Pop-punk trio Blink-182 are back.
Earlier in the week, the band — made up of Mark Hoppus, Tom DeLonge and Travis Barker — surprised fans by announcing they had reunited and are embarking on a 70-stop world tour next year, as well as releasing new music and a new album ahead of it.
Scroll through the gallery above to see images of Blink-182 through the years
Their new single Edging was released on Friday. It marks Blink-182’s first new music in almost three years. Ahead of its debut, DeLonge took to Instagram and shared a photo from the band’s earlier years.
“What if I was to tell you we just made the best album of our careers,” he captioned the post.
The release date for the new album has yet to be announced. However, the group has been around for more than two decades and have put out eight studio albums — including two that topped the Billboard 200 — so if that's anything to go by, fans should be in for a treat.
From the commercially successful breakthrough Enema of the State to the band's earlier sounds in Dude Ranch, here’s where their albums rank:
8. 'Cheshire Cat' (1995)
Is there really a bad album when it comes to Blink-182? Cheshire Cat was the group’s debut album with original members DeLonge, Hoppus and Scott Raynor.
It was met with unexpected success thanks to songs such as M+Ms and Wasting Time showcasing the band’s early pop-punk sound. Although most of the tracks on it are mostly jokes, such as a song about enjoying watching television, fans were given an early insight of what was to come.
7. 'Neighborhoods' (2011)
This album would come after an eight-year hiatus from their last album in 2003 and after the members decided to go on an “infinite hiatus” in 2005, later reconciling to put out Neighborhoods in 2011.
Unfortunately, it did not sell as well as its predecessors, although it reached No 2 on the Billboard 200 when first released. Some critics suggested that the long gap and sudden reunion after members had worked on other musical side projects led to a disjointed album that at times felt bland. Lead singles Up All Night and After Midnight were released from it, which found moderate success.
6. 'Dude Ranch' (1997)
The second album from the group was also the last to feature Raynor as the drummer before he was fired. Dude Ranch hit No 67 on the Billboard 200 thanks to its lead single Dammit, which was a commercial success getting major airplay on rock radio stations across the US. The song has also been a long staple in setlists as well as a crowd favourite. Blink-182’s soon-to-be signature pop-punk sound really shines as Hoppus and DeLonge sound more assured than ever through the album’s 16 tracks.
5. 'California' (2016)
This is the first of two albums to feature Alkaline Trio frontman Matt Skiba, who was recruited to replace DeLonge after he left the band in 2015. Blink-182’s first album in five years since Neighborhoods, the 16-track album felt like a return to form for the punk-pop trio despite DeLonge’s departure. It hit No 1 on the Billboard 200 when it was released and was nominated for Best Rock Album at the Grammys. Its first two singles Bored to Death and She’s Out of Her Mind notched respectable US rock chart positions, too — six and 11.
4. 'Nine' (2019)
The second and final album to include Skiba, Nine is more pop-centric in style, though it features darker lyrics and tones as it was reportedly inspired by Hoppus’s battle with depression, as well as world events such as Donald Trump’s presidency and the influx of mass shootings in the US.
Fans were left divided over the album with its blend of radio-friendly songs such as Happy Days to heavier tracks like Darkside and Heaven.
3. 'Blink-182' (2003)
This album, also known as Untitled, features Blink-182 trying a different sound than most fans were used to hearing. Inspired by lifestyle changes, including fatherhood for Hoppus, DeLonge and Barker before the album’s release, the lyrics are deeper and the sounds are more mature. Four singles were released from this including the successful and catchy pop-punk track Feeling This and the swelling ballad I Miss You.
2. 'Enema of the State' (1999)
This album is credited with bringing Blink-182 to the mainstream and will be likely remembered as one that also helped pop punk reach a wider audience. It’s also the first album to include Travis Barker on drums as a replacement for the departing Raynor. It includes breakthrough hits What’s My Age Again and All The Small Things as well as the more serious Adam’s Song, showing the trio could be versatile with their music, writing songs about not wanting to grow up to feelings of loneliness and depression.
1. 'Take Off Your Pants and Jacket' (2001)
The anticipated follow-up to 1999’s Enema of the State did not disappoint as Take Off Your Pants and Jacket became the first punk rock record to reach No 1 on the Billboard 200 on its debut. It featured three hit singles The Rock Show, First Date and Stay Together for the Kids — each portraying different themes of adolescence. While it was reported that there was some strife between the members and their record label at the time, this album has Blink-182 at the top of the game and is arguably one of the best pop-punk albums of all time.
Ten tax points to be aware of in 2026
1. Domestic VAT refund amendments: request your refund within five years
If a business does not apply for the refund on time, they lose their credit.
2. E-invoicing in the UAE
Businesses should continue preparing for the implementation of e-invoicing in the UAE, with 2026 a preparation and transition period ahead of phased mandatory adoption.
3. More tax audits
Tax authorities are increasingly using data already available across multiple filings to identify audit risks.
4. More beneficial VAT and excise tax penalty regime
Tax disputes are expected to become more frequent and more structured, with clearer administrative objection and appeal processes. The UAE has adopted a new penalty regime for VAT and excise disputes, which now mirrors the penalty regime for corporate tax.
5. Greater emphasis on statutory audit
There is a greater need for the accuracy of financial statements. The International Financial Reporting Standards standards need to be strictly adhered to and, as a result, the quality of the audits will need to increase.
6. Further transfer pricing enforcement
Transfer pricing enforcement, which refers to the practice of establishing prices for internal transactions between related entities, is expected to broaden in scope. The UAE will shortly open the possibility to negotiate advance pricing agreements, or essentially rulings for transfer pricing purposes.
7. Limited time periods for audits
Recent amendments also introduce a default five-year limitation period for tax audits and assessments, subject to specific statutory exceptions. While the standard audit and assessment period is five years, this may be extended to up to 15 years in cases involving fraud or tax evasion.
8. Pillar 2 implementation
Many multinational groups will begin to feel the practical effect of the Domestic Minimum Top-Up Tax (DMTT), the UAE's implementation of the OECD’s global minimum tax under Pillar 2. While the rules apply for financial years starting on or after January 1, 2025, it is 2026 that marks the transition to an operational phase.
9. Reduced compliance obligations for imported goods and services
Businesses that apply the reverse-charge mechanism for VAT purposes in the UAE may benefit from reduced compliance obligations.
10. Substance and CbC reporting focus
Tax authorities are expected to continue strengthening the enforcement of economic substance and Country-by-Country (CbC) reporting frameworks. In the UAE, these regimes are increasingly being used as risk-assessment tools, providing tax authorities with a comprehensive view of multinational groups’ global footprints and enabling them to assess whether profits are aligned with real economic activity.
Contributed by Thomas Vanhee and Hend Rashwan, Aurifer
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Our legal consultant
Name: Hassan Mohsen Elhais
Position: legal consultant with Al Rowaad Advocates and Legal Consultants.
UAE v Gibraltar
What: International friendly
When: 7pm kick off
Where: Rugby Park, Dubai Sports City
Admission: Free
Online: The match will be broadcast live on Dubai Exiles’ Facebook page
UAE squad: Lucas Waddington (Dubai Exiles), Gio Fourie (Exiles), Craig Nutt (Abu Dhabi Harlequins), Phil Brady (Harlequins), Daniel Perry (Dubai Hurricanes), Esekaia Dranibota (Harlequins), Matt Mills (Exiles), Jaen Botes (Exiles), Kristian Stinson (Exiles), Murray Reason (Abu Dhabi Saracens), Dave Knight (Hurricanes), Ross Samson (Jebel Ali Dragons), DuRandt Gerber (Exiles), Saki Naisau (Dragons), Andrew Powell (Hurricanes), Emosi Vacanau (Harlequins), Niko Volavola (Dragons), Matt Richards (Dragons), Luke Stevenson (Harlequins), Josh Ives (Dubai Sports City Eagles), Sean Stevens (Saracens), Thinus Steyn (Exiles)
MOUNTAINHEAD REVIEW
Starring: Ramy Youssef, Steve Carell, Jason Schwartzman
Director: Jesse Armstrong
Rating: 3.5/5
Sholto Byrnes on Myanmar politics
COMPANY%20PROFILE
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Safety 'top priority' for rival hyperloop company
The chief operating officer of Hyperloop Transportation Technologies, Andres de Leon, said his company's hyperloop technology is “ready” and safe.
He said the company prioritised safety throughout its development and, last year, Munich Re, one of the world's largest reinsurance companies, announced it was ready to insure their technology.
“Our levitation, propulsion, and vacuum technology have all been developed [...] over several decades and have been deployed and tested at full scale,” he said in a statement to The National.
“Only once the system has been certified and approved will it move people,” he said.
HyperloopTT has begun designing and engineering processes for its Abu Dhabi projects and hopes to break ground soon.
With no delivery date yet announced, Mr de Leon said timelines had to be considered carefully, as government approval, permits, and regulations could create necessary delays.
MATCH INFO
Uefa Champions League last-16, second leg:
Real Madrid 1 (Asensio 70'), Ajax 4 (Ziyech 7', Neres 18', Tadic 62', Schone 72')
Ajax win 5-3 on aggregate
Tamkeen's offering
- Option 1: 70% in year 1, 50% in year 2, 30% in year 3
- Option 2: 50% across three years
- Option 3: 30% across five years
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What to watch out for:
Algae, waste coffee grounds and orange peels will be used in the pavilion's walls and gangways
The hulls of three ships will be used for the roof
The hulls will painted to make the largest Italian tricolour in the country’s history
Several pillars more than 20 metres high will support the structure
Roughly 15 tonnes of steel will be used
COMPANY PROFILE
Name: Kumulus Water
Started: 2021
Founders: Iheb Triki and Mohamed Ali Abid
Based: Tunisia
Sector: Water technology
Number of staff: 22
Investment raised: $4 million
Avatar: Fire and Ash
Director: James Cameron
Starring: Sam Worthington, Sigourney Weaver, Zoe Saldana
Rating: 4.5/5
How to wear a kandura
Dos
- Wear the right fabric for the right season and occasion
- Always ask for the dress code if you don’t know
- Wear a white kandura, white ghutra / shemagh (headwear) and black shoes for work
- Wear 100 per cent cotton under the kandura as most fabrics are polyester
Don’ts
- Wear hamdania for work, always wear a ghutra and agal
- Buy a kandura only based on how it feels; ask questions about the fabric and understand what you are buying
What is safeguarding?
“Safeguarding, not just in sport, but in all walks of life, is making sure that policies are put in place that make sure your child is safe; when they attend a football club, a tennis club, that there are welfare officers at clubs who are qualified to a standard to make sure your child is safe in that environment,” Derek Bell explains.
If you go
Where to stay: Courtyard by Marriott Titusville Kennedy Space Centre has unparalleled views of the Indian River. Alligators can be spotted from hotel room balconies, as can several rocket launch sites. The hotel also boasts cool space-themed decor.
When to go: Florida is best experienced during the winter months, from November to May, before the humidity kicks in.
How to get there: Emirates currently flies from Dubai to Orlando five times a week.
Gully Boy
Director: Zoya Akhtar
Producer: Excel Entertainment & Tiger Baby
Cast: Ranveer Singh, Alia Bhatt, Kalki Koechlin, Siddhant Chaturvedi
Rating: 4/5 stars
Gender equality in the workplace still 200 years away
It will take centuries to achieve gender parity in workplaces around the globe, according to a December report from the World Economic Forum.
The WEF study said there had been some improvements in wage equality in 2018 compared to 2017, when the global gender gap widened for the first time in a decade.
But it warned that these were offset by declining representation of women in politics, coupled with greater inequality in their access to health and education.
At current rates, the global gender gap across a range of areas will not close for another 108 years, while it is expected to take 202 years to close the workplace gap, WEF found.
The Geneva-based organisation's annual report tracked disparities between the sexes in 149 countries across four areas: education, health, economic opportunity and political empowerment.
After years of advances in education, health and political representation, women registered setbacks in all three areas this year, WEF said.
Only in the area of economic opportunity did the gender gap narrow somewhat, although there is not much to celebrate, with the global wage gap narrowing to nearly 51 per cent.
And the number of women in leadership roles has risen to 34 per cent globally, WEF said.
At the same time, the report showed there are now proportionately fewer women than men participating in the workforce, suggesting that automation is having a disproportionate impact on jobs traditionally performed by women.
And women are significantly under-represented in growing areas of employment that require science, technology, engineering and mathematics skills, WEF said.
* Agence France Presse
