Taking the positives out of the UAE’s nine-wicket obliteration at the hands of India might be an exercise in futility, but Lalchand Rajput tried his best.
After seeing his charges taught a painful lesson by the country he had represented himself as a player, the UAE coach was remarkably chipper.
The national team were blown away by the defending champions in their opening game of the 2025 Asia Cup in Dubai on Wednesday night.
They lost their final eight wickets for 10 runs as they were shot out for 57. In reply, India required just 4.3 overs to chase the win.
It was a humbling experience, but Rajput pointed out that India’s bowling attack have demolished more experienced batting line ups than his before, and they will do so again.
And, he suggested, it was best to get this performance out of the way first, because the only way from here is up.
The national team face Oman and Pakistan in their remaining matches in the group, as they play at the Asia Cup for the first time since 2016.
Rajput is urging them to put the India experience behind them and show some fight in the remaining games.
“It is just a one-off game, so we just have to forget it and move on. It’s history now,” Rajput said.
“The next day will be a different day, a different wicket, so we have to be positive. In cricket, these days will happen. You will have good days and bad days, but one bad day also doesn't mean that you have a bad team.
“We just forget that and move on and be positive and make sure that we try and win the next game.”
Despite hefty criticism of their performance, Rajput insisted his side will be better for the experience of having played India.
“It a great opportunity for our team also to play them otherwise, when will we play them?,” he said.
“When will our players be able to compete with them and know where they stand? I think this gives them an opportunity to see what the skill level of those players is.
“India and Pakistan, if you play against them and try to do a little bit better, that gives a lot of confidence, so they know that, yes, we can be better in the coming matches. Then you can get that confidence and go forward.”
The UAE had faced Afghanistan and Pakistan in a tri-series in Sharjah as preparation for the Asia Cup. Each of those sides are packed with renowned bowlers, and yet the UAE batters held their own in those matches.
Rajput pointed out that India’s attack, however, is step above, as shown by the fact they are the current T20 world champions.
“India are a world champion team,” Rajput said. “It’s a big opportunity for our players because they never play such a type of bowling, and this is a big platform for them.
“It’s a learning process for our team and players, and I'm sure these matches will give them a lot of confidence in the matches to come.
“We are playing a quality team which is a world champion, and world champions always crush teams which they don't allow to come up.”
We are playing a quality team which is a world champion, and world champions always crush teams which they don't allow to come up.
Lalchand Rajput,
UAE coach
India’s trio of spinners – Kuldeep Yadav, who was player of the match for his four wickets, Axar Patel and Varun Chakaravarthy – took six for 24 between them.
“Once the spinners come, I think most teams suffer against this bowling attack, and we are no exception,” Rajput said.
“It’s not a turning track, it’s a good wicket to bat on, but the skill level these bowlers have got, especially the wrist spinners, they will always find turn on any type of wicket.
“They have been playing for the first time, so they were overawed by India's big name, and they have never played such type of bowlers.
“We should have batted 20 overs, but nevertheless, I think this is a very learning process for us and our batsmen. We just move on from here.”
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UAE%20ILT20
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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
EMERGENCY PHONE NUMBERS
Estijaba – 8001717 – number to call to request coronavirus testing
Ministry of Health and Prevention – 80011111
Dubai Health Authority – 800342 – The number to book a free video or voice consultation with a doctor or connect to a local health centre
Emirates airline – 600555555
Etihad Airways – 600555666
Ambulance – 998
Knowledge and Human Development Authority – 8005432 ext. 4 for Covid-19 queries
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UAE's role in anti-extremism recognised
General John Allen, President of the Brookings Institution research group, commended the role the UAE has played in the fight against terrorism and violent extremism.
He told a Globsec debate of the UAE’s "hugely outsized" role in the fight against Isis.
"It’s trite these days to say that any country punches above its weight, but in every possible way the Emirates did, both militarily, and very importantly, the UAE was extraordinarily helpful on getting to the issue of violent extremism," he said.
He also noted the impact that Hedayah, among others in the UAE, has played in addressing violent extremism.
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Based: Riyadh
Offices: UAE, Vietnam and Germany
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Number of employees: 70
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Investors: Checkout.com, Impact46, Vision Ventures, Wealth Well, Seedra, Khwarizmi, Hala Ventures, Nama Ventures and family offices
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
Our family matters legal consultant
Name: Hassan Mohsen Elhais
Position: legal consultant with Al Rowaad Advocates and Legal Consultants.
Our family matters legal consultant
Name: Hassan Mohsen Elhais
Position: legal consultant with Al Rowaad Advocates and Legal Consultants.
Our family matters legal consultant
Name: Hassan Mohsen Elhais
Position: legal consultant with Al Rowaad Advocates and Legal Consultants.
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UPI facts
More than 2.2 million Indian tourists arrived in UAE in 2023
More than 3.5 million Indians reside in UAE
Indian tourists can make purchases in UAE using rupee accounts in India through QR-code-based UPI real-time payment systems
Indian residents in UAE can use their non-resident NRO and NRE accounts held in Indian banks linked to a UAE mobile number for UPI transactions
Ferrari 12Cilindri specs
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GIANT REVIEW
Starring: Amir El-Masry, Pierce Brosnan
Director: Athale
Rating: 4/5
Where to donate in the UAE
The Emirates Charity Portal
You can donate to several registered charities through a “donation catalogue”. The use of the donation is quite specific, such as buying a fan for a poor family in Niger for Dh130.
The General Authority of Islamic Affairs & Endowments
The site has an e-donation service accepting debit card, credit card or e-Dirham, an electronic payment tool developed by the Ministry of Finance and First Abu Dhabi Bank.
Al Noor Special Needs Centre
You can donate online or order Smiles n’ Stuff products handcrafted by Al Noor students. The centre publishes a wish list of extras needed, starting at Dh500.
Beit Al Khair Society
Beit Al Khair Society has the motto “From – and to – the UAE,” with donations going towards the neediest in the country. Its website has a list of physical donation sites, but people can also contribute money by SMS, bank transfer and through the hotline 800-22554.
Dar Al Ber Society
Dar Al Ber Society, which has charity projects in 39 countries, accept cash payments, money transfers or SMS donations. Its donation hotline is 800-79.
Dubai Cares
Dubai Cares provides several options for individuals and companies to donate, including online, through banks, at retail outlets, via phone and by purchasing Dubai Cares branded merchandise. It is currently running a campaign called Bookings 2030, which allows people to help change the future of six underprivileged children and young people.
Emirates Airline Foundation
Those who travel on Emirates have undoubtedly seen the little donation envelopes in the seat pockets. But the foundation also accepts donations online and in the form of Skywards Miles. Donated miles are used to sponsor travel for doctors, surgeons, engineers and other professionals volunteering on humanitarian missions around the world.
Emirates Red Crescent
On the Emirates Red Crescent website you can choose between 35 different purposes for your donation, such as providing food for fasters, supporting debtors and contributing to a refugee women fund. It also has a list of bank accounts for each donation type.
Gulf for Good
Gulf for Good raises funds for partner charity projects through challenges, like climbing Kilimanjaro and cycling through Thailand. This year’s projects are in partnership with Street Child Nepal, Larchfield Kids, the Foundation for African Empowerment and SOS Children's Villages. Since 2001, the organisation has raised more than $3.5 million (Dh12.8m) in support of over 50 children’s charities.
Noor Dubai Foundation
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum launched the Noor Dubai Foundation a decade ago with the aim of eliminating all forms of preventable blindness globally. You can donate Dh50 to support mobile eye camps by texting the word “Noor” to 4565 (Etisalat) or 4849 (du).
EMILY%20IN%20PARIS%3A%20SEASON%203
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The Perfect Couple
Starring: Nicole Kidman, Liev Schreiber, Jack Reynor
Creator: Jenna Lamia
Rating: 3/5
