The UAE Ministry of Finance has introduced a Cabinet Resolution imposing administrative fines on businesses that fail to comply with the country’s Electronic Invoicing System (EIS), reinforcing the nation’s drive for digital transformation and stronger tax compliance.

The rules apply to all entities required to adopt EIS under Ministerial Decision No. (243) of 2025. Companies using the system voluntarily are exempt from penalties until compliance becomes mandatory.

Fines include:

• Dh5,000 per month for failing to implement EIS or appoint an approved service provider on time.
• Dh100 per electronic invoice not issued or sent on time, capped at Dh5,000 per month.
• Dh100 per electronic credit note not issued or sent on time, capped at Dh5,000 per month.
• Dh1,000 per day for not notifying the Federal Tax Authority of system malfunctions.
• Dh1,000 per day for delays in updating approved service providers on registered data changes.

Officials stressed that the resolution underlines the UAE government’s commitment to international best practices and the development of a fully integrated digital economy.

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.”