At the 81st Golden Globes Awards in Beverly Hills on Sunday night, model-turned-presenter Heidi Klum stepped out in a voluptuous, strapless scarlet gown.
The fabric was caught in a great twirl on one hip, causing a cascade of dazzling red material. A showstopper of a look, it owes its old-school glamour to designer Gunel Babayeva, founder of the label Sophie Couture.
Hailing from Azerbaijan, Babayeva has gained traction in global circles as an increasing number of A-list stars turn to her for show-stopping, red-carpet-worthy looks.
Case in point, at the Cannes Film Festival last year, Babayeva dressed not one, but three global celebrities. Indian superstar Aishwarya Rai Bachchan turned to Babayeva for her sole appearance at the event, wearing a silver fishtail dress with a dramatic cowled hood.
Chinese actress Yuqi Zhang (aka Kitty Zhang) wore a black lace Sophie Couture jumpsuit, with a rich tangerine overskirt that was eye-catching, unexpected and utterly sensational. Kate Beckinsale, too, opted for Sophie Couture at Cannes, selecting a classic, full-skirted gown in inky black.
In her early thirties, mum-of-two Babayeva looks poised for global recognition. As we start 2024, Klum is the first of what we predict will be many more stars looking to the Baku designer for their glamorous turn on the red carpet.
Founded in 2015, Sophie Couture specialises in couture and bridal gowns, as well as ready-to-wear occasion pieces that channel lady-like elegance.
With boutiques in Dubai and Baku, the label has become something of a mainstay for the high-octane event dressing beloved by UAE and Azerbaijani society. Leaning deeply into romantic glamour, Babayeva creates looks from metres of airy tulle, decorated with thousands of hand-applied beads.
Handmade in Baku, each couture gown and bridal dress is a wearable piece of art, taking countless hours to achieve.
Moon Music
Artist: Coldplay
Label: Parlophone/Atlantic
Number of tracks: 10
Rating: 3/5
Australia squads
ODI: Tim Paine (capt), Aaron Finch (vice-capt), Ashton Agar, Alex Carey, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Nathan Lyon, Glenn Maxwell, Shaun Marsh, Jhye Richardson, Kane Richardson, D’Arcy Short, Billy Stanlake, Marcus Stoinis, Andrew Tye.
T20: Aaron Finch (capt), Alex Carey (vice-capt), Ashton Agar, Travis Head, Nic Maddinson, Glenn Maxwell, Jhye Richardson, Kane Richardson, D’Arcy Short, Billy Stanlake, Marcus Stoinis, Mitchell Swepson, Andrew Tye, Jack Wildermuth.
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
Specs
Engine: 3.0L twin-turbo V6
Gearbox: 10-speed automatic
Power: 405hp at 5,500rpm
Torque: 562Nm at 3,000rpm
Fuel economy, combined: 11.2L/100km
Price: From Dh292,845 (Reserve); from Dh320,145 (Presidential)
On sale: Now
