Veteran Bollywood actor Rajesh Khanna back in hospital

Plus: Saudi model to debut in Bollywood; Abhishek screens Bol Bachchan for Abraham; Shekhar Suman courts Sunny Leone for film; Farah Khan woes film make-up.

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The veteran actor Rajesh Khanna was readmitted to a Mumbai hospital on Saturday, six days after he was discharged. A source close to the Khanna family said his condition was not serious. "It is because of weakness, nothing serious. He should be fine," said the source. Khanna's estranged wife, the actress Dimple Kapadia, is reportedly keeping watch. Khanna was hospitalised on June 23 and spent two weeks recovering from what Kapadia said was fatigue.- IANS

Saudi model to debut in Bollywood

Born in Saudi Arabia and raised in the UK, the model Wardah Khan is set to make her acting debut in the Bollywood drama Marksheet. The film, about scams in India's education system, is directed by Rakesh Ranjan Kumar. "I've always wanted to be a Bollywood actress," said the 24-year-old, who has modelled in the US, UK and Dubai. "I speak Urdu and Arabic at home. I have an accent problem while speaking Hindi, but I'll work extra hard to improve it."

Abhishek screens Bol Bachchan for Abraham

Abhishek Bachchan held a special screening on Friday of his new film Bol Bachchan for his friend, the actor John Abraham. Abraham told reporters: "Ajay [Devgn] is brilliant, Abhishek is just outstanding and he really made me laugh." Bachchan said: "He's biased about me. But I'm very happy he saw it." The two actors are gearing up to shoot the sequel to their 2008 romcom Dostana. "We're excited. The boys will be back," said Abraham.- IANS

Shekhar Suman courts Sunny Leone for film

The actor Shekhar Suman says he's eyeing the Indian-Canadian model Sunny Leone to headline his directorial venture Heartless. "It's a medical thriller starring my son Adhyayan and hopefully Sunny," he said. "The role I've imagined requires a girl like her." Suman hopes to begin production this year. "My script is complete so it's just the casting." Leone is set to appear in the thriller Jism 2, her Bollywood debut, which will be in Indian cinemas on August 3.- IANS

Farah Khan woes film make-up

The filmmaker Farah Khan, who has signed on to her first acting gig with the new comedy Shirin Farhad Ki Toh Nikal Padi, revealed to her Twitter followers a challenge that she has to face as she steps into the acting zone. "The bad thing about turning into an actress is I have to start my day with something I detest: make-up and hair! Then it becomes worse - removing it all," she posted. The film features the 47-year-old in a romantic role opposite Boman Irani.- IANS

MEYDAN RESULTS

6.30pm Baniyas (PA) Group 2 Dh125,000 (Dirt) 1,400m

Winner ES Ajeeb, Sam Hitchcock (jockey), Ibrahim Aseel (trainer).          

7.05pm Maiden (TB) Dh165,000 (D) 1,200m

Winner  Galaxy Road, Antonio Fresu, Musabah Al Muhairi.

7.40pm Maiden (TB) Dh165,000 (D) 1,400m

Winner  Al Modayar, Fernando Jara, Ali Rashid Al Raihe.

8.15pm Handicap (TB) Dh170,000 (D) 1,900m

Winner  Gundogdu, Xavier Ziani, Salem bin Ghadayer.

8.50pm Rated Conditions (TB) Dh240,000 (D) 1,600m

Winner George Villiers, Tadhg O’Shea, Satish Seemar.

9.25pm Handicap (TB) Dh175,000 (D)1,200m

Winner  Lady Parma, Connor Beasley, Satish Seemar

10pm Handicap (TB) Dh165,000 (D) 1,400m

Winner Zaajer, Fernando Jara, Ali Rashid Al Raihe

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

What is safeguarding?

“Safeguarding, not just in sport, but in all walks of life, is making sure that policies are put in place that make sure your child is safe; when they attend a football club, a tennis club, that there are welfare officers at clubs who are qualified to a standard to make sure your child is safe in that environment,” Derek Bell explains.

While you're here
Race card

1.30pm: Handicap (PA) Dh 50,000 (Dirt) 1,400m

2pm: Handicap (TB) Dh 84,000 (D) 1,400m

2.30pm: Maiden (TB) Dh 60,000 (D) 1,200m

3pm: Conditions (TB) Dh 100,000 (D) 1.950m

3.30pm: Handicap (TB) Dh 76,000 (D) 1,800m

4pm: Maiden (TB) Dh 60,000 (D) 1,600m

4.30pm: Handicap (TB) Dh 68,000 (D) 1,000m

Sukuk explained

Sukuk are Sharia-compliant financial certificates issued by governments, corporates and other entities. While as an asset class they resemble conventional bonds, there are some significant differences. As interest is prohibited under Sharia, sukuk must contain an underlying transaction, for example a leaseback agreement, and the income that is paid to investors is generated by the underlying asset. Investors must also be prepared to share in both the profits and losses of an enterprise. Nevertheless, sukuk are similar to conventional bonds in that they provide regular payments, and are considered less risky than equities. Most investors would not buy sukuk directly due to high minimum subscriptions, but invest via funds.

ZAYED SUSTAINABILITY PRIZE
How to protect yourself when air quality drops

Install an air filter in your home.

Close your windows and turn on the AC.

Shower or bath after being outside.

Wear a face mask.

Stay indoors when conditions are particularly poor.

If driving, turn your engine off when stationary.

While you're here
While you're here
Learn more about Qasr Al Hosn
Two products to make at home

Toilet cleaner

1 cup baking soda 

1 cup castile soap

10-20 drops of lemon essential oil (or another oil of your choice) 

Method:

1. Mix the baking soda and castile soap until you get a nice consistency.

2. Add the essential oil to the mix.

Air Freshener

100ml water 

5 drops of the essential oil of your choice (note: lavender is a nice one for this) 

Method:

1. Add water and oil to spray bottle to store.

2. Shake well before use. 

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How to help

Call the hotline on 0502955999 or send "thenational" to the following numbers:

2289 - Dh10

2252 - Dh50

6025 - Dh20

6027 - Dh100

6026 - Dh200

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