• An electoral worker sits next to ballot boxes, at the Justice Palace, in Jdeideh. Reuters
    An electoral worker sits next to ballot boxes, at the Justice Palace, in Jdeideh. Reuters
  • A soldier stands guard as ballots are counted at the Justice Palace. Reuters
    A soldier stands guard as ballots are counted at the Justice Palace. Reuters
  • Jad Ghosn, an opposition candidate, gestures as people wait for the announcement of official election results, in Jdeideh. Reuters
    Jad Ghosn, an opposition candidate, gestures as people wait for the announcement of official election results, in Jdeideh. Reuters
  • Lebanese Interior Minister Bassam Mawlawi announces the final results for some districts. EPA
    Lebanese Interior Minister Bassam Mawlawi announces the final results for some districts. EPA
  • Opposition candidate Yassin Yassin gestures as he is greeted by supporters in Jeb Jennin, West Bekaa. Reuters
    Opposition candidate Yassin Yassin gestures as he is greeted by supporters in Jeb Jennin, West Bekaa. Reuters
  • Supporters of the Lebanese Forces take to the streets during parliamentary elections in the Ashrafieh district of Beirut. Bloomberg
    Supporters of the Lebanese Forces take to the streets during parliamentary elections in the Ashrafieh district of Beirut. Bloomberg
  • Lebanon headed to the polls with its economy in the grip of hyperinflation. Bloomberg
    Lebanon headed to the polls with its economy in the grip of hyperinflation. Bloomberg
  • Lebanese youths supporting Hezbollah and Amal movement wave their party flags after parliamentary elections in a suburb of Beirut. EPA
    Lebanese youths supporting Hezbollah and Amal movement wave their party flags after parliamentary elections in a suburb of Beirut. EPA
  • Supporters of Lebanon's Shiite groups Hezbollah and Amal lift their flags during a motorbike rally after voting. AFP
    Supporters of Lebanon's Shiite groups Hezbollah and Amal lift their flags during a motorbike rally after voting. AFP
  • Children swim in an inflatable pool that supporters of former prime minister Saad Hariri installed to illustrate their intention to boycott parliamentary elections in Beirut, Lebanon. AP Photo
    Children swim in an inflatable pool that supporters of former prime minister Saad Hariri installed to illustrate their intention to boycott parliamentary elections in Beirut, Lebanon. AP Photo
  • Voters queue to place their vote in parliamentary elections in Beirut, Lebanon. EPA
    Voters queue to place their vote in parliamentary elections in Beirut, Lebanon. EPA
  • Nabih Berri, Speaker of the Lebanese Parliament, stands in a polling booth to vote in Tebnin. Reuters
    Nabih Berri, Speaker of the Lebanese Parliament, stands in a polling booth to vote in Tebnin. Reuters
  • Voters register at a polling station in Beirut. Bloomberg
    Voters register at a polling station in Beirut. Bloomberg
  • Lebanese President Michel Aoun follows the parliamentary elections on screens from the Presidential Palace in Beirut. AP
    Lebanese President Michel Aoun follows the parliamentary elections on screens from the Presidential Palace in Beirut. AP
  • A Lebanese woman shows her inked finger after she cast her vote at a polling station in Beirut. AP
    A Lebanese woman shows her inked finger after she cast her vote at a polling station in Beirut. AP
  • Voters look at a list of candidates at a polling station in Beirut. Bloomberg
    Voters look at a list of candidates at a polling station in Beirut. Bloomberg
  • Lebanese policemen help a voter into a polling station in Beirut. AP
    Lebanese policemen help a voter into a polling station in Beirut. AP
  • A Lebanese voter casts her ballot paper in Beirut. EPA
    A Lebanese voter casts her ballot paper in Beirut. EPA
  • Gyorgy Holvenyi (R), chief observer of the European Union election observation mission, visits a polling station in Beirut. EPA
    Gyorgy Holvenyi (R), chief observer of the European Union election observation mission, visits a polling station in Beirut. EPA
  • Lebanese people wait to vote during parliamentary elections in the capital city. EPA
    Lebanese people wait to vote during parliamentary elections in the capital city. EPA
  • Sheikh Abdul Latif Derian, Grand Mufti of Lebanon, casts his ballot paper during parliamentary elections in Beirut. EPA
    Sheikh Abdul Latif Derian, Grand Mufti of Lebanon, casts his ballot paper during parliamentary elections in Beirut. EPA
  • People queue to cast their votes in the Lebanese capital. AP
    People queue to cast their votes in the Lebanese capital. AP
  • Posters in Al Tariq Al Jadida, Beirut, depict Lebanon’s former prime minister Saad Hariri. Reuters
    Posters in Al Tariq Al Jadida, Beirut, depict Lebanon’s former prime minister Saad Hariri. Reuters
  • A woman prepares her ballot at a polling station in a southern suburb of Beirut. AFP
    A woman prepares her ballot at a polling station in a southern suburb of Beirut. AFP
  • Former prime minister Hassan Diab, who succeeded Saad Hariri, casts his ballot in Beirut. AFP
    Former prime minister Hassan Diab, who succeeded Saad Hariri, casts his ballot in Beirut. AFP
  • A voter checks lists for the parliamentary election at a polling station in the Lebanese capital Beirut. AFP
    A voter checks lists for the parliamentary election at a polling station in the Lebanese capital Beirut. AFP
  • A woman waits to vote in Beirut. EPA
    A woman waits to vote in Beirut. EPA
  • Security forces stand guard at Nur Square on the southern entrance of the northern Lebanese port city Tripoli. AFP
    Security forces stand guard at Nur Square on the southern entrance of the northern Lebanese port city Tripoli. AFP
  • Former Lebanese prime minister Fouad Siniora casts his vote at a polling station during the parliamentary election, in Sidon, southern Lebanon. Reuters
    Former Lebanese prime minister Fouad Siniora casts his vote at a polling station during the parliamentary election, in Sidon, southern Lebanon. Reuters
  • A man check voters' lists in the capital Beirut. AP
    A man check voters' lists in the capital Beirut. AP
  • A woman votes in Lebanon's parliamentary elections in Beirut. AP
    A woman votes in Lebanon's parliamentary elections in Beirut. AP
  • Police check the ID of voters outside a polling station near the Lebanese coastal city of Byblos (Jbeil), north of Beirut. AFP
    Police check the ID of voters outside a polling station near the Lebanese coastal city of Byblos (Jbeil), north of Beirut. AFP
  • A voter dips her finger in ink after casting her ballot in the parliamentary election at a polling station near Byblos. AFP
    A voter dips her finger in ink after casting her ballot in the parliamentary election at a polling station near Byblos. AFP
  • A Lebanese woman shows her ink-marked thumb after voting in Shmustar, Bekaa valley. EPA
    A Lebanese woman shows her ink-marked thumb after voting in Shmustar, Bekaa valley. EPA
  • People queueing to vote at Ras El Nabeh Public School for Girls. Fatima Al Mahmoud/ The National
    People queueing to vote at Ras El Nabeh Public School for Girls. Fatima Al Mahmoud/ The National

MENA

Lebanon

Lebanese elections: UN chief urges 'swift formation' of inclusive government

Antonio Guterres says Lebanese political leaders must 'work jointly with the best interest of Lebanon and the Lebanese people in mind'

The National

May 17, 2022

  • English
  • Arabic

Live updates: follow the latest news on the Lebanon elections 2022

UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres has urged Lebanon to form an "inclusive government" to tackle the country's economic crisis, after the country held elections at the weekend.

As partial results announced by Lebanon's Interior Ministry suggested allies of Hezbollah have lost seats in Sunday's parliamentary elections, Mr Guterres said Lebanon's political leaders must "work jointly with the best interest of Lebanon and the Lebanese people in mind."

The UN chief "looks forward to the swift formation of an inclusive government that can finalise the agreement with the International Monetary Fund and accelerate the implementation of reforms necessary to set Lebanon on the path to recovery," his office said on Monday.

He called on the country's new parliament "to urgently adopt all legislation necessary to stabilise the economy and improve governance."

Lebanon's largest parliamentary bloc, led by the powerful pro-Iranian Hezbollah armed movement, appeared to have suffered a setback against the opposition and independents, partial results released on Monday showed.

Turnout was particularly low in areas mostly inhabited by Sunnis — one of the main communities in a country governed by a political system based on communal power-sharing.

Iran said on Monday it respected the votes cast by Lebanese people.

The Lebanese Shiite group Hezbollah has worked hand in glove with Tehran across the Middle East since it was founded by Iran's elite Revolutionary Guards in 1982.

With votes still being counted in Lebanon, final results are expected soon of the first election since the country's devastating economic meltdown and a port explosion in 2020 that shattered the capital Beirut.

Name: Peter Dicce

Title: Assistant dean of students and director of athletics

Favourite sport: soccer

Favourite team: Bayern Munich

Favourite player: Franz Beckenbauer

Favourite activity in Abu Dhabi: scuba diving in the Northern Emirates 

 

5 of the most-popular Airbnb locations in Dubai

Bobby Grudziecki, chief operating officer of Frank Porter, identifies the five most popular areas in Dubai for those looking to make the most out of their properties and the rates owners can secure:

• Dubai Marina

The Marina and Jumeirah Beach Residence are popular locations, says Mr Grudziecki, due to their closeness to the beach, restaurants and hotels.

Frank Porter’s average Airbnb rent:
One bedroom: Dh482 to Dh739 
Two bedroom: Dh627 to Dh960 
Three bedroom: Dh721 to Dh1,104

• Downtown

Within walking distance of the Dubai Mall, Burj Khalifa and the famous fountains, this location combines business and leisure.  “Sure it’s for tourists,” says Mr Grudziecki. “Though Downtown [still caters to business people] because it’s close to Dubai International Financial Centre."

Frank Porter’s average Airbnb rent:
One bedroom: Dh497 to Dh772
Two bedroom: Dh646 to Dh1,003
Three bedroom: Dh743 to Dh1,154

• City Walk

The rising star of the Dubai property market, this area is lined with pristine sidewalks, boutiques and cafes and close to the new entertainment venue Coca Cola Arena.  “Downtown and Marina are pretty much the same prices,” Mr Grudziecki says, “but City Walk is higher.”

Frank Porter’s average Airbnb rent:
One bedroom: Dh524 to Dh809 
Two bedroom: Dh682 to Dh1,052 
Three bedroom: Dh784 to Dh1,210 

• Jumeirah Lake Towers

Dubai Marina’s little brother JLT resides on the other side of Sheikh Zayed road but is still close enough to beachside outlets and attractions. The big selling point for Airbnb renters, however, is that “it’s cheaper than Dubai Marina”, Mr Grudziecki says.

Frank Porter’s average Airbnb rent:
One bedroom: Dh422 to Dh629 
Two bedroom: Dh549 to Dh818 
Three bedroom: Dh631 to Dh941

• Palm Jumeirah

Palm Jumeirah's proximity to luxury resorts is attractive, especially for big families, says Mr Grudziecki, as Airbnb renters can secure competitive rates on one of the world’s most famous tourist destinations.

Frank Porter’s average Airbnb rent:
One bedroom: Dh503 to Dh770 
Two bedroom: Dh654 to Dh1,002 
Three bedroom: Dh752 to Dh1,152 

The Specs:

The Specs:

Engine: 2.9-litre, V6 twin-turbo

Transmission: 8-speed automatic

Power: 444bhp

Torque: 600Nm

Price: AED 356,580 incl VAT

On sale: now.

Nayanthara: Beyond The Fairy Tale

Starring: Nayanthara, Vignesh Shivan, Radhika Sarathkumar, Nagarjuna Akkineni

Director: Amith Krishnan

Rating: 3.5/5

MATCH INFO

Newcastle United 1 (Carroll 82')

Leicester City 2 (Maddison 55', Tielemans 72')

Man of the match James Maddison (Leicester)

THE SPECS

Engine: 1.6-litre turbo

Transmission: six-speed automatic

Power: 165hp

Torque: 240Nm

Price: From Dh89,000 (Enjoy), Dh99,900 (Innovation)

On sale: Now

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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

Sunday:
GP3 race: 12:10pm
Formula 2 race: 1:35pm
Formula 1 race: 5:10pm
Performance: Guns N' Roses

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Paatal Lok season two

Directors: Avinash Arun, Prosit Roy 

Stars: Jaideep Ahlawat, Ishwak Singh, Lc Sekhose, Merenla Imsong

Rating: 4.5/5

Dust and sand storms compared

Sand storm

  • Particle size: Larger, heavier sand grains
  • Visibility: Often dramatic with thick "walls" of sand
  • Duration: Short-lived, typically localised
  • Travel distance: Limited 
  • Source: Open desert areas with strong winds

Dust storm

  • Particle size: Much finer, lightweight particles
  • Visibility: Hazy skies but less intense
  • Duration: Can linger for days
  • Travel distance: Long-range, up to thousands of kilometres
  • Source: Can be carried from distant regions
MATCH INFO

What: 2006 World Cup quarter-final
When: July 1
Where: Gelsenkirchen Stadium, Gelsenkirchen, Germany

Result:
England 0 Portugal 0
(Portugal win 3-1 on penalties)

Updated: May 17, 2022, 5:15 AM
LebanonLebanese elections 2022