The Palm Jumeirah. Dubai's prime property prices have surged this year. Bloomberg
The Palm Jumeirah. Dubai's prime property prices have surged this year. Bloomberg
The Palm Jumeirah. Dubai's prime property prices have surged this year. Bloomberg
The Palm Jumeirah. Dubai's prime property prices have surged this year. Bloomberg

Dubai prime property market set for world's strongest growth in 2023


Ian Oxborrow
  • English
  • Arabic

Dubai's prime residential market is set for the world's strongest growth next year, according to a new report.

Across the 25 cities tracked, property consultancy Knight Frank expects prime residential prices to rise by 2 per cent on average in 2023, down from 2.7 per cent predicted six months ago.

It predicts Dubai to lead the way with a 13.5 per cent rise in prime prices, ahead of the likes of Miami (5 per cent), Los Angeles (4 per cent) and Paris (4 per cent).

“Dubai’s prime residential market has and continues to be a global outlier, with record price growth in 2022, albeit this has been from a low base,” said Faisal Durrani, partner — head of Middle East research at Knight Frank.

“Prime values are being fuelled by Dubai’s safe-haven status, an exceptionally diverse range of international ultra-high-net-worth individuals in search of luxury second homes, combined of course with the government’s world-leading response to the pandemic, which has spurred business confidence.”

He added that Dubai is one of the most “affordable” luxury residential markets in the world, with prices trailing the 2014 peak levels by 21.4 per cent.

Prices have been rising this year across all sectors in Dubai amid the wider economic recovery following the pandemic.

  • VILLA PRICES FROM CBRE: Palm Jumeirah: Dh3,704 per square foot — up 3.0 per cent in October, up 0.2 per cent in September, up 1.9 per cent in August, up 4.6 per cent in July, up 4.9 per cent in June, up 5 per cent a month in May, up 5 per cent in April.
    VILLA PRICES FROM CBRE: Palm Jumeirah: Dh3,704 per square foot — up 3.0 per cent in October, up 0.2 per cent in September, up 1.9 per cent in August, up 4.6 per cent in July, up 4.9 per cent in June, up 5 per cent a month in May, up 5 per cent in April.
  • Emirates Hills: Dh2,175 per square foot — down 3.6 per cent in October, up 3.8 per cent in September, no change in August, up 0.3 per cent in July, up 3.3 per cent in June, up 1.8 per cent in May, up 1.8 per cent in April. Photo: Knight Frank
    Emirates Hills: Dh2,175 per square foot — down 3.6 per cent in October, up 3.8 per cent in September, no change in August, up 0.3 per cent in July, up 3.3 per cent in June, up 1.8 per cent in May, up 1.8 per cent in April. Photo: Knight Frank
  • Jumeirah: Dh2,214 per square foot — up 3.6 per cent in October, up 2.3 per cent in September, down 1.1 per cent in August, up 2.2 per cent in July, up 1.0 per cent in June, up 2.0 per cent in May, up 3.7 per cent in April. Sarah Dea / The National
    Jumeirah: Dh2,214 per square foot — up 3.6 per cent in October, up 2.3 per cent in September, down 1.1 per cent in August, up 2.2 per cent in July, up 1.0 per cent in June, up 2.0 per cent in May, up 3.7 per cent in April. Sarah Dea / The National
  • District One: Dh2,055 per square foot — up 3.2 per cent in October, up 2.4 per cent in September, down 2.1 per cent in August, up 2.2 per cent in July, up 4.1 per cent in June, up 2.3 per cent in May, down 0.9 per cent in April. Satish Kumar / The National
    District One: Dh2,055 per square foot — up 3.2 per cent in October, up 2.4 per cent in September, down 2.1 per cent in August, up 2.2 per cent in July, up 4.1 per cent in June, up 2.3 per cent in May, down 0.9 per cent in April. Satish Kumar / The National
  • Mohammed bin Rashid City: Dh1,672 per square foot — up 0.7 per cent in October, up 0.6 per cent in September, up 1.2 per cent in August, up 3.6 per cent in July, up 4.0 per cent in June, up 0.1 per cent in May, up 0.7 per cent in April.
    Mohammed bin Rashid City: Dh1,672 per square foot — up 0.7 per cent in October, up 0.6 per cent in September, up 1.2 per cent in August, up 3.6 per cent in July, up 4.0 per cent in June, up 0.1 per cent in May, up 0.7 per cent in April.
  • Dubai Hills: Dh1,588 per square foot — up 2.3 per cent in October, up 1.0 per cent in September, up 0.9 per cent in August, down 0.2 per cent in July, up 4.1 per cent in June, up 1.2 per cent in May, up 1.5 per cent in April. Photo: Emaar Malls Management
    Dubai Hills: Dh1,588 per square foot — up 2.3 per cent in October, up 1.0 per cent in September, up 0.9 per cent in August, down 0.2 per cent in July, up 4.1 per cent in June, up 1.2 per cent in May, up 1.5 per cent in April. Photo: Emaar Malls Management
  • The Meadows: Dh1,586 per square foot — up 2.2 per cent in October, up 1.2 per cent in September, up 1.5 per cent in August, up 2.5 per cent in July, up 0.9 per cent in June, up 1.6 per cent in May, down 0.5 per cent in April. Jeffrey E Biteng / The National
    The Meadows: Dh1,586 per square foot — up 2.2 per cent in October, up 1.2 per cent in September, up 1.5 per cent in August, up 2.5 per cent in July, up 0.9 per cent in June, up 1.6 per cent in May, down 0.5 per cent in April. Jeffrey E Biteng / The National
  • The Lakes: Dh1,464 per square foot — down 1.3 per cent in October, down 1.1 per cent in September, up 1.3 per cent in August, up 1.3 per cent in July, up 1.6 per cent in June, up 1.2 per cent in May, up 1.0 per cent in April. Pawan Singh / The National
    The Lakes: Dh1,464 per square foot — down 1.3 per cent in October, down 1.1 per cent in September, up 1.3 per cent in August, up 1.3 per cent in July, up 1.6 per cent in June, up 1.2 per cent in May, up 1.0 per cent in April. Pawan Singh / The National
  • Jumeirah Islands: Dh1,563 per square foot — up 3.9 per cent in October, up 2.9 per cent in September, down 3.7 per cent in August, down 0.1 per cent in July, up 3.6 per cent in June, up 0.9 per cent in May, up 2.5 per cent in April. Photo: Prestige Dubai
    Jumeirah Islands: Dh1,563 per square foot — up 3.9 per cent in October, up 2.9 per cent in September, down 3.7 per cent in August, down 0.1 per cent in July, up 3.6 per cent in June, up 0.9 per cent in May, up 2.5 per cent in April. Photo: Prestige Dubai
  • Jumeirah Golf Estates: Dh1,474 per square foot — down 1.6 per cent in October, up 4.6 per cent in September, down 1.4 per cent in August, up 4.4 per cent in July, down 1.1 per cent in June, up 3.6 per cent in May, up 4.6 per cent in April. Pawan Singh / The National
    Jumeirah Golf Estates: Dh1,474 per square foot — down 1.6 per cent in October, up 4.6 per cent in September, down 1.4 per cent in August, up 4.4 per cent in July, down 1.1 per cent in June, up 3.6 per cent in May, up 4.6 per cent in April. Pawan Singh / The National
  • The Springs: Dh1,165 per square foot — up 0.9 per cent in October, up 1.0 per cent in September, down 0.4 per cent, up 3.9 per cent in July, up 0.8 per cent in June, up 1.8 per cent in May, up 2.1 per cent in April. Photo: Better Homes
    The Springs: Dh1,165 per square foot — up 0.9 per cent in October, up 1.0 per cent in September, down 0.4 per cent, up 3.9 per cent in July, up 0.8 per cent in June, up 1.8 per cent in May, up 2.1 per cent in April. Photo: Better Homes
  • Arabian Ranches: Dh1,235 per square foot — up 1.3 per cent in October, up 1.4 per cent in September, up 0.8 per cent in August, down 2.5 per cent in July, up 1.7 per cent in June, up 0.7 per cent in May, up 3.7 per cent in April. Pawan Singh / The National
    Arabian Ranches: Dh1,235 per square foot — up 1.3 per cent in October, up 1.4 per cent in September, up 0.8 per cent in August, down 2.5 per cent in July, up 1.7 per cent in June, up 0.7 per cent in May, up 3.7 per cent in April. Pawan Singh / The National
  • Meydan City: Dh1,199 per square foot — up 0.8 per cent in October, up 0.4 per cent in September, up 0.6 per cent in August, down 0.4 per cent in July, up 1.3 per cent in June, up 0.9 per cent in May, up 0.9 per cent in April.
    Meydan City: Dh1,199 per square foot — up 0.8 per cent in October, up 0.4 per cent in September, up 0.6 per cent in August, down 0.4 per cent in July, up 1.3 per cent in June, up 0.9 per cent in May, up 0.9 per cent in April.
  • Al Barari: Dh1,287 per square foot — up 1.0 per cent in October, up 2.9 per cent in September, up 2.2 per cent in August, up 3.5 per cent in July, up 3.0 per cent in June, down 0.7 per cent in May, up 4.9 per cent in April. Photo: Luxhabitat
    Al Barari: Dh1,287 per square foot — up 1.0 per cent in October, up 2.9 per cent in September, up 2.2 per cent in August, up 3.5 per cent in July, up 3.0 per cent in June, down 0.7 per cent in May, up 4.9 per cent in April. Photo: Luxhabitat
  • Jumeirah Park: Dh1,106 per square foot — down 2.0 per cent in October, down 1.9 per cent in September, up 0.4 per cent in August, up 0.4 per cent in July, up 3.8 per cent in June, up 0.2 per cent in May, up 0.8 per cent in April. Pawan Singh / The National
    Jumeirah Park: Dh1,106 per square foot — down 2.0 per cent in October, down 1.9 per cent in September, up 0.4 per cent in August, up 0.4 per cent in July, up 3.8 per cent in June, up 0.2 per cent in May, up 0.8 per cent in April. Pawan Singh / The National
  • Victory Heights: Dh1,139 per square foot — up 4.2 per cent in October, down 0.9 per cent in September, down 1.3 per cent in August, down 0.3 per cent in July, up 1.4 per cent in June, up 3.7 per cent in May, down 2.2 per cent in April. Photo: Luxhabitat
    Victory Heights: Dh1,139 per square foot — up 4.2 per cent in October, down 0.9 per cent in September, down 1.3 per cent in August, down 0.3 per cent in July, up 1.4 per cent in June, up 3.7 per cent in May, down 2.2 per cent in April. Photo: Luxhabitat
  • Mudon: Dh1,013 per square foot — down 0.7 per cent in October, up 2.1 per cent in September, down 2.6 per cent in August, up 0.9 per cent in July, up 1.4 per cent in June, down 0.5 per cent in May, up 2.7 per cent in April. Satish Kumar / The National
    Mudon: Dh1,013 per square foot — down 0.7 per cent in October, up 2.1 per cent in September, down 2.6 per cent in August, up 0.9 per cent in July, up 1.4 per cent in June, down 0.5 per cent in May, up 2.7 per cent in April. Satish Kumar / The National
  • Jumeirah Village Triangle: Dh1,031 per square foot — up 2.8 per cent in October, up 0.4 per cent in September, up 0.7 per cent in August, down 0.1 per cent in July, up 3.7 per cent in June, down 0.2 per cent in May, up 2.3 per cent in April. Pawan Singh / The National
    Jumeirah Village Triangle: Dh1,031 per square foot — up 2.8 per cent in October, up 0.4 per cent in September, up 0.7 per cent in August, down 0.1 per cent in July, up 3.7 per cent in June, down 0.2 per cent in May, up 2.3 per cent in April. Pawan Singh / The National
  • Sustainable City: Dh966 per square foot — down 0.4 per cent in October, up 0.5 per cent in September, down 0.7 per cent in August, up 0.7 per cent in July, up 2.6 per cent in June, down 0.8 per cent in May, up 0.6 per cent in April. Antonie Robertson / The National
    Sustainable City: Dh966 per square foot — down 0.4 per cent in October, up 0.5 per cent in September, down 0.7 per cent in August, up 0.7 per cent in July, up 2.6 per cent in June, down 0.8 per cent in May, up 0.6 per cent in April. Antonie Robertson / The National
  • Town Square: Dh823 per square foot — up 1.5 per cent in October, up 0.4 per cent in September, up 0.6 per cent in August, up 0.6 per cent in July, down 0.8 per cent in June, down 1.0 per cent in May, up 1.4 per cent in April. Satish Kumar / The National
    Town Square: Dh823 per square foot — up 1.5 per cent in October, up 0.4 per cent in September, up 0.6 per cent in August, up 0.6 per cent in July, down 0.8 per cent in June, down 1.0 per cent in May, up 1.4 per cent in April. Satish Kumar / The National
  • Living Legends: Dh825 per square foot — down 4.2 per cent in October, down 1.9 per cent in September, up 2.6 per cent in August, up 0.7 per cent in July, up 4.0 per cent in June, up 1.2 per cent in May. Pawan Singh / The National
    Living Legends: Dh825 per square foot — down 4.2 per cent in October, down 1.9 per cent in September, up 2.6 per cent in August, up 0.7 per cent in July, up 4.0 per cent in June, up 1.2 per cent in May. Pawan Singh / The National
  • Jumeirah Village Circle: Dh601 per square foot — down 1.8 per cent in October, down 1.3 per cent in September, down 1.4 per cent in August, up 3.3 per cent in July, down 1.6 per cent in June, up 0.8 per cent in May, up 1.3 per cent in April. Antonie Robertson / The National
    Jumeirah Village Circle: Dh601 per square foot — down 1.8 per cent in October, down 1.3 per cent in September, down 1.4 per cent in August, up 3.3 per cent in July, down 1.6 per cent in June, up 0.8 per cent in May, up 1.3 per cent in April. Antonie Robertson / The National
  • Falconcity of Wonders: Dh756 per square foot — up 0.9 per cent in October, down 2.0 per cent in September, up 4.8 per cent in August, up 0.7 per cent in July, flat in June, down 2.5 per cent in May, up 1.6 per cent in April. Sarah Dea / The National
    Falconcity of Wonders: Dh756 per square foot — up 0.9 per cent in October, down 2.0 per cent in September, up 4.8 per cent in August, up 0.7 per cent in July, flat in June, down 2.5 per cent in May, up 1.6 per cent in April. Sarah Dea / The National
  • Damac Hills 2: Dh595 per square foot — down 1.2 per cent in October, down 0.4 per cent in September, down 0.5 per cent in August, down 0.4 per cent in July, down 1.6 per cent in June, up 1.0 per cent in May, up 1.3 per cent in April. Photo: Allsopp & Allsopp
    Damac Hills 2: Dh595 per square foot — down 1.2 per cent in October, down 0.4 per cent in September, down 0.5 per cent in August, down 0.4 per cent in July, down 1.6 per cent in June, up 1.0 per cent in May, up 1.3 per cent in April. Photo: Allsopp & Allsopp

Business activity in Dubai's non-oil private sector economy was “robust” in October as companies increased their headcounts at the fastest pace in about three years amid stronger new orders.

The emirate's headline seasonally adjusted S&P Global purchasing managers' index reading stood at 56, above the neutral 50 mark separating expansion from contraction.

The UAE economy is set to grow by more than 6 per cent this year, after expanding by 3.8 per cent in 2021, buttressed by a rebound in tourism, construction and activity related to the Expo 2020 Dubai, the International Monetary Fund said last week.

A lack of prime supply has also been driving up prices. Knight Frank said the number of new high-end homes planned is failing to keep pace with demand.

Bulgari Lighthouse on Jumeirah Bay Island (31 apartments) and Alpago’s Palm Flower on The Palm Jumeirah (11 apartments) account for the bulk of new high-end homes coming to the city’s prime neighbourhoods.

“Supply is the other critical factor in our 2023 outlook, with just eight villas in Dubai’s prime precincts expected to be delivered by 2025,” Mr Durrani said.

“Developers have not responded to the buoyancy in demand as we have seen in past cycles and with supply remaining limited and demand for luxury waterfront continuing to strengthen, our 2023 prime residential forecast of 13.5 per cent is supported by a clear demand-supply imbalance as well as a positive economic backdrop.”

Dubai prices are likely to end the year about 50 per cent higher than 2021, Mr Durrani added.

Palm Jumeirah villa prices are the most expensive in Dubai at Dh3,704 per square foot in October, data from CBRE show. Prices have risen in each of the past six months, sometimes by as much as 5 per cent on a month-by-month basis.

The Palm has been the location for a number of records this year. Alpago's Casa Del Sole villa sold for a Dubai property market record of Dh302 million, while there was also recently a rental record after a villa was leased on a six-month basis for Dh4 million.

Real estate tokenisation project

Dubai launched the pilot phase of its real estate tokenisation project last month.

The initiative focuses on converting real estate assets into digital tokens recorded on blockchain technology and helps in streamlining the process of buying, selling and investing, the Dubai Land Department said.

Dubai’s real estate tokenisation market is projected to reach Dh60 billion ($16.33 billion) by 2033, representing 7 per cent of the emirate’s total property transactions, according to the DLD.

Email sent to Uber team from chief executive Dara Khosrowshahi

From: Dara

To: Team@

Date: March 25, 2019 at 11:45pm PT

Subj: Accelerating in the Middle East

Five years ago, Uber launched in the Middle East. It was the start of an incredible journey, with millions of riders and drivers finding new ways to move and work in a dynamic region that’s become so important to Uber. Now Pakistan is one of our fastest-growing markets in the world, women are driving with Uber across Saudi Arabia, and we chose Cairo to launch our first Uber Bus product late last year.

Today we are taking the next step in this journey—well, it’s more like a leap, and a big one: in a few minutes, we’ll announce that we’ve agreed to acquire Careem. Importantly, we intend to operate Careem independently, under the leadership of co-founder and current CEO Mudassir Sheikha. I’ve gotten to know both co-founders, Mudassir and Magnus Olsson, and what they have built is truly extraordinary. They are first-class entrepreneurs who share our platform vision and, like us, have launched a wide range of products—from digital payments to food delivery—to serve consumers.

I expect many of you will ask how we arrived at this structure, meaning allowing Careem to maintain an independent brand and operate separately. After careful consideration, we decided that this framework has the advantage of letting us build new products and try new ideas across not one, but two, strong brands, with strong operators within each. Over time, by integrating parts of our networks, we can operate more efficiently, achieve even lower wait times, expand new products like high-capacity vehicles and payments, and quicken the already remarkable pace of innovation in the region.

This acquisition is subject to regulatory approval in various countries, which we don’t expect before Q1 2020. Until then, nothing changes. And since both companies will continue to largely operate separately after the acquisition, very little will change in either teams’ day-to-day operations post-close. Today’s news is a testament to the incredible business our team has worked so hard to build.

It’s a great day for the Middle East, for the region’s thriving tech sector, for Careem, and for Uber.

Uber on,

Dara

Business Insights
  • Canada and Mexico are significant energy suppliers to the US, providing the majority of oil and natural gas imports
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Scoreline

Australia 2-1 Thailand

Australia: Juric 69', Leckie 86'
Thailand: Pokklaw 82'

Yahya Al Ghassani's bio

Date of birth: April 18, 1998

Playing position: Winger

Clubs: 2015-2017 – Al Ahli Dubai; March-June 2018 – Paris FC; August – Al Wahda

Mercer, the investment consulting arm of US services company Marsh & McLennan, expects its wealth division to at least double its assets under management (AUM) in the Middle East as wealth in the region continues to grow despite economic headwinds, a company official said.

Mercer Wealth, which globally has $160 billion in AUM, plans to boost its AUM in the region to $2-$3bn in the next 2-3 years from the present $1bn, said Yasir AbuShaban, a Dubai-based principal with Mercer Wealth.

Within the next two to three years, we are looking at reaching $2 to $3 billion as a conservative estimate and we do see an opportunity to do so,” said Mr AbuShaban.

Mercer does not directly make investments, but allocates clients’ money they have discretion to, to professional asset managers. They also provide advice to clients.

“We have buying power. We can negotiate on their (client’s) behalf with asset managers to provide them lower fees than they otherwise would have to get on their own,” he added.

Mercer Wealth’s clients include sovereign wealth funds, family offices, and insurance companies among others.

From its office in Dubai, Mercer also looks after Africa, India and Turkey, where they also see opportunity for growth.

Wealth creation in Middle East and Africa (MEA) grew 8.5 per cent to $8.1 trillion last year from $7.5tn in 2015, higher than last year’s global average of 6 per cent and the second-highest growth in a region after Asia-Pacific which grew 9.9 per cent, according to consultancy Boston Consulting Group (BCG). In the region, where wealth grew just 1.9 per cent in 2015 compared with 2014, a pickup in oil prices has helped in wealth generation.

BCG is forecasting MEA wealth will rise to $12tn by 2021, growing at an annual average of 8 per cent.

Drivers of wealth generation in the region will be split evenly between new wealth creation and growth of performance of existing assets, according to BCG.

Another general trend in the region is clients’ looking for a comprehensive approach to investing, according to Mr AbuShaban.

“Institutional investors or some of the families are seeing a slowdown in the available capital they have to invest and in that sense they are looking at optimizing the way they manage their portfolios and making sure they are not investing haphazardly and different parts of their investment are working together,” said Mr AbuShaban.

Some clients also have a higher appetite for risk, given the low interest-rate environment that does not provide enough yield for some institutional investors. These clients are keen to invest in illiquid assets, such as private equity and infrastructure.

“What we have seen is a desire for higher returns in what has been a low-return environment specifically in various fixed income or bonds,” he said.

“In this environment, we have seen a de facto increase in the risk that clients are taking in things like illiquid investments, private equity investments, infrastructure and private debt, those kind of investments were higher illiquidity results in incrementally higher returns.”

The Abu Dhabi Investment Authority, one of the largest sovereign wealth funds, said in its 2016 report that has gradually increased its exposure in direct private equity and private credit transactions, mainly in Asian markets and especially in China and India. The authority’s private equity department focused on structured equities owing to “their defensive characteristics.”

The%20specs
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UAE players with central contracts

Rohan Mustafa, Ashfaq Ahmed, Chirag Suri, Rameez Shahzad, Shaiman Anwar, Adnan Mufti, Mohammed Usman, Ghulam Shabbir, Ahmed Raza, Qadeer Ahmed, Amir Hayat, Mohammed Naveed and Imran Haider.

Manchester City (0) v Liverpool (3)

Uefa Champions League, quarter-final, second leg

Where: Etihad Stadium
When: Tuesday, 10.45pm
Live on beIN Sports HD

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Gulf Under 19s final

Dubai College A 50-12 Dubai College B

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%3Cp%3EThere%20are%20regular%20flights%20from%20Dubai%20to%20Kathmandu.%20Fares%20with%20Air%20Arabia%20and%20flydubai%20start%20at%20Dh1%2C265.%3Cbr%3EIn%20Kathmandu%2C%20rooms%20at%20the%20Oasis%20Kathmandu%20Hotel%20start%20at%20Dh195%20and%20Dh120%20at%20Hotel%20Ganesh%20Himal.%3Cbr%3EThird%20Rock%20Adventures%20offers%20professionally%20run%20group%20and%20individual%20treks%20and%20tours%20using%20highly%20experienced%20guides%20throughout%20Nepal%2C%20Bhutan%20and%20other%20parts%20of%20the%20Himalayas.%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Citadel: Honey Bunny first episode

Directors: Raj & DK

Stars: Varun Dhawan, Samantha Ruth Prabhu, Kashvi Majmundar, Kay Kay Menon

Rating: 4/5

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

Labour dispute

The insured employee may still file an ILOE claim even if a labour dispute is ongoing post termination, but the insurer may suspend or reject payment, until the courts resolve the dispute, especially if the reason for termination is contested. The outcome of the labour court proceedings can directly affect eligibility.


- Abdullah Ishnaneh, Partner, BSA Law 

Tentative schedule of 2017/18 Ashes series

1st Test November 23-27, The Gabba, Brisbane

2nd Test December 2-6, Adelaide Oval, Adelaide

3rd Test Dcember 14-18, Waca, Perth

4th Test December 26-30, Melbourne Cricket Ground, Melbourne

5th Test January 4-8, Sydney Cricket Ground, Sydney

World Cricket League Division 2

In Windhoek, Namibia - Top two teams qualify for the World Cup Qualifier in Zimbabwe, which starts on March 4.

UAE fixtures

Thursday February 8, v Kenya; Friday February 9, v Canada; Sunday February 11, v Nepal; Monday February 12, v Oman; Wednesday February 14, v Namibia; Thursday February 15, final

Top investing tips for UAE residents in 2021

Build an emergency fund: Make sure you have enough cash to cover six months of expenses as a buffer against unexpected problems before you begin investing, advises Steve Cronin, the founder of DeadSimpleSaving.com.

Think long-term: When you invest, you need to have a long-term mindset, so don’t worry about momentary ups and downs in the stock market.

Invest worldwide: Diversify your investments globally, ideally by way of a global stock index fund.

Is your money tied up: Avoid anything where you cannot get your money back in full within a month at any time without any penalty.

Skip past the promises: “If an investment product is offering more than 10 per cent return per year, it is either extremely risky or a scam,” Mr Cronin says.

Choose plans with low fees: Make sure that any funds you buy do not charge more than 1 per cent in fees, Mr Cronin says. “If you invest by yourself, you can easily stay below this figure.” Managed funds and commissionable investments often come with higher fees.

Be sceptical about recommendations: If someone suggests an investment to you, ask if they stand to gain, advises Mr Cronin. “If they are receiving commission, they are unlikely to recommend an investment that’s best for you.”

Get financially independent: Mr Cronin advises UAE residents to pursue financial independence. Start with a Google search and improve your knowledge via expat investing websites or Facebook groups such as SimplyFI. 

MATCH INFO

Arsenal 1 (Aubameyang 12’) Liverpool 1 (Minamino 73’)

Arsenal win 5-4 on penalties

Man of the Match: Ainsley Maitland-Niles (Arsenal)

MATCH INFO

Norwich City 0 Southampton 3 (Ings 49', Armstrong 54', Redmond 79')

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Sam Smith

Where: du Arena, Abu Dhabi

When: Saturday November 24

Rating: 4/5

SPEC%20SHEET%3A%20APPLE%20IPHONE%2015%20PRO%20MAX
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Ant-Man and the Wasp

Director: Peyton Reed

Starring: Paul Rudd, Evangeline Lilly, Michael Douglas

Three stars

'THE WORST THING YOU CAN EAT'

Trans fat is typically found in fried and baked goods, but you may be consuming more than you think.

Powdered coffee creamer, microwave popcorn and virtually anything processed with a crust is likely to contain it, as this guide from Mayo Clinic outlines: 

Baked goods - Most cakes, cookies, pie crusts and crackers contain shortening, which is usually made from partially hydrogenated vegetable oil. Ready-made frosting is another source of trans fat.

Snacks - Potato, corn and tortilla chips often contain trans fat. And while popcorn can be a healthy snack, many types of packaged or microwave popcorn use trans fat to help cook or flavour the popcorn.

Fried food - Foods that require deep frying — french fries, doughnuts and fried chicken — can contain trans fat from the oil used in the cooking process.

Refrigerator dough - Products such as canned biscuits and cinnamon rolls often contain trans fat, as do frozen pizza crusts.

Creamer and margarine - Nondairy coffee creamer and stick margarines also may contain partially hydrogenated vegetable oils.

EMERGENCY PHONE NUMBERS

Estijaba – 8001717 –  number to call to request coronavirus testing

Ministry of Health and Prevention – 80011111

Dubai Health Authority – 800342 – The number to book a free video or voice consultation with a doctor or connect to a local health centre

Emirates airline – 600555555

Etihad Airways – 600555666

Ambulance – 998

Knowledge and Human Development Authority – 8005432 ext. 4 for Covid-19 queries

GAC GS8 Specs

Engine: 2.0-litre 4cyl turbo

Power: 248hp at 5,200rpm

Torque: 400Nm at 1,750-4,000rpm

Transmission: 8-speed auto

Fuel consumption: 9.1L/100km

On sale: Now

Price: From Dh149,900

SPECS
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The Beach Bum

Director: Harmony Korine

Stars: Matthew McConaughey, Isla Fisher, Snoop Dogg

Two stars

Know your Camel lingo

The bairaq is a competition for the best herd of 50 camels, named for the banner its winner takes home

Namoos - a word of congratulations reserved for falconry competitions, camel races and camel pageants. It best translates as 'the pride of victory' - and for competitors, it is priceless

Asayel camels - sleek, short-haired hound-like racers

Majahim - chocolate-brown camels that can grow to weigh two tonnes. They were only valued for milk until camel pageantry took off in the 1990s

Millions Street - the thoroughfare where camels are led and where white 4x4s throng throughout the festival

Updated: November 29, 2022, 6:41 AM