• Visitors watch a RAF F-35 aircraft at the Farnborough International Airshow in Hampshire, southern England. Reuters
    Visitors watch a RAF F-35 aircraft at the Farnborough International Airshow in Hampshire, southern England. Reuters
  • An Airbus SE A350 aircraft lands after an aerial display. Bloomberg
    An Airbus SE A350 aircraft lands after an aerial display. Bloomberg
  • An Embraer C-390 Millennium military transport aircraft, used by Brazil's Airforce, on display. AFP
    An Embraer C-390 Millennium military transport aircraft, used by Brazil's Airforce, on display. AFP
  • A detailed view of a Pratt & Whitney PW123 engine. Reuters
    A detailed view of a Pratt & Whitney PW123 engine. Reuters
  • The RAF's Red Arrows aerobatics team perform. AP
    The RAF's Red Arrows aerobatics team perform. AP
  • Visitors shelter from the sun as they look around the show. AP
    Visitors shelter from the sun as they look around the show. AP
  • An Embraer E190-E2 aircraft. AFP
    An Embraer E190-E2 aircraft. AFP
  • Visitors look at a model of the Wisk Aero autonomous aircraft. AP
    Visitors look at a model of the Wisk Aero autonomous aircraft. AP
  • A member of staff shelters from the sun. AP
    A member of staff shelters from the sun. AP
  • Attendees walk past a poster of a Boom Supersonic concept Overture aircraft. AFP
    Attendees walk past a poster of a Boom Supersonic concept Overture aircraft. AFP
  • A US Air Force F-35A fighter jet on display. Bloomberg
    A US Air Force F-35A fighter jet on display. Bloomberg
  • A model of proposed jet fighter aircraft Tempest, a joint programme by a consortium known as 'Team Tempest', which includes Britain's Ministry of Defence, BAE Systems, Rolls-Royce, Leonardo SPA, MBDA and Saab. AFP
    A model of proposed jet fighter aircraft Tempest, a joint programme by a consortium known as 'Team Tempest', which includes Britain's Ministry of Defence, BAE Systems, Rolls-Royce, Leonardo SPA, MBDA and Saab. AFP
  • Visitors watch the Embraer E2 Profit Hunter plane taking off. AFP
    Visitors watch the Embraer E2 Profit Hunter plane taking off. AFP
  • An Aksungur drone, manufactured by Turkish Aerospace Industries, on display. Bloomberg
    An Aksungur drone, manufactured by Turkish Aerospace Industries, on display. Bloomberg
  • An Airbus A350 plane flying over the crowds at Farnborough. AFP
    An Airbus A350 plane flying over the crowds at Farnborough. AFP
  • Soldiers pose beside a Leonardo helicopter. AP
    Soldiers pose beside a Leonardo helicopter. AP
  • An aviation enthusiast shelters from the sun at the show. Temperatures were forecast to reach 40°C in parts of England. Bloomberg
    An aviation enthusiast shelters from the sun at the show. Temperatures were forecast to reach 40°C in parts of England. Bloomberg
  • A model of a Pratt & Whitney GTF engine. This is the first Farnborough in four years, due to the pandemic. Bloomberg
    A model of a Pratt & Whitney GTF engine. This is the first Farnborough in four years, due to the pandemic. Bloomberg
  • A Boeing 737-9 puts on a display at Farnborough. Bloomberg
    A Boeing 737-9 puts on a display at Farnborough. Bloomberg
  • Visitors examine water barrels in a Boeing 777X, in an experiment on weight distribution. AFP
    Visitors examine water barrels in a Boeing 777X, in an experiment on weight distribution. AFP
  • An aviation fan uses a fan to keep cool amid soaring temperatures. Bloomberg
    An aviation fan uses a fan to keep cool amid soaring temperatures. Bloomberg
  • A worker keeps a GulfStream Aerospace Corp G650 business jet gleaming. Bloomberg
    A worker keeps a GulfStream Aerospace Corp G650 business jet gleaming. Bloomberg
  • Britain's Prime Minister Boris Johnson tours Farnborough, a vital marketplace for the country's aviation industry. AP
    Britain's Prime Minister Boris Johnson tours Farnborough, a vital marketplace for the country's aviation industry. AP
  • Visitors board a Boeing 777X. Deals worth £161 billion ($192bn) were agreed the last time Farnborough was held, organisers said. AFP
    Visitors board a Boeing 777X. Deals worth £161 billion ($192bn) were agreed the last time Farnborough was held, organisers said. AFP
  • Boris Johnson views the display by SaxaVord, the UK Spaceport. PA
    Boris Johnson views the display by SaxaVord, the UK Spaceport. PA
  • More than 80,000 visitors from 96 countries are expected to attend this week's five-day event. Bloomberg
    More than 80,000 visitors from 96 countries are expected to attend this week's five-day event. Bloomberg

Farnborough Airshow opens after aviation industry's stormy years


Paul Carey
  • English
  • Arabic

Global aviation's Farnborough International Airshow opened on Monday, the first in four years after a Covid-enforced hiatus.

More than 80,000 visitors from 96 countries are expected to attend this week's five-day event, with aviation bosses aiming for a display of confidence after the devastation of the pandemic.

The show will this year focus on green themes of decarbonisation and sustainability, as many carriers seek to replace ageing fleets with modern, fuel-efficient aircraft that emit less carbon dioxide.

US titan Boeing and its European arch-rival Airbus will battle for supremacy as they declare their latest multi-billion-dollar jet orders.

Airbus and Boeing will also showcase their latest twin-aisle passenger aircraft, the A350-900 and the 777X.

It comes as the sector has been aided by a modest recovery in air traffic and with Ukraine boosting defence budgets.

The show, which is held south west of London, comes as weather forecasters warn of scorching record temperatures in England. Delegates travelled in crowded trains and shuttle buses to reach the show, problems which were exacerbated by climate protesters holding a mock funeral for the Earth on the main road outside.

Farnborough visitors will be thrilled by air displays by Britain's Red Arrows and South Korea's Black Eagles, as well as the US-made F-35 stealth fighter.

Outgoing UK prime minister Boris Johnson visited on Monday morning in one of his final public appearances as prime minister, where he is meeting some of the 1,500 exhibitors.

In a speech, Mr Johnson spoke about taking a trip in a Typhoon aircraft last week, taking off like a “vertical firecracker” and experiencing barrel rolls over the English Channel.

He will later meet British astronaut Tim Peake and Dr Paul Bate, chief executive of the UK Space Agency.

He will also view an electric vertical take-off and landing aircraft.

US flying taxi firm Joby Aviation Inc. has applied for certification in the UK, backing up a previous statement that Britain is a vital market.

The start-up will apply for foreign validation of its US certification with the UK Civil Aviation Authority, according to a statement.

Joby is developing a four-passenger electric vertical take-off and landing, or eVTOL, aircraft with a maximum range of 150 miles, It has said it sees such aircraft connecting cities such as Bristol and Cambridge with London, as well as providing links between UK regions.

In focusing on the UK, Joby faces a homegrown competitor in Bristol-based Vertical Aerospace, which is also working on a four seater with the same top speed. Vertical has received more than 1,300 orders and said on Friday it had secured a commitment to pre-delivery payments and delivery slots from American Airlines Group Inc.

Farnborough Airshow through the years - in pictures

  • The Farnborough Airshow in Hampshire has played host to the latest and greatest from the aerospace industry since 1948. Here, 'The National' takes a look back at 74 years of aviation. All photos: Getty Images
    The Farnborough Airshow in Hampshire has played host to the latest and greatest from the aerospace industry since 1948. Here, 'The National' takes a look back at 74 years of aviation. All photos: Getty Images
  • An Avro Lincoln, developed from the Lancaster bomber, on display at the 1948 Farnborough Airshow.
    An Avro Lincoln, developed from the Lancaster bomber, on display at the 1948 Farnborough Airshow.
  • A formation of RAF de Havilland Vampire jets in flight at the Farnborough Airshow in 1950.
    A formation of RAF de Havilland Vampire jets in flight at the Farnborough Airshow in 1950.
  • A young visitor stands by the wheel of an Avro York transport plane at Farnborough Airshow in 1950.
    A young visitor stands by the wheel of an Avro York transport plane at Farnborough Airshow in 1950.
  • A child is carried away from the scene of a crash at the Farnborough Airshow in 1952. A prototype de Havilland DH 110 jet fighter crashed during a display, killing 27 people.
    A child is carried away from the scene of a crash at the Farnborough Airshow in 1952. A prototype de Havilland DH 110 jet fighter crashed during a display, killing 27 people.
  • Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, inspects aircraft at the Farnborough Airshow in 1952.
    Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, inspects aircraft at the Farnborough Airshow in 1952.
  • The Handley Page Victor, a four-jet crescent-wing bomber that became part of the UK's V Bomber nuclear force along with the Vulcan and the Valiant, makes an appearance at the Farnborough Airshow in 1953.
    The Handley Page Victor, a four-jet crescent-wing bomber that became part of the UK's V Bomber nuclear force along with the Vulcan and the Valiant, makes an appearance at the Farnborough Airshow in 1953.
  • Farnborough Airshow crowds and dignitaries watch RAF Hawker Hunter jets perform a display in honour of the Royal Aircraft Establishment's jubilee in 1955.
    Farnborough Airshow crowds and dignitaries watch RAF Hawker Hunter jets perform a display in honour of the Royal Aircraft Establishment's jubilee in 1955.
  • A cameraman stands on the roof of his estate car to get footage of the 1956 Farnborough Airshow.
    A cameraman stands on the roof of his estate car to get footage of the 1956 Farnborough Airshow.
  • A Hawker Hunter equipped with rockets flies over the Farnborough Airshow in 1956.
    A Hawker Hunter equipped with rockets flies over the Farnborough Airshow in 1956.
  • Visitors queue to have a look inside a Bristol freighter at the 1956 Farnborough Airshow.
    Visitors queue to have a look inside a Bristol freighter at the 1956 Farnborough Airshow.
  • Enthusiasts stand on chairs in the rain to get a better view of the aircraft as they fly past at the Farnborough Airshow 1956.
    Enthusiasts stand on chairs in the rain to get a better view of the aircraft as they fly past at the Farnborough Airshow 1956.
  • A formation of 16 Hawker Hunter jets of a Royal Air Force aerobatic team flying at the Farnborough Airshow in 1959.
    A formation of 16 Hawker Hunter jets of a Royal Air Force aerobatic team flying at the Farnborough Airshow in 1959.
  • A Saunders-Roe hovercraft, with a group of Royal Marines on board, on display Farnborough Airshow in 1959.
    A Saunders-Roe hovercraft, with a group of Royal Marines on board, on display Farnborough Airshow in 1959.
  • A Westland Widgeon helicopter hovers above the Farnborough Airshow crowd in 1959.
    A Westland Widgeon helicopter hovers above the Farnborough Airshow crowd in 1959.
  • Spectators shield their eyes against the sun at Farnborough Airshow in 1959.
    Spectators shield their eyes against the sun at Farnborough Airshow in 1959.
  • A worker cleans a transparent model of the supersonic passenger airliner Concorde at a British Aircraft Corporation exhibit at Farnborough Airshow in 1966.
    A worker cleans a transparent model of the supersonic passenger airliner Concorde at a British Aircraft Corporation exhibit at Farnborough Airshow in 1966.
  • Smoke rises after a French Navy long-range maritime patrol Breguet 1150 Atlantic aircraft crashed into buildings at the Farnborough Airshow in 1968. Five crewmen were killed.
    Smoke rises after a French Navy long-range maritime patrol Breguet 1150 Atlantic aircraft crashed into buildings at the Farnborough Airshow in 1968. Five crewmen were killed.
  • Members of the RAF's Macaws, the College of Air Warfare's Jet Provost T-4 aerobatic display team, at Farnborough Airshow in 1972.
    Members of the RAF's Macaws, the College of Air Warfare's Jet Provost T-4 aerobatic display team, at Farnborough Airshow in 1972.
  • Pilots Maj James V Sullivan and Maj Noel F Widdifield of the US Air Force meet the press at the Farnborough Air Show in 1974, after setting an air speed record by flying the Lockheed SR-71 Blackbird from New York to London in less than two hours.
    Pilots Maj James V Sullivan and Maj Noel F Widdifield of the US Air Force meet the press at the Farnborough Air Show in 1974, after setting an air speed record by flying the Lockheed SR-71 Blackbird from New York to London in less than two hours.
  • The Lockheed SR-71 Blackbird in 1974.
    The Lockheed SR-71 Blackbird in 1974.
  • A prototype Concorde takes off from Farnborough Airshow in 1974.
    A prototype Concorde takes off from Farnborough Airshow in 1974.
  • The Westland Wisp, a radio-controlled, unmanned miniature helicopter designed to take pictures in dangerous and difficult to reach places, on display at Farnborough Airshow in 1976.
    The Westland Wisp, a radio-controlled, unmanned miniature helicopter designed to take pictures in dangerous and difficult to reach places, on display at Farnborough Airshow in 1976.
  • A Hawker Sea Harrier and a 'ski jump' launcher on display in at Farnborough Airshow in 1978.
    A Hawker Sea Harrier and a 'ski jump' launcher on display in at Farnborough Airshow in 1978.
  • Prince Charles, with his brothers Prince Andrew and Prince Edward, inspect the Tornado multi-role combat aircraft and its payload at Farnborough Airshow in 1978.
    Prince Charles, with his brothers Prince Andrew and Prince Edward, inspect the Tornado multi-role combat aircraft and its payload at Farnborough Airshow in 1978.
  • A US Air Force B-2 Spirit bomber approaches a KC-135R Stratotanker for refuelling for the flight back home after the stealth aircraft made a 21 hour non-stop round-trip flight to make a fly past at the 1996 Farnborough Airshow.
    A US Air Force B-2 Spirit bomber approaches a KC-135R Stratotanker for refuelling for the flight back home after the stealth aircraft made a 21 hour non-stop round-trip flight to make a fly past at the 1996 Farnborough Airshow.
  • In 2000, the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight, consisting of an Avro Lancaster bomber, a PR XIX Supermarine Spitfire, and a MkIIc Hawker Hurricane, was at the Farnborough Airshow.
    In 2000, the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight, consisting of an Avro Lancaster bomber, a PR XIX Supermarine Spitfire, and a MkIIc Hawker Hurricane, was at the Farnborough Airshow.
  • The new Airbus A380 double decker airliner comes in to land over a double decker busses in the 2006 Farnborough Airshow.
    The new Airbus A380 double decker airliner comes in to land over a double decker busses in the 2006 Farnborough Airshow.
  • The tilt-rotor Bell/Boeing V-22 Osprey manoeuvres at the Farnborough Airshow in 2006.
    The tilt-rotor Bell/Boeing V-22 Osprey manoeuvres at the Farnborough Airshow in 2006.
  • An member of the Italian Air Force crew demonstrates the capabilities of the Typhoon Eurofighter during a flight simulation at Farnborough Airshow in 2010.
    An member of the Italian Air Force crew demonstrates the capabilities of the Typhoon Eurofighter during a flight simulation at Farnborough Airshow in 2010.
  • Members of the public look inside a JF-17 Thunder jet fighter developed by Pakistan and China at 2010's Farnborough Airshow.
    Members of the public look inside a JF-17 Thunder jet fighter developed by Pakistan and China at 2010's Farnborough Airshow.
  • The Blades British civilian flying display team perform at Farnborough Airshow in 2010.
    The Blades British civilian flying display team perform at Farnborough Airshow in 2010.
  • A crew from Wattisham army base in Suffolk with an Apache AH1 Helicopter at Farnborough Airshow in 2010.
    A crew from Wattisham army base in Suffolk with an Apache AH1 Helicopter at Farnborough Airshow in 2010.
  • A Typhoon Eurofighter touches down at Farnborough Airshow in 2010.
    A Typhoon Eurofighter touches down at Farnborough Airshow in 2010.
  • An Airbus A380 comes into land after putting on a performance for the crowds at Farnborough Airshow in 2014.
    An Airbus A380 comes into land after putting on a performance for the crowds at Farnborough Airshow in 2014.
  • A visitor sits in a model of a Lockheed Martin F-35 Lighting stealth fighter, which was big news at Farnborough Airshow in 2014.
    A visitor sits in a model of a Lockheed Martin F-35 Lighting stealth fighter, which was big news at Farnborough Airshow in 2014.
  • Military helmets on display at the Farnborough Airshow in 2014.
    Military helmets on display at the Farnborough Airshow in 2014.
  • Visitors take pictures as an Airbus A380 performs for the Farnborough Airshow crowd in 2014.
    Visitors take pictures as an Airbus A380 performs for the Farnborough Airshow crowd in 2014.
  • Evolving technology: high-performance remote-controlled aerial target drones used by the US Air Force on display at Farnborough Airshow in 2014.
    Evolving technology: high-performance remote-controlled aerial target drones used by the US Air Force on display at Farnborough Airshow in 2014.
  • British prime minister David Cameron meets aircrew at the Farnborough Airshow in 2016.
    British prime minister David Cameron meets aircrew at the Farnborough Airshow in 2016.
  • Britain's Red Arrows fly in formation around a Spitfire at the Farnborough Airshow in 2018.
    Britain's Red Arrows fly in formation around a Spitfire at the Farnborough Airshow in 2018.
  • British prime minister Theresa May talks with guests as she opens the 2018 Farnborough Airshow. An Airbus A-400 Atlas looms in the background.
    British prime minister Theresa May talks with guests as she opens the 2018 Farnborough Airshow. An Airbus A-400 Atlas looms in the background.

Back in the skies

Deals worth a total of £161 billion ($192bn) were agreed the last time Farnborough was held, organisers said.

"This is the first major global airshow for three years since Paris 2019," Farnborough chief executive Gareth Rogers said.

The biennial Farnborough show was cancelled in 2020 as the Covid crisis grounded aircraft and ravaged the sector.

Global air traffic is gradually recovering and in May reached more than two-thirds of its pre-pandemic level, according to estimates from the International Air Transport Association (IATA).

That recovery has however faced headwinds from rocketing inflation fuelled by historically high energy prices and higher wages, while staff shortages constrain airports and spark flight cancellations.

Meanwhile, Russia's war on Ukraine has sparked an upsurge in defence spending as nations seek to bolster armed forces.

"Anecdotally, we are certainly seeing a greater interest in the defence element of the show," said Mr Rogers.

Defence agreements are, however, not announced at Farnborough, unlike commercial civil aviation deals.

Supply issues causing delays

Demand for jets peaked in 2016 but remained buoyant until the pandemic affected air transport. Now, travel is rebounding, passengers face long lines and some jets are back in demand.

But the big-ticket orders that dominated past events are rarer as airlines repair balance sheets weakened by Covid-19 travel restrictions.

Aerospace firms came under pressure from customers at the start of the show to stabilise fractured supply chains.

Airbus expects delays in engine supplies that have been holding back aircraft deliveries to peak at mid-year, chief executive Guillaume Faury was reported on Monday as saying.

Airbus has been forced to build some narrow-body A320neo-family jets without engines to keep assembly lines running. This mirrors a smaller scale disruption seen in 2017 when Airbus was forced to build dozens of engine-less airframes nicknamed "gliders," while waiting for power plants to arrive.

"It’s going to peak probably mid-year and then we think we'll get more engines in the second half," Faury told FlightGlobal in an interview released at the opening of the Farnborough Airshow.

But the head of the body representing global airlines, IATA director general Willie Walsh, said manufacturers had wasted chances to shore up their assembly lines.

"Airlines are frustrated by the delays around delivery of aircraft; they're frustrated around issues like access to spare parts," Mr Walsh told Reuters.

"I think (manufacturers) should have taken better advantage of the lull in demand over the past two years to have been better prepared for this recovery."

Boeing hopes for clear skies

Boeing hopes the airshow will mark an end to several turbulent years following 737 MAX crashes and 787 manufacturing problems.

Boeing plans to show off several planes including the MAX 10, the latest version of its flagship model in the vital medium-haul segment, and hopes to announce a range of new orders.

The MAX 10 offers Boeing the opportunity to show off the latest version of the aircraft and seek to recover from the deadly and costly crashes of an earlier model.

The crashes in October 2018 and March 2019 led to the aircraft being grounded for 20 months. Airlines cancelled hundreds of orders and demanded compensation.

"The most difficult of our crises is being managed effectively," Boeing's chief executive Dave Calhoun said in an interview with The Financial Times on Monday. "It's not done and that's the MAX. But we're still returning aeroplanes to service for our customers."

Since the 737 MAX was recertified and took to the skies again, Boeing has sought to make amends with US authorities, acknowledging its partial responsibility for the crashes and forking out over several billion dollars to settle probes.

"On the MAX, they've turned the corner," said Michel Merluzeau, from aviation consultancy AIR.

Men’s singles 
Group A:
Son Wan-ho (Kor), Lee Chong Wei (Mas), Ng Long Angus (HK), Chen Long (Chn)
Group B: Kidambi Srikanth (Ind), Shi Yugi (Chn), Chou Tien Chen (Tpe), Viktor Axelsen (Den)

Women’s Singles 
Group A:
Akane Yamaguchi (Jpn), Pusarla Sindhu (Ind), Sayaka Sato (Jpn), He Bingjiao (Chn)
Group B: Tai Tzu Ying (Tpe), Sung Hi-hyun (Kor), Ratchanok Intanon (Tha), Chen Yufei (Chn)

RACE CARD

5pm: Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan Racing Festival Purebred Arabian Cup Conditions (PA); Dh 200,000 (Turf) 1,600m
5.30pm: Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak Cup Conditions (PA); Dh 200,000 (T) 1,600m
6pm: Sheikh Sultan bin Zayed Al Nahyan National Day Cup Listed (TB); Dh 380,000 (T) 1,600m
6.30pm: Sheikh Sultan bin Zayed Al Nahyan National Day Group 3 (PA); Dh 500,000 (T) 1,600m
7pm: Sheikh Sultan bin Zayed Al Nahyan National Day Jewel Crown Group 1 (PA); Dh 5,000,000 (T) 2,200m
7.30pm: Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan Racing Festival Handicap (PA); Dh 150,000 (T) 1,400m
8pm: Wathba Stallions Cup Handicap (PA) Dh 100,000 (T); 1,400m

Five hymns the crowds can join in

Papal Mass will begin at 10.30am at the Zayed Sports City Stadium on Tuesday

Some 17 hymns will be sung by a 120-strong UAE choir

Five hymns will be rehearsed with crowds on Tuesday morning before the Pope arrives at stadium

‘Christ be our Light’ as the entrance song

‘All that I am’ for the offertory or during the symbolic offering of gifts at the altar

‘Make me a Channel of your Peace’ and ‘Soul of my Saviour’ for the communion

‘Tell out my Soul’ as the final hymn after the blessings from the Pope

The choir will also sing the hymn ‘Legions of Heaven’ in Arabic as ‘Assakiroo Sama’

There are 15 Arabic speakers from Syria, Lebanon and Jordan in the choir that comprises residents from the Philippines, India, France, Italy, America, Netherlands, Armenia and Indonesia

The choir will be accompanied by a brass ensemble and an organ

They will practice for the first time at the stadium on the eve of the public mass on Monday evening 

RESULTS

5pm: Maiden (PA) Dh80,000 1,400m, Winner SS Lamea, Saif Al Balushi (jockey), Ibrahim Al Hadhrami (trainer).

5.30pm: Wathba Stallions Cup Handicap (PA) Dh70,000 1,400m, Winner AF Makerah, Sean Kirrane, Ernst Oertel

6pm: Handicap (PA) Dh80,000 1,600m, Winner Maaly Al Reef, Brett Doyle, Abdallah Al Hammadi

6.30pm: Handicap (PA) Dh90,000 1,600m, Winner AF Momtaz, Antonio Fresu, Musabah Al Muhairi

7pm: Handicap (PA) Dh80,000 2,200m, Winner Morjanah Al Reef, Brett Doyle, Abdallah Al Hammadi

7.30pm: Handicap (TB) Dh100,000 2,200m, Winner Mudarrab, Jim Crowley, Erwan Charpy

Founders: Abdulmajeed Alsukhan, Turki Bin Zarah and Abdulmohsen Albabtain.

Based: Riyadh

Offices: UAE, Vietnam and Germany

Founded: September, 2020

Number of employees: 70

Sector: FinTech, online payment solutions

Funding to date: $116m in two funding rounds  

Investors: Checkout.com, Impact46, Vision Ventures, Wealth Well, Seedra, Khwarizmi, Hala Ventures, Nama Ventures and family offices

The 15 players selected

Muzzamil Afridi, Rahman Gul, Rizwan Haider (Dezo Devils); Shahbaz Ahmed, Suneth Sampath (Glory Gladiators); Waqas Gohar, Jamshaid Butt, Shadab Ahamed (Ganga Fighters); Ali Abid, Ayaz Butt, Ghulam Farid, JD Mahesh Kumara (Hiranni Heros); Inam Faried, Mausif Khan, Ashok Kumar (Texas Titans

Tewellah by Nawal Zoghbi is out now.

'The Woman in the House Across the Street from the Girl in the Window'

Director:Michael Lehmann

Stars:Kristen Bell

Rating: 1/5

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

Walls

Louis Tomlinson

3 out of 5 stars

(Syco Music/Arista Records)

Long read

Mageed Yahia, director of WFP in UAE: Coronavirus knows no borders, and neither should the response

The National in Davos

We are bringing you the inside story from the World Economic Forum's Annual Meeting in Davos, a gathering of hundreds of world leaders, top executives and billionaires.

Most match wins on clay

Guillermo Vilas - 659

Manuel Orantes - 501

Thomas Muster - 422

Rafael Nadal - 399 *

Jose Higueras - 378

Eddie Dibbs - 370

Ilie Nastase - 338

Carlos Moya - 337

Ivan Lendl - 329

Andres Gomez - 322

MATCH INFO

Manchester United 1 (Rashford 36')

Liverpool 1 (Lallana 84')

Man of the match: Marcus Rashford (Manchester United)

QUALIFYING RESULTS

1. Max Verstappen, Netherlands, Red Bull Racing Honda, 1 minute, 35.246 seconds.
2. Valtteri Bottas, Finland, Mercedes, 1:35.271.
3. Lewis Hamilton, Great Britain, Mercedes, 1:35.332.
4. Lando Norris, Great Britain, McLaren Renault, 1:35.497.
5. Alexander Albon, Thailand, Red Bull Racing Honda, 1:35.571.
6. Carlos Sainz Jr, Spain, McLaren Renault, 1:35.815.
7. Daniil Kvyat, Russia, Scuderia Toro Rosso Honda, 1:35.963.
8. Lance Stroll, Canada, Racing Point BWT Mercedes, 1:36.046.
9. Charles Leclerc, Monaco, Ferrari, 1:36.065.
10. Pierre Gasly, France, Scuderia Toro Rosso Honda, 1:36.242.

Eliminated after second session

11. Esteban Ocon, France, Renault, 1:36.359.
12. Daniel Ricciardo, Australia, Renault, 1:36.406.
13. Sebastian Vettel, Germany, Ferrari, 1:36.631.
14. Antonio Giovinazzi, Italy, Alfa Romeo Racing Ferrari, 1:38.248.

Eliminated after first session

15. Antonio Giovinazzi, Italy, Alfa Romeo Racing Ferrari, 1:37.075.
16. Kimi Raikkonen, Finland, Alfa Romeo Racing Ferrari, 1:37.555.
17. Kevin Magnussen, Denmark, Haas Ferrari, 1:37.863.
18. George Russell, Great Britain, Williams Mercedes, 1:38.045.
19. Pietro Fittipaldi, Brazil, Haas Ferrari, 1:38.173.
20. Nicholas Latifi, Canada, Williams Mercedes, 1:38.443.

Black Panther
Dir: Ryan Coogler
Starring: Chadwick Boseman, Michael B Jordan, Lupita Nyong'o
Five stars

Where to donate in the UAE

The Emirates Charity Portal

You can donate to several registered charities through a “donation catalogue”. The use of the donation is quite specific, such as buying a fan for a poor family in Niger for Dh130.

The General Authority of Islamic Affairs & Endowments

The site has an e-donation service accepting debit card, credit card or e-Dirham, an electronic payment tool developed by the Ministry of Finance and First Abu Dhabi Bank.

Al Noor Special Needs Centre

You can donate online or order Smiles n’ Stuff products handcrafted by Al Noor students. The centre publishes a wish list of extras needed, starting at Dh500.

Beit Al Khair Society

Beit Al Khair Society has the motto “From – and to – the UAE,” with donations going towards the neediest in the country. Its website has a list of physical donation sites, but people can also contribute money by SMS, bank transfer and through the hotline 800-22554.

Dar Al Ber Society

Dar Al Ber Society, which has charity projects in 39 countries, accept cash payments, money transfers or SMS donations. Its donation hotline is 800-79.

Dubai Cares

Dubai Cares provides several options for individuals and companies to donate, including online, through banks, at retail outlets, via phone and by purchasing Dubai Cares branded merchandise. It is currently running a campaign called Bookings 2030, which allows people to help change the future of six underprivileged children and young people.

Emirates Airline Foundation

Those who travel on Emirates have undoubtedly seen the little donation envelopes in the seat pockets. But the foundation also accepts donations online and in the form of Skywards Miles. Donated miles are used to sponsor travel for doctors, surgeons, engineers and other professionals volunteering on humanitarian missions around the world.

Emirates Red Crescent

On the Emirates Red Crescent website you can choose between 35 different purposes for your donation, such as providing food for fasters, supporting debtors and contributing to a refugee women fund. It also has a list of bank accounts for each donation type.

Gulf for Good

Gulf for Good raises funds for partner charity projects through challenges, like climbing Kilimanjaro and cycling through Thailand. This year’s projects are in partnership with Street Child Nepal, Larchfield Kids, the Foundation for African Empowerment and SOS Children's Villages. Since 2001, the organisation has raised more than $3.5 million (Dh12.8m) in support of over 50 children’s charities.

Noor Dubai Foundation

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum launched the Noor Dubai Foundation a decade ago with the aim of eliminating all forms of preventable blindness globally. You can donate Dh50 to support mobile eye camps by texting the word “Noor” to 4565 (Etisalat) or 4849 (du).

Qosty Byogaani

Starring: Hani Razmzi, Maya Nasir and Hassan Hosny

Four stars

The Vile

Starring: Bdoor Mohammad, Jasem Alkharraz, Iman Tarik, Sarah Taibah

Director: Majid Al Ansari

Rating: 4/5

The specs
  • Engine: 3.9-litre twin-turbo V8
  • Power: 640hp
  • Torque: 760nm
  • On sale: 2026
  • Price: Not announced yet
The specs

Engine: 2.0-litre 4cyl turbo

Power: 261hp at 5,500rpm

Torque: 405Nm at 1,750-3,500rpm

Transmission: 9-speed auto

Fuel consumption: 6.9L/100km

On sale: Now

Price: From Dh117,059

Skoda Superb Specs

Engine: 2-litre TSI petrol

Power: 190hp

Torque: 320Nm

Price: From Dh147,000

Available: Now

Dubai Creek Open in numbers
  • The Dubai Creek Open is the 10th tournament on this year's Mena Tour
  • It is the first of five events before the season-concluding Mena Tour Championship
  • This week's field comprises 120 players, 21 of which are amateurs
  • 15 previous Mena Tour winners are competing at Dubai Creek Golf and Yacht Club  
Company Profile

Name: Thndr
Started: 2019
Co-founders: Ahmad Hammouda and Seif Amr
Sector: FinTech
Headquarters: Egypt
UAE base: Hub71, Abu Dhabi
Current number of staff: More than 150
Funds raised: $22 million

Engine: 80 kWh four-wheel-drive

Transmission: eight-speed automatic

Power: 402bhp

Torque: 760Nm

Price: From Dh280,000

The%20specs
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EEngine%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E3.6-litre%2C%20V6%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ETransmission%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3Eeight-speed%20auto%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EPower%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E285hp%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ETorque%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E353Nm%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EPrice%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EDh159%2C900%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EOn%20sale%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3Enow%3C%2Fp%3E%0A

Director: Laxman Utekar

Cast: Vicky Kaushal, Akshaye Khanna, Diana Penty, Vineet Kumar Singh, Rashmika Mandanna

Rating: 1/5

INFO
Our family matters legal consultant

Name: Hassan Mohsen Elhais

Position: legal consultant with Al Rowaad Advocates and Legal Consultants.

The biog

Favourite food: Fish and seafood

Favourite hobby: Socialising with friends

Favourite quote: You only get out what you put in!

Favourite country to visit: Italy

Favourite film: Lock Stock and Two Smoking Barrels.

Family: We all have one!

Expert input

If you had all the money in the world, what’s the one sneaker you would buy or create?

“There are a few shoes that have ‘grail’ status for me. But the one I have always wanted is the Nike x Patta x Parra Air Max 1 - Cherrywood. To get a pair in my size brand new is would cost me between Dh8,000 and Dh 10,000.” Jack Brett

“If I had all the money, I would approach Nike and ask them to do my own Air Force 1, that’s one of my dreams.” Yaseen Benchouche

“There’s nothing out there yet that I’d pay an insane amount for, but I’d love to create my own shoe with Tinker Hatfield and Jordan.” Joshua Cox

“I think I’d buy a defunct footwear brand; I’d like the challenge of reinterpreting a brand’s history and changing options.” Kris Balerite

 “I’d stir up a creative collaboration with designers Martin Margiela of the mixed patchwork sneakers, and Yohji Yamamoto.” Hussain Moloobhoy

“If I had all the money in the world, I’d live somewhere where I’d never have to wear shoes again.” Raj Malhotra

Rafael Nadal's record at the MWTC

2009 Finalist

2010 Champion

Jan 2011 Champion

Dec 2011 Semi-finalist

Dec 2012 Did not play

Dec 2013 Semi-finalist

2015 Semi-finalist

Jan 2016 Champion

Dec 2016 Champion

2017 Did not play

 

The White Lotus: Season three

Creator: Mike White

Starring: Walton Goggins, Jason Isaacs, Natasha Rothwell

Rating: 4.5/5

Desert Warrior

Starring: Anthony Mackie, Aiysha Hart, Ben Kingsley

Director: Rupert Wyatt

Rating: 3/5

One in nine do not have enough to eat

Created in 1961, the World Food Programme is pledged to fight hunger worldwide as well as providing emergency food assistance in a crisis.

One of the organisation’s goals is the Zero Hunger Pledge, adopted by the international community in 2015 as one of the 17 Sustainable Goals for Sustainable Development, to end world hunger by 2030.

The WFP, a branch of the United Nations, is funded by voluntary donations from governments, businesses and private donations.

Almost two thirds of its operations currently take place in conflict zones, where it is calculated that people are more than three times likely to suffer from malnutrition than in peaceful countries.

It is currently estimated that one in nine people globally do not have enough to eat.

On any one day, the WFP estimates that it has 5,000 lorries, 20 ships and 70 aircraft on the move.

Outside emergencies, the WFP provides school meals to up to 25 million children in 63 countries, while working with communities to improve nutrition. Where possible, it buys supplies from developing countries to cut down transport cost and boost local economies.

 

West Asia Premiership

Dubai Hurricanes 58-10 Dubai Knights Eagles

Dubai Tigers 5-39 Bahrain

Jebel Ali Dragons 16-56 Abu Dhabi Harlequins

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

Spider-Man%202
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EDeveloper%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Insomniac%20Games%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EPublisher%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20%20Sony%20Interactive%20Entertainment%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EConsole%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EPlayStation%205%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ERating%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%205%2F5%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Roll of honour 2019-2020

Dubai Rugby Sevens
Winners: Dubai Hurricanes
Runners up: Bahrain

West Asia Premiership
Winners: Bahrain
Runners up: UAE Premiership

UAE Premiership
}Winners: Dubai Exiles
Runners up: Dubai Hurricanes

UAE Division One
Winners: Abu Dhabi Saracens
Runners up: Dubai Hurricanes II

UAE Division Two
Winners: Barrelhouse
Runners up: RAK Rugby

TOUCH RULES

Touch is derived from rugby league. Teams consist of up to 14 players with a maximum of six on the field at any time.

Teams can make as many substitutions as they want during the 40 minute matches.

Similar to rugby league, the attacking team has six attempts - or touches - before possession changes over.

A touch is any contact between the player with the ball and a defender, and must be with minimum force.

After a touch the player performs a “roll-ball” - similar to the play-the-ball in league - stepping over or rolling the ball between the feet.

At the roll-ball, the defenders have to retreat a minimum of five metres.

A touchdown is scored when an attacking player places the ball on or over the score-line.

UAE v Ireland

1st ODI, UAE win by 6 wickets

2nd ODI, January 12

3rd ODI, January 14

4th ODI, January 16

Updated: May 19, 2023, 4:18 PM