Bayern Munich’s 1-0 win at Borussia Dortmund appears to all but crown them German champions. With six games to play, their strongest rivals now sit seven points behind. That’s seven good reasons to believe in an eighth consecutive Bayern title. Here’s seven more things we learned about Bayern’s formidable efficiency.
1). Bayern are consummate experts at closing down a title chase
Could this one slip? Highly unlikely. The last time they were involved in a really tight race, last season, their 5-0 pummelling of Borussia Dortmund, on the same matchday 28, was a turning point. They then dropped four points from their last possible 18 after that, but finished two ahead of Dortmund.
In every other title-winning season since 2013, they have finished at least 10 points ahead of the runners-up. Although they have testing fixtures against Bayer Leverkusen and Borussia Monchengladbach in early June, positive results in those would effectively remove any lingering title ambitions held by Monchengladbach or Leverkusen.
2). Bayern’s veterans are back to their best
Just over 14 months ago, Germany head coach Jogi Low told Jerome Boateng and Thomas Muller, 2014 World Cup winners, they were no longer in the national team’s plans. They were shocked.
A season later, the duo can count up their contributions to Bayern's likely title in dozens of points. Defender Boateng's goal-line clearance in the opening seconds at Dortmund is alone worth two (although he had some luck later when VAR was not asked to look at a possible handball). Muller's 17 assists make him the top provider in the Bundesliga.
3). Switched-on Flick
When Hansi Flick was appointed Bayern’s interim head coach, following the sacking of Niko Kovac in November, they were in danger of slipping outside the top four. Flick started well, then stumbled through successive defeats, but in his 18 matches in charge since, Bayern have won 17 and drawn one. At Dortmund, his approach was sober but, ultimately, Bayern were commanding. Flick carried the authority of a permanent, long-term head coach well before the club formally made him that last month.
4). On the wings, with flair
This is the first Bayern season for a decade without legendary wingers Arjen Robben and Franck Ribery. Is Bayern's style narrower in their absence? Far from it. With Alphonso Davies' speed, Kingsley Coman's acceleration and the crossing excellence of Muller and Joshua Kimmich, Bayern are devastating from wide positions and were threatening enough on the flanks that Dortmund's adventurous full-backs, Achraf Hakimi and Raphael Guerreiro, looked unusually inhibited.
It may not get any easier for opponents, either. Bayern still want Leroy Sane to join them.
5). A spirit of improvisation
Kimmich described his match-winning goal at Dortmund as "the best I have scored", a cute chip aimed to drop just far enough behind Roman Burki for the goalkeeper to reach at it, but not to save. Kimmich called it "relatively spontaneous". It's a revealing phrase. Bayern had been working in training on the possibility Burki might at moments be too far off his line.
Kimmich is a studious footballer, but open to improvisation: He mostly plays in midfield, but has a parallel career as a full-back. A similar versatility spreads through much of the Bayern squad.
6). Strength in Depth
The top of Bundesliga has a more competitive feel than it has for many of Bayern’s seven titles on the trot. Four points separate second place from fifth, and both Monchengladbach and RB Leipzig have had sustained spells at the top of the table in 2019/20. But to look at Bayern on current form, and glance at their substitutes’ bench is to wonder if Flick’s Second XI would not be a match for most German opponents. Lucas Hernandez, the France World Cup winner, came on against Dortmund, while Niklas Sule, Corentin Tolisso and Thiago Alcantara are on the way back from injury, as is on-loan Philippe Coutinho.
7). A Treble on the table?
Assuming Bayern maintain their advantage in the Bundesliga, and the calendar proceeds without any public health risk during the coronavirus crisis, they will be German champions within a month. There are then the last two rounds of the German Cup, in July, with Bayern facing Eintracht Frankfurt for a place in the final against either Leverkusen or fourth-division Saarbrucken.
By August, when Uefa intend to complete the Champions League, Bayern may well own a domestic double, and will have paced themselves more gently towards their European Cup target than rivals from England, Spain or Italy, where football is yet to restart.
That would seem to give Bayern, 3-0 up after the first leg of their last-16 tie against Chelsea, an edge in Europe - if they need it.
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
Skoda Superb Specs
Engine: 2-litre TSI petrol
Power: 190hp
Torque: 320Nm
Price: From Dh147,000
Available: Now
In numbers: PKK’s money network in Europe
Germany: PKK collectors typically bring in $18 million in cash a year – amount has trebled since 2010
Revolutionary tax: Investigators say about $2 million a year raised from ‘tax collection’ around Marseille
Extortion: Gunman convicted in 2023 of demanding $10,000 from Kurdish businessman in Stockholm
Drug trade: PKK income claimed by Turkish anti-drugs force in 2024 to be as high as $500 million a year
Denmark: PKK one of two terrorist groups along with Iranian separatists ASMLA to raise “two-digit million amounts”
Contributions: Hundreds of euros expected from typical Kurdish families and thousands from business owners
TV channel: Kurdish Roj TV accounts frozen and went bankrupt after Denmark fined it more than $1 million over PKK links in 2013
Company%20profile
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Safety 'top priority' for rival hyperloop company
The chief operating officer of Hyperloop Transportation Technologies, Andres de Leon, said his company's hyperloop technology is “ready” and safe.
He said the company prioritised safety throughout its development and, last year, Munich Re, one of the world's largest reinsurance companies, announced it was ready to insure their technology.
“Our levitation, propulsion, and vacuum technology have all been developed [...] over several decades and have been deployed and tested at full scale,” he said in a statement to The National.
“Only once the system has been certified and approved will it move people,” he said.
HyperloopTT has begun designing and engineering processes for its Abu Dhabi projects and hopes to break ground soon.
With no delivery date yet announced, Mr de Leon said timelines had to be considered carefully, as government approval, permits, and regulations could create necessary delays.
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
Farasan Boat: 128km Away from Anchorage
Director: Mowaffaq Alobaid
Stars: Abdulaziz Almadhi, Mohammed Al Akkasi, Ali Al Suhaibani
Rating: 4/5
RACECARD
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Red flags
- Promises of high, fixed or 'guaranteed' returns.
- Unregulated structured products or complex investments often used to bypass traditional safeguards.
- Lack of clear information, vague language, no access to audited financials.
- Overseas companies targeting investors in other jurisdictions - this can make legal recovery difficult.
- Hard-selling tactics - creating urgency, offering 'exclusive' deals.
Courtesy: Carol Glynn, founder of Conscious Finance Coaching
US Industrial Market figures, Q1 2017
Vacancy Rate 5.4%
Markets With Positive Absorption 85.7 per cent
New Supply 55 million sq ft
New Supply to Inventory 0.4 per cent
Under Construction 198.2 million sq ft
(Source: Colliers)
SERIES INFO
Afghanistan v Zimbabwe, Abu Dhabi Sunshine Series
All matches at the Zayed Cricket Stadium, Abu Dhabi
Test series
1st Test: Zimbabwe beat Afghanistan by 10 wickets
2nd Test: Wednesday, 10 March – Sunday, 14 March
Play starts at 9.30am
T20 series
1st T20I: Wednesday, 17 March
2nd T20I: Friday, 19 March
3rd T20I: Saturday, 20 March
TV
Supporters in the UAE can watch the matches on the Rabbithole channel on YouTube
Infiniti QX80 specs
Engine: twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6
Power: 450hp
Torque: 700Nm
Price: From Dh450,000, Autograph model from Dh510,000
Available: Now
No more lice
Defining head lice
Pediculus humanus capitis are tiny wingless insects that feed on blood from the human scalp. The adult head louse is up to 3mm long, has six legs, and is tan to greyish-white in colour. The female lives up to four weeks and, once mature, can lay up to 10 eggs per day. These tiny nits firmly attach to the base of the hair shaft, get incubated by body heat and hatch in eight days or so.
Identifying lice
Lice can be identified by itching or a tickling sensation of something moving within the hair. One can confirm that a person has lice by looking closely through the hair and scalp for nits, nymphs or lice. Head lice are most frequently located behind the ears and near the neckline.
Treating lice at home
Head lice must be treated as soon as they are spotted. Start by checking everyone in the family for them, then follow these steps. Remove and wash all clothing and bedding with hot water. Apply medicine according to the label instructions. If some live lice are still found eight to 12 hours after treatment, but are moving more slowly than before, do not re-treat. Comb dead and remaining live lice out of the hair using a fine-toothed comb.
After the initial treatment, check for, comb and remove nits and lice from hair every two to three days. Soak combs and brushes in hot water for 10 minutes.Vacuum the floor and furniture, particularly where the infested person sat or lay.
Courtesy Dr Vishal Rajmal Mehta, specialist paediatrics, RAK Hospital
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.
UAE squad
Esha Oza (captain), Al Maseera Jahangir, Emily Thomas, Heena Hotchandani, Indhuja Nandakumar, Katie Thompson, Lavanya Keny, Mehak Thakur, Michelle Botha, Rinitha Rajith, Samaira Dharnidharka, Siya Gokhale, Sashikala Silva, Suraksha Kotte, Theertha Satish (wicketkeeper) Udeni Kuruppuarachchige, Vaishnave Mahesh.
UAE tour of Zimbabwe
All matches in Bulawayo
Friday, Sept 26 – First ODI
Sunday, Sept 28 – Second ODI
Tuesday, Sept 30 – Third ODI
Thursday, Oct 2 – Fourth ODI
Sunday, Oct 5 – First T20I
Monday, Oct 6 – Second T20I
UK’s AI plan
- AI ambassadors such as MIT economist Simon Johnson, Monzo cofounder Tom Blomfield and Google DeepMind’s Raia Hadsell
- £10bn AI growth zone in South Wales to create 5,000 jobs
- £100m of government support for startups building AI hardware products
- £250m to train new AI models
Company%20profile
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