The UAE has had no shortage of timelapse videos dedicated to it. From the beauty of the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque to watching daily life around the Emirates, there’s always inspiration drawn from some place. Here’s a round-up of five of the best timelapse videos showcasing the UAE:
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Destination Abu Dhabi by Beno Saradzic (June 2016)
Filmmaker and 48-year-old Abu Dhabi resident Beno Saradzic made a short film in partnership with Abu Dhabi Executive Council as part of a wider series that seeks to showcase the evolving face of the city.
“The message I wanted to send was to show how Abu Dhabi is an open, welcoming society for all people,” said the Slovenian.
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The Voyage by by Beno Saradzic (June 2015)
Saradzic is also known for putting together a video in 2015 called The Voyage that showcased the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque. The black and white, two-and-a-half minute film won the timelapse category in the annual Spaces of Light competition.
“In Abu Dhabi, it is the only one true landmark as far as I’m concerned,” says the photographer.
“It is an architectural object of immense proportions, with unbelievable finishes, and what makes it even more unique is that it is one of the few mosques in the world where photography is permitted for all visitors.
"This is in the greater spirit of openness and tolerance that Abu Dhabi stands for.”
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Winter in Dubai by Teemu Jarvinen (April 2017)
Another magnificent timelapse comes from Finland-born Dubai resident and photographer Teemu Jarvinen.
Published earlier this year, his impressive video captures the changing weather and skyline in Dubai during the past few winter months.
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Sharjah Timelapse 2014 by Burjeel Art Foundation (September 2014)
Back in 2014, the Burjeel Art Foundation put out a commissioned time-lapse video showcasing the best of Sharjah. Simply titled Sharjah Timelapse 2014, the video shows the Islamic Culture Capital transitioning from happening day to vibrant night.
The video is set to Fayrouz which was exclusively created for the piece by Marwan Anwer.
The video is made up of approximately 18,000 photos.
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Dubai Flow Motion by Rob Whitworth (January 2015)
Dubai Flow Motion by photographer Rob Whitworth takes timelapse to the next level. The three minute video is taken from a first person point of view and jets in and around some of the most famous landmarks in the city and zooms through various perspective from the ground to the an airport through buildings and even to the top to the Burj Khalifa.
"Dubai may be home to the world’s most outrageous skyline but Dubai’s desert dunes and historical creek are where you’ll find its soul," he says about the video.
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 tour of Zimbabwe
All matches in Bulawayo
Friday, Sept 26 – UAE won by 36 runs
Sunday, Sept 28 – Second ODI
Tuesday, Sept 30 – Third ODI
Thursday, Oct 2 – Fourth ODI
Sunday, Oct 5 – First T20I
Monday, Oct 6 – Second T20I
Company profile
Name: Infinite8
Based: Dubai
Launch year: 2017
Number of employees: 90
Sector: Online gaming industry
Funding: $1.2m from a UAE angel investor
Key facilities
- Olympic-size swimming pool with a split bulkhead for multi-use configurations, including water polo and 50m/25m training lanes
- Premier League-standard football pitch
- 400m Olympic running track
- NBA-spec basketball court with auditorium
- 600-seat auditorium
- Spaces for historical and cultural exploration
- An elevated football field that doubles as a helipad
- Specialist robotics and science laboratories
- AR and VR-enabled learning centres
- Disruption Lab and Research Centre for developing entrepreneurial skills
MATCH INFO
Uefa Champions League semi-final, second leg result:
Ajax 2-3 Tottenham
Tottenham advance on away goals rule after tie ends 3-3 on aggregate
Final: June 1, Madrid
