• Dubai handled 29.1 million passengers last year, exceeding its forecast of 28.7 million. All photos: Dubai Airports
    Dubai handled 29.1 million passengers last year, exceeding its forecast of 28.7 million. All photos: Dubai Airports
  • Dubai International Airport recorded a 12.7 per cent increase in annual passenger traffic in 2021.
    Dubai International Airport recorded a 12.7 per cent increase in annual passenger traffic in 2021.
  • Dubai International's operator says retail and restaurant spending have 'never been higher' as travel-deprived passengers take the opportunity to indulge in shopping.
    Dubai International's operator says retail and restaurant spending have 'never been higher' as travel-deprived passengers take the opportunity to indulge in shopping.
  • The airport's cargo operations continue to outperform the passenger segment.
    The airport's cargo operations continue to outperform the passenger segment.
  • Dubai International, which reopened Terminal 1 in June 2021, after a 15-month closure, says its runways are operating at full capacity.
    Dubai International, which reopened Terminal 1 in June 2021, after a 15-month closure, says its runways are operating at full capacity.
  • The airport's operator says retail and restaurant spending have 'never been higher' as travel-deprived passengers take the opportunity to indulge in shopping.
    The airport's operator says retail and restaurant spending have 'never been higher' as travel-deprived passengers take the opportunity to indulge in shopping.
  • Dubai International Airport is home to Emirates airline.
    Dubai International Airport is home to Emirates airline.
  • Visitor numbers are expected to increase.
    Visitor numbers are expected to increase.
  • Terminal 3 at Dubai International Airport.
    Terminal 3 at Dubai International Airport.
  • Dubai International was named the world's busiest international airport in October.
    Dubai International was named the world's busiest international airport in October.
  • Smart gates at the airport. Emirates announced plans in September to recruit 500 airport services employees and 3,000 cabin crew at its Dubai base.
    Smart gates at the airport. Emirates announced plans in September to recruit 500 airport services employees and 3,000 cabin crew at its Dubai base.
  • The airport is benefitting from a relaxation of travel curbs and vaccination programmes, which are driving a rebound in air travel demand.
    The airport is benefitting from a relaxation of travel curbs and vaccination programmes, which are driving a rebound in air travel demand.
  • A passenger surge is anticipated after travel restrictions with India, one of the UAE's top source markets, were eased.
    A passenger surge is anticipated after travel restrictions with India, one of the UAE's top source markets, were eased.
  • Dubai Airports says its passenger traffic figures are 'realistic forecasts' that balance sustainable operations with cash flow.
    Dubai Airports says its passenger traffic figures are 'realistic forecasts' that balance sustainable operations with cash flow.

Business

Dubai airport to close northern runway for 45 days in May for upgrades

Some passenger flights will be diverted through Dubai's Al Maktoum International Airport

The National

February 22, 2022

  • English
  • Arabic

Dubai International Airport will close one of its two runways for 45 days starting in May, temporarily reducing capacity at the world's busiest international hub for upgrade work, operator Dubai Airports said.

The northern runway will be shut for refurbishment and some of its passenger flights will be handled by Dubai's second hub, Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC), Paul Griffiths, chief executive of Dubai Airports, told The National on Tuesday.

DWC is scheduled to reopen its passenger terminal on May 4 for commercial flights for the first time since the Covid-19 pandemic began, Mr Griffiths said.

DXB is the base for long-haul airline Emirates and discount carrier flydubai.

In 2019, the hub closed its southern runway from April 16 to May 30 for resurfacing and replacement of ground lighting.

“It's quite likely that we will continue to operate capacity in the [DWC] passenger terminal building through the summer because I think demand will suggest that's appropriate,” Mr Griffiths said.

“The agreement when we closed it was that all the carriers that operated from DWC will relocate to DXB and the idea is that once it reopens, they will move back there [DWC] to allow carriers at DXB to grow,” he said.

I'm confident about the future and I'm very confident about Dubai's pre-eminent position as the world's largest international airport
Paul Griffiths,
chief executive of Dubai Airports

DXB recorded a 12.7 per cent increase in annual passenger traffic last year to 29.1 million passengers, beating its own forecast and retain the title of the world's busiest international hub for the eighth consecutive year.

The operator is projecting the number of passengers by the end of 2022 to reach 55.1 million, as key markets reopen and more countries relax PCR-testing rules for vaccinated passengers, said Mr Griffiths, who has run state-owned Dubai Airports since 2007.

“I'm confident about the future and I'm very confident about Dubai's pre-eminent position as the world's largest international airport,” he said.

“I'm very positive about the outlook.”

  • A health worker checks the body temperature of passengers bound for Frankfurt at Dubai International Airport. AFP
    A health worker checks the body temperature of passengers bound for Frankfurt at Dubai International Airport. AFP
  • Emirates Boeing 777 aircraft are seen on the tarmac at Dubai International Airport. AFP
    Emirates Boeing 777 aircraft are seen on the tarmac at Dubai International Airport. AFP
  • Passengers bound for Frankfurt board a shuttle bus at Dubai International Airport. AFP
    Passengers bound for Frankfurt board a shuttle bus at Dubai International Airport. AFP
  • An Emirates aircraft takes off from Dubai International Airport. AFP
    An Emirates aircraft takes off from Dubai International Airport. AFP
  • A flydubai aircraft is parked on the tarmac of Dubai International Airport. AFP
    A flydubai aircraft is parked on the tarmac of Dubai International Airport. AFP
  • Passengers check in at Dubai International Airport. AFP
    Passengers check in at Dubai International Airport. AFP
  • An information board displays an alert for passengers to maintain distance from others at Dubai International Airport. AFP
    An information board displays an alert for passengers to maintain distance from others at Dubai International Airport. AFP
  • Mask-clad passengers bound for Frankfurt walk past check-in counters at Dubai International Airport. AFP
    Mask-clad passengers bound for Frankfurt walk past check-in counters at Dubai International Airport. AFP
  • A mask-clad employee walks in front of a flydubai aircraft on the tarmac of Dubai International Airport. AFP
    A mask-clad employee walks in front of a flydubai aircraft on the tarmac of Dubai International Airport. AFP
  • Passengers bound for Frankfurt wait at a terminal of Dubai International Airport. AFP
    Passengers bound for Frankfurt wait at a terminal of Dubai International Airport. AFP
  • Passengers bound for Frankfurt wait at a terminal of Dubai International Airport. AFP
    Passengers bound for Frankfurt wait at a terminal of Dubai International Airport. AFP
  • Passengers bound for Frankfurt wait at a terminal of Dubai International Airport. AFP
    Passengers bound for Frankfurt wait at a terminal of Dubai International Airport. AFP
  • Passengers wait at a terminal at Dubai International Airport, as Emirates resumed a limited number of outbound passenger flights. AFP
    Passengers wait at a terminal at Dubai International Airport, as Emirates resumed a limited number of outbound passenger flights. AFP
  • Emirates Airbus A380 and Boeing 777 aircraft are seen on the tarmac at Dubai International Airport as the airline resumed a limited number of outbound passenger flights. AFP
    Emirates Airbus A380 and Boeing 777 aircraft are seen on the tarmac at Dubai International Airport as the airline resumed a limited number of outbound passenger flights. AFP
  • Passengers are assisted at the check-in counter in a terminal at Dubai International Airport. AFP
    Passengers are assisted at the check-in counter in a terminal at Dubai International Airport. AFP
  • Passengers have their travel documents checked before departure at Dubai International Airport. AFP
    Passengers have their travel documents checked before departure at Dubai International Airport. AFP
  • Passengers have their travel documents checked before departure at Dubai International Airport. AFP
    Passengers have their travel documents checked before departure at Dubai International Airport. AFP
Game Changer

Director: Shankar 

Stars: Ram Charan, Kiara Advani, Anjali, S J Suryah, Jayaram

Rating: 2/5

Profile

Company: Libra Project

Based: Masdar City, ADGM, London and Delaware

Launch year: 2017

Size: A team of 12 with six employed full-time

Sector: Renewable energy

Funding: $500,000 in Series A funding from family and friends in 2018. A Series B round looking to raise $1.5m is now live.

Towering concerns
Who's who in Yemen conflict

Houthis: Iran-backed rebels who occupy Sanaa and run unrecognised government

Yemeni government: Exiled government in Aden led by eight-member Presidential Leadership Council

Southern Transitional Council: Faction in Yemeni government that seeks autonomy for the south

Habrish 'rebels': Tribal-backed forces feuding with STC over control of oil in government territory

Keep it fun and engaging

Stuart Ritchie, director of wealth advice at AES International, says children cannot learn something overnight, so it helps to have a fun routine that keeps them engaged and interested.

“I explain to my daughter that the money I draw from an ATM or the money on my bank card doesn’t just magically appear – it’s money I have earned from my job. I show her how this works by giving her little chores around the house so she can earn pocket money,” says Mr Ritchie.

His daughter is allowed to spend half of her pocket money, while the other half goes into a bank account. When this money hits a certain milestone, Mr Ritchie rewards his daughter with a small lump sum.

He also recommends books that teach the importance of money management for children, such as The Squirrel Manifesto by Ric Edelman and Jean Edelman.

The Sand Castle

Director: Matty Brown

Stars: Nadine Labaki, Ziad Bakri, Zain Al Rafeea, Riman Al Rafeea

Rating: 2.5/5

White hydrogen: Naturally occurring hydrogenChromite: Hard, metallic mineral containing iron oxide and chromium oxideUltramafic rocks: Dark-coloured rocks rich in magnesium or iron with very low silica contentOphiolite: A section of the earth’s crust, which is oceanic in nature that has since been uplifted and exposed on landOlivine: A commonly occurring magnesium iron silicate mineral that derives its name for its olive-green yellow-green colour

More from Neighbourhood Watch:
Fight card

1. Bantamweight: Victor Nunes (BRA) v Siyovush Gulmamadov (TJK)

2. Featherweight: Hussein Salim (IRQ) v Shakhriyor Juraev (UZB)

3. Catchweight 80kg: Rashed Dawood (UAE) v Khamza Yamadaev (RUS)

4. Lightweight: Ho Taek-oh (KOR) v Ronald Girones (CUB)

5. Lightweight: Arthur Zaynukov (RUS) v Damien Lapilus (FRA)

6. Bantamweight: Vinicius de Oliveira (BRA) v Furkatbek Yokubov (RUS)

7. Featherweight: Movlid Khaybulaev (RUS) v Zaka Fatullazade (AZE)

8. Flyweight: Shannon Ross (TUR) v Donovon Freelow (USA)

9. Lightweight: Mohammad Yahya (UAE) v Dan Collins (GBR)

10. Catchweight 73kg: Islam Mamedov (RUS) v Martun Mezhulmyan (ARM)

11. Bantamweight World title: Jaures Dea (CAM) v Xavier Alaoui (MAR)

12. Flyweight World title: Manon Fiorot (FRA) v Gabriela Campo (ARG)

COMPANY PROFILE
Name: Akeed

Based: Muscat

Launch year: 2018

Number of employees: 40

Sector: Online food delivery

Funding: Raised $3.2m since inception 

Name: Colm McLoughlin

Country: Galway, Ireland

Job: Executive vice chairman and chief executive of Dubai Duty Free

Favourite golf course: Dubai Creek Golf and Yacht Club

Favourite part of Dubai: Palm Jumeirah

 

Living in...

This article is part of a guide on where to live in the UAE. Our reporters will profile some of the country’s most desirable districts, provide an estimate of rental prices and introduce you to some of the residents who call each area home.

Pearls on a Branch: Oral Tales
​​​​​​​Najlaa Khoury, Archipelago Books

UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
The burning issue

The internal combustion engine is facing a watershed moment – major manufacturer Volvo is to stop producing petroleum-powered vehicles by 2021 and countries in Europe, including the UK, have vowed to ban their sale before 2040. The National takes a look at the story of one of the most successful technologies of the last 100 years and how it has impacted life in the UAE. 

Read part four: an affection for classic cars lives on

Read part three: the age of the electric vehicle begins

Read part one: how cars came to the UAE

 

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

COMPANY PROFILE

Name: Lamsa

Founder: Badr Ward

Launched: 2014

Employees: 60

Based: Abu Dhabi

Sector: EdTech

Funding to date: $15 million

It Was Just an Accident

Director: Jafar Panahi

Stars: Vahid Mobasseri, Mariam Afshari, Ebrahim Azizi, Hadis Pakbaten, Majid Panahi, Mohamad Ali Elyasmehr

Rating: 4/5

Profile of Bitex UAE

Date of launch: November 2018

Founder: Monark Modi

Based: Business Bay, Dubai

Sector: Financial services

Size: Eight employees

Investors: Self-funded to date with $1m of personal savings

While you're here
UAE rugby in numbers

5 - Year sponsorship deal between Hesco and Jebel Ali Dragons

700 - Dubai Hurricanes had more than 700 playing members last season between their mini and youth, men's and women's teams

Dh600,000 - Dubai Exiles' budget for pitch and court hire next season, for their rugby, netball and cricket teams

Dh1.8m - Dubai Hurricanes' overall budget for next season

Dh2.8m - Dubai Exiles’ overall budget for next season

Federer's 11 Wimbledon finals

2003 Beat Mark Philippoussis

2004 Beat Andy Roddick

2005 Beat Andy Roddick

2006 Beat Rafael Nadal

2007 Beat Rafael Nadal

2008 Lost to Rafael Nadal

2009 Beat Andy Roddick

2012 Beat Andy Murray

2014 Lost to Novak Djokovic

2015 Lost to Novak Djokovic

2017 Beat Marin Cilic

WWE TLC results

Asuka won the SmackDown Women's title in a TLC triple threat with Becky Lynch and Charlotte Flair

Dean Ambrose won the Intercontinental title against Seth Rollins

Daniel Bryan retained the WWE World Heavyweight Championship against AJ Styles

Ronda Rousey retained the Raw Women's Championship against Nia Jax

Rey Mysterio beat Randy Orton in a chairs match

Finn Balor defeated Drew McIntyre

Natalya beat Ruby Riott in a tables match

Braun Strowman beat Baron Corbin in a TLC match

Sheamus and Cesaro retained the SmackDown Tag Titles against The Usos and New Day

R-Truth and Carmella won the Mixed Match Challenge by beating Jinder Mahal and Alicia Fox

While you're here
England squad

Goalkeepers: Jordan Pickford, Nick Pope, Aaron Ramsdale 

Defenders: Trent Alexander-Arnold, Conor Coady, Marc Guehi, Reece James, Harry Maguire, Tyrone Mings, Luke Shaw, John Stones, Ben White

Midfielders: Jude Bellingham, Conor Gallagher, Mason Mount, Jordan Henderson, Declan Rice, James Ward-Prowse

Forwards: Tammy Abraham, Phil Foden, Jack Grealish, Harry Kane, Bukayo Saka, Emile Smith Rowe, Raheem Sterling

Red flags
  • Promises of high, fixed or 'guaranteed' returns.
  • Unregulated structured products or complex investments often used to bypass traditional safeguards.
  • Lack of clear information, vague language, no access to audited financials.
  • Overseas companies targeting investors in other jurisdictions - this can make legal recovery difficult.
  • Hard-selling tactics - creating urgency, offering 'exclusive' deals.

Courtesy: Carol Glynn, founder of Conscious Finance Coaching

VEZEETA PROFILE

Date started: 2012

Founder: Amir Barsoum

Based: Dubai, UAE

Sector: HealthTech / MedTech

Size: 300 employees

Funding: $22.6 million (as of September 2018)

Investors: Technology Development Fund, Silicon Badia, Beco Capital, Vostok New Ventures, Endeavour Catalyst, Crescent Enterprises’ CE-Ventures, Saudi Technology Ventures and IFC

Gender equality in the workplace still 200 years away

It will take centuries to achieve gender parity in workplaces around the globe, according to a December report from the World Economic Forum.

The WEF study said there had been some improvements in wage equality in 2018 compared to 2017, when the global gender gap widened for the first time in a decade.

But it warned that these were offset by declining representation of women in politics, coupled with greater inequality in their access to health and education.

At current rates, the global gender gap across a range of areas will not close for another 108 years, while it is expected to take 202 years to close the workplace gap, WEF found.

The Geneva-based organisation's annual report tracked disparities between the sexes in 149 countries across four areas: education, health, economic opportunity and political empowerment.

After years of advances in education, health and political representation, women registered setbacks in all three areas this year, WEF said.

Only in the area of economic opportunity did the gender gap narrow somewhat, although there is not much to celebrate, with the global wage gap narrowing to nearly 51 per cent.

And the number of women in leadership roles has risen to 34 per cent globally, WEF said.

At the same time, the report showed there are now proportionately fewer women than men participating in the workforce, suggesting that automation is having a disproportionate impact on jobs traditionally performed by women.

And women are significantly under-represented in growing areas of employment that require science, technology, engineering and mathematics skills, WEF said.

* Agence France Presse

Updated: February 23, 2022, 5:09 AM
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