Egyptian rapper Wegz will perform a spectacular online concert next week, using the opportunity to unveil his latest track.
Streaming on Tuesday on social media platform Minly, the concert features what organisers describe as “the largest” CGI screen in the Middle East.
In addition to playing his hits, such as 21 and El-Ghasala, Wegz will use the event to perform his latest single, Kefey Keda, for the first time.
The show will mark the launch of Minly Watch, the platform's latest feature through which people can virtually attend online events. The concept will be used to host live and recorded broadcasts of concerts, celebrity interviews and festivals, according to Minly.
The ticketed show should draw a large audience with Wegz, 23, dominating the regional streaming charts over the past two years.
In August, he had four tracks – including the popular Asyad El Soot – feature in Spotify's Songs of Summer, a report breaking down what the Arab world was listening to during the hotter months.
This comes on top of being the second most-streamed Arab artist in the region, on the streaming platform Deezer in 2020.
A new voice
What powers Wegz's popularity is a deft mix of material and celebrity.
Born Ahmed Ali in Cairo, the rapper made an immediate impact with his 2018 debut single TNT.
The track’s stuttering beats, moody synths and auto-tuned vocals merged the aesthetics of hip-hop’s trap music with the Egyptian electro-folk stylings of mahraganat, in turn creating a fresh sound of its own.
Supported by eye-catching videos and strong collaborations, including 2018's Kharban with mahraganat star Sadat, Wegz has been hailed by the local press as the new sound of Egyptian youth.
His rise to fame can also be attributed to a celebrity feud with Egyptian actor and rapper Mohamed Ramadan.
In response to being replaced by Ramadan for an advertising campaign for an energy drink brand, Wegz released Dorak Gai in 2018.
Backed by dense production and urgent synths, the track – translated to "Your Turn is Soon" – featured Wegz criticising Ramadan’s celebrity status and music career.
Ironically, with more than 75 million views on YouTube, the missive also placed Wegz alongside Ramadan in Egyptian music's A-list.
Speaking to GQ this month, Wegz acknowledged his career has skyrocketed over the past three years.
“It’s grown into a force to reckon with,” he said. "It needs more structure, but it’s moving in the right direction at a great pace.”
Show starts at 8pm GMT (11pm GST) on Tuesday, September 28. Tickets start from 17 Egyptian pounds ($1.08) and can be purchased at minlyapp.com
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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
Asia Cup Qualifier
Final
UAE v Hong Kong
Live on OSN Cricket HD. Coverage starts at 5.30am
Our legal consultant
Name: Dr Hassan Mohsen Elhais
Position: legal consultant with Al Rowaad Advocates and Legal Consultants.
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7.30pm: Handicap (TB) Dh90,000 (T) 1,400m
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