Palestinian hip-hop sensation MC Abdul, 12, has released his debut single.
Available on streaming platforms and with an accompanying music video shot in Gaza, Shouting at the Wall fulfils the fierce rapper's promise to release another searing track about life in occupied Palestine.
"I am exhausted. Last night I couldn't sleep and when I did, I heard bombs in my sleep," MC Abdul raps, over Irish producer GMC Beats’s reflective arrangements, which feature lamenting oud notes.
In the first verse, MC Abdul, real name Abdalrahman Alshantti, details the anxiety and uncertainty Palestinian families experienced during the bombardment of Gaza in May, which left about 200 dead and more than 1,000 wounded.
"Huddling in the corner of my room, trying to protect my little brother," he raps. "As the building shakes like it's possessed, but there is nothing stronger than the will of the oppressed."
I put a lot of my feelings into this one
MC Abdul
The second verse is dedicated to Palestinian resilience. "Buildings turn to ash but my mind is made of steel, so it doesn't take much for me to heal,” he sings.
MC Abdul also touches on how hip-hop is his solace during challenging times. "The power that I have in my pen, when I'm writing I am unstoppable. The microphone is the only escape possible,” another lyric states.
Tying the song together is an anthemic chorus functioning as a hip-hop battle cry for Palestinian resistance. "I want freedom for the population, two million prisoners living in this location," the chorus goes. “Shouting at the wall but nothing is ever changing. That's life under an occupation.”
Shot in one take, the accompanying video follows MC Abdul as he raps his way across the wreckage in Gaza.
A career start
Shouting at the Wall is his first song with record label Empire.
The label and music distribution company was founded in 2010 by Palestinian-American Ghazi Shamiand and has its headquarters in San Francisco. It has released hits by the likes of hip-hop stars Tyga (Taste), Fat Joe (All the Way Up) and XXXTentacion (Look at Me).
Abdul got himself on Empire's radar after his song, Palestine, went viral.
Released in May amid the latest bout of conflict, the track had him rapping about the Palestinian cause over beats of Eminem’s Cleanin' Out My Closet.
"Because my only mission is to make people listen," the lyrics go. "This one is for Sheikh Jarrah, hoping it can make a difference.”
The uncompromising lyrics and Abdul's talent resulted in more than five million Instagram views in the first four days, as well as a repost from Palestinian-American star producer DJ Khaled.
Other music figures who showed the video love included The Weeknd's manager Wassim 'Sal' Slaiby and Palestinian hip-hop artists Suhell Nafar and Anees the Rapper.
“I'm really excited to show you my first official release,” Abdul posted on Instagram to promote Shouting at the Wall. “I put a lot of my feelings into this one.”
Judging by the anticipation surrounding the song, it seems like the world is ready to listen.
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
Groom and Two Brides
Director: Elie Semaan
Starring: Abdullah Boushehri, Laila Abdallah, Lulwa Almulla
Rating: 3/5
Key figures in the life of the fort
Sheikh Dhiyab bin Isa (ruled 1761-1793) Built Qasr Al Hosn as a watchtower to guard over the only freshwater well on Abu Dhabi island.
Sheikh Shakhbut bin Dhiyab (ruled 1793-1816) Expanded the tower into a small fort and transferred his ruling place of residence from Liwa Oasis to the fort on the island.
Sheikh Tahnoon bin Shakhbut (ruled 1818-1833) Expanded Qasr Al Hosn further as Abu Dhabi grew from a small village of palm huts to a town of more than 5,000 inhabitants.
Sheikh Khalifa bin Shakhbut (ruled 1833-1845) Repaired and fortified the fort.
Sheikh Saeed bin Tahnoon (ruled 1845-1855) Turned Qasr Al Hosn into a strong two-storied structure.
Sheikh Zayed bin Khalifa (ruled 1855-1909) Expanded Qasr Al Hosn further to reflect the emirate's increasing prominence.
Sheikh Shakhbut bin Sultan (ruled 1928-1966) Renovated and enlarged Qasr Al Hosn, adding a decorative arch and two new villas.
Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan (ruled 1966-2004) Moved the royal residence to Al Manhal palace and kept his diwan at Qasr Al Hosn.
Sources: Jayanti Maitra, www.adach.ae
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First-round leaderbaord
-5 C Conners (Can)
-3 B Koepka (US), K Bradley (US), V Hovland (Nor), A Wise (US), S Horsfield (Eng), C Davis (Aus);
-2 C Morikawa (US), M Laird (Sco), C Tringale (US)
Selected others: -1 P Casey (Eng), R Fowler (US), T Hatton (Eng)
Level B DeChambeau (US), J Rose (Eng)
1 L Westwood (Eng), J Spieth (US)
3 R McIlroy (NI)
4 D Johnson (US)
How to watch Ireland v Pakistan in UAE
When: The one-off Test starts on Friday, May 11
What time: Each day’s play is scheduled to start at 2pm UAE time.
TV: The match will be broadcast on OSN Sports Cricket HD. Subscribers to the channel can also stream the action live on OSN Play.
The biog
Favourite books: 'Ruth Bader Ginsburg: A Life' by Jane D. Mathews and ‘The Moment of Lift’ by Melinda Gates
Favourite travel destination: Greece, a blend of ancient history and captivating nature. It always has given me a sense of joy, endless possibilities, positive energy and wonderful people that make you feel at home.
Favourite pastime: travelling and experiencing different cultures across the globe.
Favourite quote: “In the future, there will be no female leaders. There will just be leaders” - Sheryl Sandberg, COO of Facebook.
Favourite Movie: Mona Lisa Smile
Favourite Author: Kahlil Gibran
Favourite Artist: Meryl Streep
