Irrfan Khan talks improving Bollywood marketing

The actor Irrfan Khan says the Indian film industry needs to improve the way it does its marketing. "There are few areas we still need to work on, like strategies related to the release of a film. The way it is planned in America, we still need to find that system," said the actor, who stars in Ang Lee's latest film, Life of Pi. "For example, they really work on what kind of audience is going to watch a film and they release accordingly." Khan became a prominent face in international cinema after roles in films such as Warrior, A Mighty Heart, New York, I Love You and Slumdog Millionaire. * IANS

After Talaash, Kareena readies for romcom

After impressing critics and audiences in her recent project, the crime mystery film Talaash, Kareena Kapoor says she is looking forward to her forthcoming role in a romantic comedy. "I don't want to do monotonous roles so I don't think I will take on a suspense drama for a while. So my next film will be a light comedy," said the 32-year-old star. "But it doesn't mean I didn't like Talaash. It was a brave decision to make a film like it. When we were making the film, my only concern was the audience wouldn't be able to accept the genre. But we have won the battle." Kapoor refused to divulge details about her next movie, but said it will be directed by Karan Johar and will co-star Imran Khan. Shooting begins in January. * IANS

Jacqueline Fernandez wants to change glam image

Following roles in the 2011 thriller Murder 2 and the recent comedy Housefull 2, the actress Jacqueline Fernandez wants to break into a different genre. "It takes a conscious effort to change your image because people are just waiting to stereotype you," the 27-year-old Sri Lankan star said. "If you have done a movie which is successful and your performance is successful, then people want to cash in on that. You have to put your foot down." Fernandez says she recognises the perils of branching out creatively. "It is risky because people don't like being said no to," she said of declining movie projects that don't challenge her. "But you just have to do what is good for you. I love actors who can shock you. Like Ranbir Kapoor. Every single character he does is different." * IANS

Roshan: working with Shekhar Kapur is a dream

The actor Hrithik Roshan, who is reportedly being considered to play the lead in Shekhar Kapur's new film, Paani, says it's been his lifelong dream to be directed by the filmmaker. When asked if he had officially signed on to the movie, Roshan said: "I hope it happens. Apart from work, just being with that man, in his presence, I feel comforted. Shekhar Kapur is kind of an enlightened soul. So when I am with him, I feel a little good about myself." Produced by Aditya Chopra, Paani will feature the music of the Oscar-winning AR Rahman. * IANS

The specs: 2017 Dodge Ram 1500 Laramie Longhorn

Price, base / as tested: Dhxxx
Engine: 5.7L V8
Transmission: Eight-speed automatic
Power: 395hp @ 5,600rpm
Torque: 556Nm @ 3,950rpm
Fuel economy, combined: 12.7L / 100km

The specs: 2018 Alfa Romeo Stelvio

Price, base: Dh198,300
Engine: 2.0L in-line four-cylinder
Transmission: Eight-speed automatic
Power: 280hp @ 5,250rpm
Torque: 400Nm @ 2,250rpm
Fuel economy, combined: 7L / 100km

WOMAN AND CHILD

Director: Saeed Roustaee

Starring: Parinaz Izadyar, Payman Maadi

Rating: 4/5

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.

MATCH INFO

Manchester United v Manchester City, Wednesday, 11pm (UAE)

Match is on BeIN Sports

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

UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets

Nepotism is the name of the game

Salman Khan’s father, Salim Khan, is one of Bollywood’s most legendary screenwriters. Through his partnership with co-writer Javed Akhtar, Salim is credited with having paved the path for the Indian film industry’s blockbuster format in the 1970s. Something his son now rules the roost of. More importantly, the Salim-Javed duo also created the persona of the “angry young man” for Bollywood megastar Amitabh Bachchan in the 1970s, reflecting the angst of the average Indian. In choosing to be the ordinary man’s “hero” as opposed to a thespian in new Bollywood, Salman Khan remains tightly linked to his father’s oeuvre. Thanks dad.