Dr Anwar Gargash, diplomatic adviser to President Sheikh Khalifa, said on Saturday the UAE continues to adopt a realistic policy that can help reduce tensions in the region.
The senior Emirati official said communication and dialogue can resolve crises in the Arab world.
Dr Gargash tweeted a “practical and logical approach” can be used without compromising the efforts of those who are working to reduce strife.
He said Syrian President Bashar Al Assad's visit to the UAE on Friday was an example.
The Emirates want to play an important role in reducing tensions in Syria and believe political communication, openness and dialogue can work to restore peace.
Tax authority targets shisha levy evasion
The Federal Tax Authority will track shisha imports with electronic markers to protect customers and ensure levies have been paid.
Khalid Ali Al Bustani, director of the tax authority, on Sunday said the move is to "prevent tax evasion and support the authority’s tax collection efforts".
The scheme’s first phase, which came into effect on 1st January, 2019, covers all types of imported and domestically produced and distributed cigarettes. As of May 1, importing any type of cigarettes without the digital marks will be prohibited.
He said the latest phase will see imported and locally produced shisha tobacco tracked by the final quarter of this year.
"The FTA also maintains ongoing communication with concerned companies, to help them adapt their systems to meet our requirements and coordinate between all parties involved," he said.
As with cigarettes, shisha was hit with a 100 per cent tax in October 2017, though manufacturers and cafes absorbed some of the costs to prevent prices doubling.
Profile of Tamatem
Date started: March 2013
Founder: Hussam Hammo
Based: Amman, Jordan
Employees: 55
Funding: $6m
Funders: Wamda Capital, Modern Electronics (part of Al Falaisah Group) and North Base Media
