Things are slowing down some as the summer makes itself known. Pop culture buffs can make a beeline for exhibitions and comedy shows, while adrenalin-seekers can sign up for a race in Ski Dubai or one last outdoor camp in Ras Al Khaimah.
Here, The National rounds up seven things to do around the Emirates, from May 13 to 19.
Monday, May 13
May 13 marks International Hummus Day, and there's no shortage of places in the UAE where the creamy concoction can be sampled – from traditional recipes to modern creations.
One to try in Dubai is the traditional hummus with pine nuts served at Bait Maryam restaurant in Jumeirah Lake Towers (JLT), headed by award-winning Palestinian-Jordanian chef Salam Dakkak.
Those in Abu Dhabi can head to Lebanese restaurant Alya, which serves a trio of hummus, one of which contains pulled brisket and is simply outstanding.
Cooking enthusiasts can follow this recipe shared with The National by chef Solemann Haddad, of Michelin-starred Moonrise fame, complete with shishito peppers.
Tuesday, May 14
Fans of Netflix show Bridgerton can restock their lotions and potions as Lush launches limited edition products inspired by the show.
The collection includes a perfume formulated with romantic florals, with hints of mint, sage and rosemary (Dh225); a dual-aroma bath bomb with cocoa butter (Dh50); a body wash with sweet lemon rose (Dh175); and a body lotion with vanilla, cocoa butter and fresh meadowsweet (Dh110).
Available until supplies last on the Lush mobile application and Lush.com, as well as Lush stores across the UAE.
Wednesday, May 15
If you're looking to pick up a new skill, a mixology masterclass might hit the mark. Expert mixologists at H Hotel are hosting daily classes for people who want to hone their mocktail and cocktail-making skills, using a variety of flavourful ingredients, including non-alcoholic spirits from Lyre's.
Participants will also be treated to canapes during the hour-long class.
Daily, 3.30pm-6.30pm; from Dh140 per person; Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai; hhoteldubai.com
Thursday, May 16
May 16 is the last day to register for the fifth DXB Snow Run, taking place on May 19 at Ski Dubai. Held in partnership with Dubai Sports Council, the city's “coolest run” is open to participants aged 13 to 70, and has individual and group categories.
The slopes of Ski Dubai, complete with its in -4⁰C climes, will be converted into loops measuring 3km and 5km. Prizes yet to be revealed will be kept aside for the winners, but every participant will get a shirt, sling bag and commemorative medal.
Registration closes May 16; race on May 19; from Dh95; from 6am; Mall of the Emirates, Dubai; www.premieronline.com
Friday, May 17
Catch an exhibition by Italian artist Paolo Troilo at The Foundry in Dubai. The show, called Unzipme, showcases Trolio's hyper-realist figurative paintings crafted entirely using his fingers. It marks his debut in the Middle East, having previously showcased in major cities such as New York, London and Istanbul.
The exhibition is all about open-mindedness. In the nine tapestries on display, Troilo uses unusual materials, including denim and zippers.
Until May 24; 10am-10pm; free to attend; Downtown Dubai; 04 367 3696
Saturday, May 18
Head to Ras Al Khaimah for a wilderness staycation at Bear Grylls Explorers Camp, which is due to close its facility on May 25 before it gets unbearably hot.
Overnight stays in one of the camp's 16 en-suite cabins are currently discounted, available to book from Monday to Sunday. A cabin can accommodate up to three people. Guests can choose from one of four outdoor activities offered on site, including high ropes course, hiking, archery and air rifle shooting.
A barbecue package costs an additional Dh150, with a menu featuring classic grills, from shish tawook to corn on the cob.
Until May 25; Dh325 per night on weekdays, Dh525 per night on weekends; Jebel Jais, Ras Al Khaimah; www.beargryllscamp.ae
Sunday, May 19
Head to Theatre of Digital Art in Dubai for a deep dive into the life of famous artist Frida Kahlo.
From her turbulent marriage to her unapologetic artistic expression, Viva La Frida is a tribute to the Mexican painter's personal and professional journey – via vivid projections and sound design.
“We believe Frida Kahlo's story, as both a woman and an artist, was remarkably ahead of its time and continues to be profoundly relevant today,” says Toda managing director, Daria Prodaevich.
Until May 31; 10am-11pm; from Dh110; Souk Madinat, Jumeirah, Dubai; toda.ae
What is blockchain?
Blockchain is a form of distributed ledger technology, a digital system in which data is recorded across multiple places at the same time. Unlike traditional databases, DLTs have no central administrator or centralised data storage. They are transparent because the data is visible and, because they are automatically replicated and impossible to be tampered with, they are secure.
The main difference between blockchain and other forms of DLT is the way data is stored as ‘blocks’ – new transactions are added to the existing ‘chain’ of past transactions, hence the name ‘blockchain’. It is impossible to delete or modify information on the chain due to the replication of blocks across various locations.
Blockchain is mostly associated with cryptocurrency Bitcoin. Due to the inability to tamper with transactions, advocates say this makes the currency more secure and safer than traditional systems. It is maintained by a network of people referred to as ‘miners’, who receive rewards for solving complex mathematical equations that enable transactions to go through.
However, one of the major problems that has come to light has been the presence of illicit material buried in the Bitcoin blockchain, linking it to the dark web.
Other blockchain platforms can offer things like smart contracts, which are automatically implemented when specific conditions from all interested parties are reached, cutting the time involved and the risk of mistakes. Another use could be storing medical records, as patients can be confident their information cannot be changed. The technology can also be used in supply chains, voting and has the potential to used for storing property records.
Need to know
The flights: Flydubai flies from Dubai to Kilimanjaro airport via Dar es Salaam from Dh1,619 return including taxes. The trip takes 8 hours.
The trek: Make sure that whatever tour company you select to climb Kilimanjaro, that it is a reputable one. The way to climb successfully would be with experienced guides and porters, from a company committed to quality, safety and an ethical approach to the mountain and its staff. Sonia Nazareth booked a VIP package through Safari Africa. The tour works out to $4,775 (Dh17,538) per person, based on a 4-person booking scheme, for 9 nights on the mountain (including one night before and after the trek at Arusha). The price includes all meals, a head guide, an assistant guide for every 2 trekkers, porters to carry the luggage, a cook and kitchen staff, a dining and mess tent, a sleeping tent set up for 2 persons, a chemical toilet and park entrance fees. The tiny ration of heated water provided for our bath in our makeshift private bathroom stall was the greatest luxury. A standard package, also based on a 4-person booking, works out to $3,050 (Dh11,202) per person.
When to go: You can climb Kili at any time of year, but the best months to ascend are January-February and September-October. Also good are July and August, if you’re tolerant of the colder weather that winter brings.
Do not underestimate the importance of kit. Even if you’re travelling at a relatively pleasant time, be geared up for the cold and the rain.
Indika
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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
How to avoid crypto fraud
- Use unique usernames and passwords while enabling multi-factor authentication.
- Use an offline private key, a physical device that requires manual activation, whenever you access your wallet.
- Avoid suspicious social media ads promoting fraudulent schemes.
- Only invest in crypto projects that you fully understand.
- Critically assess whether a project’s promises or returns seem too good to be true.
- Only use reputable platforms that have a track record of strong regulatory compliance.
- Store funds in hardware wallets as opposed to online exchanges.
From Zero
Artist: Linkin Park
Label: Warner Records
Number of tracks: 11
Rating: 4/5
MATCH INFO
Bayern Munich 2 Borussia Monchengladbach 1
Bayern: Zirkzee (26'), Goretzka (86')
Gladbach: Pavard (37' og)
Man of the Match: Breel Embolo (Borussia Monchengladbach)
ESSENTIALS
The flights
Fly Etihad or Emirates from the UAE to Moscow from 2,763 return per person return including taxes.
Where to stay
Trips on the Golden Eagle Trans-Siberian cost from US$16,995 (Dh62,414) per person, based on two sharing.
Classification of skills
A worker is categorised as skilled by the MOHRE based on nine levels given in the International Standard Classification of Occupations (ISCO) issued by the International Labour Organisation.
A skilled worker would be someone at a professional level (levels 1 – 5) which includes managers, professionals, technicians and associate professionals, clerical support workers, and service and sales workers.
The worker must also have an attested educational certificate higher than secondary or an equivalent certification, and earn a monthly salary of at least Dh4,000.
Results
1. Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes) 1hr 32mins 03.897sec
2. Max Verstappen (Red Bull-Honda) at 0.745s
3. Valtteri Bottas (Mercedes) 37.383s
4. Lando Norris (McLaren) 46.466s
5.Sergio Perez (Red Bull-Honda) 52.047s
6. Charles Leclerc (Ferrari) 59.090s
7. Daniel Ricciardo (McLaren) 1:06.004
8. Carlos Sainz Jr (Ferrari) 1:07.100
9. Yuki Tsunoda (AlphaTauri-Honda) 1:25.692
10. Lance Stroll (Aston Martin-Mercedes) 1:26.713,
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The specs
Engine: 6.2-litre V8
Transmission: seven-speed auto
Power: 420 bhp
Torque: 624Nm
Price: from Dh293,200
On sale: now
Recipe: Spirulina Coconut Brothie
Ingredients
1 tbsp Spirulina powder
1 banana
1 cup unsweetened coconut milk (full fat preferable)
1 tbsp fresh turmeric or turmeric powder
½ cup fresh spinach leaves
½ cup vegan broth
2 crushed ice cubes (optional)
Method
Blend all the ingredients together on high in a high-speed blender until smooth and creamy.
