The UAE’s corporate tax landscape has undergone huge changes in recent years. While for decades the country was a go-to location for businesses seeking a tax-free jurisdiction, 2022 marked the beginning of a new era with the announcement of the country’s first-ever federal corporate tax regime.

Looking ahead, the UAE is preparing for further corporate tax reforms. The Ministry of Finance is set to introduce an R&D tax incentive and a refundable tax credit in January 2026, aimed at boosting investment and growth in key industries. Now is the right time for companies to review their tax returns and ensure they are maximising the advantages the country’s regime offers.

Why the UAE had to change course

Before 2022, the UAE was regarded as a tax haven, an attractive option for businesses due to its zero corporate tax policy. However, there was a trade-off. Without clear tax rules and formal structures in place, the UAE was seen as an opaque jurisdiction, which hindered its full integration into the global business community.

This was particularly the case given evolving global tax and transparency standards. As international frameworks become more rigorous, notably through the introduction of the OECD’s Pillar Two framework, which sought to ensure that multinational enterprises are taxed at a minimum rate, the UAE risked being seen as significantly out of step with global norms.

A new era for businesses

This all changed in 2022 when the UAE announced its first-ever corporate tax regime, set at a competitive headline rate of 9 per cent, which ranks the country among the lowest worldwide, compared with 17 per cent in Singapore, 25 per cent in the UK, and 21 per cent in the US.

The reform was designed not only to generate revenue for the government but also to address the need for a clear and transparent tax regime.

As a result, the perception of the UAE has shifted from being viewed as an opaque tax haven to being seen as a formal, stable, and predictable business environment. By aligning with OECD guidelines, the UAE is now more appealing to businesses that require transparency and a clear governance framework.

The change opens the door to higher levels of investment and positions the UAE as a credible global business hub, encouraging more multinational companies to operate in the country.

So far, this strategy appears to have yielded success, with the UAE attracting record levels of investment. For instance, foreign direct investment inflows into the UAE increased by 48.7 per cent in 2024, reaching $45.6bn.

Finding a competitive edge

Understandably, some businesses may be hesitant about the change. After all, for years, the UAE’s tax-free status was a key selling point, and moving to a tax system represents a significant shift in how companies operate.

However, businesses should not be dismayed. In addition to creating greater opportunities for them to operate transparently on a global stage, companies that engage with the regime properly will be able to leverage the tax incentives offered by the corporate tax regime and gain a competitive edge.

For small businesses, they should act quickly to capitalise on the country’s 0 per cent tax bracket on the first Dhs375,000 of income, as well as business relief on revenue below Dhs3m. These generous incentives could be game-changing advantages for emerging enterprises.

Companies should also consider whether they are eligible to participate in the free zone tax regime, which offers a zero per cent corporate tax rate on qualifying income.

To benefit, they must demonstrate that they maintain core activities, staff and assets in a free zone area, that the income meets certain criteria and that it is derived from a select number of ‘Qualifying Activities’.

There are many other tax advantages on offer, such as 0 per cent withholding tax on outbound payments of dividends and a broad exemption for dividend income and capital gains. Importantly, new incentives are being introduced.

Notably, the UAE is due to implement an R&D tax incentive in January 2026 and a refundable tax credit for high-value employment activities. These are designed to boost investment and growth in key industries.

Looking ahead

The UAE has entered a new era, shifting away from being perceived as a low-tax, opaque jurisdiction to being regarded as a credible, cooperative, and globally integrated economy.

The beauty of the new system lies in its ability to strike a balance between formalisation and a favourable environment for business. It provides the transparency and governance that international investors require, whilst also being among the most competitive corporate tax frameworks globally.

Amid further corporate tax reforms due to be implemented in 2026, businesses in the UAE should be motivated to align with the country’s push to become more globally competitive and transparent, while prioritising their own competitiveness by making the most of the tax advantages the new regime offers.

The writer is the legal director at DLA Piper.

Turkey shot down an uncontrolled drone that approached its airspace from the Black Sea, the defence ministry said.

The incident follows Turkey’s warning last week of Black Sea escalation after Russian attacks on Ukrainian ports that damaged three Turkish-owned cargo vessels.

In a statement, the ministry said Turkish and NATO F-16 jets were put on alert to ensure the security of Turkish airspace after the detection of the drone.

It was determined that the drone was out of control and it was shot down in a safe area, the ministry added in Monday’s statement, but did not elaborate on its type or origin.

The attacks on Ukrainian ports came days after Moscow threatened to “cut Ukraine off from the sea” following Kyiv’s attacks that damaged three ‘shadow fleet’ tankers heading to Russia to export its oil in the Black Sea.

As Moscow prepares to host the Meet Global MICE Congress (MGMC) 2025 on December 17–18, the city is accelerating its push to position itself as one of the world’s most distinctive destinations for business events. With a growing focus on partnerships across the Gulf, BRICS and Global South markets, Moscow is leveraging culture, technology and large-scale infrastructure to redefine its role in the global MICE ecosystem.

Speaking to Gulf Business, Anastasia Popova, head of the business tourism development department at the Moscow City Tourism Committee, outlines how the city is building long-term relevance for international organisers — particularly those from the Middle East — at a time when business tourism is becoming more experience-led, technology-driven and strategically aligned with national economic goals.

The upcoming MGMC 2025 is central to this strategy. The congress is expected to bring together more than 2,000 participants, over 115 exhibitors and 200 hosted buyers, alongside more than 60 speakers from BRICS nations and other Global South countries. According to Popova, the format is designed to deliver direct commercial outcomes, not just dialogue.

“We provide Hosted Buyers with the possibility to schedule b2b-meetings with the best suppliers of Moscow MICE industry: hotels, DMC, transportation companies, etc. We are sure that these business connections will lead to numerous MICE projects that will be done in Moscow,” she says.

This practical, deal-oriented approach reflects Moscow’s broader ambition: to be seen not only as a capable host city, but as a long-term partner for global organisers seeking reliability, scale and cultural depth.

Moscow’s rise as a MICE destination has been driven by more than infrastructure investment alone. Popova points to an experience-centred model that blends business functionality with cultural authenticity — a positioning she describes as a “new European” alternative.

“Moscow’s ascent in the global MICE landscape is driven not only by its modern infrastructure, but by an experience-centred approach that emphasises authenticity, cultural richness, comfort and a consistently high level of service,” she explains.

The city’s identity plays a defining role in this differentiation. From imperial architecture and globally recognised museums to contemporary creative clusters and a fast-evolving culinary scene, Moscow offers organisers a canvas that goes beyond standard conference formats. This diversity is reflected in a portfolio of more than 150 unique venues, ranging from Technopolis Moscow and Skolkovo Innovation Centre to the Tretyakov Gallery, historic estates and modern concert halls.

That capacity will expand further with the opening of the International Congress and Exhibition Centre at VDNH, strengthening Moscow’s ability to host large-scale international forums and exhibitions.

One of Moscow’s strongest competitive advantages, Popova argues, is its “business-plus-culture” model. Corporate agendas can be seamlessly paired with private museum access, theatre productions, receptions in heritage mansions or curated gastronomic experiences — allowing delegates to engage with the city on a deeper level.

Seasonality adds another layer of differentiation. Each season offers a distinct atmosphere, from dramatic winter cityscapes and premium indoor venues to summer river-cruise receptions and outdoor incentive programmes. For organisers, this means the same event concept can be reimagined multiple times across the year.

Comfort and operational reliability remain equally important. Moscow’s highly integrated urban systems — including transport, digital services, multilingual wayfinding and strong safety standards — support large delegations, government missions and corporate groups with complex logistical needs.

These capabilities have already been tested at scale. In 2025, Moscow hosted the BRICS Cloud Cities Forum, welcoming more than 13,000 participants from 42 countries. Events of this size underscore the city’s ability to manage complex, high-profile programmes across multiple sectors.

The Middle East has become a priority market within this global outreach. Popova notes that Moscow’s engagement with Gulf partners has accelerated rapidly, driven by both demand and strategic alignment.

“In 2024, more than 40 per cent of all our international business sessions were held with Gulf partners,” she says, citing familiarisation trips and commercial missions involving delegations from Kuwait, Oman, Bahrain, the UAE, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and beyond.

This momentum is reinforced by natural market synergies. Both Moscow and the Gulf prioritise innovation-driven development, large-scale event formats and experience-rich tourism — all critical pillars of modern MICE strategies. Moscow’s presence at platforms such as AIM Congress in Abu Dhabi and GITEX Global in Dubai reflects its ambition to position itself not only as a destination, but as a contributor to a shared innovation-led MICE ecosystem.

From a Middle Eastern perspective, accessibility is another key advantage. Direct flights now connect Moscow with Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Doha and Riyadh, while connections via Istanbul, Bahrain and Kuwait City further enhance reach. For many Gulf markets, Moscow has become one of the most convenient European-style megacities to access, with flight times averaging five to six hours.

Visa facilitation has also improved significantly. Russia’s unified e-visa system allows citizens of 64 countries, including Bahrain, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia and Oman, to apply online and receive approval within four days, while UAE citizens benefit from visa-free entry. Since July 2025, the permitted stay under the e-visa has been extended to 30 days, offering greater flexibility for extended programmes and incentive travel.

Technology plays a central role in Moscow’s MICE strategy, particularly as hybrid formats become the global norm. Leading venues such as Skolkovo, Technopolis Moscow and Zaryadye Concert Hall are equipped with advanced broadcast studios, multimedia systems and high-precision interpretation infrastructure, enabling seamless integration of in-person and digital participation.

Popova emphasises that technology is treated as a practical enabler rather than an abstract concept. This philosophy was reflected in Moscow’s hosting of the BRICS “Cloud Cities” forum, focused on AI, robotics and future urban technologies, further reinforcing the city’s credibility in innovation-led event formats.

Creativity remains equally important. Repurposed industrial spaces, multimedia art centres and innovation clusters allow organisers to design bespoke experiences that integrate performance, storytelling and interactive installations — moving beyond traditional conference halls.

Cultural immersion is woven into this approach. Moscow offers curated museum routes, after-hours gallery access, theatre productions, private gastronomic events and hands-on creative workshops, all designed to complement business agendas without compromising efficiency or comfort.

“Today, Moscow’s MICE ecosystem combines culture, modernity and top-tier hospitality, offering a balanced environment where participants can focus on business and still be inspired by the authenticity and creative energy of a rapidly evolving megacity,” Popova says.

The economic impact of this strategy is already visible. In 2024, Moscow welcomed 26 million visitors, generating RUB235bn in direct tourism revenues and RUB1.3tr in total turnover. By 2030, these figures are expected to triple, underscoring the growing role of MICE tourism in the city’s broader economic model.

Looking ahead, Popova distils the future of the MICE industry into three words: innovation, sustainability and partnership. For Moscow, these principles underpin not only its event strategy, but its long-term collaboration with the Middle East.

“Through joint participation in AIM Congress, GITEX Global, and the Meet Global MICE Congress, Moscow and its Gulf partners are building a bridge that connects regions through knowledge, innovation, and sustainable growth,” she says.

As global organisers seek destinations that combine operational excellence with cultural depth and strategic alignment, Moscow is positioning itself as a city ready to meet that demand — not just for events, but for enduring partnerships across regions and industries.

WhatsApp is ringing in the holidays with a fresh bundle of features designed to make connecting with family, friends, and colleagues easier and more engaging.

The latest update introduces innovations across calls, chats, and status updates, including missed call messages, improved Meta AI image generation, animated media, and interactive stickers. These updates aim to streamline communication, foster creativity, and enhance user engagement as people juggle busy schedules during the festive season.

Read more-WhatsApp levels up ‘About’: The feature that lets you say it all in a blink

Calls made simpler and smarter

Missed call messages: The holidays can be hectic, and sometimes users can’t answer calls immediately. WhatsApp now allows users to leave a voice or video note with just one tap if a call is missed, offering a modern alternative to traditional voicemail, according to a WhatsApp blog.

Reactions in voice chats: Voice chats let users quickly transition between messaging and live conversation. The update adds the ability to react in real-time, enabling participants to share quick responses like “cheers!” without interrupting the flow of conversation.

Group call speaker spotlight: Video calls now automatically prioritise the speaker, making it easier to follow discussions and stay engaged during larger group calls.

Chats get a creative boost

Meta AI image creation improvements: Users can now enjoy enhanced image generation capabilities powered by Midjourney and Flux. This allows for richer, more detailed visuals, perfect for creating festive holiday greetings to share in chats or on status.

Animate your images: Any photo can now be transformed into a short animated video, adding a fun, dynamic touch to conversations and status updates.

New media tab on desktop: Searching for documents, links, and media is now faster with a centralized media tab on Mac, Windows, and Web, improving productivity and organisation.

Cleaner link previews: Long URLs are streamlined to avoid cluttering chats, keeping conversations neat and visually appealing.

Status and channels get interactive

New stickers on status: WhatsApp adds interactive stickers, music lyrics, and question prompts to Status, encouraging more expressive and engaging communication.

Questions on channels: Admins can now post questions in Channels, enabling real-time engagement with their audience and gathering valuable feedback efficiently.

WhatsApp promises that this holiday update is just the beginning, with more features and enhancements on the horizon to keep users connected and creative.

The UAE has been named the leading country in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) for cryptocurrency adoption and ranks fifth globally, according to the World Crypto Rankings 2025 report released by Bybit and DL Research.

The report highlights the UAE’s emergence as a regional hub for asset tokenisation and settlement systems, positioning it as a bridge between Asia, Europe, and Africa for digital finance.

Dubai, in particular, has developed into a policy-first global tokenisation centre, offering clear anti-money laundering (AML) guidelines, legal frameworks for digital asset providers, and an attractive environment for talent and enterprises.

Globally, the UAE sits behind Singapore (1), the US (2), Lithuania (3), and Switzerland (4) in adoption rankings.

UAE has progressive policy frameworks to support crypto, tokenisation

The country’s approach combines progressive policy frameworks with high grassroots usage, including remittance-driven demand, and some of the world’s highest crypto user penetration rates.

Saudi Arabia is also strengthening its digital asset infrastructure and expanding licensing regimes, demonstrating growing public interest in cryptocurrencies.

Meanwhile, North African countries such as Morocco show robust grassroots adoption despite stricter regulatory environments.

The report describes MENA as a “hybrid region,” with both institutional leadership in hubs like the UAE and innovation-driven adoption in economically distressed countries, where crypto serves as a workaround for inflation, capital controls, and limited banking access. Despite weak regulatory and infrastructure support across parts of the region, growing demand among younger populations suggests rapid potential growth with appropriate policy frameworks.

“Bybit is honoured to contribute to Dubai’s remarkable rise as the UAE pioneers the future of crypto innovation and regulation,” said Michelle Daura, MENA regional manager at Bybit. “As one of the first exchanges headquartered here, the first to secure the Virtual Asset Platform Operator License from the SCA, and an advisor to partners at DMCC, Bybit is committed to the region’s growth as a global crypto hub.”

Globally, the report notes that adoption thrives where infrastructure, regulatory clarity, and institutional participation align.

Each of the top five countries follows a distinct model: Singapore combines digital literacy with licensing clarity, the US anchors liquidity through ETFs and institutional flows, Lithuania leverages EU gateways under MiCA, Switzerland couples legal clarity with cultural embedding, and the UAE pairs ambitious policy with grassroots-driven usage.