• Syrian actor Abbas Al-Nouri in a scene during filming of TV series ‘Maa Qaid al-Tanfith’. All photos: AFP
    Syrian actor Abbas Al-Nouri in a scene during filming of TV series ‘Maa Qaid al-Tanfith’. All photos: AFP
  • Syrian actors Yazan al-Khalil and Abbas al-Nurion on set in the Wadi Barada suburb of Damascus, a former battleground between rebels and government forces.
    Syrian actors Yazan al-Khalil and Abbas al-Nurion on set in the Wadi Barada suburb of Damascus, a former battleground between rebels and government forces.
  • The series has been shot despite political rifts linked to Saudi Arabia's diplomatic standoff with the government in Damascus.
    The series has been shot despite political rifts linked to Saudi Arabia's diplomatic standoff with the government in Damascus.
  • The programme’s director says the Arabic-language show is ‘the first social drama made entirely by Syrians to air on a Saudi-owned TV channel since 2011’.
    The programme’s director says the Arabic-language show is ‘the first social drama made entirely by Syrians to air on a Saudi-owned TV channel since 2011’.
  • Syrian actors Abbas al-Nuri (L) and Yazan al Kahlil prepare to play a scene for the Syrian Social series "Maa Qaid al-Tanfith" in Ashrafieh al-Wadi / in the Wadi Barada suburb of Damascus, a former battleground between rebels and government forces, on March 29, 2022. - According to director Self Elsbei, the Arabic-language show is "the first social drama made entirely by Syrians to air on a Saudi-owned TV channel since 2011," due to the political rifts linked to the kingdom's diplomatic standoff with the Damascus government. (Photo by LOUAI BESHARA / AFP)
    Syrian actors Abbas al-Nuri (L) and Yazan al Kahlil prepare to play a scene for the Syrian Social series "Maa Qaid al-Tanfith" in Ashrafieh al-Wadi / in the Wadi Barada suburb of Damascus, a former battleground between rebels and government forces, on March 29, 2022. - According to director Self Elsbei, the Arabic-language show is "the first social drama made entirely by Syrians to air on a Saudi-owned TV channel since 2011," due to the political rifts linked to the kingdom's diplomatic standoff with the Damascus government. (Photo by LOUAI BESHARA / AFP)
  • Children pass the shell of a burnt-out car during filming of the Syrian Social series 'Maa Qaid al-Tanfith'.
    Children pass the shell of a burnt-out car during filming of the Syrian Social series 'Maa Qaid al-Tanfith'.
  • Thumbs up on set.
    Thumbs up on set.
  • Abbas Al-Nouri (L) discusses the nuances of a scene with director Seifeddin Sebaieon.
    Abbas Al-Nouri (L) discusses the nuances of a scene with director Seifeddin Sebaieon.
  • On set in Ashrafieh al-Wadi.
    On set in Ashrafieh al-Wadi.
  • (L-R) Syrian actors Muhammad Qanu and Yamen al-Hajali sit with producer Ahmed al-Sheikh during filming.
    (L-R) Syrian actors Muhammad Qanu and Yamen al-Hajali sit with producer Ahmed al-Sheikh during filming.

On set of Ramadan TV drama ‘Maa Qaid al-Tanfith’ - in pictures


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Summer special
Moon Music

Artist: Coldplay

Label: Parlophone/Atlantic

Number of tracks: 10

Rating: 3/5

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

Director: Shady Ali
Cast: Boumi Fouad , Mohamed Tharout and Hisham Ismael
Rating: 3/5

Living in...

This article is part of a guide on where to live in the UAE. Our reporters will profile some of the country’s most desirable districts, provide an estimate of rental prices and introduce you to some of the residents who call each area home.

More from Armen Sarkissian
MATCH INFO

Syria v Australia
2018 World Cup qualifying: Asia fourth round play-off first leg
Venue: Hang Jebat Stadium (Malacca, Malayisa)
Kick-off: Thursday, 4.30pm (UAE)
Watch: beIN Sports HD

* Second leg in Australia scheduled for October 10

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
  • Users must avoid flying over restricted areas listed on the UAE Drone app
  • Only fly the drone during the day, and never at night
  • Should have a live feed of the drone flight
  • Drones must weigh 5 kg or less
JAPANESE GRAND PRIX INFO

Schedule (All times UAE)
First practice: Friday, 5-6.30am
Second practice: Friday, 9-10.30am
Third practice: Saturday, 7-8am
Qualifying: Saturday, 10-11am
Race: Sunday, 9am-midday 

Race venue: Suzuka International Racing Course
Circuit Length: 5.807km
Number of Laps: 53
Watch live: beIN Sports HD

World Cup final

Who: France v Croatia
When: Sunday, July 15, 7pm (UAE)
TV: Game will be shown live on BeIN Sports for viewers in the Mena region

Updated: April 18, 2022, 12:08 PM