With Eid Al Fitr expected to start on Tuesday or Wednesday next week, the UAE has announced a week-long holiday for public sector employees, starting from Monday, April 8. Several venues have planned firework displays that will light the skies to celebrate the occasion.
Here are some of the places where you can watch the fireworks in Abu Dhabi and Dubai.
Bluewaters Island, Dubai
The man-made island opposite JBR will host a firework display on the third day of the Eid Al Fitr holiday, at 8pm.
The show can be viewed from the island's promenade, the bridge connecting Bluewaters and JBR, or from one of several restaurants dotted along the waterfront.
Al Seef, Dubai
The Creek at Al Seef is a quaint yet vibrant area and includes a 1.8km promenade, two heritage districts, a marina and restaurants. These spots will offer views of the fireworks on the second day of Eid, at 8pm.
Global Village
The multicultural attraction is going out with a bang before it closes its doors for the summer, with daily musical fireworks planned at 9pm each day from April 10 to 14. The open-air park will also have an Eid Wonder Souq, with kiosks offering themed gifts, souvenirs and food.
Dubai Festival City
The mall's Festival Bay will host displays at 10pm each night from April 5 to 7, to mark the last week of Ramadan. A special display will also be held in the area at 8pm on the first day of Eid.
Dubai Parks and Resorts
Head to Riverland on the first and second days of Eid Al Fitr to catch a firework show at 9pm. The family-friendly theme park will also put on daily laser shows three times each evening from April 10 to 12.
Al Hudayriyat Island, Abu Dhabi
The night sky will light up during the firework display at this family-friendly spot, known as Abu Dhabi's adventure playground. The show is set to take place in Marsana at 9pm on the first day of Eid. The island will also host an Eid-themed event from 5pm to 11pm on day two of the holiday, complete with an outdoor cinema, a henna station, gaming and children's zones, roaming carnival performers and a DJ.
Yas Island, Abu Dhabi
Both Yas Marina and Yas Bay Waterfront will provide Eid entertainment with an eye-catching display of fireworks. The shows will take place at 9pm on each night of Eid Al Fitr.
Hatta
The mountainous Dubai town will put on a firework show at 8pm on the first day of Eid, illuminating the record-breaking Hatta sign to glorious effect. Visitors can also expect a 30 per cent discount on all Hatta Outdoor packages in Wadi Hub, from ziplining and wall-climbing to archery and net-walking, through the Eid Al Fitr break.
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Key figures in the life of the fort
Sheikh Dhiyab bin Isa (ruled 1761-1793) Built Qasr Al Hosn as a watchtower to guard over the only freshwater well on Abu Dhabi island.
Sheikh Shakhbut bin Dhiyab (ruled 1793-1816) Expanded the tower into a small fort and transferred his ruling place of residence from Liwa Oasis to the fort on the island.
Sheikh Tahnoon bin Shakhbut (ruled 1818-1833) Expanded Qasr Al Hosn further as Abu Dhabi grew from a small village of palm huts to a town of more than 5,000 inhabitants.
Sheikh Khalifa bin Shakhbut (ruled 1833-1845) Repaired and fortified the fort.
Sheikh Saeed bin Tahnoon (ruled 1845-1855) Turned Qasr Al Hosn into a strong two-storied structure.
Sheikh Zayed bin Khalifa (ruled 1855-1909) Expanded Qasr Al Hosn further to reflect the emirate's increasing prominence.
Sheikh Shakhbut bin Sultan (ruled 1928-1966) Renovated and enlarged Qasr Al Hosn, adding a decorative arch and two new villas.
Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan (ruled 1966-2004) Moved the royal residence to Al Manhal palace and kept his diwan at Qasr Al Hosn.
Sources: Jayanti Maitra, www.adach.ae
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Company Profile
Name: Thndr
Started: 2019
Co-founders: Ahmad Hammouda and Seif Amr
Sector: FinTech
Headquarters: Egypt
UAE base: Hub71, Abu Dhabi
Current number of staff: More than 150
Funds raised: $22 million
What is a calorie?
A food calorie, or kilocalorie, is a measure of nutritional energy generated from what is consumed.
One calorie, is the amount of heat needed to raise the temperature of 1 kilogram of water by 1°C.
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Alcohol contains about seven calories a gram.
Despacito's dominance in numbers
Released: 2017
Peak chart position: No.1 in more than 47 countries, including the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia and Lebanon
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Sales: With 10 million downloads in the US, Despacito became the first Latin single to receive Diamond sales certification
Streams: 1.3 billion combined audio and video by the end of 2017, making it the biggest digital hit of the year.
Awards: 17, including Record of the Year at last year’s prestigious Latin Grammy Awards, as well as five Billboard Music Awards
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How much do leading UAE’s UK curriculum schools charge for Year 6?
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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.
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10. Substance and CbC reporting focus
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How to apply for a drone permit
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What are the regulations?
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Pakistan require another 139 runs with 10 wickets remaining
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Name: Hassan Mohsen Elhais
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