls from concerned travellers just now. And they are all asking the same question.
“My clients are mostly Filipinos, and they [all want to know] about good conduct certificates,” says the 34-year-old Filipina, who has lived in the UAE for five years.
Ms Gado contacted the Philippines Embassy to get more information on the certificate so she can share it with her clients. She says many are worried about the process and associated costs – which could be as high as Dh500 to obtain and attest a good conduct certificate from the Philippines for jobseekers already living in the UAE.
“They are worried about this because when they arrive here without the NBI [National Bureau of Investigation] clearance, it is a hassle because it takes time,” she says.
“They need to go first to the embassy to apply for the application of the NBI clearance. After that they have go to the police station [in the UAE] for the fingerprints. And then they will apply for the special power of attorney so that someone can finish the process in the Philippines. So it is a long process and more expensive if you are doing it from here.”
