The UAE’s Ministry of Finance has announced a new set of amendments to the country’s VAT law, with the revised rules taking effect on January 1, 2026. The changes are designed to make the tax system easier to use and more aligned with international best practices.

In a statement, the Ministry said the move supports the UAE’s ongoing efforts to streamline its tax framework and improve administrative efficiency. The updates are also designed to provide businesses with greater clarity and reduce unnecessary paperwork.

Simpler filing, fewer steps

One of the biggest changes removes the requirement for businesses to issue self-invoices when using the reverse charge mechanism. Instead, companies will simply need to keep the usual documents that support their transactions, such as invoices, contracts and records, which the Federal Tax Authority (FTA) can review when checking compliance.

According to the Ministry, this adjustment “enhances administrative efficiency” and provides clear audit evidence without placing extra paperwork burdens on businesses.

Five-year window for VAT refunds

The updated law also introduces a five-year limit for claiming back refundable VAT after accounts have been reconciled. Once this period ends, businesses lose the right to submit a claim. Officials say this helps prevent long-delayed refund requests and gives taxpayers more certainty about their financial position.

Tighter rules on tax evasion

To protect the system from misuse, the FTA will now have the authority to deny input tax deductions if a transaction is found to be linked to a tax-evasion arrangement. This means businesses must ensure the supplies they receive are legitimate before claiming input VAT.

Taxpayers are expected to verify the “legitimacy and integrity” of supplies as part of these strengthened safeguards.

Supporting a competitive economy

The Ministry said the amendments will boost transparency, ensure fairness across the tax system and support better management of public revenue. The updated rules also aim to maintain the UAE’s competitive edge while supporting long-term economic sustainability.

In a significant development for cricket around the world, Pro10, spearheaded by cricket legend Ravi Shastri and sports entrepreneur Neeraj Sareen, today announced its groundbreaking international launch bringing professional T10 cricket to Southeast Asia and Europe.

The inaugural season features five franchise teams competing between January 30–February 4, 2026, at Thailand’s world-class Terd Thai Cricket Ground, with West Indies icon Sir Viv Richards serving as Thailand ambassador and a marquee roster including David Warner, Chris Lynn, and George Munsey.

Pro10 has been envisioned as a catalyst for cricket in emerging regions, pioneering professional cricket in non-traditional Southeast Asian and European markets. Not only does the initiative provide a fast, accessible format that empowers new audiences and aspiring players across Southeast Asia and Europe, but it also serves as a unique platform of structured, professionally run T10 cricket in Thailand, Bulgaria, and Poland.

The marquee competition will provide local players with an opportunity to rub shoulders with some of the finest international players and coaches, giving their development an undeniable boost. The league is firmly positioned a practical development tool for emerging nations that have limited access to international players.

Adding his perspective on Pro10 and the league’s impact on new regions, Sir Viv Richards, Thailand Ambassador, said:”Cricket grows strongest when it reaches new people, and new communities. Pro10 is doing exactly that by giving Thailand, Bulgaria, and Poland a platform to shine. I am delighted to help guide this journey and to see local talent gain exposure to international players and coaches. This is how the game expands, and this is where the future lies.”

Speaking on the launch and the league’s wider purpose, Ravi Shastri, Co-founder & Partner, said: “Pro10 represents cricket’s next evolution: explosive T10 excitement with genuine grassroots development. We’re creating sustainable ecosystems to develop stars from Thailand, Bulgaria, Poland, and beyond. Having Sir Viv Richards as Thailand ambassador and players like David Warner demonstrates the calibre we’re building. The T10 format is perfect for today’s world, showcasing cricket’s incredible global potential.”

Sharing his perspective on Pro10’s vision and long-term commitment to new cricket markets, Neeraj Sareen, Founder & CEO, said: “Pro10 is built from the ground up with sustainability, local talent development, and world-class entertainment. We’re partnering with communities, cricket boards, and institutions to create something truly special. Securing Sir Viv Richards as Thailand ambassador testifies to our vision. With Ravi’s cricket expertise, Roshan Mahanama and Russell Maduwantha’s operational brilliance, we’re building cricket’s future, not just hosting matches.”

The DP World International League T20 concluded its first-of-its-kind Mascot Design Competition this week. The competition was held from 4 July to 21 September. 

The competition captured the imagination of students across the UAE. With an overwhelming number of entries, the activation demonstrated the extraordinary creativity, enthusiasm, and energy that cricket inspires among young minds, making it a truly nationwide celebration of sport, culture, and community. 

The grand mascot unveiling was held at the Sheikh Rashid Auditorium, Indian High School, Oud Metha. The winning student, Levin Veeroy Fernandes, was officially announced, and his imaginative design (Habibi and Habibti) was transformed into the official mascot of the DP World ILT20, now set to become the face of the league for seasons to come. 

The event featured an exciting reveal ceremony, with the student’s design brought to life and presented in front of a vibrant audience, celebrating not only Levin’s creativity but also the remarkable participation of schools and students across the UAE. 

The DP World ILT20 extends its heartfelt thanks to all participants whose contributions made this initiative a resounding success. Each entry brought unique ideas and perspectives, reinforcing the league’s commitment to inspiring young minds and celebrating the spirit of cricket. 

DP World ILT20 CEO David White: “On behalf of team DP World International League T20, I want to thank all the participants for their efforts. For us, all of you are winners, we are delighted with the interest that the competition created across the UAE. 

“The DP World ILT20 is all about UAE and the development of the sport amongst present and future generations of cricketers. Sport and cricket in particular has helped bring together a number of communities and nationalities across the UAE. Cricket has a four-decade long legacy in the country and with the continued growth of the league, the future of cricket not only in the UAE but across the Gulf region is bright and exciting.”  

Indian High Schools Group CEO Shri Punit MK Vasu: “Our partnership with DP World ILT20 presents a remarkable platform for our learners to witness world-class cricket in Dubai while embracing the deeper lessons the sport imparts.  

“At The Indian High Group of Schools, we uphold the belief that cricket’s enduring spirit fosters respect, discipline, leadership, resilience, teamwork, and composure under pressure, values that cultivate not only accomplished athletes, but also well-rounded, future-ready individuals prepared to lead with integrity, ethics and purpose in a global arena.” 

The DP World International League T20 Season 4 will begin on Tuesday, 2 December – UAE National Day (Eid-Al-Etihad) with a blockbuster opening, the six-team, 34-match tournament will conclude with the final on Sunday, 4 January 2026.