• AL AHSAA, SAUDI ARABIA - NOVEMBER 3: Ruben Neves of Al Hilal victory celebrates after the Saudi Pro League match between Al Fateh and Al-Hilal at Prince Abdullah Bin Jalawi Stadium on November 3, 2023 in Al Ahsaa, Saudi Arabia. (Photo by Yasser Bakhsh / Getty Images)
    AL AHSAA, SAUDI ARABIA - NOVEMBER 3: Ruben Neves of Al Hilal victory celebrates after the Saudi Pro League match between Al Fateh and Al-Hilal at Prince Abdullah Bin Jalawi Stadium on November 3, 2023 in Al Ahsaa, Saudi Arabia. (Photo by Yasser Bakhsh / Getty Images)
  • Otavio (Al Nassr) - The 28-year-old has transferred the playmaking skills that saw him pick up medals galore at Porto to Nassr and shown why he was so sought-after. Silky skills in abundance. Getty
    Otavio (Al Nassr) - The 28-year-old has transferred the playmaking skills that saw him pick up medals galore at Porto to Nassr and shown why he was so sought-after. Silky skills in abundance. Getty
  • Fabinho (Al Ittihad) - A tough-as-teak midfielder more than capable of facing up to the physical demands of the Premier League. Moved to the Saudi Pro League from Liverpool last summer but his tactical nous and no-nonsense approach would appear a good fit for Eddie Howe's Newcastle. Getty
    Fabinho (Al Ittihad) - A tough-as-teak midfielder more than capable of facing up to the physical demands of the Premier League. Moved to the Saudi Pro League from Liverpool last summer but his tactical nous and no-nonsense approach would appear a good fit for Eddie Howe's Newcastle. Getty
  • Karim Benzema (Al Ittihad) - The 2022 Ballon d'Or winner was the Saudi Pro League's marquee signing in an unprecedented summer transfer window. Hampered by injuries, the 35-year-old French striker still has managed eight league goals but Ittihad currently languish in fifth place in the table. Should a move suit all parties, Benzema could prove an excellent addition to the Magpies attack. Getty
    Karim Benzema (Al Ittihad) - The 2022 Ballon d'Or winner was the Saudi Pro League's marquee signing in an unprecedented summer transfer window. Hampered by injuries, the 35-year-old French striker still has managed eight league goals but Ittihad currently languish in fifth place in the table. Should a move suit all parties, Benzema could prove an excellent addition to the Magpies attack. Getty
  • Sadio Mane (Al Nassr) - The Senegalese winger endured a torrid time at Bayern Munich but has looked like the player of old since switching to Nassr. A Premier League and Champions League winner during his time at Liverpool, Mane, 31, would complement Newcastle's array of attacking wide players. AFP
    Sadio Mane (Al Nassr) - The Senegalese winger endured a torrid time at Bayern Munich but has looked like the player of old since switching to Nassr. A Premier League and Champions League winner during his time at Liverpool, Mane, 31, would complement Newcastle's array of attacking wide players. AFP
  • Cristiano Ronaldo (Al Nassr) - When he left Manchester United under a cloud in December 2022, it seemed likely the Premier League had seen the last of the Portuguese superstar. That could all change in January, though, if Newcastle decide to bolster their attacking ranks, with Callum Wilson prone to injury and Alexander Isak far from prolific. Ronaldo, 38, has started the season on fire at Nassr, with 13 goals in 12 league games. AFP
    Cristiano Ronaldo (Al Nassr) - When he left Manchester United under a cloud in December 2022, it seemed likely the Premier League had seen the last of the Portuguese superstar. That could all change in January, though, if Newcastle decide to bolster their attacking ranks, with Callum Wilson prone to injury and Alexander Isak far from prolific. Ronaldo, 38, has started the season on fire at Nassr, with 13 goals in 12 league games. AFP
  • Neymar (Al Hilal) - Another player perpetually in the treatment room. The Brazilian has failed to set the Saudi Pro League alight thus far as he continues to battle ankle and knee injuries. But on his day, the 31-year-old practices the kind of entertaining football Newcastle fans so admire. Getty
    Neymar (Al Hilal) - Another player perpetually in the treatment room. The Brazilian has failed to set the Saudi Pro League alight thus far as he continues to battle ankle and knee injuries. But on his day, the 31-year-old practices the kind of entertaining football Newcastle fans so admire. Getty
  • Kalidou Koulibaly (Al Hilal) - Newcastle's injury list is by no means confined to midfield. Fabian Schar is battling a hamstring problem while fellow centre-back Sven Botman is almost two months out with a knee injury. Koulibaly failed to make an impact during his one season at Chelsea but few doubt he is capable of making the necessary adjustments to thrive at a top European club. Getty
    Kalidou Koulibaly (Al Hilal) - Newcastle's injury list is by no means confined to midfield. Fabian Schar is battling a hamstring problem while fellow centre-back Sven Botman is almost two months out with a knee injury. Koulibaly failed to make an impact during his one season at Chelsea but few doubt he is capable of making the necessary adjustments to thrive at a top European club. Getty
  • Malcom (Al Hilal) - One of the Saudi Pro League's most exciting players and a big reason behind Hilal's surge to the top of the table. The Brazilian, 26, has pace to burn and would prove a handful for any Premier League defence. Getty
    Malcom (Al Hilal) - One of the Saudi Pro League's most exciting players and a big reason behind Hilal's surge to the top of the table. The Brazilian, 26, has pace to burn and would prove a handful for any Premier League defence. Getty
  • Marcelo Brozovic (Al Nassr) - The unsung hero of Inter Milan's 2021 title win in Serie A. The Croatian is more than just a nuts-and-bolts midfielder and would offer steel and leadership to Newcastle's engine room. AFP
    Marcelo Brozovic (Al Nassr) - The unsung hero of Inter Milan's 2021 title win in Serie A. The Croatian is more than just a nuts-and-bolts midfielder and would offer steel and leadership to Newcastle's engine room. AFP
  • Sergej Milinkovic-Savic (Al Hilal) - Long courted by Manchester United, the Serb playmaker surprised many by ending an eight-year spell with Lazio to join the Saudi Pro League revolution last summer. Possesses the artistry and vision to create opportunities for those around him. Getty
    Sergej Milinkovic-Savic (Al Hilal) - Long courted by Manchester United, the Serb playmaker surprised many by ending an eight-year spell with Lazio to join the Saudi Pro League revolution last summer. Possesses the artistry and vision to create opportunities for those around him. Getty
  • Allan Saint-Maximin (Al Ahli) - They know him, he knows them. Saint-Maximin swapped St James' Park for Saudi Arabia in the summer, but the French winger was a fan favourite with the Geordie faithful and a short-term move back to Tyneside could suit all parties. Getty
    Allan Saint-Maximin (Al Ahli) - They know him, he knows them. Saint-Maximin swapped St James' Park for Saudi Arabia in the summer, but the French winger was a fan favourite with the Geordie faithful and a short-term move back to Tyneside could suit all parties. Getty
  • Salem Al Dawsari (Al Hilal) - Recently anointed Asia's best player, the Saudi Arabian winger has a knack for match-defining moments and Hilal would be loath to lose him as they pursue domestic and continental glory. AFP
    Salem Al Dawsari (Al Hilal) - Recently anointed Asia's best player, the Saudi Arabian winger has a knack for match-defining moments and Hilal would be loath to lose him as they pursue domestic and continental glory. AFP
  • N'Golo Kante (Al Ittihad) - Newcastle midfielders Sean Longstaff and Jacob Murphy have been forced to play through the pain barrier of late with manager Eddie Howe short of options in midfield. Kante, a Premier League title winner with both Leicester City and Chelsea, has been plagued by injuries the past few years but could provide experienced cover as Newcastle pursue their ambitions for 2023/24. AFP
    N'Golo Kante (Al Ittihad) - Newcastle midfielders Sean Longstaff and Jacob Murphy have been forced to play through the pain barrier of late with manager Eddie Howe short of options in midfield. Kante, a Premier League title winner with both Leicester City and Chelsea, has been plagued by injuries the past few years but could provide experienced cover as Newcastle pursue their ambitions for 2023/24. AFP
  • Jordan Henderson (Al Ettifaq) - Admittedly a long shot, but the Sunderland-born England midfielder could be a useful signing for the arduous run-in as Newcastle chase a top-four Premier League finish. Getty
    Jordan Henderson (Al Ettifaq) - Admittedly a long shot, but the Sunderland-born England midfielder could be a useful signing for the arduous run-in as Newcastle chase a top-four Premier League finish. Getty

Neves, Ronaldo, Benzema: 15 players Newcastle could target from other PIF-owned clubs


Steve Luckings
  • English
  • Arabic

Newcastle United will be allowed to loan players from sides controlled by their Saudi Arabian owners in the January transfer window after a vote on a temporary ban on related-party loans did not get enough support from Premier League clubs.

Thirteen Premier League clubs voted in favour of the temporary ban on loan moves between teams under the same ownership at a shareholders' meeting on Tuesday – one vote short of the number needed for it to be introduced.

The vote means that Newcastle, who in October 2021 were acquired by a group led by Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF), will be permitted to loan players from other clubs also owned by the fund.

PIF owns majority stakes in the Saudi Pro League's "big four" clubs – Al Ittihad, Al Ahli, Al Nassr, and Al Hilal.

With Sandro Tonali banned for the rest of the season after breaching betting rules, a midfielder replacement seems the most obvious target for Magpies manager Eddie Howe.

But, with Newcastle still challenging for top-four place in the Premier League and progress in the Champions League, others could well come on the radar.

To see a list of potential players Newcastle may target in the transfer window, check out the photo gallery above.

SPEC%20SHEET%3A%20NOTHING%20PHONE%20(2a)
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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

RESULTS

5pm: Maiden | Dh80,000 |  1,600m
Winner: AF Al Moreeb, Tadhg O’Shea (jockey), Ernst Oertel (trainer)

5.30pm: Handicap |  Dh80,000 |  1,600m
Winner: AF Makerah, Adrie de Vries, Ernst Oertel

6pm: Handicap |  Dh80,000 |  2,200m
Winner: Hazeme, Richard Mullen, Jean de Roualle

6.30pm: Handicap |  Dh85,000 |  2,200m
Winner: AF Yatroq, Brett Doyle, Ernst Oertel

7pm: Shadwell Farm for Private Owners Handicap |  Dh70,000 |  2,200m
Winner: Nawwaf KB, Patrick Cosgrave, Helal Al Alawi

7.30pm: Handicap (TB) |  Dh100,000 |  1,600m
Winner: Treasured Times, Bernardo Pinheiro, Rashed Bouresly

Company%20Profile
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ECompany%20name%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Cargoz%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EDate%20started%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20January%202022%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EFounders%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Premlal%20Pullisserry%20and%20Lijo%20Antony%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EBased%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Dubai%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ENumber%20of%20staff%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%2030%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EInvestment%20stage%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Seed%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
The 12 Syrian entities delisted by UK 

Ministry of Interior
Ministry of Defence
General Intelligence Directorate
Air Force Intelligence Agency
Political Security Directorate
Syrian National Security Bureau
Military Intelligence Directorate
Army Supply Bureau
General Organisation of Radio and TV
Al Watan newspaper
Cham Press TV
Sama TV

Various Artists 
Habibi Funk: An Eclectic Selection Of Music From The Arab World (Habibi Funk)
​​​​​​​

The biog

Favourite films: Casablanca and Lawrence of Arabia

Favourite books: Start with Why by Simon Sinek and Good to be Great by Jim Collins

Favourite dish: Grilled fish

Inspiration: Sheikh Zayed's visionary leadership taught me to embrace new challenges.

Company%C2%A0profile
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Surianah's top five jazz artists

Billie Holliday: for the burn and also the way she told stories.  

Thelonius Monk: for his earnestness.

Duke Ellington: for his edge and spirituality.

Louis Armstrong: his legacy is undeniable. He is considered as one of the most revolutionary and influential musicians.

Terence Blanchard: very political - a lot of jazz musicians are making protest music right now.

Washmen Profile

Date Started: May 2015

Founders: Rami Shaar and Jad Halaoui

Based: Dubai, UAE

Sector: Laundry

Employees: 170

Funding: about $8m

Funders: Addventure, B&Y Partners, Clara Ventures, Cedar Mundi Partners, Henkel Ventures

Section 375

Cast: Akshaye Khanna, Richa Chadha, Meera Chopra & Rahul Bhat

Director: Ajay Bahl

Producers: Kumar Mangat Pathak, Abhishek Pathak & SCIPL

Rating: 3.5/5

MOUNTAINHEAD REVIEW

Starring: Ramy Youssef, Steve Carell, Jason Schwartzman

Director: Jesse Armstrong

Rating: 3.5/5

COMPANY%20PROFILE%20
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Profile Idealz

Company: Idealz

Founded: January 2018

Based: Dubai

Sector: E-commerce

Size: (employees): 22

Investors: Co-founders and Venture Partners (9 per cent)

The Brutalist

Director: Brady Corbet

Stars: Adrien Brody, Felicity Jones, Guy Pearce, Joe Alwyn

Rating: 3.5/5

Updated: November 22, 2023, 7:21 AM