Film

Wonder Woman scales new heights on Burj Khalifa - in pictures

World's tallest building lights up with images from 'Wonder Woman 1984' in anticipation of the film's release

Evelyn Lau
Evelyn Lau
Abu Dhabi

December 16, 2020

  • English
  • Arabic

Wonder Woman, as portrayed by Gal Gadot, graced the Burj Khalifa on Tuesday evening in anticipation of the release of the superhero's latest adventure.

During the spectacle, visuals from the coming film, Woman Woman 1984, flashed across the facade of the world's tallest building, along with an audio soundtrack.

The film, which will hit cinemas in the UAE on Thursday, December 17, sees Gadot reprise her role from 2017's Wonder Woman, with Patty Jenkins returning as director.

The sequel also features Chris Pine, Kristen Wiig and Pedro Pascal.

In a year when the film industry has been hard hit by the global pandemic, Wonder Woman 1984 had its release delayed numerous times before finally setting on a date.

The film takes place in 1984 during the Cold War, with Diana Prince now living in the US and working at a museum. Her first love, pilot Steve Trevor (Chris Pine), is long gone. So is the rest of her team.

“She’s been very lonely, she doesn’t really want to engage and make new friends because then they’re gonna realise she doesn’t age, they’re gonna die and she has to let go,” says Gadot about the film.

“So she kind of isolated herself from the world. And her only goal is just to help and better mankind and be there for them and guide them and try to do good.”

It was also recently announced that the film will stream on HBO Max on Christmas Day, the same day it will hit US cinemas, as part of a new streaming strategy by Warner Bros.

Scroll through our gallery below to see more images of 'Wonder Woman 1984' on the Burj Khalifa:

  • Gal Gadot as Wonder Woman on the Burj Khalifa. Pawan Singh / The National
    Gal Gadot as Wonder Woman on the Burj Khalifa. Pawan Singh / The National
  • Scenes from the upcoming film played on the world's tallest building. Pawan Singh / The National
    Scenes from the upcoming film played on the world's tallest building. Pawan Singh / The National
  • Gal Gadot returns to the sequel to reprise her role as Diana Prince (AKA Wonder Woman). Pawan Singh / The National
    Gal Gadot returns to the sequel to reprise her role as Diana Prince (AKA Wonder Woman). Pawan Singh / The National
  • The film will hit UAE cinemas on Thursday, December 17. Pawan Singh / The National
    The film will hit UAE cinemas on Thursday, December 17. Pawan Singh / The National
  • Kristen Wiig will play The Cheetah in 'Wonder Woman 1984'. Pawan Singh / The National
    Kristen Wiig will play The Cheetah in 'Wonder Woman 1984'. Pawan Singh / The National
  • Patty Jenkins returns as director to helm the sequel 'Wonder Woman 1984'. Pawan Singh / The National
    Patty Jenkins returns as director to helm the sequel 'Wonder Woman 1984'. Pawan Singh / The National
  • 'Wonder Woman 1984' was delayed due to the pandemic. Pawan Singh / The National
    'Wonder Woman 1984' was delayed due to the pandemic. Pawan Singh / 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

Pope Francis in UAE
Key 2013/14 UAE Motorsport dates

October 4: Round One of Rotax Max Challenge, Al Ain (karting)

October 1: 1 Round One of the inaugural UAE Desert Championship (rally)

November 1-3: Abu Dhabi Grand Prix (Formula One)

November 28-30: Dubai International Rally

January 9-11: 24Hrs of Dubai (Touring Cars / Endurance)

March 21: Round 11 of Rotax Max Challenge, Muscat, Oman (karting)

April 4-10: Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge (Endurance)

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