Lebanese singer Mayssa Karaa will perform alongside Andrea Bocelli in Abu Dhabi. Photo: Mayssa Kaara
Lebanese singer Mayssa Karaa will perform alongside Andrea Bocelli in Abu Dhabi. Photo: Mayssa Kaara
Lebanese singer Mayssa Karaa will perform alongside Andrea Bocelli in Abu Dhabi. Photo: Mayssa Kaara
Lebanese singer Mayssa Karaa will perform alongside Andrea Bocelli in Abu Dhabi. Photo: Mayssa Kaara

Culture

Music & On-stage

Lebanese singer Mayssa Karaa to perform New Year's Eve gig with star tenor Andrea Bocelli in Abu Dhabi

Lebanese singer says Italian tenor has been an inspiration since she was a child

Saeed Saeed
Saeed Saeed

December 30, 2024

  • English
  • Arabic

Mayssa Karaa has revealed that she is the guest act for Andrea Bocelli's New Year's Eve gala concert in Abu Dhabi.

The Lebanese singer will perform alongside the Italian tenor at Emirates Palace. While she can't disclose details of what her involvement will entail, Karaa revealed that discussions about the show have taken place.

“I have already begun working with Bocelli's team and they are really amazing, humble, co-operative and care about creating an environment around him that is very positive,” she told The National.

“It does feel incredible to share the stage with Bocelli, who has been an inspiration to me since I was a child. His works are close to my heart and have been part of my repertoire throughout my career and I can't wait to share with everyone what we have in store.”

Karaa is no stranger to the big stage. While nurturing the next generation of talent as artistic director at Berklee Abu Dhabi, the artist has already notched up plenty of big performances including sharing the stage with Arab pop star Hussain Al Jassmi and fellow Emirati talent Almas to perform the Expo 2020 Dubai official anthem during the opening ceremony.

This is in addition to being one of the headliners of the 2023 Beiteddine Festival in Lebanon and her a breakthrough performance on the Grammy-nominated soundtrack of the 2013 Oscar-nominated film American Hustle. In 2019 she released her English solo debut album Simple Cure.

“I think what I've learnt most, and continue to witness, is how music has no boundaries and has the power to unite people,” Karaa said. “It gives us creators an opportunity to bridge cultures, highlighting what is common between them rather than focusing on differences. This kind of opportunity allows us to have conversations that wouldn't be possible in other dimensions and enables us to create something new.”

Bocelli's Abu Dhabi show will set him up for an intensive year of touring. His 2025 schedule is already booked until July, with shows in North and South America, Europe and South Africa. His most recent album is the seasonal 2022 release A Family Christmas with son and daughter Matteo and Virginia Bocelli.

Andrea Bocelli and Mayssa Karaa perform at Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental, Abu Dhabi on December 31. Doors open at 8pm; dinner packages start at Dh4,500

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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Vitamin D: Highly relevant in the UAE due to limited sun exposure; supports bone health, immunity and mood.Vitamin B12: Important for nerve health and energy production, especially for vegetarians, vegans and individuals with absorption issues.Iron: Useful only when deficiency or anaemia is confirmed; helps reduce fatigue and support immunity.Omega-3 (EPA/DHA): Supports heart health and reduces inflammation, especially for those who consume little fish.

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