It’s been more than 15 years since Lita last won a WWE women’s championship.
Now she’s readying to step back into the ring to take on Becky Lynch for the WWE Raw Women’s Championship at Elimination Chamber in Jeddah on Saturday.
While most wrestling fans are happy to see this “dream” match-up of two top female wrestlers from different eras, Lita, whose real name is Amy Dumas, admits it wasn’t exactly a long, drawn-out plan.
“This all happened very spontaneously, which is actually my specialty. If I overthink, things tend to get in the way of myself,” she tells The National.
She says it all began when she was a part of the Women’s Royal Rumble in January, an annual pay-per-view where wrestlers across generations are able to compete against one another until a single winner is left in the ring. While she didn’t win, she still ended up with an opportunity for a title shot.
“Right as I was leaving the Royal Rumble after the match, they asked me if I wanted to challenge Becky. And it was perfect timing because my adrenaline was still going from having just been in the ring.
“And I didn't have time to get in the way of myself or overthink why I shouldn't accept the challenge. I just thought about why I should, and so, it was just the opportunity. There wasn't a lot of thought as to why is this the right time? Opportunity knocked and I just answered.”
At 46 years old, Lita looks to be in incredible shape and, as recently shown on an episode of Raw, can still impressively pull off her signature move, the Moonsault (a backflip splash off the top ropes). She says she’s always enjoyed keeping active and healthy but has stepped up her workouts in preparation for the coming match.
“I have made my workouts much more intense to prepare for being in the ring, doing a lot of sprints to make sure my cardio is good. I've just been spending time in the ring training, doing all my old moves,” she says.
It's not lost on Lita that she has often been cited as an inspiration for the many women competing in not only the WWE but also other wrestling promotions.
More than two decades after she first made her WWE debut in 2000, she says that the younger wrestlers who once looked up to her have been able help her as she returns to in-ring action.
I feel that it is such an honour to go experience a culture [in Saudi Arabia] so different from what I'm used to
Lita,
WWE wrestler
“I think with this most recent challenge to Becky is where it started to sink in a little bit, how much I was able to inspire the women that are there now. Mainly because they told me right before my segment or after and helped give me confidence.
“It really feels like a nice full circle where when they were young growing up, I was able to inspire them. And then now when I'm making this big comeback off of a long hiatus, they're inspiring me to give me the extra confidence that I need to go out there and do my best.”
As more strides are being made in women’s wrestling, including an impressive three matches on the card at Elimination Chamber in Jeddah, Lita says she thinks it can go even further.
“I never thought I would see women's wrestling rise as high as it is now. And it's so exciting to watch because as fire as it is right now, it feels like it is still just beginning. It feels like just such an exciting time to watch. What can they pull off next?”
As she prepares to head to Saudi Arabia for the first time, the wrestler says she cannot wait to experience all that Jeddah has to offer.
“I will not sleep while I am there. I just want to soak up the culture and the experience of being clear on the other side of the world as much as I possibly can,” she says. “I feel that it is such an honour to go experience a culture so different from what I'm used to and I look so forward to interacting with as many people as I possibly can.”
Scroll through the gallery below to see the last time the WWE was in Saudi Arabia.
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
COMPANY PROFILE
Name: Mamo Year it started: 2019 Founders: Imad Gharazeddine, Asim Janjua Based: Dubai, UAE Number of employees: 28 Sector: Financial services Investment: $9.5m Funding stage: Pre-Series A Investors: Global Ventures, GFC, 4DX Ventures, AlRajhi Partners, Olive Tree Capital, and prominent Silicon Valley investors. The specs
- Engine: 3.9-litre twin-turbo V8
- Power: 640hp
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- On sale: 2026
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ACC 2019: The winners in full
Best Actress Maha Alemi, Sofia
Best Actor Mohamed Dhrif, Weldi
Best Screenplay Meryem Benm’Barek, Sofia
Best Documentary Of Fathers and Sons by Talal Derki
Best Film Yomeddine by Abu Bakr Shawky
Best Director Nadine Labaki, Capernaum
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Thanksgiving meals to try
World Cut Steakhouse, Habtoor Palace Hotel, Dubai. On Thursday evening, head chef Diego Solis will be serving a high-end sounding four-course meal that features chestnut veloute with smoked duck breast, turkey roulade accompanied by winter vegetables and foie gras and pecan pie, cranberry compote and popcorn ice cream.
Jones the Grocer, various locations across the UAE. Jones’s take-home holiday menu delivers on the favourites: whole roast turkeys, an array of accompaniments (duck fat roast potatoes, sausages wrapped in beef bacon, honey-glazed parsnips and carrots) and more, as well as festive food platters, canapes and both apple and pumpkin pies.
Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse, The Address Hotel, Dubai. This New Orleans-style restaurant is keen to take the stress out of entertaining, so until December 25 you can order a full seasonal meal from its Takeaway Turkey Feast menu, which features turkey, homemade gravy and a selection of sides – think green beans with almond flakes, roasted Brussels sprouts, sweet potato casserole and bread stuffing – to pick up and eat at home.
The Mattar Farm Kitchen, Dubai. From now until Christmas, Hattem Mattar and his team will be producing game- changing smoked turkeys that you can enjoy at home over the festive period.
Nolu’s, The Galleria Mall, Maryah Island Abu Dhabi. With much of the menu focused on a California inspired “farm to table” approach (with Afghani influence), it only seems right that Nolu’s will be serving their take on the Thanksgiving spread, with a brunch at the Downtown location from 12pm to 4pm on Friday.
Haircare resolutions 2021
From Beirut and Amman to London and now Dubai, hairstylist George Massoud has seen the same mistakes made by customers all over the world. In the chair or at-home hair care, here are the resolutions he wishes his customers would make for the year ahead.
1. 'I will seek consultation from professionals'
You may know what you want, but are you sure it’s going to suit you? Haircare professionals can tell you what will work best with your skin tone, hair texture and lifestyle.
2. 'I will tell my hairdresser when I’m not happy'
Massoud says it’s better to offer constructive criticism to work on in the future. Your hairdresser will learn, and you may discover how to communicate exactly what you want more effectively the next time.
3. ‘I will treat my hair better out of the chair’
Damage control is a big part of most hairstylists’ work right now, but it can be avoided. Steer clear of over-colouring at home, try and pursue one hair brand at a time and never, ever use a straightener on still drying hair, pleads Massoud.
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
How does ToTok work?
The calling app is available to download on Google Play and Apple App Store
To successfully install ToTok, users are asked to enter their phone number and then create a nickname.
The app then gives users the option add their existing phone contacts, allowing them to immediately contact people also using the application by video or voice call or via message.
Users can also invite other contacts to download ToTok to allow them to make contact through the app.
The National Archives, Abu Dhabi
Founded over 50 years ago, the National Archives collects valuable historical material relating to the UAE, and is the oldest and richest archive relating to the Arabian Gulf.
Much of the material can be viewed on line at the Arabian Gulf Digital Archive - https://www.agda.ae/en
Tickets
Tickets start at Dh100 for adults, while children can enter free on the opening day. For more information, visit www.mubadalawtc.com.
Jetour T1 specs
Engine: 2-litre turbocharged
Power: 254hp
Torque: 390Nm
Price: From Dh126,000
Available: Now
