Kolkata Knight Riders co-owner and Bollywood star Shah Rukh Khan. Sportzpics for IPL
Kolkata Knight Riders co-owner and Bollywood star Shah Rukh Khan. Sportzpics for IPL
Kolkata Knight Riders co-owner and Bollywood star Shah Rukh Khan. Sportzpics for IPL
Kolkata Knight Riders co-owner and Bollywood star Shah Rukh Khan. Sportzpics for IPL

Shah Rukh Khan's Knight Riders Group acquires Abu Dhabi franchise in UAE T20 League


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Franchise cricket's most diverse entity - the Knight Riders Group - is all set to enter UAE cricket after it acquired the rights to own and operate the Abu Dhabi franchise in the UAE’s flagship T20 league.

Bollywood star Shah Rukh Khan heads the Knight Riders Group, along with actor Juhi Chawla and her husband Jay Mehta. The group owns successful franchises like the Kolkata Knight Riders in the Indian Premier League and the Trinbago Knight Riders in the Caribbean Premier League. Recently, the group made a significant investment in Major League Cricket (MLC) in the USA and also plan to build a world-class cricket stadium in Los Angeles.

Now, they are set to enter the UAE market through their latest franchise - the Abu Dhabi Knight Riders.

UAE’s T20 League chairman Khalid Al Zarooni said: “The commitment to grow the T20 format and the expertise gathered by the Knight Riders Group, through their involvement in franchise cricket across the world, is undisputed. We are exceptionally pleased with their foresight to join forces with the UAE’s T20 League and firmly believe it will elevate the reputation, and professionalism of the league throughout the cricket community.”

Shah Rukh Khan watches IPL match in UAE

  • Kolkata Knight Riders co-owner Shah Rukh Khan, left, with his son Aryan Khan during the IPL match between Kolkata and Chennai Super Kings at the Zayed Cricket Stadium in Abu Dhabi on Wednesday. Sportzpics for BCCI
    Kolkata Knight Riders co-owner Shah Rukh Khan, left, with his son Aryan Khan during the IPL match between Kolkata and Chennai Super Kings at the Zayed Cricket Stadium in Abu Dhabi on Wednesday. Sportzpics for BCCI
  • Shah Rukh Khan was in attendance as his Kolkata Knight Riders defeated Chennai Super Kings in Abu Dhabi. Sportzpics for BCCI
    Shah Rukh Khan was in attendance as his Kolkata Knight Riders defeated Chennai Super Kings in Abu Dhabi. Sportzpics for BCCI
  • Suhana Khan, daughter of Shah Rukh Khan, at the Zayed Cricket Stadium in Abu Dhabi. Sportzpics for BCCI
    Suhana Khan, daughter of Shah Rukh Khan, at the Zayed Cricket Stadium in Abu Dhabi. Sportzpics for BCCI
  • Shah Rukh Khan, right, at the Zayed Cricket Stadium in Abu Dhabi. Sportzpics for BCCI
    Shah Rukh Khan, right, at the Zayed Cricket Stadium in Abu Dhabi. Sportzpics for BCCI
  • Shah Rukh Khan witnessed Kolkata defeat Chennai Super Kings by 10 runs in Abu Dhabi. Sportzpics for BCCI
    Shah Rukh Khan witnessed Kolkata defeat Chennai Super Kings by 10 runs in Abu Dhabi. Sportzpics for BCCI
  • Shah Rukh Khan at the Zayed Cricket Stadium in Abu Dhabi. Sportzpics for BCCI
    Shah Rukh Khan at the Zayed Cricket Stadium in Abu Dhabi. Sportzpics for BCCI
  • Shah Rukh Khan attended Wednesday's IPL match with his kids in Abu Dhabi. Sportzpics for BCCI
    Shah Rukh Khan attended Wednesday's IPL match with his kids in Abu Dhabi. Sportzpics for BCCI
  • Nitish Rana of Kolkata Knight Riders plays a shot during the match against Chennai Super Kings in Abu Dhabi. Sportzpics for BCCI
    Nitish Rana of Kolkata Knight Riders plays a shot during the match against Chennai Super Kings in Abu Dhabi. Sportzpics for BCCI
  • Rahul Tripathi of Kolkata Knight Riders hit 81 against Chennai Super Kings in Abu Dhabi on Wednesday. Sportzpics for BCCI
    Rahul Tripathi of Kolkata Knight Riders hit 81 against Chennai Super Kings in Abu Dhabi on Wednesday. Sportzpics for BCCI
  • Shardul Thakur of Chennai Super Kings picked up 2-28. Sportzpics for BCCI
    Shardul Thakur of Chennai Super Kings picked up 2-28. Sportzpics for BCCI

Commenting on the long-term agreement, Shah Rukh Khan said: "For several years now, we have been expanding the Knight Riders brand globally and closely watching the potential for T20 cricket in the UAE. We are excited about becoming part of UAE’s T20 League, which no doubt will become hugely successful."

Venky Mysore, CEO of KKR and Red Chillies Entertainment, added: "We feel fortunate to have been consistently recognised as a global brand in T20 cricket. As T20 cricket expands around the world, we are flattered by the regular invitations to play a major role in growing the sport across the world. We have had a keen interest in the developments in the UAE and our expansion is consistent with our long-term strategy”.

The UAE T20 League is expected to be launched early next year. Among the other industry leaders who have acquired franchises in the league are Indian conglomerates Adani Group and Reliance Industries - who run the Mumbai Indians franchise - and Lancer Capital, whose chairman is Avram Glazer, the co-chairman of Manchester United and owner of NFL franchise Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Celebrities who have attended IPL

  • Shah Rukh Khan is the co-owner of Kolkata Knight Riders and the biggest Bollywood star associated with the IPL. AFP
    Shah Rukh Khan is the co-owner of Kolkata Knight Riders and the biggest Bollywood star associated with the IPL. AFP
  • Shah Rukh Khan watches the IPL match between Royal Challengers Bangalore and Kolkata Knight Riders at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium on October 12, 2020. Sportzpics for BCCI
    Shah Rukh Khan watches the IPL match between Royal Challengers Bangalore and Kolkata Knight Riders at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium on October 12, 2020. Sportzpics for BCCI
  • Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, during the 2014 IPL match between Mumbai Indians and Sunrisers Hyderabad in Dubai. Courtesy Dubai Government Media Office
    Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, during the 2014 IPL match between Mumbai Indians and Sunrisers Hyderabad in Dubai. Courtesy Dubai Government Media Office
  • Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, watches the 2014 IPL match between Mumbai Indians and Sunrisers Hyderabad. Courtesy Dubai Government Media Office
    Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, watches the 2014 IPL match between Mumbai Indians and Sunrisers Hyderabad. Courtesy Dubai Government Media Office
  • Bollywood actress Katrina Kaif waves to the crowd while watching the match between Royal Challengers Bangalore and Chennai Super Kings at the Wanderers Stadium in Johannesburg on May 23, 2009. AFP
    Bollywood actress Katrina Kaif waves to the crowd while watching the match between Royal Challengers Bangalore and Chennai Super Kings at the Wanderers Stadium in Johannesburg on May 23, 2009. AFP
  • Late Bollywood actor Sushant Singh Rajput during the 2015 IPL match between Chennai Superkings and Rajasthan Royals at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. Sportzpics / IPL
    Late Bollywood actor Sushant Singh Rajput during the 2015 IPL match between Chennai Superkings and Rajasthan Royals at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. Sportzpics / IPL
  • Late actor Irrfan Khan, left, Deepika Padukone, centre, and legendary star Amitabh Bachchan during the 2015 IPL match between Mumbai Indians and Kolkata Knight Riders at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. Sportzpics / IPL
    Late actor Irrfan Khan, left, Deepika Padukone, centre, and legendary star Amitabh Bachchan during the 2015 IPL match between Mumbai Indians and Kolkata Knight Riders at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. Sportzpics / IPL
  • Preity Zinta, co-owner of Punjab Kings, during the match against Chennai Super Kings at the Dubai International Stadium on October 7, 2021. Sportzpics for IPL
    Preity Zinta, co-owner of Punjab Kings, during the match against Chennai Super Kings at the Dubai International Stadium on October 7, 2021. Sportzpics for IPL
  • Preity Zinta, co-owner of Punjab Kings (then the Kings XI Punjab), during a match against Royal Challengers in Dubai. Pawan Singh / The National
    Preity Zinta, co-owner of Punjab Kings (then the Kings XI Punjab), during a match against Royal Challengers in Dubai. Pawan Singh / The National
  • Anushka Sharma, actress and wife Royal Challengers Bangalore star Virat Kohli, during the 2018 IPL match against Chennai Super Kings at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bangalore AFP
    Anushka Sharma, actress and wife Royal Challengers Bangalore star Virat Kohli, during the 2018 IPL match against Chennai Super Kings at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bangalore AFP
  • Preeti Zinta and actor Ranbir Kapoor during the match between Delhi Daredevils and Kings XI Punjab at the Ferozeshah Kotla in Delhi on May 15, 2012. Getty
    Preeti Zinta and actor Ranbir Kapoor during the match between Delhi Daredevils and Kings XI Punjab at the Ferozeshah Kotla in Delhi on May 15, 2012. Getty
  • Bollywood actor Saif Ali Khan watches the match between Rajasthan Royals and Mumbai Indians at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on April 11, 2012. AFP
    Bollywood actor Saif Ali Khan watches the match between Rajasthan Royals and Mumbai Indians at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on April 11, 2012. AFP
  • Bollywood actor Akshay Kumar with Delhi Daredevils players Virender Sehwag, left, Shoaib Malik, second right, and Mohammad Asif in New Delhi on March 31, 2008. AFP
    Bollywood actor Akshay Kumar with Delhi Daredevils players Virender Sehwag, left, Shoaib Malik, second right, and Mohammad Asif in New Delhi on March 31, 2008. AFP
  • Actor Venkatesh, left, and former Indian bowler Venkatesh Prasad during the 2017 IPL match between Sunrisers Hyderabad and Royal Challengers Bangalore at the Rajiv Gandhi stadium in Hyderabad. Sportzpics / IPL
    Actor Venkatesh, left, and former Indian bowler Venkatesh Prasad during the 2017 IPL match between Sunrisers Hyderabad and Royal Challengers Bangalore at the Rajiv Gandhi stadium in Hyderabad. Sportzpics / IPL
  • Actor Vivek Oberoi watches the match between Delhi Capitals and Sunrisers Hyderabad at the Dubai International Stadium on September 22, 2021. Sportzpics / IPL
    Actor Vivek Oberoi watches the match between Delhi Capitals and Sunrisers Hyderabad at the Dubai International Stadium on September 22, 2021. Sportzpics / IPL
  • Actress Nargis Fakhri during the match between Rising Pune Supergiants and Mumbai Indians at the Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium, Pune, on May 1, 2016. Sportzpics/ IPL
    Actress Nargis Fakhri during the match between Rising Pune Supergiants and Mumbai Indians at the Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium, Pune, on May 1, 2016. Sportzpics/ IPL
  • Late actor Irrfan Khan during the 2016 match between Sunrisers Hyderabad and Kolkata Knight Riders at the Ferozeshah Kotla in Delhi. Sportzpics / IPL
    Late actor Irrfan Khan during the 2016 match between Sunrisers Hyderabad and Kolkata Knight Riders at the Ferozeshah Kotla in Delhi. Sportzpics / IPL
  • Tennis star Sania Mirza during the match between Sunrisers Hyderabad and Kolkata Knight Riders at the Rajiv Gandhi Cricket Stadium in Hyderabad on May 18, 2014. Sportzpics/ IPL
    Tennis star Sania Mirza during the match between Sunrisers Hyderabad and Kolkata Knight Riders at the Rajiv Gandhi Cricket Stadium in Hyderabad on May 18, 2014. Sportzpics/ IPL
  • Actor Venkatesh with Rana Daggubati, left, and music director Anu Malik during the match between Sunrisers Hyderabad and Mumbai Indians in Hyderabad on April 18, 2016. Sportzpics / IPL
    Actor Venkatesh with Rana Daggubati, left, and music director Anu Malik during the match between Sunrisers Hyderabad and Mumbai Indians in Hyderabad on April 18, 2016. Sportzpics / IPL
Karwaan

Producer: Ronnie Screwvala

Director: Akarsh Khurana

Starring: Irrfan Khan, Dulquer Salmaan, Mithila Palkar

Rating: 4/5

Who are the Sacklers?

The Sackler family is a transatlantic dynasty that owns Purdue Pharma, which manufactures and markets OxyContin, one of the drugs at the centre of America's opioids crisis. The family is well known for their generous philanthropy towards the world's top cultural institutions, including Guggenheim Museum, the National Portrait Gallery, Tate in Britain, Yale University and the Serpentine Gallery, to name a few. Two branches of the family control Purdue Pharma.

Isaac Sackler and Sophie Greenberg were Jewish immigrants who arrived in New York before the First World War. They had three sons. The first, Arthur, died before OxyContin was invented. The second, Mortimer, who died aged 93 in 2010, was a former chief executive of Purdue Pharma. The third, Raymond, died aged 97 in 2017 and was also a former chief executive of Purdue Pharma. 

It was Arthur, a psychiatrist and pharmaceutical marketeer, who started the family business dynasty. He and his brothers bought a small company called Purdue Frederick; among their first products were laxatives and prescription earwax remover.

Arthur's branch of the family has not been involved in Purdue for many years and his daughter, Elizabeth, has spoken out against it, saying the company's role in America's drugs crisis is "morally abhorrent".

The lawsuits that were brought by the attorneys general of New York and Massachussetts named eight Sacklers. This includes Kathe, Mortimer, Richard, Jonathan and Ilene Sackler Lefcourt, who are all the children of either Mortimer or Raymond. Then there's Theresa Sackler, who is Mortimer senior's widow; Beverly, Raymond's widow; and David Sackler, Raymond's grandson.

Members of the Sackler family are rarely seen in public.

ALRAWABI%20SCHOOL%20FOR%20GIRLS
%3Cp%3ECreator%3A%20Tima%20Shomali%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3EStarring%3A%C2%A0Tara%20Abboud%2C%C2%A0Kira%20Yaghnam%2C%20Tara%20Atalla%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3ERating%3A%204%2F5%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Champion%20v%20Champion%20(PFL%20v%20Bellator)
%3Cp%3EHeavyweight%3A%20Renan%20Ferreira%20v%20Ryan%20Bader%20%3Cbr%3EMiddleweight%3A%20Impa%20Kasanganay%20v%20Johnny%20Eblen%3Cbr%3EFeatherweight%3A%20Jesus%20Pinedo%20v%20Patricio%20Pitbull%3Cbr%3ECatchweight%3A%20Ray%20Cooper%20III%20v%20Jason%20Jackson%3Cbr%3E%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EShowcase%20Bouts%3C%2Fstrong%3E%3Cbr%3EHeavyweight%3A%20Bruno%20Cappelozza%20(former%20PFL%20World%20champ)%20v%20Vadim%20Nemkov%20(former%20Bellator%20champ)%3Cbr%3ELight%20Heavyweight%3A%20Thiago%20Santos%20(PFL%20title%20contender)%20v%20Yoel%20Romero%20(Bellator%20title%20contender)%3Cbr%3ELightweight%3A%20Clay%20Collard%20(PFL%20title%20contender)%20v%20AJ%20McKee%20(former%20Bellator%20champ)%3Cbr%3EFeatherweight%3A%20Gabriel%20Braga%20(PFL%20title%20contender)%20v%20Aaron%20Pico%20(Bellator%20title%20contender)%3Cbr%3ELightweight%3A%20Biaggio%20Ali%20Walsh%20(pro%20debut)%20v%20Emmanuel%20Palacios%20(pro%20debut)%3Cbr%3EWomen%E2%80%99s%20Lightweight%3A%20Claressa%20Shields%20v%20Kelsey%20DeSantis%3Cbr%3EFeatherweight%3A%20Abdullah%20Al%20Qahtani%20v%20Edukondal%20Rao%3Cbr%3EAmateur%20Flyweight%3A%20Malik%20Basahel%20v%20Vinicius%20Pereira%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Defence review at a glance

• Increase defence spending to 2.5% of GDP by 2027 but given “turbulent times it may be necessary to go faster”

• Prioritise a shift towards working with AI and autonomous systems

• Invest in the resilience of military space systems.

• Number of active reserves should be increased by 20%

• More F-35 fighter jets required in the next decade

• New “hybrid Navy” with AUKUS submarines and autonomous vessels

The specs

Engine: 5.0-litre supercharged V8

Transmission: Eight-speed auto

Power: 575bhp

Torque: 700Nm

Price: Dh554,000

On sale: now

Specs%20
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EPower%20train%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E4.0-litre%20twin-turbo%20V8%20and%20synchronous%20electric%20motor%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EMax%20power%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E800hp%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EMax%20torque%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E950Nm%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ETransmission%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EEight-speed%20auto%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EBattery%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E25.7kWh%20lithium-ion%3Cbr%3E0-100km%2Fh%3A%203.4sec%3Cbr%3E0-200km%2Fh%3A%2011.4sec%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ETop%20speed%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E312km%2Fh%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EMax%20electric-only%20range%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%2060km%20(claimed)%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EOn%20sale%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Q3%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EPrice%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EFrom%20Dh1.2m%20(estimate)%3Cbr%3E%3Cbr%3E%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
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
In-demand jobs and monthly salaries
  • Technology expert in robotics and automation: Dh20,000 to Dh40,000 
  • Energy engineer: Dh25,000 to Dh30,000 
  • Production engineer: Dh30,000 to Dh40,000 
  • Data-driven supply chain management professional: Dh30,000 to Dh50,000 
  • HR leader: Dh40,000 to Dh60,000 
  • Engineering leader: Dh30,000 to Dh55,000 
  • Project manager: Dh55,000 to Dh65,000 
  • Senior reservoir engineer: Dh40,000 to Dh55,000 
  • Senior drilling engineer: Dh38,000 to Dh46,000 
  • Senior process engineer: Dh28,000 to Dh38,000 
  • Senior maintenance engineer: Dh22,000 to Dh34,000 
  • Field engineer: Dh6,500 to Dh7,500
  • Field supervisor: Dh9,000 to Dh12,000
  • Field operator: Dh5,000 to Dh7,000
The bio

Favourite food: Japanese

Favourite car: Lamborghini

Favourite hobby: Football

Favourite quote: If your dreams don’t scare you, they are not big enough

Favourite country: UAE

Electric scooters: some rules to remember
  • Riders must be 14-years-old or over
  • Wear a protective helmet
  • Park the electric scooter in designated parking lots (if any)
  • Do not leave electric scooter in locations that obstruct traffic or pedestrians
  • Solo riders only, no passengers allowed
  • Do not drive outside designated lanes

Name: Peter Dicce

Title: Assistant dean of students and director of athletics

Favourite sport: soccer

Favourite team: Bayern Munich

Favourite player: Franz Beckenbauer

Favourite activity in Abu Dhabi: scuba diving in the Northern Emirates 

 

The Gandhi Murder
  • 71 - Years since the death of MK Gandhi, also christened India's Father of the Nation
  • 34 - Nationalities featured in the film The Gandhi Murder
  • 7 - million dollars, the film's budget 
Gender pay parity on track in the UAE

The UAE has a good record on gender pay parity, according to Mercer's Total Remuneration Study.

"In some of the lower levels of jobs women tend to be paid more than men, primarily because men are employed in blue collar jobs and women tend to be employed in white collar jobs which pay better," said Ted Raffoul, career products leader, Mena at Mercer. "I am yet to see a company in the UAE – particularly when you are looking at a blue chip multinationals or some of the bigger local companies – that actively discriminates when it comes to gender on pay."

Mr Raffoul said most gender issues are actually due to the cultural class, as the population is dominated by Asian and Arab cultures where men are generally expected to work and earn whereas women are meant to start a family.

"For that reason, we see a different gender gap. There are less women in senior roles because women tend to focus less on this but that’s not due to any companies having a policy penalising women for any reasons – it’s a cultural thing," he said.

As a result, Mr Raffoul said many companies in the UAE are coming up with benefit package programmes to help working mothers and the career development of women in general. 

Zimbabwe v UAE, ODI series

All matches at the Harare Sports Club:

1st ODI, Wednesday, April 10

2nd ODI, Friday, April 12

3rd ODI, Sunday, April 14

4th ODI, Tuesday, April 16

UAE squad: Mohammed Naveed (captain), Rohan Mustafa, Ashfaq Ahmed, Shaiman Anwar, Mohammed Usman, CP Rizwan, Chirag Suri, Mohammed Boota, Ghulam Shabber, Sultan Ahmed, Imran Haider, Amir Hayat, Zahoor Khan, Qadeer Ahmed

%20Ramez%20Gab%20Min%20El%20Akher
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ECreator%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Ramez%20Galal%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EStarring%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Ramez%20Galal%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EStreaming%20on%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EMBC%20Shahid%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ERating%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E2.5%2F5%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Living in...

This article is part of a guide on where to live in the UAE. Our reporters will profile some of the country’s most desirable districts, provide an estimate of rental prices and introduce you to some of the residents who call each area home.

Juliot Vinolia’s checklist for adopting alternate-day fasting

-      Don’t do it more than once in three days

-      Don’t go under 700 calories on fasting days

-      Ensure there is sufficient water intake, as the body can go in dehydration mode

-      Ensure there is enough roughage (fibre) in the food on fasting days as well

-      Do not binge on processed or fatty foods on non-fasting days

-      Complement fasting with plant-based foods, fruits, vegetables, seafood. Cut out processed meats and processed carbohydrates

-      Manage your sleep

-      People with existing gastric or mental health issues should avoid fasting

-      Do not fast for prolonged periods without supervision by a qualified expert

David Haye record

Total fights: 32
Wins: 28
Wins by KO: 26
Losses: 4

It Was Just an Accident

Director: Jafar Panahi

Stars: Vahid Mobasseri, Mariam Afshari, Ebrahim Azizi, Hadis Pakbaten, Majid Panahi, Mohamad Ali Elyasmehr

Rating: 4/5

Electoral College Victory

Trump has so far secured 295 Electoral College votes, according to the Associated Press, exceeding the 270 needed to win. Only Nevada and Arizona remain to be called, and both swing states are leaning Republican. Trump swept all five remaining swing states, North Carolina, Georgia, Pennsylvania, Michigan and Wisconsin, sealing his path to victory and giving him a strong mandate. 

 

Popular Vote Tally

The count is ongoing, but Trump currently leads with nearly 51 per cent of the popular vote to Harris’s 47.6 per cent. Trump has over 72.2 million votes, while Harris trails with approximately 67.4 million.

The Voice of Hind Rajab

Starring: Saja Kilani, Clara Khoury, Motaz Malhees

Director: Kaouther Ben Hania

Rating: 4/5

The biog

Most memorable achievement: Leading my first city-wide charity campaign in Toronto holds a special place in my heart. It was for Amnesty International’s Stop Violence Against Women program and showed me the power of how communities can come together in the smallest ways to have such wide impact.

Favourite film: Childhood favourite would be Disney’s Jungle Book and classic favourite Gone With The Wind.

Favourite book: To Kill A Mockingbird for a timeless story on justice and courage and Harry Potters for my love of all things magical.

Favourite quote: “We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.” — Winston Churchill

Favourite food: Dim sum

Favourite place to travel to: Anywhere with natural beauty, wildlife and awe-inspiring sunsets.

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

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Three ways to boost your credit score

Marwan Lutfi says the core fundamentals that drive better payment behaviour and can improve your credit score are:

1. Make sure you make your payments on time;

2. Limit the number of products you borrow on: the more loans and credit cards you have, the more it will affect your credit score;

3. Don't max out all your debts: how much you maximise those credit facilities will have an impact. If you have five credit cards and utilise 90 per cent of that credit, it will negatively affect your score.

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PROVISIONAL FIXTURE LIST

Premier League

Wednesday, June 17 (Kick-offs uae times) Aston Villa v Sheffield United 9pm; Manchester City v Arsenal 11pm 

Friday, June 19 Norwich v Southampton 9pm; Tottenham v Manchester United 11pm  

Saturday, June 20 Watford v Leicester 3.30pm; Brighton v Arsenal 6pm; West Ham v Wolves 8.30pm; Bournemouth v Crystal Palace 10.45pm 

Sunday, June 21 Newcastle v Sheffield United 2pm; Aston Villa v Chelsea 7.30pm; Everton v Liverpool 10pm 

Monday, June 22 Manchester City v Burnley 11pm (Sky)

Tuesday, June 23 Southampton v Arsenal 9pm; Tottenham v West Ham 11.15pm 

Wednesday, June 24 Manchester United v Sheffield United 9pm; Newcastle v Aston Villa 9pm; Norwich v Everton 9pm; Liverpool v Crystal Palace 11.15pm

Thursday, June 25 Burnley v Watford 9pm; Leicester v Brighton 9pm; Chelsea v Manchester City 11.15pm; Wolves v Bournemouth 11.15pm

Sunday June 28 Aston Villa vs Wolves 3pm; Watford vs Southampton 7.30pm 

Monday June 29 Crystal Palace vs Burnley 11pm

Tuesday June 30 Brighton vs Manchester United 9pm; Sheffield United vs Tottenham 11.15pm 

Wednesday July 1 Bournemouth vs Newcastle 9pm; Everton vs Leicester 9pm; West Ham vs Chelsea 11.15pm

Thursday July 2 Arsenal vs Norwich 9pm; Manchester City vs Liverpool 11.15pm

 

Emirates exiles

Will Wilson is not the first player to have attained high-class representative honours after first learning to play rugby on the playing fields of UAE.

Jonny Macdonald
Abu Dhabi-born and raised, the current Jebel Ali Dragons assistant coach was selected to play for Scotland at the Hong Kong Sevens in 2011.

Jordan Onojaife
Having started rugby by chance when the Jumeirah College team were short of players, he later won the World Under 20 Championship with England.

Devante Onojaife
Followed older brother Jordan into England age-group rugby, as well as the pro game at Northampton Saints, but recently switched allegiance to Scotland.

Green ambitions
  • Trees: 1,500 to be planted, replacing 300 felled ones, with veteran oaks protected
  • Lake: Brown's centrepiece to be cleaned of silt that makes it as shallow as 2.5cm
  • Biodiversity: Bat cave to be added and habitats designed for kingfishers and little grebes
  • Flood risk: Longer grass, deeper lake, restored ponds and absorbent paths all meant to siphon off water 

((Disclaimer))

The Liechtensteinische Landesbank AG (“Bank”) assumes no liability or guarantee for the accuracy, balance, or completeness of the information in this publication. The content may change at any time due to given circumstances, and the Liechtensteinische Landesbank AG is under no obligation to update information once it has been published. This publication is intended for information purposes only and does not constitute an offer, a recommendation or an invitation by, or on behalf of, Liechtensteinische Landesbank (DIFC Branch), Liechtensteinische Landesbank AG, or any of its group affiliates to make any investments or obtain services. This publication has not been reviewed, disapproved or approved by the United Arab Emirates (“UAE”) Central Bank, Dubai Financial Services Authority (“DFSA”) or any other relevant licensing authorities in the UAE. It may not be relied upon by or distributed to retail clients. Liechtensteinische Landesbank (DIFC Branch) is regulated by the DFSA and this advertorial is intended for Professional Clients (as defined by the DFSA) who have sufficient financial experience and understanding of financial markets, products or transactions and any associated risks.

Updated: May 12, 2022, 1:57 PM