Dubai has rolled out its latest weapon in the fight against Covid-19 - a germ-busting robot which can disinfect hospital wards, malls and offices using ultraviolet light.
Sanitizexperts, a home, office and industrial cleaning firm, said its automated UVC robot offers a smarter, safer and more efficient way to combat the spread of coronavirus and wipe out other bacteria.
The hi-tech device is able to provide 360-degree disinfection of any area it glides through, without the need for chemicals and sprays.
The cyber sanitiser deploys artificial intelligence to plot its path and judge the time required to disinfect the environment it finds itself in.
“The automated UVC Robot is an exciting development against Covid-19, which we’re very excited to introduce to the UAE," said Omar Chappuis, chief executive of Sanitizexperts.
"Whether in a hospital, airport, mall, home or the office, the robot will ensure that bacteria are eliminated, allowing for clean, safe living.”
It is equipped with radar vision and ultrasonic obstacle avoidance abilities to allow it to roam freely without colliding into anything in its path.
The robot's ultraviolet light can operate for up to 8,000 hours, while the machine is able to recognise when a human being is within reach so it can automatically shut down the powerful lamp.
Research carried out by the the International Ultraviolet Association, a non-profit organisation dedicated to advancing the industry, has noted that UV disinfection technologies are a valuable tool in reducing the transmission of Covid-19.
The robot can sterilise an 800 square metre area in 150 minutes, said to be around 10 times the efficiency of other disinfection methods.
The clean machine is operated through Wi-Fi and can be managed via a PC or an app.
The software assists users in mapping the area to be sanitised and it is possible to have multiple automated UVC robots working simultaneously. When the battery level energy is low, the robot it will automatically go back to its station and charge.
The robot is available for rental or purchase through the company.
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Director: Shahad Ameen
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Farage on Muslim Brotherhood
Nigel Farage told Reform's annual conference that the party will proscribe the Muslim Brotherhood if he becomes Prime Minister.
"We will stop dangerous organisations with links to terrorism operating in our country," he said. "Quite why we've been so gutless about this – both Labour and Conservative – I don't know.
“All across the Middle East, countries have banned and proscribed the Muslim Brotherhood as a dangerous organisation. We will do the very same.”
It is 10 years since a ground-breaking report into the Muslim Brotherhood by Sir John Jenkins.
Among the former diplomat's findings was an assessment that “the use of extreme violence in the pursuit of the perfect Islamic society” has “never been institutionally disowned” by the movement.
The prime minister at the time, David Cameron, who commissioned the report, said membership or association with the Muslim Brotherhood was a "possible indicator of extremism" but it would not be banned.
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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
