Influential authors, actors and designers will feature at this year's Abu Dhabi International Book Fair. Running from Saturday until May 5 at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (Adnec), the latest event offers a dynamic programme of discussions spanning literature, culture and history.
With the classic Arabic compilation One Thousand and One Nights designated as the festival’s Book of the World, several sessions will explore its enduring influence. As for Caribbean culture named guest of honour, expect leading authors and cultural figures from the region to shine a spotlight on its vibrant creative life and formidable contributions to world literature.
Here are eight sessions to check out at the book fair – all taking place on the Community Stage in Hall 10.
1. The Drama of One Thousand and One Nights: An Arabic Perspective
Sunday, 8pm
A stalwart of Egyptian television and cinema will grace the opening weekend of the book fair, with actor Hussein Fahmy – star of films such as My Blood and My Tears and My Smile and The Shame – reflecting on how One Thousand and One Nights inspired Egyptian authors and screenwriters, and how actors have drawn on its rich array of character archetypes for inspiration.
2. Mena Massoud: A journey from Dream to Hollywood
April 28, 11am
Egyptian-Canadian actor Massoud’s top billing alongside Will Smith in the 2019 blockbuster live-action remake of Aladdin remains a cultural landmark in Hollywood, breaking yet another barrier for Arab actors seeking leading roles in major films. At the book fair, Massoud will recount his professional journey, from being typecast in a North American film and television industry still grappling with inclusivity, to filming Aladdin in Jordan – proving that hard work can make dreams come true.
3. Storytelling for the Digital Age: The Evolution of Screen Life filmmaking with Timur Bekmambetov
April 28, 4pm
An audience with acclaimed Kazakh-Russian filmmaker Bekmambetov – the director behind cult hits Unfriended, Profile and Searching, all of which unfold entirely on a computer, phone or tablet. Describing his approach as “screen life", Bekmambetov will discuss the technical challenges behind this distinctive format and the ethical questions it raises for viewers who, in many ways, become voyeurs in his films.
4. Heritage for Peace: Safeguarding Archaeological Sites in Conflict Areas
April 29, 4pm
From Iraq’s Al Nouri Mosque to Lebanon’s Baalbek, the Middle East is home to cherished landmarks increasingly caught in the crossfire of conflict and political instability. Noura Al Kaabi, UAE Minister of State, and Lebanon’s Minister of Culture Ghassan Salame will discuss the global responsibility to preserve these sites and how collaboration is essential to maintaining and rebuilding landmarks that speak to the region’s history and shared humanity.
5. Our Museums: A Beacon of Creativity and Connection
April 30, 8pm
What is the role of museums in a technology-driven world – and can they serve as platforms for community building? These are among the questions to be explored when the heads of Abu Dhabi’s landmark institutions – Louvre Abu Dhabi (Manuel Rabate), Zayed National Museum (Peter Magee) and Guggenheim Abu Dhabi (Mariet Westermann, global director of the foundation) – come together to discuss how these cultural spaces can foster deeper understanding between communities through the UAE’s pioneering approach to tolerance and coexistence.
6. The 50 Most Important Novels of the 21st Century
May 1, 3pm
The 21st century marked a turning point for Arabic literature, where conventions, from genre to narrative, were disrupted and reimagined. While the Arabic novel was once largely defined by political themes and questions of identity shaped by a turbulent colonial past, today’s writers have pushed those concerns further to explore them through style, setting and form.
The National will showcase that evolution by launching its list of the 50 most important Arabic novels of the 21st century in a panel session featuring literary critics Mohamed Abu Al Fadl Badran and Haytham Al Haj Ali, and Abu Dhabi Language Centre executive director Saeed Al Tunaiji.
7. Leadership under Fire: The Legacy of Charles de Gaulle
May 2, 6pm
With his acclaimed book A Certain Idea of France: The Life of Charles de Gaulle, British historian and academic Julian Jackson has produced one of the most remarkable and exhaustive biographies of the former French president. In this session, Jackson reflects on the enduring lessons de Gaulle offers about being a leader in times of crisis.
8. Ancient Crafts, Modern Vision - The Azza Fahmy Story
May 4, 6pm
The pioneering Egyptian designer reflects on her 40-year career, in which she has created jewellery that fuses contemporary design with the sensibilities of Islamic craftsmanship. From learning the trade in Cairo’s bustling Khan El Khalili market to establishing a brand favoured by celebrities and royalty, Fahmy shares the techniques and career lessons that helped make her one of Egypt’s leading cultural ambassadors.
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Brief scoreline:
Toss: South Africa, elected to bowl first
England (311-8): Stokes 89, Morgan 57, Roy 54, Root 51; Ngidi 3-66
South Africa (207): De Kock 68, Van der Dussen 50; Archer 3-27, Stokes 2-12
Who is Mohammed Al Halbousi?
The new speaker of Iraq’s parliament Mohammed Al Halbousi is the youngest person ever to serve in the role.
The 37-year-old was born in Al Garmah in Anbar and studied civil engineering in Baghdad before going into business. His development company Al Hadeed undertook reconstruction contracts rebuilding parts of Fallujah’s infrastructure.
He entered parliament in 2014 and served as a member of the human rights and finance committees until 2017. In August last year he was appointed governor of Anbar, a role in which he has struggled to secure funding to provide services in the war-damaged province and to secure the withdrawal of Shia militias. He relinquished the post when he was sworn in as a member of parliament on September 3.
He is a member of the Al Hal Sunni-based political party and the Sunni-led Coalition of Iraqi Forces, which is Iraq’s largest Sunni alliance with 37 seats from the May 12 election.
He maintains good relations with former Prime Minister Nouri Al Maliki’s State of Law Coaliton, Hadi Al Amiri’s Badr Organisation and Iranian officials.
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Pharaoh's curse
British aristocrat Lord Carnarvon, who funded the expedition to find the Tutankhamun tomb, died in a Cairo hotel four months after the crypt was opened.
He had been in poor health for many years after a car crash, and a mosquito bite made worse by a shaving cut led to blood poisoning and pneumonia.
Reports at the time said Lord Carnarvon suffered from “pain as the inflammation affected the nasal passages and eyes”.
Decades later, scientists contended he had died of aspergillosis after inhaling spores of the fungus aspergillus in the tomb, which can lie dormant for months. The fact several others who entered were also found dead withiin a short time led to the myth of the curse.
What can victims do?
Always use only regulated platforms
Stop all transactions and communication on suspicion
Save all evidence (screenshots, chat logs, transaction IDs)
Report to local authorities
Warn others to prevent further harm
Courtesy: Crystal Intelligence
HOW TO WATCH
Facebook: TheNationalNews
Twitter: @thenationalnews
Instagram: @thenationalnews.com
TikTok: @thenationalnews
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UPI facts
More than 2.2 million Indian tourists arrived in UAE in 2023
More than 3.5 million Indians reside in UAE
Indian tourists can make purchases in UAE using rupee accounts in India through QR-code-based UPI real-time payment systems
Indian residents in UAE can use their non-resident NRO and NRE accounts held in Indian banks linked to a UAE mobile number for UPI transactions
Company%20Profile
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Avatar: Fire and Ash
Director: James Cameron
Starring: Sam Worthington, Sigourney Weaver, Zoe Saldana
Rating: 4.5/5
Company profile
Name: Back to Games and Boardgame Space
Started: Back to Games (2015); Boardgame Space (Mark Azzam became co-founder in 2017)
Founder: Back to Games (Mr Azzam); Boardgame Space (Mr Azzam and Feras Al Bastaki)
Based: Dubai and Abu Dhabi
Industry: Back to Games (retail); Boardgame Space (wholesale and distribution)
Funding: Back to Games: self-funded by Mr Azzam with Dh1.3 million; Mr Azzam invested Dh250,000 in Boardgame Space
Growth: Back to Games: from 300 products in 2015 to 7,000 in 2019; Boardgame Space: from 34 games in 2017 to 3,500 in 2019
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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RESULT
Brazil 2 Croatia 0
Brazil: Neymar (69'), Firmino (90' 3)
How to watch Ireland v Pakistan in UAE
When: The one-off Test starts on Friday, May 11
What time: Each day’s play is scheduled to start at 2pm UAE time.
TV: The match will be broadcast on OSN Sports Cricket HD. Subscribers to the channel can also stream the action live on OSN Play.
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RESULT
Aston Villa 1
Samatta (41')
Manchester City 2
Aguero (20')
Rodri (30')
Auron Mein Kahan Dum Tha
Starring: Ajay Devgn, Tabu, Shantanu Maheshwari, Jimmy Shergill, Saiee Manjrekar
Director: Neeraj Pandey
Rating: 2.5/5
Cricket World Cup League 2
UAE squad
Rahul Chopra (captain), Aayan Afzal Khan, Ali Naseer, Aryansh Sharma, Basil Hameed, Dhruv Parashar, Junaid Siddique, Muhammad Farooq, Muhammad Jawadullah, Muhammad Waseem, Omid Rahman, Rahul Bhatia, Tanish Suri, Vishnu Sukumaran, Vriitya Aravind
Fixtures
Friday, November 1 – Oman v UAE
Sunday, November 3 – UAE v Netherlands
Thursday, November 7 – UAE v Oman
Saturday, November 9 – Netherlands v UAE
EA Sports FC 25
Developer: EA Vancouver, EA Romania
Publisher: EA Sports
Consoles: Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4&5, Xbox One and Xbox Series X/S
Rating: 3.5/5
How to avoid crypto fraud
- Use unique usernames and passwords while enabling multi-factor authentication.
- Use an offline private key, a physical device that requires manual activation, whenever you access your wallet.
- Avoid suspicious social media ads promoting fraudulent schemes.
- Only invest in crypto projects that you fully understand.
- Critically assess whether a project’s promises or returns seem too good to be true.
- Only use reputable platforms that have a track record of strong regulatory compliance.
- Store funds in hardware wallets as opposed to online exchanges.
