Students from the Rashid Centre for People of Determination joyously marked Union Day on Tuesday.
In addition to the families of the students, Sheikha Mahra bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Sheikh Juma bin Maktoum bin Hasher Al Maktoum and other dignitaries were also in attendance.
Upon entering the centre, a lively and festive scene greeted guests; men dressed in kanduras held sticks that rhythmically moved as they danced in harmony with the traditional UAE folk music.
The air was filled with the fragrance of bakhour, mixed with the aroma of dates, which were handed out to guests.
A dazzling tribute to leadership
The backdrops on the stage featured vintage videos of Sheikh Zayed and scenes highlighting the rulers of Dubai and Abu Dhabi, in a tribute to their leadership.
This visual journey not only celebrated the Spirit of the Union, but also showcased the dedication of determined students, who spent a month practicing their dance and songs, inspired by the poems of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, and Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, Crown Prince of Dubai. They performed Sheikh Mohammed's O My Country, Be in Peace and Sheikh Hamdan's The Pride of the Generations, all while waving UAE flags in harmony.
The UAE Oscar band accompanied the students on stage. The band's male members wore kanduras paired with ghutras, while women donned vibrant jalabiyas featuring colourful patterns and embroidery.
Empathy in action
In a powerful demonstration of empathy and solidarity, Emirati Ali Hussein, a Rashid Centre graduate, took a moment at the start of the show to convey his thoughts and concerns for the children in Gaza, highlighting awareness and compassion for global issues.
"I wish our beloved country a happy 52nd National Day, filled with success and development. Today, I address you with a heavy heart, turning our attention to the children of Gaza and Palestine, who are chased by death, living in constant fear under the shadows of war," Hussein said.
"I speak of children who have lost their lives, families, loved ones, schoolbooks, pens and ambitions.
"The children of Gaza have nothing left in this world but us. Let us stand beside them, offering our support, even if it's just through a small gesture or a comforting smile, to reignite hope within their hearts."
Empowering hope
Emirati Mariam Othman, who has six daughters and two grandsons, founded the centre in 2016 and has helped it grow to become a symbol of hope and empowerment for pupils of all nationalities facing unique challenges.
"We believe in allowing our students, which also includes some from Palestine, to fully engage in every aspect of life, whether it's the National Day or a country's cause, fostering their integration into society," Othman told The National. "We approach these experiences with care, explaining that despite their challenges, their situation is better than that of children in war-torn Gaza who lack basic necessities."
She also praised Hussein's speech, adding: "Ali's expression of love when addressing the children of Palestine is a beautiful example of promoting empathy. It's crucial to instil these concepts in students to nurture a mindset of compassion and co-operation."
Othman also said that through her experience interacting with students, she has "encountered a purity unparalleled elsewhere". She praised her time spent with them by saying they became her "solace when stressed" and offer relief.
An inspiring month-long journey of growth
Waseem Faris, the Iraqi composer behind the musical compositions inspired by the poems of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid and Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, dedicated a month to training students and overseeing the show.
Reflecting on his experience with the students, Faris expressed the positive nature of the collaboration.
"Despite the challenges, I find joy in working with them, because through them I learnt a lot of things, particularly in witnessing the authentic performances reflected in their emotive voices. There's a profound truthfulness and purity in their work that sets them apart from others. They hold a unique identity," he says.
"My prayers for strength extend to them and their parents, who tirelessly supported and collaborated to create this exceptional work."
Dreams illuminated
Under Faris's mentorship is Emirati student Hassan Al Shawab, 21, who shared his aspirations for the future.
"My experience today had a profound impact on me. It not only brought me immense happiness performing on stage, but also ignited a passion within me. I am inspired by the captivating world of stage production; therefore, I want to become an expert in stage lighting effects in the future."
Following the performances, the celebration extended beyond the auditorium with a bazaar and family-friendly activities.
Ovo's tips to find extra heat
- Open your curtains when it’s sunny
- Keep your oven open after cooking
- Have a cuddle with pets and loved ones to help stay cosy
- Eat ginger but avoid chilli as it makes you sweat
- Put on extra layers
- Do a few star jumps
- Avoid alcohol
More from Rashmee Roshan Lall
ON%20TRACK
%3Cp%3EThe%20Dubai%20Metaverse%20Assembly%20will%20host%20three%20main%20tracks%3A%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EEducate%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Consists%20of%20more%20than%2010%20in-depth%20sessions%20on%20the%20metaverse%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EInspire%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Will%20showcase%20use%20cases%20of%20the%20metaverse%20in%20tourism%2C%20logistics%2C%20retail%2C%20education%20and%20health%20care%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EContribute%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Workshops%20for%20metaverse%20foresight%20and%20use-case%20reviews%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Sui Dhaaga: Made in India
Director: Sharat Katariya
Starring: Varun Dhawan, Anushka Sharma, Raghubir Yadav
3.5/5
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
The specs: 2017 GMC Sierra 1500 Denali
Price, base / as tested Dh207,846 / Dh220,000
Engine 6.2L V8
Transmission Eight-speed automatic
Power 420hp @ 5,600rpm
Torque 624Nm @ 4,100rpm
Fuel economy, combined 13.5L / 100km
match info
Maratha Arabians 138-2
C Lynn 91*, A Lyth 20, B Laughlin 1-15
Team Abu Dhabi 114-3
L Wright 40*, L Malinga 0-13, M McClenaghan 1-17
Maratha Arabians won by 24 runs
Mohammed bin Zayed Majlis
THE BIG THREE
NOVAK DJOKOVIC
19 grand slam singles titles
Wimbledon: 5 (2011, 14, 15, 18, 19)
French Open: 2 (2016, 21)
US Open: 3 (2011, 15, 18)
Australian Open: 9 (2008, 11, 12, 13, 15, 16, 19, 20, 21)
Prize money: $150m
ROGER FEDERER
20 grand slam singles titles
Wimbledon: 8 (2003, 04, 05, 06, 07, 09, 12, 17)
French Open: 1 (2009)
US Open: 5 (2004, 05, 06, 07, 08)
Australian Open: 6 (2004, 06, 07, 10, 17, 18)
Prize money: $130m
RAFAEL NADAL
20 grand slam singles titles
Wimbledon: 2 (2008, 10)
French Open: 13 (2005, 06, 07, 08, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 17, 18, 19, 20)
US Open: 4 (2010, 13, 17, 19)
Australian Open: 1 (2009)
Prize money: $125m
Christopher Robin
Starring: Ewan McGregor, Haley Atwell, Jim Cummings, Peter Capaldi
Three stars
THE BIO
Ms Davison came to Dubai from Kerala after her marriage in 1996 when she was 21-years-old
Since 2001, Ms Davison has worked at many affordable schools such as Our Own English High School in Sharjah, and The Apple International School and Amled School in Dubai
Favourite Book: The Alchemist
Favourite quote: Failing to prepare is preparing to fail
Favourite place to Travel to: Vienna
Favourite cuisine: Italian food
Favourite Movie : Scent of a Woman
The five pillars of Islam
If you go
Flying
Despite the extreme distance, flying to Fairbanks is relatively simple, requiring just one transfer in Seattle, which can be reached directly from Dubai with Emirates for Dh6,800 return.
Touring
Gondwana Ecotours’ seven-day Polar Bear Adventure starts in Fairbanks in central Alaska before visiting Kaktovik and Utqiarvik on the North Slope. Polar bear viewing is highly likely in Kaktovik, with up to five two-hour boat tours included. Prices start from Dh11,500 per person, with all local flights, meals and accommodation included; gondwanaecotours.com
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
Liverpool 4-1 Shrewsbury
Liverpool
Gordon (34'), Fabinho (44' pen, 90' 3), Firmino (78')
Shrewsbury
Udoh (27'minutes)
Man of the Match: Kaide Gordon (Liverpool)
How to improve Arabic reading in early years
One 45-minute class per week in Standard Arabic is not sufficient
The goal should be for grade 1 and 2 students to become fluent readers
Subjects like technology, social studies, science can be taught in later grades
Grade 1 curricula should include oral instruction in Standard Arabic
First graders must regularly practice individual letters and combinations
Time should be slotted in class to read longer passages in early grades
Improve the appearance of textbooks
Revision of curriculum should be undertaken as per research findings
Conjugations of most common verb forms should be taught
Systematic learning of Standard Arabic grammar
