Emma Banks says her golden visa has changed her financial strategy and enabled her to buy an apartment in Dubai. Victor Besa / The National
Emma Banks says her golden visa has changed her financial strategy and enabled her to buy an apartment in Dubai. Victor Besa / The National
Emma Banks says her golden visa has changed her financial strategy and enabled her to buy an apartment in Dubai. Victor Besa / The National
Emma Banks says her golden visa has changed her financial strategy and enabled her to buy an apartment in Dubai. Victor Besa / The National

How the UAE's golden visa helps residents make long-term financial plans


  • English
  • Arabic

When Emma Banks finalises her property purchase on Dubai’s Palm Jumeirah in the next few months, it will mark a new direction in her financial strategy.

The 53-year-old Briton is among a wave of residents who have secured a 10-year golden visa, which she says has enabled her to embrace the UAE and plan for the long term.

Ms Banks, Hilton's vice president of F&B strategy and development for Europe, the Middle East and Africa, says the golden visa provided her with an incentive to invest in the UAE for the long term.

“I am not so sure I would have bought an apartment [without it],” Ms Banks says.

“We will continue to rent and reside in our family home in Al Safa and rent the [Palm Jumeirah] apartment out until my husband and I downsize to live there.

“We also consider it an investment for our daughter, who may choose to make Dubai home after university when she starts her professional career.”

Ms Banks arrived in the UAE in August 2013 with her husband, Jon Doubt, and daughter, Lily, who was eight at the time. She joined Hilton in February 2019.

Based in a “great global hub location”, she was initially shocked when first approached about applying for a golden visa as a “creative innovation specialist”, believing only people such as “artistic individuals, serious investors and medics” would qualify.

“It was explained that I was being considered for my services to hospitality and the food and beverage industry in the UAE,” Ms Banks says.

“What I was most happy about was my husband and daughter would be entitled to a golden visa as well – one of the greatest opportunities I could give my daughter over and above her education.

“It would give her options to live in the country we have called home … a country of great opportunities.”

Ms Banks started the application process last September and is now investing in the Palm Jumeirah apartment after reviewing her family's financial plans.

“I feel more confident of being able to stay in the country longer term and eventually, when I leave full-time employment, set up my own consultancy and work from both Dubai and Europe.”

The UAE implemented its golden visa programme in 2019, providing people with an opportunity to set out longer personal and professional plans and enabling the country to attract, retain and reward talent as part of its plans to boost the economy.

Among those eligible are investors, entrepreneurs, high-achieving students, people with special talents and researchers, in various fields of science and knowledge. Frontline medical workers and celebrities ranging from Giorgio Armani to Bollywood’s Shah Rukh Khan have also been recipients of the golden visa.

  • Lebanese singer Najwa Karam is one of many celebrities offered UAE's golden visa.
    Lebanese singer Najwa Karam is one of many celebrities offered UAE's golden visa.
  • Lebanese singer Ragheb Alama
    Lebanese singer Ragheb Alama
  • Egyptian actor Mohamed Ramadan Chris Whiteoak / The National
    Egyptian actor Mohamed Ramadan Chris Whiteoak / The National
  • Fashion influencer Ola Farahat
    Fashion influencer Ola Farahat
  • Tunisian singer Latifa El Arfaoui
    Tunisian singer Latifa El Arfaoui
  • Lebanese singer Marwan Khoury
    Lebanese singer Marwan Khoury
  • Egyptian actress Nelly Karim
    Egyptian actress Nelly Karim
  • Lebanese singer Walid Toufic
    Lebanese singer Walid Toufic
  • Egyptian singer and composer Hani Shaker
    Egyptian singer and composer Hani Shaker
  • Lebanese television presenter Annabella Hilal
    Lebanese television presenter Annabella Hilal
  • Bollywood star Shah Rukh Khan
    Bollywood star Shah Rukh Khan
  • Chef Izu Ani
    Chef Izu Ani
  • Chef Reif Othman
    Chef Reif Othman
  • Lebanese actress Nadine Nassib Njeim
    Lebanese actress Nadine Nassib Njeim
  • Syrian actor Kosai Khauli
    Syrian actor Kosai Khauli
  • Indian actor and director Sanjay Dutt
    Indian actor and director Sanjay Dutt
  • Lebanese designer Karen Wazen
    Lebanese designer Karen Wazen
  • Lebanese-Canadian basketball player Ali Kanaan
    Lebanese-Canadian basketball player Ali Kanaan
  • Film director Mohammed Samy with his wife, actress Mai Omar
    Film director Mohammed Samy with his wife, actress Mai Omar
  • Lebanese actress Jessy Abdo
    Lebanese actress Jessy Abdo
  • Lebanese singer Myriam Fares
    Lebanese singer Myriam Fares
  • South Indian actor Mohanlal
    South Indian actor Mohanlal
  • Kerala star Mammootty
    Kerala star Mammootty
  • Bollywood actor Suniel Shetty
    Bollywood actor Suniel Shetty
  • Kerala actor Tovino Thomas
    Kerala actor Tovino Thomas
  • South Indian actor Prithviraj.
    South Indian actor Prithviraj.
  • Moroccan singer Imad Benaomar
    Moroccan singer Imad Benaomar
  • Egyptian actor Karim Fahmi.
    Egyptian actor Karim Fahmi.
  • Egyptian actress Safia Alemary
    Egyptian actress Safia Alemary
  • Bollywood film producer Boney Kapoor.
    Bollywood film producer Boney Kapoor.
  • Indian Bollywood singer Sonu Nigam.
    Indian Bollywood singer Sonu Nigam.
  • Lebanese singer Elissa.
    Lebanese singer Elissa.
  • Giorgio Armani with his UAE golden visa in Dubai. Photo: Giorgio Armani
    Giorgio Armani with his UAE golden visa in Dubai. Photo: Giorgio Armani
  • Pakistani actor Ali Zafar. Photo: Yash Raj Films
    Pakistani actor Ali Zafar. Photo: Yash Raj Films
  • Pakistani actor Fakhr-e-Alam.
    Pakistani actor Fakhr-e-Alam.
  • Bollywood star Ranveer Singh being presented his UAE golden visa in Abu Dhabi by Mohamed Abdalla Al Zaabi, the chief executive of Miral. Photo: Yas Island
    Bollywood star Ranveer Singh being presented his UAE golden visa in Abu Dhabi by Mohamed Abdalla Al Zaabi, the chief executive of Miral. Photo: Yas Island

This month, Bahrain also approved a 10-year golden visa programme for selected foreigners as the country seeks to attract talent amid economic recovery.

Under Bahrain's programme, qualifying applicants need to have lived in the kingdom for five years or more, earn an average monthly salary of at least 2,000 Bahraini dinars ($5,306) or own property worth 200,000 dinars or more. Retirees with a 4,000 dinar monthly income, and highly talented individuals, are also eligible.

Meanwhile, in the UAE, Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank (ADCB) just announced new banking products and services designed for golden visa customers – including attractive interest rate mortgages and rewards – through a strategic partnership with the Abu Dhabi Residents Office.

Among other eligibility criteria, ADCB customers can apply for a golden visa under the investor category with a minimum Dh2 million bank deposit.

Alex Broun, a writer, director and producer for theatre and film, and his four-year-old daughter, Naraya, recently moved to Dubai’s Town Square community. He says he would have considered a different future were it not for his golden visa.

The Australian considered seeking prospects elsewhere, but was encouraged to stay after receiving a Dubai Culture letter in 2019 confirming his golden visa nomination.

“It was great to know all the work I had done in the performing arts in Dubai over the past decade was being recognised,” Broun says.

“It was important in making me feel my contribution was valued, it certainly deepens my connection with the UAE and makes me feel welcome and wanted, important for someone in the performing arts.”

Australian Alex Broun was encouraged to stay in the UAE after receiving a Dubai Culture letter in 2019 confirming his golden visa nomination. Chris Whiteoak / The National
Australian Alex Broun was encouraged to stay in the UAE after receiving a Dubai Culture letter in 2019 confirming his golden visa nomination. Chris Whiteoak / The National

Broun says the golden visa works out cheaper than renewing a residency visa every two years.

“It also gives me more freedom, as recently I changed roles but there wasn’t a mad rush to secure a new position and new visa, which would have been the case before … no more border runs.”

Broun, who starred in Australian soap operas Neighbours and Home & Away early in his career and acted alongside Nicole Kidman at the Australian Theatre for Young People, was previously head of drama at Studio Republik and brought the Short+Sweet play concept to Dubai.

Recently, he has been advising Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Culture on theatre and the performing arts.

The golden visa introduces some stability in an otherwise fluid profession, Broun says.

“You really have to go where the work is – I don’t think any industry has been more affected by Covid – but hopefully that will be here over the next few years.”

As co-founder of The Laughter Factory, Gail Clough has been bringing comedy to UAE audiences for 25 years.

A resident of the UAE for 30 years, she was “gobsmacked” when she learnt she had been nominated for a golden visa two months ago.

“Dubai is full of brilliant, talented people … I am just putting clowns on a stage and helping to make people laugh, so it was a lovely surprise,” says the Briton, 56.

Ms Clough, who lives at Jumeirah Lakes Towers, says the extended visa will save the hassle and cost of two more visa processes and enable her to continue planning tours for one of the world’s oldest comedy clubs.

Dubai is full of brilliant, talented people … I am just putting clowns on a stage and helping to make people laugh, so it was a lovely surprise
Gail Clough,
co-founder of The Laughter Factory

“We have been bringing acts such as Russell Peters, Michael McIntyre and Jack Whitehall to the UAE,” Ms Clough says.

“It’s lovely that the club has been recognised as a UAE institution.”

British artist and designer Clare Napper, whose Highlife vintage posters encapsulate the UAE expat experience, is another golden visa recipient after Dubai Culture contacted her to say her name had been put forward for a cultural visa.

“It was completely unexpected and I felt hugely grateful and proud that my artistic journey had ended in a moment of recognition from the country I have called home for 14 years,” Ms Napper, 43, says.

Although she had recently funded a new three-year visa, she was happy to revisit the process for her long-term future.

“It has inspired me to continue to run my Highlife business for the next decade,” says Ms Napper, who also designed Expo 2020 Dubai souvenir products.

“If I ever needed to spend more time in the UK, this would allow me to continue to run my business here and travel back and forth easily.”

The visa status also brings some cost benefits, she says, including cheaper yearly trade licence renewals.

“I definitely feel more connected to the UAE and [it] gives me a sense of security,” she says.

Feng Shui expert and author Dr Jin Peh says the golden visa has enabled him to make long-term plans in the UAE. Ruel Pableo / The National
Feng Shui expert and author Dr Jin Peh says the golden visa has enabled him to make long-term plans in the UAE. Ruel Pableo / The National

Dr Jin Peh, who is from Malaysia, first moved to Dubai 18 years ago after studying medicine in Australia, working in broadcast journalism and training in Feng Shui.

Securing a golden visa halted a permanent move to Australia, where the Chinese astrology expert and author was stuck for six months – and even bought property – when pandemic border closures struck during a 2020 teaching trip.

“It changed everything because I have some permanency here … I can make long-term plans,” says Dr Peh, 49, who currently teaches Feng Shui via Zoom from his Dubai home instead of travelling.

“It is validation of my work, of all the time that I spent here and how I’ve made this country my home … my loyalty got reciprocated.”

Dr Peh, an Arabic speaker who was previously on a Ras Al Khaimah company visa, applied through a consulting company, which advised that he would qualify based on his personal culture and for bringing cultural value to the UAE.

“Every three years, you’ve got to review your plans [but] cost-wise, the golden visa is much better,” says Dr Peh, who paid fees totalling Dh9,000.

“There was a big question mark as to whether I would stay on in Dubai, [now] I’m happy to put down roots in the sense that I’m not leaving anytime soon.”

The golden visa programme could promote the growth of the performing arts industry and boost its contribution to the UAE economy, Broun says.

“There are many talented people here, and more artists are being encouraged to base themselves here due to the golden visa,” he says.

“It will be interesting to see how the scene develops in Dubai coming out of Covid and post-Expo.”

Broun hopes that when major projects such as Expo happen in the future, organisers will look to locally based talent.

“When you employ people based in other nations that money goes out of the country, whereas if you use people based here, it keeps that money in the UAE and it flows into the local economy,” he says.

Ms Banks, a board of governor’s member at Dubai College of Tourism, says her golden visa makes commercial sense for her sponsor, Hilton, not having to renew every three years.

She also believes that all new UAE visa initiatives, including for retirement and remote working, will make Dubai “seem even more open to encourage people to live here long term”.

“My husband and I will look to split our retirement between Dubai and Europe as long as we remain healthy,” Ms Banks says.

“I hope to live here for a very long time … it’s a great lifestyle, and the greatest city in the world in my opinion.”

What is the FNC?

The Federal National Council is one of five federal authorities established by the UAE constitution. It held its first session on December 2, 1972, a year to the day after Federation.
It has 40 members, eight of whom are women. The members represent the UAE population through each of the emirates. Abu Dhabi and Dubai have eight members each, Sharjah and Ras al Khaimah six, and Ajman, Fujairah and Umm Al Quwain have four.
They bring Emirati issues to the council for debate and put those concerns to ministers summoned for questioning. 
The FNC’s main functions include passing, amending or rejecting federal draft laws, discussing international treaties and agreements, and offering recommendations on general subjects raised during sessions.
Federal draft laws must first pass through the FNC for recommendations when members can amend the laws to suit the needs of citizens. The draft laws are then forwarded to the Cabinet for consideration and approval. 
Since 2006, half of the members have been elected by UAE citizens to serve four-year terms and the other half are appointed by the Ruler’s Courts of the seven emirates.
In the 2015 elections, 78 of the 252 candidates were women. Women also represented 48 per cent of all voters and 67 per cent of the voters were under the age of 40.
 

British Grand Prix free practice times in the third and final session at Silverstone on Saturday (top five):

1. Lewis Hamilton (GBR/Mercedes) 1:28.063 (18 laps)

2. Sebastian Vettel (GER/Ferrari) 1:28.095 (14)

3. Valtteri Bottas (FIN/Mercedes) 1:28.137 (20)

4. Kimi Raikkonen (FIN/Ferrari) 1:28.732 (15)

5. Nico Hulkenberg (GER/Renault)  1:29.480 (14)

MATCH INFO

Kolkata Knight Riders 245/6 (20 ovs)
Kings XI Punjab 214/8 (20 ovs)

Kolkata won by 31 runs

ASHES SCHEDULE

First Test
November 23-27 (The Gabba, Brisbane)
Second Test
December 2-6 (Adelaide Oval, Adelaide)
Third Test
December 14-18 (Waca Ground, Perth)
Fourth Test
December 26-30 (Melbourne Cricket Ground, Melbourne)
Fifth Test
January 4-8, 2018 (Sydney Cricket Ground, Sydney)

WHEN TO GO:

September to November or March to May; this is when visitors are most likely to see what they’ve come for.

WHERE TO STAY:

Meghauli Serai, A Taj Safari - Chitwan National Park resort (tajhotels.com) is a one-hour drive from Bharatpur Airport with stays costing from Dh1,396 per night, including taxes and breakfast. Return airport transfers cost from Dh661.

HOW TO GET THERE:

Etihad Airways regularly flies from Abu Dhabi to Kathmandu from around Dh1,500 per person return, including taxes. Buddha Air (buddhaair.com) and Yeti Airlines (yetiairlines.com) fly from Kathmandu to Bharatpur several times a day from about Dh660 return and the flight takes just 20 minutes. Driving is possible but the roads are hilly which means it will take you five or six hours to travel 148 kilometres.

FIXTURES

Thursday
Dibba v Al Dhafra, Fujairah Stadium (5pm)
Al Wahda v Hatta, Al Nahyan Stadium (8pm)

Friday
Al Nasr v Ajman, Zabeel Stadium (5pm)
Al Jazria v Al Wasl, Mohammed Bin Zayed Stadium (8pm)

Saturday
Emirates v Al Ain, Emirates Club Stadium (5pm)
Sharjah v Shabab Al Ahli Dubai, Sharjah Stadium (8pm)

Fixtures

Tuesday - 5.15pm: Team Lebanon v Alger Corsaires; 8.30pm: Abu Dhabi Storms v Pharaohs

Wednesday - 5.15pm: Pharaohs v Carthage Eagles; 8.30pm: Alger Corsaires v Abu Dhabi Storms

Thursday - 4.30pm: Team Lebanon v Pharaohs; 7.30pm: Abu Dhabi Storms v Carthage Eagles

Friday - 4.30pm: Pharaohs v Alger Corsaires; 7.30pm: Carthage Eagles v Team Lebanon

Saturday - 4.30pm: Carthage Eagles v Alger Corsaires; 7.30pm: Abu Dhabi Storms v Team Lebanon

How Filipinos in the UAE invest

A recent survey of 10,000 Filipino expatriates in the UAE found that 82 per cent have plans to invest, primarily in property. This is significantly higher than the 2014 poll showing only two out of 10 Filipinos planned to invest.

Fifty-five percent said they plan to invest in property, according to the poll conducted by the New Perspective Media Group, organiser of the Philippine Property and Investment Exhibition. Acquiring a franchised business or starting up a small business was preferred by 25 per cent and 15 per cent said they will invest in mutual funds. The rest said they are keen to invest in insurance (3 per cent) and gold (2 per cent).

Of the 5,500 respondents who preferred property as their primary investment, 54 per cent said they plan to make the purchase within the next year. Manila was the top location, preferred by 53 per cent.

About Krews

Founder: Ahmed Al Qubaisi

Based: Abu Dhabi

Founded: January 2019

Number of employees: 10

Sector: Technology/Social media 

Funding to date: Estimated $300,000 from Hub71 in-kind support

 

Ms Yang's top tips for parents new to the UAE
  1. Join parent networks
  2. Look beyond school fees
  3. Keep an open mind
What vitamins do we know are beneficial for living in the UAE

Vitamin D: Highly relevant in the UAE due to limited sun exposure; supports bone health, immunity and mood.Vitamin B12: Important for nerve health and energy production, especially for vegetarians, vegans and individuals with absorption issues.Iron: Useful only when deficiency or anaemia is confirmed; helps reduce fatigue and support immunity.Omega-3 (EPA/DHA): Supports heart health and reduces inflammation, especially for those who consume little fish.

Fanney Khan

Producer: T-Series, Anil Kapoor Productions, ROMP, Prerna Arora

Director: Atul Manjrekar

Cast: Anil Kapoor, Aishwarya Rai, Rajkummar Rao, Pihu Sand

Rating: 2/5 

2018 ICC World Twenty20 Asian Western Sub Regional Qualifier

Event info: The tournament in Kuwait this month is the first phase of the qualifying process for sides from Asia for the 2020 World T20 in Australia. The UAE must finish within the top three teams out of the six at the competition to advance to the Asia regional finals. Success at regional finals would mean progression to the World T20 Qualifier.

UAE’s fixtures: Fri Apr 20, UAE v Qatar; Sat Apr 21, UAE v Saudi Arabia; Mon Apr 23, UAE v Bahrain; Tue Apr 24, UAE v Maldives; Thu Apr 26, UAE v Kuwait

World T20 2020 Qualifying process:

  • Sixteen teams will play at the World T20 in two years’ time.
  • Australia have already qualified as hosts
  • Nine places are available to the top nine ranked sides in the ICC’s T20i standings, not including Australia, on Dec 31, 2018.
  • The final six teams will be decided by a 14-team World T20 Qualifier.

World T20 standings: 1 Pakistan; 2 Australia; 3 India; 4 New Zealand; 5 England; 6 South Africa; 7 West Indies; 8 Sri Lanka; 9 Afghanistan; 10 Bangladesh; 11 Scotland; 12 Zimbabwe; 13 UAE; 14 Netherlands; 15 Hong Kong; 16 Papua New Guinea; 17 Oman; 18 Ireland

The chef's advice

Troy Payne, head chef at Abu Dhabi’s newest healthy eatery Sanderson’s in Al Seef Resort & Spa, says singles need to change their mindset about how they approach the supermarket.

“They feel like they can’t buy one cucumber,” he says. “But I can walk into a shop – I feed two people at home – and I’ll walk into a shop and I buy one cucumber, I’ll buy one onion.”

Mr Payne asks for the sticker to be placed directly on each item, rather than face the temptation of filling one of the two-kilogram capacity plastic bags on offer.

The chef also advises singletons not get too hung up on “organic”, particularly high-priced varieties that have been flown in from far-flung locales. Local produce is often grown sustainably, and far cheaper, he says.

Match info

Uefa Champions League Group B

Tottenham Hotspur 1 (Eriksen 80')
Inter Milan 0

Fifa Club World Cup quarter-final

Kashima Antlers 3 (Nagaki 49’, Serginho 69’, Abe 84’)
Guadalajara 2 (Zaldivar 03’, Pulido 90')

SNAPSHOT

While Huawei did launch the first smartphone with a 50MP image sensor in its P40 series in 2020, Oppo in 2014 introduced the Find 7, which was capable of taking 50MP images: this was done using a combination of a 13MP sensor and software that resulted in shots seemingly taken from a 50MP camera.

WHAT%20MACRO%20FACTORS%20ARE%20IMPACTING%20META%20TECH%20MARKETS%3F
%3Cp%3E%E2%80%A2%20Looming%20global%20slowdown%20and%20recession%20in%20key%20economies%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%E2%80%A2%20Russia-Ukraine%20war%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%E2%80%A2%20Interest%20rate%20hikes%20and%20the%20rising%20cost%20of%20debt%20servicing%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%E2%80%A2%20Oil%20price%20volatility%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%E2%80%A2%20Persisting%20inflationary%20pressures%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%E2%80%A2%20Exchange%20rate%20fluctuations%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%E2%80%A2%20Shortage%20of%20labour%2Fskills%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%E2%80%A2%20A%20resurgence%20of%20Covid%3F%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
RESULTS

5pm Maiden (PA) Dh80,000 (Turf) 1,600m

Winner Thabet Al Reef, Bernardo Pinheiro (jockey), Abdallah Al Hammadi (trainer)

5.30pm Handicap (PA) Dh80,000 (T) 1,600m

Winner Blue Diamond, Pat Cosgrave, Abdallah Al Hammadi

6pm Arabian Triple Crown Round-1 Listed (PA) Dh230,000 (T) 1,600m

Winner Hameem, Adrie de Vries, Abdallah Al Hammadi

6.30pm Wathba Stallions Cup Handicap (PA) Dh70,000 (T) 1,400m

Winner Shoja’A Muscat, Szczepan Mazur, Ibrahim Al Hadhrami

7pm Maiden (PA) Dh80,000 (T) 1,200m

Winner Heros De Lagarde, Szczepan Mazur, Ibrahim Al Hadhrami

7.30pm Handicap (TB) Dh100,000 (T) 2,400m

Winner Good Tidings, Antonio Fresu, Musabah Al Muhairi

Ruwais timeline

1971 Abu Dhabi National Oil Company established

1980 Ruwais Housing Complex built, located 10 kilometres away from industrial plants

1982 120,000 bpd capacity Ruwais refinery complex officially inaugurated by the founder of the UAE Sheikh Zayed

1984 Second phase of Ruwais Housing Complex built. Today the 7,000-unit complex houses some 24,000 people.  

1985 The refinery is expanded with the commissioning of a 27,000 b/d hydro cracker complex

2009 Plans announced to build $1.2 billion fertilizer plant in Ruwais, producing urea

2010 Adnoc awards $10bn contracts for expansion of Ruwais refinery, to double capacity from 415,000 bpd

2014 Ruwais 261-outlet shopping mall opens

2014 Production starts at newly expanded Ruwais refinery, providing jet fuel and diesel and allowing the UAE to be self-sufficient for petrol supplies

2014 Etihad Rail begins transportation of sulphur from Shah and Habshan to Ruwais for export

2017 Aldar Academies to operate Adnoc’s schools including in Ruwais from September. Eight schools operate in total within the housing complex.

2018 Adnoc announces plans to invest $3.1 billion on upgrading its Ruwais refinery 

2018 NMC Healthcare selected to manage operations of Ruwais Hospital

2018 Adnoc announces new downstream strategy at event in Abu Dhabi on May 13

Source: The National

SRI LANKA SQUAD

Upul Tharanga (captain), Dinesh Chandimal, Niroshan Dickwella
Lahiru Thirimanne, Kusal Mendis, Milinda Siriwardana
Chamara Kapugedara, Thisara Perera, Seekuge Prasanna
Nuwan Pradeep, Suranga Lakmal, Dushmantha Chameera
Vishwa Fernando, Akila Dananjaya, Jeffrey Vandersay

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

Company profile

Company name: Dharma

Date started: 2018

Founders: Charaf El Mansouri, Nisma Benani, Leah Howe

Based: Abu Dhabi

Sector: TravelTech

Funding stage: Pre-series A 

Investors: Convivialite Ventures, BY Partners, Shorooq Partners, L& Ventures, Flat6Labs

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

RESULTS

5pm: Rated Conditions (PA) Dh85,000 (Turf) 1,600m
Winner: AF Mouthirah, Tadhg O’Shea (jockey), Ernst Oertel (trainer)

5.30pm: Maiden (PA) Dh80,000 (T) 1,400m
Winner: AF Alajaj, Tadhg O’Shea, Ernst Oertel

6pm: Wathba Stallions Cup Handicap (PA) Dh70,000 (T) 1,400m
Winner: Hawafez, Connor Beasley, Abubakar Daud

6.30pm: Maiden (PA) Dh80,000 (T) 2,200m
Winner: Tair, Fabrice Veron, Eric Lemartinel

7pm: Handicap (PA) Dh80,000 (T) 2,200m
Winner: Wakeel W’Rsan, Richard Mullen, Jaci Wickham

7.30pm: Handicap (PA) Dh100,000 (T) 2,400m
Winner: Son Of Normandy, Fernando Jara, Ahmad bin Harmash

Getting there
Flydubai flies direct from Dubai to Tbilisi from Dh1,025 return including taxes

The specs: 2018 Jeep Compass

Price, base: Dh100,000 (estimate)

Engine: 2.4L four-cylinder

Transmission: Nine-speed automatic

Power: 184bhp at 6,400rpm

Torque: 237Nm at 3,900rpm

Fuel economy, combined: 9.4L / 100km

UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
ALRAWABI%20SCHOOL%20FOR%20GIRLS
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MATCH INFO

CAF Champions League semi-finals first-leg fixtures

Tuesday:

Primeiro Agosto (ANG) v Esperance (TUN) (8pm UAE)
Al Ahly (EGY) v Entente Setif (ALG) (11PM)

Second legs:

October 23

Dust and sand storms compared

Sand storm

  • Particle size: Larger, heavier sand grains
  • Visibility: Often dramatic with thick "walls" of sand
  • Duration: Short-lived, typically localised
  • Travel distance: Limited 
  • Source: Open desert areas with strong winds

Dust storm

  • Particle size: Much finer, lightweight particles
  • Visibility: Hazy skies but less intense
  • Duration: Can linger for days
  • Travel distance: Long-range, up to thousands of kilometres
  • Source: Can be carried from distant regions
Our family matters legal consultant

Name: Hassan Mohsen Elhais

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

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UPI facts

More than 2.2 million Indian tourists arrived in UAE in 2023
More than 3.5 million Indians reside in UAE
Indian tourists can make purchases in UAE using rupee accounts in India through QR-code-based UPI real-time payment systems
Indian residents in UAE can use their non-resident NRO and NRE accounts held in Indian banks linked to a UAE mobile number for UPI transactions

If you go

The flights

Fly direct to London from the UAE with Etihad, Emirates, British Airways or Virgin Atlantic from about Dh2,500 return including taxes. 

The hotel

Rooms at the convenient and art-conscious Andaz London Liverpool Street cost from £167 (Dh800) per night including taxes.

The tour

The Shoreditch Street Art Tour costs from £15 (Dh73) per person for approximately three hours. 

SPECS
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Updated: February 18, 2022, 5:00 AM