Anyone who does yoga will appreciate the overwhelming sense of calm and peace it brings. But when it’s done against a stunning backdrop, it can be a truly unforgettable experience.
Thankfully, in the UAE, we are inundated with places to practice, and many studios regularly take advantage of the country’s natural beauty and impressive landmarks to offer anything but ordinary yoga sessions.
As Monday marks International Yoga Day, here are seven of the most beautiful spots in the UAE to get your practice in:
The View at The Palm
The Palm's brand new 360-degree observation deck, which offers unparalleled views of the Palm Jumeirah and Dubai Marina skyline, is hosting a series of morning yoga sessions. Every Tuesday and Friday from 7am to 8am, join Core Direction for a 60-minute vinyasa yoga session on the 52nd floor of The Palm Tower for an unforgettable start to the day.
Tuesdays and Fridays, 7am-8am; Dh149; The View at The Palm, The Palm Tower, Palm Jumeirah; theviewpalm.ae/events/yoga-at-the-view
Burj Khalifa
For another sky-high yoga session, visit at At The Top, located on the 124th floor of the world's tallest building. Not only will you be able to enjoy incredible views, but you will have the pleasure of saying you've taken part in the highest yoga session in the world. The classes, run by Core Direction, take place every Tuesday, Friday and Saturday between 7am and 8am.
Tuesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays, 7am-8am; Dh149; At The Top, Burj Khalifa; coredirection.com/atthetop
The Green Planet
Embrace nature with a yoga class at Dubai's The Green Planet, where you will be able to practise against the backdrop of a living indoor rainforest, while having a few critters pop by to say hello. The guided 60-minute Yin Yoga and meditation class takes place inside the bio-dome, and is set to the natural soundtrack of birds chirping around you.
Fridays, 8.30am-9.30am; Dh149; The Green Planet, City Walk; coredirection.com/thegreenplanet
Burj Al Arab
Take in one of Dubai's most famous views with a full moon yoga session on the lawns of Jumeirah Beach Hotel. As the sun goes down behind the Burj Al Arab, move through your flow as you witness the Moon move through the sky. The classes take place each month, and vary based on the Moon's cycle.
Dates vary, 6.30pm-7.30pm; Dh114; The lawn, Jumeirah Beach Hotel, Jumeirah; coredirection.com/burjalarab
Dubai Opera Garden
Let Downtown Dubai’s famous skyline light up your evening yoga session on Dubai Opera’s lawn. The class is the perfect way to wind down your day, with a 60-minute yoga flow from the raised private garden at sunset. The class takes place every Saturday evening, offering the perfect chance to relax and de-stress ahead of the week.
Saturdays, 6.30pm-7.30pm; Dh60; Dubai Opera Gardens; Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Boulevard; coredirection.com/dubai-opera
Saadiyat Beach Club
Set against the backdrop of Saadiyat's white sandy beach and the rolling azure waves of the Arabian Gulf, Saadiyat Beach Club is one of the capital's most popular spots to relax and unwind, and it also makes for an ideal spot for sunset yoga. Bodytree Wellness Studio offers a selection of Pilates and yoga sessions at the beach club each week, with restorative yoga, hatha and Total Body Care Pilates on the schedule.
Days and times vary; single classes start from Dh95; Saadiyat Beach Club, Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi; bodytreestudio.com/saadiyat-class-packages
Louvre Abu Dhabi
Take in the stunning architecture of Louvre Abu Dhabi with Yoga Under the Dome. Taking place numerous times per week, the 75-minute classes are run by Bodytree Wellness Studio, and allow participants to practice their flow in one of the capital's top cultural destinations. The classes take place Sundays and Tuesdays at 10.15am and 5pm, as well as Saturdays at 11am and 5pm. During the summer months, the sessions take place inside the museum with views of the ocean and dome.
Sundays and Tuesdays, 10.15am and 5pm, Saturdays, 11am and 5pm; Dh90; Louvre Abu Dhabi, Saadiyat Island; bodytreestudio.com/product/yoga-under-the-dome-at-the-louvre-abu-dhabi
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How to apply for a drone permit
- Individuals must register on UAE Drone app or website using their UAE Pass
- Add all their personal details, including name, nationality, passport number, Emiratis ID, email and phone number
- Upload the training certificate from a centre accredited by the GCAA
- Submit their request
What are the regulations?
- Fly it within visual line of sight
- Never over populated areas
- Ensure maximum flying height of 400 feet (122 metres) above ground level is not crossed
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What is Financial Fair Play?
Introduced in 2011 by Uefa, European football’s governing body, it demands that clubs live within their means. Chiefly, spend within their income and not make substantial losses.
What the rules dictate?
The second phase of its implementation limits losses to €30 million (Dh136m) over three seasons. Extra expenditure is permitted for investment in sustainable areas (youth academies, stadium development, etc). Money provided by owners is not viewed as income. Revenue from “related parties” to those owners is assessed by Uefa's “financial control body” to be sure it is a fair value, or in line with market prices.
What are the penalties?
There are a number of punishments, including fines, a loss of prize money or having to reduce squad size for European competition – as happened to PSG in 2014. There is even the threat of a competition ban, which could in theory lead to PSG’s suspension from the Uefa Champions League.
Learn more about Qasr Al Hosn
In 2013, The National's History Project went beyond the walls to see what life was like living in Abu Dhabi's fabled fort:
Results
Stage three:
1. Stefan Bissegger (SUI) EF Education-EasyPost, in 9-43
2. Filippo Ganna (ITA) Ineos Grenadiers, at 7s
3. Tom Dumoulin (NED) Jumbo-Visma, at 14s
4. Tadej Pogacar (SLO) UAE-Team Emirates, at 18s
5. Joao Almeida (POR) UAE-Team Emirates, at 22s
6. Mikkel Bjerg (DEN) UAE-Team Emirates, at 24s
General Classification:
1. Stefan Bissegger (SUI) EF Education-EasyPost, in 9-13-02
2. Filippo Ganna (ITA) Ineos Grenadiers, at 7s
3. Jasper Philipsen (BEL) Alpecin Fenix, at 12s
4. Tom Dumoulin (NED) Jumbo-Visma, at 14s
5. Tadej Pogacar (SLO) UAE-Team Emirates, at 18s
6. Joao Almeida (POR) UAE-Team Emirates, at 22s
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if you go
The flights
Etihad, Emirates and Singapore Airlines fly direct from the UAE to Singapore from Dh2,265 return including taxes. The flight takes about 7 hours.
The hotel
Rooms at the M Social Singapore cost from SG $179 (Dh488) per night including taxes.
The tour
Makan Makan Walking group tours costs from SG $90 (Dh245) per person for about three hours. Tailor-made tours can be arranged. For details go to www.woknstroll.com.sg
Muslim Council of Elders condemns terrorism on religious sites
The Muslim Council of Elders has strongly condemned the criminal attacks on religious sites in Britain.
It firmly rejected “acts of terrorism, which constitute a flagrant violation of the sanctity of houses of worship”.
“Attacking places of worship is a form of terrorism and extremism that threatens peace and stability within societies,” it said.
The council also warned against the rise of hate speech, racism, extremism and Islamophobia. It urged the international community to join efforts to promote tolerance and peaceful coexistence.
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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
