Arab stars have offered their condolences after Wadih Wassouf, the eldest son of well-known Lebanese-Syrian singer George Wassouf, died on Friday.
His death, reportedly caused by complications after gastric bypass surgery, was confirmed by his family.
The official Facebook account of George, who is widely known as Sultan El Tarab, announced a funeral will be held on Sunday morning at the Church of St Nicholas of the Greek Orthodox in Achrafieh, a suburb in Beirut.
“Then his body will be transferred to his hometown of Kfarum, where an incense prayer will be held for his comfort at five o’clock in the afternoon in the church of Meter Elias; Kafroun, then he will be buried in the family cemetery," the post read.
Several Arabic-language publications have also reported that George has since been admitted to hospital.
Some of today's biggest celebrities in the Arab world rallied around George, to offer their condolences and support.
"I cannot believe it," wrote Lebanese superstar Nancy Ajram on Twitter. "Death is so harsh!! My heart is with the dear and beloved Abu Wadih. May God grant you and your family patience. What a loss. Wadih was a young man whose life was worth the world's attention."
Fellow Lebanese singer Elissa added "my heart is with you, Abu Wadih ... May god give you strength".
"What a heartbreaking news," said Jad Shwery, a Lebanese producer, singer and director. "May God have mercy on your sweet soul, Wadih. May God grant patience to your father who is very dear to my heart, to everyone, to your mother Shlimar, to your family and your loved ones."
"May God have mercy," wrote Lebanese singer Najwa Karam. "Give patience to the heart of Abu Wadih and Umm Wadih."
Lebanese singers Nawal El Zoghbi, Carole Samaha and Diana Haddad, and Egyptian singers Angham and Hany Shaker also paid tribute.
“There is no power or strength except with God," wrote Angham. "My sincere condolences on the death of Wadih George Wassouf. We belong to Allah and to Him we shall return."
George's career spans more than four decades and he's released over 30 albums, becoming one of the biggest-selling Arab singers of modern times. He's known for hits such as Sehert El Leil and El Hawa Sultan.
Wadih is the son of George and his first wife Shalimar, who he married aged 21 and also had sons Hatem and George Jr.
The couple separated in 2009 and then George married Qatar rally champion Nada Zeidan, who gave birth to a daughter in 2015, before they divorced in 2016.
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Artist: Coldplay
Label: Parlophone/Atlantic
Number of tracks: 10
Rating: 3/5
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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
Specs
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Who’s won what so far in 2018/19
Western Clubs Champions League: Bahrain
Dubai Rugby Sevens: Dubai Hurricanes
West Asia Premiership: Bahrain
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Price, base: Dh399,999
Engine: Supercharged 6.2-litre V8
Gearbox: Eight-speed automatic
Power: 707hp @ 6,000rpm
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Director: Shawn Levy
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