Taylor Swift wears a golden tulle gown by Lebanese designer Elie Saab during her Eras world tour. Photo: Instagram / Elie Saab World
Taylor Swift wears a golden tulle gown by Lebanese designer Elie Saab during her Eras world tour. Photo: Instagram / Elie Saab World
Taylor Swift wears a golden tulle gown by Lebanese designer Elie Saab during her Eras world tour. Photo: Instagram / Elie Saab World
Taylor Swift wears a golden tulle gown by Lebanese designer Elie Saab during her Eras world tour. Photo: Instagram / Elie Saab World

Lifestyle

Taylor Swift stuns on stage in golden Elie Saab ballgown

Pop star performed at New Jersey's MetLife Stadium on Friday in a haute couture dress

Sophie Prideaux
Sophie Prideaux

May 28, 2023

  • English
  • Arabic

All eyes are on Taylor Swift as she continues to embark on her long-awaited Eras world tour, and the star is pulling out all the wardrobe stops for the occasion.

Swift is known to turn to designers from the Middle East to dress her for big occasions, and this tour is no different.

On Friday night during the first of three shows at New Jersey's MetLife Stadium, the star took to the stage in a gold tulle dress by Lebanese designer Elie Saab, one of Swift's go-to favourites.

The star wore the dreamy gown featuring a ruched neckline and intricate corset detailing as she performed power balled Enchanted. The dress is from the designer's Haute Couture Autumn Winter 2020 collection.

And its not the first time Swift has chosen Saab during her much anticipated tour. The Shake it Off singer appeared on stage in a floral couture gown by Saab last month as she performed in Tampa, Florida.

Featuring long sleeves and heavy embellishment, the skirt of the delicate mesh gown was adorned with dozens of delicate 3D petals.

Swift has also chosen Saab to dress her for several red carpet moments, including the 2015 Grammy Awards, when she wore a custom teal ombre metallic gown, which featured a short front and caped long train skirt.

She also turned to the designer for the 2013 Country Music Awards in Nashville. For that occasion, she chose a classic satin gown in deep red with a full skirt, featuring floral embellishment.

Saab is not the only Lebanese designer Swift has championed during her Eras tour wardrobe.

At one of the tour’s March stops in Glendale, Arizona, Swift appeared in a custom-made glittering gown by Zuhair Murad.

The pink princess-cut dress featured thin straps, a full skirt and intricate bead work that covered the dress, making the waist the focal point.

Murad also created a custom midnight blue embellished bodysuit for the tour, which Swift wore on stage in Las Vegas.

Swift is a long-time fan of Murad. For the 2012 Grammys, she wore a nude dress with gold embellishing from the brand’s 2011 haute couture collection. Murad also created several custom embellished catsuits for her 1989 world tour in 2015.

The star has shown love to other designers from the region in the past, too. In the 2014 music video for hit Blank Space, Swift wore a white pencil dress by Lebanese designer Georges Chakra in one scene.

Swift has also chosen Lebanese designer Reem Acra for several occasions, including bridesmaid duties for the wedding of her childhood best friend Brit Maack’s wedding in 2016.

The dress had an intricate lacework top and a flowing blush pink skirt.

She also wore a dress by the designer for the Winter Whites Gala in London in 2014. That gown featured an gold embellished top and flowing white skirt.

See Taylor Swift’s style evolution

  • Taylor Swift, in an embellished LBD, arrives at the American Music Awards in Los Angeles, California, on November 18, 2007. EPA
    Taylor Swift, in an embellished LBD, arrives at the American Music Awards in Los Angeles, California, on November 18, 2007. EPA
  • Taylor Swift, in Sandy Spika, arrives at the Grammy Awards at the Staples Centre in Los Angeles, California, on February 10, 2008. EPA
    Taylor Swift, in Sandy Spika, arrives at the Grammy Awards at the Staples Centre in Los Angeles, California, on February 10, 2008. EPA
  • Taylor Swift, in a navy mini dress, arrives for the Grammy Awards nominations in Los Angeles, California, on December 3, 2008. EPA
    Taylor Swift, in a navy mini dress, arrives for the Grammy Awards nominations in Los Angeles, California, on December 3, 2008. EPA
  • Taylor Swift, in Kaufman Franco, arrives at the Brit Awards at Earl's Court on February 18, 2009 in London, England. Getty Images
    Taylor Swift, in Kaufman Franco, arrives at the Brit Awards at Earl's Court on February 18, 2009 in London, England. Getty Images
  • Taylor Swift, in a chiffon-sleeved dress, attends the Echo Music Awards at the O2 Arena on February 21, 2009 in Berlin, Germany. Getty Images
    Taylor Swift, in a chiffon-sleeved dress, attends the Echo Music Awards at the O2 Arena on February 21, 2009 in Berlin, Germany. Getty Images
  • Taylor Swift, in Rachel Gilbert, attends the Sydney premiere of '17 Again' on March 11, 2009 in Sydney, Australia. Getty Images
    Taylor Swift, in Rachel Gilbert, attends the Sydney premiere of '17 Again' on March 11, 2009 in Sydney, Australia. Getty Images
  • Taylor Swift, in Kaufman Franco, arrives at the Grammy Awards at the Staples Centre in Los Angeles, California, on January 31, 2010. EPA
    Taylor Swift, in Kaufman Franco, arrives at the Grammy Awards at the Staples Centre in Los Angeles, California, on January 31, 2010. EPA
  • Taylor Swift, in a gold mini, holds her award for 'Album of the Year' at the Academy of Country Music Awards in Las Vegas, Nevada, on April 5, 2009. EPA
    Taylor Swift, in a gold mini, holds her award for 'Album of the Year' at the Academy of Country Music Awards in Las Vegas, Nevada, on April 5, 2009. EPA
  • Taylor Swift, in Roberto Cavalli, attends the Roberto Cavalli show during Milan Fashion Week on September 27, 2010 in Milan, Italy. Getty Images
    Taylor Swift, in Roberto Cavalli, attends the Roberto Cavalli show during Milan Fashion Week on September 27, 2010 in Milan, Italy. Getty Images
  • Taylor Swift, in Roberto Cavalli, attends the Roberto Cavalli party as part of Paris Fashion Week on September 29, 2010 in Paris, France. Getty Images
    Taylor Swift, in Roberto Cavalli, attends the Roberto Cavalli party as part of Paris Fashion Week on September 29, 2010 in Paris, France. Getty Images
  • Taylor Swift, in a lace skater dress, attends BBC Radio 1's Teen Awards at Hammersmith Apollo, on November 14, 2010 in London, England. Getty Images
    Taylor Swift, in a lace skater dress, attends BBC Radio 1's Teen Awards at Hammersmith Apollo, on November 14, 2010 in London, England. Getty Images
  • Taylor Swift, in Collette Dinnigan, arrives at the American Music Awards in Los Angeles, California, on November 21, 2010. EPA
    Taylor Swift, in Collette Dinnigan, arrives at the American Music Awards in Los Angeles, California, on November 21, 2010. EPA
  • Taylor Swift, in Elie Saab, arrives for the Academy of Country Music Awards at the MGM Grand Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada, April 3, 2011. EPA
    Taylor Swift, in Elie Saab, arrives for the Academy of Country Music Awards at the MGM Grand Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada, April 3, 2011. EPA
  • Taylor Swift, in J Mendel, arrives at the Met Gala in New York on May 2, 2011. EPA
    Taylor Swift, in J Mendel, arrives at the Met Gala in New York on May 2, 2011. EPA
  • Taylor Swift, in Reem Acra, arrives for the American Music Awards held at the Nokia Theatre in Los Angeles, California, on November 20, 2011. EPA
    Taylor Swift, in Reem Acra, arrives for the American Music Awards held at the Nokia Theatre in Los Angeles, California, on November 20, 2011. EPA
  • Taylor Swift, in Zuhair Murad, arrives for the Grammy Awards at the Staples Centre in Los Angeles, California, on February 12, 2012. EPA
    Taylor Swift, in Zuhair Murad, arrives for the Grammy Awards at the Staples Centre in Los Angeles, California, on February 12, 2012. EPA
  • Taylor Swift, in J Mendel, arrives at the MTV Video Music Awards in Los Angeles, California, USA, on September 6, 2012. EPA
    Taylor Swift, in J Mendel, arrives at the MTV Video Music Awards in Los Angeles, California, USA, on September 6, 2012. EPA
  • Taylor Swift, in Elie Saab, attends the Elie Saab show as part of Paris Fashion Week on October 3, 2012 in Paris, France. Getty Images
    Taylor Swift, in Elie Saab, attends the Elie Saab show as part of Paris Fashion Week on October 3, 2012 in Paris, France. Getty Images
  • Taylor Swift, in a scarlet midi, at Westfield London on November 6, 2012 in London, England. Getty Images
    Taylor Swift, in a scarlet midi, at Westfield London on November 6, 2012 in London, England. Getty Images
  • Taylor Swift, in J Mendel, attends the MTV EMAs at Festhalle Frankfurt on November 11, 2012 in Frankfurt, Germany. Getty Images
    Taylor Swift, in J Mendel, attends the MTV EMAs at Festhalle Frankfurt on November 11, 2012 in Frankfurt, Germany. Getty Images
  • Taylor Swift, in Elie Saab, arrives at the Aria Awards at the Sydney Entertainment Centre on November 29, 2012 in Sydney, Australia. Getty Images
    Taylor Swift, in Elie Saab, arrives at the Aria Awards at the Sydney Entertainment Centre on November 29, 2012 in Sydney, Australia. Getty Images
  • Taylor Swift, in a white mini, attends the 40 Principales Awards at Palacio de los Deportes on January 24, 2013 in Madrid, Spain. Getty Images
    Taylor Swift, in a white mini, attends the 40 Principales Awards at Palacio de los Deportes on January 24, 2013 in Madrid, Spain. Getty Images
  • Taylor Swift, in Elie Saab, attends the NRJ Music Awards at Palais des Festivals on January 26, 2013 in Cannes, France. Getty Images
    Taylor Swift, in Elie Saab, attends the NRJ Music Awards at Palais des Festivals on January 26, 2013 in Cannes, France. Getty Images
  • Taylor Swift, in J Mendel, arrives for the Grammy Awards in Los Angeles, California, USA, on February 10, 2013. EPA
    Taylor Swift, in J Mendel, arrives for the Grammy Awards in Los Angeles, California, USA, on February 10, 2013. EPA
  • Taylor Swift, in Elie Saab, attends the Brit Awards at the 02 Arena on February 20, 2013 in London, England. Getty Images
    Taylor Swift, in Elie Saab, attends the Brit Awards at the 02 Arena on February 20, 2013 in London, England. Getty Images
  • Taylor Swift, in J Mendel, attends the Met Gala in New York on May 6, 2013. EPA
    Taylor Swift, in J Mendel, attends the Met Gala in New York on May 6, 2013. EPA
  • Taylor Swift, in a shirt and shorts, at the Capital Summertime Ball at Wembley Arena on June 9, 2013 in London, England. Getty Images
    Taylor Swift, in a shirt and shorts, at the Capital Summertime Ball at Wembley Arena on June 9, 2013 in London, England. Getty Images
  • Taylor Swift, in Herve Leger, arrives at the MTV Video Music Awards at the Barclays Centre in Brooklyn, New York, on August 25, 2013. EPA
    Taylor Swift, in Herve Leger, arrives at the MTV Video Music Awards at the Barclays Centre in Brooklyn, New York, on August 25, 2013. EPA
  • Taylor Swift, in Julien Macdonald, arrives for the American Music Awards held at the Nokia Theatre in Los Angeles, California, on November 24, 2013. EPA
    Taylor Swift, in Julien Macdonald, arrives for the American Music Awards held at the Nokia Theatre in Los Angeles, California, on November 24, 2013. EPA
  • Taylor Swift, in Reem Acra, arrives at Centrepoint's Winter Whites Gala at Kensington Palace in London on November 26, 2013. EPA
    Taylor Swift, in Reem Acra, arrives at Centrepoint's Winter Whites Gala at Kensington Palace in London on November 26, 2013. EPA
  • Taylor Swift, in Carolina Herrera, arrives at the Golden Globe Awards in Beverly Hills, California, on January 12, 2014. EPA
    Taylor Swift, in Carolina Herrera, arrives at the Golden Globe Awards in Beverly Hills, California, on January 12, 2014. EPA
  • Taylor Swift, in Gucci, arrives for the Grammy Awards held at the Staples Centre in Los Angeles, California, on January 26, 2014. EPA
    Taylor Swift, in Gucci, arrives for the Grammy Awards held at the Staples Centre in Los Angeles, California, on January 26, 2014. EPA
  • Taylor Swift, in J Mendel, arrives for the Academy of Country Music Awards at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada, on April 6, 2014. EPA
    Taylor Swift, in J Mendel, arrives for the Academy of Country Music Awards at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada, on April 6, 2014. EPA
  • Taylor Swift, in Oscar de la Renta, arrives for the Met Gala in New York on May 5, 2014. EPA
    Taylor Swift, in Oscar de la Renta, arrives for the Met Gala in New York on May 5, 2014. EPA
  • Taylor Swift, in Novis, arrives for the Teen Choice Awards at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles, California, on August 10, 2014. EPA
    Taylor Swift, in Novis, arrives for the Teen Choice Awards at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles, California, on August 10, 2014. EPA
  • Taylor Swift, in Sass & Bide, on September 4, 2014 in Hamburg, Germany. Getty Images
    Taylor Swift, in Sass & Bide, on September 4, 2014 in Hamburg, Germany. Getty Images
  • Taylor Swift, in Michael Kors, at the American Music Awards at the Nokia Theatre in Los Angeles, California, on November 23, 2014. EPA
    Taylor Swift, in Michael Kors, at the American Music Awards at the Nokia Theatre in Los Angeles, California, on November 23, 2014. EPA
  • Taylor Swift, in J Mendel, attends the afterparty for the annual Victoria's Secret fashion show at Earls Court on December 2, 2014 in London, England. Getty Images
    Taylor Swift, in J Mendel, attends the afterparty for the annual Victoria's Secret fashion show at Earls Court on December 2, 2014 in London, England. Getty Images
  • Taylor Swift, in Sachin & Babi, attends the Jingle Bell Ball at 02 Arena on December 7, 2014 in London, England. Getty Images
    Taylor Swift, in Sachin & Babi, attends the Jingle Bell Ball at 02 Arena on December 7, 2014 in London, England. Getty Images
  • Taylor Swift, in Elie Saab, arrives for the Grammy Awards held at the Staples Centre in Los Angeles, California, on February 8, 2015. EPA
    Taylor Swift, in Elie Saab, arrives for the Grammy Awards held at the Staples Centre in Los Angeles, California, on February 8, 2015. EPA
  • Taylor Swift, in Julien Macdonald, attends the Elle Style Awards on February 24, 2015 in London, England. Getty Images
    Taylor Swift, in Julien Macdonald, attends the Elle Style Awards on February 24, 2015 in London, England. Getty Images
  • Taylor Swift, in Roberto Cavalli, attends the Brit Awards at the O2 Arena on February 25, 2015 in London, England. Getty Images
    Taylor Swift, in Roberto Cavalli, attends the Brit Awards at the O2 Arena on February 25, 2015 in London, England. Getty Images
  • Taylor Swift, in Balmain, arrives for the Billboard Music Awards at the MGM Grand Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada, on May 17, 2015. EPA
    Taylor Swift, in Balmain, arrives for the Billboard Music Awards at the MGM Grand Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada, on May 17, 2015. EPA
  • Taylor Swift, in Ashish, arrives for the MTV Video Music Awards at the Microsoft Theatre in Los Angeles, California, on August 30, 2015. EPA
    Taylor Swift, in Ashish, arrives for the MTV Video Music Awards at the Microsoft Theatre in Los Angeles, California, on August 30, 2015. EPA
  • Taylor Swift, in Versace, arrives for the Grammy Awards ceremony at the Staples Centre in Los Angeles, California, on February 15, 2016. EPA
    Taylor Swift, in Versace, arrives for the Grammy Awards ceremony at the Staples Centre in Los Angeles, California, on February 15, 2016. EPA
  • Taylor Swift, in Alexandre Vauthier, arrives for the Vanity Fair Oscars After-Party following the Academy Awards ceremony in Hollywood, California, on February 28, 2016. EPA
    Taylor Swift, in Alexandre Vauthier, arrives for the Vanity Fair Oscars After-Party following the Academy Awards ceremony in Hollywood, California, on February 28, 2016. EPA
  • Taylor Swift, in Louis Vuitton, arrives at the Met Gala in New York on May 2, 2016. EPA
    Taylor Swift, in Louis Vuitton, arrives at the Met Gala in New York on May 2, 2016. EPA
  • Taylor Swift, in Versace, arrives for the Billboard Music Awards at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada, on May 20, 2018. EPA
    Taylor Swift, in Versace, arrives for the Billboard Music Awards at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada, on May 20, 2018. EPA
  • Taylor Swift, in Balmain, arrives for the American Music Awards at the Microsoft Theatre in Los Angeles, California, on October 9, 2018. EPA
    Taylor Swift, in Balmain, arrives for the American Music Awards at the Microsoft Theatre in Los Angeles, California, on October 9, 2018. EPA
  • Taylor Swift, in Rosa Bloom, at the iHeartRadio Music Awards at the Microsoft Theatre in Los Angeles, California, on March 14, 2019. EPA
    Taylor Swift, in Rosa Bloom, at the iHeartRadio Music Awards at the Microsoft Theatre in Los Angeles, California, on March 14, 2019. EPA
  • Taylor Swift, wearing J Mendel, arrives for the Time 100 Gala at the Lincoln Centre in New York on April 23, 2019. EPA
    Taylor Swift, wearing J Mendel, arrives for the Time 100 Gala at the Lincoln Centre in New York on April 23, 2019. EPA
  • Taylor Swift, in Raisa & Vanessa, arrives for the Billboard Music Awards at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada, on May 1, 2019
    Taylor Swift, in Raisa & Vanessa, arrives for the Billboard Music Awards at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada, on May 1, 2019
  • Taylor Swift, in Versace, arrives for the MTV Video Music Awards at the Prudential Centre in Newark, New Jersey, on August 26, 2019. EPA
    Taylor Swift, in Versace, arrives for the MTV Video Music Awards at the Prudential Centre in Newark, New Jersey, on August 26, 2019. EPA
  • Taylor Swift, in Julien Macdonald, arrives at the American Music Awards at the Microsoft Theatre in Los Angeles, California, on November 24, 2019. EPA
    Taylor Swift, in Julien Macdonald, arrives at the American Music Awards at the Microsoft Theatre in Los Angeles, California, on November 24, 2019. EPA
  • Taylor Swift, in Etro, arrives for the Golden Globe Awards ceremony in Beverly Hills, California, on January 5, 2020. EPA
    Taylor Swift, in Etro, arrives for the Golden Globe Awards ceremony in Beverly Hills, California, on January 5, 2020. EPA
  • Taylor Swift, in checked Carmen, attends the 2020 Sundance Film Festival in Park City, Utah on January 23, 2020. AFP
    Taylor Swift, in checked Carmen, attends the 2020 Sundance Film Festival in Park City, Utah on January 23, 2020. AFP
  • Taylor Swift, in a floral Oscar de la Renta dress, attends the 63rd Annual Grammy Awards at Los Angeles Convention Centre on March 14, 2021. AFP
    Taylor Swift, in a floral Oscar de la Renta dress, attends the 63rd Annual Grammy Awards at Los Angeles Convention Centre on March 14, 2021. AFP
  • Taylor Swift, in a black Greta Constantine Hockney bodysuit, performs onstage during the 36th Annual Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame Induction Ceremony at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse on October 30, 2021. AFP
    Taylor Swift, in a black Greta Constantine Hockney bodysuit, performs onstage during the 36th Annual Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame Induction Ceremony at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse on October 30, 2021. AFP
  • Taylor Swift, in a velvet Etro suit, attends the 'All Too Well' premiere in New York City on November 12, 2021. Getty Images
    Taylor Swift, in a velvet Etro suit, attends the 'All Too Well' premiere in New York City on November 12, 2021. Getty Images
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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 Bio

Favourite holiday destination: Either Kazakhstan or Montenegro. I’ve been involved in events in both countries and they are just stunning.

Favourite book: I am a huge of Robin Cook’s medical thrillers, which I suppose is quite apt right now. My mother introduced me to them back home in New Zealand.

Favourite film or television programme: Forrest Gump is my favourite film, that’s never been up for debate. I love watching repeats of Mash as well.

Inspiration: My late father moulded me into the man I am today. I would also say disappointment and sadness are great motivators. There are times when events have brought me to my knees but it has also made me determined not to let them get the better of me.

Expert advice

“Join in with a group like Cycle Safe Dubai or TrainYAS, where you’ll meet like-minded people and always have support on hand.”

Stewart Howison, co-founder of Cycle Safe Dubai and owner of Revolution Cycles

“When you sweat a lot, you lose a lot of salt and other electrolytes from your body. If your electrolytes drop enough, you will be at risk of cramping. To prevent salt deficiency, simply add an electrolyte mix to your water.”

Cornelia Gloor, head of RAK Hospital’s Rehabilitation and Physiotherapy Centre 

“Don’t make the mistake of thinking you can ride as fast or as far during the summer as you do in cooler weather. The heat will make you expend more energy to maintain a speed that might normally be comfortable, so pace yourself when riding during the hotter parts of the day.”

Chandrashekar Nandi, physiotherapist at Burjeel Hospital in Dubai
 

Company Profile

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

COMPANY PROFILE

Company name: Blah

Started: 2018

Founder: Aliyah Al Abbar and Hend Al Marri

Based: Dubai

Industry: Technology and talent management

Initial investment: Dh20,000

Investors: Self-funded

Total customers: 40

Brief scores:

Southampton 2

Armstrong 13', Soares 20'

Manchester United 2

Lukaku 33', Herrera 39'

Our coronavirus coverage
Opinions on Lebanon

Frankenstein in Baghdad
Ahmed Saadawi
​​​​​​​Penguin Press

UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
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 specs

Engine: 2.0-litre 4cyl turbo

Power: 261hp at 5,500rpm

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

Transmission: 9-speed auto

Fuel consumption: 6.9L/100km

On sale: Now

Price: From Dh117,059

MATCH INFO

What: 2006 World Cup quarter-final
When: July 1
Where: Gelsenkirchen Stadium, Gelsenkirchen, Germany

Result:
England 0 Portugal 0
(Portugal win 3-1 on penalties)

While you're here
The five pillars of Islam

1. Fasting 

2. Prayer 

3. Hajj 

4. Shahada 

5. Zakat 

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

How much do leading UAE’s UK curriculum schools charge for Year 6?
  1. Nord Anglia International School (Dubai) – Dh85,032
  2. Kings School Al Barsha (Dubai) – Dh71,905
  3. Brighton College Abu Dhabi - Dh68,560
  4. Jumeirah English Speaking School (Dubai) – Dh59,728
  5. Gems Wellington International School – Dubai Branch – Dh58,488
  6. The British School Al Khubairat (Abu Dhabi) - Dh54,170
  7. Dubai English Speaking School – Dh51,269

*Annual tuition fees covering the 2024/2025 academic year

Visit Abu Dhabi culinary team's top Emirati restaurants in Abu Dhabi

Yadoo’s House Restaurant & Cafe

For the karak and Yoodo's house platter with includes eggs, balaleet, khamir and chebab bread.

Golden Dallah

For the cappuccino, luqaimat and aseeda.

Al Mrzab Restaurant

For the shrimp murabian and Kuwaiti options including Kuwaiti machboos with kebab and spicy sauce.

Al Derwaza

For the fish hubul, regag bread, biryani and special seafood soup. 

In numbers: PKK’s money network in Europe

Germany: PKK collectors typically bring in $18 million in cash a year – amount has trebled since 2010

Revolutionary tax: Investigators say about $2 million a year raised from ‘tax collection’ around Marseille

Extortion: Gunman convicted in 2023 of demanding $10,000 from Kurdish businessman in Stockholm

Drug trade: PKK income claimed by Turkish anti-drugs force in 2024 to be as high as $500 million a year

Denmark: PKK one of two terrorist groups along with Iranian separatists ASMLA to raise “two-digit million amounts”

Contributions: Hundreds of euros expected from typical Kurdish families and thousands from business owners

TV channel: Kurdish Roj TV accounts frozen and went bankrupt after Denmark fined it more than $1 million over PKK links in 2013 

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THE SPECS

Engine: 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder

Transmission: Constant Variable (CVT)

Power: 141bhp 

Torque: 250Nm 

Price: Dh64,500

On sale: Now

While you're here
Desert Warrior

Starring: Anthony Mackie, Aiysha Hart, Ben Kingsley

Director: Rupert Wyatt

Rating: 3/5

The%20specs
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While you're here
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COMPANY%20PROFILE
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Where can I submit a sample?

Volunteers can now submit DNA samples at a number of centres across Abu Dhabi. The programme is open to all ages.

Collection centres in Abu Dhabi include:

  • Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC)
  • Biogenix Labs in Masdar City
  • Al Towayya in Al Ain
  • NMC Royal Hospital in Khalifa City
  • Bareen International Hospital
  • NMC Specialty Hospital, Al Ain
  • NMC Royal Medical Centre - Abu Dhabi
  • NMC Royal Women’s Hospital.
Marathon results

Men:

 1. Titus Ekiru(KEN) 2:06:13 

2. Alphonce Simbu(TAN) 2:07:50 

3. Reuben Kipyego(KEN) 2:08:25 

4. Abel Kirui(KEN) 2:08:46 

5. Felix Kemutai(KEN) 2:10:48  

Women:

1. Judith Korir(KEN) 2:22:30 

2. Eunice Chumba(BHR) 2:26:01 

3. Immaculate Chemutai(UGA) 2:28:30 

4. Abebech Bekele(ETH) 2:29:43 

5. Aleksandra Morozova(RUS) 2:33:01  

More from Firas Maksad

States of Passion by Nihad Sirees,
Pushkin Press

About Takalam

Date started: early 2020

Founders: Khawla Hammad and Inas Abu Shashieh

Based: Abu Dhabi

Sector: HealthTech and wellness

Number of staff: 4

Funding to date: Bootstrapped

GRAN%20TURISMO
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Updated: May 29, 2023, 9:01 AM
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