Post Malone is the most streamed artist in the UAE, according to Spotify.
The online music platform made the announcement as part of its end of year wrap. Released annually, the online report provides details into the listening habits of respective regions.
The UAE is in tune with modern pop tastes
When it comes to the UAE, our tastes is pretty much in line with what’s happening globally, as Post Malone is also the most streamed artist on Spotify internationally.
With the exception of RnB singer Khalid, the UAE’s top five streamed artists also match the global standings, although in different order. Coming in second place in the UAE is Ed Sheeran (fourth globally), followed by Khalid, Ariana Grande (third globally) and Billie Eilish, who is also second in the global standings.
Interestingly, despite the high profile launch of Taylor Swift's seventh album Lover, the diva didn't crack the top five global and UAE artist list. And with Swift snubbed from next year's Grammy Award's marquee prizes of Album of the Year and Record of the Year, perhaps the Spotify data indicates we are already heading into a post-Swift music landscape.
When it comes to the most streamed songs, UAE users are also in step with today's pop trends. Senorita by pop love birds Camila Cabello and Shawn Mendes leads both the UAE and global standings. Other songs included on both charts are Sun Flower by Post Malone and Swae Lee, Old Town Road by Lil Nas X and the Billie Eilish hit, Bad Guy.
Saudis are huge fans of Iraqi pop
When it comes to neighbouring Saudi Arabia, the streaming year belongs to Aseel Hamim. The popular Iraqi singer did a complete sweep of the Saudi Arabian Spotify charts: she is the most streamed artist and her single Al Mafrood is the most streamed track in the kingdom.
She is not alone as Saudis love Iraqi pop. Joining Al Mafrood on the top 10 is Waed Menni by Rahma Riad (third place), La Ya Qalb by twins Raad and Methaq (seventh place) and Sah Alnooma by Housamm Al Rassam rounding off at 10th.
The BTS fandom is still strong in the kingdom. The K-pop band, who performed in Riyadh in October, are the third most streamed band in Saudi Arabia. Other acts on the list are the late rapper XXXTentacion in second place and EDM star Marshmello, who came in at number nine.
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A mostly western affair in Lebanon
With Lebanon being known as a citadel of Arabic pop music industry, it is interesting to note that there are no songs by a major Arab star in the country's most streamed top 10. Senorita by Camila Cabello and Shawn Mendes came up top, followed by Two of Us by Louis Tomlinson and Lalala by Y2K and Bbno$ in second and third place respectively.
The only Arab representation can be found, however, in the country's most streamed artist list with Syrian singer Nassif Zeytoun at number six.
Amr Diab still the pop music king of Egypt
Nearly four decades into his career, Amr Diab has now conquered his country’s streaming landscape in addition to physical sales. Fresh from having in a digitised billboard in New York’s Time Square, the 58-year-old Diab is the most streamed artist in Egypt. Also on that list is Egyptian indie rock group Cairokee and pop star Mohammed Hamaki in fourth and six place respectively.
When it comes to singles streamed, once again Senorita Camila Cabello and Shawn Mendes came on top. However, three Arabic pop songs made the top 10: Kan Lak Ma'aya by Cairokee (fourth), Mafia by film star and sometime singer Mohamed Ramadan and Mel Bedaya by Mohammed Hamaki.
French hip-hop takes over Morocco
In Morocco it was a typical Francophone affair with French-Algerian hip-hop duo PNL topping both the most streamed artist and song category – the latter for their single Au DD.
The online result capped of a great year for the group, their fourth album, Deux Freres, sold over 100,000 in its first week, which is a record for the French hip-hop scene.
2024%20Dubai%20Marathon%20Results
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The specs
Engine: 4.0-litre V8 twin-turbocharged and three electric motors
Power: Combined output 920hp
Torque: 730Nm at 4,000-7,000rpm
Transmission: 8-speed dual-clutch automatic
Fuel consumption: 11.2L/100km
On sale: Now, deliveries expected later in 2025
Price: expected to start at Dh1,432,000
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COMPANY%20PROFILE
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Important questions to consider
1. Where on the plane does my pet travel?
There are different types of travel available for pets:
- Manifest cargo
- Excess luggage in the hold
- Excess luggage in the cabin
Each option is safe. The feasibility of each option is based on the size and breed of your pet, the airline they are traveling on and country they are travelling to.
2. What is the difference between my pet traveling as manifest cargo or as excess luggage?
If traveling as manifest cargo, your pet is traveling in the front hold of the plane and can travel with or without you being on the same plane. The cost of your pets travel is based on volumetric weight, in other words, the size of their travel crate.
If traveling as excess luggage, your pet will be in the rear hold of the plane and must be traveling under the ticket of a human passenger. The cost of your pets travel is based on the actual (combined) weight of your pet in their crate.
3. What happens when my pet arrives in the country they are traveling to?
As soon as the flight arrives, your pet will be taken from the plane straight to the airport terminal.
If your pet is traveling as excess luggage, they will taken to the oversized luggage area in the arrival hall. Once you clear passport control, you will be able to collect them at the same time as your normal luggage. As you exit the airport via the ‘something to declare’ customs channel you will be asked to present your pets travel paperwork to the customs official and / or the vet on duty.
If your pet is traveling as manifest cargo, they will be taken to the Animal Reception Centre. There, their documentation will be reviewed by the staff of the ARC to ensure all is in order. At the same time, relevant customs formalities will be completed by staff based at the arriving airport.
4. How long does the travel paperwork and other travel preparations take?
This depends entirely on the location that your pet is traveling to. Your pet relocation compnay will provide you with an accurate timeline of how long the relevant preparations will take and at what point in the process the various steps must be taken.
In some cases they can get your pet ‘travel ready’ in a few days. In others it can be up to six months or more.
5. What vaccinations does my pet need to travel?
Regardless of where your pet is traveling, they will need certain vaccinations. The exact vaccinations they need are entirely dependent on the location they are traveling to. The one vaccination that is mandatory for every country your pet may travel to is a rabies vaccination.
Other vaccinations may also be necessary. These will be advised to you as relevant. In every situation, it is essential to keep your vaccinations current and to not miss a due date, even by one day. To do so could severely hinder your pets travel plans.
Source: Pawsome Pets UAE
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Jetour T1 specs
Engine: 2-litre turbocharged
Power: 254hp
Torque: 390Nm
Price: From Dh126,000
Available: Now
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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If you go…
Emirates launched a new daily service to Mexico City this week, flying via Barcelona from Dh3,995.
Emirati citizens are among 67 nationalities who do not require a visa to Mexico. Entry is granted on arrival for stays of up to 180 days.
The White Lotus: Season three
Creator: Mike White
Starring: Walton Goggins, Jason Isaacs, Natasha Rothwell
Rating: 4.5/5
Who has been sanctioned?
Daniella Weiss and Nachala
Described as 'the grandmother of the settler movement', she has encouraged the expansion of settlements for decades. The 79 year old leads radical settler movement Nachala, whose aim is for Israel to annex Gaza and the occupied West Bank, where it helps settlers built outposts.
Harel Libi & Libi Construction and Infrastructure
Libi has been involved in threatening and perpetuating acts of aggression and violence against Palestinians. His firm has provided logistical and financial support for the establishment of illegal outposts.
Zohar Sabah
Runs a settler outpost named Zohar’s Farm and has previously faced charges of violence against Palestinians. He was indicted by Israel’s State Attorney’s Office in September for allegedly participating in a violent attack against Palestinians and activists in the West Bank village of Muarrajat.
Coco’s Farm and Neria’s Farm
These are illegal outposts in the West Bank, which are at the vanguard of the settler movement. According to the UK, they are associated with people who have been involved in enabling, inciting, promoting or providing support for activities that amount to “serious abuse”.
Results:
6.30pm: Maiden Dh165,000 2,000m - Winner: Powderhouse, Sam Hitchcott (jockey), Doug Watson (trainer)
7.05pm: Handicap Dh165,000 2,200m - Winner: Heraldic, Richard Mullen, Satish Seemar
7.40pm: Conditions Dh240,000 1,600m - Winner: Walking Thunder, Connor Beasley, Ahmed bin Harmash
8.15pm: Handicap Dh190,000 2,000m - Winner: Key Bid, Fernando Jara, Ali Rashid Al Raihe
8.50pm: The Garhoud Sprint Listed Dh265,000 1,200m - Winner: Drafted, Sam Hitchcott, Doug Watson
9.25pm: Handicap Dh170,000 1,600m - Winner: Cachao, Tadhg O’Shea, Satish Seemar
10pm: Handicap Dh190,000 1,400m - Winner: Rodaini, Connor Beasley, Ahmed bin Harmash
The five pillars of Islam
1. Fasting
2. Prayer
3. Hajj
4. Shahada
5. Zakat
The Specs:
The Specs:
Engine: 2.9-litre, V6 twin-turbo
Transmission: 8-speed automatic
Power: 444bhp
Torque: 600Nm
Price: AED 356,580 incl VAT
On sale: now.
Paltan
Producer: JP Films, Zee Studios
Director: JP Dutta
Cast: Jackie Shroff, Sonu Sood, Arjun Rampal, Siddhanth Kapoor, Luv Sinha and Harshvardhan Rane
Rating: 2/5
Avatar: Fire and Ash
Director: James Cameron
Starring: Sam Worthington, Sigourney Weaver, Zoe Saldana
Rating: 4.5/5
Living in...
This article is part of a guide on where to live in the UAE. Our reporters will profile some of the country’s most desirable districts, provide an estimate of rental prices and introduce you to some of the residents who call each area home.
