• A man helps a girl to fill jerry cans with water from a cistern at a make-shift camp for displaced Yemenis, in the northern Hajjah province on April 29, 2020, amid a severe shortage of water. Essa Ahmed/ AFP
    A man helps a girl to fill jerry cans with water from a cistern at a make-shift camp for displaced Yemenis, in the northern Hajjah province on April 29, 2020, amid a severe shortage of water. Essa Ahmed/ AFP
  • Boys eat their Iftar meal provided by a group of volunteers in a damaged neighbourhood, amid fear for the coronavirus disease outbreak, in Atarib, Aleppo countryside Syria May 7. In Syria, UNICEF is transporting clean water via lorries into some of the most devastated cities and IDP camps, but this is only a temporary solution and further highlights the need for better water management to combat future viral outbreaks. Khalil Ashawi / Reuters
    Boys eat their Iftar meal provided by a group of volunteers in a damaged neighbourhood, amid fear for the coronavirus disease outbreak, in Atarib, Aleppo countryside Syria May 7. In Syria, UNICEF is transporting clean water via lorries into some of the most devastated cities and IDP camps, but this is only a temporary solution and further highlights the need for better water management to combat future viral outbreaks. Khalil Ashawi / Reuters
  • A flooded street in the New Cairo suburb of the Egyptian capital amid a heavy storm, March 12. AFP
    A flooded street in the New Cairo suburb of the Egyptian capital amid a heavy storm, March 12. AFP
  • Rain in Dubai in January flooded the street connecting Sheikh Zayed Road to Madinat Jumeirah. Antonie Robertson / The National
    Rain in Dubai in January flooded the street connecting Sheikh Zayed Road to Madinat Jumeirah. Antonie Robertson / The National
  • The UAE was struck by rain, hail and strong winds, November 2019, Abu Dhabi. Victor Besa / The National
    The UAE was struck by rain, hail and strong winds, November 2019, Abu Dhabi. Victor Besa / The National
  • Children riding a donkey return home with jerrycans filled with water from a cistern, at a make-shift camp for displaced Yemenis in the northern Hajjah province on April 29, amid a severe shortage of water. Yemen has suffered years of war that have driven millions from their homes and plunged the country into the world's worst humanitarian crisis. Essa Ahmed/ AFP
    Children riding a donkey return home with jerrycans filled with water from a cistern, at a make-shift camp for displaced Yemenis in the northern Hajjah province on April 29, amid a severe shortage of water. Yemen has suffered years of war that have driven millions from their homes and plunged the country into the world's worst humanitarian crisis. Essa Ahmed/ AFP
  • A flooded portion of the ring road that encircles the Egyptian capital Cairo and its twin city of Giza during a heavy storm, March 12. AFP
    A flooded portion of the ring road that encircles the Egyptian capital Cairo and its twin city of Giza during a heavy storm, March 12. AFP
  • A Yemeni boy returns home after filling his jerrycan with water amid a severe shortage of water in southern Yemen's capital Aden, on April 30. Saleh Al-Obeidi / AFP
    A Yemeni boy returns home after filling his jerrycan with water amid a severe shortage of water in southern Yemen's capital Aden, on April 30. Saleh Al-Obeidi / AFP
  • Boys enjoy the water on May 5 as Lebanon extended a shutdown to curb the spread of Covid-19, Beirut's seaside Corniche, Lebanon. Lebanon is a relatively water-rich country in a water-scarce region. However, the country suffers from a problem common in the developing world: one of poor and ineffective integrated water resource management. Even some of Beirut’s wealthiest neighbourhoods lack access to a regular supply of water and are forced to rely on tankers. Aziz Taher / Reuters
    Boys enjoy the water on May 5 as Lebanon extended a shutdown to curb the spread of Covid-19, Beirut's seaside Corniche, Lebanon. Lebanon is a relatively water-rich country in a water-scarce region. However, the country suffers from a problem common in the developing world: one of poor and ineffective integrated water resource management. Even some of Beirut’s wealthiest neighbourhoods lack access to a regular supply of water and are forced to rely on tankers. Aziz Taher / Reuters
  • Lebanese Musician Ziad al-Zayyat (L) and his flatmate, interior designer Saad Molaeb, play their guitars on the rooftop of their building, during a lockdown imposed by the authorities in the town of Hadath, north of the capital Beirut on May 4. Usually the kingdom of water tanks and satellite dishes, Lebanon's roofs have recently been graced by unlikely scenes of confined residents fleeing their flats for space and fresh air. Joseph Eid/ AFP
    Lebanese Musician Ziad al-Zayyat (L) and his flatmate, interior designer Saad Molaeb, play their guitars on the rooftop of their building, during a lockdown imposed by the authorities in the town of Hadath, north of the capital Beirut on May 4. Usually the kingdom of water tanks and satellite dishes, Lebanon's roofs have recently been graced by unlikely scenes of confined residents fleeing their flats for space and fresh air. Joseph Eid/ AFP
  • A US military vehicle patrols the oil fields in the town of Qahtaniyah in Syria's northeastern Hasakeh province near the Turkish border, on May 8. Delil Souleiman / AFP
    A US military vehicle patrols the oil fields in the town of Qahtaniyah in Syria's northeastern Hasakeh province near the Turkish border, on May 8. Delil Souleiman / AFP
  • A displaced Syrian girl sits next to a grinder, to grind meats or vegetables, at the Washukanni camp for the internally displaced in Syria's northeastern Hasakeh province on May 10, during the month of Ramadan. In Syria, UNICEF is transporting clean water into some of the most devastated cities and camps. Delil Souleiman / AFP
    A displaced Syrian girl sits next to a grinder, to grind meats or vegetables, at the Washukanni camp for the internally displaced in Syria's northeastern Hasakeh province on May 10, during the month of Ramadan. In Syria, UNICEF is transporting clean water into some of the most devastated cities and camps. Delil Souleiman / AFP
  • A displaced Syrian woman next to her cart, selling chicken, at the Washukanni camp for the internally displaced in Syria's northeastern Hasakeh province on May 10, during Ramadan. Delil Souleiman / AFP
    A displaced Syrian woman next to her cart, selling chicken, at the Washukanni camp for the internally displaced in Syria's northeastern Hasakeh province on May 10, during Ramadan. Delil Souleiman / AFP
  • Downtown Amman, Jordan, 10 May. Jordan receives less than 50 millimetres of rainfall per year and is heavily dependent on domestic aquifers for its water supply. Andre Pain / EPA
    Downtown Amman, Jordan, 10 May. Jordan receives less than 50 millimetres of rainfall per year and is heavily dependent on domestic aquifers for its water supply. Andre Pain / EPA

Closing the tap when washing hands for those 20 seconds can save billions of litres of water


  • English
  • Arabic

When the primary weapon against fighting a worldwide pandemic is water, and you’re living in a water scarce region, a new layer of tension may not be so far away.

Covid-19 brings with it an unprecedented economic, health and humanitarian crisis. There are many impacts, and some are yet to be discovered. In the Arab world in particular, one issue requires increasing attention: the growing water crisis in an already volatile region.

The ongoing coronavirus pandemic is ringing an alarm bell, alerting us to the need to take immediate measures to ensure that citizens have a steady supply of water

According to the World Health Organisation, three billion people around the world lack basic hand-washing facilities.

This is particularly problematic, given that the WHO has advised that preventing the contraction of the coronavirus first begins at the individual level, with social distancing and rigorous hygiene.

Although washing is normally a simple task, it may become harder as summer approaches in the Middle East and North Africa (Mena), home to 12 of the 17 most water-stressed countries in the world.

The fact that coronavirus infection numbers are still relatively low in large parts of the Arab world provides an opportunity to put in place sustainable measures now that would prevent the situation from growing worse in the future.

According to the 2019 Global Peace Index, Mena is the world’s least peaceful region.

The last several decades have seen it plagued by instability and wars. Countries in the region are already challenged by a dramatic rise in refugees and internally displaced persons as a result of ongoing wars in Syria, Libya and Yemen, as well as instability in Iraq.

Jordan's reliance on aquifers

Take the example of Jordan. It receives less than 50 millimetres of rainfall per year and is heavily dependent on domestic aquifers for its water supply.

In the first few days of its coronavirus lockdown, Jordan saw complaints and concerns raised to authorities regarding access to water increase by almost 60 per cent.

While strict measures have been imposed to control the situation, it may become worse as the summer approaches.

In Syria, UNICEF is transporting clean water via lorries into some of the most devastated cities and IDP camps, but this is only a temporary solution and further highlights the need for better water management to combat future viral outbreaks.

Lebanon: relatively water-rich

In Lebanon the number of registered coronavirus cases has passed 800. Even though the Government of Lebanon took some early measures to limit the spread, a steady supply of water remains a concern – one that will continue beyond the current pandemic. Lebanon is a relatively water-rich country in a water-scarce region, with an average annual rainfall of 800mm.

However, the country suffers from a problem common in the developing world: one of poor and ineffective integrated water resource management.

Even some of Beirut’s wealthiest neighbourhoods lack access to a regular supply of water and are forced to rely on tankers. Water shortages affect over a quarter of the Lebanese population, with many low-income neighbourhoods receiving irregular and intermittent supply.

Although some countries have strong health care and resources necessary to face the pandemic, Mena as a whole is ill-equipped to face this global challenge.

Wash your hands 20 times a day?

The rise of the pandemic will increase the pressure on those whose healthcare systems are struggling. In these places, the best available option for many people would be to take matters into their own hands, so to speak, by washing them with soap and water.

Renowned Indian environmentalist and researcher Ranjan Panda found that the average person washes his or her hands around 18 to 20 times a day — not difficult to imagine if we think about all the activities we go through in a day, and uses approximately 40 litres of water doing so.

Indian migrant labourers collect water from a roadside tap during the lockdown to combat the spread of Covid-19, Jammu, India, May 14. Jaipal Singh / EPA
Indian migrant labourers collect water from a roadside tap during the lockdown to combat the spread of Covid-19, Jammu, India, May 14. Jaipal Singh / EPA

The need to do so is especially heightened during these overly cautious times. If one is being judicious, they may use half that amount of water.

Even so, this places significant strain on central and regional governments to secure water for densely populated urban centres and rural areas.

The GCC's share of challenges 

The Gulf Co-operation Council countries also have to tackle water stresses. The UAE, a naturally arid country, is amongst several Gulf nations that rely upon the collection and treatment of wastewater (over 80 per cent) to supplement the minimal fresh water available. However, less than 50 per cent of the treated water is reused, highlighting the challenges of managing the system.

Erratic changes in climate are making matters worse. In early March, several countries in the wider Mena region were hit by severe storms. The heavy rain and widespread flooding left many disadvantaged urban areas in Cairo and other cities without potable water for a large part of the month.

While the added strain was short lived, the experience has served as a reminder of the need for governments to prepare for future severe weather events brought on changes in the climate, as well as environment or agricultural insecurity.

Given the current pandemic, the relationship between water and health security, and the risks shared between them, must be considered thoroughly and not in silos.

Countries in the region must strengthen their regional strategy and anticipate future events, like pandemics, that require us to use large amounts of water.

Scientists are still debating whether or not we will witness a decline in Covid-19 cases as temperatures rise with the arrival of summer. But even if this turns out to be true, it should not be a reason for governments and policymakers to let their guard down and neglect to craft a sustainable strategy for water resource management.

The ongoing coronavirus pandemic is ringing an alarm bell, alerting us to the need to take immediate measures to ensure that citizens have a steady supply of water.

A recent study by the World Resources Institute found that by spending a little over one per cent of global Gross Domestic Product over the next decade, the world could provide water security for all by 2030.

While global institutions can support the Mena region with expertise, lessons from other experiences, new technology and aid, it is imperative that governments in the Arab world channel policy planning efforts and resources to create resilience in water management.

The Arab Water Security Strategy 2010-2030 details the importance of alternative water resources, including desalination and the reuse of wastewater, as well as the need to collectively combat climate change.

But any strategy for integrated water management policies needs to go beyond securing supply. It must address the management and regulation of demand, too.

At the individual level, we can play a small, but important role in the overall story. The latest health advice for maintaining hygiene during the coronavirus pandemic recommends lathering one’s hands with soap for 20 seconds before rinsing.

By simply turning off the tap for those 20 seconds, each person can save one to two litres of water with every wash. Spread across all of humanity as we continue to fight this pandemic together, one or two litres become billions.

Ambika Vishwanath and Karma Ekmekji together have over 25 years of experience in water, peace and security and public policy

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

Women & Power: A Manifesto

Mary Beard

Profile Books and London Review of Books 

Classification of skills

A worker is categorised as skilled by the MOHRE based on nine levels given in the International Standard Classification of Occupations (ISCO) issued by the International Labour Organisation. 

A skilled worker would be someone at a professional level (levels 1 – 5) which includes managers, professionals, technicians and associate professionals, clerical support workers, and service and sales workers.

The worker must also have an attested educational certificate higher than secondary or an equivalent certification, and earn a monthly salary of at least Dh4,000. 

The five pillars of Islam
Pox that threatens the Middle East's native species

Camelpox

Caused by a virus related to the one that causes human smallpox, camelpox typically causes fever, swelling of lymph nodes and skin lesions in camels aged over three, but the animal usually recovers after a month or so. Younger animals may develop a more acute form that causes internal lesions and diarrhoea, and is often fatal, especially when secondary infections result. It is found across the Middle East as well as in parts of Asia, Africa, Russia and India.

Falconpox

Falconpox can cause a variety of types of lesions, which can affect, for example, the eyelids, feet and the areas above and below the beak. It is a problem among captive falcons and is one of many types of avian pox or avipox diseases that together affect dozens of bird species across the world. Among the other forms are pigeonpox, turkeypox, starlingpox and canarypox. Avipox viruses are spread by mosquitoes and direct bird-to-bird contact.

Houbarapox

Houbarapox is, like falconpox, one of the many forms of avipox diseases. It exists in various forms, with a type that causes skin lesions being least likely to result in death. Other forms cause more severe lesions, including internal lesions, and are more likely to kill the bird, often because secondary infections develop. This summer the CVRL reported an outbreak of pox in houbaras after rains in spring led to an increase in mosquito numbers.

Price, base / as tested From Dh173,775 (base model)
Engine 2.0-litre 4cyl turbo, AWD
Power 249hp at 5,500rpm
Torque 365Nm at 1,300-4,500rpm
Gearbox Nine-speed auto
Fuel economy, combined 7.9L/100km

Labour dispute

The insured employee may still file an ILOE claim even if a labour dispute is ongoing post termination, but the insurer may suspend or reject payment, until the courts resolve the dispute, especially if the reason for termination is contested. The outcome of the labour court proceedings can directly affect eligibility.


- Abdullah Ishnaneh, Partner, BSA Law 

The President's Cake

Director: Hasan Hadi

Starring: Baneen Ahmad Nayyef, Waheed Thabet Khreibat, Sajad Mohamad Qasem 

Rating: 4/5

About Karol Nawrocki

• Supports military aid for Ukraine, unlike other eurosceptic leaders, but he will oppose its membership in western alliances.

• A nationalist, his campaign slogan was Poland First. "Let's help others, but let's take care of our own citizens first," he said on social media in April.

• Cultivates tough-guy image, posting videos of himself at shooting ranges and in boxing rings.

• Met Donald Trump at the White House and received his backing.

What are the GCSE grade equivalents?
 
  • Grade 9 = above an A*
  • Grade 8 = between grades A* and A
  • Grade 7 = grade A
  • Grade 6 = just above a grade B
  • Grade 5 = between grades B and C
  • Grade 4 = grade C
  • Grade 3 = between grades D and E
  • Grade 2 = between grades E and F
  • Grade 1 = between grades F and G
10 tips for entry-level job seekers
  • Have an up-to-date, professional LinkedIn profile. If you don’t have a LinkedIn account, set one up today. Avoid poor-quality profile pictures with distracting backgrounds. Include a professional summary and begin to grow your network.
  • Keep track of the job trends in your sector through the news. Apply for job alerts at your dream organisations and the types of jobs you want – LinkedIn uses AI to share similar relevant jobs based on your selections.
  • Double check that you’ve highlighted relevant skills on your resume and LinkedIn profile.
  • For most entry-level jobs, your resume will first be filtered by an applicant tracking system for keywords. Look closely at the description of the job you are applying for and mirror the language as much as possible (while being honest and accurate about your skills and experience).
  • Keep your CV professional and in a simple format – make sure you tailor your cover letter and application to the company and role.
  • Go online and look for details on job specifications for your target position. Make a list of skills required and set yourself some learning goals to tick off all the necessary skills one by one.
  • Don’t be afraid to reach outside your immediate friends and family to other acquaintances and let them know you are looking for new opportunities.
  • Make sure you’ve set your LinkedIn profile to signal that you are “open to opportunities”. Also be sure to use LinkedIn to search for people who are still actively hiring by searching for those that have the headline “I’m hiring” or “We’re hiring” in their profile.
  • Prepare for online interviews using mock interview tools. Even before landing interviews, it can be useful to start practising.
  • Be professional and patient. Always be professional with whoever you are interacting with throughout your search process, this will be remembered. You need to be patient, dedicated and not give up on your search. Candidates need to make sure they are following up appropriately for roles they have applied.

Arda Atalay, head of Mena private sector at LinkedIn Talent Solutions, Rudy Bier, managing partner of Kinetic Business Solutions and Ben Kinerman Daltrey, co-founder of KinFitz

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)

Spain drain

CONVICTED

Lionel Messi Found guilty in 2016 of of using companies in Belize, Britain, Switzerland and Uruguay to avoid paying €4.1m in taxes on income earned from image rights. Sentenced to 21 months in jail and fined more than €2m. But prison sentence has since been replaced by another fine of €252,000.

Javier Mascherano Accepted one-year suspended sentence in January 2016 for tax fraud after found guilty of failing to pay €1.5m in taxes for 2011 and 2012. Unlike Messi he avoided trial by admitting to tax evasion.

Angel di Maria Argentina and Paris Saint-Germain star Angel di Maria was fined and given a 16-month prison sentence for tax fraud during his time at Real Madrid. But he is unlikely to go to prison as is normal in Spain for first offences for non-violent crimes carrying sentence of less than two years.

 

SUSPECTED

Cristiano Ronaldo Real Madrid's star striker, accused of evading €14.7m in taxes, appears in court on Monday. Portuguese star faces four charges of fraud through offshore companies.

Jose Mourinho Manchester United manager accused of evading €3.3m in tax in 2011 and 2012, during time in charge at Real Madrid. But Gestifute, which represents him, says he has already settled matter with Spanish tax authorities.

Samuel Eto'o In November 2016, Spanish prosecutors sought jail sentence of 10 years and fines totalling €18m for Cameroonian, accused of failing to pay €3.9m in taxes during time at Barcelona from 2004 to 2009.

Radamel Falcao Colombian striker Falcao suspected of failing to correctly declare €7.4m of income earned from image rights between 2012 and 2013 while at Atletico Madrid. He has since paid €8.2m to Spanish tax authorities, a sum that includes interest on the original amount.

Jorge Mendes Portuguese super-agent put under official investigation last month by Spanish court investigating alleged tax evasion by Falcao, a client of his. He defended himself, telling closed-door hearing he "never" advised players in tax matters.