Follow the latest news on the 2024 Paris Olympics
The Paris Olympics are now here. Some sports are already under way while some medals have already been awarded, such as in team gymnastics, synchronised diving and freestyle BMX.
This year’s Games will also include the debut of breaking (also known as breakdancing), while surfing, skateboarding, 3x3 basketball and sport climbing return after first appearing at Tokyo 2020.
So, whether it’s watching Team USA attempt their fifth consecutive gold medal in men's basketball or seeing if the Moroccan football team can continue their run after defeating Argentina in their opener, there are plenty of storylines to follow.
Here's where to go to watch the Olympics in the UAE, and how to watch it at home.
How to stream the Olympics in the UAE
The Games can be watched on Tod, an app from beIN Sports. Different packages available are available, starting at $3 per day with streaming access available for up to two devices.
For those who want to watch all through until the closing ceremony on August 11, there’s an $18 standard package for up to two devices or $30 package for 4K streaming up to two devices. There’s also a $10 package for one device (either mobile or tablet).
Where to watch the Olympics in Abu Dhabi
McCafferty's
The Irish pub has several televisions dotted throughout, making it a good place to grab a bite and watch some of the Olympics action. The menu serves typical bar food such as burgers, pizza, fish and chips.
9am to 2am; Hilton Abu Dhabi, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi; 058 598 3623
The Sportsman's Arms
This American-Irish pub has large TVs lined in the middle over its tall bar-style tables. There are also sofa benches and regular-height pub tables and chairs, ensuring guests can watch the Olympic action from any seat.
Sunday to Thursday, 8am-midnight; Friday and Saturday, 8am-1am; Zayed Sports City; 02 447 1066
Cooper’s Bar & Restaurant
Cooper's at the Park Rotana will be showing the Olympics on four big screens, as well as smaller TVs dotted around. A sharing platter of mixed bar bites is Dh150 ($40) and happy hour is from noon to 8pm.
Sunday to Thursday, noon-2am; Friday and Saturday, noon-3am; Park Rotana, Khalifa Park; 02 657 3325
Stars N Bars
The American-themed sports bar in Yas Marina will stream the games on its impressive 76 HDTVs located throughout the venue. Additionally, there are arcade games and pinball machines while table football is also available.
Sunday to Thursday, noon-2am; Friday and Saturday, noon-3am; Yas Marina; 02 565 0101
Where to watch the Olympics in Dubai
Bedrock
The urban golf and darts bar will be showing the Olympics on its 20-plus sports screens. In addition, there are also high-tech indoor golf and interactive dart boards. There’s a daily happy hour from noon to 7pm on weekdays and noon to 4pm on weekends.
Noon to 2am; Pier 7, Dubai Marina; 04 578 1668
Zabeel Social
The restaurant in Jumeirah Zabeel Saray features a fan-zone tent with large LED screens and air conditioning for screening the Olympics. Additionally, there will be Olympic-themed quizzes and happy hour runs from 5pm to 7pm every day.
Sunday to Thursday, 4pm-2am; Friday and Saturday, noon-2pm and 4pm-2am; Jumeirah Zabeel Saray; 04 453 0444
The Underground Pub
The sports pub has a London Underground theme and will be streaming the Olympics. In addition to watching the Games on the many TVs, there is also a daily happy hour from 4pm to 8pm.
Daily, noon-3am; Al Habtoor Grand Resort, Jumeirah Beach; 04 408 4257
Mr Toad’s
Mr Toad's will screen the Games and is serving a special summer menu for the event alongside other special promotions. The Summer Championship Menu has drinks starting at Dh23 and food at Dh30. It includes dishes such as aglio e olio-style prawns and beef chorizo, chilli chicken and hot dog with German potato salad. Also, those ordering a Kick-Off Burger or Extra Time Burger will get a free drink.
Daily, noon-1am; various Premier Inn Hotels around Dubai; 050 143 8751 (Barsha Heights) or 04 885 1899 (DIP)
Barasti Beach Bar
Barasti in Dubai Marina offers numerous options for watching the Games: either in a giant air-conditioned tent or on a six square metre poolside screen. Expect live bands and DJ sets to keep the energy pumping. Tables and seating are on a first-come, first-served basis and VIP tables are available by booking.
Daily, 9am-3am; Le Meridien Mina Seyahi Beach, Dubai Marina; 04 511 7373
Reform Social & Grill
The restaurant will be screening the Games and also has a special Olympics-themed menu that features "mega-sized dishes designed to fuel champions”. This includes the Olympic Champion Breakfast (Dh150), Olympic Black Angus Burger (Dh99) and Olympic Mega Roast (Dh190). The menu will only be available until the Games finishes.
Daily, 8am-midnight; The Lakes, Emirates Hill; 04 454 2638
Dhow & Anchor
The gastropub offers a vibrant and laid-back atmosphere and will screen the Olympics. Expect strategically placed flat-screen TVs surrounded by epic views of Burj Al Arab. The menu offers traditional British cuisine.
Daily, noon-midnight; Jumeirah Beach Hotel; 800 323 232
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
Ain Dubai in numbers
126: The length in metres of the legs supporting the structure
1 football pitch: The length of each permanent spoke is longer than a professional soccer pitch
16 A380 Airbuses: The equivalent weight of the wheel rim.
9,000 tonnes: The amount of steel used to construct the project.
5 tonnes: The weight of each permanent spoke that is holding the wheel rim in place
192: The amount of cable wires used to create the wheel. They measure a distance of 2,4000km in total, the equivalent of the distance between Dubai and Cairo.
Winners
Ballon d’Or (Men’s)
Ousmane Dembélé (Paris Saint-Germain / France)
Ballon d’Or Féminin (Women’s)
Aitana Bonmatí (Barcelona / Spain)
Kopa Trophy (Best player under 21 – Men’s)
Lamine Yamal (Barcelona / Spain)
Best Young Women’s Player
Vicky López (Barcelona / Spain)
Yashin Trophy (Best Goalkeeper – Men’s)
Gianluigi Donnarumma (Paris Saint-Germain and Manchester City / Italy)
Best Women’s Goalkeeper
Hannah Hampton (England / Aston Villa and Chelsea)
Men’s Coach of the Year
Luis Enrique (Paris Saint-Germain)
Women’s Coach of the Year
Sarina Wiegman (England)
Avatar: Fire and Ash
Director: James Cameron
Starring: Sam Worthington, Sigourney Weaver, Zoe Saldana
Rating: 4.5/5
APPLE IPAD MINI (A17 PRO)
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Results
6.30pm: Mazrat Al Ruwayah – Group 2 (PA) $36,000 (Dirt) 1,600m, Winner: RB Money To Burn, Tadhg O’Shea (jockey), Eric Lemartinel (trainer)
7.05pm: Handicap (TB) $68,000 (Turf) 2,410m, Winner: Star Safari, William Buick, Charlie Appleby
7.40pm: Meydan Trophy – Conditions (TB) $50,000 (T) 1,900m, Winner: Secret Protector, William Buick, Charlie Appleby
8.15pm: Al Maktoum Challenge Round 2 - Group 2 (TB) $293,000 (D) 1,900m, Winner: Salute The Soldier, Adrie de Vries, Fawzi Nass
8.50pm: Al Rashidiya – Group 2 (TB) $163,000 (T) 1,800m, Winner: Zakouski, William Buick, Charlie Appleby
9.25pm: Handicap (TB) $65,000 (T) 1,000m, Winner: Motafaawit, Sam Hitchcock, Doug Watson
