For Harry Potter fans in the UAE, the wait is finally over today. After seven magical movies and 10 years that seemed to pass in the blink of an owl's eye, diehard fans gathered at the stroke of midnight at select cinemas to view the eighth and final film, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part II.
One night earlier, a 360-strong crowd of VIPs, press and competition winners, many of them wearing Harry-type spectacles and other Potter paraphernalia, filled the Vox Cinema at Mall of the Emirates in Dubai to attend an exclusive red-carpet premiere of the film.
For Devina Divecha, a 24-year-old interior design magazine reporter, attending the pre-screening of the final Potter film was about as big as it gets.
Despite previous films having raked in more than $6 billion (Dh22bn) at the box-office and glowing reviews for the finale, Divecha says some of the screen adaptations to-date have been largely hit-and-miss.
"The first two movies were not so good," she says. "I cringe if I see them now. The story wasn't adapted as well as it could have been and the lead actors weren't comfortable yet. From the third movie onwards, we saw a massive increase in the quality of filmmaking and the acting.
"Alfonso Cuarón [the director of the third film] did a fantastic job of bringing the movies to a new level altogether and the directors after that have followed suit.
"They started to add elements to the movies that weren't there in the books, which I appreciated as it helped tell the story better."
With Harry's epic exit, Yates has used every dramatic, tension-building, emotional trick in the book to transfix the audience. Not skimping either on costumes, action or CGI wizardry, leads Divecha to believe Part II might just be his magnum opus.
However, everything rests on the final confrontation between Harry and his nemesis Voldemort.
"The battle sequence has the potential to be the stuff of movie legend, if done right. And scenes that tie everything up: learning more about Snape, seeing the lead characters when they've aged etc. The actors have done such a good job in the last few movies, this will give them a chance to shine," she says.
When it comes to Potter fans, Divecha rates herself an 11 out of 10. At the premiere she sports a Harry Potter T-shirt and transfer tattoo. Then there is her home.
"The books are in a prime spot on my bookshelf," she says. "The DVDs are on my desk. I have two to three posters from the movies. My 2011 calendar is from Harry Potter and this might be my third or fourth one over the last few years."
And there's more, much more.
"I have a Harry Potter toothbrush holder - which I cannot believe I'm admitting to. I also have a wallet and my 2009-2010 diary was a wooden book with the Harry Potter logo emblazoned on it. I have decals from the Triwizard Tournament stuck on my bathroom door, and I've probably forgotten more things that I have lying about here and there."
She pauses for a minute, then exclaims: "Oh, Harry Potter towels!"
Much like Divecha, Salman Khan, a 26-year-old accountant who lives in Dubai, is fiercely proud to call himself a fan.
"I guess I'm just lucky to be born in the Harry Potter generation," he says. "Friends and colleagues do try to ridicule, but there are just too many of us fans all over the place."
Khan has some advice for newcomers who might be interested in all the hype this week and feel drawn to the cinema to catch the final film. "Well, I'd suggest they watch it from the start." he says, before quickly adding: "I'd watch it with them."
Khan bought a special wig he intends to reveal at a private tribute party this coming weekend, which he plans to wear in homage to Rupert Grint's character.
"It's supposed to be ginger, but mine's bordering orange," he says. "A friend and I are dressing up as Fred and George Weasley, twin brothers of Ron Weasley who's one of the three main protagonists in the series. They're a mischievous duo, allies to Harry, yet through the course of the whole story, provide us with an immense amount of comic relief."
Conjuring up Harry Potter costumes in the UAE is not as easy as one might think, with many of the big toy retailers carrying limited merchandise. That said, one address Potter fans might do well to stick in their books is Mr Ben's ,of Al Ghazal Mall in Dubai.
The owner Jayne Eastland is gearing up for her busiest time of year, Halloween. Anticipating a rush in demand for Harry Potter costumes, she's ordered extra stock.
"The characters are held in great affection, much like Star Wars." she says. "Children mostly want to be Harry himself and for adults it would be the rest of the characters, such as Hagrid, Dumbledore and Dobby."
Brains are triumphing over brawn in the cut-throat world of costume couture, with Harry Potter outselling Transformers, Batman and Spider-Man outfits, says Eastland. Customers are clamouring for Hogwarts school uniforms, wands and naturally, the Bugatti of broomsticks - the so-called Nimbus 2000.
With the prospect of pointy wizard hats and high-collared capes obscuring the view of other cinema-goers in the coming weeks, UAE residents might do well to take a seat in the front row when they venture out to see the film. That's if they can find one.
Roy Chacra is the managing director of Shooting Stars, the regional distributor for Warner Bros films in the UAE. He anticipates a full house at cinemas from today on, given the success of the series so far.
"We have really big expectations for Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part II in the UAE." he says. "Anticipation is really high among the series fans as well as moviegoers and we are expecting stellar numbers, and eager fans can watch the epic finale in IMAX 3D, 3D and regular 2D."
Given the chance, Divecha says she would gladly watch the film in all three formats, three times over. Then, it will be time to implement her plan to fill the void that will be left, when, as the film's slogan states, "it all ends".
"By watching the DVDs and reading the books, for one." she says. "There's no dearth of sci-fi and fantasy, but I just revisit the old-school things like this, Star Wars, Lord of the Rings and more. Those will always be classic.
"Besides, I don't see this as a void. The void is now filled. We're done waiting. The fans have everything they need now. What else can they ask for?"
"Oh wait," she says, smiling. "A Harry Potter encyclopedia by JK Rowling would be nice!"
With Rowling having hinted as long ago as 2000 that she may put together such a book for charity after the seventh novel, Divecha's wish could soon be granted.
Thursday: What next for Harry Potter stars?
KILLING OF QASSEM SULEIMANI
Squads
Sri Lanka Tharanga (c), Mathews, Dickwella (wk), Gunathilaka, Mendis, Kapugedera, Siriwardana, Pushpakumara, Dananjaya, Sandakan, Perera, Hasaranga, Malinga, Chameera, Fernando.
India Kohli (c), Dhawan, Rohit, Rahul, Pandey, Rahane, Jadhav, Dhoni (wk), Pandya, Axar, Kuldeep, Chahal, Bumrah, Bhuvneshwar, Thakur.
Know before you go
- Jebel Akhdar is a two-hour drive from Muscat airport or a six-hour drive from Dubai. It’s impossible to visit by car unless you have a 4x4. Phone ahead to the hotel to arrange a transfer.
- If you’re driving, make sure your insurance covers Oman.
- By air: Budget airlines Air Arabia, Flydubai and SalamAir offer direct routes to Muscat from the UAE.
- Tourists from the Emirates (UAE nationals not included) must apply for an Omani visa online before arrival at evisa.rop.gov.om. The process typically takes several days.
- Flash floods are probable due to the terrain and a lack of drainage. Always check the weather before venturing into any canyons or other remote areas and identify a plan of escape that includes high ground, shelter and parking where your car won’t be overtaken by sudden downpours.
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Gully Boy
Director: Zoya Akhtar
Producer: Excel Entertainment & Tiger Baby
Cast: Ranveer Singh, Alia Bhatt, Kalki Koechlin, Siddhant Chaturvedi
Rating: 4/5 stars
Lexus LX700h specs
Engine: 3.4-litre twin-turbo V6 plus supplementary electric motor
Power: 464hp at 5,200rpm
Torque: 790Nm from 2,000-3,600rpm
Transmission: 10-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 11.7L/100km
On sale: Now
Price: From Dh590,000
Arrogate's winning run
1. Maiden Special Weight, Santa Anita Park, June 5, 2016
2. Allowance Optional Claiming, Santa Anita Park, June 24, 2016
3. Allowance Optional Claiming, Del Mar, August 4, 2016
4. Travers Stakes, Saratoga, August 27, 2016
5. Breeders' Cup Classic, Santa Anita Park, November 5, 2016
6. Pegasus World Cup, Gulfstream Park, January 28, 2017
7. Dubai World Cup, Meydan Racecourse, March 25, 2017
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Conservative MPs who have publicly revealed sending letters of no confidence
- Steve Baker
- Peter Bone
- Ben Bradley
- Andrew Bridgen
- Maria Caulfield
- Simon Clarke
- Philip Davies
- Nadine Dorries
- James Duddridge
- Mark Francois
- Chris Green
- Adam Holloway
- Andrea Jenkyns
- Anne-Marie Morris
- Sheryll Murray
- Jacob Rees-Mogg
- Laurence Robertson
- Lee Rowley
- Henry Smith
- Martin Vickers
- John Whittingdale
What is cyberbullying?
Cyberbullying or online bullying could take many forms such as sending unkind or rude messages to someone, socially isolating people from groups, sharing embarrassing pictures of them, or spreading rumors about them.
Cyberbullying can take place on various platforms such as messages, on social media, on group chats, or games.
Parents should watch out for behavioural changes in their children.
When children are being bullied they they may be feel embarrassed and isolated, so parents should watch out for signs of signs of depression and anxiety
Day 3, Abu Dhabi Test: At a glance
Moment of the day Just three balls remained in an exhausting day for Sri Lanka’s bowlers when they were afforded some belated cheer. Nuwan Pradeep, unrewarded in 15 overs to that point, let slip a seemingly innocuous delivery down the legside. Babar Azam feathered it behind, and Niroshan Dickwella dived to make a fine catch.
Stat of the day - 2.56 Shan Masood and Sami Aslam are the 16th opening partnership Pakistan have had in Tests in the past five years. That turnover at the top of the order – a new pair every 2.56 Test matches on average – is by far the fastest rate among the leading Test sides. Masood and Aslam put on 114 in their first alliance in Abu Dhabi.
The verdict Even by the normal standards of Test cricket in the UAE, this has been slow going. Pakistan’s run-rate of 2.38 per over is the lowest they have managed in a Test match in this country. With just 14 wickets having fallen in three days so far, it is difficult to see 26 dropping to bring about a result over the next two.
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
Third Test
Result: India won by 203 runs
Series: England lead five-match series 2-1
10 tips for entry-level job seekers
- Have an up-to-date, professional LinkedIn profile. If you don’t have a LinkedIn account, set one up today. Avoid poor-quality profile pictures with distracting backgrounds. Include a professional summary and begin to grow your network.
- Keep track of the job trends in your sector through the news. Apply for job alerts at your dream organisations and the types of jobs you want – LinkedIn uses AI to share similar relevant jobs based on your selections.
- Double check that you’ve highlighted relevant skills on your resume and LinkedIn profile.
- For most entry-level jobs, your resume will first be filtered by an applicant tracking system for keywords. Look closely at the description of the job you are applying for and mirror the language as much as possible (while being honest and accurate about your skills and experience).
- Keep your CV professional and in a simple format – make sure you tailor your cover letter and application to the company and role.
- Go online and look for details on job specifications for your target position. Make a list of skills required and set yourself some learning goals to tick off all the necessary skills one by one.
- Don’t be afraid to reach outside your immediate friends and family to other acquaintances and let them know you are looking for new opportunities.
- Make sure you’ve set your LinkedIn profile to signal that you are “open to opportunities”. Also be sure to use LinkedIn to search for people who are still actively hiring by searching for those that have the headline “I’m hiring” or “We’re hiring” in their profile.
- Prepare for online interviews using mock interview tools. Even before landing interviews, it can be useful to start practising.
- Be professional and patient. Always be professional with whoever you are interacting with throughout your search process, this will be remembered. You need to be patient, dedicated and not give up on your search. Candidates need to make sure they are following up appropriately for roles they have applied.
Arda Atalay, head of Mena private sector at LinkedIn Talent Solutions, Rudy Bier, managing partner of Kinetic Business Solutions and Ben Kinerman Daltrey, co-founder of KinFitz
WOMAN AND CHILD
Director: Saeed Roustaee
Starring: Parinaz Izadyar, Payman Maadi
Rating: 4/5
'The worst thing you can eat'
Trans fat is typically found in fried and baked goods, but you may be consuming more than you think.
Powdered coffee creamer, microwave popcorn and virtually anything processed with a crust is likely to contain it, as this guide from Mayo Clinic outlines:
Baked goods - Most cakes, cookies, pie crusts and crackers contain shortening, which is usually made from partially hydrogenated vegetable oil. Ready-made frosting is another source of trans fat.
Snacks - Potato, corn and tortilla chips often contain trans fat. And while popcorn can be a healthy snack, many types of packaged or microwave popcorn use trans fat to help cook or flavour the popcorn.
Fried food - Foods that require deep frying — french fries, doughnuts and fried chicken — can contain trans fat from the oil used in the cooking process.
Refrigerator dough - Products such as canned biscuits and cinnamon rolls often contain trans fat, as do frozen pizza crusts.
Creamer and margarine - Nondairy coffee creamer and stick margarines also may contain partially hydrogenated vegetable oils.
Family reunited
Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe was born and raised in Tehran and studied English literature before working as a translator in the relief effort for the Japanese International Co-operation Agency in 2003.
She moved to the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies before moving to the World Health Organisation as a communications officer.
She came to the UK in 2007 after securing a scholarship at London Metropolitan University to study a master's in communication management and met her future husband through mutual friends a month later.
The couple were married in August 2009 in Winchester and their daughter was born in June 2014.
She was held in her native country a year later.
