• In Fez's Old City, Morocco's first capital, centuries-old places of learning – such as the Bou Inania Madrassa – are being revived to promote moderation in Islam, as their founders originally intended. All photos: AFP
    In Fez's Old City, Morocco's first capital, centuries-old places of learning – such as the Bou Inania Madrassa – are being revived to promote moderation in Islam, as their founders originally intended. All photos: AFP
  • The Bou Inania Madrassa is one of six institutions to be renovated since 2017, under a government programme to preserve the city's heritage and promote tourism.
    The Bou Inania Madrassa is one of six institutions to be renovated since 2017, under a government programme to preserve the city's heritage and promote tourism.
  • Down an alley from Bou Inania, lined with stalls selling traditional wares, is Qarawiyyin Mosque, built when the city was founded in the ninth century.
    Down an alley from Bou Inania, lined with stalls selling traditional wares, is Qarawiyyin Mosque, built when the city was founded in the ninth century.
  • It became the heart of the university of the same name - one of the oldest in the world.
    It became the heart of the university of the same name - one of the oldest in the world.
  • The Qarawiyyin Mosque has a large courtyard surrounded by pillars, separating it from covered sections set aside for prayer and study.
    The Qarawiyyin Mosque has a large courtyard surrounded by pillars, separating it from covered sections set aside for prayer and study.
  • Although off-limits to tourists, some take advantage of the doors being opened shortly before prayers to snap photos in the courtyard.
    Although off-limits to tourists, some take advantage of the doors being opened shortly before prayers to snap photos in the courtyard.
  • As well as preserving the city's architectural treasures, the renovations are part of Morocco's wider efforts to promote moderation in Islam.
    As well as preserving the city's architectural treasures, the renovations are part of Morocco's wider efforts to promote moderation in Islam.
  • Qarawiyyin University has a new programme for post-graduate students who have excelled in writing and memorising the Koran. Students cover "Islamic studies, comparative religion, French, English and Hebrew, allowing them to understand other cultures", said student Moaz Soueif.
    Qarawiyyin University has a new programme for post-graduate students who have excelled in writing and memorising the Koran. Students cover "Islamic studies, comparative religion, French, English and Hebrew, allowing them to understand other cultures", said student Moaz Soueif.
  • "We should be a role model for tolerant Islam, at the same level of the great scholars who passed through here before us," he said.
    "We should be a role model for tolerant Islam, at the same level of the great scholars who passed through here before us," he said.

MENA

Madrassas revive 'Golden Age' in Morocco's Fez - in pictures

Fez serves as a monument to a highpoint of Islamic civilisation

The National

July 18, 2022

  • English
  • Arabic

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Scores

Rajasthan Royals 160-8 (20 ov)

Kolkata Knight Riders 163-3 (18.5 ov)

Comment on Coronavirus
UNSC Elections 2022-23

Seats open:

  • Two for Africa Group
  • One for Asia-Pacific Group (traditionally Arab state or Tunisia)
  • One for Latin America and Caribbean Group
  • One for Eastern Europe Group

Countries so far running: 

  • UAE
  • Albania 
  • Brazil 
ARGENTINA SQUAD

Goalkeepers: Franco Armani, Agustin Marchesin, Esteban Andrada
Defenders: Juan Foyth, Nicolas Otamendi, German Pezzella, Nicolas Tagliafico, Ramiro Funes Mori, Renzo Saravia, Marcos Acuna, Milton Casco
Midfielders: Leandro Paredes, Guido Rodriguez, Giovani Lo Celso, Exequiel Palacios, Roberto Pereyra, Rodrigo De Paul, Angel Di Maria
Forwards: Lionel Messi, Sergio Aguero, Lautaro Martinez, Paulo Dybala, Matias Suarez

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

Palestine and Israel
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Turning%20waste%20into%20fuel
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While you're here
Countries recognising Palestine

France, UK, Canada, Australia, Portugal, Belgium, Malta, Luxembourg, San Marino and Andorra

 

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.
Company profile

Name: Tratok Portal

Founded: 2017

Based: UAE

Sector: Travel & tourism

Size: 36 employees

Funding: Privately funded

57%20Seconds
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Specs

Engine: 51.5kW electric motor

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Updated: July 18, 2022, 8:58 AM
PhotographyMorocco