President Sheikh Mohamed with Syrian President Bashar Al Assad during a reception at Qasr Al Watan in 2023. Photo: Hamad Al Kaabi / UAE Presidential Court
President Sheikh Mohamed with Syrian President Bashar Al Assad during a reception at Qasr Al Watan in 2023. Photo: Hamad Al Kaabi / UAE Presidential Court
President Sheikh Mohamed with Syrian President Bashar Al Assad during a reception at Qasr Al Watan in 2023. Photo: Hamad Al Kaabi / UAE Presidential Court
President Sheikh Mohamed with Syrian President Bashar Al Assad during a reception at Qasr Al Watan in 2023. Photo: Hamad Al Kaabi / UAE Presidential Court

Sheikh Mohamed speaks to Syrian President Bashar Al Assad as conflict flares


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President Sheikh Mohamed held a phone call on Saturday with Syrian President Bashar Al Assad as the worst conflict in years erupts in Aleppo.

Rebel forces continued to advance towards the north of the country on Sunday, with at least 182 people killed. Significant areas of northern Syria are now outside government control following the clashes.

During the call, Sheikh Mohamed and Mr Al Assad discussed the latest developments in Syria. Sheikh Mohamed emphasised the UAE's solidarity with Syria and its support in tackling extremism, while he also reaffirmed the UAE's stance supporting all efforts aimed at achieving a peaceful resolution to the Syrian crisis.

The President said he hoped this could be achieved in a manner that meets the aspirations of the Syrian people for stability and development, while preserving Syria’s unity and sovereignty over its entire territories, state news agency Wam reported.

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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.

Khalid Ali Al Bustani, director of the tax authority, on Sunday said the move is to "prevent tax evasion and support the authority’s tax collection efforts".

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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Updated: December 02, 2024, 6:47 AM