Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa Al Kadhimi vows to release detained protesters

Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa Al Kadhimi has promised to release protesters arrested for involvement in popular demonstrations.

Announcing a series of new government measures following his first Cabinet meeting, Mr Al Kadhimi said all those who had been arrested for participation in the protests would be released with the exception of those suspected of involvement in killings.

“The detainees will be released except for those involved in the blood of the Iraqis. We will hold the negligent accountable and provide compensation to those affected,” the former Iraqi intelligence head said in a televised speech.

Mr Al Kadhimi’s government has also announced the creation of a committee to investigate attacks on protesters that took place from October onwards.

Addressing the grievances of the widespread protest movement that has swept Iraq in recent months is one in a long list of problems for the new Iraqi leader.

He has promised to consult with the protesters where the previous administration had sought to shut down demonstrations. Protesters were motivated by chronic unemployment, government corruption and the unfettered influence of neighbouring Iran on domestic Iraqi affairs.

The onset of the coronavirus outbreak and plummeting oil and gas revenues have entrenched the already formidable problems facing the new government.

The administration announced a series of measures including the release of funds earmarked for the payment of pensions and the approval of a draft law to allow domestic and foreign borrowing to address some of those financial problems.

Mr Al Kadhimi also reiterated his government’s key priority of creating a safe and secure environment for early elections to take place and support for the work of Iraq's electoral commission.

As such, the government requested expedited passage of the new electoral law and directed all ministries and official bodies to provide all necessary support to the electoral body.

Mr Al Kadhimi secured the premiership on Thursday, after two previous candidates failed to gain approval.

He has gained the tacit backing of the United States and Saudi Arabia and is seen as a figure that stands apart from the influence of Iraq’s powerful, Iran-backed popular mobilisation forces (PMF).

Further burnishing his credentials as a leader who will stand up to the armed groups, Mr Al Kadhimi also reinstated and promoted Lt Gen. Abdul Wahab Al Saadi, the former commander of the Iraqi Counter-Terrorism forces.

Lt Gen Al Saadi played a crucial role in the liberation of Iraq from ISIS from 2015 onwards. However, he was removed from his position last year as a concession to the PMF because of the counter-terrorism head’s close relations with the US.

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Favourite team: Bayern Munich

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Favourite activity in Abu Dhabi: scuba diving in the Northern Emirates

5 of the most-popular Airbnb locations in Dubai

Bobby Grudziecki, chief operating officer of Frank Porter, identifies the five most popular areas in Dubai for those looking to make the most out of their properties and the rates owners can secure:

• Dubai Marina

The Marina and Jumeirah Beach Residence are popular locations, says Mr Grudziecki, due to their closeness to the beach, restaurants and hotels.

Frank Porter’s average Airbnb rent:
One bedroom: Dh482 to Dh739
Two bedroom: Dh627 to Dh960
Three bedroom: Dh721 to Dh1,104

• Downtown

Within walking distance of the Dubai Mall, Burj Khalifa and the famous fountains, this location combines business and leisure. “Sure it’s for tourists,” says Mr Grudziecki. “Though Downtown [still caters to business people] because it’s close to Dubai International Financial Centre."

Frank Porter’s average Airbnb rent:
One bedroom: Dh497 to Dh772
Two bedroom: Dh646 to Dh1,003
Three bedroom: Dh743 to Dh1,154

• City Walk

The rising star of the Dubai property market, this area is lined with pristine sidewalks, boutiques and cafes and close to the new entertainment venue Coca Cola Arena. “Downtown and Marina are pretty much the same prices,” Mr Grudziecki says, “but City Walk is higher.”

Frank Porter’s average Airbnb rent:
One bedroom: Dh524 to Dh809
Two bedroom: Dh682 to Dh1,052
Three bedroom: Dh784 to Dh1,210

• Jumeirah Lake Towers

Dubai Marina’s little brother JLT resides on the other side of Sheikh Zayed road but is still close enough to beachside outlets and attractions. The big selling point for Airbnb renters, however, is that “it’s cheaper than Dubai Marina”, Mr Grudziecki says.

Frank Porter’s average Airbnb rent:
One bedroom: Dh422 to Dh629
Two bedroom: Dh549 to Dh818
Three bedroom: Dh631 to Dh941

• Palm Jumeirah

Palm Jumeirah's proximity to luxury resorts is attractive, especially for big families, says Mr Grudziecki, as Airbnb renters can secure competitive rates on one of the world’s most famous tourist destinations.

Frank Porter’s average Airbnb rent:
One bedroom: Dh503 to Dh770
Two bedroom: Dh654 to Dh1,002
Three bedroom: Dh752 to Dh1,152

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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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Formula 2 race: 1:35pm
Formula 1 race: 5:10pm
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