Manchester Thunder, the four-time Superleague champions in the UK, and UAE Netball have announced an ambitious new programme to promote the sport among women in Abu Dhabi.
The opening of the Manchester Thunder Abu Dhabi Netball Academy is expected to open up new avenues for women's sports in the region, with the champions scheduled to conduct a free community workshop at Zayed Sports City during their November 6-11 visit.
“We are very excited about the launch of a first of its kind project for girls,” said Talal Al Hashemi, Abu Dhabi Sports Council’s executive director of Sports Development.
“The Manchester Thunder Abu Dhabi Netball Academy is open to all girls, of all abilities from age three to 19. It offers programmes aimed at developing skills through weekly training sessions, coach support and high level games in addition to holiday camps, competitive matches, regional tournament, and overseas tours.
“The programmes will be conducted by highly qualified coaches from Manchester Thunder, with a wealth of experience from playing and coaching at professional levels.”
There will be a free community workshop at Zayed Sports City on November 11 for all those who have registered. Also on the programme is an open training session with the Thunder's technical staff.
Dr Amna Al Maazmi, chairperson of UAE Netball federation, said the founding of the academy is a “wonderful opportunity” for the girls in Abu Dhabi and also for the federation.
“This is the first of many exciting opportunities that we hope to bring to the region,” she said. “To attract Manchester Thunder to set up their first academy outside of the UK, in Abu Dhabi, is a testament to the potential that we have among our female population.
“We hope as many girls as possible will enjoy the Manchester Thunder workshop and experience for the first time meeting professional netball players and seeing them in action.”
While in Abu Dhabi, the Superleague champions will also conduct their pre-season training. Among those visiting will be Natalie Metcalf, England Roses and Thunder captain and Commonwealth Games gold medallist.
“This is an exciting opportunity to grow the game of netball across the UAE,” Karen Greig, head coach of Manchester Thunder, said of the project.
“We look forward to working with the Abu Dhabi community and growing the participation in a sport, which is particularly popular with girls across the world.”
Greig said plans are under way for a regular schedule of both social and competitive matches with other emirates, along with regional and international tours.
“As a professional sport in the UK, we are always on the lookout for exceptional talent, and will work to nurture elite performance into the various pathways that netball can offer,” Greig added.
“We hope to see as many girls as possible on November 11 at Zayed Sports City, for the taster session and a chance to meet the Manchester Thunder first team who will be in Abu Dhabi for pre-season training.”
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
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UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
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Learn more about Qasr Al Hosn
In 2013, The National's History Project went beyond the walls to see what life was like living in Abu Dhabi's fabled fort:
How to apply for a drone permit
- Individuals must register on UAE Drone app or website using their UAE Pass
- Add all their personal details, including name, nationality, passport number, Emiratis ID, email and phone number
- Upload the training certificate from a centre accredited by the GCAA
- Submit their request
What are the regulations?
- Fly it within visual line of sight
- Never over populated areas
- Ensure maximum flying height of 400 feet (122 metres) above ground level is not crossed
- Users must avoid flying over restricted areas listed on the UAE Drone app
- Only fly the drone during the day, and never at night
- Should have a live feed of the drone flight
- Drones must weigh 5 kg or less
