Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has urged his side to go and complete the treble when they take on Inter Milan's in next week's Champions League final.
City defeated Manchester rivals United 2-1 in the FA Cup final on Saturday – thanks to a brace from Ilkay Gundogan after a Bruno Fernandes penalty for the Red Devils – having already secured the Premier League title.
Guardiola joined Arsene Wenger and Alex Ferguson as the only managers to win the English double more than once, having also achieved it in the 2018-19 season.
Next up for City will be the European Cup final against Inter in Istanbul as the club bid to win their first European Cup – and seal a historic treble.
“Everybody knows it. We have done incredible seasons – five Premier Leagues, two FA Cups, Carabao Cups, but we have to win the Champions League to be recognised like the team deserves to be recognised,” said Guardiola.
“We have to admit it, without the Champions League – it has been amazing, it has been fun – but we are missing [something]. We have to do it.
“We are one game away. I would say it is incredible, remarkable, that in three years we have had two finals and one semi-final of the Champions League.
“But in the end, we have to win it. I know how it works. I said to the players, 'You have to put the pressure on yourself. To be recognised as something good you have to win in Europe'.”
Before they fully switch focus to Inter, City can reflect on their latest trophy-winning performance, when things did not all go their way at Wembley.
United pegged City back following Gundogan's superb opener – the quickest ever FA Cup final goal after just 12 seconds – with Fernandes scoring from the spot after Jack Grealish was judged to have handled following a VAR review.
Yet they responded early in the second half as Kevin De Bruyne picked out Gundogan on the edge of the area from a free-kick and the German volleyed in his second.
City beat United in FA Cup final: Player ratings
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MANCHESTER CITY RATINGS: Stefan Ortega – 7: Little chance with Fernandes’s penalty. Unflustered throughout and distributed the ball well. EPA -

Kyle Walker – 6: Handled Rashford’s pace well and wasn’t really put under any pressure until Garnacho came on. Fluffed a clearance to let Rashford in with a chance. AP -

Ruben Dias – 7: In almost total command of his back line. The Portuguese defender oozed authority and class. Getty -

John Stones - 7: Another assured performance from the England international. Moved between the lines with ease and made a couple of vital interceptions. Reuters -

Manuel Akanji – 7: Shook off a horrible tackle from Casemiro to put in a shift of unfussy quality and composure. AFP -

Rodri – 7: Went close to doubling City’s lead with a clever header early on. Found himself outnumbered by United at times as the game went on but barely put a foot wrong. AFP -

Bernardo Silva – 6: Didn’t get much change out of Luke Shaw but did keep the United left-back occupied to blunt his attacking threat. PA -

Kevin De Bruyne – 8: A quiet first half but clocked up two assists and should have earned a penalty when he was brought down by Fred as he burst into the box. AFP -

Ilkay Gundogan – 10: A masterclass from the City captain. His volleyed opener with his right foot was perfection and his second goal was a clever finish with his left. The definition of a big-game player. PA -

Jack Grealish – 6: Didn’t make his usual impact as Wan-Bissaka kept him under wraps for the most part. Was unlucky to concede the penalty. Getty -

Erling Haaland – 6: Kept United’s back line busy throughout but his finishing was below par. PA -

SUBS: Phil Foden (On for De Bruyne, 76’) – 6: A lively cameo from the young Englishman. AFP -

Nathan Ake (On for Grealish, 89’) – N/A. Aymeric Laporte (On for Walker, 90+4’) N/A. Reuters -

MANCHESTER UNITED RATINGS: David De Gea - 5: Stood stunned as Gundogan’s right footed volley flew past him. His long balls forward were found by blue shirts too often, but he struggled going short too. Should have done better for City’s second. Saved from De Bruyne just after hour mark. Getty -

Aaron Wan-Bissaka - 7: Headed a ball across the City goal, which Grealish handled to concede a penalty. One of the few effective United players in the first half. Booked for a tackle on Grealish. AFP -

Victor Lindelof - 6: Not alert enough for the opening goal and had his hands full with Haaland. Struck by an object thrown from fans after the United penalty, his outstretched leg sent a City ball heading towards his own goal 10 minutes after break. AFP -

Raphael Varane - 6: Turned by Haaland who then shot for goal after 20. Had a chance just before break but wasn’t balanced to get a shot on target. It was the type of chance United needed to score to win. Stopped Haaland scoring in front of the 83,179 crowd. Getty -

Luke Shaw - 6: Difficult for him as City were so effective pressing United back, but he spotted Silva’s runs and did well up against the Portuguese. AFP -

Casemiro - 6: Man of the match in the League Cup final, he didn’t have the same impact though he smelled danger to clear a Haaland attack later in first half. Passes went astray, but he’s still a top performer and important for United in the near future. Getty -

Fred - 5: Won the ball ahead of De Bruyne in the first half, made a silly challenge on the same player at the start of the second, which led to a free-kick and City’s second. Booked for a foul on Grealish. He’s been man of the match against City in the past. He was far from that on Saturday. AFP -

Christian Eriksen - 5: Stopped a 22nd minute attack, but largely ineffective since he needs the ball to create. And his side didn’t have it enough. AP -

Bruno Fernandes - 6: Careless to give the ball to Grealish after 5, but stepped up to finish the first-half penalty, side footing calmly past Ortega to level the score. Did well to get a cross late in game. PA -

Marcus Rashford - 5: Central and on the left. Often had two defenders with him. Tame header towards goal midway through first half. Made key runs in difficult circumstances, ran back to win the ball after 66. Struck shot well moments later, but flew over. EPA -

Jadon Sancho - 5: Played as a central striker at times and had a couple of half-chances and encouraging runs as he tried to weave through City, though it was difficult against Walker and Rodri. Booed by fans of his former club when he came off late in game. AP -

SUBS: Alejandro Garnacho (Eriksen, 61') - 7: Arrival cheered by fans who knew their side needed to be bolder. Clever run, touch and shot wide on 72. United pushed on with him. Getty -

Wout Weghorst (Sancho, 77') N/A: United had gone long for most of the match, so arrival was little surprise. Likely to be his final appearance for United. Reuters -

Scott McTominay (Lindelof, 82') N/A: Came close to scoring near the end. AFP
“In general we played a really good game. We played with a lot of risk because the threat they have up front is so big, especially with [Marcus] Rashford, but we controlled it really well.
“A final against United is always, for many reasons, difficult but the better team won. We are humble enough to accept how good they are and we did it. We're really pleased.
“Winning the FA Cup, the emotions are so, so special and to celebrate with our people, it is really great.”
Gundogan will be central to City's quest to complete the treble next weekend in Istanbul.
But his future beyond this season remains in doubt with the 32-year-old's contract expiring at the end of the month.
After seven seasons in Manchester, Gundogan has reportedly been tempted by the change of scene and lifestyle offered by Barcelona.
But Guardiola admitted he is still trying to convince the man who was his first signing for City back in 2016 to prolong his stay.
“He knows what I think [of him]. There is no doubt,” said Guardiola.
“We are neighbours, we live on the same floor for many years, he is a close friend of mine but hopefully we can finish in a good way. [City sporting director] Txiki [Begiristain] is working.
“The player is exceptional. This season what he has done is just exceptional.
“Not just being part of the important moments and I don't forget the two goals he scored against Aston Villa [in 2022] and this season many times he’s scored important goals."
MATCH INFO
Juventus 1 (Dybala 45')
Lazio 3 (Alberto 16', Lulic 73', Cataldi 90 4')
Red card: Rodrigo Bentancur (Juventus)
THE SPECS
Range Rover Sport Autobiography Dynamic
Engine: 5.0-litre supercharged V8
Transmission: six-speed manual
Power: 518bhp
Torque: 625Nm
Speed: 0-100kmh 5.3 seconds
Price: Dh633,435
On sale: now
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Score
New Zealand 266 for 9 in 50 overs
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Next match: Zayed Cricket Stadium, Abu Dhabi, Friday
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What is Diwali?
The Hindu festival is at once a celebration of the autumn harvest and the triumph of good over evil, as outlined in the Ramayana.
According to the Sanskrit epic, penned by the sage Valmiki, Diwali marks the time that the exiled king Rama – a mortal with superhuman powers – returned home to the city of Ayodhya with his wife Sita and brother Lakshman, after vanquishing the 10-headed demon Ravana and conquering his kingdom of Lanka. The people of Ayodhya are believed to have lit thousands of earthen lamps to illuminate the city and to guide the royal family home.
In its current iteration, Diwali is celebrated with a puja to welcome the goodness of prosperity Lakshmi (an incarnation of Sita) into the home, which is decorated with diyas (oil lamps) or fairy lights and rangoli designs with coloured powder. Fireworks light up the sky in some parts of the word, and sweetmeats are made (or bought) by most households. It is customary to get new clothes stitched, and visit friends and family to exchange gifts and greetings.
Ferrari 12Cilindri specs
Engine: naturally aspirated 6.5-liter V12
Power: 819hp
Torque: 678Nm at 7,250rpm
Price: From Dh1,700,000
Available: Now
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
Other acts on the Jazz Garden bill
Sharrie Williams
The American singer is hugely respected in blues circles due to her passionate vocals and songwriting. Born and raised in Michigan, Williams began recording and touring as a teenage gospel singer. Her career took off with the blues band The Wiseguys. Such was the acclaim of their live shows that they toured throughout Europe and in Africa. As a solo artist, Williams has also collaborated with the likes of the late Dizzy Gillespie, Van Morrison and Mavis Staples.
Lin Rountree
An accomplished smooth jazz artist who blends his chilled approach with R‘n’B. Trained at the Duke Ellington School of the Arts in Washington, DC, Rountree formed his own band in 2004. He has also recorded with the likes of Kem, Dwele and Conya Doss. He comes to Dubai on the back of his new single Pass The Groove, from his forthcoming 2018 album Stronger Still, which may follow his five previous solo albums in cracking the top 10 of the US jazz charts.
Anita Williams
Dubai-based singer Anita Williams will open the night with a set of covers and swing, jazz and blues standards that made her an in-demand singer across the emirate. The Irish singer has been performing in Dubai since 2008 at venues such as MusicHall and Voda Bar. Her Jazz Garden appearance is career highlight as she will use the event to perform the original song Big Blue Eyes, the single from her debut solo album, due for release soon.
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Yahya Al Ghassani's bio
Date of birth: April 18, 1998
Playing position: Winger
Clubs: 2015-2017 – Al Ahli Dubai; March-June 2018 – Paris FC; August – Al Wahda
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Your Guide to the Home
- Level 1 has a valet service if you choose not to park in the basement level. This level houses all the kitchenware, including covetable brand French Bull, along with a wide array of outdoor furnishings, lamps and lighting solutions, textiles like curtains, towels, cushions and bedding, and plenty of other home accessories.
- Level 2 features curated inspiration zones and solutions for bedrooms, living rooms and dining spaces. This is also where you’d go to customise your sofas and beds, and pick and choose from more than a dozen mattress options.
- Level 3 features The Home’s “man cave” set-up and a display of industrial and rustic furnishings. This level also has a mother’s room, a play area for children with staff to watch over the kids, furniture for nurseries and children’s rooms, and the store’s design studio.
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Skoda Superb Specs
Engine: 2-litre TSI petrol
Power: 190hp
Torque: 320Nm
Price: From Dh147,000
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Company profile
Name: Steppi
Founders: Joe Franklin and Milos Savic
Launched: February 2020
Size: 10,000 users by the end of July and a goal of 200,000 users by the end of the year
Employees: Five
Based: Jumeirah Lakes Towers, Dubai
Financing stage: Two seed rounds – the first sourced from angel investors and the founders' personal savings
Second round raised Dh720,000 from silent investors in June this year
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Squad
Ali Kasheif, Salim Rashid, Khalifa Al Hammadi, Khalfan Mubarak, Ali Mabkhout, Omar Abdulrahman, Mohammed Al Attas, Abdullah Ramadan, Zayed Al Ameri (Al Jazira), Mohammed Al Shamsi, Hamdan Al Kamali, Mohammed Barghash, Khalil Al Hammadi (Al Wahda), Khalid Essa, Mohammed Shaker, Ahmed Barman, Bandar Al Ahbabi (Al Ain), Al Hassan Saleh, Majid Suroor (Sharjah) Walid Abbas, Ahmed Khalil (Shabab Al Ahli), Tariq Ahmed, Jasim Yaqoub (Al Nasr), Ali Saleh, Ali Salmeen (Al Wasl), Hassan Al Muharami (Baniyas)
If you go
Flight connections to Ulaanbaatar are available through a variety of hubs, including Seoul and Beijing, with airlines including Mongolian Airlines and Korean Air. While some nationalities, such as Americans, don’t need a tourist visa for Mongolia, others, including UAE citizens, can obtain a visa on arrival, while others including UK citizens, need to obtain a visa in advance. Contact the Mongolian Embassy in the UAE for more information.
Nomadic Road offers expedition-style trips to Mongolia in January and August, and other destinations during most other months. Its nine-day August 2020 Mongolia trip will cost from $5,250 per person based on two sharing, including airport transfers, two nights’ hotel accommodation in Ulaanbaatar, vehicle rental, fuel, third party vehicle liability insurance, the services of a guide and support team, accommodation, food and entrance fees; nomadicroad.com
A fully guided three-day, two-night itinerary at Three Camel Lodge costs from $2,420 per person based on two sharing, including airport transfers, accommodation, meals and excursions including the Yol Valley and Flaming Cliffs. A return internal flight from Ulaanbaatar to Dalanzadgad costs $300 per person and the flight takes 90 minutes each way; threecamellodge.com
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.
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Jawan
The specs: 2018 Volkswagen Teramont
Price, base / as tested Dh137,000 / Dh189,950
Engine 3.6-litre V6
Gearbox Eight-speed automatic
Power 280hp @ 6,200rpm
Torque 360Nm @ 2,750rpm
Fuel economy, combined 11.7L / 100km
VEZEETA PROFILE
Date started: 2012
Founder: Amir Barsoum
Based: Dubai, UAE
Sector: HealthTech / MedTech
Size: 300 employees
Funding: $22.6 million (as of September 2018)
Investors: Technology Development Fund, Silicon Badia, Beco Capital, Vostok New Ventures, Endeavour Catalyst, Crescent Enterprises’ CE-Ventures, Saudi Technology Ventures and IFC
THE APPRENTICE
Director: Ali Abbasi
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Rating: 3/5
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List of officials:
Referees: Chris Broad, David Boon, Jeff Crowe, Andy Pycroft, Ranjan Madugalle and Richie Richardson.
Umpires: Aleem Dar, Kumara Dharmasena, Marais Erasmus, Chris Gaffaney, Ian Gould, Richard Illingworth, Richard Kettleborough, Nigel Llong, Bruce Oxenford, Ruchira Palliyaguruge, Sundaram Ravi, Paul Reiffel, Rod Tucker, Michael Gough, Joel Wilson and Paul Wilson.
How Alia's experiment will help humans get to Mars
Alia’s winning experiment examined how genes might change under the stresses caused by being in space, such as cosmic radiation and microgravity.
Her samples were placed in a machine on board the International Space Station. called a miniPCR thermal cycler, which can copy DNA multiple times.
After the samples were examined on return to Earth, scientists were able to successfully detect changes caused by being in space in the way DNA transmits instructions through proteins and other molecules in living organisms.
Although Alia’s samples were taken from nematode worms, the results have much bigger long term applications, especially for human space flight and long term missions, such as to Mars.
It also means that the first DNA experiments using human genomes can now be carried out on the ISS.

