• The Kun concept car at Expo 2020 Dubai. All photos: SAIC
    The Kun concept car at Expo 2020 Dubai. All photos: SAIC
  • The Kun doesn't appear to need roads
    The Kun doesn't appear to need roads
  • Inside the cabin of the Kun car
    Inside the cabin of the Kun car
  • The Kun from the front
    The Kun from the front
  • Water doesn't appear to present a problem for the Kun either
    Water doesn't appear to present a problem for the Kun either
  • The Kun has been fitted out with zero gravity seats
    The Kun has been fitted out with zero gravity seats
  • A drone's eye view of the Kun
    A drone's eye view of the Kun
  • The Kun from the back
    The Kun from the back
  • The Kun has a bumper like no other
    The Kun has a bumper like no other
  • Holograms are a feature of the Kun
    Holograms are a feature of the Kun

Ultra-futuristic concept car unveiled at Expo 2020 Dubai


Simon Wilgress-Pipe
  • English
  • Arabic

Motor manufacturer SAIC is unveiling an ultra-modern concept vehicle at the China Pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai.

The new creation, referred to as the Kun, demonstrates “the powerful, innovative, and state-of-the-art technology that is currently being developed and manufactured” in the country, according to the carmaker.

LIVE BLOG: Updates and live coverage from Expo 2020 Dubai

The vision has been jointly created by design teams in Shanghai and London, and it features bio-intelligent interaction, photosynthetic energy, zero gravity seats, holographic image interaction, and advanced autonomous driving technologies. And, if the photos are any indication, SAIC envisages a vehicle that can fly and go underwater as well.

Tom Lee, managing director of SAIC Motor Middle East, said the Kun concept car is a reflection of the manufacturer’s history combined with its goals for the future.

“The car not only spearheads SAIC’s vision of smart mobility, but it also emphasises our objective to establish a shared future centred around green mobility, smart life and premium technology,” he said.

“We in the Middle East are extremely proud of SAIC’s strategic presence at the China Pavilion during Expo 2020 Dubai, and we are looking forward to sharing our concept car KUN with all our visitors.”

Scroll through the gallery below to see China's pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai.

  • The Chinese pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai is called Light of China and is modelled on traditional lanterns using modern architecture. All photos: China pavilion Expo 2020 Dubai
    The Chinese pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai is called Light of China and is modelled on traditional lanterns using modern architecture. All photos: China pavilion Expo 2020 Dubai
  • A panda robot inspired by the famous giant Chinese pandas shows some moves to visitors at the China pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai.
    A panda robot inspired by the famous giant Chinese pandas shows some moves to visitors at the China pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai.
  • Youyou, a panda robot, developed by Chinese company UBTech, says he wants to spread love around the world.
    Youyou, a panda robot, developed by Chinese company UBTech, says he wants to spread love around the world.
  • Models, photographs and video of China’s achievements in space exploration will be one of the centrepieces of the exhibition.
    Models, photographs and video of China’s achievements in space exploration will be one of the centrepieces of the exhibition.
  • Space exploration and satellite technology are among the main themes of the exhibitions at the China pavilion at the World Fair in Dubai.
    Space exploration and satellite technology are among the main themes of the exhibitions at the China pavilion at the World Fair in Dubai.
  • Artificial intelligence and cutting edge science will be showcased on different levels of the China pavilion, one of the biggest at the World Fair.
    Artificial intelligence and cutting edge science will be showcased on different levels of the China pavilion, one of the biggest at the World Fair.
  • Driverless cars and the technology that power the vehicles will be on display at the China pavilion.
    Driverless cars and the technology that power the vehicles will be on display at the China pavilion.
  • Most of the construction material for the China pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai was sourced from the UAE with the decorative elements and red panels customised in China.
    Most of the construction material for the China pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai was sourced from the UAE with the decorative elements and red panels customised in China.
  • A massive lantern with flashing lights and a friendly panda robot will be crowd pullers for the China pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai.
    A massive lantern with flashing lights and a friendly panda robot will be crowd pullers for the China pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai.
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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Label: Parlophone/Atlantic

Number of tracks: 10

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Dhadak 2

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Starring: Siddhant Chaturvedi, Triptii Dimri 

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iPhone XS
With a 5.8-inch screen, it will be an advance version of the iPhone X. It will be dual sim and comes with better battery life, a faster processor and better camera. A new gold colour will be available.
Price: Dh4,229

iPhone XS Max
It is expected to be a grander version of the iPhone X with a 6.5-inch screen; an inch bigger than the screen of the iPhone 8 Plus.
Price: Dh4,649

iPhone XR
A low-cost version of the iPhone X with a 6.1-inch screen, it is expected to attract mass attention. According to industry experts, it is likely to have aluminium edges instead of stainless steel.
Price: Dh3,179

Apple Watch Series 4
More comprehensive health device with edge-to-edge displays that are more than 30 per cent bigger than displays on current models.

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Southampton 2 (Ings 32' & pen 89') Tottenham Hotspur 5 (Son 45', 47', 64', & 73', Kane 82')

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Global state-owned investor ranking by size

1.

United States

2.

China

3.

UAE

4.

Japan

5

Norway

6.

Canada

7.

Singapore

8.

Australia

9.

Saudi Arabia

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South Korea

Our family matters legal consultant

Name: Hassan Mohsen Elhais

Position: legal consultant with Al Rowaad Advocates and Legal Consultants.

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Engine: naturally aspirated 6.5-liter V12

Power: 819hp

Torque: 678Nm at 7,250rpm

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Low turnout
Two months before the first round on April 10, the appetite of voters for the election is low.

Mathieu Gallard, account manager with Ipsos, which conducted the most recent poll, said current forecasts suggested only two-thirds were "very likely" to vote in the first round, compared with a 78 per cent turnout in the 2017 presidential elections.

"It depends on how interesting the campaign is on their main concerns," he told The National. "Just now, it's hard to say who, between Macron and the candidates of the right, would be most affected by a low turnout."

Know your Camel lingo

The bairaq is a competition for the best herd of 50 camels, named for the banner its winner takes home

Namoos - a word of congratulations reserved for falconry competitions, camel races and camel pageants. It best translates as 'the pride of victory' - and for competitors, it is priceless

Asayel camels - sleek, short-haired hound-like racers

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The Owo building is 14 storeys high, seven of which are below ground, with the 30,000 square feet of amenities located subterranean, including a 16-seat private cinema, seven lounges, a gym, games room, treatment suites and bicycle storage.

A clear distinction between the residences and the Raffles hotel with the amenities operated separately.

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1. Kylian Mbappe - to Real Madrid in 2017/18 - €180 million (Dh770.4m - if a deal goes through)
2. Paul Pogba - to Manchester United in 2016/17 - €105m
3. Gareth Bale - to Real Madrid in 2013/14 - €101m
4. Cristiano Ronaldo - to Real Madrid in 2009/10 - €94m
5. Gonzalo Higuain - to Juventus in 2016/17 - €90m
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7. Romelu Lukaku - to Manchester United in 2017/18 - €84.7m
8. Luis Suarez - to Barcelona in 2014/15 - €81.72m
9. Angel di Maria - to Manchester United in 2014/15 - €75m
10. James Rodriguez - to Real Madrid in 2014/15 - €75m

Updated: October 02, 2021, 1:02 PM