Over the past year, “the beautiful game” turned ugly on PC and console. The popular simulator Football Manager 25 was cancelled. UFL, a would-be competitor to the Electronic Arts FC series, was met on arrival by a tepid response from a gamer base itching for an alternative. The football start-up has joined the long-vanquished Konami title e-Football in the lower divisions.
The lack of serious competition left FC 25 with an open goal for another season. Instead of tapping it into mild applause – or even merely shooting wide – the franchise decided to turn around and blast it into its own net.
EA had long been charged with shipping a similar game year on year, but once the autumn launch hype settled, the 2024-25 vintage was found to be a frustratingly inconsistent experience for casuals, hardcore fans and even the professional esports scene.
The pick-up-and-play base evaporated within weeks, leaving seasoned players grinding out an unenjoyable stodgy game with slow menus. And for Ultimate Team – the real money-spinner – the feeling of a completed roster of desired players in record time. You either felt burnt or burnt out.
Tactically, EA had been found out.
Back to basics
It might not be far-fetched to think that EA realised it served up a turkey on arrival this time last year. The patches did little to improve things and in-game development and resources were packed up to focus on this year's title.
This was reinforced with the summer's previews. The Vancouver-based title has been on a charm offensive to win back trust. It indicated that player feedback lies at the heart of this year's title and improvements will be optimised swiftly.
There was the usual pomp around “player archetypes” and more tactics, but EA addressed the elephant in the room: gameplay.
Change in tack
Presets and players: EA has presented a change in fundamentals, and two presets: “Authentic” for offline modes like career and “Competitive” for online FUT and Clubs.
On the top of everyone's list was the sluggish dribbling and unresponsive movement of players. The Rivals games I played in FUT felt faster. Players were agile and responsive to commands. They seemed to have more intelligent positioning and were quicker at making runs. Those who like using a big striker, it felt harder to obtain the ball. I'm a light skiller and the animations didn't feel contrived.
Goalkeepers and defenders: Many players were fed up with their own personal Andre Onana in goal palming the ball back for easy rebound goals. This has changed with loose balls spinning out for corners or coming back under control.
Defenders didn't particularly feel like auto-tackling and blocking machines, but when you did get it right you were somewhat rewarded with a successful challenge.
Passing and shooting: It might be a little too arcade-y and I expect ball speed to be tuned down, but it's still nigh-on impossible to play a simple square-ball. The game will insist on some forward or backwards movement. When you're in on net, you're rewarded for breaking down your opponent. Finesse shots appears to be detuned, while power shots don't seem to have too much of a bearing at this stage.
It's a promising base and at least there's something to work with for a player of any ability. The fact EA has not hyped animations or Hypermotion guff feels like a step-change in tactics.
Ultimate Team
Yes, this is why many buy the game. The other issue Fifa addressed this summer was its intention to protect the “power curve”. I've assembled a strong starter squad with a noticeably reduced number of packs on offer from the outset.
The game modes should offer something for everyone. The return of knockout tournaments will be well-received alongside an easier, more open path to weekend league competitions for busy parents and weaker players. The intriguing Gauntlet mode should encourage funky playing XIs and not the same chorus line of “meta” players. This will ultimately be up to the player base to enjoy.
Final whistle
At this time of year with EA FC hype, I'm reminded of mafia boss Michael Corleone's epic quote from The Godfather Part III: “Just when I thought I was out, they pull me back in.” After such a low point, EA might be starting this cycle with a player base with a wait-and-see approach.
EA Sports FC 26
Publisher: EA Sports
Consoles: PC, PlayStation 4/5, Xbox Series X/S
Rating: 3/5
But there is nothing quite like the allure of a new EA football title in September. From discovering new musicians from its bumper soundtrack (there's 106 on it this year including Pulp), to enjoying seeing your team's player's cards rated for the first time.
Devoted fans of the franchise know the football genre isn't at the cutting edge of gaming, but they will demand a title that will not be shelved before the end of the year. Despite the barren landscape of football games, FC 26's competition are Minecraft and Roblox with GTA 6 on the horizon.
This is a promising return to form, but EA's hard work only starts now.
EA Sports FC 26 will be released on September 25 on PC and September 26 on PlayStation 4 and 5, Xbox One and Xbox Series X/S
The specs
Engine: 3.9-litre twin-turbo V8
Power: 620hp from 5,750-7,500rpm
Torque: 760Nm from 3,000-5,750rpm
Transmission: Eight-speed dual-clutch auto
On sale: Now
Price: From Dh1.05 million ($286,000)
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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.
Dubai Bling season three
Cast: Loujain Adada, Zeina Khoury, Farhana Bodi, Ebraheem Al Samadi, Mona Kattan, and couples Safa & Fahad Siddiqui and DJ Bliss & Danya Mohammed
Rating: 1/5
SM Town Live is on Friday, April 6 at Autism Rocks Arena, Dubai. Tickets are Dh375 at www.platinumlist.net
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MATCH INFO
Uefa Champions League semi-final, first leg
Bayern Munich v Real Madrid
When: April 25, 10.45pm kick-off (UAE)
Where: Allianz Arena, Munich
Live: BeIN Sports HD
Second leg: May 1, Santiago Bernabeu, Madrid
RESULTS
5pm: Wathba Stallions Cup – Handicap (PA) Dh70,000 (Turf) 2,200m
Winner: M'A Yaromoon, Jesus Rosales (jockey), Khalifa Al Neydai (trainer)
5.30pm: Khor Al Baghal – Conditions (PA) Dh80,000 (T) 1,600m
Winner: No Riesgo Al Maury, Antonio Fresu, Ibrahim Al Hadhrami
6pm: Khor Faridah – Handicap (PA) Dh80,000 (T) 1,600m
Winner: JAP Almahfuz, Royston Ffrench, Irfan Ellahi
6.30pm: Abu Dhabi Fillies Classic – Prestige (PA) Dh110,000 (T) 1,400m
Winner: Mahmouda, Pat Cosgrave, Abdallah Al Hammadi
7pm: Abu Dhabi Colts Classic – Prestige (PA) Dh110,000 (T) 1,400m
Winner: AS Jezan, George Buckell, Ahmed Al Mehairbi
7.30pm: Khor Laffam – Handicap (TB) Dh80,000 (T) 2,200m
Winner: Dolman, Antonio Fresu, Bhupath Seemar
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Tamkeen's offering
- Option 1: 70% in year 1, 50% in year 2, 30% in year 3
- Option 2: 50% across three years
- Option 3: 30% across five years
Racecard
5.25pm: Etihad Museum – Maiden (TB) Dh82,500 (Turf) 1,200m
6pm: Al Shindaga Museum – Handicap (TB) Dh87,500 (Dirt) 1,200m
6.35pm: Poet Al Oqaili – Handicap (TB) Dh95,000 (T) 1,400m
7.10pm: Majlis Ghurfat Al Sheif – Handicap (TB) Dh87,500 (D) 1,600m
7.45pm: Hatta – Handicap (TB) Dh95,000 (T) 1,400m
8.20pm: Al Fahidi – Rated Conditions (TB) Dh87,500 (D) 2,200m
8.55pm: Zabeel Trophy – Rated Conditions (TB) Dh120,000 (T) 1,600m
9.30pm: Coins Museum – Rated Conditions (TB) Dh95,000 (D) 1,600m
10.05pm: Al Quoz Creative – Handicap (TB) Dh95,000 (T) 1,000m
Emergency
Director: Kangana Ranaut
Stars: Kangana Ranaut, Anupam Kher, Shreyas Talpade, Milind Soman, Mahima Chaudhry
Rating: 2/5
Paatal Lok season two
Directors: Avinash Arun, Prosit Roy
Stars: Jaideep Ahlawat, Ishwak Singh, Lc Sekhose, Merenla Imsong
Rating: 4.5/5
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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The schedule
December 5 - 23: Shooting competition, Al Dhafra Shooting Club
December 9 - 24: Handicrafts competition, from 4pm until 10pm, Heritage Souq
December 11 - 20: Dates competition, from 4pm
December 12 - 20: Sour milk competition
December 13: Falcon beauty competition
December 14 and 20: Saluki races
December 15: Arabian horse races, from 4pm
December 16 - 19: Falconry competition
December 18: Camel milk competition, from 7.30 - 9.30 am
December 20 and 21: Sheep beauty competition, from 10am
December 22: The best herd of 30 camels
Our legal consultant
Name: Hassan Mohsen Elhais
Position: legal consultant with Al Rowaad Advocates and Legal Consultants.
The Old Slave and the Mastiff
Patrick Chamoiseau
Translated from the French and Creole by Linda Coverdale
Safety 'top priority' for rival hyperloop company
The chief operating officer of Hyperloop Transportation Technologies, Andres de Leon, said his company's hyperloop technology is “ready” and safe.
He said the company prioritised safety throughout its development and, last year, Munich Re, one of the world's largest reinsurance companies, announced it was ready to insure their technology.
“Our levitation, propulsion, and vacuum technology have all been developed [...] over several decades and have been deployed and tested at full scale,” he said in a statement to The National.
“Only once the system has been certified and approved will it move people,” he said.
HyperloopTT has begun designing and engineering processes for its Abu Dhabi projects and hopes to break ground soon.
With no delivery date yet announced, Mr de Leon said timelines had to be considered carefully, as government approval, permits, and regulations could create necessary delays.
EA Sports FC 26
Publisher: EA Sports
Consoles: PC, PlayStation 4/5, Xbox Series X/S
Rating: 3/5
