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President Sheikh Mohamed on Wednesday received a phone call from King Abdullah II of Jordan.
The call addressed regional and international issues, with a particular focus on developments in the Middle East, state news agency Wam reported. Both leaders stressed the importance of enhancing security and stability, while preventing any escalation of conflict. They also highlighted the need to pursue a comprehensive peace in Gaza based on the two-state solution.
Sheikh Mohamed and King Abdullah committed to maintaining close consultation and communication as the situation unfolds in the region. It follows surprise comments made by US President Donald Trump on Tuesday, in which he said the US would “take over” Gaza and send in troops if necessary.
“We're going to develop it, create thousands and thousands of jobs, and it'll be something that the entire Middle East can be very proud of,” Mr Trump told a news conference in Washington. He did not say whether Palestinians would be allowed back into Gaza, instead saying “the world's people” would be welcome.
Sheikh Mohamed’s call with the King of Jordan also follows a similar call he had with Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman on Tuesday, during which the need for peace based on the two-state solution was also highlighted.
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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.
Tips for taking the metro
- set out well ahead of time
- make sure you have at least Dh15 on you Nol card, as there could be big queues for top-up machines
- enter the right cabin. The train may be too busy to move between carriages once you're on
- don't carry too much luggage and tuck it under a seat to make room for fellow passengers
