Several new acts have been confirmed to perform at Expo 2020 Dubai over the next few weeks.
The venue has become one of the most boisterous musical addresses in the region following performances by Kadim Al Sahir, Nancy Ajram, Ragheb Alama, Alicia Keys and Black Eyed Peas.
This week, the UK and the Philippines are putting their grooviest foot forward as the two countries mark their national day celebrations at the world's fair. A range of acts from India as well as South Africa are also on the docket.
From Coldplay and Bamboo to Black Coffee and the Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra, here are the musical performances scheduled to take place at Expo 2020 Dubai until March.
John Newman
When? February 10
English singer-songwriter John Newman will be performing at Al Wasl Plaza at 10pm on Thursday.
Since his 2013 chart-topper Love Me Again, which appeared in the football video game Fifa 14, Newman has become a staple name in the British pop scene. The singer is the headlining act of the UK National Day celebrations, which will also feature Daisy Chute, Nicha, Gabriel Templar, Conor Marcus, Odeal and Tyson.
Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra
When? February 10
Also as part of the UK National Day celebrations, the famed Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra will be performing their brand of symphonic rock at the Jubilee Stage.
The orchestra will be playing symphonic interpretations of modern songs in a two-hour set that starts at 9pm.
Bamboo
When? February 11
A titan in the Philippines rock scene, Bamboo is set to bring his signature dulcet rock to Expo 2020 Dubai.
Originally the vocalist and frontman of the alternative rock band Rivermaya, Bamboo established himself as a solo act in 2011 with the release of his debut album No Water, No Moon.
Bamboo is renowned for his boisterous live performances, which have earned him the epithet as the Vocal Rock Maestro. He will be performing at the Jubilee Stage on Friday, at 9.30pm.
Black Coffee
When? February 11
South African DJ Black Coffee will be performing at the Jubilee Stage on Friday, too.
Black Coffee has been active since the early 1990s and is celebrated for his diverse sonic output, mixing elements of jazz with tropical and introspective sounds.
The record producer has amassed a catalogue of dance hits across his career, including Love on Fire, Come With Me and Superman, many of which he is expected to perform during his Expo 2020 Dubai concert.
Amaal Mallik and Armaan Malik
When? February 12
The sons of famed Bollywood composer Daboo Malik are today one of hottest names in the film music industry. Amaal, who also sings, is predominantly known for his compositions, while younger brother Armaan is a celebrated pop singer with a massive following.
The brothers will take the stage at the newly opened DEC Arena at Expo for a ticketed concert as they run through some of their many hits, including songs such as Sooraj Dooba Hain, from the film Roy, Kar Gayi Chull from Kapoor & Sons. Amaal's official Indian remix of Dua Lipa's 2020 hit Levitating was a massive hit last year.
Tickets start at Dh25, which is inclusive of entry to Expo 2020 Dubai. Gates open at 7.30pm.
Thaikkudam Bridge and Avial
When? February 12
Two of Kerala’s most celebrated rock groups are scheduled to perform at Expo 2020 Dubai on Saturday, at 7.30pm.
Thaikkudam Bridge, which first rose to fame in the musical show Music Mojo before becoming a YouTube favourite, will be sharing the Jubilee Stage with Avial, a four-piece band hailed for incorporating Malayalam lyrics into rock.
Moira Dela Torre
When? February 14
A streaming favourite, Moira Dela Torre was named the most-followed OPM artist on Spotify last year. The singer rose to fame after appearing in the first season of The Voice of the Philippines. She is also known for her renditions of hit Filipino rock songs, including Bamboo’s Hallelujah, Imago’s Sundo and Moonstar88’s Torete. Dela Torre is also known for her original work, and has performed singles for the soundtracks of several Filipino romantic comedies.
Dela Torre will be performing at the Jubilee Stage on February 14, at 8pm.
Coldplay
When? February 15
Coldplay will be performing at Expo 2020 Dubai on February 15. The British band, led by frontman Chris Martin, will take the stage at Al Wasl Plaza at 9pm.
This is not the first time Coldplay has performed in the UAE. They have played New Year's Eve concerts in Abu Dhabi in 2011 and 2016, and Martin returned to Dubai in October 2021 to perform at Armani's One Night Only in Dubai event. However, this time they will be playing for free. Tickets are available to book from 9pm on Saturday.
Nora Fatehi
When? February 16
A favourite in Bollywood and in the region, Fatehi is as prolific an actress as she is a singer, dancer and model.
She has appeared in several Hindi, Malayalam, Telugu and Tamil language films. In 2018, she starred in the film Satyameva Jayate and took part in recreating the Bollywood hit song Dilbar, which raked in more than 20 million views on YouTube within 24 hours of its release.
The Canadian star, who was born to Moroccan parents, then collaborated with the Moroccan hip hop group Fnaire on the Arabic version of the track.
In 2019, she released her debut English song Pepeta, a collaboration with Tanzanian musician Ray Vanny.
Fatehi will be performing at the Jubilee Stage on February 16, at 8pm.
Sukhwinder Singh
When? February 18
Sukhwinder Singh was first scheduled to perform at Expo 2020 Dubai last month. However, the concert was postponed due to “unforeseen circumstances”.
Now it seems the Indian playback singer has been confirmed to perform on February 18. Known for his renditions of popular Bollywood songs, Singh will be performing at the Jubilee Stage, at 9pm.
Amit Trivedi
When? February 26
One of India’s most beloved singers, Amit Trivedi began his career as a theatre and jingle composer before turning his attention to scoring films in 2008 with Aamir.
The singer has since established himself as a formidable musical force in Hindi films and has even directed several critically-acclaimed music videos.
Trivedi will be performing at the Jubilee Stage on February 26, at 9pm.
Googoosh
When? March 17
With a career spanning more than 60 years, it is no exaggeration to say Googoosh is one of Iran’s most enduring talents. The singer began her career in the early 1950s but withdrew from the limelight following the 1979 Iranian Revolution.
Googoosh reprised her career after travelling to Canada at the turn of the century. She has performed in esteemed venues the world over, including Madison Square Garden in New York City, the Royal Albert Hall in London and the Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles.
The singer is set to perform at the Jubilee Stage on March 17.
— This article was first published on February 9, 2022
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The line up
Friday: Giggs, Sho Madjozi and Masego
Saturday: Nas, Lion Bbae, Roxanne Shante and DaniLeigh
Sole DXB runs from December 6 to 8 at Dubai Design District. Weekend pass is Dh295 while a one day pass is Dh195. Tickets are available from www.soledxb.com
Abu Dhabi traffic facts
Drivers in Abu Dhabi spend 10 per cent longer in congested conditions than they would on a free-flowing road
The highest volume of traffic on the roads is found between 7am and 8am on a Sunday.
Travelling before 7am on a Sunday could save up to four hours per year on a 30-minute commute.
The day was the least congestion in Abu Dhabi in 2019 was Tuesday, August 13.
The highest levels of traffic were found on Sunday, November 10.
Drivers in Abu Dhabi lost 41 hours spent in traffic jams in rush hour during 2019
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Yemeni government: Exiled government in Aden led by eight-member Presidential Leadership Council
Southern Transitional Council: Faction in Yemeni government that seeks autonomy for the south
Habrish 'rebels': Tribal-backed forces feuding with STC over control of oil in government territory
Skoda Superb Specs
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Roger Federer's record at Wimbledon
Roger Federer's record at Wimbledon
1999 - 1st round
2000 - 1st round
2001 - Quarter-finalist
2002 - 1st round
2003 - Winner
2004 - Winner
2005 - Winner
2006 - Winner
2007 - Winner
2008 - Finalist
2009 - Winner
2010 - Quarter-finalist
2011 - Quarter-finalist
2012 - Winner
2013 - 2nd round
2014 - Finalist
2015 - Finalist
2016 - Semi-finalist
BMW M5 specs
Engine: 4.4-litre twin-turbo V-8 petrol enging with additional electric motor
Power: 727hp
Torque: 1,000Nm
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MATCH INFO
Barcelona 2
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Real Madrid 2
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Company%20Profile
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A foster couple or family must:
- be Muslim, Emirati and be residing in the UAE
- not be younger than 25 years old
- not have been convicted of offences or crimes involving moral turpitude
- be free of infectious diseases or psychological and mental disorders
- have the ability to support its members and the foster child financially
- undertake to treat and raise the child in a proper manner and take care of his or her health and well-being
- A single, divorced or widowed Muslim Emirati female, residing in the UAE may apply to foster a child if she is at least 30 years old and able to support the child financially
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The number of Chinese people living in Dubai: An estimated 200,000
Number of Chinese people in International City: Almost 50,000
Daily visitors to Dragon Mart in 2018/19: 120,000
Daily visitors to Dragon Mart in 2010: 20,000
Percentage increase in visitors in eight years: 500 per cent
Infiniti QX80 specs
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Tributes from the UAE's personal finance community
• Sebastien Aguilar, who heads SimplyFI.org, a non-profit community where people learn to invest Bogleheads’ style
“It is thanks to Jack Bogle’s work that this community exists and thanks to his work that many investors now get the full benefits of long term, buy and hold stock market investing.
Compared to the industry, investing using the common sense approach of a Boglehead saves a lot in costs and guarantees higher returns than the average actively managed fund over the long term.
From a personal perspective, learning how to invest using Bogle’s approach was a turning point in my life. I quickly realised there was no point chasing returns and paying expensive advisers or platforms. Once money is taken care off, you can work on what truly matters, such as family, relationships or other projects. I owe Jack Bogle for that.”
• Sam Instone, director of financial advisory firm AES International
"Thought to have saved investors over a trillion dollars, Jack Bogle’s ideas truly changed the way the world invests. Shaped by his own personal experiences, his philosophy and basic rules for investors challenged the status quo of a self-interested global industry and eventually prevailed. Loathed by many big companies and commission-driven salespeople, he has transformed the way well-informed investors and professional advisers make decisions."
• Demos Kyprianou, a board member of SimplyFI.org
"Jack Bogle for me was a rebel, a revolutionary who changed the industry and gave the little guy like me, a chance. He was also a mentor who inspired me to take the leap and take control of my own finances."
• Steve Cronin, founder of DeadSimpleSaving.com
"Obsessed with reducing fees, Jack Bogle structured Vanguard to be owned by its clients – that way the priority would be fee minimisation for clients rather than profit maximisation for the company.
His real gift to us has been the ability to invest in the stock market (buy and hold for the long term) rather than be forced to speculate (try to make profits in the shorter term) or even worse have others speculate on our behalf.
Bogle has given countless investors the ability to get on with their life while growing their wealth in the background as fast as possible. The Financial Independence movement would barely exist without this."
• Zach Holz, who blogs about financial independence at The Happiest Teacher
"Jack Bogle was one of the greatest forces for wealth democratisation the world has ever seen. He allowed people a way to be free from the parasitical "financial advisers" whose only real concern are the fat fees they get from selling you over-complicated "products" that have caused millions of people all around the world real harm.”
• Tuan Phan, a board member of SimplyFI.org
"In an industry that’s synonymous with greed, Jack Bogle was a lone wolf, swimming against the tide. When others were incentivised to enrich themselves, he stood by the ‘fiduciary’ standard – something that is badly needed in the financial industry of the UAE."
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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
The National's picks
4.35pm: Tilal Al Khalediah
5.10pm: Continous
5.45pm: Raging Torrent
6.20pm: West Acre
7pm: Flood Zone
7.40pm: Straight No Chaser
8.15pm: Romantic Warrior
8.50pm: Calandogan
9.30pm: Forever Young
Founders: Abdulmajeed Alsukhan, Turki Bin Zarah and Abdulmohsen Albabtain.
Based: Riyadh
Offices: UAE, Vietnam and Germany
Founded: September, 2020
Number of employees: 70
Sector: FinTech, online payment solutions
Funding to date: $116m in two funding rounds
Investors: Checkout.com, Impact46, Vision Ventures, Wealth Well, Seedra, Khwarizmi, Hala Ventures, Nama Ventures and family offices
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Tips for taking the metro
- set out well ahead of time
- make sure you have at least Dh15 on you Nol card, as there could be big queues for top-up machines
- enter the right cabin. The train may be too busy to move between carriages once you're on
- don't carry too much luggage and tuck it under a seat to make room for fellow passengers