• Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed, Chairperson of Dubai Culture and member of the Dubai Council, at the DIDI graduation ceremony. Dubai Media Office
    Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed, Chairperson of Dubai Culture and member of the Dubai Council, at the DIDI graduation ceremony. Dubai Media Office
  • Decolonising Digital Fashion by Pavwan Ahmad Malik. The interactive garments enhance the wearer’s understanding of culture through digital artefacts and print manipulations.
    Decolonising Digital Fashion by Pavwan Ahmad Malik. The interactive garments enhance the wearer’s understanding of culture through digital artefacts and print manipulations.
  • MiFloof by Ayesha Abdulla Alsuwaidi and Shamma Ibrahim Almulla. The phygital companion assists children in developing emotional regulation skills.
    MiFloof by Ayesha Abdulla Alsuwaidi and Shamma Ibrahim Almulla. The phygital companion assists children in developing emotional regulation skills.
  • The Metaverse: A Bridge Between Realities by Nayef Faisal Albastaki. The project proposes a metaverse space that will aid feelings of comfort with and safety in virtual worlds.
    The Metaverse: A Bridge Between Realities by Nayef Faisal Albastaki. The project proposes a metaverse space that will aid feelings of comfort with and safety in virtual worlds.
  • Theo by Alhaan Ahmed. The light, wearable and interactive paediatric physiotherapy solution makes physiotherapy more accessible, simple and fun for children.
    Theo by Alhaan Ahmed. The light, wearable and interactive paediatric physiotherapy solution makes physiotherapy more accessible, simple and fun for children.
  • Curio by Nikhilesh Mohan. The visual stimulation device assists teachers and therapists to engage better with low vision children in a bid to boost participation.
    Curio by Nikhilesh Mohan. The visual stimulation device assists teachers and therapists to engage better with low vision children in a bid to boost participation.
  • Everlasting by Nour Nasser Maadad and Aisha Mohammed Abdulsalam. A comparison of traditional Emirati and Lebanese fashion for reinterpretation through a contemporary, digital lens.
    Everlasting by Nour Nasser Maadad and Aisha Mohammed Abdulsalam. A comparison of traditional Emirati and Lebanese fashion for reinterpretation through a contemporary, digital lens.
  • MindPlay by Sana Elmardi Mohamed. The headset and monitoring app explore how the gamification of neurofeedback therapy can support the treatment of ADHD.
    MindPlay by Sana Elmardi Mohamed. The headset and monitoring app explore how the gamification of neurofeedback therapy can support the treatment of ADHD.
  • Recollect by Rafif Alhassen. The app provides a way for those with early to mid-stage dementia to perform reminiscence therapy through the use of artificial intelligence and augmented reality.
    Recollect by Rafif Alhassen. The app provides a way for those with early to mid-stage dementia to perform reminiscence therapy through the use of artificial intelligence and augmented reality.
  • Abdulaziz Zamil Alzamil explored the development of a design methodology based on the laws from the 1908 book 'The Kybalion'. Principles such as mentalism, vibration, polarity, rhythm, gender, and cause and effect were then applied to design provocative furniture pieces.
    Abdulaziz Zamil Alzamil explored the development of a design methodology based on the laws from the 1908 book 'The Kybalion'. Principles such as mentalism, vibration, polarity, rhythm, gender, and cause and effect were then applied to design provocative furniture pieces.
  • Connecting 3D Printing in the Automotive Industry by Noor Mohamed Alfahim. The online platform is designed to facilitate communication and connection between the automotive, design and manufacturing industries to provide low-cost 3D-printed components for cars.
    Connecting 3D Printing in the Automotive Industry by Noor Mohamed Alfahim. The online platform is designed to facilitate communication and connection between the automotive, design and manufacturing industries to provide low-cost 3D-printed components for cars.
  • The Customisation of High Heels using 3D Printing Technology by Sara Nael Alnajadawi. The project uses a three-step process that includes pressure identification tests, scanning and 3D printing, to redesign a woman's pre-existing pair of high heels or create new, more comfortable ones.
    The Customisation of High Heels using 3D Printing Technology by Sara Nael Alnajadawi. The project uses a three-step process that includes pressure identification tests, scanning and 3D printing, to redesign a woman's pre-existing pair of high heels or create new, more comfortable ones.
  • Tawahadna by Maha Khalid Baseed and Vaidehi Pal. The outfits are based on the needs of children with sensory disorders.
    Tawahadna by Maha Khalid Baseed and Vaidehi Pal. The outfits are based on the needs of children with sensory disorders.
  • Circular Fashion: From Waste to Value by Maha Ezzat Abdalla. The project maps fabric waste through identifying, testing and applying transitional solutions towards fashion circularity.
    Circular Fashion: From Waste to Value by Maha Ezzat Abdalla. The project maps fabric waste through identifying, testing and applying transitional solutions towards fashion circularity.
  • The DIDI's invitation to its first graduation ceremony. The four eggs represent each of the institute's four disciplines, as well as 'a new generation ready to hatch'.
    The DIDI's invitation to its first graduation ceremony. The four eggs represent each of the institute's four disciplines, as well as 'a new generation ready to hatch'.

Sheikha Latifa honours region’s first batch of design graduates


Panna Munyal
  • English
  • Arabic

In 2018, when the Dubai Institute of Design & Innovation opened its doors, its dean at the time, Sass Brown, told The National: “Design has a much more important role in business, and designers are becoming part of the research and development process.”

This week, DIDI celebrates its first crop of graduates, who received their bachelor of design (also the first degree of its kind in the region) at a ceremony held at the Museum of the Future on Monday. Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed, Chairperson of Dubai Culture and Arts Authority and member of the Dubai Council, was on hand to confer the certificates and interact with the aspiring designers.

Hailing from all over the Mena region, as well as India, Pakistan and South Africa, the student-designers have dreamt up, worked on and realised some ground-breaking ideas over the past four years.

Ayesha Abdulla Al Suwaidi and Shamma Ibrahim Al Mulla, for instance, created MiFloof, a cheery yellow phygital companion, which assists children in developing emotional regulation skills.

Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed, Chairperson of Dubai Culture and Arts Authority and member of the Dubai Council, views MiFloof, a project created by a DIDI student. Photo: Dubai Media Office
Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed, Chairperson of Dubai Culture and Arts Authority and member of the Dubai Council, views MiFloof, a project created by a DIDI student. Photo: Dubai Media Office

Improving the quality of children’s lives was also top of mind for Nikhilesh Mohan, Sana Elmardi Mohamed, Maha Khalid Baseed and Vaidehi Pal.

Mohan built a visual stimulation device to assist teachers and therapists to engage better with children who suffer from low vision, in a bid to boost participation, while Mohamed’s MindPlay is a headset and app that explore how the gamification of neurofeedback therapy can support the treatment of ADHD.

Baseed and Pal worked together to explore the behavioural patterns and choices of children with autism when they are exposed to different textures of clothing. The results of the study showed that most experienced fabric sensitivity, embellishment issues and fastening difficulties.

Accordingly, the duo created a collection of garments with Velcro fastening, QR code tags, magnetic buttons and elastic waistbands.

Tawahadna, which translates as 'We are united', by Maha Khalid Baseed and Vaidehi Pal, is a collection of outfits based on the needs of children with sensory disorders. Ruel Pableo for The National
Tawahadna, which translates as 'We are united', by Maha Khalid Baseed and Vaidehi Pal, is a collection of outfits based on the needs of children with sensory disorders. Ruel Pableo for The National

Another fashion-forward idea, called the Customisation of High Heels using 3D Printing Technology, was put forth by Sara Nael Alnajadawi. The project uses a three-step process that includes pressure identification tests, scanning and 3D-printing to redesign a woman’s pre-existing pair of high heels or create new, more comfortable ones.

Finally, with the metaverse on everyone’s mind, DIDI design student Nayef Faisal Albastaki took it a step forward and proposed a metaverse space that will promote feelings of comfort and safety in virtual worlds, for those still not comfortable or savvy with this parallel universe.

“The graduation of the first bachelor's of design class from DIDI represents another milestone in our progress towards a vibrant creative economy [for which] we need to make sure the infrastructure and the right programmes and institutions are in place for creatives to develop, grow and flourish. This is not only for our community in Dubai, but for the region and beyond," Sheikha Latifa said.

'The graduation of the first bachelor's of design class represents another milestone in our progress towards a vibrant creative economy,' said Sheikha Latifa. Photo: Dubai Media Office
'The graduation of the first bachelor's of design class represents another milestone in our progress towards a vibrant creative economy,' said Sheikha Latifa. Photo: Dubai Media Office

The ceremony was also attended by Malek Al Malek, director general of the Dubai Development Authority and chairman of DIDI; Hala Badri, director general of Dubai Culture and Arts Authority; Mohammad Abdullah, president of DIDI; Rachel Schreiber, executive dean of Parsons School of Design; Hani Asfour, dean of DIDI.

Living in...

This article is part of a guide on where to live in the UAE. Our reporters will profile some of the country’s most desirable districts, provide an estimate of rental prices and introduce you to some of the residents who call each area home.

SPEC%20SHEET%3A%20APPLE%20IPHONE%2015%20PRO%20MAX
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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

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Avatar: Fire and Ash

Director: James Cameron

Starring: Sam Worthington, Sigourney Weaver, Zoe Saldana

Rating: 4.5/5

'Cheb%20Khaled'
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GOLF’S RAHMBO

- 5 wins in 22 months as pro
- Three wins in past 10 starts
- 45 pro starts worldwide: 5 wins, 17 top 5s
- Ranked 551th in world on debut, now No 4 (was No 2 earlier this year)
- 5th player in last 30 years to win 3 European Tour and 2 PGA Tour titles before age 24 (Woods, Garcia, McIlroy, Spieth)

Company%C2%A0profile
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if you go

The flights

Etihad, Emirates and Singapore Airlines fly direct from the UAE to Singapore from Dh2,265 return including taxes. The flight takes about 7 hours.

The hotel

Rooms at the M Social Singapore cost from SG $179 (Dh488) per night including taxes.

The tour

Makan Makan Walking group tours costs from SG $90 (Dh245) per person for about three hours. Tailor-made tours can be arranged. For details go to www.woknstroll.com.sg

Specs

Engine: Dual-motor all-wheel-drive electric

Range: Up to 610km

Power: 905hp

Torque: 985Nm

Price: From Dh439,000

Available: Now

The specs

Engine: 3.0-litre flat-six twin-turbocharged

Transmission: eight-speed PDK automatic

Power: 445bhp

Torque: 530Nm

Price: Dh474,600

On Sale: Now

Updated: June 08, 2022, 7:18 AM