President Sheikh Mohamed meets Emirati students on the final day of his state visit to South Korea. Photo: Mohamed Al Hammadi / UAE Presidential Court
President Sheikh Mohamed meets Emirati students on the final day of his state visit to South Korea. Photo: Mohamed Al Hammadi / UAE Presidential Court
President Sheikh Mohamed meets Emirati students on the final day of his state visit to South Korea. Photo: Mohamed Al Hammadi / UAE Presidential Court
President Sheikh Mohamed meets Emirati students on the final day of his state visit to South Korea. Photo: Mohamed Al Hammadi / UAE Presidential Court

President Sheikh Mohamed concludes 'important' visit to South Korea


  • English
  • Arabic

President Sheikh Mohamed on Wednesday hailed the "important outcomes" of his two-day state visit to South Korea during talks with the country's leader Yoon Suk Yeol.

Sheikh Mohamed met the South Korean President to review the deep-rooted ties between their nations.

The head of state will travel to China for another state visit on Thursday.

Sheikh Mohamed was joined by Sheikha Mariam bint Mohamed, Deputy Chairperson of the Presidential Court for National Projects, for the discussions with Mr Yoon and first lady Kim Keon Hee.

  • President Sheikh Mohamed departs from Seoul Air Base at the end of his state visit to South Korea. Rashed Al Mansoori / UAE Presidential Court
    President Sheikh Mohamed departs from Seoul Air Base at the end of his state visit to South Korea. Rashed Al Mansoori / UAE Presidential Court
  • Sheikh Mohamed bids farewell to a member of the Korean delegation at the air base. Abdulla Al Neyadi / UAE Presidential Court
    Sheikh Mohamed bids farewell to a member of the Korean delegation at the air base. Abdulla Al Neyadi / UAE Presidential Court
  • The Republic of Korea honour guard stands to attention during the departure of President Sheikh Mohamed. Abdulla Al Neyadi / UAE Presidential Court
    The Republic of Korea honour guard stands to attention during the departure of President Sheikh Mohamed. Abdulla Al Neyadi / UAE Presidential Court
  • President Sheikh Mohamed bids farewell to South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol after a lunch reception at the Blue House in Seoul. Rashed Al Mansoori / UAE Presidential Court
    President Sheikh Mohamed bids farewell to South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol after a lunch reception at the Blue House in Seoul. Rashed Al Mansoori / UAE Presidential Court
  • Mr Yoon hosts a private meeting at his home with Sheikh Mohamed at the end of the state visit
    Mr Yoon hosts a private meeting at his home with Sheikh Mohamed at the end of the state visit
  • Sheikh Mohamed poses for a photograph with a relative of former South Korean president Lee Myung-bak during a visit to his home. Ryan Carter / UAE Presidential Court
    Sheikh Mohamed poses for a photograph with a relative of former South Korean president Lee Myung-bak during a visit to his home. Ryan Carter / UAE Presidential Court
  • Sheikh Mohamed speaks with Mr Lee during the visit to his home. Ryan Carter / UAE Presidential Court
    Sheikh Mohamed speaks with Mr Lee during the visit to his home. Ryan Carter / UAE Presidential Court
  • Sheikh Mohamed shakes hands with Mr Yoon after witnessing the exchange of a memorandum of understanding. Ryan Carter / UAE Presidential Court
    Sheikh Mohamed shakes hands with Mr Yoon after witnessing the exchange of a memorandum of understanding. Ryan Carter / UAE Presidential Court
  • Sheikh Mohamed meets Emirati students based in South Korea. Mohamed Al Hammadi / UAE Presidential Court
    Sheikh Mohamed meets Emirati students based in South Korea. Mohamed Al Hammadi / UAE Presidential Court
  • Sheikh Mohamed with Mr Yoon during a state reception at Yongsan Presidential Office in Seoul. Abdulla Al Neyadi / UAE Presidential Court
    Sheikh Mohamed with Mr Yoon during a state reception at Yongsan Presidential Office in Seoul. Abdulla Al Neyadi / UAE Presidential Court
  • The two presidents attend a reception, part of Sheikh Mohamed's official visit to South Korea. Abdulla Al Neyadi / UAE Presidential Court
    The two presidents attend a reception, part of Sheikh Mohamed's official visit to South Korea. Abdulla Al Neyadi / UAE Presidential Court
  • President Sheikh Mohamed and South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol are greeted by children as they visit the Office of the President in Seoul. Ryan Carter / UAE Presidential Court
    President Sheikh Mohamed and South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol are greeted by children as they visit the Office of the President in Seoul. Ryan Carter / UAE Presidential Court
  • Children wave the UAE and South Korean flags. Mohamed Al Hammadi / UAE Presidential Court
    Children wave the UAE and South Korean flags. Mohamed Al Hammadi / UAE Presidential Court
  • Sheikh Mohamed and Mr Yoon. Rashed Al Mansoori / UAE Presidential Court
    Sheikh Mohamed and Mr Yoon. Rashed Al Mansoori / UAE Presidential Court
  • Sheikh Mohamed, Mr Yoon and the first lady watch the Republic of Korea's Air Force aerobatic team. Ryan Carter / UAE Presidential Court
    Sheikh Mohamed, Mr Yoon and the first lady watch the Republic of Korea's Air Force aerobatic team. Ryan Carter / UAE Presidential Court
  • Sheikh Mohamed and Mr Yoon inspect the guard of honour. Abdulla Al Neyadi / UAE Presidential Court
    Sheikh Mohamed and Mr Yoon inspect the guard of honour. Abdulla Al Neyadi / UAE Presidential Court
  • The Republic of Korea's Air Force aerobatic team put on a colourful display. Rashed Al Mansoori / UAE Presidential Court
    The Republic of Korea's Air Force aerobatic team put on a colourful display. Rashed Al Mansoori / UAE Presidential Court
  • Sheikh Mohamed, Mr Yoon and the first lady. Abdulla Al Neyadi / UAE Presidential Court
    Sheikh Mohamed, Mr Yoon and the first lady. Abdulla Al Neyadi / UAE Presidential Court
  • Korean children perform an Emirati song. Mohamed Al Hammadi / UAE Presidential Court
    Korean children perform an Emirati song. Mohamed Al Hammadi / UAE Presidential Court
  • Sheikh Mohamed led a high-level Emirati delegation, which included Suhail Al Mazrouei, Minister of Energy and Infrastructure, Dr Sultan Al Jaber, Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology, Mohamed Al Suwaidi, Minister of Investment, and Dr Thani Al Zeyoudi, Minister of State for Foreign Trade. Mohamed Al Hammadi / UAE Presidential Court
    Sheikh Mohamed led a high-level Emirati delegation, which included Suhail Al Mazrouei, Minister of Energy and Infrastructure, Dr Sultan Al Jaber, Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology, Mohamed Al Suwaidi, Minister of Investment, and Dr Thani Al Zeyoudi, Minister of State for Foreign Trade. Mohamed Al Hammadi / UAE Presidential Court
  • Sheikh Mohamed and Mr Yoon inspect the guard of honour. Ryan Carter / UAE Presidential Court
    Sheikh Mohamed and Mr Yoon inspect the guard of honour. Ryan Carter / UAE Presidential Court
  • Guards stand to attention. Mohamed Al Hammadi / UAE Presidential Court
    Guards stand to attention. Mohamed Al Hammadi / UAE Presidential Court
  • Sheikh Mohamed, Mr Yoon and the first lady. Ryan Carter / UAE Presidential Court
    Sheikh Mohamed, Mr Yoon and the first lady. Ryan Carter / UAE Presidential Court
  • Sheikh Mohamed signs the guest book during a state visit reception hosted by Mr Yoon. Ryan Carter / UAE Presidential Court
    Sheikh Mohamed signs the guest book during a state visit reception hosted by Mr Yoon. Ryan Carter / UAE Presidential Court

"During the meeting, His Highness and the Korean President engaged in cordial conversation on the depth of relations between the two countries, expressing their satisfaction with the important outcomes of the visit with regard to the future of bilateral ties," state news agency Wam reported.

Sheikh Mohamed expressed his appreciation to the South Korean leader for the warm reception he and his delegation received.

President meets Emirati students

Sheikh Mohamed met Emiratis studying at Korean universities.

He encouraged them to excel in their academic pursuits and use the knowledge they acquire to contribute to the UAE's future development.

He stressed that all Emirati students, whether enrolled at universities at home or abroad, are important to the nation and its leadership.

Sheikh Mohamed said they will have a crucial role to play in UAE-South Korea relations in the years to come and wished them well in their studies.

He said Emiratis should seek to uphold traditions while also driving future development.

"For me, when I ride in a car with an Emirati man or woman, I would want to listen to them talk about nanotechnology, for me to learn, or space or artificial intelligence.

"And when I'm by the sea or in the desert, I would expect them to say they are going to gather firewood to light a fire and make coffee.

"This is the true Emirati. To advance and learn while preserving our traditions and not losing sight of them."

He asked the students, if they were to meet him again after graduating, to remind him they first met in South Korea.

The Emirati students shared their joy at having the opportunity to meet the President.

Colourful reception

Earlier on Wednesday, an official reception was held for Sheikh Mohamed at the Office of the President in Seoul.

It featured several displays by South Korean aircraft, a 21-gun salute and an honour guard formation as the national anthems of both countries were played.

Groups of children performed an Emirati song while others waved the flags of both nations, as Seoul's landmarks were illuminated in the colours of the UAE.

Sheikh Mohamed also met Lee Myung-bak, who served as South Korean president from 2008 to 2013, on the final day of the state visit.

The two men reflected on a history of collaboration between the countries, including constructing the UAE's Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant, the first in the Arab world.

Director: Laxman Utekar

Cast: Vicky Kaushal, Akshaye Khanna, Diana Penty, Vineet Kumar Singh, Rashmika Mandanna

Rating: 1/5

The%20specs
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EEngine%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%201.8-litre%204-cyl%20turbo%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EPower%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E190hp%20at%205%2C200rpm%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ETorque%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20320Nm%20from%201%2C800-5%2C000rpm%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ETransmission%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3ESeven-speed%20dual-clutch%20auto%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EFuel%20consumption%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%206.7L%2F100km%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EPrice%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20From%20Dh111%2C195%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EOn%20sale%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3ENow%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
How to apply for a drone permit
  • Individuals must register on UAE Drone app or website using their UAE Pass
  • Add all their personal details, including name, nationality, passport number, Emiratis ID, email and phone number
  • Upload the training certificate from a centre accredited by the GCAA
  • Submit their request
What are the regulations?
  • Fly it within visual line of sight
  • Never over populated areas
  • Ensure maximum flying height of 400 feet (122 metres) above ground level is not crossed
  • Users must avoid flying over restricted areas listed on the UAE Drone app
  • Only fly the drone during the day, and never at night
  • Should have a live feed of the drone flight
  • Drones must weigh 5 kg or less
The specs

Engine: 4.0-litre V8 twin-turbocharged and three electric motors

Power: Combined output 920hp

Torque: 730Nm at 4,000-7,000rpm

Transmission: 8-speed dual-clutch automatic

Fuel consumption: 11.2L/100km

On sale: Now, deliveries expected later in 2025

Price: expected to start at Dh1,432,000

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

Winners

Best Men's Player of the Year: Kylian Mbappe (PSG)

Maradona Award for Best Goal Scorer of the Year: Robert Lewandowski (Bayern Munich)

TikTok Fans’ Player of the Year: Robert Lewandowski

Top Goal Scorer of All Time: Cristiano Ronaldo (Manchester United)

Best Women's Player of the Year: Alexia Putellas (Barcelona)

Best Men's Club of the Year: Chelsea

Best Women's Club of the Year: Barcelona

Best Defender of the Year: Leonardo Bonucci (Juventus/Italy)

Best Goalkeeper of the Year: Gianluigi Donnarumma (PSG/Italy)

Best Coach of the Year: Roberto Mancini (Italy)

Best National Team of the Year: Italy 

Best Agent of the Year: Federico Pastorello

Best Sporting Director of the Year: Txiki Begiristain (Manchester City)

Player Career Award: Ronaldinho

Muslim Council of Elders condemns terrorism on religious sites

The Muslim Council of Elders has strongly condemned the criminal attacks on religious sites in Britain.

It firmly rejected “acts of terrorism, which constitute a flagrant violation of the sanctity of houses of worship”.

“Attacking places of worship is a form of terrorism and extremism that threatens peace and stability within societies,” it said.

The council also warned against the rise of hate speech, racism, extremism and Islamophobia. It urged the international community to join efforts to promote tolerance and peaceful coexistence.

The National Archives, Abu Dhabi

Founded over 50 years ago, the National Archives collects valuable historical material relating to the UAE, and is the oldest and richest archive relating to the Arabian Gulf.

Much of the material can be viewed on line at the Arabian Gulf Digital Archive - https://www.agda.ae/en

The%20Crown%20season%205
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EStars%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EImelda%20Staunton%2C%20Jonathan%20Pryce%2C%20Lesley%20Manville%2C%20Jonny%20Lee%20Miller%2C%20Dominic%20West%2C%20Elizabeth%20Debicki%2C%20Salim%20Daw%20and%20Khalid%20Abdalla%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EWritten%20by%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EPeter%20Morgan%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ERating%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%204%2F5%20stars%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
NYBL PROFILE

Company name: Nybl 

Date started: November 2018

Founder: Noor Alnahhas, Michael LeTan, Hafsa Yazdni, Sufyaan Abdul Haseeb, Waleed Rifaat, Mohammed Shono

Based: Dubai, UAE

Sector: Software Technology / Artificial Intelligence

Initial investment: $500,000

Funding round: Series B (raising $5m)

Partners/Incubators: Dubai Future Accelerators Cohort 4, Dubai Future Accelerators Cohort 6, AI Venture Labs Cohort 1, Microsoft Scale-up 

The Disaster Artist

Director: James Franco

Starring: James Franco, Dave Franco, Seth Rogan

Four stars

THE SPECS

Engine: 3.5-litre V6
Transmission: six-speed manual
Power: 325bhp
Torque: 370Nm
Speed: 0-100km/h 3.9 seconds
Price: Dh230,000
On sale: now

Sting & Shaggy

44/876

(Interscope)

UAE%20SQUAD
%3Cp%3E%0DJemma%20Eley%2C%20Maria%20Michailidou%2C%20Molly%20Fuller%2C%20Chloe%20Andrews%20(of%20Dubai%20College)%2C%20Eliza%20Petricola%2C%20Holly%20Guerin%2C%20Yasmin%20Craig%2C%20Caitlin%20Gowdy%20(Dubai%20English%20Speaking%20College)%2C%20Claire%20Janssen%2C%20Cristiana%20Morall%20(Jumeirah%20English%20Speaking%20School)%2C%20Tessa%20Mies%20(Jebel%20Ali%20School)%2C%20Mila%20Morgan%20(Cranleigh%20Abu%20Dhabi).%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Lexus LX700h specs

Engine: 3.4-litre twin-turbo V6 plus supplementary electric motor

Power: 464hp at 5,200rpm

Torque: 790Nm from 2,000-3,600rpm

Transmission: 10-speed auto

Fuel consumption: 11.7L/100km

On sale: Now

Price: From Dh590,000

Updated: May 29, 2024, 3:14 PM