Dr Anwar Gargash, Diplomatic Adviser to President Sheikh Khalifa. Photo: Reem Mohammed / The National
Dr Anwar Gargash, Diplomatic Adviser to President Sheikh Khalifa. Photo: Reem Mohammed / The National
Dr Anwar Gargash, Diplomatic Adviser to President Sheikh Khalifa. Photo: Reem Mohammed / The National
Dr Anwar Gargash, Diplomatic Adviser to President Sheikh Khalifa. Photo: Reem Mohammed / The National

Anwar Gargash hails Erdogan's visit to Saudi Arabia as a positive step for region


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  • Arabic

The recent visits by Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan to the UAE and to Saudi Arabia this week are a "positive step" for the region, senior Emirati official Dr Anwar Gargash said on Saturday.

The region will benefit from an approach of "communication and rapprochement", Dr Gargash, Diplomatic Adviser to the President, Sheikh Khalifa, said in a tweet on Saturday after the Turkish president made his first visit to Saudi Arabia in five years.

"The visits of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan to the UAE and sisterly Saudi Arabia, and the adoption of the approach of communication and rapprochement, is a positive step for the benefit of the region as a whole," Dr Gargash said.

Mr Erdogan held talks with King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman after arriving in Jeddah on Thursday for a two-day visit to the kingdom. He travelled to Makkah on Friday to perform the Umrah pilgrimage.

  • Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan performs the Umrah pilgrimage in the holy city of Makkah. All photos: AFP
    Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan performs the Umrah pilgrimage in the holy city of Makkah. All photos: AFP
  • He was received at the Grand Mosque by officials in the Saudi city.
    He was received at the Grand Mosque by officials in the Saudi city.
  • Mr Erdogan is making his first trip to the kingdom in five years as he seeks to restore ties between Turkey and Saudi Arabia.
    Mr Erdogan is making his first trip to the kingdom in five years as he seeks to restore ties between Turkey and Saudi Arabia.
  • His visit comes as the Muslim world prepares to celebrate Eid Al Fitr at the end of the holy month of Ramadan.
    His visit comes as the Muslim world prepares to celebrate Eid Al Fitr at the end of the holy month of Ramadan.
  • The Turkish president met King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman after arriving in Jeddah.
    The Turkish president met King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman after arriving in Jeddah.
  • He held private meetings with King Salman and the crown prince before attending an official banquet.
    He held private meetings with King Salman and the crown prince before attending an official banquet.
  • Mr Erdogan performs the Umrah pilgrimage.
    Mr Erdogan performs the Umrah pilgrimage.

The visit followed several years of estrangement between Turkey and Saudi Arabia over several issues.

"We focused on the joint steps we can take to improve our relations in the future," Mr Erdogan said on a flight back to Turkey on Saturday.

"I reiterated our support for the security and stability of Saudi Arabia," Turkey's Anadolu news agency quoted him as saying.

Mr Erdogan made his first official trip to the UAE in 10 years in February, during which he met Emirati leaders including Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, and Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces.

Mr Erdogan also visited the Turkish pavilion at the Expo 2020 Dubai site as officials from both sides finalised agreements to enhance trade and co-operation.

  • Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, welcomes Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan to Expo 2020 Dubai. Photo: Dubai Media Office
    Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, welcomes Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan to Expo 2020 Dubai. Photo: Dubai Media Office
  • Sheikh Mohammed and Mr Erdogan pictured at Expo 2020 Dubai. Photo: Dubai Media Office
    Sheikh Mohammed and Mr Erdogan pictured at Expo 2020 Dubai. Photo: Dubai Media Office
  • Sheikh Mohammed, Mr Erdogan, and an official, tour Expo 2020 Dubai. Photo: Dubai Media Office
    Sheikh Mohammed, Mr Erdogan, and an official, tour Expo 2020 Dubai. Photo: Dubai Media Office
  • The Turkish president is in the UAE on his first official visit to the Emirates in almost a decade. Photo: Dubai Media Office
    The Turkish president is in the UAE on his first official visit to the Emirates in almost a decade. Photo: Dubai Media Office
  • Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, hosts an official reception for Mr Erdogan at Qasr Al Watan. All photos: Ministry of Presidential Affairs
    Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, hosts an official reception for Mr Erdogan at Qasr Al Watan. All photos: Ministry of Presidential Affairs
  • Sheikh Saif bin Zayed, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, left, and Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Presidential Affairs, attend the reception for the official visit of Mr Erdogan.
    Sheikh Saif bin Zayed, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, left, and Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Presidential Affairs, attend the reception for the official visit of Mr Erdogan.
  • President Erdogan attends the reception at the palace in Abu Dhabi.
    President Erdogan attends the reception at the palace in Abu Dhabi.
  • Sheikh Mohamed meets Mr Erdogan at Qasr Al Watan. With them is Sheikh Tahnoon bin Zayed, UAE National Security Adviser, right
    Sheikh Mohamed meets Mr Erdogan at Qasr Al Watan. With them is Sheikh Tahnoon bin Zayed, UAE National Security Adviser, right
  • Sheikh Mohamed hosts the official reception to welcome Mr Erdogan to the Emirates.
    Sheikh Mohamed hosts the official reception to welcome Mr Erdogan to the Emirates.
  • Sheikh Mohamed receives Mr Erdogan on his arrival at the Presidential Airport.
    Sheikh Mohamed receives Mr Erdogan on his arrival at the Presidential Airport.
  • Sheikh Mohamed and the Turkish president stand for their countries' national anthems during the official reception in Abu Dhabi.
    Sheikh Mohamed and the Turkish president stand for their countries' national anthems during the official reception in Abu Dhabi.
  • President Erdogan signs the guest book at Qasr Al Watan as Sheikh Mohamed looks on.
    President Erdogan signs the guest book at Qasr Al Watan as Sheikh Mohamed looks on.
  • Members of the UAE Armed Forces Cavalry Division take part in the welcoming ceremony.
    Members of the UAE Armed Forces Cavalry Division take part in the welcoming ceremony.
  • Sheikh Mohamed greets President Erdogan at the Presidential Airport in Abu Dhabi.
    Sheikh Mohamed greets President Erdogan at the Presidential Airport in Abu Dhabi.
  • Traditional dancers welcome the Turkish president on his first visit to the Emirates in nine years.
    Traditional dancers welcome the Turkish president on his first visit to the Emirates in nine years.
  • Al Forsan aerobatic team mark the visit with a colourful flypast.
    Al Forsan aerobatic team mark the visit with a colourful flypast.
  • Sheikh Mohamed and Mr Erdogan are greeted by a military guard of honour.
    Sheikh Mohamed and Mr Erdogan are greeted by a military guard of honour.
  • Sheikh Mohamed and the Turkish president stand for their countries' national anthems.
    Sheikh Mohamed and the Turkish president stand for their countries' national anthems.
  • Mounted cavalry riders escort the motorcade of the Turkish president.
    Mounted cavalry riders escort the motorcade of the Turkish president.
  • Traditional dancers perform during the official reception at Qasr Al Watan.
    Traditional dancers perform during the official reception at Qasr Al Watan.
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

Cricket World Cup League Two

Oman, UAE, Namibia

Al Amerat, Muscat

 

Results

Oman beat UAE by five wickets

UAE beat Namibia by eight runs

 

Fixtures

Wednesday January 8 –Oman v Namibia

Thursday January 9 – Oman v UAE

Saturday January 11 – UAE v Namibia

Sunday January 12 – Oman v Namibia

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The National's picks

4.35pm: Tilal Al Khalediah
5.10pm: Continous
5.45pm: Raging Torrent
6.20pm: West Acre
7pm: Flood Zone
7.40pm: Straight No Chaser
8.15pm: Romantic Warrior
8.50pm: Calandogan
9.30pm: Forever Young

Jetour T1 specs

Engine: 2-litre turbocharged

Power: 254hp

Torque: 390Nm

Price: From Dh126,000

Available: Now

Pathaan
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THREE POSSIBLE REPLACEMENTS

Khalfan Mubarak
The Al Jazira playmaker has for some time been tipped for stardom within UAE football, with Quique Sanchez Flores, his former manager at Al Ahli, once labelling him a “genius”. He was only 17. Now 23, Mubarak has developed into a crafty supplier of chances, evidenced by his seven assists in six league matches this season. Still to display his class at international level, though.

Rayan Yaslam
The Al Ain attacking midfielder has become a regular starter for his club in the past 15 months. Yaslam, 23, is a tidy and intelligent player, technically proficient with an eye for opening up defences. Developed while alongside Abdulrahman in the Al Ain first-team and has progressed well since manager Zoran Mamic’s arrival. However, made his UAE debut only last December.

Ismail Matar
The Al Wahda forward is revered by teammates and a key contributor to the squad. At 35, his best days are behind him, but Matar is incredibly experienced and an example to his colleagues. His ability to cope with tournament football is a concern, though, despite Matar beginning the season well. Not a like-for-like replacement, although the system could be adjusted to suit.

Company%20profile
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ECompany%20name%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EHakbah%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EStarted%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E2018%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EFounder%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3ENaif%20AbuSaida%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EBased%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3ESaudi%20Arabia%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ESector%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EFinTech%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ECurrent%20number%20of%20staff%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E22%20%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EInitial%20investment%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E%24200%2C000%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EInvestment%20stage%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3Epre-Series%20A%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EInvestors%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EGlobal%20Ventures%20and%20Aditum%20Investment%20Management%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cbr%3E%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
HIJRA

Starring: Lamar Faden, Khairiah Nathmy, Nawaf Al-Dhufairy

Director: Shahad Ameen

Rating: 3/5

Pad Man

Dir: R Balki

Starring: Akshay Kumar, Sonam Kapoor, Radhika Apte

Three-and-a-half stars

I Care A Lot

Directed by: J Blakeson

Starring: Rosamund Pike, Peter Dinklage

3/5 stars

if you go
The five pillars of Islam

1. Fasting

2. Prayer

3. Hajj

4. Shahada

5. Zakat 

Bob Honey Who Just Do Stuff
By Sean Penn
Simon & Schuster

Guns N’ Roses’s last gig before Abu Dhabi was in Hong Kong on November 21. We were there – and here’s what they played, and in what order. You were warned.

  • It’s So Easy
  • Mr Brownstone
  • Chinese Democracy
  • Welcome to the Jungle
  • Double Talkin’ Jive
  • Better
  • Estranged
  • Live and Let Die (Wings cover)
  • Slither (Velvet Revolver cover)
  • Rocket Queen
  • You Could Be Mine
  • Shadow of Your Love
  • Attitude (Misfits cover)
  • Civil War
  • Coma
  • Love Theme from The Godfather (movie cover)
  • Sweet Child O’ Mine
  • Wichita Lineman (Jimmy Webb cover)
  • Wish You Were Here (instrumental Pink Floyd cover)
  • November Rain
  • Black Hole Sun (Soundgarden cover)
  • Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door (Bob Dylan cover)
  • Nightrain

Encore:

  • Patience
  • Don’t Cry
  • The Seeker (The Who cover)
  • Paradise City
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%3Cp%3E38.7C%20(101.7F)%20set%20in%20Cambridge%20in%202019%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Jewel of the Expo 2020

252 projectors installed on Al Wasl dome

13.6km of steel used in the structure that makes it equal in length to 16 Burj Khalifas

550 tonnes of moulded steel were raised last year to cap the dome

724,000 cubic metres is the space it encloses

Stands taller than the leaning tower of Pisa

Steel trellis dome is one of the largest single structures on site

The size of 16 tennis courts and weighs as much as 500 elephants

Al Wasl means connection in Arabic

World’s largest 360-degree projection surface

The specs

Engine: 3.0-litre six-cylinder MHEV

Power: 360bhp

Torque: 500Nm

Transmission: eight-speed automatic

Price: from Dh282,870

On sale: now

Is it worth it? We put cheesecake frap to the test.

The verdict from the nutritionists is damning. But does a cheesecake frappuccino taste good enough to merit the indulgence?

My advice is to only go there if you have unusually sweet tooth. I like my puddings, but this was a bit much even for me. The first hit is a winner, but it's downhill, slowly, from there. Each sip is a little less satisfying than the last, and maybe it was just all that sugar, but it isn't long before the rush is replaced by a creeping remorse. And half of the thing is still left.

The caramel version is far superior to the blueberry, too. If someone put a full caramel cheesecake through a liquidiser and scooped out the contents, it would probably taste something like this. Blueberry, on the other hand, has more of an artificial taste. It's like someone has tried to invent this drink in a lab, and while early results were promising, they're still in the testing phase. It isn't terrible, but something isn't quite right either.

So if you want an experience, go for a small, and opt for the caramel. But if you want a cheesecake, it's probably more satisfying, and not quite as unhealthy, to just order the real thing.

 

 

Who was Alfred Nobel?

The Nobel Prize was created by wealthy Swedish chemist and entrepreneur Alfred Nobel.

  • In his will he dictated that the bulk of his estate should be used to fund "prizes to those who, during the preceding year, have conferred the greatest benefit to humankind".
  • Nobel is best known as the inventor of dynamite, but also wrote poetry and drama and could speak Russian, French, English and German by the age of 17. The five original prize categories reflect the interests closest to his heart.
  • Nobel died in 1896 but it took until 1901, following a legal battle over his will, before the first prizes were awarded.
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SPEC%20SHEET%3A%20APPLE%20IPHONE%2015%20PRO%20MAX
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Avatar: Fire and Ash

Director: James Cameron

Starring: Sam Worthington, Sigourney Weaver, Zoe Saldana

Rating: 4.5/5

Company profile

Name: Back to Games and Boardgame Space

Started: Back to Games (2015); Boardgame Space (Mark Azzam became co-founder in 2017)

Founder: Back to Games (Mr Azzam); Boardgame Space (Mr Azzam and Feras Al Bastaki)

Based: Dubai and Abu Dhabi 

Industry: Back to Games (retail); Boardgame Space (wholesale and distribution) 

Funding: Back to Games: self-funded by Mr Azzam with Dh1.3 million; Mr Azzam invested Dh250,000 in Boardgame Space  

Growth: Back to Games: from 300 products in 2015 to 7,000 in 2019; Boardgame Space: from 34 games in 2017 to 3,500 in 2019

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%3Cp%3EThe%20Royal%20Navy%20raid%20is%20the%20latest%20in%20a%20series%20of%20successful%20interceptions%20of%20drugs%20and%20arms%20in%20the%20Gulf%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EMay%2011%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EUS%20coastguard%20recovers%20%2480%20million%20heroin%20haul%20from%20fishing%20vessel%20in%20Gulf%20of%20Oman%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EMay%208%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20US%20coastguard%20vessel%20USCGC%20Glen%20Harris%20seizes%20heroin%20and%20meth%20worth%20more%20than%20%2430%20million%20from%20a%20fishing%20boat%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EMarch%202%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Anti-tank%20guided%20missiles%20and%20missile%20components%20seized%20by%20HMS%20Lancaster%20from%20a%20small%20boat%20travelling%20from%20Iran%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EOctober%209%2C%202022%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3ERoyal%20Navy%20frigate%20HMS%20Montrose%20recovers%20drugs%20worth%20%2417.8%20million%20from%20a%20dhow%20in%20Arabian%20Sea%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ESeptember%2027%2C%202022%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20US%20Naval%20Forces%20Central%20Command%20reports%20a%20find%20of%202.4%20tonnes%20of%20heroin%20on%20board%20fishing%20boat%20in%20Gulf%20of%20Oman%C2%A0%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Updated: April 30, 2022, 3:24 PM