• Tyson Fury knocks down Deontay Wilder during their rematch in Las Vegas in February 2020.
    Tyson Fury knocks down Deontay Wilder during their rematch in Las Vegas in February 2020.
  • Tyson Fury celebrates defeating Deontay Wilder to win the WBC World Heavyweight Championship at the Garden Arena in Las Vegas.
    Tyson Fury celebrates defeating Deontay Wilder to win the WBC World Heavyweight Championship at the Garden Arena in Las Vegas.
  • Tyson Fury celebrates with the belts after winning the fight.
    Tyson Fury celebrates with the belts after winning the fight.
  • Tyson Fury knocks down Deontay Wilder in the fifth round.
    Tyson Fury knocks down Deontay Wilder in the fifth round.
  • Tyson Fury knocks down Deontay Wilder.
    Tyson Fury knocks down Deontay Wilder.
  • Tyson Fury celebrates after knocking down Deontay Wilder.
    Tyson Fury celebrates after knocking down Deontay Wilder.
  • Tyson Fury watches Deontay Wilder hit the canvas.
    Tyson Fury watches Deontay Wilder hit the canvas.
  • Tyson Fury knocks down Deontay Wilder.
    Tyson Fury knocks down Deontay Wilder.
  • Tyson Fury in action against Deontay Wilder.
    Tyson Fury in action against Deontay Wilder.
  • Tyson Fury at the end of the first round.
    Tyson Fury at the end of the first round.
  • Tyson Fury and Deontay Wilder in the first round.
    Tyson Fury and Deontay Wilder in the first round.
  • Deontay Wilder enters the ring.
    Deontay Wilder enters the ring.
  • Tyson Fury arrives in the arena.
    Tyson Fury arrives in the arena.
  • Tyson Fury makes his entrance.
    Tyson Fury makes his entrance.
  • Former Heavyweight Champions Mike Tyson, Lennox Lewis and Evander Holyfield.
    Former Heavyweight Champions Mike Tyson, Lennox Lewis and Evander Holyfield.
  • Former heavyweight champions Mike Tyson and Lennox Lewis in the ring.
    Former heavyweight champions Mike Tyson and Lennox Lewis in the ring.
  • Former heavyweight champion Mike Tyson before the fight.
    Former heavyweight champion Mike Tyson before the fight.
  • NFL player Patrick Mahomes attends the WBC heavyweight title bout between Deontay Wilder and Tyson Fury at MGM Grand Garden Arena.
    NFL player Patrick Mahomes attends the WBC heavyweight title bout between Deontay Wilder and Tyson Fury at MGM Grand Garden Arena.
  • Boxing Hall of Fame member Mike Tyson attends the WBC heavyweight title bout between Deontay Wilder and Tyson Fury at MGM Grand Garden Arena.
    Boxing Hall of Fame member Mike Tyson attends the WBC heavyweight title bout between Deontay Wilder and Tyson Fury at MGM Grand Garden Arena.
  • Philadelphia Eagles offensive lineman Lane Johnson attends the WBC heavyweight title bout between Deontay Wilder and Tyson Fury at MGM Grand Garden Arena.
    Philadelphia Eagles offensive lineman Lane Johnson attends the WBC heavyweight title bout between Deontay Wilder and Tyson Fury at MGM Grand Garden Arena.
  • Former NFL player Chad Ochocinco Johnson.
    Former NFL player Chad Ochocinco Johnson.
  • Boxing Hall of Fame member Thomas Hearns attends the WBC heavyweight title bout between Deontay Wilder and Tyson Fury at MGM Grand Garden Arena.
    Boxing Hall of Fame member Thomas Hearns attends the WBC heavyweight title bout between Deontay Wilder and Tyson Fury at MGM Grand Garden Arena.
  • NBA Hall of Fame member Magic Johnson attends the WBC heavyweight title bout between Deontay Wilder and Tyson Fury at MGM Grand Garden Arena.
    NBA Hall of Fame member Magic Johnson attends the WBC heavyweight title bout between Deontay Wilder and Tyson Fury at MGM Grand Garden Arena.
  • Las Vegas Raiders owner Mark Davis and head coach John Gruden.
    Las Vegas Raiders owner Mark Davis and head coach John Gruden.

Tyson Fury confirms Anthony Joshua fight set for Saudi Arabia in August: 'Do not miss it'


  • English
  • Arabic

World heavyweight champion Tyson Fury has confirmed his unification bout with Anthony Joshua will go ahead in Saudi Arabia on August 14 as months of protracted negotiations look to have reached a successful conclusion.

The all-British mega-bout will see Fury put his WBC belt on the line against WBA, WBO, and IBF holder Joshua, with the winner set to become boxing's first undisputed heavyweight world champion in more than 20 years.

The last undisputed heavyweight king was another British fighter, Lennox Lewis, who defeated Evander Holyfield in 1999 to hold the WBC, WBA, and IBF straps. Since then, the WBO title has been elevated, so all four titles must now be held for a fighter to be undisputed champion.

Fury's announcement came after a conversation he had with Prince Khalid Abdulaziz Al Saud, Saudi Arabia's deputy defence minister.

"I just got off the phone with Prince Khalid of Saudi Arabia," Fury said in a video posted on Twitter. "He told me this fight is 100 per cent on August 14, 2021.

"All eyes of the world will be on the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. And I cannot wait, repeat, cannot wait, to smash Anthony Joshua on the biggest stage of all time.

"This is going to be the biggest sporting event ever to grace the planet Earth. Do not miss it."

Negotiations have been ongoing for months as promoters sought out an appropriate location and engaged in terms for their fighters.

Saudi Arabia had long been the frontrunner to host the fight and Matchroom CEO Eddie Hearn, who promotes Joshua, revealed last month that the bout would be heading to the Kingdom.

Despite Fury's public announcement, an official confirmation from Hearn or Fury's co-promoters Bob Arum and Frank Warren has yet to be made as both sides await the final contracts.

"We still haven't gotten the final contracts – we're supposed to get a clean draft on Monday," Arum told ESPN on Sunday. "But Prince Khalid has assured Tyson that there will be no problems, and everybody who has dealt with Prince Khalid and his team know them to be men of their word."

Fury (30-0-1, 21 KOs) became a two-time heavyweight world champion in February 2020 when he claimed the WBC title with a sensational stoppage win against Deontay Wilder in a rematch following their thrilling draw in December 2018.

Joshua (24-1-0 22 KOs), meanwhile, has already enjoyed success fighting in Saudi Arabia having reclaimed his world titles with a comfortable points win over Andy Ruiz Jr at the "Clash on the Dunes" event in December 2019.

_________________

Joshua beats Ruiz at 'Clash on the Dunes'

  • Anthony Joshua lands a big right on Andy Ruiz Jr during the British fighter's comprehensive victory in the heavyweight world title rematch in Saudi Arabia in December 2019. Getty
    Anthony Joshua lands a big right on Andy Ruiz Jr during the British fighter's comprehensive victory in the heavyweight world title rematch in Saudi Arabia in December 2019. Getty
  • Anthony Joshua celebrates victory over Andy Ruiz Jr. Getty
    Anthony Joshua celebrates victory over Andy Ruiz Jr. Getty
  • British boxer Anthony Joshua (white trunks) competes with Mexican-American Andy Ruiz Jr in Diriya. AFP
    British boxer Anthony Joshua (white trunks) competes with Mexican-American Andy Ruiz Jr in Diriya. AFP
  • Joshua lands a right in his fight with Andy Ruiz Jr. AFP
    Joshua lands a right in his fight with Andy Ruiz Jr. AFP
  • Defending champion Andy Ruiz Jr trades blows with Anthony Joshua. AP
    Defending champion Andy Ruiz Jr trades blows with Anthony Joshua. AP
  • Joshua outclassed Andy Ruiz Jr for a unanimous points victory. AFP
    Joshua outclassed Andy Ruiz Jr for a unanimous points victory. AFP
  • Defending champion Andy Ruiz Jr takes a punch during his fight against Britain's Anthony Joshua. AP
    Defending champion Andy Ruiz Jr takes a punch during his fight against Britain's Anthony Joshua. AP
  • Andy Ruiz Jr after losing on points to Britain's Anthony Joshua. PA
    Andy Ruiz Jr after losing on points to Britain's Anthony Joshua. PA
  • Andy Ruiz Jr trades blows with Anthony Joshua. PA
    Andy Ruiz Jr trades blows with Anthony Joshua. PA
  • Andy Ruiz Jr tries to land a left Against Anthony Joshua. PA
    Andy Ruiz Jr tries to land a left Against Anthony Joshua. PA
  • Anthony Joshua poses with the IBF, WBA, WBO & IBO world heavyweight title belts. Getty
    Anthony Joshua poses with the IBF, WBA, WBO & IBO world heavyweight title belts. Getty
COMPANY%20PROFILE
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MATCH INFO

Uefa Champions League, Group C
Liverpool v Red Star Belgrade
Anfield, Liverpool
Wednesday, 11pm (UAE)

Why it pays to compare

A comparison of sending Dh20,000 from the UAE using two different routes at the same time - the first direct from a UAE bank to a bank in Germany, and the second from the same UAE bank via an online platform to Germany - found key differences in cost and speed. The transfers were both initiated on January 30.

Route 1: bank transfer

The UAE bank charged Dh152.25 for the Dh20,000 transfer. On top of that, their exchange rate margin added a difference of around Dh415, compared with the mid-market rate.

Total cost: Dh567.25 - around 2.9 per cent of the total amount

Total received: €4,670.30 

Route 2: online platform

The UAE bank’s charge for sending Dh20,000 to a UK dirham-denominated account was Dh2.10. The exchange rate margin cost was Dh60, plus a Dh12 fee.

Total cost: Dh74.10, around 0.4 per cent of the transaction

Total received: €4,756

The UAE bank transfer was far quicker – around two to three working days, while the online platform took around four to five days, but was considerably cheaper. In the online platform transfer, the funds were also exposed to currency risk during the period it took for them to arrive.

The National Archives, Abu Dhabi

Founded over 50 years ago, the National Archives collects valuable historical material relating to the UAE, and is the oldest and richest archive relating to the Arabian Gulf.

Much of the material can be viewed on line at the Arabian Gulf Digital Archive - https://www.agda.ae/en

Directed by Sam Mendes

Starring Dean-Charles Chapman, George MacKay, Daniel Mays

4.5/5

Islamophobia definition

A widely accepted definition was made by the All Party Parliamentary Group on British Muslims in 2019: “Islamophobia is rooted in racism and is a type of racism that targets expressions of Muslimness or perceived Muslimness.” It further defines it as “inciting hatred or violence against Muslims”.

The%20Genius%20of%20Their%20Age
%3Cp%3EAuthor%3A%20S%20Frederick%20Starr%3Cbr%3EPublisher%3A%20Oxford%20University%20Press%3Cbr%3EPages%3A%20290%3Cbr%3EAvailable%3A%20January%2024%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
'Nightmare Alley'

Director:Guillermo del Toro

Stars:Bradley Cooper, Cate Blanchett, Rooney Mara

Rating: 3/5

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

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
The specs: 2018 Nissan 370Z Nismo

The specs: 2018 Nissan 370Z Nismo
Price, base / as tested: Dh182,178
Engine: 3.7-litre V6
Power: 350hp @ 7,400rpm
Torque: 374Nm @ 5,200rpm
Transmission: Seven-speed automatic
​​​​​​​Fuel consumption, combined: 10.5L / 100km

Mercer, the investment consulting arm of US services company Marsh & McLennan, expects its wealth division to at least double its assets under management (AUM) in the Middle East as wealth in the region continues to grow despite economic headwinds, a company official said.

Mercer Wealth, which globally has $160 billion in AUM, plans to boost its AUM in the region to $2-$3bn in the next 2-3 years from the present $1bn, said Yasir AbuShaban, a Dubai-based principal with Mercer Wealth.

Within the next two to three years, we are looking at reaching $2 to $3 billion as a conservative estimate and we do see an opportunity to do so,” said Mr AbuShaban.

Mercer does not directly make investments, but allocates clients’ money they have discretion to, to professional asset managers. They also provide advice to clients.

“We have buying power. We can negotiate on their (client’s) behalf with asset managers to provide them lower fees than they otherwise would have to get on their own,” he added.

Mercer Wealth’s clients include sovereign wealth funds, family offices, and insurance companies among others.

From its office in Dubai, Mercer also looks after Africa, India and Turkey, where they also see opportunity for growth.

Wealth creation in Middle East and Africa (MEA) grew 8.5 per cent to $8.1 trillion last year from $7.5tn in 2015, higher than last year’s global average of 6 per cent and the second-highest growth in a region after Asia-Pacific which grew 9.9 per cent, according to consultancy Boston Consulting Group (BCG). In the region, where wealth grew just 1.9 per cent in 2015 compared with 2014, a pickup in oil prices has helped in wealth generation.

BCG is forecasting MEA wealth will rise to $12tn by 2021, growing at an annual average of 8 per cent.

Drivers of wealth generation in the region will be split evenly between new wealth creation and growth of performance of existing assets, according to BCG.

Another general trend in the region is clients’ looking for a comprehensive approach to investing, according to Mr AbuShaban.

“Institutional investors or some of the families are seeing a slowdown in the available capital they have to invest and in that sense they are looking at optimizing the way they manage their portfolios and making sure they are not investing haphazardly and different parts of their investment are working together,” said Mr AbuShaban.

Some clients also have a higher appetite for risk, given the low interest-rate environment that does not provide enough yield for some institutional investors. These clients are keen to invest in illiquid assets, such as private equity and infrastructure.

“What we have seen is a desire for higher returns in what has been a low-return environment specifically in various fixed income or bonds,” he said.

“In this environment, we have seen a de facto increase in the risk that clients are taking in things like illiquid investments, private equity investments, infrastructure and private debt, those kind of investments were higher illiquidity results in incrementally higher returns.”

The Abu Dhabi Investment Authority, one of the largest sovereign wealth funds, said in its 2016 report that has gradually increased its exposure in direct private equity and private credit transactions, mainly in Asian markets and especially in China and India. The authority’s private equity department focused on structured equities owing to “their defensive characteristics.”

Classification of skills

A worker is categorised as skilled by the MOHRE based on nine levels given in the International Standard Classification of Occupations (ISCO) issued by the International Labour Organisation. 

A skilled worker would be someone at a professional level (levels 1 – 5) which includes managers, professionals, technicians and associate professionals, clerical support workers, and service and sales workers.

The worker must also have an attested educational certificate higher than secondary or an equivalent certification, and earn a monthly salary of at least Dh4,000. 

Skewed figures

In the village of Mevagissey in southwest England the housing stock has doubled in the last century while the number of residents is half the historic high. The village's Neighbourhood Development Plan states that 26% of homes are holiday retreats. Prices are high, averaging around £300,000, £50,000 more than the Cornish average of £250,000. The local average wage is £15,458. 

The Pope's itinerary

Sunday, February 3, 2019 - Rome to Abu Dhabi
1pm: departure by plane from Rome / Fiumicino to Abu Dhabi
10pm: arrival at Abu Dhabi Presidential Airport


Monday, February 4
12pm: welcome ceremony at the main entrance of the Presidential Palace
12.20pm: visit Abu Dhabi Crown Prince at Presidential Palace
5pm: private meeting with Muslim Council of Elders at Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
6.10pm: Inter-religious in the Founder's Memorial


Tuesday, February 5 - Abu Dhabi to Rome
9.15am: private visit to undisclosed cathedral
10.30am: public mass at Zayed Sports City – with a homily by Pope Francis
12.40pm: farewell at Abu Dhabi Presidential Airport
1pm: departure by plane to Rome
5pm: arrival at the Rome / Ciampino International Airport