• Emma D’Arcy as Princess Rhaenyra Targaryen and Matt Smith as Prince Daemon Targaryen.
    Emma D’Arcy as Princess Rhaenyra Targaryen and Matt Smith as Prince Daemon Targaryen.
  • Olivia Cooke as Alicent Hightower and Rhys Ifans as Otto Hightower.
    Olivia Cooke as Alicent Hightower and Rhys Ifans as Otto Hightower.
  • Emma D’Arcy as Princess Rhaenyra Targaryen.
    Emma D’Arcy as Princess Rhaenyra Targaryen.
  • Matt Smith as Prince Daemon Targaryen in 'Game of Thrones' prequel 'House of the Dragon'. All photos: HBO
    Matt Smith as Prince Daemon Targaryen in 'Game of Thrones' prequel 'House of the Dragon'. All photos: HBO
  • Paddy Considine as King Viserys Targaryen.
    Paddy Considine as King Viserys Targaryen.
  • Steve Toussaint as Lord Corlys Velaryon and Eve Best as Princess Rhaenys Targaryen.
    Steve Toussaint as Lord Corlys Velaryon and Eve Best as Princess Rhaenys Targaryen.
  • Fabien Frankel as Ser Criston Cole.
    Fabien Frankel as Ser Criston Cole.
  • Milly Alcock as the young Rhaenyra and Emily Carey as the young Alicent.
    Milly Alcock as the young Rhaenyra and Emily Carey as the young Alicent.
  • Sonoya Mizuno as Mysaria.
    Sonoya Mizuno as Mysaria.
  • Rhys Ifans as Otto Hightower.
    Rhys Ifans as Otto Hightower.
  • Olivia Cooke as Alicent Hightower.
    Olivia Cooke as Alicent Hightower.
  • Steve Toussaint as Lord Corlys Velaryon.
    Steve Toussaint as Lord Corlys Velaryon.

'Game of Thrones' prequel 'House of the Dragon' to premiere in UAE same day as US


Razmig Bedirian
  • English
  • Arabic

The prequel to Game of Thrones will be released regionally on OSN+ on the same day the series is set to have its premiere in the US.

House of the Dragon will launch on August 22, with new episodes out weekly.

The 10-episode HBO Original, based on George R R Martin’s Fire & Blood, is set 200 years before the events of Game of Thrones. It tells the story of House Targaryen at the brink of its downfall in the wake of a civil war called the Dance of the Dragons.

Paddy Considine stars as King Viserys Targaryen, with Emma D’Arcy as his firstborn daughter Princess Rhaenyra Targaryen and Matt Smith as Prince Daemon Targaryen, the king’s younger brother and heir to the throne. Olivia Cooke is Alicent Hightower, while Rhys Ifans plays Otto Hightower, her father and the Hand of the King.

A trailer for House of the Dragon was released on May 5. In the clip, which is about a minute-and-a-half long, viewers are shown King Viserys presenting his daughter, Princess Rhaenyra, as his heir, but not all the residents in Westeros are seemingly willing to accept her as their leader.

In typical fashion, violence ensues. In the final moments, we’re also given a first look at the fire-breathing dragon from the House of Targaryen.

House of the Dragon is the most awaited series of the summer and showcases [the] OSN+ [platform's] commitment to providing the best-in-class exclusive content for our customers,” said Nick Forward, managing director OSN+ and chief content officer at OSN Group. “The series will be a global ‘must-watch’ — both for Game of Thrones fans or first-time visitors to the world of Westeros.”

The OSN Group overhauled its streaming platform in March. The company said the app marks “a new chapter” for the group as it embraces opportunities presented by the growing subscription video-on-demand landscape in the Middle East and North Africa.

OSN+ houses titles from several leading international studios through exclusive partnerships, such as the one with HBO, the production company behind Game of Thrones and its spin-off.

More information is available at osnplus.com

'Game of Thrones' Studio Tour in Northern Ireland — in pictures

  • The iron throne from 'Game of Thrones' is on display at the new Game of Thrones Studio Tour at Linen Mill Studios in Banbridge, Northern Ireland. Getty Images
    The iron throne from 'Game of Thrones' is on display at the new Game of Thrones Studio Tour at Linen Mill Studios in Banbridge, Northern Ireland. Getty Images
  • The swords of Ned Stark's character from the TV show 'Game of Thrones' are seen on display. Reuters
    The swords of Ned Stark's character from the TV show 'Game of Thrones' are seen on display. Reuters
  • Life-like bodies of the characters Jamie and Cersei Lannister are seen in glass display cases at the Game of Thrones Studio Tour. Getty Images
    Life-like bodies of the characters Jamie and Cersei Lannister are seen in glass display cases at the Game of Thrones Studio Tour. Getty Images
  • The skulls of the Targaryen dragons are among the props on display. Getty Images
    The skulls of the Targaryen dragons are among the props on display. Getty Images
  • The studio tour cost more than $53 million to create and has been made in partnership with Warner Bros. Getty Images
    The studio tour cost more than $53 million to create and has been made in partnership with Warner Bros. Getty Images
  • The Map Courtyard set and costumes on display. Reuters
    The Map Courtyard set and costumes on display. Reuters
  • Large sets can be explored by fans at the studio tour. Getty Images
    Large sets can be explored by fans at the studio tour. Getty Images
  • The set of the destroyed throne room in the Red Keep. Reuters
    The set of the destroyed throne room in the Red Keep. Reuters
  • The world's first and only Game of Thrones Studio Tour is located at Linen Mill Studios in Banbridge, where a significant proportion of the show's Northern Ireland leg of filming took place. Getty Images
    The world's first and only Game of Thrones Studio Tour is located at Linen Mill Studios in Banbridge, where a significant proportion of the show's Northern Ireland leg of filming took place. Getty Images
  • At more than 9,290 square metres, the interactive experience reveals the world of Westeros like never before, giving fans and visitors the chance to explore the famous sets of King's Landing, Winterfell, Dragonstone, The Wall and more. Getty Images
    At more than 9,290 square metres, the interactive experience reveals the world of Westeros like never before, giving fans and visitors the chance to explore the famous sets of King's Landing, Winterfell, Dragonstone, The Wall and more. Getty Images
  • The costume of the character The Mountain is seen on display. Getty Images
    The costume of the character The Mountain is seen on display. Getty Images
  • Haunting props from 'Game of Thrones' on display. Getty Images
    Haunting props from 'Game of Thrones' on display. Getty Images
  • The Studio Tour showcases the exquisite sets and creative artistry behind the incredible costumes, props, weaponry and visual effects which brought the story of 'Game of Thrones' to life. Getty Images
    The Studio Tour showcases the exquisite sets and creative artistry behind the incredible costumes, props, weaponry and visual effects which brought the story of 'Game of Thrones' to life. Getty Images
  • The tourist attraction opened to the public on February 4, 2022. Reuters
    The tourist attraction opened to the public on February 4, 2022. Reuters
  • Costumes for the Night King and his generals are on display. Reuters
    Costumes for the Night King and his generals are on display. Reuters
  • Many of the props on display will bring back memories of the series for fans. Reuters
    Many of the props on display will bring back memories of the series for fans. Reuters
  • Intricate costumes on display. AFP
    Intricate costumes on display. AFP
German intelligence warnings
  • 2002: "Hezbollah supporters feared becoming a target of security services because of the effects of [9/11] ... discussions on Hezbollah policy moved from mosques into smaller circles in private homes." Supporters in Germany: 800
  • 2013: "Financial and logistical support from Germany for Hezbollah in Lebanon supports the armed struggle against Israel ... Hezbollah supporters in Germany hold back from actions that would gain publicity." Supporters in Germany: 950
  • 2023: "It must be reckoned with that Hezbollah will continue to plan terrorist actions outside the Middle East against Israel or Israeli interests." Supporters in Germany: 1,250 

Source: Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution

The five pillars of Islam

1. Fasting 

2. Prayer 

3. Hajj 

4. Shahada 

5. Zakat 

Specs

Engine: 51.5kW electric motor

Range: 400km

Power: 134bhp

Torque: 175Nm

Price: From Dh98,800

Available: Now

SPEC%20SHEET%3A%20APPLE%20M3%20MACBOOK%20AIR%20(13%22)
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EProcessor%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Apple%20M3%2C%208-core%20CPU%2C%20up%20to%2010-core%20CPU%2C%2016-core%20Neural%20Engine%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EDisplay%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%2013.6-inch%20Liquid%20Retina%2C%202560%20x%201664%2C%20224ppi%2C%20500%20nits%2C%20True%20Tone%2C%20wide%20colour%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EMemory%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%208%2F16%2F24GB%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EStorage%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20256%2F512GB%20%2F%201%2F2TB%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EI%2FO%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Thunderbolt%203%2FUSB-4%20(2)%2C%203.5mm%20audio%2C%20Touch%20ID%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EConnectivity%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Wi-Fi%206E%2C%20Bluetooth%205.3%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EBattery%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%2052.6Wh%20lithium-polymer%2C%20up%20to%2018%20hours%2C%20MagSafe%20charging%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ECamera%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%201080p%20FaceTime%20HD%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EVideo%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Support%20for%20Apple%20ProRes%2C%20HDR%20with%20Dolby%20Vision%2C%20HDR10%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EAudio%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%204-speaker%20system%2C%20wide%20stereo%2C%20support%20for%20Dolby%20Atmos%2C%20Spatial%20Audio%20and%20dynamic%20head%20tracking%20(with%20AirPods)%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EColours%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Midnight%2C%20silver%2C%20space%20grey%2C%20starlight%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EIn%20the%20box%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20MacBook%20Air%2C%2030W%2F35W%20dual-port%2F70w%20power%20adapter%2C%20USB-C-to-MagSafe%20cable%2C%202%20Apple%20stickers%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EPrice%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20From%20Dh4%2C599%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
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Results

Stage 7:

1. Caleb Ewan (AUS) Lotto Soudal - 3:18:29

2. Sam Bennett (IRL) Deceuninck-QuickStep - same time

3. Phil Bauhaus (GER) Bahrain Victorious

4. Michael Morkov (DEN) Deceuninck-QuickStep

5. Cees Bol (NED) Team DSM

General Classification:

1. Tadej Pogacar (SLO) UAE Team Emirates - 24:00:28

2. Adam Yates (GBR) Ineos Grenadiers - 0:00:35

3. Joao Almeida (POR) Deceuninck-QuickStep - 0:01:02

4. Chris Harper (AUS) Jumbo-Visma - 0:01:42

5. Neilson Powless (USA) EF Education-Nippo - 0:01:45

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

Updated: June 13, 2022, 11:14 AM