Title favourites Algeria have named a final squad for the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations in Equatorial Guinea while Group C rivals Ghana and South Africa are undecided.
New Ghana coach Avram Grant, who guided Chelsea in the 2008 Champions League final loss on penalties to Manchester United, chose a 31-man provisional squad.
And South Africa counterpart, Ephraim Mashaba, called up 34 players for a post-Christmas Johannesburg training camp.
Cape Verde, Gabon and Mali have also picked final squads for the biennial 16-nation African football showpiece at Equatoguinean venues Bata, Ebebiyin, Malabo and Mongomo.
Other contenders to select provisional squads of varying numbers include Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Republic of Congo, Senegal, Tunisia and Zambia.
Democratic Republic of Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Guinea and Ivory Coast have yet to reveal their hands ahead of a January 7 deadline for final player lists.
France-born Algeria coach Christian Gourcuff included 18 of the 23 players who went to the 2014 World Cup in Brazil and took the North African country to the knockout stage for the first time.
The Desert Foxes bowed out in the second round after forcing eventual champions Germany into extra-time before suffering a 2-1 defeat.
Newcomers are goalkeeper Izzeddine Doukha, defender Mehdi Zeffane, midfielders Mehdi Abeid and Foued Kadir, and striker Ishak Belfodil.
They replace Cedric Si Mohamed, Liassine Cadamuro, Nabil Ghilas, Mehdi Mostefa and Hassan Yebda for a competition Algeria won in 1990 as hosts.
Their good World Cup showing lifted Algeria to No 1 on the African rankings, and a five-match winning streak in the 2015 qualifiers has confirmed the Foxes as favourites.
Grant omitted Kevin-Prince Boateng and Sulley Muntari, who were kicked out of the World Cup squad in Brazil, after initially hinting that he might recall the midfielders.
Muntari assaulted a Ghanaian official and Boateng was sent home after training-ground disagreements with then-coach Kwesi Appiah.
Veteran midfielder Michael Essien, who played under Grant at Chelsea, was another former star who failed to make the cut.
There were recalls for DR Congo-based goalkeeper Ernest Sowah, defender Samuel Inkoom from American club Houston Dynamo and Italy-based midfielder Alfred Duncan.
Grant will rely heavily on Al Ain striker Asamoah Gyan, who made the final five of the 2014 African Footballer of the Year race before being eliminated.
South Africa are back at the Africa Cup of Nations as qualifiers for the first time since 2008 and much of the credit has been heaped on former Orlando Pirates defender Mashaba.
He has restored pride to a national team that steadily slumped after conquering Africa in 1996, and lifted morale when goalkeeper-captain Senzo Meyiwa was murdered during the qualifying campaign.
“I want to give everyone a chance to impress, hence the bloated squad,” he said of a group from which he must drop 11 players.
A surprise omission from the provisional group is Kaizer Chiefs centre-back Tefu Mashamaite, who started in a drawn final-round eliminator away to defending champions Nigeria, who did not qualify.
Probably the biggest concern for Mashaba is striker Tokelo Rantie from English Championship leaders Bournemouth, who hopes to recover from a shoulder injury.
Angry ex-Newcastle United and Chelsea striker Demba Ba took to Twitter after being left out of the provisional 28-man Senegal squad picked by coach and former France star Alain Giresse.
“I cannot wait to hear the excuses of the coach and then destroy them one by one,” tweeted the 29-year-old who has been scoring regularly for Besiktas in Turkey.
Giresse has many proven goal poachers to choose from, including Papiss Cisse of Newcastle and Sadio Mane of Southampton, who scored in weekend English Premier League matches.
FINAL (23 players)
Gabon
Goalkeepers: Stephane Bitseki (Mounana), Anthony Mezui (Metz/France), Didier Ovono (KV Oostende/Belgium)
Defenders: Aaron Appindangoye (Mounana), Yrondy Musavu King (Caen/France), Bruno Ecuele Manga (Cardiff City/England, second tier), Henri Junior Ndong (Auxerre/France, second tier), Johan Obiang (Chateauroux/France, second tier), Benjamin Ze Ondo (ES Setif/Algeria), Lloyd Palun (Nice/France), Junior Randal Oto Zue (Braga/Portugal)
Midfielders: Kanga Guelor (Rostov/Russia), Mario Lemina (Marseille/France), Levy Madinda (Celta Vigo/Spain), Samson Mbingui (Mouloudia Alger/Ageria), Didier Ibrahim Ndong (CS Sfaxien/Tunisia), Alexander Ndoumbou (Marseille/France), Andre Biyogho Poko (Bordeaux/France)
Strikers: Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (Borussia Dortmund/Germany), Frederic Bulot (Charlton Athletic/England, second tier), Malick Evouna (Wydad Casablanca/Morocco), Johan Lengoualama (Difaa El Jadida/Morocco), Romaric Rogombe (AC Leopards/Republic of Congo)
Cape Verde Islands
Goalkeepers: Ivan Cruz (Gil Vicente/Portugal), Kevin Sousa (Nacional/Portugal), Vozinha (Sambizanga/Angola)
Defenders: Carlitos (Apoel Limassol/Cyprus), Gege (Marítimo/Portugal), Jeffrey (Dordrecht/Netherlands), Kay (Craiova/Romania, unaffiliated), Nivaldo (Teplice/Czech Republic), Stopira (Videoton/Hungary), Varela (Steaua Bucharest/Romania)
Midfielders: Babanco (Estoril/Portugal), Calu (Sambizanga/Angola), Platini (CSKA Sofia/Bulgaria), Nuno Rocha (Craiova/Romania, unaffiliated), Samedo (Olhanense/Portugal, second tier), Toni (Excelsior/Netherlands)
Strikers: Djaniny (Santos Laguna/Mexico), Heldon (Sporting Lisbon/Portugal), Kuca (Estoril/Portugal), Garry Mendes (Elche/Spain), Ryan Mendes (Lille/France), Odair (Reims/France), Julio Tavares (Dijon/France, second tier)
Note: most Cape Verde footballers use Brazil-style nicknames
Algeria
Goalkeepers: Izzeddine Doukha (Kabylie), Rais Mbolhi (Philadelphia Union/USA), Mohamed Zemmamouche (USMA)
Defenders: Essaid Belkalem, Carl Medjani (both Trabzonspor/Turkey), Madjid Bougherra (Fujairah/UAE), Faouzi Ghoualm (Napoli/Italy), Rafik Halliche (Qatar Sports Club/Qatar), Aissa Mandi (Reims/France), Djamel Mesbah (Sampdoria/Italy), Mehdi Zeffane (Lyon/France)
Midfielders: Mehdi Abeid (Newcastle/England), Nabil Bentaleb (Tottenham/England), Yacine Brahimi (Porto/Portugal), Foued Kadir (Real Betis/Spain, second tier), Medhi Lacen (Getafe/Spain), Saphir Taider (Sassuolo/Italy)
Strikers: Ishak Belfodil (Parma/Italy), Abdelmoumene Djabou (Club Africain/Tunisia), Sofiane Feghouli (Valencia/Spain), Riyad Mahrez (Leicester City/England), Islam Slimani (Sporting Lisbon/Portugal), Hilal Soudani (Dinamo Zagreb/Croatia)
Mali
Goalkeepers: Germain Berthe (Onze Createurs), Soumaila Diakite (Esteghlal/Iran), Ntji Samake (Dougouwolofila)
Defenders: Idrissa Coulibaly (Hassania Agadir/Morocco), Ousmane Coulibaly (Platanias/Greece), Salif Coulibaly (TP Mazembe/DR Congo), Drissa Diakite (Bastia/France), Fousseyni Diawara (Tours/France, second tier), Mohamed Konate (Nahdat Berkane/Morocco), Adama Tamboura (Randers/Denmark), Molla Wague (Udinese/Italy)
Midfielders: Sigamary Diarra (Valenciennes/France, second tier), Ahmed Doumbia (Toulouse/France), Seydou Keita (Roma/Italy), Mamoutou Ndiaye (Waregem/Belgium), Bakary Sako (Wolves/England, second tier), Yacouba Sylla (Erciyesspor/Turkey), Abdou Traore (Bordeaux/France), Sambou Yatabare (Guingamp/France)
Strikers: Cheick Diabate (Bordeaux/France), Abdoulaye Diaby (Mouscron/Belgium), Modibo Maiga (Metz/France), Mustapha Yatabare (Trabzonspor/Turkey)
PROVISIONAL
Burkina Faso (24 players)
Goalkeepers: Moussa Fofana (Kadiogo), Germain Sanou (Bauvais/France, fourth tier), Abdoulaye Soulama (Hearts of Oak/Ghana)
Defenders: Wilfried Balima (Sheriff Tiraspol/Moldova), Narcisse Bambara (Cluj/Romania), Issa Gouo (Kaloum/Guinea), Mohamed Koffi (Zamalek/Egypt), Bakary Kone (Lyon/France), Paul Koulibaly (Horoya/Guinea), Florent Rouamba (Bastia/France), Steve Yago (Toulouse/France)
Midfielders: Adama Guira (Sonderyesk/Denmark), Charles Kabore (Kuban/Russia), Djakaridja Kone (Evian/France), Prejuce Nakoulma (Mersin/Turkey), Abdul Razack Traore (Karakbukspor/Turkey), Bertrand Traore (Vitesse/Netherlands), Moussa Yedan (Al Ahly/Egypt), Jonathan Zongo (Almeria/Spain)
Strikers: Aristide Bance (HJK/Finland), Banou Diawarra (Bobo), Issaka Ouedraogo (Admira Wacker/Austria), Jonathan Pitroipa (Al Jazira/UAE), Alain Traore (Lorient/France)
Republic of Congo (26)
Goalkeepers: Christoffer Mafoumbi (Le Pontet/France, fifth tier), Chansel Massa (AC Leopards), Pavhel Ndzila (Etoile)
Defenders: Dimitri Bissiki, Boris Moubio (both AC Leopards), Marvin Baudry (Amiens/France, third tier), Antoni Mavoungou (CNFF), Arnold Moutou (Angers/France, second tier), Francis Nganga (Charleroi/Belgium), Igor Nganga (Aarau/Switzerland)
Midfielders: Sagesse Babele, Cesaire Gandze (both Leopards), Hardy Binguila (Diables Noirs), Scott Bitsindou (Anderlecht/Belgium), Christopher Maboulou (Bastia/France), Chris Malonga (Lausanne/Switzerland), Jordan Massengo (Mons/Belgium, second tier), Delvin Ndinga (Olympiakos/Greece), Prince Oniangue (Reims/France)
Strikers: Thievy Bifouma (Almeria/Spain), Fode Dore (Cluj/Romania), Ladislas Douniama (Guingamp/France), Sylvere Ganvoula (Raja Casablanca/Morocco), Francis Litsingi (Teplice/Czech Republic), Dominique Malonga (Hibernian/Scotland), Fabrice Ondama (Wydad Casablanca/Morocco)
Tunisia (26)
Goalkeepers: Moez Ben Cherifia (Esperance), Aymen Mathlouthi (Etoile Sahel), Farouk Ben Mustapha (Club Africain)
Defenders: Aymen Abdennour (Monaco/France), Rami Bedoui (Etoile Sahel), Slim Ben Jemai (Laval/France, second tier), Ali Maaloul (CS Sfaxien), Hamza Mathlouthi (Bizertin), Yassine Mikari (Club Africain), Bilel Mohsni (Rangers/Scotland, second tier), Mohamed Ali Yaakoubi (Esperance), Syam Ben Youssef (Astra Giurgiu/Romania)
Midfielders: Mohamed Ali Moncer, Ferjani Sassi (both CS Sfaxien), Yassine Chikhaoui (Zurich/Switzerland), Wahbi Khazri (Bordeaux/France), Youssef Msakni (Lekhwiya/Qatar), Stephane Nater (Club Africain), Houcine Ragued (Esperance), Jamel Saihi (Montpellier/France)
Strikers: Mohamed Amine Chermiti (Zurich/Switzerland), Anis Ben Htira (Hertha Berlin/Germany), Saber Khalifa (Club Africain), Yohan Tozgar (Lens/France), Hamza Younes (Ludogorets Razgrad/Bulgaria), Fakhreddine Ben Youssef (CS Sfaxien)
Zambia (27)
Goalkeepers: Danny Munyau (Red Arrows), Kennedy Mweene (Sundowns/South Africa), Toaster Nsabata (Nchanga), Joshua Titima (Power Dynamos)
Defenders: Donashano Malama, Christopher Munthali (both Nkana), Bronson Chama (Arrows), Rodrick Kabwe (Zanaco), Aaron Katebe (Platinum/Zimbabwe), Emmanuel Mbola (Hapoel Ra’anana/Israel), Davies Nkausu (Bloemfontein Celtic/South Africa), Stoppila Sunzu (Sochaux/France, second tier)
Midfielders: Rainford Kalaba (TP Mazembe/DR Congo), Chisamba Lungu (Ural/Russia), Kondwani Mtonga (North East United/India), Mukuka Mulenga (Bloemfontein Celtic/South Africa), Bruce Musakanya (Arrows), Lubambo Musonda (Ulisses/Armenia), Spencer Sautu (Green Eagles), Nathan Sinkala (Grasshoppers/Switzerland)
Strikers: James Chamanga (Liaoning Whowin/China), Ronald Kampamba (Nkana), Evans Kangwa (Ra’anana/Israel), Emmanuel Mayuka (Southampton/England), Jackson Mwanza (Zesco), Patrick Ngoma (Arrows), Given Singuluma (TP Mazembe/DR Congo)
Ghana (31)
Goalkeepers: Stephen Adams (Aduana), Razak Braimah (Mirandes/Spain, second tier), Fatau Dauda (AshGold), Ernest Sowah (Don Bosco/DR Congo)
Defenders: Kwabena Adusei, Edwin Gyimah (both Black Aces/South Africa), Harrison Afful (Esperance/Tunisia), Daniel Amartey (Copenhagen/Denmark), Mohammed Awal (Maritzburg/South Africa), John Boye (Erciyesspor/Turkey), Samuel Inkoom (Houston Dynamo/USA), Jonathan Mensah (Evian/France), Baba Rahman (Augsburg/Germany), Jeffery Schlupp (Leicester/England)
Midfielders: Frank Acheampong (Anderlecht/Belgium), Afriyie Acquah (Parma/Italy), Albert Adomah (Middlesbrough/England, second tier), Emmanuel Agyemang-Badu (Udinese/Italy), Solomon Asante (TP Mazembe/DR Congo), Christian Atsu (Everton/England), Andre Ayew (Marseille/France), Alfred Duncan (Sampdoria/Italy), Adu Kofi (Malmo/Sweden), Rabiu Mohammed (Krasnodar/Russia), Ibrahim Moro (AIK/Sweden), Mubarak Wakaso (Celtic/Scotland)
Strikers: David Accam (Chicago Fire/USA), Kwesi Appiah (Cambridge/England, fourth tier), Jordan Ayew (Lorient/France), Asamoah Gyan (Al Ain/UAE), Abdul-Majeed Waris (Trabzonspor/Turkey)
Senegal (28)
Goalkeepers: Pape Camara (Sochaux/France, second tier), Bouna Coundoul (Ethnikos Achnas/Cyprus), Lys Gomis (Trappani/Italy, second tier), Ousmane Mane (Diambars)
Defenders: Papy Djilobodji (Nantes/France), Boukary Drame (Atalanta/Italy), Lamine Gassama (Lorient/France), Ibrahima Mbaye (Inter Milan/Italy), Cheikh Mbengue (Rennes/France), Kara Mbodj (Genk/Belgium), Lamine Sane (Bordeaux/France), Pape Ndiaye Souare (Lille/France), Zargo Toure (Le Havre/France, second tier)
Midfielders: Stephane Badji (Brann/Norway), Pape Kouli Diop (Levante/Spain), Idrissa Gana Gueye (Lille/France), Cheikhou Kouyate (West Ham United/England), Alfred Ndiaye (Real Betis/Spain, second tier), Pape Alioune Ndiaye (Bodo Glimt/Norway), Salif Sane (Hannover/Germany)
Strikers: Papiss Cisse (Newcastle United/England), Mame Diouf (Stoke City/England), Moussa Konate (Sion/Switzerland), Sadio Mane (Southampton/England), Dame Ndoye (Lokomotiv Moscow/Russia), Henri Saivet (Bordeaux/France), Diafra Sakho (West Ham United/England), Moussa Sow (Fenerbahce/Turkey)
South Africa (34)
Goalkeepers: Darren Keet (Kortrijk/Belgium), Brilliant Khuzwayo (Kaizer Chiefs), Jackson Mabokgwane (Black Aces), Siyabonga Mpontshane (Platinum)
Defenders: Thabo Matlaba, Ntsikelelo Nyauza, Patrick Phungwayo (all Orlando Pirates), Thulani Hlatswayo, Siyabonga Nhlapo (both Wits), Rivaldo Coetzee (Ajax Cape Town), Mzikayise Mashaba (Sundowns), Eric Mathoho (Chiefs), Kwanda Mngonyama (Maritzburg), Anele Ngcongca (Genk/Belgium)
Midfielders: Asavele Mbekile, Bongani Zungu, Themba Zwane (all Sundowns), Reneilwe Letsholonyane, Mandla Masango (both Chiefs), Jabulani Shongwe, Sibusiso Vilakazi (both Wits), Mondli Cele (Maritzburg), Dean Furman (Doncaster Rovers/England, third tier), Andile Jali (KV Oostende/Belgium), Oupa Manyisa (Pirates), Thuso Phala (SuperSport), Thamsanqa Sangweni (Chippa), Thulani Serero (Ajax Amsterdam/Netherlands), Vuyisile Wana (Swallows)
Strikers: Bongani Ndulula (AmaZulu), Tokelo Rantie (Bournemouth/England, second tier), Bernard Parker (Chiefs), Ayanda Patosi (Lokeren/Belgium), David Zulu (Chippa)
Cameroon (24)
Goalkeepers: Pierre Abogo (Tonnerre), Guy Assembe (Nancy/France, second tier), Joseph Ondoua (Barcelona/Spain)
Defenders: Brice Ekongolo, Nicolas Nkoulou (both Marseille/France), Jerome Ata (Valenciennes/France, second tier), Franck Bagnack (Barcelona/Spain), Henri Bedimo (Lyon/France), Ambroise Bitolo (New York Red Bulls/USA), Cedric Djeugoue (Coton Sport)
Midfielders: Patrick Ekeng (Cordoba/Spain), Enoh Eyong (Standard Liege/Belgium), Franck Kom (Etoile Sahel/Tunisia), Raoul Loe (Osasuna/Spain, second tier), Georges Mandjeck (Erciyesspor/Turkey), Stephane Mbia (Sevilla/Spain), Edgard Salli (Academica Coimbra/Portugal)
Strikers: Vincent Aboubakar (Porto/Portugal), Eric-Maxim Choupo-Moting (Schalke/Germany), Franck Etoundi (Zurich/Switzerland), Leonard Kwekeu (Caykur Rizespor/Turkey), Benjamin Moukandjo (Reims/France), Clinton N’Jie (Lyon/France), Jacques Zoua (Erciyesspor/Turkey)
Notes
– Equatorial Guinea, Democratic Republic of Congo, Guinea and Ivory Coast have to name provisional or final squads
– Deadline for final squads is January 7
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First Person
Richard Flanagan
Chatto & Windus
Scorecard:
England 458 & 119/1 (51.0 ov)
South Africa 361
England lead by 216 runs with 9 wickets remaining
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
The specs
Engine: 2.0-litre 4-cylturbo
Transmission: seven-speed DSG automatic
Power: 242bhp
Torque: 370Nm
Price: Dh136,814
Who's who in Yemen conflict
Houthis: Iran-backed rebels who occupy Sanaa and run unrecognised government
Yemeni government: Exiled government in Aden led by eight-member Presidential Leadership Council
Southern Transitional Council: Faction in Yemeni government that seeks autonomy for the south
Habrish 'rebels': Tribal-backed forces feuding with STC over control of oil in government territory
The specs: Aston Martin DB11 V8 vs Ferrari GTC4Lusso T
Price, base: Dh840,000; Dh120,000
Engine: 4.0L V8 twin-turbo; 3.9L V8 turbo
Transmission: Eight-speed automatic; seven-speed automatic
Power: 509hp @ 6,000rpm; 601hp @ 7,500rpm
Torque: 695Nm @ 2,000rpm; 760Nm @ 3,000rpm
Fuel economy, combined: 9.9L / 100km; 11.6L / 100km
The specs
Engine: 3.8-litre twin-turbo flat-six
Power: 650hp at 6,750rpm
Torque: 800Nm from 2,500-4,000rpm
Transmission: 8-speed dual-clutch auto
Fuel consumption: 11.12L/100km
Price: From Dh796,600
On sale: now
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%3Cp%3EEncourage%20innovation%20in%20the%20metaverse%20field%20and%20boost%20economic%20contribution%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3EDevelop%20outstanding%20talents%20through%20education%20and%20training%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3EDevelop%20applications%20and%20the%20way%20they%20are%20used%20in%20Dubai's%20government%20institutions%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3EAdopt%2C%20expand%20and%20promote%20secure%20platforms%20globally%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3EDevelop%20the%20infrastructure%20and%20regulations%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
KEY%20DATES%20IN%20AMAZON'S%20HISTORY
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EJuly%205%2C%201994%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Jeff%20Bezos%20founds%20Cadabra%20Inc%2C%20which%20would%20later%20be%20renamed%20to%20Amazon.com%2C%20because%20his%20lawyer%20misheard%20the%20name%20as%20'cadaver'.%20In%20its%20earliest%20days%2C%20the%20bookstore%20operated%20out%20of%20a%20rented%20garage%20in%20Bellevue%2C%20Washington%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EJuly%2016%2C%201995%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Amazon%20formally%20opens%20as%20an%20online%20bookseller.%20%3Cem%3EFluid%20Concepts%20and%20Creative%20Analogies%3A%20Computer%20Models%20of%20the%20Fundamental%20Mechanisms%20of%20Thought%3C%2Fem%3E%20becomes%20the%20first%20item%20sold%20on%20Amazon%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3E1997%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Amazon%20goes%20public%20at%20%2418%20a%20share%2C%20which%20has%20grown%20about%201%2C000%20per%20cent%20at%20present.%20Its%20highest%20closing%20price%20was%20%24197.85%20on%20June%2027%2C%202024%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3E1998%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Amazon%20acquires%20IMDb%2C%20its%20first%20major%20acquisition.%20It%20also%20starts%20selling%20CDs%20and%20DVDs%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3E2000%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Amazon%20Marketplace%20opens%2C%20allowing%20people%20to%20sell%20items%20on%20the%20website%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3E2002%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Amazon%20forms%20what%20would%20become%20Amazon%20Web%20Services%2C%20opening%20the%20Amazon.com%20platform%20to%20all%20developers.%20The%20cloud%20unit%20would%20follow%20in%202006%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3E2003%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Amazon%20turns%20in%20an%20annual%20profit%20of%20%2475%20million%2C%20the%20first%20time%20it%20ended%20a%20year%20in%20the%20black%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3E2005%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Amazon%20Prime%20is%20introduced%2C%20its%20first-ever%20subscription%20service%20that%20offered%20US%20customers%20free%20two-day%20shipping%20for%20%2479%20a%20year%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3E2006%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Amazon%20Unbox%20is%20unveiled%2C%20the%20company's%20video%20service%20that%20would%20later%20morph%20into%20Amazon%20Instant%20Video%20and%2C%20ultimately%2C%20Amazon%20Video%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3E2007%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Amazon's%20first%20hardware%20product%2C%20the%20Kindle%20e-reader%2C%20is%20introduced%3B%20the%20Fire%20TV%20and%20Fire%20Phone%20would%20come%20in%202014.%20Grocery%20service%20Amazon%20Fresh%20is%20also%20started%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3E2009%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Amazon%20introduces%20Amazon%20Basics%2C%20its%20in-house%20label%20for%20a%20variety%20of%20products%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3E2010%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20The%20foundations%20for%20Amazon%20Studios%20were%20laid.%20Its%20first%20original%20streaming%20content%20debuted%20in%202013%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3E2011%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20The%20Amazon%20Appstore%20for%20Google's%20Android%20is%20launched.%20It%20is%20still%20unavailable%20on%20Apple's%20iOS%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3E2014%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20The%20Amazon%20Echo%20is%20launched%2C%20a%20speaker%20that%20acts%20as%20a%20personal%20digital%20assistant%20powered%20by%20Alexa%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3E2017%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Amazon%20acquires%20Whole%20Foods%20for%20%2413.7%20billion%2C%20its%20biggest%20acquisition%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3E2018%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Amazon's%20market%20cap%20briefly%20crosses%20the%20%241%20trillion%20mark%2C%20making%20it%2C%20at%20the%20time%2C%20only%20the%20third%20company%20to%20achieve%20that%20milestone%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
KILLING OF QASSEM SULEIMANI
SPEC SHEET
Display: 6.8" edge quad-HD dynamic Amoled 2X, Infinity-O, 3088 x 1440, 500ppi, HDR10 , 120Hz
Processor: 4nm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1/Exynos 2200, 8-core
Memory: 8/12GB RAM
Storage: 128/256/512GB/1TB
Platform: Android 12
Main camera: quad 12MP ultra-wide f/2.2, 108MP wide f/1.8, 10MP telephoto f/4.9, 10MP telephoto 2.4; Space Zoom up to 100x, auto HDR, expert RAW
Video: 8K@24fps, 4K@60fps, full-HD@60fps, HD@30fps, super slo-mo@960fps
Front camera: 40MP f/2.2
Battery: 5000mAh, fast wireless charging 2.0 Wireless PowerShare
Connectivity: 5G, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.2, NFC
I/O: USB-C
SIM: single nano, or nano and SIM, nano and nano, eSIM/nano and nano
Colours: burgundy, green, phantom black, phantom white, graphite, sky blue, red
Price: Dh4,699 for 128GB, Dh5,099 for 256GB, Dh5,499 for 512GB; 1TB unavailable in the UAE
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
Blackpink World Tour [Born Pink] In Cinemas
Starring: Rose, Jisoo, Jennie, Lisa
Directors: Min Geun, Oh Yoon-Dong
Rating: 3/5
SERIE A FIXTURES
Saturday (UAE kick-off times)
Atalanta v Juventus (6pm)
AC Milan v Napoli (9pm)
Torino v Inter Milan (11.45pm)
Sunday
Bologna v Parma (3.30pm)
Sassuolo v Lazio (6pm)
Roma v Brescia (6pm)
Verona v Fiorentina (6pm)
Sampdoria v Udinese (9pm)
Lecce v Cagliari (11.45pm)
Monday
SPAL v Genoa (11.45pm)
The specs: Rolls-Royce Cullinan
Price, base: Dh1 million (estimate)
Engine: 6.75-litre twin-turbo V12
Transmission: Eight-speed automatic
Power: 563hp @ 5,000rpm
Torque: 850Nm @ 1,600rpm
Fuel economy, combined: 15L / 100km
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
How Filipinos in the UAE invest
A recent survey of 10,000 Filipino expatriates in the UAE found that 82 per cent have plans to invest, primarily in property. This is significantly higher than the 2014 poll showing only two out of 10 Filipinos planned to invest.
Fifty-five percent said they plan to invest in property, according to the poll conducted by the New Perspective Media Group, organiser of the Philippine Property and Investment Exhibition. Acquiring a franchised business or starting up a small business was preferred by 25 per cent and 15 per cent said they will invest in mutual funds. The rest said they are keen to invest in insurance (3 per cent) and gold (2 per cent).
Of the 5,500 respondents who preferred property as their primary investment, 54 per cent said they plan to make the purchase within the next year. Manila was the top location, preferred by 53 per cent.
F1 The Movie
Starring: Brad Pitt, Damson Idris, Kerry Condon, Javier Bardem
Director: Joseph Kosinski
Rating: 4/5
The bio
Favourite book: The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho
Favourite travel destination: Maldives and south of France
Favourite pastime: Family and friends, meditation, discovering new cuisines
Favourite Movie: Joker (2019). I didn’t like it while I was watching it but then afterwards I loved it. I loved the psychology behind it.
Favourite Author: My father for sure
Favourite Artist: Damien Hurst
UFC Fight Night 2
1am – Early prelims
2am – Prelims
4am-7am – Main card
7:30am-9am – press cons
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Learn more about Qasr Al Hosn
In 2013, The National's History Project went beyond the walls to see what life was like living in Abu Dhabi's fabled fort:
Leading all-time NBA scorers
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar 38,387
Karl Malone 36,928
Kobe Bryant 33,643
Michael Jordan 32,292
LeBron James 31,425
Wilt Chamberlain 31,419
Story%20behind%20the%20UAE%20flag
%3Cp%3EThe%20UAE%20flag%20was%20first%20unveiled%20on%20December%202%2C%201971%2C%20the%20day%20the%20UAE%20was%20formed.%C2%A0%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3EIt%20was%20designed%20by%20Abdullah%20Mohammed%20Al%20Maainah%2C%2019%2C%20an%20Emirati%20from%20Abu%20Dhabi.%C2%A0%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3EMr%20Al%20Maainah%20said%20in%20an%20interview%20with%20%3Cem%3EThe%20National%3C%2Fem%3E%20in%202011%20he%20chose%20the%20colours%20for%20local%20reasons.%C2%A0%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3EThe%20black%20represents%20the%20oil%20riches%20that%20transformed%20the%20UAE%2C%20green%20stands%20for%20fertility%20and%20the%20red%20and%20white%20colours%20were%20drawn%20from%20those%20found%20in%20existing%20emirate%20flags.%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
The specs
Engine: 6.2-litre V8
Transmission: seven-speed auto
Power: 420 bhp
Torque: 624Nm
Price: from Dh293,200
On sale: now
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%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EDirector%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Nikhil%20Nagesh%20Bhat%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EStarring%3C%2Fstrong%3E%3A%20Lakshya%2C%20Tanya%20Maniktala%2C%20Ashish%20Vidyarthi%2C%20Harsh%20Chhaya%2C%20Raghav%20Juyal%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ERating%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%204.5%2F5%3Cbr%3E%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Look north
BBC business reporters, like a new raft of government officials, are being removed from the national and international hub of London and surely the quality of their work must suffer.
Miss Granny
Director: Joyce Bernal
Starring: Sarah Geronimo, James Reid, Xian Lim, Nova Villa
3/5
(Tagalog with Eng/Ar subtitles)
if you go
The flights
Etihad, Emirates and Singapore Airlines fly direct from the UAE to Singapore from Dh2,265 return including taxes. The flight takes about 7 hours.
The hotel
Rooms at the M Social Singapore cost from SG $179 (Dh488) per night including taxes.
The tour
Makan Makan Walking group tours costs from SG $90 (Dh245) per person for about three hours. Tailor-made tours can be arranged. For details go to www.woknstroll.com.sg
The%20Woman%20King%20
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EDirector%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Gina%20Prince-Bythewood%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EStars%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Viola%20Davis%2C%20Thuso%20Mbedu%2C%20Sheila%20Atim%2C%20Lashana%20Lynch%2C%20John%20Boyega%C2%A0%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ERating%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%203%2F5%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Empire of Enchantment: The Story of Indian Magic
John Zubrzycki, Hurst Publishers
The Melbourne Mercer Global Pension Index
The Melbourne Mercer Global Pension Index
Mazen Abukhater, principal and actuary at global consultancy Mercer, Middle East, says the company’s Melbourne Mercer Global Pension Index - which benchmarks 34 pension schemes across the globe to assess their adequacy, sustainability and integrity - included Saudi Arabia for the first time this year to offer a glimpse into the region.
The index highlighted fundamental issues for all 34 countries, such as a rapid ageing population and a low growth / low interest environment putting pressure on expected returns. It also highlighted the increasing popularity around the world of defined contribution schemes.
“Average life expectancy has been increasing by about three years every 10 years. Someone born in 1947 is expected to live until 85 whereas someone born in 2007 is expected to live to 103,” Mr Abukhater told the Mena Pensions Conference.
“Are our systems equipped to handle these kind of life expectancies in the future? If so many people retire at 60, they are going to be in retirement for 43 years – so we need to adapt our retirement age to our changing life expectancy.”
Saudi Arabia came in the middle of Mercer’s ranking with a score of 58.9. The report said the country's index could be raised by improving the minimum level of support for the poorest aged individuals and increasing the labour force participation rate at older ages as life expectancies rise.
Mr Abukhater said the challenges of an ageing population, increased life expectancy and some individuals relying solely on their government for financial support in their retirement years will put the system under strain.
“To relieve that pressure, governments need to consider whether it is time to switch to a defined contribution scheme so that individuals can supplement their own future with the help of government support,” he said.
Thor%3A%20Love%20and%20Thunder%20
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EDirector%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Taika%20Waititi%C2%A0%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EStars%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Chris%20Hemsworth%2C%20Natalie%20Portman%2C%20Christian%20Bale%2C%20Russell%20Crowe%2C%20Tessa%20Thompson%2C%20Taika%20Waititi%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ERating%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%204%2F5%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
DUBAI WORLD CUP CARNIVAL CARD
6.30pm Handicap US$135,000 (Turf) 2,410m
7.05pm UAE 1000 Guineas Listed $250,000 (Dirt) 1,600m
7.40pm Dubai Dash Listed $175,000 (T) 1,000m
8.15pm Al Bastakiya Trial Conditions $100,000 (D) 1.900m
8.50pm Al Fahidi Fort Group Two $250,000 (T) 1,400m
9.25pm Handicap $135,000 (D) 2,000m
The National selections
6.30pm: Gifts Of Gold
7.05pm Final Song
7.40pm Equilateral
8.15pm Dark Of Night
8.50pm Mythical Magic
9.25pm Franz Kafka
The%20Genius%20of%20Their%20Age
%3Cp%3EAuthor%3A%20S%20Frederick%20Starr%3Cbr%3EPublisher%3A%20Oxford%20University%20Press%3Cbr%3EPages%3A%20290%3Cbr%3EAvailable%3A%20January%2024%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Ruwais timeline
1971 Abu Dhabi National Oil Company established
1980 Ruwais Housing Complex built, located 10 kilometres away from industrial plants
1982 120,000 bpd capacity Ruwais refinery complex officially inaugurated by the founder of the UAE Sheikh Zayed
1984 Second phase of Ruwais Housing Complex built. Today the 7,000-unit complex houses some 24,000 people.
1985 The refinery is expanded with the commissioning of a 27,000 b/d hydro cracker complex
2009 Plans announced to build $1.2 billion fertilizer plant in Ruwais, producing urea
2010 Adnoc awards $10bn contracts for expansion of Ruwais refinery, to double capacity from 415,000 bpd
2014 Ruwais 261-outlet shopping mall opens
2014 Production starts at newly expanded Ruwais refinery, providing jet fuel and diesel and allowing the UAE to be self-sufficient for petrol supplies
2014 Etihad Rail begins transportation of sulphur from Shah and Habshan to Ruwais for export
2017 Aldar Academies to operate Adnoc’s schools including in Ruwais from September. Eight schools operate in total within the housing complex.
2018 Adnoc announces plans to invest $3.1 billion on upgrading its Ruwais refinery
2018 NMC Healthcare selected to manage operations of Ruwais Hospital
2018 Adnoc announces new downstream strategy at event in Abu Dhabi on May 13
Source: The National
Emiratisation at work
Emiratisation was introduced in the UAE more than 10 years ago
It aims to boost the number of citizens in the workforce particularly in the private sector.
Growing the number of Emiratis in the workplace will help the UAE reduce dependence on overseas workers
The Cabinet in December last year, approved a national fund for Emirati jobseekers and guaranteed citizens working in the private sector a comparable pension
President Sheikh Khalifa has described Emiratisation as “a true measure for success”.
During the UAE’s 48th National Day, Sheikh Khalifa named education, entrepreneurship, Emiratisation and space travel among cornerstones of national development
More than 80 per cent of Emiratis work in the federal or local government as per 2017 statistics
The Emiratisation programme includes the creation of 20,000 new jobs for UAE citizens
UAE citizens will be given priority in managerial positions in the government sphere
The purpose is to raise the contribution of UAE nationals in the job market and create a diverse workforce of citizens
Our legal consultant
Name: Dr Hassan Mohsen Elhais
Position: legal consultant with Al Rowaad Advocates and Legal Consultants.
The Greatest Royal Rumble card as it stands
The Greatest Royal Rumble card as it stands
50-man Royal Rumble - names entered so far include Braun Strowman, Daniel Bryan, Kurt Angle, Big Show, Kane, Chris Jericho, The New Day and Elias
Universal Championship Brock Lesnar (champion) v Roman Reigns in a steel cage match
WWE World Heavyweight ChampionshipAJ Styles (champion) v Shinsuke Nakamura
Intercontinental Championship Seth Rollins (champion) v The Miz v Finn Balor v Samoa Joe
United States Championship Jeff Hardy (champion) v Jinder Mahal
SmackDown Tag Team Championship The Bludgeon Brothers (champions) v The Usos
Raw Tag Team Championship (currently vacant) Cesaro and Sheamus v Matt Hardy and Bray Wyatt
Casket match The Undertaker v Chris Jericho
Singles match John Cena v Triple H
Cruiserweight Championship Cedric Alexander v tba
Trolls World Tour
Directed by: Walt Dohrn, David Smith
Starring: Anna Kendrick, Justin Timberlake
Rating: 4 stars
Who is Allegra Stratton?
- Previously worked at The Guardian, BBC’s Newsnight programme and ITV News
- Took up a public relations role for Chancellor Rishi Sunak in April 2020
- In October 2020 she was hired to lead No 10’s planned daily televised press briefings
- The idea was later scrapped and she was appointed spokeswoman for Cop26
- Ms Stratton, 41, is married to James Forsyth, the political editor of The Spectator
- She has strong connections to the Conservative establishment
- Mr Sunak served as best man at her 2011 wedding to Mr Forsyth
