In just over six months, Parisians will head to the polls to choose their next mayor. Among the frontrunners is acting Culture Minister Rachida Dati, a sharp-tongued, high-profile right-wing politician whose political ambitions remain undimmed despite an impending corruption trial linked to the fugitive tycoon Carlos Ghosn.
Recent polls show that despite her legal troubles, Ms Dati would lead the race if elections were held today. A protégé of the former president Nicolas Sarkozy, she rose to national prominence in 2007 when she became the first French politician of North African origin to become Justice Minister.
To this day, Ms Dati regularly references her modest upbringing – her father was a Moroccan bricklayer – as a symbol of her resilience and determination. Though she is now entrenched in the political establishment, few remain indifferent to her fearful reputation – last year, she said to a fellow minister via text message that she would “transform [his] dog into a kebab”.
Now, she hopes to use her mandate as district mayor in the very chic seventh arrondissement as a springboard to the capital's top political job. It's a powerful role in a hyper-centralised country, and one that helped propel Jacques Chirac to the presidency in 1995. A June poll shows that Ms Dati would come first in the first round of elections with 30 to 34 per cent of the votes.
If elected, she would become only the second woman to be elected mayor of Paris, following the Socialist Party's Anne Hidalgo, who has held the post since 2014. It would also reflect the rapid and relatively recent ascent of female politicians in the capital. Before 2014's all-female line-up, women had never had a real shot at being elected.
I was born fighting
Culture Minister,
Rachida Dati
At the time, Ms Dati had thrown her hat into the race but was lagging behind the leading contenders. Yet she was already an easily recognisable figure of the Sarkozy years – part of a deliberate effort by the former president to diversify his cabinet. He also appointed the Senegal-born Rama Yade as Secretary of State for Human Rights.
Speaking in 2014, Mr Sarkozy said that he had appointed Ms Dati Justice Minister because she represented “France in its diversity”, with her “Algerian and Moroccan father and mother”. He used similar rhetoric to justify the appointment of Ms Yade. His remarks were met with backlash in a country that officially eschews ethnic statistics and places a strong cultural emphasis on integration over identity politics.
Conquest of Paris
Today, Ms Dati's origins are rarely discussed publicly. She has become part of the political establishment, and now a frontrunner to lead one of the world's most iconic cities.
“The conquest of Paris has begun,” Ms Dati said on X on August 28, after she was endorsed as the official candidate of her party, Les Republicains. This came after what was widely described as a calculated power play in which she threatened to run against the party's candidate, the former prime minister Michel Barnier, in a by-election this month.
“I was born fighting,” Ms Dati recently told the television network LCI. “I fought when I was forced into a marriage. I never give up,” she added, referring to a marriage to an Algerian architect arranged by her family in 1992 that she had annulled soon after.
Locals in the seventh arrondissement, where she has been in power for 17 years, described her as engaged and accessible. “She may have a lot of baggage, but she's been a good mayor,” said Ronald, a 61-year university professor. The area is among the wealthiest in Paris, and encompasses the Eiffel Tower, the Hotel des Invalides and several prestigious ministerial buildings.
Law and order
Boosting Ms Dati's chances, her longtime rival, Ms Hidalgo, will step down after two mandates. Ms Hidalgo leaves behind her a divided left and growing public frustration over her policies, particularly her aggressive push to reduce car traffic in favour of cycling infrastructure. While few dispute the need to tackle pollution, complaints about congestion are widespread.
Even left-wing Parisians, like Monique, who lives near the busy Republique Square, admit Ms Hidalgo has failed to ensure that blue-collar workers do not feel excluded from the French capital. “Workers have refused refurbishment jobs on my flat because they knew they would not be able to find a parking spot,” she said. Yet Ms Dati offers “no real programme”, Monique said. “She's gone instead for old right-wing tropes – calling for more law and order.”
Just days after announcing her candidacy, Ms Dati publicly took aim at the city's leadership, accusing it of allowing unchecked migration. Her remarks came after an Afghan man was fatally stabbed by another Afghan over a watch in a northern Paris neighbourhood named “Little Kabul” for its high concentration of migrants and crime.
Looming over Ms Dati’s campaign, however, is a legal battle that could derail her ambitions. She stands accused of receiving €900,000 in payments from Renault-Nissan's Dutch subsidiary between 2010 and 2012 while serving as an MEP. Prosecutors allege she acted as an illegal lobbyist on behalf of the carmaker – a charge she vehemently denies. At the time, she had been hired by the company's chief executive Carlos Ghosn, who is now a fugitive in Lebanon.
Legal battle
After five years of investigation, France's national financial prosecutor's office in November 2024 requested a trial for Ms Dati and Mr Ghosn on charges including corruption and influence-peddling. Ms Dati's lawyers have argued that Mr Ghosn had no need to be represented by an MP, since he had direct access to the Elysee Palace.
Ms Dati, a lawyer by training, has insisted she fulfilled her job as a legal consultant defending Renault-Nissan's interests in the Middle East, and has clashed with judges investigating her for allegedly failing to allow her to defend herself properly. A hearing in Paris at the end of the month will determine a date for the trial. The National has reached out to her office to inquire about the trial and her political programme for Paris.
There is reportedly little to show for Ms Dati's work for Mr Ghosn. Even close advisers to Mr Ghosn, such as Mouna Sepehri, have said that they could not remember what she was doing. “Mr Ghosn asked us to think about what we could entrust her with," Ms Sepehri told investigators, according to France Inter radio. "I always told Mr Ghosn the truth, namely that the legal department could not find a line of work for Ms Dati."
French judges have shown they can be tough with politicians. In a separate corruption case, the far-right leader Marine Le Pen was rendered ineligible for five years – effectively barring her from running for president in 2027. Ms Le Pen has appealed, but much to her fury the decision has sparked speculation about her being replaced in the electoral race by her young protégé, Jordan Bardella.
Despite her mounting troubles, Ms Dati remains protected by President Emmanuel Macron, who has described her as “unsinkable”. Few think that a corruption trial will be enough to stop Ms Dati, who has drawn comparisons with US President Donald Trump for her attacks on judges and journalists.
“There are limits not to be crossed,” the Le Monde daily recently warned in an editorial, after Ms Dati clashed with the national financial prosecutor. “There is a hint of Trumpism in the way Rachida Dati is leading her political fight.”
Asked in an interview whether she could imagine going to prison one day, Ms Dati appeared nonplussed. “It hasn't even occurred to me,” she said.
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
KILLING OF QASSEM SULEIMANI
Europe’s rearming plan
- Suspend strict budget rules to allow member countries to step up defence spending
- Create new "instrument" providing €150 billion of loans to member countries for defence investment
- Use the existing EU budget to direct more funds towards defence-related investment
- Engage the bloc's European Investment Bank to drop limits on lending to defence firms
- Create a savings and investments union to help companies access capital
Mercer, the investment consulting arm of US services company Marsh & McLennan, expects its wealth division to at least double its assets under management (AUM) in the Middle East as wealth in the region continues to grow despite economic headwinds, a company official said.
Mercer Wealth, which globally has $160 billion in AUM, plans to boost its AUM in the region to $2-$3bn in the next 2-3 years from the present $1bn, said Yasir AbuShaban, a Dubai-based principal with Mercer Wealth.
“Within the next two to three years, we are looking at reaching $2 to $3 billion as a conservative estimate and we do see an opportunity to do so,” said Mr AbuShaban.
Mercer does not directly make investments, but allocates clients’ money they have discretion to, to professional asset managers. They also provide advice to clients.
“We have buying power. We can negotiate on their (client’s) behalf with asset managers to provide them lower fees than they otherwise would have to get on their own,” he added.
Mercer Wealth’s clients include sovereign wealth funds, family offices, and insurance companies among others.
From its office in Dubai, Mercer also looks after Africa, India and Turkey, where they also see opportunity for growth.
Wealth creation in Middle East and Africa (MEA) grew 8.5 per cent to $8.1 trillion last year from $7.5tn in 2015, higher than last year’s global average of 6 per cent and the second-highest growth in a region after Asia-Pacific which grew 9.9 per cent, according to consultancy Boston Consulting Group (BCG). In the region, where wealth grew just 1.9 per cent in 2015 compared with 2014, a pickup in oil prices has helped in wealth generation.
BCG is forecasting MEA wealth will rise to $12tn by 2021, growing at an annual average of 8 per cent.
Drivers of wealth generation in the region will be split evenly between new wealth creation and growth of performance of existing assets, according to BCG.
Another general trend in the region is clients’ looking for a comprehensive approach to investing, according to Mr AbuShaban.
“Institutional investors or some of the families are seeing a slowdown in the available capital they have to invest and in that sense they are looking at optimizing the way they manage their portfolios and making sure they are not investing haphazardly and different parts of their investment are working together,” said Mr AbuShaban.
Some clients also have a higher appetite for risk, given the low interest-rate environment that does not provide enough yield for some institutional investors. These clients are keen to invest in illiquid assets, such as private equity and infrastructure.
“What we have seen is a desire for higher returns in what has been a low-return environment specifically in various fixed income or bonds,” he said.
“In this environment, we have seen a de facto increase in the risk that clients are taking in things like illiquid investments, private equity investments, infrastructure and private debt, those kind of investments were higher illiquidity results in incrementally higher returns.”
The Abu Dhabi Investment Authority, one of the largest sovereign wealth funds, said in its 2016 report that has gradually increased its exposure in direct private equity and private credit transactions, mainly in Asian markets and especially in China and India. The authority’s private equity department focused on structured equities owing to “their defensive characteristics.”
Tips from the expert
Dobromir Radichkov, chief data officer at dubizzle and Bayut, offers a few tips for UAE residents looking to earn some cash from pre-loved items.
- Sellers should focus on providing high-quality used goods at attractive prices to buyers.
- It’s important to use clear and appealing photos, with catchy titles and detailed descriptions to capture the attention of prospective buyers.
- Try to advertise a realistic price to attract buyers looking for good deals, especially in the current environment where consumers are significantly more price-sensitive.
- Be creative and look around your home for valuable items that you no longer need but might be useful to others.
Emergency phone numbers in the UAE
Estijaba – 8001717 – number to call to request coronavirus testing
Ministry of Health and Prevention – 80011111
Dubai Health Authority – 800342 – The number to book a free video or voice consultation with a doctor or connect to a local health centre
Emirates airline – 600555555
Etihad Airways – 600555666
Ambulance – 998
Knowledge and Human Development Authority – 8005432 ext. 4 for Covid-19 queries
The specs: 2017 Lotus Evora Sport 410
Price, base / as tested Dh395,000 / Dh420,000
Engine 3.5L V6
Transmission Six-speed manual
Power 410hp @ 7,000rpm
Torque 420Nm @ 3,500rpm
Fuel economy, combined 9.7L / 100km
Our legal consultant
Name: Dr Hassan Mohsen Elhais
Position: legal consultant with Al Rowaad Advocates and Legal Consultants.
How to wear a kandura
Dos
- Wear the right fabric for the right season and occasion
- Always ask for the dress code if you don’t know
- Wear a white kandura, white ghutra / shemagh (headwear) and black shoes for work
- Wear 100 per cent cotton under the kandura as most fabrics are polyester
Don’ts
- Wear hamdania for work, always wear a ghutra and agal
- Buy a kandura only based on how it feels; ask questions about the fabric and understand what you are buying
Read more from Kareem Shaheen
Leap of Faith
Michael J Mazarr
Public Affairs
Dh67
Navdeep Suri, India's Ambassador to the UAE
There has been a longstanding need from the Indian community to have a religious premises where they can practise their beliefs. Currently there is a very, very small temple in Bur Dubai and the community has outgrown this. So this will be a major temple and open to all denominations and a place should reflect India’s diversity.
It fits so well into the UAE’s own commitment to tolerance and pluralism and coming in the year of tolerance gives it that extra dimension.
What we will see on April 20 is the foundation ceremony and we expect a pretty broad cross section of the Indian community to be present, both from the UAE and abroad. The Hindu group that is building the temple will have their holiest leader attending – and we expect very senior representation from the leadership of the UAE.
When the designs were taken to the leadership, there were two clear options. There was a New Jersey model with a rectangular structure with the temple recessed inside so it was not too visible from the outside and another was the Neasden temple in London with the spires in its classical shape. And they said: look we said we wanted a temple so it should look like a temple. So this should be a classical style temple in all its glory.
It is beautifully located - 30 minutes outside of Abu Dhabi and barely 45 minutes to Dubai so it serves the needs of both communities.
This is going to be the big temple where I expect people to come from across the country at major festivals and occasions.
It is hugely important – it will take a couple of years to complete given the scale. It is going to be remarkable and will contribute something not just to the landscape in terms of visual architecture but also to the ethos. Here will be a real representation of UAE’s pluralism.
Brief scores:
Toss: Nepal, chose to field
UAE 153-6: Shaiman (59), Usman (30); Regmi 2-23
Nepal 132-7: Jora 53 not out; Zahoor 2-17
Result: UAE won by 21 runs
Series: UAE lead 1-0
Result
Crystal Palace 0 Manchester City 2
Man City: Jesus (39), David Silva (41)
German intelligence warnings
- 2002: "Hezbollah supporters feared becoming a target of security services because of the effects of [9/11] ... discussions on Hezbollah policy moved from mosques into smaller circles in private homes." Supporters in Germany: 800
- 2013: "Financial and logistical support from Germany for Hezbollah in Lebanon supports the armed struggle against Israel ... Hezbollah supporters in Germany hold back from actions that would gain publicity." Supporters in Germany: 950
- 2023: "It must be reckoned with that Hezbollah will continue to plan terrorist actions outside the Middle East against Israel or Israeli interests." Supporters in Germany: 1,250
Source: Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Dr Afridi's warning signs of digital addiction
Spending an excessive amount of time on the phone.
Neglecting personal, social, or academic responsibilities.
Losing interest in other activities or hobbies that were once enjoyed.
Having withdrawal symptoms like feeling anxious, restless, or upset when the technology is not available.
Experiencing sleep disturbances or changes in sleep patterns.
What are the guidelines?
Under 18 months: Avoid screen time altogether, except for video chatting with family.
Aged 18-24 months: If screens are introduced, it should be high-quality content watched with a caregiver to help the child understand what they are seeing.
Aged 2-5 years: Limit to one-hour per day of high-quality programming, with co-viewing whenever possible.
Aged 6-12 years: Set consistent limits on screen time to ensure it does not interfere with sleep, physical activity, or social interactions.
Teenagers: Encourage a balanced approach – screens should not replace sleep, exercise, or face-to-face socialisation.
Source: American Paediatric Association
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
UAE SQUAD
Goalkeepers: Ali Khaseif, Fahad Al Dhanhani, Mohammed Al Shamsi, Adel Al Hosani
Defenders: Bandar Al Ahbabi, Shaheen Abdulrahman, Walid Abbas, Mahmoud Khamis, Mohammed Barghash, Khalifa Al Hammadi, Hassan Al Mahrami, Yousef Jaber, Mohammed Al Attas
Midfielders: Ali Salmeen, Abdullah Ramadan, Abdullah Al Naqbi, Majed Hassan, Abdullah Hamad, Khalfan Mubarak, Khalil Al Hammadi, Tahnoun Al Zaabi, Harib Abdallah, Mohammed Jumah
Forwards: Fabio De Lima, Caio Canedo, Ali Saleh, Ali Mabkhout, Sebastian Tagliabue
