Xavi Hernandez is expected to become manager of Barcelona one day. AFP
Xavi Hernandez is expected to become manager of Barcelona one day. AFP
Xavi Hernandez is expected to become manager of Barcelona one day. AFP
Xavi Hernandez is expected to become manager of Barcelona one day. AFP

Football

Former Barcelona star Xavi tests positive for coronavirus

Spaniard to take a break from managing Al-Sadd as he recovers

The National

July 25, 2020

  • English
  • Arabic

Former Barcelona star Xavi Hernandez has tested positive for coronavirus and will take a break from managing Qatari club Al-Sadd.

The 40-year-old former midfielder, who won the World Cup and two European championships with Spain, revealed news of his positive test ahead of Al-Sadd's home game with Al-Khor.

"Today I won't be able to join my team on their comeback to the official competition," Xavi wrote on Al-Sadd's Twitter account. Reserve team coach David Prats will deputise.

"A few days ago, I tested positive in the last Covid-19 test.

"Fortunately, I'm feeling okay, but I will be isolated until I am given the all-clear.

"When the health services allow it, I will be very eager to return to my daily routine and to work."

________________

Every season of Messi as he wins La Liga golden boot for seventh time

  • Lionel Messi is set to leave Barcelona after 20 years of winning silverware and setting records. Here are his stats, season by season.
    Lionel Messi is set to leave Barcelona after 20 years of winning silverware and setting records. Here are his stats, season by season.
  • 2004/05 - Barcelona - La Liga: 7 apps; 1 goal. All competitions: 9 apps; 1 goal.
    2004/05 - Barcelona - La Liga: 7 apps; 1 goal. All competitions: 9 apps; 1 goal.
  • 2005/06 - Barcelona - La Liga: 17 apps; 6 goals. All competitions: 26 apps; 8 goals. Trophies: La Liga, Champions League.
    2005/06 - Barcelona - La Liga: 17 apps; 6 goals. All competitions: 26 apps; 8 goals. Trophies: La Liga, Champions League.
  • 2006/07 - Barcelona - La Liga: 26 apps; 14 goals. All competitions: 36 apps; 17 goals. Trophies: Spanish Super Cup.
    2006/07 - Barcelona - La Liga: 26 apps; 14 goals. All competitions: 36 apps; 17 goals. Trophies: Spanish Super Cup.
  • 2007/08 - Barcelona - La Liga: 28 apps; 10 goals. All competitions: 40 apps; 16 goals. Trophies 0.
    2007/08 - Barcelona - La Liga: 28 apps; 10 goals. All competitions: 40 apps; 16 goals. Trophies 0.
  • 2008/09 - Barcelona - La Liga: 31 apps; 23 goals. All competitions: 51 apps; 38 goals. Trophies: La Liga, Copa del Rey, Uefa Champions League.
    2008/09 - Barcelona - La Liga: 31 apps; 23 goals. All competitions: 51 apps; 38 goals. Trophies: La Liga, Copa del Rey, Uefa Champions League.
  • 2009/10 - Barcelona - La Liga: 35 apps; 34 goals - top scorer. All competitions: 53 apps; 47 goals. Trophies: Spanish Super Cup, Uefa Super Cup, Fifa Club World Cup, Ballon d'Or, La Liga.
    2009/10 - Barcelona - La Liga: 35 apps; 34 goals - top scorer. All competitions: 53 apps; 47 goals. Trophies: Spanish Super Cup, Uefa Super Cup, Fifa Club World Cup, Ballon d'Or, La Liga.
  • 2010/11 - Barcelona - La Liga: 33 apps; 31 goals. All competitions: 55 apps; 53 goals. Trophies: Spanish Super Cup, Ballon d'Or, La Liga, Uefa Champions League.
    2010/11 - Barcelona - La Liga: 33 apps; 31 goals. All competitions: 55 apps; 53 goals. Trophies: Spanish Super Cup, Ballon d'Or, La Liga, Uefa Champions League.
  • 2011/12 - Barcelona - La Liga: 37 apps; 50 goals - top scorer. All competitions: 60 apps; 73 goals. Trophies: Spanish Super Cup, Fifa Club World Cup, Ballon d'Or, Copa del Rey.
    2011/12 - Barcelona - La Liga: 37 apps; 50 goals - top scorer. All competitions: 60 apps; 73 goals. Trophies: Spanish Super Cup, Fifa Club World Cup, Ballon d'Or, Copa del Rey.
  • 2012/13 - Barcelona - La Liga: 32 apps; 46 goals - top scorer. All competitions: 50 apps; 60 goals. Trophies: La Liga.
    2012/13 - Barcelona - La Liga: 32 apps; 46 goals - top scorer. All competitions: 50 apps; 60 goals. Trophies: La Liga.
  • 2013/14 - La Liga: 31 apps; 28 goals - top scorer. All competitions: 46 apps; 41 goals. Trophies: Spanish Super Cup.
    2013/14 - La Liga: 31 apps; 28 goals - top scorer. All competitions: 46 apps; 41 goals. Trophies: Spanish Super Cup.
  • 2014/15 - Barcelona - La Liga: 38 apps; 43 goals. All competitions: 57 apps; 58 goals. Trophies: Copa del Rey, La Liga, Uefa Champions League.
    2014/15 - Barcelona - La Liga: 38 apps; 43 goals. All competitions: 57 apps; 58 goals. Trophies: Copa del Rey, La Liga, Uefa Champions League.
  • 2015/16 - Barcelona - La Liga: 33 apps; 26 goals. All competitions: 49 apps; 41 goals. Trophies: Uefa Super Cup, Fifa Club World Cup, Ballon d'Or, Copa del Rey, La Liga.
    2015/16 - Barcelona - La Liga: 33 apps; 26 goals. All competitions: 49 apps; 41 goals. Trophies: Uefa Super Cup, Fifa Club World Cup, Ballon d'Or, Copa del Rey, La Liga.
  • 2016/17 - Barcelona - La Liga: 34 apps; 37 goals - top scorer. All competitions: 52 apps; 54 goals. Trophies: Spanish Super Cup, Copa del Rey.
    2016/17 - Barcelona - La Liga: 34 apps; 37 goals - top scorer. All competitions: 52 apps; 54 goals. Trophies: Spanish Super Cup, Copa del Rey.
  • 2017/18 - Barcelona - La Liga: 36 apps; 34 goals - top scorer. All competitions: 54 apps; 45 goals. Trophies: Copa del Rey, La Liga.
    2017/18 - Barcelona - La Liga: 36 apps; 34 goals - top scorer. All competitions: 54 apps; 45 goals. Trophies: Copa del Rey, La Liga.
  • 2018/19 - Barcelona - La Liga: 34 apps; 36 goals - top scorer. All competitions: 50 apps; 51 goals. Trophies: Spanish Super Cup, La Liga
    2018/19 - Barcelona - La Liga: 34 apps; 36 goals - top scorer. All competitions: 50 apps; 51 goals. Trophies: Spanish Super Cup, La Liga
  • 2019/20 - Barcelona - La Liga: 33 apps; 25 goals - top scorer. All competitions: 44 apps; 31 goals.
    2019/20 - Barcelona - La Liga: 33 apps; 25 goals - top scorer. All competitions: 44 apps; 31 goals.
  • 2020/21 - Barcelona - La Liga 35 appearances, 30 goals - top scorer. All competitions: 47 apps, 38 goals. Trophy: Copa del Rey
    2020/21 - Barcelona - La Liga 35 appearances, 30 goals - top scorer. All competitions: 47 apps, 38 goals. Trophy: Copa del Rey
THE SPECS

      

 

Engine: 1.5-litre

 

Transmission: 6-speed automatic

 

Power: 110 horsepower 

 

Torque: 147Nm 

 

Price: From Dh59,700 

 

On sale: now  

 
Short-term let permits explained

Homeowners and tenants are allowed to list their properties for rental by registering through the Dubai Tourism website to obtain a permit.

Tenants also require a letter of no objection from their landlord before being allowed to list the property.

There is a cost of Dh1,590 before starting the process, with an additional licence fee of Dh300 per bedroom being rented in your home for the duration of the rental, which ranges from three months to a year.

Anyone hoping to list a property for rental must also provide a copy of their title deeds and Ejari, as well as their Emirates ID.

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

The five pillars of Islam

Padmaavat

Director: Sanjay Leela Bhansali

Starring: Ranveer Singh, Deepika Padukone, Shahid Kapoor, Jim Sarbh

3.5/5

Key figures in the life of the fort

Sheikh Dhiyab bin Isa (ruled 1761-1793) Built Qasr Al Hosn as a watchtower to guard over the only freshwater well on Abu Dhabi island.

Sheikh Shakhbut bin Dhiyab (ruled 1793-1816) Expanded the tower into a small fort and transferred his ruling place of residence from Liwa Oasis to the fort on the island.

Sheikh Tahnoon bin Shakhbut (ruled 1818-1833) Expanded Qasr Al Hosn further as Abu Dhabi grew from a small village of palm huts to a town of more than 5,000 inhabitants.

Sheikh Khalifa bin Shakhbut (ruled 1833-1845) Repaired and fortified the fort.

Sheikh Saeed bin Tahnoon (ruled 1845-1855) Turned Qasr Al Hosn into a strong two-storied structure.

Sheikh Zayed bin Khalifa (ruled 1855-1909) Expanded Qasr Al Hosn further to reflect the emirate's increasing prominence.

Sheikh Shakhbut bin Sultan (ruled 1928-1966) Renovated and enlarged Qasr Al Hosn, adding a decorative arch and two new villas.

Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan (ruled 1966-2004) Moved the royal residence to Al Manhal palace and kept his diwan at Qasr Al Hosn.

Sources: Jayanti Maitra, www.adach.ae

While you're here
UAE v Gibraltar

What: International friendly

When: 7pm kick off

Where: Rugby Park, Dubai Sports City

Admission: Free

Online: The match will be broadcast live on Dubai Exiles’ Facebook page

UAE squad: Lucas Waddington (Dubai Exiles), Gio Fourie (Exiles), Craig Nutt (Abu Dhabi Harlequins), Phil Brady (Harlequins), Daniel Perry (Dubai Hurricanes), Esekaia Dranibota (Harlequins), Matt Mills (Exiles), Jaen Botes (Exiles), Kristian Stinson (Exiles), Murray Reason (Abu Dhabi Saracens), Dave Knight (Hurricanes), Ross Samson (Jebel Ali Dragons), DuRandt Gerber (Exiles), Saki Naisau (Dragons), Andrew Powell (Hurricanes), Emosi Vacanau (Harlequins), Niko Volavola (Dragons), Matt Richards (Dragons), Luke Stevenson (Harlequins), Josh Ives (Dubai Sports City Eagles), Sean Stevens (Saracens), Thinus Steyn (Exiles)

LIVERPOOL%20TOP%20SCORERS
%3Cp%3E(Premier%20League%20only)%3Cbr%3EMohamed%20Salah%20129%3Cbr%3ERobbie%20Fowler%20128%3Cbr%3ESteven%20Gerrard%20120%3Cbr%3EMichael%20Owen%20118%3Cbr%3ESadio%20Mane%2090%3Cbr%3E%3C%2Fp%3E%0A

The Word for Woman is Wilderness
Abi Andrews, Serpent’s Tail

Lexus LX700h specs

Engine: 3.4-litre twin-turbo V6 plus supplementary electric motor

Power: 464hp at 5,200rpm

Torque: 790Nm from 2,000-3,600rpm

Transmission: 10-speed auto

Fuel consumption: 11.7L/100km

On sale: Now

Price: From Dh590,000

More from Rashmee Roshan Lall
The%20specs
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EEngine%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%201.8-litre%204-cyl%20turbo%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EPower%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E190hp%20at%205%2C200rpm%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ETorque%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20320Nm%20from%201%2C800-5%2C000rpm%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ETransmission%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3ESeven-speed%20dual-clutch%20auto%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EFuel%20consumption%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%206.7L%2F100km%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EPrice%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20From%20Dh111%2C195%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EOn%20sale%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3ENow%3C%2Fp%3E%0A

Founders: Abdulmajeed Alsukhan, Turki Bin Zarah and Abdulmohsen Albabtain.

Based: Riyadh

Offices: UAE, Vietnam and Germany

Founded: September, 2020

Number of employees: 70

Sector: FinTech, online payment solutions

Funding to date: $116m in two funding rounds  

Investors: Checkout.com, Impact46, Vision Ventures, Wealth Well, Seedra, Khwarizmi, Hala Ventures, Nama Ventures and family offices

Timeline

2012-2015

The company offers payments/bribes to win key contracts in the Middle East

May 2017

The UK SFO officially opens investigation into Petrofac’s use of agents, corruption, and potential bribery to secure contracts

September 2021

Petrofac pleads guilty to seven counts of failing to prevent bribery under the UK Bribery Act

October 2021

Court fines Petrofac £77 million for bribery. Former executive receives a two-year suspended sentence 

December 2024

Petrofac enters into comprehensive restructuring to strengthen the financial position of the group

May 2025

The High Court of England and Wales approves the company’s restructuring plan

July 2025

The Court of Appeal issues a judgment challenging parts of the restructuring plan

August 2025

Petrofac issues a business update to execute the restructuring and confirms it will appeal the Court of Appeal decision

October 2025

Petrofac loses a major TenneT offshore wind contract worth €13 billion. Holding company files for administration in the UK. Petrofac delisted from the London Stock Exchange

November 2025

180 Petrofac employees laid off in the UAE

Avatar: Fire and Ash

Director: James Cameron

Starring: Sam Worthington, Sigourney Weaver, Zoe Saldana

Rating: 4.5/5

Who's who in Yemen conflict

Houthis: Iran-backed rebels who occupy Sanaa and run unrecognised government

Yemeni government: Exiled government in Aden led by eight-member Presidential Leadership Council

Southern Transitional Council: Faction in Yemeni government that seeks autonomy for the south

Habrish 'rebels': Tribal-backed forces feuding with STC over control of oil in government territory

The%20specs
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EEngine%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E3.6-litre%2C%20V6%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ETransmission%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3Eeight-speed%20auto%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EPower%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E285hp%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ETorque%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E353Nm%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EPrice%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EDh159%2C900%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EOn%20sale%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3Enow%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
SPEC%20SHEET%3A%20APPLE%20IPHONE%2014%20PRO%20MAX
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EDisplay%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%206.7%22%20Super%20Retina%20XDR%20OLED%2C%202796%20x%201290%2C%20460ppi%2C%20120Hz%2C%202000%20nits%20max%2C%20HDR%2C%20True%20Tone%2C%20P3%2C%20always-on%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EProcessor%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20A16%20Bionic%2C%206-core%20CPU%2C%205-core%20GPU%2C%2016-core%20Neural%20Engine%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EMemory%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%206GB%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ECapacity%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20128%2F256%2F512GB%20%2F%201TB%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EPlatform%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20iOS%2016%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EMain%20camera%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Triple%2048MP%20main%20(f%2F1.78)%20%2B%2012MP%20ultra-wide%20(f%2F2.2)%20%2B%2012MP%20telephoto%20(f%2F2.8)%2C%206x%20optical%2C%2015x%20digital%2C%20Photonic%20Engine%2C%20Deep%20Fusion%2C%20Smart%20HDR%204%2C%20Portrait%20Lighting%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EMain%20camera%20video%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%204K%20%40%2024%2F25%2F30%2F60fps%2C%20full-HD%20%40%2025%2F30%2F60fps%2C%20HD%20%40%2030fps%2C%20slo-mo%20%40%20120%2F240fps%2C%20ProRes%20(4K)%20%40%2030fps%3B%20night%2C%20time%20lapse%2C%20cinematic%2C%20action%20modes%3B%20Dolby%20Vision%2C%204K%20HDR%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EFront%20camera%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%2012MP%20TrueDepth%20(f%2F1.9)%2C%20Photonic%20Engine%2C%20Deep%20Fusion%2C%20Smart%20HDR%204%2C%20Portrait%20Lighting%3B%20Animoji%2C%20Memoji%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EFront%20camera%20video%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%C2%A04K%20%40%2024%2F25%2F30%2F60fps%2C%20full-HD%20%40%2025%2F30%2F60fps%2C%20slo-mo%20%40%20120%2F240fps%2C%20ProRes%20(4K)%20%40%2030fps%3B%20night%2C%20time%20lapse%2C%20cinematic%2C%20action%20modes%3B%20Dolby%20Vision%2C%204K%20HDR%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EBattery%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%204323mAh%2C%20up%20to%2029h%20video%2C%2025h%20streaming%20video%2C%2095h%20audio%3B%20fast%20charge%20to%2050%25%20in%2030min%3B%20MagSafe%2C%20Qi%20wireless%20charging%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EConnectivity%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Wi-Fi%2C%20Bluetooth%205.3%2C%20NFC%20(Apple%20Pay)%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EBiometrics%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Face%20ID%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EI%2FO%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Lightning%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EDurability%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20IP68%2C%20dust%2Fsplash%2Fwater%20resistant%20up%20to%206m%20up%20to%2030min%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ECards%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Dual%20eSIM%20%2F%20eSIM%20%2B%20eSIM%20(US%20models%20use%20eSIMs%20only)%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EColours%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Deep%20purple%2C%20gold%2C%20silver%2C%20space%20black%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EIn%20the%20box%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20iPhone%2014%20Pro%20Max%2C%20USB-C-to-Lightning%20cable%2C%20one%20Apple%20sticker%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EPrice%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Dh4%2C699%20%2F%20Dh5%2C099%20%2F%20Dh5%2C949%20%2F%20Dh6%2C799%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
While you're here
BarcelonaCoronavirus