The powerful message of award-winning wildlife expert Jane Goodall about the human spirit and working together to create grass-roots change will live on as her legacy in the UAE.
From a bee sanctuary in Dubai, to eco-warrior clubs she inspired and decomposer pits set up in school playgrounds, her regular visits to the Emirates opened up an incredible opportunity for the young to listen and learn from one of the world’s leading experts on environmental conservation and animal behaviour.
Her message that “every single person makes an impact every single day and you can choose what sort of impact you make", had an enduring effect on thousands who heard her speak across the country.
Dr Goodall’s death at the age of 91 from natural causes has young people, educators and heads of organisations pledging to continue her work as they paid tribute to a tireless campaigner who touched their lives.
“The loss of Jane Goodall is profound, both for me personally and for the world,” Tara Golshan, executive director education at the Jane Goodall Institute UAE, told The National. "It is hard to imagine a world without her in it.
“For over a decade, we had the privilege of visiting the UAE region. She loved the land and its people. I witnessed first-hand the hope and inspiration she brought to people from all walks of life, communities and conservation efforts."
Ms Golshan spoke of carrying on the conservationist's mission. "Her vision and compassion transformed how the world understands our connection to nature," she said. "While we deeply mourn her loss, it is our duty to carry forward her mission, honouring her remarkable legacy every day and continuing her work for the generations to come."
Power rests with the young
The Roots & Shoots programme founded by Dr Goodall, a youth-led action programme in more than 60 countries, has a wide network across the UAE and the region.
She broke down the climate change message so it was not overwhelming for the young, explained how to save water, reduce food waste and make an impact on the immediate environment.
“One individual person does matter and we can do things that will affect our planet and the history of our world,” said Giacomo Capocelli, 13, a pupil at Safa Community School, of his meeting Dr Goodall at an awards function in Dubai two years ago.
“I remember how she talked about the environment and how animals were always misunderstood. She spoke of how animals were like people but people just didn't realise that.
“She said animals have their own families, houses and lives, and I remember that. It really changed how I go about my life because after that I always think of how what I’m doing would impact an animal, the ecosystem and the environment.”
Rosie Farrell, another pupil, remembered the toy monkey Dr Goodall carried to all public functions and how she devoted her life to making the world a better place.
“When I first met her, she seemed quiet but then she started to open up and you could tell she was really passionate," Rosie said. "She inspired with her presence, her positive message and how she got people to work to help the environment.”
Rebecca McNamara, assistant head teacher of learning at Safa Community School, said schoolchildren were “stunned” at how Dr Goodall had committed her life to helping others.
“She spoke about her simple clothing, how she wasn't focused on the material side of life, how she gave every minute of every day thinking about how you could be a better person, how to help others,” Ms McNamara said. “Our students were hugely inspired.”
Ripples of positive change
A bee sanctuary at Expo City Dubai was named after Dr Goodall and the Roots & Shoots programme office was set up here to support young people to identify specific challenges in their neighbourhood, frame a plan and take action.
“We will honour Dr Jane by continuing our work with dedication and purpose, always guided by her belief in compassion and in our shared responsibility to safeguard the planet,” said Marjan Faraidooni, chief education and culture at Expo City Dubai.
“Through her work, she inspired young people to believe in their own ability to make a difference and reminded us that we are part of a larger ecosystem where kindness and care must extend across people, animals and the natural world.
"She showed us that hope remains even in a world of challenges and that every action, no matter how small, can create ripples of positive change.”
The National interviews
Dr Goodall’s landmark research on wild chimpanzees and her work in Gombe National Park in Tanzania are widely regarded as having changed people’s understanding of their connection to the natural world.
At conferences across the UAE, she shared her experiences in the field, told of the urgent need to protect nature and wildlife to fight the climate crisis, and urged young people to follow their dreams.
In interviews with The National, Dr Goodall said telling stories – not merely giving instructions to young people – would make a difference.
She spoke of how she still travelled about 300 days a year to visit environment projects around the world.
Dr Goodall talked of hope as a cornerstone, urging people to take up three projects – to help people, animals and the environment.
“We have to tackle all the threats, as they are interrelated – and there are enough people who care about different issues that we can actually address all issues at the same time,” she said.
“We must give children hope, it helps them understand they matter, make a difference and they influence their parents. If we all lose hope, we sink into apathy and do nothing, and then we are doomed.”
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Real estate tokenisation project
Dubai launched the pilot phase of its real estate tokenisation project last month.
The initiative focuses on converting real estate assets into digital tokens recorded on blockchain technology and helps in streamlining the process of buying, selling and investing, the Dubai Land Department said.
Dubai’s real estate tokenisation market is projected to reach Dh60 billion ($16.33 billion) by 2033, representing 7 per cent of the emirate’s total property transactions, according to the DLD.
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
Other workplace saving schemes
- The UAE government announced a retirement savings plan for private and free zone sector employees in 2023.
- Dubai’s savings retirement scheme for foreign employees working in the emirate’s government and public sector came into effect in 2022.
- National Bonds unveiled a Golden Pension Scheme in 2022 to help private-sector foreign employees with their financial planning.
- In April 2021, Hayah Insurance unveiled a workplace savings plan to help UAE employees save for their retirement.
- Lunate, an Abu Dhabi-based investment manager, has launched a fund that will allow UAE private companies to offer employees investment returns on end-of-service benefits.
UPI facts
More than 2.2 million Indian tourists arrived in UAE in 2023
More than 3.5 million Indians reside in UAE
Indian tourists can make purchases in UAE using rupee accounts in India through QR-code-based UPI real-time payment systems
Indian residents in UAE can use their non-resident NRO and NRE accounts held in Indian banks linked to a UAE mobile number for UPI transactions
Dust and sand storms compared
Sand storm
- Particle size: Larger, heavier sand grains
- Visibility: Often dramatic with thick "walls" of sand
- Duration: Short-lived, typically localised
- Travel distance: Limited
- Source: Open desert areas with strong winds
Dust storm
- Particle size: Much finer, lightweight particles
- Visibility: Hazy skies but less intense
- Duration: Can linger for days
- Travel distance: Long-range, up to thousands of kilometres
- Source: Can be carried from distant regions
Herc's Adventures
Developer: Big Ape Productions
Publisher: LucasArts
Console: PlayStation 1 & 5, Sega Saturn
Rating: 4/5
Terror attacks in Paris, November 13, 2015
- At 9.16pm, three suicide attackers killed one person outside the Atade de France during a foootball match between France and Germany
- At 9.25pm, three attackers opened fire on restaurants and cafes over 20 minutes, killing 39 people
- Shortly after 9.40pm, three other attackers launched a three-hour raid on the Bataclan, in which 1,500 people had gathered to watch a rock concert. In total, 90 people were killed
- Salah Abdeslam, the only survivor of the terrorists, did not directly participate in the attacks, thought to be due to a technical glitch in his suicide vest
- He fled to Belgium and was involved in attacks on Brussels in March 2016. He is serving a life sentence in France
The specs
Engine: 2.0-litre 4cyl turbo
Power: 261hp at 5,500rpm
Torque: 405Nm at 1,750-3,500rpm
Transmission: 9-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 6.9L/100km
On sale: Now
Price: From Dh117,059
Benefits of first-time home buyers' scheme
- Priority access to new homes from participating developers
- Discounts on sales price of off-plan units
- Flexible payment plans from developers
- Mortgages with better interest rates, faster approval times and reduced fees
- DLD registration fee can be paid through banks or credit cards at zero interest rates
Winners
Ballon d’Or (Men’s)
Ousmane Dembélé (Paris Saint-Germain / France)
Ballon d’Or Féminin (Women’s)
Aitana Bonmatí (Barcelona / Spain)
Kopa Trophy (Best player under 21 – Men’s)
Lamine Yamal (Barcelona / Spain)
Best Young Women’s Player
Vicky López (Barcelona / Spain)
Yashin Trophy (Best Goalkeeper – Men’s)
Gianluigi Donnarumma (Paris Saint-Germain and Manchester City / Italy)
Best Women’s Goalkeeper
Hannah Hampton (England / Aston Villa and Chelsea)
Men’s Coach of the Year
Luis Enrique (Paris Saint-Germain)
Women’s Coach of the Year
Sarina Wiegman (England)
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