The UAE Federal Tax Authority, in collaboration with Planet, has launched an artificial intelligence-powered digital platform for tourist Value Added Tax (VAT) refunds. Operational across major airports in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah, the paperless system uses facial recognition to process claims. The upgrade reduces tourist refund distribution times from roughly nine days to one business day.
Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Navy reported that a supertanker carrying over two million barrels of crude oil exploded and caught fire after striking a naval mine south of the Strait of Hormuz. Iranian authorities claimed the vessel had switched off its navigation systems and traversed an unauthorized route, while releasing no details regarding the vessel's identity, flag, or crew casualties. The reported incident highlights escalating maritime risks across the primary transit chokepoint for Gulf energy shipments.
Experts from the International Atomic Energy Agency concluded an advisory review of the Barakah Nuclear Power Plant, commending the UAE's emergency preparedness and regulatory oversight. Conducted between October 12 and 20, 2026, the mission assessed safety measures and lessons learned from a drone strike on May 17 that damaged an external electrical generator. The IAEA verified adherence to nuclear safety principles and issued recommendations to further strengthen infrastructure reliability and inter-agency coordination.
The Department of Health – Abu Dhabi has published the AI Clinician Framework to regulate research and operational deployment of AI systems performing clinical activities. Announced at the Abu Dhabi Future Health Summit, the model evaluates AI systems against specific clinical tasks while mandating physician oversight. The framework establishes baseline standards for future policies governing healthcare AI authorisation in the emirate.
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