ABU DHABI // A new charter outlining a nationally recognised code of conduct and values for Emiratis has been approved by the Cabinet.
The charter is part of a series of new educational initiatives aimed at promoting a country-wide civics curriculum.
It will be used in educational and cultural spheres and will raise "a national generation who are aware of their responsibilities and duties toward the nation, family and community", the state news agency Wam reported.
"The charter aims to develop a general and clearly defined frame for Emirati character to reflect its unique culture and connection to its values, traditions, heritage and its religion, Islam," the report said.
The Cabinet, which met yesterday at the Union House under the chairmanship of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, ordered the charter to be circulated to all relevant bodies.
The Cabinet approved a resolution directing the Ministry of Education to integrate a history course on the founding fathers into the national curricula.
The Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research was also ordered to introduce Emirati studies as a mandatory subject for all graduates from national and private universities.
The new subject will include studies on the UAE's history, social culture, terrains, geography, laws and regulations.
Sheikh Mohammed also launched a number of initiatives to mark the 41st National Day.
The Cabinet approved a measure to support small and medium-sized enterprises by requiring that federal ministries and departments buy 10 per cent of all purchases locally.
"We will support the UAE youth, products and culture because the UAE is the source of our pride and our people are the source of our dignity," Sheikh Mohammed said.
Sheikh Mohammed also announced that Emiratisation would become a national priority in the coming year.
"The most important characteristic of the founding fathers and the most important lesson we learned from them is that the citizen is the priority, and we should give importance to building humans before building edifices," Sheikh Mohammed said.
"We announced today...that the year 2013 will be a year of creating jobs for UAE nationals, that will be a national priority for which all efforts must unite."
Other initiatives passed include commissioning the construction of a museum at the Union House and a directive for the Ministry of Economy to develop a quality mark for all national products.
The Cabinet dedicated the 19th day of Ramadan as "Emirati Humanitarian Work Day" in recognition of the anniversary of the death of Sheikh Zayed, the founder of the UAE.
High flag poles on which the UAE flag will be hoisted will also be erected in each emirate to complement the ones in Dubai and the capital.
newsdesk@thenational.ae
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Mohammed bin Zayed Majlis
MATCH INFO
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
Manchester City v Arsenal, 6.15pm
Everton v Watford, 8.30pm
Chelsea v Manchester United, 8.30pm
Mobile phone packages comparison
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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
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Company profile
Name: The Concept
Founders: Yadhushan Mahendran, Maria Sobh and Muhammad Rijal
Based: Abu Dhabi
Founded: 2017
Number of employees: 7
Sector: Aviation and space industry
Funding: $250,000
Future plans: Looking to raise $1 million investment to boost expansion and develop new products
