Egypt’s Sherif Othman sets the standard with a new world record at Seventh Fazza IPC Powerlifting World Cup. (Photo Courtesy- World Powerlifting Cup)
Egypt’s Sherif Othman sets the standard with a new world record at Seventh Fazza IPC Powerlifting World Cup. (Photo Courtesy- World Powerlifting Cup)
Egypt’s Sherif Othman sets the standard with a new world record at Seventh Fazza IPC Powerlifting World Cup. (Photo Courtesy- World Powerlifting Cup)
Egypt’s Sherif Othman sets the standard with a new world record at Seventh Fazza IPC Powerlifting World Cup. (Photo Courtesy- World Powerlifting Cup)

Around the UAE: Sheikh Khalifa cricket into semi-finals; Dubai karting schools off to fast start


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Cricket: Sheikh Khalifa school into last four

Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Pakistan School reached the semi-finals of the UAE Exchange U16 Abu Dhabi School League after beating New Indian Model School (Nims) of Al Ain to top Group A. The defending champions completed the group stage unbeaten after a 66-run win at the Abu Dhabi Cricket Council’s Nursery Oval-1. Khalid Mehmood smashed 75 off 46 balls to set the platform to finish on 209 for six. In reply, Nims Al Ain made 143 for seven with Arbaz Khan stranded on 52 not out. The winners will meet the runners-up in the other group from the outcome of the game between Abu Dhabi Indian School and The Cambridge High School.

Cricket: All-round showing from Puca’s Mani

Ranjith Mani excelled with bat and ball for Puca in their victory over Globelink West Star Shipping in the second Asianet Premier League Twenty20 tournament. The opener smashed 72 off 49 balls for his team to post 167 for seven. He then took four for 16 from four overs to dismiss Globelink for 123 in the 44-run victory at The Sevens. Ghulam Sabir, who is set to become eligible to play for the UAE, stroked an unbeaten 84 as Alubond Tigers beat Banafsagy by 72 runs. In the other games, Red Flowers Tourism got the better of LLH Hospital by five wickets and Danube Lions overcame Touchmate by seven wickets.

Karting: First schools karting in Dubai proves a hit

The Jumeirah English Speaking School (Jess) Arabian Ranches won the one-hour enduro at the inaugural Emirates Schools Karting Championship at the Dubai Kartdrome. Eliot Jones, a UAE Rotax Max Championship regular, led the Jess squad alongside teammates Max Tryggvason and Sam Burtonwood, and it was no surprise that they claimed pole position in qualifying with a best time of 1:11.012. The Ghost Racing Team were next best, followed by Dubai English Speaking College (DESC) 3 and DESC 1. “It was notable to witness the less experienced drivers showing amazing commitment,” race director David Bright said.

Athletics: Memorable outing for NYUAD at meet

New York University Abu Dhabi (NYUAD) enjoyed a successful week in the Abu Dhabi Inter-University League. Their women footballers were undefeated in the regular season after a 3-0 win over Abu Dhabi University, and their volleyball team emerged 2-0 victors over the same opponents. “We kept our energy high, as well as our rhythm,” said Siraj Ahmed, the NYUAD volleyball coach. “We were behind by 10 points” in the second set “but with our energy and teamwork, we caught up.”

Jiu-jitsu: Junior wins two gold medals at Sharjah

Jose Junior won a double gold at the Sharjah Open to extend his winning streak in the black belt absolute class to three in the domestic championships conducted by the UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation. The 30-year-old Brazilian won both his 94-kilogramme plus weight class and the open division to take his tally to five golds from the Ras Al Khaimah, Fujairah and Sharjah Open. The victory sets him up to bid for the elusive gold at the Abu Dhabi World Professional Championships in April.

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The bio

His favourite book - 1984 by George Orwell

His favourite quote - 'If you think education is expensive, try ignorance' by Derek Bok, Former President of Harvard

Favourite place to travel to - Peloponnese, Southern Greece

Favourite movie - The Last Emperor

Favourite personality from history - Alexander the Great

Role Model - My father, Yiannis Davos

 

 

If you go
Where to stay: Courtyard by Marriott Titusville Kennedy Space Centre has unparalleled views of the Indian River. Alligators can be spotted from hotel room balconies, as can several rocket launch sites. The hotel also boasts cool space-themed decor.

When to go: Florida is best experienced during the winter months, from November to May, before the humidity kicks in.

How to get there: Emirates currently flies from Dubai to Orlando five times a week.
Company profile

Name: Thndr

Started: October 2020

Founders: Ahmad Hammouda and Seif Amr

Based: Cairo, Egypt

Sector: FinTech

Initial investment: pre-seed of $800,000

Funding stage: series A; $20 million

Investors: Tiger Global, Beco Capital, Prosus Ventures, Y Combinator, Global Ventures, Abdul Latif Jameel, Endure Capital, 4DX Ventures, Plus VC,  Rabacap and MSA Capital

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What can you do?

Document everything immediately; including dates, times, locations and witnesses

Seek professional advice from a legal expert

You can report an incident to HR or an immediate supervisor

You can use the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation’s dedicated hotline

In criminal cases, you can contact the police for additional support

Spider-Man: No Way Home

Director: Jon Watts

Stars: Tom Holland, Zendaya, Jacob Batalon 

Rating:*****

Paatal Lok season two

Directors: Avinash Arun, Prosit Roy 

Stars: Jaideep Ahlawat, Ishwak Singh, Lc Sekhose, Merenla Imsong

Rating: 4.5/5

How to help

Call the hotline on 0502955999 or send "thenational" to the following numbers:

2289 - Dh10

2252 - Dh50

6025 - Dh20

6027 - Dh100

6026 - Dh200

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%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EEngine%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E4.0-litre%20flat%206-cylinder%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ETransmission%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E7-speed%20PDK%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EPower%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E500hp%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ETorque%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E450Nm%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EPrice%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EDh530%2C300%20as%20tested%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EOn%20sale%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Now%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
MATCH INFO

Liverpool v Manchester City, Sunday, 8.30pm UAE

The White Lotus: Season three

Creator: Mike White

Starring: Walton Goggins, Jason Isaacs, Natasha Rothwell

Rating: 4.5/5

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 

Monster Hunter: World

Capcom

PlayStation 4, Xbox One

Countries recognising Palestine

France, UK, Canada, Australia, Portugal, Belgium, Malta, Luxembourg, San Marino and Andorra

 

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

Score

Third Test, Day 2

New Zealand 274
Pakistan 139-3 (61 ov)

Pakistan trail by 135 runs with 7 wickets remaining in the innings

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Tamkeen's offering
  • Option 1: 70% in year 1, 50% in year 2, 30% in year 3
  • Option 2: 50% across three years
  • Option 3: 30% across five years 

Result
Qualifier: Islamabad United beat Karachi Kings by eight wickets

Fixtures
Tuesday, Lahore: Eliminator 1 - Peshawar Zalmi v Quetta Gladiators
Wednesday, Lahore: Eliminator 2 – Karachi Kings v Winner of Eliminator 1
Sunday, Karachi: Final – Islamabad United v Winner of Eliminator 2

Sarfira

Director: Sudha Kongara Prasad

Starring: Akshay Kumar, Radhika Madan, Paresh Rawal 

Rating: 2/5

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The bio:

Favourite film:

Declan: It was The Commitments but now it’s Bohemian Rhapsody.

Heidi: The Long Kiss Goodnight.

Favourite holiday destination:

Declan: Las Vegas but I also love getting home to Ireland and seeing everyone back home.

Heidi: Australia but my dream destination would be to go to Cuba.

Favourite pastime:

Declan: I love brunching and socializing. Just basically having the craic.

Heidi: Paddleboarding and swimming.

Personal motto:

Declan: Take chances.

Heidi: Live, love, laugh and have no regrets.

 

The specs
Engine: 77.4kW all-wheel-drive dual motor
Power: 320bhp
Torque: 605Nm
Transmission: Single-speed automatic
Price: From Dh219,000
On sale: Now
Key facilities
  • Olympic-size swimming pool with a split bulkhead for multi-use configurations, including water polo and 50m/25m training lanes
  • Premier League-standard football pitch
  • 400m Olympic running track
  • NBA-spec basketball court with auditorium
  • 600-seat auditorium
  • Spaces for historical and cultural exploration
  • An elevated football field that doubles as a helipad
  • Specialist robotics and science laboratories
  • AR and VR-enabled learning centres
  • Disruption Lab and Research Centre for developing entrepreneurial skills
MATCH INFO

Euro 2020 qualifier

Ukraine 2 (Yaremchuk 06', Yarmolenko 27')

Portugal 1 (Ronaldo 72' pen)

The President's Cake

Director: Hasan Hadi

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

Rating: 4/5

Martin Sabbagh profile

Job: CEO JCDecaux Middle East

In the role: Since January 2015

Lives: In the UAE

Background: M&A, investment banking

Studied: Corporate finance