In its five years of existence, the New York University Abu Dhabi (NYUAD) Art Gallery has put on a number of notable shows.
It has featured towering sound sculptures by Zimoun, Sandi Hilal and Alessandro Petti's contemplative The Concrete Tent and most recently, Amar Kanwar's poignant installation The Sovereign Forest.
The public will soon be able to revisit these exhibitions online as the gallery prepares to open its first digital archive on Monday, May 18. It will be launched alongside a series of virtual events, primarily discussions, as part of the gallery's digital programme Trace: Archives and Reunions.
The first release will be materials from Speculative Landscapes, an exhibition on the concept of environment that ran from September to December 2019 and featured commissioned works from four artists living in the UAE.
New archives will become available online every two weeks throughout the summer.
The gallery had been gathering these materials for a book about its history, set to be published in time for its sixth year anniversary in the fall. Half a decade after it opened, it is the first time it is sharing these resources online. Like many other art institutions, the physical experience had always outranked the virtual. However, with the arrival of the coronavirus pandemic, which caused schools to take lessons online and art spaces to shut down, the gallery had to recalibrate.
"This [digital archive] was one of those 'someday-we-should-do' plans, but it did not have priority," says Maya Allison, NYUAD Art Gallery's executive director and the university's chief curator. "[Trace: Archives and Reunions] is not something I would have done as a programme this summer … but I realised as we were building these archives that this was something we can offer to help us reconnect. So if we make it public, this is a chance for us to come together, especially now that so many of us are self-isolating."
It can also serve as a valuable learning resource. “There is a lot of content in these archives that I get asked for regularly by scholars who are working on these subjects … Now they can readily access it. I’m really hoping that people will use it for homeschooling or for research from home,” she adds.
Trace: Archives and Reunions will include a range of material related to the gallery's previous shows. Visitors will be able to access book publications, brochures, installation photos, videos, audio guides and NYUAD Art Gallery's youth guides, developed by artist Alaa Edris, who works as their assistant director of publications, and illustrated by artists in the UAE. There will also be highlights from the gallery's auxiliary Project Space, the Christo Award and campus collection.
Curators and artists will also meet in various virtual discussions where they will revisit the exhibition and the latter will discuss current and future work. For the first event on Tuesday, May 19 at 9pm UAE time, the artists of Speculative Landscapes – Areej Kaoud, Ayman Zedani, Jumairy and Raja’a Khalid – will reunite with Allison to discuss their ongoing projects as well as their experiences with the pandemic. Speakers for the following virtual discussions will be announced in the lead-up to the events.
Despite these developments towards NYUAD Art Gallery’s digital outreach, Allison has some reservations about experiencing art in the virtual realm.
“One of the things I struggle with the most is how much we lose when we go virtual with art. I don’t want my exhibition experience to be an online as [the only] option. I want it to be something that adds to it,” she says. “Part of the reason why we decided to do this archive project is that while there is so much more to the art that you experience in person, a photo or other virtual activation will help you remember it.”
In the meantime, Allison considers how this newfound reliance on digital platforms amid quarantine may reshape the way she curates. “I have to curate something that has a meaningful online existence, as opposed to an echo of what I would want to do in the physical world,” she says. “I’m looking at what I can do in the virtual world that is fundamentally meaningful and originates from there. An example would be dialogues and exchanges, the written word,” she says. “I’m considering what you can do where the art can live and breathe in the virtual world that might not be able to do so in a gallery.”
When NYUAD Art Gallery shuttered in March, Amar Kanwar's The Sovereign Forest was on view. Scheduled to close at the end of May, Allison says they are still "considering what's possible" for the exhibition in coming weeks.
Additionally, with schools expected to continue e-learning until September or even to 2021 because of the pandemic, the gallery is waiting to see what it can do next."As [NYUAD Art Gallery] is with an educational institution, we respond both sets of guidelines, that for schools and colleges, and that for public venues…. It is a little early to predict, but we have plans in place for different scenarios."
In the meantime, the digital archive will serve as a resource for students and the public around the world to enrich their insights into the works that have come to the UAE via the gallery's programming.
“Part of how we conceive of our gallery is that we are more nimble and responsive because we are a smaller institution. When I saw what was happening and that we would have to change our exhibitions around, I started thinking, ‘what will be useful for teaching?’, ‘how can I continue to generate something meaningful and useful that would be missed if not there?’”, she says, adding that the gallery’s mission, and her own, will stay the same. “My mission in life is to make these connections with people and between people and ideas”.
NYUAD Art Gallery's 'Traces: Archives and Reunions' can be found on the website
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
Moon Music
Artist: Coldplay
Label: Parlophone/Atlantic
Number of tracks: 10
Rating: 3/5
Dhadak 2
Director: Shazia Iqbal
Starring: Siddhant Chaturvedi, Triptii Dimri
Rating: 1/5
Key products and UAE prices
iPhone XS
With a 5.8-inch screen, it will be an advance version of the iPhone X. It will be dual sim and comes with better battery life, a faster processor and better camera. A new gold colour will be available.
Price: Dh4,229
iPhone XS Max
It is expected to be a grander version of the iPhone X with a 6.5-inch screen; an inch bigger than the screen of the iPhone 8 Plus.
Price: Dh4,649
iPhone XR
A low-cost version of the iPhone X with a 6.1-inch screen, it is expected to attract mass attention. According to industry experts, it is likely to have aluminium edges instead of stainless steel.
Price: Dh3,179
Apple Watch Series 4
More comprehensive health device with edge-to-edge displays that are more than 30 per cent bigger than displays on current models.
Greatest of All Time
Starring: Vijay, Sneha, Prashanth, Prabhu Deva, Mohan
match info
Southampton 2 (Ings 32' & pen 89') Tottenham Hotspur 5 (Son 45', 47', 64', & 73', Kane 82')
Man of the match Son Heung-min (Tottenham)
Global state-owned investor ranking by size
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Our family matters legal consultant
Name: Hassan Mohsen Elhais
Position: legal consultant with Al Rowaad Advocates and Legal Consultants.
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
Ferrari 12Cilindri specs
Engine: naturally aspirated 6.5-liter V12
Power: 819hp
Torque: 678Nm at 7,250rpm
Price: From Dh1,700,000
Available: Now
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
Low turnout
Two months before the first round on April 10, the appetite of voters for the election is low.
Mathieu Gallard, account manager with Ipsos, which conducted the most recent poll, said current forecasts suggested only two-thirds were "very likely" to vote in the first round, compared with a 78 per cent turnout in the 2017 presidential elections.
"It depends on how interesting the campaign is on their main concerns," he told The National. "Just now, it's hard to say who, between Macron and the candidates of the right, would be most affected by a low turnout."
Know your Camel lingo
The bairaq is a competition for the best herd of 50 camels, named for the banner its winner takes home
Namoos - a word of congratulations reserved for falconry competitions, camel races and camel pageants. It best translates as 'the pride of victory' - and for competitors, it is priceless
Asayel camels - sleek, short-haired hound-like racers
Majahim - chocolate-brown camels that can grow to weigh two tonnes. They were only valued for milk until camel pageantry took off in the 1990s
Millions Street - the thoroughfare where camels are led and where white 4x4s throng throughout the festival
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Business Insights
- As per the document, there are six filing options, including choosing to report on a realisation basis and transitional rules for pre-tax period gains or losses.
- SMEs with revenue below Dh3 million per annum can opt for transitional relief until 2026, treating them as having no taxable income.
- Larger entities have specific provisions for asset and liability movements, business restructuring, and handling foreign permanent establishments.
UAE squad
Rohan Mustafa (captain), Ashfaq Ahmed, Ghulam Shabber, Rameez Shahzad, Mohammed Boota, Mohammed Usman, Adnan Mufti, Shaiman Anwar, Ahmed Raza, Imran Haider, Qadeer Ahmed, Mohammed Naveed, Amir Hayat, Zahoor Khan
Sheer grandeur
The Owo building is 14 storeys high, seven of which are below ground, with the 30,000 square feet of amenities located subterranean, including a 16-seat private cinema, seven lounges, a gym, games room, treatment suites and bicycle storage.
A clear distinction between the residences and the Raffles hotel with the amenities operated separately.
World record transfers
1. Kylian Mbappe - to Real Madrid in 2017/18 - €180 million (Dh770.4m - if a deal goes through)
2. Paul Pogba - to Manchester United in 2016/17 - €105m
3. Gareth Bale - to Real Madrid in 2013/14 - €101m
4. Cristiano Ronaldo - to Real Madrid in 2009/10 - €94m
5. Gonzalo Higuain - to Juventus in 2016/17 - €90m
6. Neymar - to Barcelona in 2013/14 - €88.2m
7. Romelu Lukaku - to Manchester United in 2017/18 - €84.7m
8. Luis Suarez - to Barcelona in 2014/15 - €81.72m
9. Angel di Maria - to Manchester United in 2014/15 - €75m
10. James Rodriguez - to Real Madrid in 2014/15 - €75m
Henrik Stenson's finishes at Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship:
2006 - 2
2007 - 8
2008 - 2
2009 - MC
2010 - 21
2011 - 42
2012 - MC
2013 - 23
2014 - MC
2015 - MC
2016 - 3
2017 - 8
MATCH INFO
Uefa Champions League semi-finals, first leg
Liverpool v Roma
When: April 24, 10.45pm kick-off (UAE)
Where: Anfield, Liverpool
Live: BeIN Sports HD
Second leg: May 2, Stadio Olimpico, Rome
Teaching your child to save
Pre-school (three - five years)
You can’t yet talk about investing or borrowing, but introduce a “classic” money bank and start putting gifts and allowances away. When the child wants a specific toy, have them save for it and help them track their progress.
Early childhood (six - eight years)
Replace the money bank with three jars labelled ‘saving’, ‘spending’ and ‘sharing’. Have the child divide their allowance into the three jars each week and explain their choices in splitting their pocket money. A guide could be 25 per cent saving, 50 per cent spending, 25 per cent for charity and gift-giving.
Middle childhood (nine - 11 years)
Open a bank savings account and help your child establish a budget and set a savings goal. Introduce the notion of ‘paying yourself first’ by putting away savings as soon as your allowance is paid.
Young teens (12 - 14 years)
Change your child’s allowance from weekly to monthly and help them pinpoint long-range goals such as a trip, so they can start longer-term saving and find new ways to increase their saving.
Teenage (15 - 18 years)
Discuss mutual expectations about university costs and identify what they can help fund and set goals. Don’t pay for everything, so they can experience the pride of contributing.
Young adulthood (19 - 22 years)
Discuss post-graduation plans and future life goals, quantify expenses such as first apartment, work wardrobe, holidays and help them continue to save towards these goals.
* JP Morgan Private Bank
Business Insights
- Canada and Mexico are significant energy suppliers to the US, providing the majority of oil and natural gas imports
- The introduction of tariffs could hinder the US's clean energy initiatives by raising input costs for materials like nickel
- US domestic suppliers might benefit from higher prices, but overall oil consumption is expected to decrease due to elevated costs
MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE – FINAL RECKONING
Director: Christopher McQuarrie
Starring: Tom Cruise, Hayley Atwell, Simon Pegg
Rating: 4/5
UAE SQUAD
UAE team
1. Chris Jones-Griffiths 2. Gio Fourie 3. Craig Nutt 4. Daniel Perry 5. Isaac Porter 6. Matt Mills 7. Hamish Anderson 8. Jaen Botes 9. Barry Dwyer 10. Luke Stevenson (captain) 11. Sean Carey 12. Andrew Powell 13. Saki Naisau 14. Thinus Steyn 15. Matt Richards
Replacements
16. Lukas Waddington 17. Murray Reason 18. Ahmed Moosa 19. Stephen Ferguson 20. Sean Stevens 21. Ed Armitage 22. Kini Natuna 23. Majid Al Balooshi
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.
