Mohamed Ramadan is set to return to the big screen.
The Egyptian actor and singer made the announcement on his social media channel by uploading footage of himself wearing a fur coat and sunglasses on a video shoot.
Ramadan revealed that production has begun on the film, named after his 2018 hit song.
"We have started working on my next movie, Number One, written by Ahmed Adel, directed by Yasser Samy, produced by Youssef Al-Taher," he said. "Cinemas in Egypt and the Arab world are preparing a reception worthy of my audience."
The film is reportedly an action comedy with Ramadan playing the role of a martial artist. The star will also contribute to the soundtrack. With no release date mentioned, the film could hit regional cinemas during the Eid Al Fitr holidays next April, when the Egyptian film industry traditionally releases blockbuster films.
It will be interesting to see if Ramadan can translate his growing popularity on television and music streaming platforms to movie theatres.
Since his last film, 2019’s El Kenz 2: Al-Hobb wa Al Maseer (The Treasure 2: Love and Destiny), which is available on Netflix, Ramadan doubled down on his television work and appeared in back-to-back hit dramas including 2019's Zelzal, 2020's Al Prince and this year's El Meshwar.
At the same time, he has rapidly expanded his fan base by releasing more songs complete with zany music videos, some of which went viral across the region. These include 2020's Corona Virus, a catchy public safety message in light of the spread of Covid-19.
In line with Ramadan's style, the rap and sung lyrics of the single — written by El Power El Aali and Bldozer — are full of vibrant Egyptian colloquialisms and scatting.
"I am the prince, I am the gentleman," the chorus goes. "A mask I wear and gloves as well. I say hello from afar and with no hugs. Coronavirus — that way I am safe."
The following year, Ramadan landed another hit with Versace Baby.
With a video shot primarily at the Palazzo Versace Dubai hotel, the track is an ode to extravagance as Ramadan declares: "Spend money, make it rain... Work out until we feel the pain. Then we party. We don't care. Every day, re-do the same.”
In a previous interview with The National, Ramadan said his diverse career is driven by a desire to be “number one.”
“I am not saying that I am number one, but that is what I work very hard to be," he said. "It's about encouraging you to be the best that you can be.”
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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