A number of star names are making their way out of the Tokyo Olympics, with Naomi Osaka the latest one on the list.
But there are still a number of athletes from the Mena region who are still competing, which should keep your interest high.
Below is the list of athletes from the region competing on Wednesday.
Archery - women’s, men’s individual eliminations
Yumenoshima Final Field
The individual competitions continue today. In the men’s competition, Iran’s Milad Vaziri Teymoorlooei will be opening his campaign looking to cause a major upset, as he takes on multiple Olympic medalist and world number one in the recurve, Brady Ellison from the US.
Also in the men’s, Itay Shanny from Israel is drawn against the host nation’s Hiroki Muto, while Egypt's Amal Adam starts her competition against Minhee Jang, from South Korea in the women’s competition.
Badminton - women’s and men’s singles and doubles group play
Musashino Forest Sport Plaza
Lots of talent on show today in badminton. Watch Iran’s Soraya Aghaeihajiagha as she serves up against world number nine, Bing Jiao He from China.
Basketball
Saitama Super Arena
Having narrowly lost their opening match, Iran will be hoping to capitalise on the US’s shock defeat to France. Both teams will be needing a win from this to have any chance of qualifying for the knock-out stages.
Beach Volleyball - women’s and men’s preliminary group rounds
Shiokaze Park
With a strong win against the Swiss, Qatari double, Cherif Younousse and Ahmed Tijan have gotten off to a great start in the men’s volleyball. They will look to build on this when they take on Italians, Rossi and Carambula today.
Boxing - Various preliminaries
Kokugican Arena
Several weight divisions featuring excellent fighters all battling it out in the last round of 16.
First up is Egypt’s Abdelrahman Abdelgawwad vs Team GB’s Benjamin Whittaker in the men’s light heavyweight (75-81kg) class.
Then in the evening session, Daniyal Shahbakhsh from Iran will be fighting Cuba’s Lazaro Alvarez in the men’s featherweight (52-57kg). Around an hour later Mohammed Houmri from Algeria will also be taking on a Cuban, Arlen Lopez in the men’s light heavy (75-81kg) class.
Look out too for Algeria’s Ichrak Chaib who will be going toe-to-toe with Pooja Rani of India in the women’s middleweight (69-75kg).
Cycling Road
Fuji International Speedway
Both women and men’s individual time trials are happening today. Look out for Israel’s Omer Shapira in the women’s time trial.
Meanwhile there are several Mena men hitting the road on the speedway, Iran’s Saeid Safarzadeh, Algeria’s Azzedine Lagab, Amanuel Ghebreigzabhier from Eritrea, and Syrian Ahmad Wais representing the Refugee Olympic Team.
Fencing - men's sabre team matches
Makuhari Messe
It’s finals day for the men’s sabre teams. Egypt will take on Japan and Iran take on Italy in the quarterfinals.
Football - men’s
Various
Egypt will be going for a strong win against Australia knowing it could take them through to the knockout stages. Saudi Arabia will be hoping for a strong finish in their final game against Brazil.
Judo - women’s -70kg and men’s -90kg
Nippon Budokan
Several Mena judokas to look out for on medals day in the women’s -70kg and men’s -90kg weight categories.
In the women’s -70kg class, Assmaa Niang from Morocco will start her campaign against Alice Bellandi from Italy, while Tunisia’s Nihel Landolsi will taken on Anna Bernholm from Sweden.
In the men’s -90kg, Israel’s Li Kochman opening contest will be against David Klammert representing Czech Republic.
Sailing - various
Enoshima, Fukisawa and Kamakura
We are halfway through the windsurfing and both of Israel’s windsurfers find themselves in fifth place, half way through the competitions. Yoav Cohen is just eight points off the top three in the men’s and Katy Spychakov trailing by 11. Both will be pushing for a podium spot in Kamakura today.
Shooting - women and men’s trap qualification
Asaka shooting/ shotgun ranges
Double Olympian and 2019 Asian Champion Ray Bassil from Lebanon will be fighting for a place in the final of the women’s trap. Also in the field is 2019 African Games and African Championships winner, Maggy Ashmawy from Egypt.
In the men’s competition there are several Mena contenders to follow: World Cup winner and 2019 Asian Championship winner Talal AlRashidi along with Abdulrahman Al Faihan from Kuwait, Abdel Aziz Mehelba and Ahmed Zaher of Egypt, and Mohammed Al Rumaihi from Qatar.
Swimming - various
Tokyo Aquatics Centre
As well as some big finals to watch out for in the Tokyo Aquatics Centre, several heats will be getting underway featuring Mena men and women.
In the women’s 100m freestyle, Amel Melih of Algeria and Farida Osman of Egypt will be in the same heat. Andrea Murez of Israel will also be looking for a qualifying place.
Other Israelis will be in the pool throughout the day, Yakov Toumarkin will be racing in the 200m backstroke mens, Gal Cohen Groumi and Ron Polonsky in the 200m men’s medley. Anastasia Gorbenko will be pushing for her second Olympic final in the 200m breaststroke.
Table tennis - women’s and men’s singles
Tokyo Metropolitan Gymnasium
Egypt’s Omar Assar has made it to the quarterfinals of the men’s table-tennis where he will be taking on Rio 2016 Champion, Ma Long from China.
Volleyball - men’s
Ariake Arena
Having beaten both Poland and Venezuela, the Islamic Republic of Iran will be wanting to make the most of their momentum when they take on Canada. Victory over the Canadians would put them in an almost certain position to qualify for the knock-out stages from Pool A.
Meanwhile, in Pool B Tunisia are yet to pick up a win, but will be hoping they can get a result against the USA.
Weightlifting - men’s 73kg
Tokyo International Forum
Morocco’s Abderrahim Moum, Mahmoud Alhumayd from Saudi Arabia, and Karem Ben Hnia from Tunisia will be competing today.
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Full list of brands available for Instagram Checkout
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MATCH INFO
Iceland 0 England 1 (Sterling pen 90 1)
Man of the match Kari Arnason (Iceland)
The Bio
Hometown: Bogota, Colombia
Favourite place to relax in UAE: the desert around Al Mleiha in Sharjah or the eastern mangroves in Abu Dhabi
The one book everyone should read: 100 Years of Solitude by Gabriel Garcia Marquez. It will make your mind fly
Favourite documentary: Chasing Coral by Jeff Orlowski. It's a good reality check about one of the most valued ecosystems for humanity
ARSENAL IN 1977
Feb 05 Arsenal 0-0 Sunderland
Feb 12 Manchester City 1-0 Arsenal
Feb 15 Middlesbrough 3-0 Arsenal
Feb 19 Arsenal 2-3 West Ham
Feb 26 Middlesbrough 4-1 Arsenal (FA Cup)
Mar 01 Everton 2-1 Arsenal
Mar 05 Arsenal 1-4 ipswich
March 08 Arsenal 1-2 West Brom
Mar 12 QPR 2-1 Arsenal
Mar 23 Stoke 1-1 Arsenal
Apr 02 Arsenal 3-0 Leicester
COMPANY PROFILE
Company name: BorrowMe (BorrowMe.com)
Date started: August 2021
Founder: Nour Sabri
Based: Dubai, UAE
Sector: E-commerce / Marketplace
Size: Two employees
Funding stage: Seed investment
Initial investment: $200,000
Investors: Amr Manaa (director, PwC Middle East)
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
ESSENTIALS
The flights
Emirates flies from Dubai to Phnom Penh via Yangon from Dh2,700 return including taxes. Cambodia Bayon Airlines and Cambodia Angkor Air offer return flights from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap from Dh250 return including taxes. The flight takes about 45 minutes.
The hotels
Rooms at the Raffles Le Royal in Phnom Penh cost from $225 (Dh826) per night including taxes. Rooms at the Grand Hotel d'Angkor cost from $261 (Dh960) per night including taxes.
The tours
A cyclo architecture tour of Phnom Penh costs from $20 (Dh75) per person for about three hours, with Khmer Architecture Tours. Tailor-made tours of all of Cambodia, or sites like Angkor alone, can be arranged by About Asia Travel. Emirates Holidays also offers packages.
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.
Benefits of first-time home buyers' scheme
- Priority access to new homes from participating developers
- Discounts on sales price of off-plan units
- Flexible payment plans from developers
- Mortgages with better interest rates, faster approval times and reduced fees
- DLD registration fee can be paid through banks or credit cards at zero interest rates
Dhadak
Director: Shashank Khaitan
Starring: Janhvi Kapoor, Ishaan Khattar, Ashutosh Rana
Stars: 3
What can you do?
Document everything immediately; including dates, times, locations and witnesses
Seek professional advice from a legal expert
You can report an incident to HR or an immediate supervisor
You can use the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation’s dedicated hotline
In criminal cases, you can contact the police for additional support
The Brutalist
Director: Brady Corbet
Stars: Adrien Brody, Felicity Jones, Guy Pearce, Joe Alwyn
Rating: 3.5/5
How to avoid crypto fraud
- Use unique usernames and passwords while enabling multi-factor authentication.
- Use an offline private key, a physical device that requires manual activation, whenever you access your wallet.
- Avoid suspicious social media ads promoting fraudulent schemes.
- Only invest in crypto projects that you fully understand.
- Critically assess whether a project’s promises or returns seem too good to be true.
- Only use reputable platforms that have a track record of strong regulatory compliance.
- Store funds in hardware wallets as opposed to online exchanges.
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.
SPECS
Toyota land Cruiser 2020 5.7L VXR
Engine: 5.7-litre V8
Transmission: eight-speed automatic
Power: 362hp
Torque: 530Nm
Price: Dh329,000 (base model 4.0L EXR Dh215,900)
HWJN
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NYBL PROFILE
Company name: Nybl
Date started: November 2018
Founder: Noor Alnahhas, Michael LeTan, Hafsa Yazdni, Sufyaan Abdul Haseeb, Waleed Rifaat, Mohammed Shono
Based: Dubai, UAE
Sector: Software Technology / Artificial Intelligence
Initial investment: $500,000
Funding round: Series B (raising $5m)
Partners/Incubators: Dubai Future Accelerators Cohort 4, Dubai Future Accelerators Cohort 6, AI Venture Labs Cohort 1, Microsoft Scale-up
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
Related
Company%20profile
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Profile of Hala Insurance
Date Started: September 2018
Founders: Walid and Karim Dib
Based: Abu Dhabi
Employees: Nine
Amount raised: $1.2 million
Funders: Oman Technology Fund, AB Accelerator, 500 Startups, private backers
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Pharaoh's curse
British aristocrat Lord Carnarvon, who funded the expedition to find the Tutankhamun tomb, died in a Cairo hotel four months after the crypt was opened.
He had been in poor health for many years after a car crash, and a mosquito bite made worse by a shaving cut led to blood poisoning and pneumonia.
Reports at the time said Lord Carnarvon suffered from “pain as the inflammation affected the nasal passages and eyes”.
Decades later, scientists contended he had died of aspergillosis after inhaling spores of the fungus aspergillus in the tomb, which can lie dormant for months. The fact several others who entered were also found dead withiin a short time led to the myth of the curse.
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
MATCH INFO
Liverpool 0
Stoke City 0
Man of the Match: Erik Pieters (Stoke)
RESULTS
6.30pm Maiden (TB) Dh82.500 (Dirt) 1,400m
Winner Meshakel, Royston Ffrench (jockey), Salem bin Ghadayer (trainer)
7.05pm Handicap (TB) Dh87,500 (D) 1,400m
Winner Gervais, Connor Beasley, Ali Rashid Al Raihe.
7.40pm Handicap (TB) Dh92,500 (Turf) 2,410m
Winner Global Heat, Pat Cosgrave, Saeed bin Suroor.
8.15pm Handicap (TB) Dh105,000 (D) 1,900m
Winner Firnas, Royston Ffrench, Salem bin Ghadayer.
8.50pm UAE 2000 Guineas Trial (TB) Conditions Dh183,650 (D) 1,600m
Winner Rebel’s Romance, William Buick, Charlie Appleby
9.25pm Dubai Trophy (TB) Conditions Dh183,650 (T) 1,200m
Winner Topper Bill, Richard Mullen, Satish Seemar
10pm Handicap (TB) Dh102,500 (T) 1,400m
Winner Wasim, Mickael Barzalona, Ismail Mohammed.
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Mia Man’s tips for fermentation
- Start with a simple recipe such as yogurt or sauerkraut
- Keep your hands and kitchen tools clean. Sanitize knives, cutting boards, tongs and storage jars with boiling water before you start.
- Mold is bad: the colour pink is a sign of mold. If yogurt turns pink as it ferments, you need to discard it and start again. For kraut, if you remove the top leaves and see any sign of mold, you should discard the batch.
- Always use clean, closed, airtight lids and containers such as mason jars when fermenting yogurt and kraut. Keep the lid closed to prevent insects and contaminants from getting in.
If you go
The flights Etihad (www.etihad.com) and Spice Jet (www.spicejet.com) fly direct from Abu Dhabi and Dubai to Pune respectively from Dh1,000 return including taxes. Pune airport is 90 minutes away by road.
The hotels A stay at Atmantan Wellness Resort (www.atmantan.com) costs from Rs24,000 (Dh1,235) per night, including taxes, consultations, meals and a treatment package.
Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge – Rally schedule:
Saturday: Super Special Spectator Stage – Yas Marina Circuit – start 3.30pm.
Sunday: Yas Marina Circuit Stage 1 (276.01km)
Monday: Nissan Stage 2 (287.92km)
Tuesday: Al Ain Water Stage 3 (281.38km)
Wednesday: ADNOC Stage 4 (244.49km)
Thursday: Abu Dhabi Aviation Stage 5 (218.57km) Finish: Yas Marina Circuit – 4.30pm.
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Married Malala
Malala Yousafzai is enjoying married life, her father said.
The 24-year-old married Pakistan cricket executive Asser Malik last year in a small ceremony in the UK.
Ziauddin Yousafzai told The National his daughter was ‘very happy’ with her husband.
