• Actors Maniesh Paul, Riteish Deshmukh and Salman Khan hosted the 22nd IIFA Awards at the Etihad Arena on Yas Island, Abu Dhabi. All photos: IIFA2022
    Actors Maniesh Paul, Riteish Deshmukh and Salman Khan hosted the 22nd IIFA Awards at the Etihad Arena on Yas Island, Abu Dhabi. All photos: IIFA2022
  • Salman Khan arrived to the venue on a motorbike.
    Salman Khan arrived to the venue on a motorbike.
  • Actor Tiger Shroff was one of the first performers of the night.
    Actor Tiger Shroff was one of the first performers of the night.
  • Tiger Shroff is known for his high-energy dance moves.
    Tiger Shroff is known for his high-energy dance moves.
  • Shroff performed a mix of his hits, including 'Whistle Baja', 'Zindagi Aa Raha Hoon Main', 'Dus Bahane' and 'Jai Jai Shivshankar'.
    Shroff performed a mix of his hits, including 'Whistle Baja', 'Zindagi Aa Raha Hoon Main', 'Dus Bahane' and 'Jai Jai Shivshankar'.
  • Singer Jubin Natiyal won the Best Playback Singer (Male) for the song 'Raataan Lambiyan' from the film 'Shershaah'.
    Singer Jubin Natiyal won the Best Playback Singer (Male) for the song 'Raataan Lambiyan' from the film 'Shershaah'.
  • Asees Kaur also won Best Playback Singer (Female) for 'Raataan Lambiyan' from the film 'Shershaah'.
    Asees Kaur also won Best Playback Singer (Female) for 'Raataan Lambiyan' from the film 'Shershaah'.
  • Ahan Shetty won the Best Debut (Male) for his role in 'Tadap'.
    Ahan Shetty won the Best Debut (Male) for his role in 'Tadap'.
  • Actor Suniel Shetty handed the Best Debut (Male) award to his son Ahan Shetty.
    Actor Suniel Shetty handed the Best Debut (Male) award to his son Ahan Shetty.
  • Actress Divya Khosla Kumar performs.
    Actress Divya Khosla Kumar performs.
  • Rapper Yo Yo Singh and Guru Randhawa debuted their song 'Designer' at the IIFA Awards.
    Rapper Yo Yo Singh and Guru Randhawa debuted their song 'Designer' at the IIFA Awards.
  • The musicians were joined by Divya Khosla Kumar for a performance.
    The musicians were joined by Divya Khosla Kumar for a performance.
  • Punjabi pop star Guru Randhawa performs.
    Punjabi pop star Guru Randhawa performs.
  • Rapper Yo Yo Honey Singh on stage.
    Rapper Yo Yo Honey Singh on stage.
  • Actor Abhishek Bachchan appears on stage.
    Actor Abhishek Bachchan appears on stage.
  • Nora Fatehi on stage at the IIFA Awards 2022 in Abu Dhabi.
    Nora Fatehi on stage at the IIFA Awards 2022 in Abu Dhabi.
  • Nora Fatehi shared the stage with a young dancer, Kashni from Abu Dhabi, who she found via an Instagram scout.
    Nora Fatehi shared the stage with a young dancer, Kashni from Abu Dhabi, who she found via an Instagram scout.
  • Fatehi also debuted her new song 'Dirty Little Secrets' in Abu Dhabi.
    Fatehi also debuted her new song 'Dirty Little Secrets' in Abu Dhabi.
  • Filmmaker Vishnuvardhan's film 'Shershaah' won both Best Director and Best Picture.
    Filmmaker Vishnuvardhan's film 'Shershaah' won both Best Director and Best Picture.
  • Anurag Basu won Best Original Story for 'Ludo'.
    Anurag Basu won Best Original Story for 'Ludo'.
  • Sai Tamhankar with her award for Best Supporting Actress for her role in the film 'Mimi'.
    Sai Tamhankar with her award for Best Supporting Actress for her role in the film 'Mimi'.
  • Pankaj Tripathi won Best Supporting Actor for his role in 'Ludo'.
    Pankaj Tripathi won Best Supporting Actor for his role in 'Ludo'.
  • Kriti Sanon received the Best Actress for her role in the film 'Mimi'.
    Kriti Sanon received the Best Actress for her role in the film 'Mimi'.
  • Vicky Kaushal with his Best Actor for his role in 'Sardar Udham'.
    Vicky Kaushal with his Best Actor for his role in 'Sardar Udham'.
  • Abhishek Bachchan began his performance with the song 'Indiawale'.
    Abhishek Bachchan began his performance with the song 'Indiawale'.
  • Abhishek Bachchan performs. His was one of the most well-received performances of the night.
    Abhishek Bachchan performs. His was one of the most well-received performances of the night.
  • Aishwarya Rai Bachchan and Aaradhya dancing as they watch Abhishek Bachchan perform.
    Aishwarya Rai Bachchan and Aaradhya dancing as they watch Abhishek Bachchan perform.
  • Aishwarya Rai Bachchan and daughter Aaradhya enjoy Abhishek's performance on the front row.
    Aishwarya Rai Bachchan and daughter Aaradhya enjoy Abhishek's performance on the front row.
  • Ananya Panday performs.
    Ananya Panday performs.
  • Actress Sara Ali Khan performs.
    Actress Sara Ali Khan performs.
  • Abhishek Bachchan performs.
    Abhishek Bachchan performs.
  • Ananya Panday's first ever live performance didn't seem like one. She aced it like a seasoned performer.
    Ananya Panday's first ever live performance didn't seem like one. She aced it like a seasoned performer.
  • Sara Ali Khan delivered a high-energy set on stage.
    Sara Ali Khan delivered a high-energy set on stage.
  • For his performance, Shahid Kapoor made his entrance with the song 'Yaad Aa Raha Hai' via a small platform above the audience.
    For his performance, Shahid Kapoor made his entrance with the song 'Yaad Aa Raha Hai' via a small platform above the audience.
  • Kapoor's performance was a tribute to Bollywood singer and composer Bappi Lahiri, who died in February.
    Kapoor's performance was a tribute to Bollywood singer and composer Bappi Lahiri, who died in February.
  • Kapoor also pulled actress Ananya Panday from the audience.
    Kapoor also pulled actress Ananya Panday from the audience.
  • Lahiri was known for introducing Bollywood to disco and electronic music. For Kapoor's performance, the Etihad Arena was converted into a disco hall.
    Lahiri was known for introducing Bollywood to disco and electronic music. For Kapoor's performance, the Etihad Arena was converted into a disco hall.
  • Kapoor was also joined by Nora Fatehi for a song.
    Kapoor was also joined by Nora Fatehi for a song.
  • Kapoor's tribute to Lahiri was the final performance of the night.
    Kapoor's tribute to Lahiri was the final performance of the night.

Culture

Film

Bollywood stars Salman Khan and Varun Dhawan to headline IIFA Awards 2023 in Abu Dhabi

The event will be held in February at the Etihad Arena for the second year running

David Tusing

September 29, 2022

  • English
  • Arabic

Actor Salman Khan will once again lead a contingent of Indian celebrities when the International Indian Film Academy Awards returns to Abu Dhabi in February.

Fellow actors Varun Dhawan and Kriti Sanon, as well as director and producer Karan Johar, will join him for the event, which will be held in the capital for the second year running.

It's usually held in a different global city every year, however, a little more than three weeks after this year's event ended, it was announced that Abu Dhabi had been chosen again by popular demand.

"Everyone truly had a wonderful time this year in Abu Dhabi and so we are pleased and excited to bring it all back again but with much more magic to come next year," said Noreen Khan, vice president of IIFA.

While dates are still to be announced for next year's ceremony, tickets will go on sale from Friday.

This year's event was held on June 3 to 4 at Etihad Arena after being postponed from its original May date, following the death of Sheikh Khalifa. It marked the second time for the event to be held in the UAE — in 2006 it took place in Dubai — and it was the event's Abu Dhabi debut.

Scroll through the gallery above for more pictures from IIFA Awards 2022 in Abu Dhabi

The IIFA Weekend & Awards featured performances by some of the biggest Indian stars across two days, with many of the top films and actors of the past year honoured on the final night.

The event began on June 3 with IIFA Rocks, featuring performances by top music stars, followed by the main awards gala on June 4, which also included performances by Bollywood stars Abhishek Bachchan, Shahid Kapoor, Sara Ali Khan and Ananya Panday. Salman Khan hosted the main event along with actors Riteish Deshmukh and Maniesh Paul.

More than 20,000 fans attended the event across two days, IIFA said.

Scroll through the gallery below for pictures from IIFA Rocks 2022 at the Etihad Arena

  • South Indian composer and singer Devi Sri Prasad performs at IIFA Rocks at Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi on June 3. All photos: IIFA 2022
    South Indian composer and singer Devi Sri Prasad performs at IIFA Rocks at Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi on June 3. All photos: IIFA 2022
  • Devi Sri Prasad, popularly known as DSP, created a special mix for his Abu Dhabi performance — blending one of his hits 'OO Antava Mava' with Arabic beats and the Punjabi dhol.
    Devi Sri Prasad, popularly known as DSP, created a special mix for his Abu Dhabi performance — blending one of his hits 'OO Antava Mava' with Arabic beats and the Punjabi dhol.
  • The IIFA Rocks show was hosted by director Farah Khan Kunder and actor Aparshakti Khurana.
    The IIFA Rocks show was hosted by director Farah Khan Kunder and actor Aparshakti Khurana.
  • Dancers performing at IIFA Rocks.
    Dancers performing at IIFA Rocks.
  • Composer A R Rahman being honoured by host Farah Khan Kunder.
    Composer A R Rahman being honoured by host Farah Khan Kunder.
  • Singer Neha Kakkar on stage.
    Singer Neha Kakkar on stage.
  • Neha Kakkar also performed with her husband, singer Rohanpreet Singh.
    Neha Kakkar also performed with her husband, singer Rohanpreet Singh.
  • Neha Kakkar and Rohanpreet Singh on the IIFA Rocks stage.
    Neha Kakkar and Rohanpreet Singh on the IIFA Rocks stage.
  • The couple performed their hits together.
    The couple performed their hits together.
  • Hosts Farah Khan Kunder and Aparshakti Khurana share a light moment with actor Chunky Panday.
    Hosts Farah Khan Kunder and Aparshakti Khurana share a light moment with actor Chunky Panday.
  • Singer and actor Zahrah S Khan performs.
    Singer and actor Zahrah S Khan performs.
  • Zahra S Khan shares the stage with singer and composer Tanisk Bagchi.
    Zahra S Khan shares the stage with singer and composer Tanisk Bagchi.
  • Neha Kakkar belted out her hits.
    Neha Kakkar belted out her hits.
  • Singers Asees Kaur and Zahrah S Khan on stage.
    Singers Asees Kaur and Zahrah S Khan on stage.
  • Singer Asees Kaur performs.
    Singer Asees Kaur performs.
  • Actress Jacqueline Fernandez was one of the models for the fashion show.
    Actress Jacqueline Fernandez was one of the models for the fashion show.
  • Actress Ananya Panday walks the catwalk for designers Falguni and Shane Peacock.
    Actress Ananya Panday walks the catwalk for designers Falguni and Shane Peacock.
  • Bollywood actors Ananya Panday and Jacqueline Fernandez helped showcase the latest collection by celebrity favourite designers Shane and Falguni Peacock.
    Bollywood actors Ananya Panday and Jacqueline Fernandez helped showcase the latest collection by celebrity favourite designers Shane and Falguni Peacock.

First held in London in 2000, the IIFA Awards were conceptualised by Mumbai event company Wizcraft International Entertainment to honour the best Hindi films and movie talents of the previous year. It is held in a different country every year and has been instrumental in boosting Bollywood's popularity globally.

“We are honoured to once more welcome the IIFA Weekend & Awards to Etihad Arena," said Saleh Mohamed Al Geziry, director general for tourism at DCT Abu Dhabi. "With the eyes of the world’s film industry upon us, we have an amazing opportunity to share with the world Abu Dhabi’s exciting nightlife, inspiring cultural experiences and restorative escapes. The Awards in February can only enhance our reputation as a global centre for top-tier leisure, entertainment and business events.”

Tickets will be available from Friday at www.etihadarena.ae and travel package deals are listed on www.yasisland.ae

  • Kriti Sanon wears a couture mermaid dress by Filipino Michael Cinco. Chris Whiteoak / The National
    Kriti Sanon wears a couture mermaid dress by Filipino Michael Cinco. Chris Whiteoak / The National
  • Michael Cinco crafted a handprinted green ballgown for actress Nargis Fakhri. EPA
    Michael Cinco crafted a handprinted green ballgown for actress Nargis Fakhri. EPA
  • Divya Khosla Kumar also wears Michael Cinco. Chris Whiteoak / The National
    Divya Khosla Kumar also wears Michael Cinco. Chris Whiteoak / The National
  • Urvashi Rautela wears an embellished Michael Cinco dress with a low neckline and draping sleeves. EPA
    Urvashi Rautela wears an embellished Michael Cinco dress with a low neckline and draping sleeves. EPA
  • Abhishek Bachchan and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, who wore a black ensemble by Rohit Bal. AP Photo
    Abhishek Bachchan and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, who wore a black ensemble by Rohit Bal. AP Photo
  • Ananya Panday wears a sari by Indian designer Manish Malhotra. EPA
    Ananya Panday wears a sari by Indian designer Manish Malhotra. EPA
  • Sara Ali Khan wears an outfit by Pakistani designer Faraz Manan. Chris Whiteoak / The National
    Sara Ali Khan wears an outfit by Pakistani designer Faraz Manan. Chris Whiteoak / The National
  • Singer Zahra Khan wears a pale pink gown by Lebanese designer Ziad Germanos. Chris Whiteoak / The National
    Singer Zahra Khan wears a pale pink gown by Lebanese designer Ziad Germanos. Chris Whiteoak / The National
  • Tamannaah Bhatia opts for a fitted dress by Mumbai designer Amit Aggarwal. AFP
    Tamannaah Bhatia opts for a fitted dress by Mumbai designer Amit Aggarwal. AFP
  • Rakhi Sawant. EPA
    Rakhi Sawant. EPA
  • Amrin Qureshi. Chris Whiteoak / The National
    Amrin Qureshi. Chris Whiteoak / The National
  • Singer Dhvani Bhanushali. Chris Whiteoak / The National
    Singer Dhvani Bhanushali. Chris Whiteoak / The National
  • Sharvari Wagh wears a gown by Delhi’s Abhishek Sharma Studio. Chris Whiteoak / The National
    Sharvari Wagh wears a gown by Delhi’s Abhishek Sharma Studio. Chris Whiteoak / The National
  • Shahid Kapoor sports a touch of sparkle on his tuxedo jacket. EPA
    Shahid Kapoor sports a touch of sparkle on his tuxedo jacket. EPA
  • Vicky Kaushal in traditional black tie. Chris Whiteoak / The National
    Vicky Kaushal in traditional black tie. Chris Whiteoak / The National
  • Vishal Kotian dons a red tuxedo. Chris Whiteoak / The National
    Vishal Kotian dons a red tuxedo. Chris Whiteoak / The National
  • Suniel Shetty pairs his grey suit with trainers. EPA
    Suniel Shetty pairs his grey suit with trainers. EPA
  • Aparshakti Khurana. EPA
    Aparshakti Khurana. EPA
  • Erica Fernandes. EPA
    Erica Fernandes. EPA
  • Mamta Mohandas. EPA
    Mamta Mohandas. EPA
  • Sai Tamhankar. Chris Whiteoak / The National
    Sai Tamhankar. Chris Whiteoak / The National
  • Amruta Khanvilkar wears a mermaid gown by Alpana Neeraj. Chris Whiteoak / The National
    Amruta Khanvilkar wears a mermaid gown by Alpana Neeraj. Chris Whiteoak / The National
  • Bobby Deol and Gauahar Khan. Chris Whiteoak / The National
    Bobby Deol and Gauahar Khan. Chris Whiteoak / The National
  • Mugdha Godse and Rahul Dev. Chris Whiteoak / The National
    Mugdha Godse and Rahul Dev. Chris Whiteoak / The National
  • Lara Dutta Bhupathi. Chris Whiteoak / The National
    Lara Dutta Bhupathi. Chris Whiteoak / The National
  • Abdu Rozik. Chris Whiteoak / The National
    Abdu Rozik. Chris Whiteoak / The National
  • Ahan Shetty. Chris Whiteoak / The National
    Ahan Shetty. Chris Whiteoak / The National
  • Romeo. Chris Whiteoak / The National
    Romeo. Chris Whiteoak / The National
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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Favourite Quote: “Real victories are those that protect human life, not those that result from its destruction emerge from its ashes,” by The late king Hussain of Jordan.

Favourite Hobby: Writing and cooking

Favourite Book: The Prophet by Gibran Khalil Gibran

MOUNTAINHEAD REVIEW

Starring: Ramy Youssef, Steve Carell, Jason Schwartzman

Director: Jesse Armstrong

Rating: 3.5/5

Honeymoonish
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Remaining Fixtures

Wednesday: West Indies v Scotland
Thursday: UAE v Zimbabwe
Friday: Afghanistan v Ireland
Sunday: Final

More from Neighbourhood Watch:
Updated: September 30, 2022, 10:27 AM
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