Relations between the UAE and Iran are turning a “new page”, Tehran’s top diplomat said during a visit to Abu Dhabi this week.
Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian visited the Emirates to offer his condolences on the death of UAE President Sheikh Khalifa.
“Opening a new page in the relations of the Islamic Republic of Iran and the United Arab Emirates. The strengthening of ties with our neighbours disappoints regional enemies,” Mr Amirabdollahian said on Twitter.
Iran's President Ebrahim Raisi also sent his condolences to UAE leaders on the death of Sheikh Khalifa and congratulated the President, Sheikh Mohamed, on his election.
Mr Raisi said he hopes relations between the countries can grow in all fields.
World leaders and dignitaries have travelled to Abu Dhabi over the past few days to offer condolences and support.
Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman of Saudi Arabia, Britain's Prince William, US Vice President Kamala Harris and US Secretary of State Antony Blinken are among those who have come to pay their respects.
The visit by Mr Amirabdollahian is the highest-level trip by an Iranian official to the Gulf in years.
The UAE has been exploring the idea of greater engagement with Iran.
Last November, Ali Bagheri Kani, Iran's deputy foreign minister, visited the UAE and said the two countries had agreed to open a new chapter in bilateral relations.
Mr Kani, who is also Iran's top nuclear negotiator, met the UAE's Dr Anwar Gargash, who was the diplomatic adviser to Sheikh Khalifa, and Khalifa Al Marar, Minister of State.
Following the meeting, the UAE's state news agency Wam said the talks had “emphasised the importance of strengthening relations on the basis of good neighbourliness and mutual respect”.
“This should coincide within the framework of common interest and working towards achieving regional stability, prosperity, as well as developing economic and trade relations,” said a statement from the agency.
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Price, base / as tested: Dhxxx
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Tax authority targets shisha levy evasion
The Federal Tax Authority will track shisha imports with electronic markers to protect customers and ensure levies have been paid.
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The scheme’s first phase, which came into effect on 1st January, 2019, covers all types of imported and domestically produced and distributed cigarettes. As of May 1, importing any type of cigarettes without the digital marks will be prohibited.
He said the latest phase will see imported and locally produced shisha tobacco tracked by the final quarter of this year.
"The FTA also maintains ongoing communication with concerned companies, to help them adapt their systems to meet our requirements and coordinate between all parties involved," he said.
As with cigarettes, shisha was hit with a 100 per cent tax in October 2017, though manufacturers and cafes absorbed some of the costs to prevent prices doubling.
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Saudi National Day
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Company%20profile
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Indoor Cricket World Cup Dubai 2017
Venue Insportz, Dubai; Admission Free
Day 1 fixtures (Saturday)
Men 1.45pm, Malaysia v Australia (Court 1); Singapore v India (Court 2); UAE v New Zealand (Court 3); South Africa v Sri Lanka (Court 4)
Women Noon, New Zealand v South Africa (Court 3); England v UAE (Court 4); 5.15pm, Australia v UAE (Court 3); England v New Zealand (Court 4)
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West Asia Premiership
Thursday
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Friday
Dubai Knights Eagles 16-27 Dubai Tigers
Jetour T1 specs
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Power: 254hp
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FIXTURES
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Mon Mar 19 – West Indies v Zimbabwe
Tue Mar 20 – UAE v Afghanistan
Wed Mar 21 – West Indies v Scotland
Thu Mar 22 – UAE v Zimbabwe
Fri Mar 23 – Ireland v Afghanistan
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Where to stay: Hilton Giardini Naxos offers beachfront access and accessible to Taormina and Mount Etna. Rooms start from around €130 (Dh561) per night, including taxes.
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Indoor cricket in a nutshell
Indoor Cricket World Cup - Sept 16-20, Insportz, Dubai
16 Indoor cricket matches are 16 overs per side
8 There are eight players per team
9 There have been nine Indoor Cricket World Cups for men. Australia have won every one.
5 Five runs are deducted from the score when a wickets falls
4 Batsmen bat in pairs, facing four overs per partnership
Scoring In indoor cricket, runs are scored by way of both physical and bonus runs. Physical runs are scored by both batsmen completing a run from one crease to the other. Bonus runs are scored when the ball hits a net in different zones, but only when at least one physical run is score.
Zones
A Front net, behind the striker and wicketkeeper: 0 runs
B Side nets, between the striker and halfway down the pitch: 1 run
C Side nets between halfway and the bowlers end: 2 runs
D Back net: 4 runs on the bounce, 6 runs on the full
