• French artist Zak Eazy has been creating surrealist artworks of some of the world's best known landmarks, including those in the UAE. All photos: Zak Eazy
    French artist Zak Eazy has been creating surrealist artworks of some of the world's best known landmarks, including those in the UAE. All photos: Zak Eazy
  • Zak Eazy's take on the Dubai Frame.
    Zak Eazy's take on the Dubai Frame.
  • Burj Al Arab surrounded by giant flamingoes.
    Burj Al Arab surrounded by giant flamingoes.
  • Atlantis, the Palm, on a rocky mountain.
    Atlantis, the Palm, on a rocky mountain.
  • Artist Zak Eazy lives in Lille, northern France.
    Artist Zak Eazy lives in Lille, northern France.
  • Eazy says he loves to mix architecture, animals and nature in a surrealistic style.
    Eazy says he loves to mix architecture, animals and nature in a surrealistic style.
  • He started his series in 2019.
    He started his series in 2019.
  • Eazy, 26, who prefers to be known by his artistic moniker, works predominantly using Adobe Photoshop.
    Eazy, 26, who prefers to be known by his artistic moniker, works predominantly using Adobe Photoshop.
  • Eazy's Instagram account @zakeazy, where he curates his works, is full of praise, with many applauding his vision and artistry.
    Eazy's Instagram account @zakeazy, where he curates his works, is full of praise, with many applauding his vision and artistry.
  • 'Some view my art as fantastic and magical, and some see it as the apocalypse and life after human extinction,' says Eazy.
    'Some view my art as fantastic and magical, and some see it as the apocalypse and life after human extinction,' says Eazy.
  • Eazy says his works are inspired by Spanish surrealist Salvador Dali.
    Eazy says his works are inspired by Spanish surrealist Salvador Dali.
  • Eazy says he started his series with images from his home town in Lille, France.
    Eazy says he started his series with images from his home town in Lille, France.
  • He's currently working to put together his own exhibition.
    He's currently working to put together his own exhibition.

French artist's surreal digital works of Dubai landmarks win fans online


  • English
  • Arabic

French digital artist and graphic designer Zak Eazy first visited Dubai last year and was so impressed by the city, he's returned four times since. He's also turned memories of his travels into an impressive series of artworks featuring Dubai landmarks, from Burj Khalifa to Burj Al Arab.

Eazy, 26, who prefers to be known by his artistic moniker, works predominantly with Adobe Photoshop, and says his works are inspired by Spanish surrealist Salvador Dali.

One striking work shows the Dubai Frame, with dolphins leaping out from waves splashing on sand dunes, while another features Atlantis, The Palm set on a rocky hilltop with a river flowing from its famous arch.

An artwork featuring Atlantis, The Palm. Photo: Zak Eazy
An artwork featuring Atlantis, The Palm. Photo: Zak Eazy

"I love to mix architecture, animals and nature in a surrealistic style. I love to take realistic things and make it more fantastical. And I love making the world more dreamy and sweet," Eazy tells The National. "I picked these monuments because they are best known in Dubai and I was really impressed by their architecture."

Eazy has created four artworks featuring Dubai, and now has his sights set on the Museum of the Future, the world's largest observation wheel Ain Dubai, Al Seef neighbourhood and the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi.

Two more Burj Khalifa-inspired projects are also in the works.

"I wanted to express the greatness of the country through these creations, because visually the architecture is top class but also the development they represent," he says. "There are so many opportunities there and you can make your dream come true. That’s what I wanted to express."

The Dubai Frame work, titled New Wave, is the perfect example of his vision, Eazy says.

"Through the Dubai Frame, you can see the old and the new Dubai. That’s why I used this monument because it’s an analogy between life before and after, life before opportunity and life after opportunity. I used dolphins to represent anybody in the world because there are opportunities for everyone in Dubai. No matter your race or colour of your skin, you will manage to swim like a dolphin in the water if you manage to take the opportunity."

Zak Eazy's interpretation of the Dubai Frame. Photo: Zak Eazy
Zak Eazy's interpretation of the Dubai Frame. Photo: Zak Eazy

Eazy, who lives in Lille in northern France, says he started creating his series in 2019, beginning with images from his home town. His Instagram account, where he curates his works, is inundated with praise, with many applauding him for his vision and artistry. Eazy is currently working to put together his own exhibition.

"I love to see [the] reactions of people because they interpret the art in their own way. Some view my art as fantastic and magical, and some see it as the apocalypse and life after human extinction," he says. "I have my own meaning but people are free to interpret it according to what they see, according to their experiences. And this is what I like the most."

Snow in Dubai? Artist recreates emirate as winter wonderland - in pictures

  • Through a series of images, Dubai resident and digital artist Jyo John Mulloor has imagined what the city would look like if it were covered in snow. All photos: Jyo John Mulloor
    Through a series of images, Dubai resident and digital artist Jyo John Mulloor has imagined what the city would look like if it were covered in snow. All photos: Jyo John Mulloor
  • This image, viewed from Karama, is the first one Mulloor created.
    This image, viewed from Karama, is the first one Mulloor created.
  • Snow on Atlantis, The Palm.
    Snow on Atlantis, The Palm.
  • A snowy scene with Burj Khalifa and Downtown Dubai in the background.
    A snowy scene with Burj Khalifa and Downtown Dubai in the background.
  • Dubai resident and digital artist Jyo John Mulloor said he got the inspiration for the series in a dream.
    Dubai resident and digital artist Jyo John Mulloor said he got the inspiration for the series in a dream.
  • Global Village covered in snow.
    Global Village covered in snow.
  • The mountains of Hatta.
    The mountains of Hatta.
  • What the famous Hatta sign would look like if it snowed.
    What the famous Hatta sign would look like if it snowed.
  • The Burj Al Arab seen along with a frozen lake.
    The Burj Al Arab seen along with a frozen lake.
  • The famed Clock Tower in Deira.
    The famed Clock Tower in Deira.
  • Expo 2020 Dubai.
    Expo 2020 Dubai.
  • The newly-opened Museum of the Future.
    The newly-opened Museum of the Future.
  • A Dubai Metro station.
    A Dubai Metro station.
  • A shot of snowy Downtown Dubai.
    A shot of snowy Downtown Dubai.
SPEC%20SHEET%3A%20SAMSUNG%20GALAXY%20S24%20ULTRA
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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

 

 

Sam Smith

Where: du Arena, Abu Dhabi

When: Saturday November 24

Rating: 4/5

Company%20profile
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ECompany%20name%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20FinFlx%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EStarted%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20January%202021%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EFounders%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Amr%20Yussif%20(co-founder%20and%20CEO)%2C%20Mattieu%20Capelle%20(co-founder%20and%20CTO)%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EBased%20in%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Dubai%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EIndustry%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20FinTech%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EFunding%20size%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20%241.5m%20pre-seed%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EInvestors%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Venture%20capital%20-%20Y%20Combinator%2C%20500%20Global%2C%20Dubai%20Future%20District%20Fund%2C%20Fox%20Ventures%2C%20Vector%20Fintech.%20Also%20a%20number%20of%20angel%20investors%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Libya's Gold

UN Panel of Experts found regime secretly sold a fifth of the country's gold reserves. 

The panel’s 2017 report followed a trail to West Africa where large sums of cash and gold were hidden by Abdullah Al Senussi, Qaddafi’s former intelligence chief, in 2011.

Cases filled with cash that was said to amount to $560m in 100 dollar notes, that was kept by a group of Libyans in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso.

A second stash was said to have been held in Accra, Ghana, inside boxes at the local offices of an international human rights organisation based in France.

Turkish Ladies

Various artists, Sony Music Turkey 

GIANT REVIEW

Starring: Amir El-Masry, Pierce Brosnan

Director: Athale

Rating: 4/5

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

Engine: 2.0-litre 4-cyl, 48V hybrid

Transmission: eight-speed automatic

Power: 325bhp

Torque: 450Nm

Price: Dh289,000

 

 

DC%20League%20of%20Super-Pets
%3Cp%3EDirector%3A%20Jared%20Stern%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3EStarring%3A%20Dwayne%20Johnson%2C%20Kevin%20Hart%2C%20John%20Krasinski%2C%20Keanu%20Reeves%2C%20Olivia%20Wilde%2C%20Kate%20McKinnon%2C%20Jameela%20Jamil%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3ERating%3A%203%2F5%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Gothia Cup 2025

4,872 matches 

1,942 teams

116 pitches

76 nations

26 UAE teams

15 Lebanese teams

2 Kuwaiti teams

The stats

Ship name: MSC Bellissima

Ship class: Meraviglia Class

Delivery date: February 27, 2019

Gross tonnage: 171,598 GT

Passenger capacity: 5,686

Crew members: 1,536

Number of cabins: 2,217

Length: 315.3 metres

Maximum speed: 22.7 knots (42kph)

UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
GAC GS8 Specs

Engine: 2.0-litre 4cyl turbo

Power: 248hp at 5,200rpm

Torque: 400Nm at 1,750-4,000rpm

Transmission: 8-speed auto

Fuel consumption: 9.1L/100km

On sale: Now

Price: From Dh149,900

PAST 10 BRITISH GRAND PRIX WINNERS

2016 - Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes-GP)
2015 - Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes-GP)
2014 - Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes-GP)
2013 - Nico Rosberg (Mercedes-GP)
2012 - Mark Webber (Red Bull Racing)
2011 - Fernando Alonso (Ferrari)
2010 - Mark Webber (Red Bull Racing)
2009 - Sebastian Vettel (Red Bull Racing)
2008 - Lewis Hamilton (McLaren)
2007 - Kimi Raikkonen (Ferrari)

Classification of skills

A worker is categorised as skilled by the MOHRE based on nine levels given in the International Standard Classification of Occupations (ISCO) issued by the International Labour Organisation. 

A skilled worker would be someone at a professional level (levels 1 – 5) which includes managers, professionals, technicians and associate professionals, clerical support workers, and service and sales workers.

The worker must also have an attested educational certificate higher than secondary or an equivalent certification, and earn a monthly salary of at least Dh4,000. 

How to apply for a drone permit
  • Individuals must register on UAE Drone app or website using their UAE Pass
  • Add all their personal details, including name, nationality, passport number, Emiratis ID, email and phone number
  • Upload the training certificate from a centre accredited by the GCAA
  • Submit their request
What are the regulations?
  • Fly it within visual line of sight
  • Never over populated areas
  • Ensure maximum flying height of 400 feet (122 metres) above ground level is not crossed
  • Users must avoid flying over restricted areas listed on the UAE Drone app
  • Only fly the drone during the day, and never at night
  • Should have a live feed of the drone flight
  • Drones must weigh 5 kg or less
MATCH INFO

Liverpool 2 (Van Dijk 18', 24')

Brighton 1 (Dunk 79')

Red card: Alisson (Liverpool)

The schedule

December 5 - 23: Shooting competition, Al Dhafra Shooting Club

December 9 - 24: Handicrafts competition, from 4pm until 10pm, Heritage Souq

December 11 - 20: Dates competition, from 4pm

December 12 - 20: Sour milk competition

December 13: Falcon beauty competition

December 14 and 20: Saluki races

December 15: Arabian horse races, from 4pm

December 16 - 19: Falconry competition

December 18: Camel milk competition, from 7.30 - 9.30 am

December 20 and 21: Sheep beauty competition, from 10am

December 22: The best herd of 30 camels

QUALIFYING RESULTS

1. Max Verstappen, Netherlands, Red Bull Racing Honda, 1 minute, 35.246 seconds.
2. Valtteri Bottas, Finland, Mercedes, 1:35.271.
3. Lewis Hamilton, Great Britain, Mercedes, 1:35.332.
4. Lando Norris, Great Britain, McLaren Renault, 1:35.497.
5. Alexander Albon, Thailand, Red Bull Racing Honda, 1:35.571.
6. Carlos Sainz Jr, Spain, McLaren Renault, 1:35.815.
7. Daniil Kvyat, Russia, Scuderia Toro Rosso Honda, 1:35.963.
8. Lance Stroll, Canada, Racing Point BWT Mercedes, 1:36.046.
9. Charles Leclerc, Monaco, Ferrari, 1:36.065.
10. Pierre Gasly, France, Scuderia Toro Rosso Honda, 1:36.242.

Eliminated after second session

11. Esteban Ocon, France, Renault, 1:36.359.
12. Daniel Ricciardo, Australia, Renault, 1:36.406.
13. Sebastian Vettel, Germany, Ferrari, 1:36.631.
14. Antonio Giovinazzi, Italy, Alfa Romeo Racing Ferrari, 1:38.248.

Eliminated after first session

15. Antonio Giovinazzi, Italy, Alfa Romeo Racing Ferrari, 1:37.075.
16. Kimi Raikkonen, Finland, Alfa Romeo Racing Ferrari, 1:37.555.
17. Kevin Magnussen, Denmark, Haas Ferrari, 1:37.863.
18. George Russell, Great Britain, Williams Mercedes, 1:38.045.
19. Pietro Fittipaldi, Brazil, Haas Ferrari, 1:38.173.
20. Nicholas Latifi, Canada, Williams Mercedes, 1:38.443.

World Test Championship table

1 India 71 per cent

2 New Zealand 70 per cent

3 Australia 69.2 per cent

4 England 64.1 per cent

5 Pakistan 43.3 per cent

6 West Indies 33.3 per cent

7 South Africa 30 per cent

8 Sri Lanka 16.7 per cent

9 Bangladesh 0

Updated: July 21, 2022, 9:01 AM