• Customers won't have any trouble viewing the products under the bright lights of Polestar Space. All photos: Polestar
    Customers won't have any trouble viewing the products under the bright lights of Polestar Space. All photos: Polestar
  • The Polestar 2 first arrived in the UAE in February 2022.
    The Polestar 2 first arrived in the UAE in February 2022.
  • Polestar Space is also known as the Store of the Future.
    Polestar Space is also known as the Store of the Future.
  • Sustainability was a key element of the Polestar 2, and it features an "all vegan" interior.
    Sustainability was a key element of the Polestar 2, and it features an "all vegan" interior.
  • Potential customers can book test drives at Dubai's Polestar Space.
    Potential customers can book test drives at Dubai's Polestar Space.
  • The Polestar 2, as it was first unveiled in 2019.
    The Polestar 2, as it was first unveiled in 2019.
  • The Polestar 2 features minimalist interiors.
    The Polestar 2 features minimalist interiors.
  • Polestar Space is the UAE's only retail outlet dedicated solely to the brand.
    Polestar Space is the UAE's only retail outlet dedicated solely to the brand.
  • The Polestar 2's earlier pop-up outlet at City Walk in Dubai.
    The Polestar 2's earlier pop-up outlet at City Walk in Dubai.
  • And off it goes. Very quietly.
    And off it goes. Very quietly.
  • Polestar's Precept is a vision of what the company is working on for their next release.
    Polestar's Precept is a vision of what the company is working on for their next release.

Lifestyle

Motoring

Polestar opens first retail outlet for its electric cars in UAE

The Swedish brand, which recently launched in the Middle East, now has a dedicated showroom in Dubai

Simon Wilgress-Pipe
Simon Wilgress-Pipe

June 07, 2022

  • English
  • Arabic

Polestar, the latest electric vehicle brand to arrive in the Middle East, now has its first dedicated retail outlet in the UAE, and, in line with the brand itself, it’s all very cutting edge.

The Store of the Future, or Polestar Space, as it has been dubbed, has opened in Dubai’s Mall of the Emirates, giving prospective customers the chance to get a close look at the Swedish vehicle and potentially book a test drive.

The car, first revealed in 2019, only arrived in the UAE in February this year, and there has been some attention around its release.

Aside from an earlier pop-up stand at Dubai’s City Walk, this is the first outlet that will solely feature the recent arrival.

“Polestar Space is the perfect setting to showcase the cutting-edge, sustainable design and advanced technologies of Polestar 2," says Jonathan Pollock from Al-Futtaim Trading Enterprises, the vehicle’s UAE distributor.

The UAE is the latest country the Swedish manufacturer has targeted, but by 2023, the brand plans to expand more, ensuring its products are available in about 30 markets.

So far, a little under 30,000 Polestars 2s have been sold worldwide, so the car still retains an air of exclusivity, particularly in the UAE. As far as automotive competition is concerned, the vehicle will be going head-to-head with the Tesla Model 3.

There are three different versions available in the Emirates, with prices starting at Dh161,900.

Polestar Space is open seven days a week, from 10am to 10pm.

Sleek EV: Porsche Taycan CrossTurismo Turbo — in pictures

  • The electric Porsche Taycan CrossTurismo Turbo. All photos: Porsche
    The electric Porsche Taycan CrossTurismo Turbo. All photos: Porsche
  • The EV is powered by a motor in each of the front and rear axles.
    The EV is powered by a motor in each of the front and rear axles.
  • The CrossTurismo comes with the Porsche 911 Coupe's inherent good looks.
    The CrossTurismo comes with the Porsche 911 Coupe's inherent good looks.
  • Despite the Taycan’s raised height, the centre of gravity is low thanks to the batteries being hidden in the floor.
    Despite the Taycan’s raised height, the centre of gravity is low thanks to the batteries being hidden in the floor.
  • The EV goes from 0-100kph in 3.3 seconds and has a top speed of 250kph.
    The EV goes from 0-100kph in 3.3 seconds and has a top speed of 250kph.
  • Gravel Mode splits torque to the wheels, winds back the stability control and equalises the speed of each wheel to mimic a diff lock on an SUV.
    Gravel Mode splits torque to the wheels, winds back the stability control and equalises the speed of each wheel to mimic a diff lock on an SUV.
  • The zero-tailpipe-emission EV is a practical family wagon, offering 1,171 litres stowage in the rear and 84 litres up front.
    The zero-tailpipe-emission EV is a practical family wagon, offering 1,171 litres stowage in the rear and 84 litres up front.
  • The cabin has a central, 10.9-inch infotainment display with a touchscreen that uses haptic feedback via pulses through the fingers.
    The cabin has a central, 10.9-inch infotainment display with a touchscreen that uses haptic feedback via pulses through the fingers.
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

Traits of Chinese zodiac animals

Tiger:independent, successful, volatile
Rat:witty, creative, charming
Ox:diligent, perseverent, conservative
Rabbit:gracious, considerate, sensitive
Dragon:prosperous, brave, rash
Snake:calm, thoughtful, stubborn
Horse:faithful, energetic, carefree
Sheep:easy-going, peacemaker, curious
Monkey:family-orientated, clever, playful
Rooster:honest, confident, pompous
Dog:loyal, kind, perfectionist
Boar:loving, tolerant, indulgent   

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Specs

Engine: Dual-motor all-wheel-drive electric

Range: Up to 610km

Power: 905hp

Torque: 985Nm

Price: From Dh439,000

Available: Now

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Company profile

Name: Thndr

Started: October 2020

Founders: Ahmad Hammouda and Seif Amr

Based: Cairo, Egypt

Sector: FinTech

Initial investment: pre-seed of $800,000

Funding stage: series A; $20 million

Investors: Tiger Global, Beco Capital, Prosus Ventures, Y Combinator, Global Ventures, Abdul Latif Jameel, Endure Capital, 4DX Ventures, Plus VC,  Rabacap and MSA Capital

Updated: October 13, 2022, 8:55 AM
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