• Supporters gather outside Park Hotel in Melbourne where Novak Djokovic was taken pending his removal from the country after his visa was cancelled by the Australian Border Force on January 06, 2022 in Melbourne, Australia. Getty Images
    Supporters gather outside Park Hotel in Melbourne where Novak Djokovic was taken pending his removal from the country after his visa was cancelled by the Australian Border Force on January 06, 2022 in Melbourne, Australia. Getty Images
  • Anti-vaccination protesters gather outside the Park Hotel in Melbourne. Getty Images
    Anti-vaccination protesters gather outside the Park Hotel in Melbourne. Getty Images
  • Supporters holding Serbia flags gather outside Park Hotel where Novak Djokovic was taken pending his removal from the country. Getty Images
    Supporters holding Serbia flags gather outside Park Hotel where Novak Djokovic was taken pending his removal from the country. Getty Images
  • A tennis fan holds a sign outside the Park Hotel in Carlton, Melbourne on January 06, 2022, calling for Novak Djokovic to be released from quarantine. Getty Images
    A tennis fan holds a sign outside the Park Hotel in Carlton, Melbourne on January 06, 2022, calling for Novak Djokovic to be released from quarantine. Getty Images
  • Supporters gather outside Park Hotel calling for Novak Djokovic to be released after the world No 1 was denied entry to Australia as border authorities cancelled his visa. Getty Images
    Supporters gather outside Park Hotel calling for Novak Djokovic to be released after the world No 1 was denied entry to Australia as border authorities cancelled his visa. Getty Images
  • Supporters gather outside Park Hotel in Melbourne. Getty Images
    Supporters gather outside Park Hotel in Melbourne. Getty Images
  • A supporter of Novak Djokovic wears a Serbia flag as she waits outside Park Hotel where Djokovic was taken pending his removal from the country after his visa was cancelled by the Australian Border Force. Getty Images
    A supporter of Novak Djokovic wears a Serbia flag as she waits outside Park Hotel where Djokovic was taken pending his removal from the country after his visa was cancelled by the Australian Border Force. Getty Images
  • A supporter of Serbian tennis player Novak Djokovic holds a sign outside the Park Hotel. Reuters
    A supporter of Serbian tennis player Novak Djokovic holds a sign outside the Park Hotel. Reuters
  • Supporter Slobodan Bendjo holds a Serbian flag as he waits for the latest news about Novak Djokovic being held by the Australian Border Force due to a visa issue at Melbourne Airport on January 05, 2022. Getty Images
    Supporter Slobodan Bendjo holds a Serbian flag as he waits for the latest news about Novak Djokovic being held by the Australian Border Force due to a visa issue at Melbourne Airport on January 05, 2022. Getty Images
  • Media and members of the local Serbian community wait outside a hotel where Serbia's tennis champion Novak Djokovic is being held after Australia said it had cancelled his entry visa, opening the way to his detention and deportation in a dramatic reversal for the tennis world No 1. AFP
    Media and members of the local Serbian community wait outside a hotel where Serbia's tennis champion Novak Djokovic is being held after Australia said it had cancelled his entry visa, opening the way to his detention and deportation in a dramatic reversal for the tennis world No 1. AFP
  • Members of the local Serbian community outside a hotel where Novak Djokovic is reported to be staying in Melbourne. AFP
    Members of the local Serbian community outside a hotel where Novak Djokovic is reported to be staying in Melbourne. AFP
  • A protestor holds signs outside Park Hotel, where Serbian tennis player Novak Djokovic is believed to be living, in Melbourne. AFP
    A protestor holds signs outside Park Hotel, where Serbian tennis player Novak Djokovic is believed to be living, in Melbourne. AFP

Sport

Tennis

Protesters gather outside Melbourne hotel in support of Novak Djokovic - in pictures

World No 1 faces deportation from Australia after having his visa revoked for failing to meet entry rules

Steve Luckings
Steve Luckings

January 06, 2022

  • English
  • Arabic

Supporters gathered outside a Melbourne hotel believed to be holding tennis player Novak Djokovic after the world No 1 had his visa to enter the country revoked.

The Serb was transported to a quarantine hotel in Melbourne after being held at the city's airport overnight before border forces announced he had not met entry rules regarding Covid vaccination exemptions and would be deported.

Several anti-vaccination protesters, many of them holding Serbia flags, gathered outside Park Hotel in the suburb of Carlton where Djokovic is staying pending his removal from the country after his visa was cancelled by the Australian Border Force.

Djokovic, 34, was due to play in the Australian Open, starting January 17, where he was set to defend his title, after being exempted from vaccination rules. However, the Australian Border Force said he had provided insufficient proof despite earlier being granted a medical exemption to play the Australian Open.

Djokovic’s lawyers are appealing against the decision, and the star will be flown out of the country later on Thursday, the Sydney Morning Herald reported.

A nine-time winner at Melbourne Park, Djokovic is bidding to be become the most successful men's player in history, He is currently tied on 20 Grand Slam titles with rivals Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer.

Djokovic's 20 Grand Slam titles

  • 2008: Novak Djokovic beats Jo-Wilfried Tsonga 4–6, 6–4, 6–3, 7–6 to win the Australian Open.
    2008: Novak Djokovic beats Jo-Wilfried Tsonga 4–6, 6–4, 6–3, 7–6 to win the Australian Open.
  • 2011: Djokovic beats Andy Murray 6–4, 6–2, 6–3 to win the Australian Open .
    2011: Djokovic beats Andy Murray 6–4, 6–2, 6–3 to win the Australian Open .
  • 2011: Novak Djokovic beats Rafael Nadal 6–4, 6–1, 1–6, 6–3 to win Wimbledon.
    2011: Novak Djokovic beats Rafael Nadal 6–4, 6–1, 1–6, 6–3 to win Wimbledon.
  • 2011: Djokovic beats Rafael Nadal 6–2, 6–4, 6–7, 6–1 to win the US Open.
    2011: Djokovic beats Rafael Nadal 6–2, 6–4, 6–7, 6–1 to win the US Open.
  • 2012: Djokovic beats Rafael Nadal 5–7, 6–4, 6–2, 6–7, 7–5 to win the Australian Open.
    2012: Djokovic beats Rafael Nadal 5–7, 6–4, 6–2, 6–7, 7–5 to win the Australian Open.
  • 2013: Djokovic beats Andy Murray 6–7, 7–6, 6–3, 6–2 to win the Australian Open.
    2013: Djokovic beats Andy Murray 6–7, 7–6, 6–3, 6–2 to win the Australian Open.
  • 2014: Djokovic triumphs 6–7, 6–4, 7–6, 5–7, 6–4 against Roger Federer for the Wimbledon title.
    2014: Djokovic triumphs 6–7, 6–4, 7–6, 5–7, 6–4 against Roger Federer for the Wimbledon title.
  • 2015: Djokovic beats Andy Murray 7–6, 6–7, 6–3, 6–0 for victory at the Australian Open.
    2015: Djokovic beats Andy Murray 7–6, 6–7, 6–3, 6–0 for victory at the Australian Open.
  • 2015: Djokovic beats Roger Federer 7-6, 6-7, 6-4, 6-3 to win Wimbledon.
    2015: Djokovic beats Roger Federer 7-6, 6-7, 6-4, 6-3 to win Wimbledon.
  • 2015: Djokovic beats Roger Federer 6–4, 5–7, 6–4, 6–4 to win the US Open.
    2015: Djokovic beats Roger Federer 6–4, 5–7, 6–4, 6–4 to win the US Open.
  • 2016: Djokovic beats Andy Murray 6-1, 7-5, 7-6 to win the Australian Open.
    2016: Djokovic beats Andy Murray 6-1, 7-5, 7-6 to win the Australian Open.
  • 2016: Djokovic beats Andy Murray 3–6, 6–1, 6–2, 6–4 for the French Open.
    2016: Djokovic beats Andy Murray 3–6, 6–1, 6–2, 6–4 for the French Open.
  • 2018: Djokovic crushes Kevin Anderson 6–2, 6–2, 7–6 to win Wimbledon.
    2018: Djokovic crushes Kevin Anderson 6–2, 6–2, 7–6 to win Wimbledon.
  • 2018: Djokovic beats Juan Martin del Potro 6–3, 7–6, 6–3 for his third US Open.
    2018: Djokovic beats Juan Martin del Potro 6–3, 7–6, 6–3 for his third US Open.
  • 2019: Djokovic beats Rafael Nadal 6-3, 6-2, 6-3 for victory at the Australian Open.
    2019: Djokovic beats Rafael Nadal 6-3, 6-2, 6-3 for victory at the Australian Open.
  • 2019: Djokovic beats Roger Federer 7-6, 1-6, 7-6, 4-6, 13-12 to win Wimbledon.
    2019: Djokovic beats Roger Federer 7-6, 1-6, 7-6, 4-6, 13-12 to win Wimbledon.
  • 2020: Djokovic triumphs 6–4, 4–6, 2–6, 6–3, 6–4 against Dominic Thiem for the Australian Open.
    2020: Djokovic triumphs 6–4, 4–6, 2–6, 6–3, 6–4 against Dominic Thiem for the Australian Open.
  • 2021: Djokovic celebrates a 7–5, 6–2, 6–2 victory against Daniil Medvedev to win his ninth Australian Open.
    2021: Djokovic celebrates a 7–5, 6–2, 6–2 victory against Daniil Medvedev to win his ninth Australian Open.
  • 2021: Djokovic beats Stefanos Tsitsipas 6–7, 2–6, 6–3, 6–2, 6–4 for his second French Open.
    2021: Djokovic beats Stefanos Tsitsipas 6–7, 2–6, 6–3, 6–2, 6–4 for his second French Open.
  • 2021: Djokovic beats Matteo Berrettini 6-7, 6-4, 6-4, 6-3 to win Wimbledon for the sixth time.
    2021: Djokovic beats Matteo Berrettini 6-7, 6-4, 6-4, 6-3 to win Wimbledon for the sixth time.
MATCH INFO

Inter Milan 2 (Vecino 65', Barella 83')

Verona 1 (Verre 19' pen)

Results

1.30pm Handicap (PA) Dh50,000 (Dirt) 1,400m

Winner Al Suhooj, Saif Al Balushi (jockey), Khalifa Al Neyadi (trainer)

2pm Handicap (TB) 68,000 (D) 1,950m

Winner Miracle Maker, Xavier Ziani, Salem bin Ghadayer

2.30pm Maiden (TB) Dh60,000 (D) 1,600m

Winner Mazagran, Tadhg O’Shea, Satish Seemar

3pm Handicap (TB) Dh84,000 (D) 1,800m

Winner Tailor’s Row, Royston Ffrench, Salem bin Ghadayer

3.30pm Handicap (TB) Dh76,000 (D) 1,400m

Winner Alla Mahlak, Adrie de Vries, Rashed Bouresly

4pm Maiden (TB) Dh60,000 (D) 1,200m

Winner Hurry Up, Royston Ffrench, Salem bin Ghadayer

4.30pm Handicap (TB) Dh68,000 (D) 1,200m

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

More from Neighbourhood Watch:
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.
 

Sam Smith

Where: du Arena, Abu Dhabi

When: Saturday November 24

Rating: 4/5

How much do leading UAE’s UK curriculum schools charge for Year 6?
  1. Nord Anglia International School (Dubai) – Dh85,032
  2. Kings School Al Barsha (Dubai) – Dh71,905
  3. Brighton College Abu Dhabi - Dh68,560
  4. Jumeirah English Speaking School (Dubai) – Dh59,728
  5. Gems Wellington International School – Dubai Branch – Dh58,488
  6. The British School Al Khubairat (Abu Dhabi) - Dh54,170
  7. Dubai English Speaking School – Dh51,269

*Annual tuition fees covering the 2024/2025 academic year

EA Sports FC 25
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%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EDirector%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Adil%20El%20Arbi%20and%20Bilall%20Fallah%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EStarring%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EWill%20Smith%2C%20Martin%20Lawrence%2C%20Joe%20Pantoliano%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ERating%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%203.5%2F5%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Emergency phone numbers in the UAE

Estijaba – 8001717 –  number to call to request coronavirus testing

Ministry of Health and Prevention – 80011111

Dubai Health Authority – 800342 – The number to book a free video or voice consultation with a doctor or connect to a local health centre

Emirates airline – 600555555

Etihad Airways – 600555666

Ambulance – 998

Knowledge and Human Development Authority – 8005432 ext. 4 for Covid-19 queries

The 10 Questions
  • Is there a God?
  • How did it all begin?
  • What is inside a black hole?
  • Can we predict the future?
  • Is time travel possible?
  • Will we survive on Earth?
  • Is there other intelligent life in the universe?
  • Should we colonise space?
  • Will artificial intelligence outsmart us?
  • How do we shape the future?

The flights: South African Airways flies from Dubai International Airport with a stop in Johannesburg, with prices starting from around Dh4,000 return. Emirates can get you there with a stop in Lusaka from around Dh4,600 return.
The details: Visas are available for 247 Zambian kwacha or US$20 (Dh73) per person on arrival at Livingstone Airport. Single entry into Victoria Falls for international visitors costs 371 kwacha or $30 (Dh110). Microlight flights are available through Batoka Sky, with 15-minute flights costing 2,265 kwacha (Dh680).
Accommodation: The Royal Livingstone Victoria Falls Hotel by Anantara is an ideal place to stay, within walking distance of the falls and right on the Zambezi River. Rooms here start from 6,635 kwacha (Dh2,398) per night, including breakfast, taxes and Wi-Fi. Water arrivals cost from 587 kwacha (Dh212) per person.

The 15 players selected

Muzzamil Afridi, Rahman Gul, Rizwan Haider (Dezo Devils); Shahbaz Ahmed, Suneth Sampath (Glory Gladiators); Waqas Gohar, Jamshaid Butt, Shadab Ahamed (Ganga Fighters); Ali Abid, Ayaz Butt, Ghulam Farid, JD Mahesh Kumara (Hiranni Heros); Inam Faried, Mausif Khan, Ashok Kumar (Texas Titans

Updated: January 06, 2022, 7:22 AM
Novak DjokovicAustralian Open