They're known for their fun-loving, experimental approach to fashion, so it's no surprise that BTS are the newest faces of one of the industry's most avant-garde brands.
The K-pop boy band have been confirmed as ambassadors for Louis Vuitton, the storied label announced on Friday.
"Joining as new house ambassadors, the world-renowned pop icons are recognised for their uplifting messages that impart a positive influence," the label posted on Instagram.
The announcement was accompanied by a photo of the seven-piece band clad in pastel-hued tailoring.
Under the partnership, BTS are expected to don pieces from Louis Vuitton for their coming appearances and performances, as well as join forces on yet-to-be-revealed special projects.
Virgil Abloh, artistic director of the brand's menswear arm, revealed he has spent time with the band to discover their creative visions and ideas for their collaboration.
“I am looking forward to this wonderful partnership which adds a modern chapter to the house, merging luxury and contemporary culture," Abloh, who is also the founder of label Off-White, said. "I can’t wait to share all the very exciting projects we are working on.”
BTS – comprised of members Jungkook, J-Hope, V, RM, Jin, Suga and Jimin – hinted at the collaboration in March, as they performed at the Grammy Awards in custom Louis Vuitton.
"Becoming global brand ambassadors for Louis Vuitton is a truly exciting moment for us," said BTS.
This isn't the band's first fashion tie-up, either, as the Dynamite stars have previously fronted campaigns for Fila and Skechers, as well as partnered with Dior for tour outfits.
Earlier this week, McDonald's also announced a collaboration with BTS, with the fast-food chain set to serve up a meal based on the band members' signature order.
The BTS Meal, as it's called, will include 10-piece chicken nuggets, medium World Famous Fries, medium Coke and sweet chilli and Cajun dipping sauces.
The menu "tour" kicks off on Wednesday, May 26 in America, before it goes global, hitting nearly 50 other countries across the world, including the UAE, Bahrain, Oman and Qatar.
Benefits of first-time home buyers' scheme
- Priority access to new homes from participating developers
- Discounts on sales price of off-plan units
- Flexible payment plans from developers
- Mortgages with better interest rates, faster approval times and reduced fees
- DLD registration fee can be paid through banks or credit cards at zero interest rates
RACECARD
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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
Global state-owned investor ranking by size
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United States
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China
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UAE
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Japan
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Norway
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Canada
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Singapore
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Australia
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Saudi Arabia
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South Korea
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Why it pays to compare
A comparison of sending Dh20,000 from the UAE using two different routes at the same time - the first direct from a UAE bank to a bank in Germany, and the second from the same UAE bank via an online platform to Germany - found key differences in cost and speed. The transfers were both initiated on January 30.
Route 1: bank transfer
The UAE bank charged Dh152.25 for the Dh20,000 transfer. On top of that, their exchange rate margin added a difference of around Dh415, compared with the mid-market rate.
Total cost: Dh567.25 - around 2.9 per cent of the total amount
Total received: €4,670.30
Route 2: online platform
The UAE bank’s charge for sending Dh20,000 to a UK dirham-denominated account was Dh2.10. The exchange rate margin cost was Dh60, plus a Dh12 fee.
Total cost: Dh74.10, around 0.4 per cent of the transaction
Total received: €4,756
The UAE bank transfer was far quicker – around two to three working days, while the online platform took around four to five days, but was considerably cheaper. In the online platform transfer, the funds were also exposed to currency risk during the period it took for them to arrive.
What are the main cyber security threats?
Cyber crime - This includes fraud, impersonation, scams and deepfake technology, tactics that are increasingly targeting infrastructure and exploiting human vulnerabilities.
Cyber terrorism - Social media platforms are used to spread radical ideologies, misinformation and disinformation, often with the aim of disrupting critical infrastructure such as power grids.
Cyber warfare - Shaped by geopolitical tension, hostile actors seek to infiltrate and compromise national infrastructure, using one country’s systems as a springboard to launch attacks on others.
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