• Boho dresses at the new Anthropologie store in The Dubai Mall. Courtesy Anthropologie
    Boho dresses at the new Anthropologie store in The Dubai Mall. Courtesy Anthropologie
  • Urban Outfitters brings edgy fashion to Abu Dhabi's Yas Mall. Courtesy Urban Outfitters
    Urban Outfitters brings edgy fashion to Abu Dhabi's Yas Mall. Courtesy Urban Outfitters
  • The Dubai store marks Anthropologie's first branch in the UAE. Courtesy Anthropologie
    The Dubai store marks Anthropologie's first branch in the UAE. Courtesy Anthropologie
  • The new interior of Urban Outfitters in Yas Mall. Courtesy Urban Outfitters
    The new interior of Urban Outfitters in Yas Mall. Courtesy Urban Outfitters
  • Anthropologie offers fashion as well as homeware. Courtesy Anthropologie
    Anthropologie offers fashion as well as homeware. Courtesy Anthropologie
  • Urban Outfitters is filled with kitschy collectables. Courtesy Urban Outfitters
    Urban Outfitters is filled with kitschy collectables. Courtesy Urban Outfitters
  • Urban Outfitters offers shirts, tops and T-shirts that are designed to be layered. Courtesy Urban Outfitters
    Urban Outfitters offers shirts, tops and T-shirts that are designed to be layered. Courtesy Urban Outfitters
  • Colourful dresses at the first Anthropologie store in Dubai. Courtesy Anthropologie
    Colourful dresses at the first Anthropologie store in Dubai. Courtesy Anthropologie
  • Newly arrived to the capital, Urban Outfitters is young and laid-back. Courtesy Urban Outfitters
    Newly arrived to the capital, Urban Outfitters is young and laid-back. Courtesy Urban Outfitters
  • Brightly coloured and patterned homeware at Anthropologie. Courtesy Anthropologie
    Brightly coloured and patterned homeware at Anthropologie. Courtesy Anthropologie
  • There are plenty of homeware options at Anthropologie. Courtesy Anthropologie
    There are plenty of homeware options at Anthropologie. Courtesy Anthropologie
  • Books and colourful homeware at Anthropologie. Courtesy Anthropologie
    Books and colourful homeware at Anthropologie. Courtesy Anthropologie

Fashion

First look: Anthropologie comes to Dubai and Urban Outfitters opens in Abu Dhabi

Finally, the wait is over as the American stores bring their laid-back aesthetic to the region

Sarah Maisey

May 30, 2021

  • English
  • Arabic

Not one but two hotly anticipated new shops opened in the UAE this weekend.

In the capital, Urban Outfitters unveiled its latest venue in Yas Mall, while in Dubai, Anthropologie opened its first UAE outpost at The Dubai Mall.

Visitors to the capital's Yas Mall can now enjoy the new store, which is part of a larger Dh500 million refurbishment that is taking place over the next 18 months. The project will herald the arrival of many international retail outlets at the venue, including an Ethan Allen.

The opening marks the first Urban Outfitters in the capital, building on the success of The Dubai Mall shop that opened in 2019.

As with all Urban Outfitters shops, the new arrival offers laid-back, slightly preppy, streetwear, accessories and footwear (think Vans, Fila and Champion) to an audience of ages 18 to 30.

With its range of kitsch collectibles, sunglasses and easy-on-the-pocket prices, it has won legions of fans the world over.

The new Anthropologie store in The Dubai Mall. Courtesy Anthropologie
The new Anthropologie store in The Dubai Mall. Courtesy Anthropologie

Since being founded in Philadelphia in 1970, Urban Outfitters has made its name offering fashion cross the genders in muted tones, with plenty of jeans, layerable tops and low-top trainers.

In Dubai, meanwhile, Anthropologie opened its doors at The Dubai Mall.

A sister company of Urban Outfitters, both were founded by URBN chairman and president Dick Hayne, and Anthropologie opened in 1992.

Aimed at an older, largely female crowd, the shop taps into a creative slant with plenty of patterning that runs across floaty dresses, boho jewellery and even printed bed linen.

Filled with big name brands such as Levi’s, Birkenstock and Calvin Klein, the collection is aimed at what the company describes as its five muses: "soft & delicate; boho chic; easy cool; elegant classic and modern sporty."

Filled with everything from homeware to arty books, it is safe to say there is plenty of choice at the new Dubai branch.

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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

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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

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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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The organisation said its name is best interpreted as ‘the best for women’.

Since then the group has grown exponentially around the world and is officially affiliated with the United Nations. The organisation also counts Queen Mathilde of Belgium among its ranks.

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Power: 136hp @ 1,600rpm

Torque: 360Nm @ 1,600 rpm

Transmission: Five-speed manual

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The flights
Emirates flies direct from Dubai to Seattle from Dh6,755 return in economy and Dh24,775 in business class.
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UnCruise Adventures offers a variety of small-ship cruises in Alaska and around the world. A 14-day Alaska’s Inside Passage and San Juans Cruise from Seattle to Juneau or reverse costs from $4,695 (Dh17,246), including accommodation, food and most activities. Trips in 2019 start in April and run until September. 
 

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Fashion