• Portugal's Goncalo Ramos kisses the ball after scoring a hat-trick in the match against Switzerland. Reuters
    Portugal's Goncalo Ramos kisses the ball after scoring a hat-trick in the match against Switzerland. Reuters
  • Portugal's Pepe scores their second goal. Reuters
    Portugal's Pepe scores their second goal. Reuters
  • Portugal's Raphael Guerreiro celebrates scoring their fourth goal with Bruno Fernandes. Reuters
    Portugal's Raphael Guerreiro celebrates scoring their fourth goal with Bruno Fernandes. Reuters
  • The Moroccan flag is projected on tower blocks in the city center of Doha, Qatar, after Morocco beat Spain. AP Photo
    The Moroccan flag is projected on tower blocks in the city center of Doha, Qatar, after Morocco beat Spain. AP Photo
  • Morocco's players celebrate their penalty shootout win as the losing Spanish player look on. Reuters
    Morocco's players celebrate their penalty shootout win as the losing Spanish player look on. Reuters
  • Morocco's Jawad El Yamiq taking out his frustrations after a missed chance against Spain. AP Photo
    Morocco's Jawad El Yamiq taking out his frustrations after a missed chance against Spain. AP Photo
  • Morocco's Achraf Hakimi turns away after scoring the winning penalty in the shoot-out against Spain at Education City Stadium. AP
    Morocco's Achraf Hakimi turns away after scoring the winning penalty in the shoot-out against Spain at Education City Stadium. AP
  • Morocco goalkeeper Yassine Bounou saves from Spain's Nico Williams in their Qatar 2022 World Cup round of 16 match at Education City Stadium. Getty
    Morocco goalkeeper Yassine Bounou saves from Spain's Nico Williams in their Qatar 2022 World Cup round of 16 match at Education City Stadium. Getty
  • Morocco's players huddle before extra time after it ended goalless in 90 minutes. Reuters
    Morocco's players huddle before extra time after it ended goalless in 90 minutes. Reuters
  • Coach Luis Enrique leaps at a Spanish chance. Reuters
    Coach Luis Enrique leaps at a Spanish chance. Reuters
  • Morocco's Hakim Ziyech shakes hands with Enrique at a throw-in. Reuters
    Morocco's Hakim Ziyech shakes hands with Enrique at a throw-in. Reuters
  • Ferran Torres and Noussair Mazraoui go to ground. Getty
    Ferran Torres and Noussair Mazraoui go to ground. Getty
  • Argentinian referee Fernando Rapallini speaks with the Spanish and Moroccan players. Getty
    Argentinian referee Fernando Rapallini speaks with the Spanish and Moroccan players. Getty
  • Youssef En-Nesyri of Morocco and Sergio Busquets of Spain compete for the ball. Getty
    Youssef En-Nesyri of Morocco and Sergio Busquets of Spain compete for the ball. Getty
  • Gavi acrobatically controls the ball. Getty
    Gavi acrobatically controls the ball. Getty
  • Mazraoui with Moroccan team-mate Sofiane Boufal. Reuters
    Mazraoui with Moroccan team-mate Sofiane Boufal. Reuters
  • Morocco's fans pack the stands at Education City. Reuters
    Morocco's fans pack the stands at Education City. Reuters
  • Morocco fans outside the stadium before the match. Reuters
    Morocco fans outside the stadium before the match. Reuters
  • Spain fans ready for the big game. Reuters
    Spain fans ready for the big game. Reuters
  • Achraf Hakimi battles for possession with Spain's Pedri and Jordi Alba. Getty
    Achraf Hakimi battles for possession with Spain's Pedri and Jordi Alba. Getty
  • Moroccan fans at Doha's Souq Waqif market as they prepare for their team's round of 16 soccer match against Spain. EPA
    Moroccan fans at Doha's Souq Waqif market as they prepare for their team's round of 16 soccer match against Spain. EPA
  • A Spain fan is given a treat by an ice cream seller at Souq Waqif. EPA
    A Spain fan is given a treat by an ice cream seller at Souq Waqif. EPA
  • A Morocco fan shows off his ball skills. EPA
    A Morocco fan shows off his ball skills. EPA
  • A Swiss fan at the market before his team's late game against Portugal in the last 16. EPA
    A Swiss fan at the market before his team's late game against Portugal in the last 16. EPA
  • Fans prepare to fly to Qatar from Dubai. PA
    Fans prepare to fly to Qatar from Dubai. PA
  • Maya Yoshida sheds tears as he gives an interview a day after Japan's last-16 defeat by Croatia. AP
    Maya Yoshida sheds tears as he gives an interview a day after Japan's last-16 defeat by Croatia. AP

UAE football fans set to flock to Qatar as World Cup entry rules eased


  • English
  • Arabic

Latest: We drove from UAE to Doha for the World Cup - here's how we did it

UAE residents are hoping to fulfil their footballing dreams after Qatar eased entry rules for the remainder of the World Cup.

Doha is braced for a new wave of visiting supporters after dropping the requirement for Gulf citizens and residents to obtain a Hayya card — which has acted as an entry visa for the event — to travel to the country.

Authorities had already moved to allow fans without tickets to soak up the carnival atmosphere in Qatar in time for the start of the knockout stages.

The decision is expected to prompt a travel boom — with the quarter-finals getting under way on Friday.

I had given up on the idea of travelling to watch the tournament but it would be a dream for me to watch the matches live
Munaf Al Taee,
Iraqi engineer in Dubai

With countries with large followings, such as England, Brazil, Argentina and France, still in the thick of the action, many fans will likely want to sample a taste of the World Cup in person.

Supporters with tickets are still required to use the Hayya system, as this prevents fraudulent entry to stadiums.

Munaf Al Taee, a 44-year-old Iraqi engineer based in Dubai, had given up hope of attending the global spectacle until hearing of the latest announcement.

“Previously, I had given up on the idea of travelling to watch the tournament after hearing about Hayya card requirements," said Mr Al Taee, whose love of Diego Maradona inspired him to follow Argentina.

"Now I’m seriously thinking to travel to Qatar for the knockout stages to enjoy the atmosphere.”

Munaf Al Taee, 44, is hoping to experience the World Cup in Qatar in person. Photo: Munaf Al Taee
Munaf Al Taee, 44, is hoping to experience the World Cup in Qatar in person. Photo: Munaf Al Taee

He has already begin his search for match tickets, safe in the knowledge he will be able to enter Qatar freely.

“Although I know the tickets will be expensive now, it would be a dream for me to watch the matches live," he said. "I will decide later whether to travel by car or fly.

“The last eight qualified teams are the top ones. I support Argentina because of Maradona. I can’t wait to get a match ticket for Argentina against [the] Netherlands on Friday and support them. Thanks, Qatar.”

Morocco win inspires journey

Mounir Shaltony, a 39-year-old Arab-Canadian, is planning a Doha trip after Morocco's remarkable penalty shootout success over Spain.

He told The National prior to Tuesday's dramatic match he would travel if the Atlas Lions came out on top.

“I’m excited about the prospects of attending the World cup as I was trying to avoid flights and the logistics behind them," he said.

Awad Najaro, a Sudanese resident in Dubai, is eager to sample the drama in Doha.

“I've never been to the World Cup before and now I’m super-excited to go and fulfil a dream. I was not sure to be able to go because of the long waiting period and busy live schedule,” said the 32 year old.

“I have never been to Doha before and now I can go for a special occasion.”

Flight and hotel prices

Fans hoping to be part of the festival of football need to act fast with the showpiece final taking place on December 18.

Return flights on Saturday, when England take on reigning champions France, started from Dh1,670 ($454) for a flydubai flight, according to Skyscanner as of Tuesday.

The cheapest direct flights from Abu Dhabi on the same day cost Dh2,935 with Etihad and Qatar Airways.

Flights from Sharjah on the same day are available from Dh2,814 with Air Arabia.

The official fan accommodation website for the World Cup shows apartments available from about Dh1,428 for the same night.

Accommodation at the fan villages starts at slightly under Dh730 while three-star hotel rooms are available from Dh830.

  • Senegal supporters cheer during the Qatar 2022 World Cup Group A football match against the Netherlands at the Al Thumama Stadium near Doha. AFP
    Senegal supporters cheer during the Qatar 2022 World Cup Group A football match against the Netherlands at the Al Thumama Stadium near Doha. AFP
  • This Iranian fan can't watch as England hammered his country's team 6-2. Bloomberg
    This Iranian fan can't watch as England hammered his country's team 6-2. Bloomberg
  • Iran supporters make a point before the match with England at Khalifa International Stadium in Doha. EPA
    Iran supporters make a point before the match with England at Khalifa International Stadium in Doha. EPA
  • England fans en route to the game against Iran. EPA
    England fans en route to the game against Iran. EPA
  • England fans ... or is it Harry Kane and Jordan Pickford? Getty Images
    England fans ... or is it Harry Kane and Jordan Pickford? Getty Images
  • Party time for Qatar supporters before the opening World Cup match against Ecuador at Al Bayt Stadium in Al Khor, north of Doha. The high spirits fizzled out as Qatar lost 2-0. AFP
    Party time for Qatar supporters before the opening World Cup match against Ecuador at Al Bayt Stadium in Al Khor, north of Doha. The high spirits fizzled out as Qatar lost 2-0. AFP
  • These Ecuador fans are dreaming big. AFP
    These Ecuador fans are dreaming big. AFP
  • USA supporters wave the stars and stripes before playing Wales, at the Ahmad bin Ali Stadium in Umm Al Afaei, a match that was drawn 1-1. AP
    USA supporters wave the stars and stripes before playing Wales, at the Ahmad bin Ali Stadium in Umm Al Afaei, a match that was drawn 1-1. AP
  • Wales fans show their support during the match against the USA at Ahmad bin Ali Stadium. Getty Images
    Wales fans show their support during the match against the USA at Ahmad bin Ali Stadium. Getty Images
  • Even this Diego Maradona mask could have been left red-faced after Argentina succumbed 2-1 to Saudi Arabia in a shock result in Lusail. AFP
    Even this Diego Maradona mask could have been left red-faced after Argentina succumbed 2-1 to Saudi Arabia in a shock result in Lusail. AFP
  • Argentina's supporters cheer before the start of the Group C football match against Saudi Arabia. AFP
    Argentina's supporters cheer before the start of the Group C football match against Saudi Arabia. AFP
  • Saudi Arabia fans celebrate their team's victory over Argentina. AFP
    Saudi Arabia fans celebrate their team's victory over Argentina. AFP
  • Many Saudi Arabia fans couldn't believe their historic win over Argentina. AFP
    Many Saudi Arabia fans couldn't believe their historic win over Argentina. AFP
  • Masked Mexican supporters arrive for the World Cup match against Poland at Stadium 974. AFP
    Masked Mexican supporters arrive for the World Cup match against Poland at Stadium 974. AFP
  • A France supporter holds a mock rooster in the run-up to the match against Australia at Al Janoub Stadium. AFP
    A France supporter holds a mock rooster in the run-up to the match against Australia at Al Janoub Stadium. AFP
  • People dance at an official US football fan party at the Budweiser World Club in Doha. AP
    People dance at an official US football fan party at the Budweiser World Club in Doha. AP
  • A fan waves the Brazilian national flag in Doha, during the opening day of the Qatar 2022 World Cup. AFP
    A fan waves the Brazilian national flag in Doha, during the opening day of the Qatar 2022 World Cup. AFP
  • Fans watch the opening match on Doha Corniche. Getty Images
    Fans watch the opening match on Doha Corniche. Getty Images
  • Eyes fixed on the screen at Doha Corniche. Getty Images
    Eyes fixed on the screen at Doha Corniche. Getty Images
  • A young football fan on the Doha Corniche. Getty Images
    A young football fan on the Doha Corniche. Getty Images
  • An Argentina fan in triumphant pose before the opening match between Qatar and Ecuador. Getty Images
    An Argentina fan in triumphant pose before the opening match between Qatar and Ecuador. Getty Images
  • Fans watch at Doha Corniche. Getty Images
    Fans watch at Doha Corniche. Getty Images
  • Football fans meet La'eeb, the Qatar World Cup mascot, at the Lusail Boulevard fan area. La'eeb is an Arabic word for a hotshot footballer. Getty Images
    Football fans meet La'eeb, the Qatar World Cup mascot, at the Lusail Boulevard fan area. La'eeb is an Arabic word for a hotshot footballer. Getty Images
  • Football fans in Argentina colours at the Lusail Boulevard fan area. Getty
    Football fans in Argentina colours at the Lusail Boulevard fan area. Getty
  • Qatar fans make the Souq Waqif marketplace in Doha their own before the 2022 World Cup kicks off. AFP
    Qatar fans make the Souq Waqif marketplace in Doha their own before the 2022 World Cup kicks off. AFP
  • Crowd control by Qatari police officers at the Fifa fan zone in Doha. AP
    Crowd control by Qatari police officers at the Fifa fan zone in Doha. AP
  • Celebration party time at the Fifa World Cup 2022 Qatar fan festival in Al Bidda Park, Doha. Getty
    Celebration party time at the Fifa World Cup 2022 Qatar fan festival in Al Bidda Park, Doha. Getty
  • Fans at the opening of the Fifa fan festival. Reuters
    Fans at the opening of the Fifa fan festival. Reuters
  • A young Brazil fan at the Souq Waqif marketplace in Doha. AFP
    A young Brazil fan at the Souq Waqif marketplace in Doha. AFP
  • Saudi Arabia fans arrive in Qatar for the Fifa World Cup. Reuters
    Saudi Arabia fans arrive in Qatar for the Fifa World Cup. Reuters
  • Good to be here: a Mexico fan arrives in Qatar. Reuters
    Good to be here: a Mexico fan arrives in Qatar. Reuters
  • Fan wears an image of Argentina's Lionel Messi close to his heart. Reuters
    Fan wears an image of Argentina's Lionel Messi close to his heart. Reuters
  • A low-key Mexico fan brings a replica World Cup to Qatar. Reuters
    A low-key Mexico fan brings a replica World Cup to Qatar. Reuters
  • Brazil fans gather outside the Westin Doha Hotel & Spa in Doha to welcome their team to Qatar. AFP
    Brazil fans gather outside the Westin Doha Hotel & Spa in Doha to welcome their team to Qatar. AFP
  • Many people attend the Fifa fan festival opening day at Al Bidda Park in Doha. AFP
    Many people attend the Fifa fan festival opening day at Al Bidda Park in Doha. AFP
  • Many people attend the Fifa fan festival opening day at Al Bidda Park in Doha. AFP
    Many people attend the Fifa fan festival opening day at Al Bidda Park in Doha. AFP
  • A young fan at Souq Waqif ahead of the World Cup in Doha, Qatar. Reuters
    A young fan at Souq Waqif ahead of the World Cup in Doha, Qatar. Reuters

The website advises that availability is limited.

Tickets are being sold in phases on a first-come, first-served basis with an online queuing system in place for those hoping to buy on the official Qatar World Cup website.

The website states that current ticket demand is "very high" and long waits in the queuing system are expected.

Tickets are being sold on the secondary market for England's match against France for as much as Dh16,477.

Qatari authorities have warned anyone who sells or exchanges tickets for the tournament without permission from world football's governing body Fifa faces a fine of up to 250,000 riyals ($66,000).

Driving from Dubai or Abu Dhabi

GCC citizens and residents hoping to drive to Qatar will be allowed to enter without a Hayya card from Thursday.

To do this, you need to apply for a vehicle entry permit through the Qatar Ministry of Interior website 12 hours before crossing the border.

There are no fees to pay, officials said.

Fans still have an option of crossing land borders and leaving their car in a designated car park on the Saudi Arabia side, before taking buses to Doha. We have a full guide on that here.

To register for a permit, visit here.

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

Women & Power: A Manifesto

Mary Beard

Profile Books and London Review of Books 

Classification of skills

A worker is categorised as skilled by the MOHRE based on nine levels given in the International Standard Classification of Occupations (ISCO) issued by the International Labour Organisation. 

A skilled worker would be someone at a professional level (levels 1 – 5) which includes managers, professionals, technicians and associate professionals, clerical support workers, and service and sales workers.

The worker must also have an attested educational certificate higher than secondary or an equivalent certification, and earn a monthly salary of at least Dh4,000. 

The five pillars of Islam
Pox that threatens the Middle East's native species

Camelpox

Caused by a virus related to the one that causes human smallpox, camelpox typically causes fever, swelling of lymph nodes and skin lesions in camels aged over three, but the animal usually recovers after a month or so. Younger animals may develop a more acute form that causes internal lesions and diarrhoea, and is often fatal, especially when secondary infections result. It is found across the Middle East as well as in parts of Asia, Africa, Russia and India.

Falconpox

Falconpox can cause a variety of types of lesions, which can affect, for example, the eyelids, feet and the areas above and below the beak. It is a problem among captive falcons and is one of many types of avian pox or avipox diseases that together affect dozens of bird species across the world. Among the other forms are pigeonpox, turkeypox, starlingpox and canarypox. Avipox viruses are spread by mosquitoes and direct bird-to-bird contact.

Houbarapox

Houbarapox is, like falconpox, one of the many forms of avipox diseases. It exists in various forms, with a type that causes skin lesions being least likely to result in death. Other forms cause more severe lesions, including internal lesions, and are more likely to kill the bird, often because secondary infections develop. This summer the CVRL reported an outbreak of pox in houbaras after rains in spring led to an increase in mosquito numbers.

Price, base / as tested From Dh173,775 (base model)
Engine 2.0-litre 4cyl turbo, AWD
Power 249hp at 5,500rpm
Torque 365Nm at 1,300-4,500rpm
Gearbox Nine-speed auto
Fuel economy, combined 7.9L/100km

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 

The President's Cake

Director: Hasan Hadi

Starring: Baneen Ahmad Nayyef, Waheed Thabet Khreibat, Sajad Mohamad Qasem 

Rating: 4/5

About Karol Nawrocki

• Supports military aid for Ukraine, unlike other eurosceptic leaders, but he will oppose its membership in western alliances.

• A nationalist, his campaign slogan was Poland First. "Let's help others, but let's take care of our own citizens first," he said on social media in April.

• Cultivates tough-guy image, posting videos of himself at shooting ranges and in boxing rings.

• Met Donald Trump at the White House and received his backing.

What are the GCSE grade equivalents?
 
  • Grade 9 = above an A*
  • Grade 8 = between grades A* and A
  • Grade 7 = grade A
  • Grade 6 = just above a grade B
  • Grade 5 = between grades B and C
  • Grade 4 = grade C
  • Grade 3 = between grades D and E
  • Grade 2 = between grades E and F
  • Grade 1 = between grades F and G
10 tips for entry-level job seekers
  • Have an up-to-date, professional LinkedIn profile. If you don’t have a LinkedIn account, set one up today. Avoid poor-quality profile pictures with distracting backgrounds. Include a professional summary and begin to grow your network.
  • Keep track of the job trends in your sector through the news. Apply for job alerts at your dream organisations and the types of jobs you want – LinkedIn uses AI to share similar relevant jobs based on your selections.
  • Double check that you’ve highlighted relevant skills on your resume and LinkedIn profile.
  • For most entry-level jobs, your resume will first be filtered by an applicant tracking system for keywords. Look closely at the description of the job you are applying for and mirror the language as much as possible (while being honest and accurate about your skills and experience).
  • Keep your CV professional and in a simple format – make sure you tailor your cover letter and application to the company and role.
  • Go online and look for details on job specifications for your target position. Make a list of skills required and set yourself some learning goals to tick off all the necessary skills one by one.
  • Don’t be afraid to reach outside your immediate friends and family to other acquaintances and let them know you are looking for new opportunities.
  • Make sure you’ve set your LinkedIn profile to signal that you are “open to opportunities”. Also be sure to use LinkedIn to search for people who are still actively hiring by searching for those that have the headline “I’m hiring” or “We’re hiring” in their profile.
  • Prepare for online interviews using mock interview tools. Even before landing interviews, it can be useful to start practising.
  • Be professional and patient. Always be professional with whoever you are interacting with throughout your search process, this will be remembered. You need to be patient, dedicated and not give up on your search. Candidates need to make sure they are following up appropriately for roles they have applied.

Arda Atalay, head of Mena private sector at LinkedIn Talent Solutions, Rudy Bier, managing partner of Kinetic Business Solutions and Ben Kinerman Daltrey, co-founder of KinFitz

Winners

Ballon d’Or (Men’s)
Ousmane Dembélé (Paris Saint-Germain / France)

Ballon d’Or Féminin (Women’s)
Aitana Bonmatí (Barcelona / Spain)

Kopa Trophy (Best player under 21 – Men’s)
Lamine Yamal (Barcelona / Spain)

Best Young Women’s Player
Vicky López (Barcelona / Spain)

Yashin Trophy (Best Goalkeeper – Men’s)
Gianluigi Donnarumma (Paris Saint-Germain and Manchester City / Italy)

Best Women’s Goalkeeper
Hannah Hampton (England / Aston Villa and Chelsea)

Men’s Coach of the Year
Luis Enrique (Paris Saint-Germain)

Women’s Coach of the Year
Sarina Wiegman (England)

Spain drain

CONVICTED

Lionel Messi Found guilty in 2016 of of using companies in Belize, Britain, Switzerland and Uruguay to avoid paying €4.1m in taxes on income earned from image rights. Sentenced to 21 months in jail and fined more than €2m. But prison sentence has since been replaced by another fine of €252,000.

Javier Mascherano Accepted one-year suspended sentence in January 2016 for tax fraud after found guilty of failing to pay €1.5m in taxes for 2011 and 2012. Unlike Messi he avoided trial by admitting to tax evasion.

Angel di Maria Argentina and Paris Saint-Germain star Angel di Maria was fined and given a 16-month prison sentence for tax fraud during his time at Real Madrid. But he is unlikely to go to prison as is normal in Spain for first offences for non-violent crimes carrying sentence of less than two years.

 

SUSPECTED

Cristiano Ronaldo Real Madrid's star striker, accused of evading €14.7m in taxes, appears in court on Monday. Portuguese star faces four charges of fraud through offshore companies.

Jose Mourinho Manchester United manager accused of evading €3.3m in tax in 2011 and 2012, during time in charge at Real Madrid. But Gestifute, which represents him, says he has already settled matter with Spanish tax authorities.

Samuel Eto'o In November 2016, Spanish prosecutors sought jail sentence of 10 years and fines totalling €18m for Cameroonian, accused of failing to pay €3.9m in taxes during time at Barcelona from 2004 to 2009.

Radamel Falcao Colombian striker Falcao suspected of failing to correctly declare €7.4m of income earned from image rights between 2012 and 2013 while at Atletico Madrid. He has since paid €8.2m to Spanish tax authorities, a sum that includes interest on the original amount.

Jorge Mendes Portuguese super-agent put under official investigation last month by Spanish court investigating alleged tax evasion by Falcao, a client of his. He defended himself, telling closed-door hearing he "never" advised players in tax matters.

The Melbourne Mercer Global Pension Index

The Melbourne Mercer Global Pension Index

Mazen Abukhater, principal and actuary at global consultancy Mercer, Middle East, says the company’s Melbourne Mercer Global Pension Index - which benchmarks 34 pension schemes across the globe to assess their adequacy, sustainability and integrity - included Saudi Arabia for the first time this year to offer a glimpse into the region.

The index highlighted fundamental issues for all 34 countries, such as a rapid ageing population and a low growth / low interest environment putting pressure on expected returns. It also highlighted the increasing popularity around the world of defined contribution schemes.

“Average life expectancy has been increasing by about three years every 10 years. Someone born in 1947 is expected to live until 85 whereas someone born in 2007 is expected to live to 103,” Mr Abukhater told the Mena Pensions Conference.

“Are our systems equipped to handle these kind of life expectancies in the future? If so many people retire at 60, they are going to be in retirement for 43 years – so we need to adapt our retirement age to our changing life expectancy.”

Saudi Arabia came in the middle of Mercer’s ranking with a score of 58.9. The report said the country's index could be raised by improving the minimum level of support for the poorest aged individuals and increasing the labour force participation rate at older ages as life expectancies rise.

Mr Abukhater said the challenges of an ageing population, increased life expectancy and some individuals relying solely on their government for financial support in their retirement years will put the system under strain.

“To relieve that pressure, governments need to consider whether it is time to switch to a defined contribution scheme so that individuals can supplement their own future with the help of government support,” he said.

Avatar: Fire and Ash

Director: James Cameron

Starring: Sam Worthington, Sigourney Weaver, Zoe Saldana

Rating: 4.5/5

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

The National's picks

4.35pm: Tilal Al Khalediah
5.10pm: Continous
5.45pm: Raging Torrent
6.20pm: West Acre
7pm: Flood Zone
7.40pm: Straight No Chaser
8.15pm: Romantic Warrior
8.50pm: Calandogan
9.30pm: Forever Young

Moonfall

Director: Rolan Emmerich

Stars: Patrick Wilson, Halle Berry

Rating: 3/5

A Bad Moms Christmas
Dir: John Lucas and Scott Moore
Starring: Mila Kunis, Kathryn Hahn, Kristen Bell, Susan Sarandon, Christine Baranski, Cheryl Hines
Two stars

Match info

Uefa Champions League Group C

Liverpool v Napoli, midnight

PREMIER LEAGUE RESULTS

Bournemouth 1 Manchester City 2
Watford 0 Brighton and Hove Albion 0
Newcastle United 3 West Ham United 0
Huddersfield Town 0 Southampton 0
Crystal Palace 0 Swansea City 2
Manchester United 2 Leicester City 0
West Bromwich Albion 1 Stoke City 1
Chelsea 2 Everton 0
Tottenham Hotspur 1 Burnley 1
Liverpool 4 Arsenal 0

Diriyah%20project%20at%20a%20glance
%3Cp%3E-%20Diriyah%E2%80%99s%201.9km%20King%20Salman%20Boulevard%2C%20a%20Parisian%20Champs-Elysees-inspired%20avenue%2C%20is%20scheduled%20for%20completion%20in%202028%3Cbr%3E-%20The%20Royal%20Diriyah%20Opera%20House%20is%20expected%20to%20be%20completed%20in%20four%20years%3Cbr%3E-%20Diriyah%E2%80%99s%20first%20of%2042%20hotels%2C%20the%20Bab%20Samhan%20hotel%2C%20will%20open%20in%20the%20first%20quarter%20of%202024%3Cbr%3E-%20On%20completion%20in%202030%2C%20the%20Diriyah%20project%20is%20forecast%20to%20accommodate%20more%20than%20100%2C000%20people%3Cbr%3E-%20The%20%2463.2%20billion%20Diriyah%20project%20will%20contribute%20%247.2%20billion%20to%20the%20kingdom%E2%80%99s%20GDP%3Cbr%3E-%20It%20will%20create%20more%20than%20178%2C000%20jobs%20and%20aims%20to%20attract%20more%20than%2050%20million%20visits%20a%20year%3Cbr%3E-%20About%202%2C000%20people%20work%20for%20the%20Diriyah%20Company%2C%20with%20more%20than%2086%20per%20cent%20being%20Saudi%20citizens%3Cbr%3E%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
THE RESULTS

5pm: Maiden (PA) Dh80,000 1,400m

Winner: Alnawar, Connor Beasley (jockey), Helal Al Alawi (trainer)

5.30pm: Maiden (PA) Dh80,000 1,400m

Winner: Raniah, Noel Garbutt, Ernst Oertel

6pm: Handicap (PA) Dh90,000 2,200m

Winner: Saarookh, Richard Mullen, Ana Mendez

6.30pm: Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan Jewel Crown (PA) Rated Conditions Dh125,000 1,600m

Winner: RB Torch, Tadhg O’Shea, Eric Lemartinel

7pm: Al Wathba Stallions Cup Handicap Dh70,000 1,600m

Winner: MH Wari, Antonio Fresu, Elise Jeane

7.30pm: Handicap Dh90,000 1,600m

Winner: Mailshot, Royston Ffrench, Salem bin Ghadayer

 

Key facilities
  • Olympic-size swimming pool with a split bulkhead for multi-use configurations, including water polo and 50m/25m training lanes
  • Premier League-standard football pitch
  • 400m Olympic running track
  • NBA-spec basketball court with auditorium
  • 600-seat auditorium
  • Spaces for historical and cultural exploration
  • An elevated football field that doubles as a helipad
  • Specialist robotics and science laboratories
  • AR and VR-enabled learning centres
  • Disruption Lab and Research Centre for developing entrepreneurial skills
The specs
  • Engine: 3.9-litre twin-turbo V8
  • Power: 640hp
  • Torque: 760nm
  • On sale: 2026
  • Price: Not announced yet
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The National Archives, Abu Dhabi

Founded over 50 years ago, the National Archives collects valuable historical material relating to the UAE, and is the oldest and richest archive relating to the Arabian Gulf.

Much of the material can be viewed on line at the Arabian Gulf Digital Archive - https://www.agda.ae/en

India cancels school-leaving examinations
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Abu Dhabi traffic facts

Drivers in Abu Dhabi spend 10 per cent longer in congested conditions than they would on a free-flowing road

The highest volume of traffic on the roads is found between 7am and 8am on a Sunday.

Travelling before 7am on a Sunday could save up to four hours per year on a 30-minute commute.

The day was the least congestion in Abu Dhabi in 2019 was Tuesday, August 13.

The highest levels of traffic were found on Sunday, November 10.

Drivers in Abu Dhabi lost 41 hours spent in traffic jams in rush hour during 2019

 

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

Brief scoreline:

Crystal Palace 2

Milivojevic 76' (pen), Van Aanholt 88'

Huddersfield Town 0

Milestones on the road to union

1970

October 26: Bahrain withdraws from a proposal to create a federation of nine with the seven Trucial States and Qatar. 

December: Ahmed Al Suwaidi visits New York to discuss potential UN membership.

1971

March 1:  Alex Douglas Hume, Conservative foreign secretary confirms that Britain will leave the Gulf and “strongly supports” the creation of a Union of Arab Emirates.

July 12: Historic meeting at which Sheikh Zayed and Sheikh Rashid make a binding agreement to create what will become the UAE.

July 18: It is announced that the UAE will be formed from six emirates, with a proposed constitution signed. RAK is not yet part of the agreement.

August 6:  The fifth anniversary of Sheikh Zayed becoming Ruler of Abu Dhabi, with official celebrations deferred until later in the year.

August 15: Bahrain becomes independent.

September 3: Qatar becomes independent.

November 23-25: Meeting with Sheikh Zayed and Sheikh Rashid and senior British officials to fix December 2 as date of creation of the UAE.

November 29:  At 5.30pm Iranian forces seize the Greater and Lesser Tunbs by force.

November 30: Despite  a power sharing agreement, Tehran takes full control of Abu Musa. 

November 31: UK officials visit all six participating Emirates to formally end the Trucial States treaties

December 2: 11am, Dubai. New Supreme Council formally elects Sheikh Zayed as President. Treaty of Friendship signed with the UK. 11.30am. Flag raising ceremony at Union House and Al Manhal Palace in Abu Dhabi witnessed by Sheikh Khalifa, then Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi.

December 6: Arab League formally admits the UAE. The first British Ambassador presents his credentials to Sheikh Zayed.

December 9: UAE joins the United Nations.

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BUNDESLIGA FIXTURES

Saturday

Borussia Dortmund v Eintracht Frankfurt (5.30pm kick-off UAE)

Bayer Leverkusen v Schalke (5.30pm)

Wolfsburg v Cologne (5.30pm)

Mainz v Arminia Bielefeld (5.30pm)

Augsburg v Hoffenheim (5.30pm)

RB Leipzig v Bayern Munich (8.30pm)

Borussia Monchengladbach v Freiburg (10.30pm)

Sunday

VfB Stuttgart v Werder Bremen  (5.30pm)

Union Berlin v Hertha Berlin (8pm)

Updated: December 07, 2022, 1:07 PM