The Ministry of Finance has announced Cabinet Decision No. (149) of 2026, amending certain provisions of the Executive Regulation of Federal Decree-Law No. 8 of 2017 on Value Added Tax (VAT).

The amendments are part of the UAE’s ongoing efforts to develop its tax system, enhance transparency, improve implementation efficiency and align the VAT framework with international best practices.

The changes are designed to simplify procedures and provide greater clarity for taxable persons, supporting voluntary compliance and helping reduce tax disputes.

Read more: Tourists can now claim VAT refunds at 19,300 retail outlets across the UAE

Among the key updates are technical and regulatory changes covering the supply and import of medical products, bringing the provisions in line with the UAE’s updated legislative framework for the healthcare sector.

The amendments also clarify provisions governing employee accommodation for input tax recovery purposes, providing greater certainty for businesses when determining their VAT obligations.

Changes to input tax rules

The updated regulation also clarifies the scope of the Capital Assets Scheme to ensure consistency with the provisions of the VAT Law.

In addition, the amendments refine the methodology used for input tax apportionment, with the aim of more accurately reflecting the nature of taxable persons’ economic activities. The existing methodology applicable to government entities and charities will remain unchanged.

The regulation further introduces provisions governing the VAT treatment of a single composite supply, taking into account the economic substance of the supply.

New provisions will also restrict the recovery of input tax where cash payments exceed thresholds to be prescribed in a decision issued by the Minister of Finance. The measures are intended to strengthen compliance and mitigate the risks of tax evasion.

The Ministry of Finance said the amendments reflect its continued approach to reviewing and enhancing

Dubai’s private schools have secured a place among the world’s top 10 education systems across every area assessed in the Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) 2025, marking a major milestone for the emirate’s education sector and achieving a key target under the Dubai Education 33 Strategy.

The results place Dubai sixth globally in reading, eighth in mathematics and science, and ninth in computational problem solving, a new category introduced in the latest PISA assessment.

HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence, and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai, said the achievement reflects the UAE’s continued commitment to placing education at the centre of human development and future competitiveness.

“We begin the new academic year with an achievement that reflects the strength and continued progress of Dubai’s education system. Dubai’s private schools have ranked among the world’s best in the Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) 2025, reaffirming Dubai’s advanced position in the education sector and reflecting His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum’s ambitious vision to establish Dubai as a global destination for educational excellence and quality, while providing the best educational opportunities for its students,” Sheikh Hamdan said.

He congratulated schools, teachers, students and parents on the achievement, describing it as the result of a collective effort to build a globally competitive education system.

Sheikh Hamdan also directed the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) to build on the results by accelerating the development of Dubai’s education system and further strengthening its position among the world’s leading education destinations.

Strong gains across all subjects

Dubai’s private schools achieved an average score of 501 points in reading, ranking sixth globally. They scored 511 points in mathematics and 522 points in science, placing eighth worldwide in both subjects.

In computational problem solving, introduced for the first time in PISA 2025, Dubai ranked ninth globally with 534 points, outperforming the OECD average by 34 points.

The assessment measures the ability of 15-year-old students to apply knowledge and skills in real-world situations and is conducted every three years by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD).

Continued improvement

The latest results represent significant progress from the 2022 assessment, when Dubai’s private schools ranked ninth in mathematics, 13th in reading and 14th in science.

Since joining PISA in 2009, Dubai’s private schools have improved consistently across six assessment cycles, with average scores increasing by 37 points in mathematics, 22 points in reading and 36 points in science.

Emirati students post strong gains

Emirati students also recorded notable improvements compared with the 2022 cycle, increasing their average scores by 31 points in mathematics, 30 points in science and 18 points in reading.

Among the different curricula offered in Dubai’s private schools, students studying the International Baccalaureate (IB) achieved the highest average scores, recording 557 points in science, 542 points in mathematics and 538 points in reading.

A total of 9,600 students from 168 Dubai private schools participated in PISA 2025, which assessed more than 760,000 students across over 90 countries and economies.

Emergency response teams from Abu Dhabi Police and the Abu Dhabi Civil Defence Authority are responding to a fire that broke out at a factory in the Musaffah industrial area on Tuesday afternoon.

In a statement posted on X, Abu Dhabi Police said the incident occurred in the ICAD 3 area of Musaffah on September 8, adding that specialised emergency teams were on site working to contain the blaze.

Authorities did not immediately disclose the cause of the fire or whether there were any injuries or damage to surrounding facilities.

Abu Dhabi Police urged the public and media to rely only on official sources for updates related to the incident, as response operations continue.

The Musaffah Industrial City (ICAD) is one of Abu Dhabi’s largest manufacturing and industrial hubs, housing factories and facilities across sectors including metals, construction materials, engineering, logistics and industrial services.

Further updates are expected as authorities continue their response and assess the situation.

Looking for something different to do in Abu Dhabi this September? The Middle East Film & Comic Con (MEFCC) returns to ADNEC Centre Abu Dhabi from September 11 to 13, bringing together celebrity guests, cosplay competitions, gaming, anime, collectibles and live entertainment for three days of pop culture.

Whether you’re a lifelong comic book fan, an anime enthusiast, a gamer or simply curious about the region’s biggest fandom event, here’s what not to miss.

1. Watch (or enter) the cosplay competition

One of MEFCC’s biggest highlights is its Cosplay Competition, where some of the region’s best costume creators compete for a share of an Dhs60,000 prize pool. The winning UAE team will also earn the chance to represent the country at the World Cosplay Summit (WCS) 2027 finals in Nagoya, Japan.

Visitors can also enjoy Cosplay Central, featuring meet-and-greets with international cosplayers Aokiji and Marmalade, as well as the popular Cosplay Catwalk.

2. Battle it out at the TCG Arena

Trading card game fans can compete in tournaments for Pokémon, One Piece and Magic: The Gathering. The arena features three days of tournaments, learn-to-play sessions and prizes for experienced players and newcomers alike.

3. Meet your favourite stars

Fans will have the opportunity to meet celebrities through photo and autograph sessions.

This year’s guest lineup includes John Cena, Mackenyu, Joonas Suotamo, Arden Cho, Pom Klementieff, Jacob Romero Gibson and Charithra Chandran.

VIP ticket holders receive Meet the Stars vouchers, while general admission visitors can purchase vouchers on-site, subject to availability.

4. Attend celebrity panels and live Q&As

The Main Stage will host celebrity interviews, fan Q&A sessions, behind-the-scenes stories and community discussions, giving visitors the chance to hear directly from actors, creators and industry personalities.

5. Explore Otaku District

Sponsored by Crunchyroll, Otaku District celebrates anime and Asian pop culture with live music, J-pop and J-rock performances, karaoke, Random Play Dances, choreography workshops, quizzes, Janken battles and Asian street food.

6. Shop for exclusive collectibles

Collectors can browse exclusive merchandise including comic books, trading cards, Funko Pops, limited-edition figures, apparel and memorabilia from local and international retailers.

7. Meet artists and comic creators

Artist Alley and the Comic Creators Club provide opportunities to meet comic artists, illustrators and creators, purchase original artwork and even commission custom pieces.

8. Refuel at the Food Truck Park

Visitors can grab food throughout the day from vendors including Salt, Wingstop, Moshi and House of Pops.

9. Enjoy tabletop gaming

The Tabletop Zone offers board games, puzzles, giant games and interactive challenges for families and groups, with Game Masters available to introduce newcomers to different games.

10. Discover even more

Beyond the headline attractions, visitors can explore the Gaming Zone, Collectors Gallery, Bookworm Lounge and Festival Plaza, which features carnival games and family-friendly activities.

MEFCC 2026 takes place from September 11 to 13 at ADNEC Centre Abu Dhabi. Standard one-day tickets start from Dhs160, while three-day passes are available from Dhs390. Children aged six and under enter free, while tickets for children aged seven to 11 are available at the venue for Dhs50.

Oman will introduce new fees for electric vehicle (EV) charging from October 1, with rates ranging from 50 to 120 Baisa per kilowatt-hour depending on the capacity and charging speed of the equipment.

The Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology, acting in coordination with the Authority for Public Services Regulation and Oman Net Zero Centre, announced the new charging structure as part of efforts to regulate the country’s growing EV charging market.

Read more-Dubai to bring EV charging stations to parks, beaches

Under the approved standard, chargers with a capacity of up to 90 kilowatts will carry a fee of 50 Baisa per kilowatt-hour. Chargers with capacities between 91 and 180 kilowatts will cost 90 Baisa per kilowatt-hour, while chargers rated at 181 kilowatts or more will be subject to a fee of 120 Baisa per kilowatt-hour, according to an Oman News Agency report.

Focus on price transparency

The ministry said the new fees are intended to regulate the EV charging market, improve price transparency for EV owners and users, and support the growth and long-term sustainability of charging infrastructure across Oman.

The fee structure follows a comprehensive study examining the economic and operational aspects of EV charging stations. The study sought to balance affordability for consumers with the economic viability of charging stations and the sustainability of investments by operators.

Several factors were considered in determining the rates, including the capital and operating costs of charging stations, differences in charging speeds, station utilisation rates and investment payback periods.

The study also found that the cost of charging an electric vehicle at service stations remains lower than the cost of using gasoline-powered vehicles. The ministry said this reinforces the appeal of EVs as a practical and economical transportation option while supporting Oman’s broader shift towards more sustainable forms of mobility.

Market enters new phase

The ministry also conducted surveys involving EV users, industry stakeholders and other interested parties to help develop a balanced pricing structure. The surveys examined user expectations and satisfaction with charging fees and were intended to strengthen community participation in the decision-making process.

Oman’s EV charging market is now entering a new phase of regulation and expansion. Charging points are currently operated by Shell Oman Marketing and First Electric Vehicle Company, while several prospective operators are undertaking planning and feasibility studies.

Those studies include site assessments, technical and operational evaluations, as well as coordination related to electricity-grid connections and infrastructure requirements. The ministry said new operators will be announced once they enter the market and begin actual installation and operations.

National charging platform

Alongside the new pricing framework, the Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology has developed a unified national platform for EV charging known as the “Charger App.”

The platform is designed to provide EV users with a single national interface for accessing information on charging points operated by different providers across Oman.

Users can obtain details on charging-point locations, the number of chargers available, their operational status and availability, charger types, charging capacity, operating hours and approved service fees.

The introduction of regulated charging rates and a unified information platform marks another step in Oman’s efforts to build a more organised EV ecosystem while encouraging investment in charging infrastructure and wider adoption of electric mobility.