MBC, the Arab world's largest television broadcaster, has promoted Sam Barnett to chief executive, a role previously assumed by the group's chairman, Sheikh Waleed Al Ibrahim.
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Mr Barnett, who has worked at MBC for nine years, oversaw the launch of several channels and initiatives such as the outsourcing of the group's advertising-sales operation.
Mr Barnett held the post of chief operating officer and general manager prior to his promotion.
Nick Grande, the managing director of ChannelSculptor, a television consultancy in Dubai, said Mr Barnett's promotion was in recognition for building a "dominant" television company.
Mr Grande said it was likely that Sheikh Waleed would "continue to be personally interested" in the day-to-day management of MBC.
The broadcaster, which claims to reach more than 100 million viewers on an average day, is currently running 10 channels including MBC1 and the Al Arabiya news station.
Ali Ajouz, an independent media consultant based in the UAE, said the appointment of Mr Barnett would help to "unify the strategy of MBC".
MBC, which is owned by Saudi Arabian investors but based in Dubai, is said to take in the lion's share of the Arab world's total TV advertising, worth more than US$1 billion (Dh3.67bn) a year.
Mr Ajouz said although it was the market leader, MBC faced a number of market challenges.
"To stay at number one is probably the greatest challenge for MBC," he said.
Levels of advertising spending, the launch of other channels and broader economic issues will be key to remaining on top, said Mr Ajouz.
Earlier this year, MBC launched a number of its channels in high-definition (HD). Although the channels are free, viewers must buy a special set-top box to receive them.
Mr Ajouz said it would take time until a significant proportion of viewers buy the HD box.
"It will take at least six to seven years … to roll out that number of HD receivers," he said.
bflanagan@thenational.ae
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Ten tax points to be aware of in 2026
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If a business does not apply for the refund on time, they lose their credit.
2. E-invoicing in the UAE
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3. More tax audits
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4. More beneficial VAT and excise tax penalty regime
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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
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10. Substance and CbC reporting focus
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Contributed by Thomas Vanhee and Hend Rashwan, Aurifer
Groom and Two Brides
Director: Elie Semaan
Starring: Abdullah Boushehri, Laila Abdallah, Lulwa Almulla
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Key figures in the life of the fort
Sheikh Dhiyab bin Isa (ruled 1761-1793) Built Qasr Al Hosn as a watchtower to guard over the only freshwater well on Abu Dhabi island.
Sheikh Shakhbut bin Dhiyab (ruled 1793-1816) Expanded the tower into a small fort and transferred his ruling place of residence from Liwa Oasis to the fort on the island.
Sheikh Tahnoon bin Shakhbut (ruled 1818-1833) Expanded Qasr Al Hosn further as Abu Dhabi grew from a small village of palm huts to a town of more than 5,000 inhabitants.
Sheikh Khalifa bin Shakhbut (ruled 1833-1845) Repaired and fortified the fort.
Sheikh Saeed bin Tahnoon (ruled 1845-1855) Turned Qasr Al Hosn into a strong two-storied structure.
Sheikh Zayed bin Khalifa (ruled 1855-1909) Expanded Qasr Al Hosn further to reflect the emirate's increasing prominence.
Sheikh Shakhbut bin Sultan (ruled 1928-1966) Renovated and enlarged Qasr Al Hosn, adding a decorative arch and two new villas.
Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan (ruled 1966-2004) Moved the royal residence to Al Manhal palace and kept his diwan at Qasr Al Hosn.
Sources: Jayanti Maitra, www.adach.ae
Sour%20Grapes
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First-round leaderbaord
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-3 B Koepka (US), K Bradley (US), V Hovland (Nor), A Wise (US), S Horsfield (Eng), C Davis (Aus);
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Selected others: -1 P Casey (Eng), R Fowler (US), T Hatton (Eng)
Level B DeChambeau (US), J Rose (Eng)
1 L Westwood (Eng), J Spieth (US)
3 R McIlroy (NI)
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How to watch Ireland v Pakistan in UAE
When: The one-off Test starts on Friday, May 11
What time: Each day’s play is scheduled to start at 2pm UAE time.
TV: The match will be broadcast on OSN Sports Cricket HD. Subscribers to the channel can also stream the action live on OSN Play.
The biog
Favourite books: 'Ruth Bader Ginsburg: A Life' by Jane D. Mathews and ‘The Moment of Lift’ by Melinda Gates
Favourite travel destination: Greece, a blend of ancient history and captivating nature. It always has given me a sense of joy, endless possibilities, positive energy and wonderful people that make you feel at home.
Favourite pastime: travelling and experiencing different cultures across the globe.
Favourite quote: “In the future, there will be no female leaders. There will just be leaders” - Sheryl Sandberg, COO of Facebook.
Favourite Movie: Mona Lisa Smile
Favourite Author: Kahlil Gibran
Favourite Artist: Meryl Streep
Tips for taking the metro
- set out well ahead of time
- make sure you have at least Dh15 on you Nol card, as there could be big queues for top-up machines
- enter the right cabin. The train may be too busy to move between carriages once you're on
- don't carry too much luggage and tuck it under a seat to make room for fellow passengers
Tamkeen's offering
- Option 1: 70% in year 1, 50% in year 2, 30% in year 3
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