• A police officer talks to a demonstrator at a pro-Palestine rally against the participation of Israel in the 68th Eurovision Song Contest in Malmo. EPA
    A police officer talks to a demonstrator at a pro-Palestine rally against the participation of Israel in the 68th Eurovision Song Contest in Malmo. EPA
  • Swedish climate campaigner Greta Thunberg is removed by police from outside Malmo Arena during a pro-Palestine rally during the 68th Eurovision Song Contest in Malmo. EPA
    Swedish climate campaigner Greta Thunberg is removed by police from outside Malmo Arena during a pro-Palestine rally during the 68th Eurovision Song Contest in Malmo. EPA
  • Hyllie Square in Malmo became a focus for demonstrators against Israel's participation in the Eurovision Song Contest. EPA
    Hyllie Square in Malmo became a focus for demonstrators against Israel's participation in the Eurovision Song Contest. EPA
  • Protesters are detained by Swedish police outside the Malmo Arena, where a pro-Palestine rally against the participation of Israel in the 68th Eurovision Song Contest took place. EPA
    Protesters are detained by Swedish police outside the Malmo Arena, where a pro-Palestine rally against the participation of Israel in the 68th Eurovision Song Contest took place. EPA
  • Pro-Palestine protesters face police officers outside Malmo Arena where the 68th Eurovision Song Contest was staged. EPA
    Pro-Palestine protesters face police officers outside Malmo Arena where the 68th Eurovision Song Contest was staged. EPA
  • A supporter of Palestine protests against the participation of Israeli contestant Eden Golan in the Eurovision Song Contest. AP
    A supporter of Palestine protests against the participation of Israeli contestant Eden Golan in the Eurovision Song Contest. AP
  • A man wearing a keffiyeh looks out at protesters. AFP
    A man wearing a keffiyeh looks out at protesters. AFP
  • The rally marched with a giant flag. EPA
    The rally marched with a giant flag. EPA
  • Protesters called for Israel's expulsion from the Eurovision Song Contest. EPA
    Protesters called for Israel's expulsion from the Eurovision Song Contest. EPA
  • Pro-Palestine demonstrators in Malmo. AP
    Pro-Palestine demonstrators in Malmo. AP
  • The pro Palestine demonstrators wanted Israeli contestant Eden Golan banned from the Eurovision Song Contest. AP
    The pro Palestine demonstrators wanted Israeli contestant Eden Golan banned from the Eurovision Song Contest. AP
  • The protest was staged before the contest's final began in the city on Saturday. AP
    The protest was staged before the contest's final began in the city on Saturday. AP
  • Protesters attend the rally against the participation of Israel in the Eurovision Song Contest. EPA
    Protesters attend the rally against the participation of Israel in the Eurovision Song Contest. EPA
  • Thousands of people joined the protest. AFP
    Thousands of people joined the protest. AFP

Eurovision 2024: Pro-Palestine activists protest against Israel's entry Eden Golan


Simon Rushton
  • English
  • Arabic

Thousands of people gathered in a Swedish city on Saturday, to protest against Israel’s participation in an international music competition amid the war in Gaza.

The Eurovision Song Contest, which is being held in Malmo, was plunged into further controversy after a French participant called for peace in Gaza and a Norwegian official resigned.

Israel's presence in the contest has caused fierce debate among fans, performers and politicians, and has touched a nerve in Malmo, home to Sweden's largest community of Palestinian origin.

Israel is competing after its original song, October Rain, was considered too political by contest organisers, the European Broadcasting Union. Singer Eden Golan will now perform Hurricane and is one of the favourites to win.

Thousands gathered to protest against Israel’s participation in Malmo on Saturday.

“We're not against Eurovision, we're against that Israel is taking part in this Eurovision. We don't want its representative in Malmo because of what's happening in Gaza,” Swedish pensioner Ingemar Gustavsson said.

More than 100,000 fans were expected to visit Malmo for the show, which has a television audience of millions of people.

Eden Golan at the final dress rehearsal. AP
Eden Golan at the final dress rehearsal. AP

Police said there have been no direct threats made at the competition, but they have also bolstered their numbers with reinforcements from Norway and Denmark.

The EBU confirmed in March that Golan would take part despite calls for her exclusion from thousands of musicians around the world.

Before the grand final Alessandra Mele posted to Instagram to say she will no longer be the person who announces the points awarded by Norway during Eurovision.

In a video the former Eurovision contestant said: “Even though I'm thankful that I was given the opportunity to do so, I've taken the decision to withdraw. United by music – Eurovision's motto is the reason why the music unites people, brings them together.

“But right now, those words are just empty words. There is a genocide going on and I'm asking you all to please open up your eyes, open up your heart, let love lead you to the truth.

  • Eden Golan, representing Israel, on-screen during the first semi-final of the 68th edition of the Eurovision Song Contest, in Malmo, Sweden. EPA
    Eden Golan, representing Israel, on-screen during the first semi-final of the 68th edition of the Eurovision Song Contest, in Malmo, Sweden. EPA
  • Irish contestant Bambie Thug performs the song 'Doomsday Blue' during the first semi-final of the 68th edition of the Eurovision Song Contest. EPA
    Irish contestant Bambie Thug performs the song 'Doomsday Blue' during the first semi-final of the 68th edition of the Eurovision Song Contest. EPA
  • Iolanda, representing Portugal, with the song 'Grito' during the first semi-final of the song contest. EPA
    Iolanda, representing Portugal, with the song 'Grito' during the first semi-final of the song contest. EPA
  • Baby Lasagna, representing Croatia, with the song 'Rim tim tagi dim' during the first semi-final. EPA
    Baby Lasagna, representing Croatia, with the song 'Rim tim tagi dim' during the first semi-final. EPA
  • Left to right, Jerry Hall and Alyona Alyona, representing Ukraine at the song contest. EPA
    Left to right, Jerry Hall and Alyona Alyona, representing Ukraine at the song contest. EPA
  • Olly Alexander, representing Britain, performs his song 'Dizzy' during the first semi-final. EPA
    Olly Alexander, representing Britain, performs his song 'Dizzy' during the first semi-final. EPA
  • Benjamin Ingrosso, who represented Sweden in 2018, entertains in the middle act during the first semi-final of the Eurovision Song Contest, in Malmo. Reuters
    Benjamin Ingrosso, who represented Sweden in 2018, entertains in the middle act during the first semi-final of the Eurovision Song Contest, in Malmo. Reuters
  • Electric Fields, representing Australia, with the song 'One milkali (One blood)' during the first semi-final of the 68th Eurovision Song Contest. EPA
    Electric Fields, representing Australia, with the song 'One milkali (One blood)' during the first semi-final of the 68th Eurovision Song Contest. EPA
  • Eric Saade performs the song Popular wearing a keffiyeh wrapped around his wrist during the opening of the first semi-final at the Eurovision Song Contest in Malmo, Sweden. AP
    Eric Saade performs the song Popular wearing a keffiyeh wrapped around his wrist during the opening of the first semi-final at the Eurovision Song Contest in Malmo, Sweden. AP
  • Iolanda of Portugal celebrates qualifying for the Eurovision grand final. AP Photo
    Iolanda of Portugal celebrates qualifying for the Eurovision grand final. AP Photo
  • Fahree featuring Ilkin Dovlatov, representing Azerbaijan, takes to the stage at the Malmo Arena. EPA
    Fahree featuring Ilkin Dovlatov, representing Azerbaijan, takes to the stage at the Malmo Arena. EPA
  • Luxembourgish singer Tali performs her song, 'Fighter', during the first semi-final of the 68th edition of the Eurovision Song Contest. AFP
    Luxembourgish singer Tali performs her song, 'Fighter', during the first semi-final of the 68th edition of the Eurovision Song Contest. AFP
  • Australian singer Michael Ross and Zaachariaha Fielding, members of the band Electric Fields representing Australia, during the first semi-final at the Malmo Arena. AFP
    Australian singer Michael Ross and Zaachariaha Fielding, members of the band Electric Fields representing Australia, during the first semi-final at the Malmo Arena. AFP
  • Finnish visual artist and DJ Teemu Keisteri, also known as Windows95man, is representing Finland with the song 'No rules!'. AFP
    Finnish visual artist and DJ Teemu Keisteri, also known as Windows95man, is representing Finland with the song 'No rules!'. AFP
  • Natalia Barbu, representing Moldova, performs her song 'In the Middle' during the first semi-final. AFP
    Natalia Barbu, representing Moldova, performs her song 'In the Middle' during the first semi-final. AFP
  • Slovenian singer Raiven performs her song 'Veronika' during the first semi-final of the 68th edition of the Eurovision Song Contest. AFP
    Slovenian singer Raiven performs her song 'Veronika' during the first semi-final of the 68th edition of the Eurovision Song Contest. AFP
  • Polish entry Luna performs the song 'The Tower' during the first semi-final. AP Photo
    Polish entry Luna performs the song 'The Tower' during the first semi-final. AP Photo
  • Silia Kapsis, representing Cyprus, during the first semi-final of the Eurovision Song Contest. Reuters
    Silia Kapsis, representing Cyprus, during the first semi-final of the Eurovision Song Contest. Reuters

“It's right in front of you. Free Palestine.”

Also on Saturday, during dress rehearsals French contestant Slimane stopped singing and called for peace in Gaza.

Slimane told the audience: “Everybody, I just need to say something. Sorry I don't speak English very well but when I was a child I dreamt about music, I dreamt about this dream, to be a singer and to sing peace here.

“Every artist here wants to sing about love and sing about peace. We need to be united by music yes, but with love for peace. United by music yes, but with love for peace. Thank you so much, thank you Europe.”

Israel is one of 25 nations competing in the contest.

Pharaoh's curse

British aristocrat Lord Carnarvon, who funded the expedition to find the Tutankhamun tomb, died in a Cairo hotel four months after the crypt was opened.
He had been in poor health for many years after a car crash, and a mosquito bite made worse by a shaving cut led to blood poisoning and pneumonia.
Reports at the time said Lord Carnarvon suffered from “pain as the inflammation affected the nasal passages and eyes”.
Decades later, scientists contended he had died of aspergillosis after inhaling spores of the fungus aspergillus in the tomb, which can lie dormant for months. The fact several others who entered were also found dead withiin a short time led to the myth of the curse.

Meydan Racecourse racecard:

6.30pm: The Madjani Stakes Listed (PA) | Dh175,000 1,900m

7.05pm: Maiden for 2-year-old fillies (TB) Dh165,000 1,400m

7.40pm: The Dubai Creek Mile Listed (TB) Dh265,000 1,600m

8.15pm: Maiden for 2-year-old colts (TB) Dh165,000 1,600m

8.50pm: The Entisar Listed (TB) Dh265,000 2,000m

9.25pm: Handicap (TB) Dh190,000 1,200m

10pm: Handicap (TB) Dh190,000 1,600m.

The%20specs%3A%20Panamera%20Turbo%20E-Hybrid
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EEngine%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E4.0-litre%20twin-turbo%20V8%20hybrid%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EPower%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E680hp%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ETorque%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E930Nm%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ETransmission%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EEight-speed%20dual-clutch%20auto%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EPrice%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EFrom%20Dh749%2C000%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EOn%20sale%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3ENow%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
The%20specs%3A%202024%20Panamera
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EEngine%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E2.9-litre%20twin-turbo%20V6%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EPower%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E353hp%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ETorque%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E500Nm%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ETransmission%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EEight-speed%20dual-clutch%20auto%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EPrice%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EFrom%20Dh408%2C200%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EOn%20sale%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Now%3C%2Fp%3E%0A

Innotech Profile

Date started: 2013

Founder/CEO: Othman Al Mandhari

Based: Muscat, Oman

Sector: Additive manufacturing, 3D printing technologies

Size: 15 full-time employees

Stage: Seed stage and seeking Series A round of financing 

Investors: Oman Technology Fund from 2017 to 2019, exited through an agreement with a new investor to secure new funding that it under negotiation right now. 

The bio

Job: Coder, website designer and chief executive, Trinet solutions

School: Year 8 pupil at Elite English School in Abu Hail, Deira

Role Models: Mark Zuckerberg and Elon Musk

Dream City: San Francisco

Hometown: Dubai

City of birth: Thiruvilla, Kerala

Avatar: Fire and Ash

Director: James Cameron

Starring: Sam Worthington, Sigourney Weaver, Zoe Saldana

Rating: 4.5/5

What vitamins do we know are beneficial for living in the UAE

Vitamin D: Highly relevant in the UAE due to limited sun exposure; supports bone health, immunity and mood.Vitamin B12: Important for nerve health and energy production, especially for vegetarians, vegans and individuals with absorption issues.Iron: Useful only when deficiency or anaemia is confirmed; helps reduce fatigue and support immunity.Omega-3 (EPA/DHA): Supports heart health and reduces inflammation, especially for those who consume little fish.

Arrogate's winning run

1. Maiden Special Weight, Santa Anita Park, June 5, 2016

2. Allowance Optional Claiming, Santa Anita Park, June 24, 2016

3. Allowance Optional Claiming, Del Mar, August 4, 2016

4. Travers Stakes, Saratoga, August 27, 2016

5. Breeders' Cup Classic, Santa Anita Park, November 5, 2016

6. Pegasus World Cup, Gulfstream Park, January 28, 2017

7. Dubai World Cup, Meydan Racecourse, March 25, 2017

GOLF’S RAHMBO

- 5 wins in 22 months as pro
- Three wins in past 10 starts
- 45 pro starts worldwide: 5 wins, 17 top 5s
- Ranked 551th in world on debut, now No 4 (was No 2 earlier this year)
- 5th player in last 30 years to win 3 European Tour and 2 PGA Tour titles before age 24 (Woods, Garcia, McIlroy, Spieth)

The five pillars of Islam

1. Fasting 

2. Prayer 

3. Hajj 

4. Shahada 

5. Zakat 

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

Afcon 2019

SEMI-FINALS

Senegal v Tunisia, 8pm

Algeria v Nigeria, 11pm

Matches are live on BeIN Sports

Funk Wav Bounces Vol.1
Calvin Harris
Columbia

Muguruza's singles career in stats

WTA titles 3

Prize money US$11,128,219 (Dh40,873,133.82)

Wins / losses 293 / 149

TOURNAMENT INFO

Women’s World Twenty20 Qualifier

Jul 3- 14, in the Netherlands
The top two teams will qualify to play at the World T20 in the West Indies in November

UAE squad
Humaira Tasneem (captain), Chamani Seneviratne, Subha Srinivasan, Neha Sharma, Kavisha Kumari, Judit Cleetus, Chaya Mughal, Roopa Nagraj, Heena Hotchandani, Namita D’Souza, Ishani Senevirathne, Esha Oza, Nisha Ali, Udeni Kuruppuarachchi

Yahya Al Ghassani's bio

Date of birth: April 18, 1998

Playing position: Winger

Clubs: 2015-2017 – Al Ahli Dubai; March-June 2018 – Paris FC; August – Al Wahda

Ferrari
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EDirector%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Michael%20Mann%26nbsp%3B%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EStarring%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Adam%20Driver%2C%20Penelope%20Cruz%2C%20Shailene%20Woodley%2C%20Patrick%20Dempsey%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ERating%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%203%2F5%3C%2Fp%3E%0A

Turkish Ladies

Various artists, Sony Music Turkey 

About Tenderd

Started: May 2018

Founder: Arjun Mohan

Based: Dubai

Size: 23 employees 

Funding: Raised $5.8m in a seed fund round in December 2018. Backers include Y Combinator, Beco Capital, Venturesouq, Paul Graham, Peter Thiel, Paul Buchheit, Justin Mateen, Matt Mickiewicz, SOMA, Dynamo and Global Founders Capital

Updated: May 11, 2024, 11:19 PM