ABU DHABI // Anyone who has driven on local motorways knows they are often the domain of the inordinately self-assured.
But a driving company in Musaffah is working to soften that mindset, and is reaping results after only a few days.
On Wednesday, the Emirates Driving Company officially launched a free programme that teaches drivers how to adapt to tricky weather conditions. Already 120 participants, half of them Emirati, have applied to take the course, which continues until the end of February.
"We truly appreciate these individuals who recognise and admit the fact that they need to improve their basic skills," said Dr Gihad Esbaita, the driving company's general manager. "Many drivers have a false sense of self-assurance when it comes to driving and handling themselves in compromising situations. This is where we come in and teach drivers what they can expect from the car and how they can control it."
He said this month was the ideal time for such an initiative. "In February, the climate changes in a matter of days. In one day you can experience two or three seasons."
The programme is open to anyone with a driver's licence. Interested candidates can call the Emirates Driving Company for an appointment to take the course in English, Arabic or Urdu.
The programme has a 70-minute theoretical section and a one-hour practical section. Drivers practise with instructors in real cars, which have stained windscreens to simulate fog, and in car simulators that imitate driving in a variety of conditions, including fog and rain.
The Ministry of Interior is supporting the project.
Brig Gen Gaith Hassan al Zaabi, director general of traffic coordination, said the ministry is developing a strategy to improve driving conditions in the emirate, starting with a road safety campaign under the theme "Together in Ending Road Accidents" during GCC Week, which begins on March 13.
"Most accidents can be attributed to human factors," Brig Gen al Zaabi said. "In order to reduce the number of accidents, we need to change driver behaviour. This type of communication will do so by teaching drivers the right methods on how to handle themselves in such circumstances, and as a result, have a positive impact on the community."
mismail@thenational.ae
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Uefa Champions League semi-final, first leg
Bayern Munich v Real Madrid
When: April 25, 10.45pm kick-off (UAE)
Where: Allianz Arena, Munich
Live: BeIN Sports HD
Second leg: May 1, Santiago Bernabeu, Madrid
The specs
- Engine: 3.9-litre twin-turbo V8
- Power: 640hp
- Torque: 760nm
- On sale: 2026
- Price: Not announced yet
Key findings of Jenkins report
- Founder of the Muslim Brotherhood, Hassan al Banna, "accepted the political utility of violence"
- Views of key Muslim Brotherhood ideologue, Sayyid Qutb, have “consistently been understood” as permitting “the use of extreme violence in the pursuit of the perfect Islamic society” and “never been institutionally disowned” by the movement.
- Muslim Brotherhood at all levels has repeatedly defended Hamas attacks against Israel, including the use of suicide bombers and the killing of civilians.
- Laying out the report in the House of Commons, David Cameron told MPs: "The main findings of the review support the conclusion that membership of, association with, or influence by the Muslim Brotherhood should be considered as a possible indicator of extremism."
If you go
Where to stay: Courtyard by Marriott Titusville Kennedy Space Centre has unparalleled views of the Indian River. Alligators can be spotted from hotel room balconies, as can several rocket launch sites. The hotel also boasts cool space-themed decor.
When to go: Florida is best experienced during the winter months, from November to May, before the humidity kicks in.
How to get there: Emirates currently flies from Dubai to Orlando five times a week.
Sunday's games
All times UAE:
Tottenham Hotspur v Crystal Palace, 4pm
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Chelsea v Manchester United, 8.30pm
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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
