Tributes pour in for Algerian actress Farida Sabounji who dies aged 92

Algerian actress Farida Sabounji, who died on Saturday, is being celebrated for her rich and influential career.

Sabounji died at 92 after suffering from an unidentified illness. The actress had previously suffered a stroke in 2018, after which her public appearances diminished. News of her death was confirmed by the Algeria Press Service and Ministry of Culture and the Arts.

Particularly known for her work in soap operas, Sabounji was one of the most celebrated actresses in Algeria. She was known to play hard-hearted characters and had a television and film career that spanned more than five decades.

Her work as an actress, however, stretches back even further.

Sabounji began acting in theatre when she was only 13 and has performed alongside legendary Algerian talents including director and actor Mahieddine Bachtarzi, comedian Rouiched and actor Mustapha Kateb.

In 1947, she began presenting radio dramas before turning her attention to film and television. Her most famous series include Al Masir, Al Maktoub, Al Wasiya and Dar Umm Hani. Her films include Maidaliat LiHassan and Khod Ma Attak Allah.

She received several awards during her career, most notably the Algerian National Order of Merit.

Several artistic institutions mourned Sabounji, including the Algerian Opera.

Tributes are pouring in for the actress on social media as well.

Ramtane Lamamra, the Algerian Minister of Foreign Affairs, wrote on Twitter that Sabounji’s commitment and cultural career earned her the appreciation and affection of the Algerian public.

Algerian journalist Wassila Oulmi wrote that Sabounji “was and will remain a symbol of authentic Algerian art”.

Ibrahim Boughali, the president of the People’s National Assembly, tweeted that “when an artist dies, a part of art and beauty leave with them.

"Farida Sabounji, who carried this meaning, bids farewell to our world to join her Lord. We offer our condolences to her family, her artistic family, and ourselves.”

Scroll through the gallery below for other stars we've lost in 2022

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

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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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Company name/date started: Abwaab Technologies / September 2019

Founders: Hamdi Tabbaa, co-founder and CEO. Hussein Alsarabi, co-founder and CTO

Based: Amman, Jordan

Sector: Education Technology

Size (employees/revenue): Total team size: 65. Full-time employees: 25. Revenue undisclosed

Stage: early-stage startup

Investors: Adam Tech Ventures, Endure Capital, Equitrust, the World Bank-backed Innovative Startups SMEs Fund, a London investment fund, a number of former and current executives from Uber and Netflix, among others.

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Dobromir Radichkov, chief data officer at dubizzle and Bayut, offers a few tips for UAE residents looking to earn some cash from pre-loved items.

Sellers should focus on providing high-quality used goods at attractive prices to buyers.
It’s important to use clear and appealing photos, with catchy titles and detailed descriptions to capture the attention of prospective buyers.
Try to advertise a realistic price to attract buyers looking for good deals, especially in the current environment where consumers are significantly more price-sensitive.
Be creative and look around your home for valuable items that you no longer need but might be useful to others.

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Who was Alfred Nobel?

The Nobel Prize was created by wealthy Swedish chemist and entrepreneur Alfred Nobel.

In his will he dictated that the bulk of his estate should be used to fund "prizes to those who, during the preceding year, have conferred the greatest benefit to humankind".
Nobel is best known as the inventor of dynamite, but also wrote poetry and drama and could speak Russian, French, English and German by the age of 17. The five original prize categories reflect the interests closest to his heart.
Nobel died in 1896 but it took until 1901, following a legal battle over his will, before the first prizes were awarded.

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Landfill in numbers

• Landfill gas is composed of 50 per cent methane

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