With a career spanning almost five decades, it's fair to say Robert De Niro is one of Hollywood's most accomplished actors.
The Taxi Driver star, born on August 17, 1943, got his acting break after teaming up with fellow New York native and filmmaker Martin Scorsese for 1973's Mean Streets, the movie that introduced audiences to De Niro's talent.
To mark his 77th birthday on Monday, we look at eight of his lesser known films, and why you should watch them.
'The King of Comedy' (1982)
Of the many collaborations De Niro has had with Scorsese, including Goodfellas and Raging Bull, perhaps the most poignant one for today's media-obsessed environment is The King of Comedy. The main character, played by De Niro, is a delusional comedian who thinks the world owes him. This basic premise would ultimately be copied and satirised many times, most recently in Joker, starring Joaquin Pheonix. The King of Comedy remains timeless and has a strong satirical bite.
'The Untouchables' (1987)
The Untouchables boasts a great cast that includes Kevin Costner and Sean Connery. The film tells the story of notorious Chicago kingpin Al Capone as he faces off against the members of law enforcement who will stop at nothing to bring him down. De Niro portrays a ruthless version of Capone that has rarely been outdone in other films and television shows. Many forget that De Niro was even in this film due to the fantastic performances from Costner and Connery, but there are some De Niro scenes (such as the bat scene) that you will never forget.
'Midnight Run' (1988)
The comedic strength of De Niro is well appreciated these days, with films like Analyze This and the Meet the Parents trilogy. But back in 1988, many critics were pleasantly surprised by his performance alongside Charles Grodin in Midnight Run. De Niro plays the straight guy to Grodin's ridiculous. The adventure they go on, and the challenges they have to overcome, make for a fun film to watch on a weekend.
'Awakenings' (1990)
In 1990's Awakenings, De Niro portrays an encephalitis patient who is treated by Robin Williams. The performance was grounded and sympathetic. De Niro earned a well-deserved Oscar nomination, and the film received a nomination for best picture. He would lose the Oscar, however, to Anthony Hopkins' Dr Hannibal Lecter.
'A Bronx Tale' (1993)
De Niro directs, as well as acts, in this gangster film about a young man who is seduced by the mafia. A Bronx Tale stands out because De Niro, in fact, plays the character who hates the mobsters, and tries to stop his son from joining them. Many would agree that this film would make for a great double bill alongside Goodfellas.
'The Fan' (1996)
The Fan takes the premise of the The King of Comedy and turns it into an action thriller. Trading Jerry Lewis for Wesley Snipes and comedy for baseball, De Niro plays an obsessed psychotic fan whose life unravels in front of him, despite his best efforts. The themes of unhealthy obsession and fatherhood are appreciated among the scenes of energetic baseball games.
'Ronin' 1998
Ronin is a subdued action film by veteran filmmaker John Frankenheimer. Set in France, the story follows a group of mercenaries who are hired for a job they know very little about. Highlights include a strong cast that made up of Jean Reno and Sean Bean, and some of the best car chase scenes you'll ever see.
'The Intern' (2015)
De Niro has been in many comedies, and more recently, he's been in more bad than good. His efforts range from surly to actively uninterested. Thankfully that's not the case for the aggressively underwatched The Intern. Playing a retiree who needs to keep himself busy, the actor delivers a heartwarming and often funny turn alongside Anne Hathaway and Rene Russo.
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Various Artists
Habibi Funk: An Eclectic Selection Of Music From The Arab World (Habibi Funk)
Electric scooters: some rules to remember
- Riders must be 14-years-old or over
- Wear a protective helmet
- Park the electric scooter in designated parking lots (if any)
- Do not leave electric scooter in locations that obstruct traffic or pedestrians
- Solo riders only, no passengers allowed
- Do not drive outside designated lanes
Also on December 7 to 9, the third edition of the Gulf Car Festival (www.gulfcarfestival.com) will take over Dubai Festival City Mall, a new venue for the event. Last year's festival brought together about 900 cars worth more than Dh300 million from across the Emirates and wider Gulf region – and that first figure is set to swell by several hundred this time around, with between 1,000 and 1,200 cars expected. The first day is themed around American muscle; the second centres on supercars, exotics, European cars and classics; and the final day will major in JDM (Japanese domestic market) cars, tuned vehicles and trucks. Individuals and car clubs can register their vehicles, although the festival isn’t all static displays, with stunt drifting, a rev battle, car pulls and a burnout competition.
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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What is 'Soft Power'?
Soft power was first mentioned in 1990 by former US Defence Secretary Joseph Nye.
He believed that there were alternative ways of cultivating support from other countries, instead of achieving goals using military strength.
Soft power is, at its root, the ability to convince other states to do what you want without force.
This is traditionally achieved by proving that you share morals and values.
The Sand Castle
Director: Matty Brown
Stars: Nadine Labaki, Ziad Bakri, Zain Al Rafeea, Riman Al Rafeea
Rating: 2.5/5
Paatal Lok season two
Directors: Avinash Arun, Prosit Roy
Stars: Jaideep Ahlawat, Ishwak Singh, Lc Sekhose, Merenla Imsong
Rating: 4.5/5
Dubai World Cup draw
1. Gunnevera
2. Capezzano
3. North America
4. Audible
5. Seeking The Soul
6. Pavel
7. Gronkowski
8. Axelrod
9. New Trails
10. Yoshida
11. K T Brave
12. Thunder Snow
13. Dolkong
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