• Novak Djokovic celebrates after winning the 2020 Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships final against Stefanos Tsitsipas on Saturday, 29 February, 2020. EPA
    Novak Djokovic celebrates after winning the 2020 Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships final against Stefanos Tsitsipas on Saturday, 29 February, 2020. EPA
  • Novak Djokovic of Serbia celebrates after winning his final match against Stefanos Tsitsipas of Greece at the 2020 Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships. EPA
    Novak Djokovic of Serbia celebrates after winning his final match against Stefanos Tsitsipas of Greece at the 2020 Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships. EPA
  • Novak Djokovic during the final against Stefanos Tsitsipas at the 2020 Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships. EPA
    Novak Djokovic during the final against Stefanos Tsitsipas at the 2020 Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships. EPA
  • Novak Djokovic extended his season record to 18-0 with his win in the 2020 Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships. Reuters
    Novak Djokovic extended his season record to 18-0 with his win in the 2020 Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships. Reuters
  • Novak Djokovic defeated Stefanos Tsitsipas in straight sets. Reuters
    Novak Djokovic defeated Stefanos Tsitsipas in straight sets. Reuters
  • Novak Djokovic embraces Stefanos Tsitsipas after winning the final. Reuters
    Novak Djokovic embraces Stefanos Tsitsipas after winning the final. Reuters
  • Novak Djokovic was awarded UAE's golden card visa after the final on Saturday. EPA
    Novak Djokovic was awarded UAE's golden card visa after the final on Saturday. EPA
  • Novak Djokovic during the final against Stefanos Tsitsipas. Reuters
    Novak Djokovic during the final against Stefanos Tsitsipas. Reuters
  • Stefanos Tsitsipas plays a forehand against Novak Djokovic. Getty Images
    Stefanos Tsitsipas plays a forehand against Novak Djokovic. Getty Images
  • Stefanos Tsitsipas during the final against Novak Djokovic. Getty Images
    Stefanos Tsitsipas during the final against Novak Djokovic. Getty Images
  • General view of the final between Stefanos Tsitsipas and Novak Djokovic. Reuters
    General view of the final between Stefanos Tsitsipas and Novak Djokovic. Reuters

Novak Djokovic to make comeback at Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships


Steve Luckings
  • English
  • Arabic

Novak Djokovic will head an incredible line-up of the world’s best next month when the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships men’s tournament celebrates its 30th anniversary.

Djokovic is yet to play this year after his highly-publicised and controversial visa row in Australia, which ended with the world No 1 being deported shortly before the start of the Australian Open.

The 34-year-old Serb had arrived in Melbourne with a medical exemption against the mandatory Covid-19 vaccination, but after the courts initially overturned the border force's decision to cancel his visa, the Australian government's ruling to remove him from the country was upheld.

A list with Djokovic's name was leaked Tuesday and widely shared online, su that the 34-year-old Serb would mark the February 21-26 tournament for his return to action with organisers confirming his participation in a press release Thursday.

“We are thrilled to welcome so many top players to our 30th year celebrations of the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships,” said Colm McLoughlin, executive vice chairman and CEO of Dubai Duty Free.

“We are delighted to see Novak back in Dubai for the 12th time when he will be seeking his sixth title and we wish him the best of luck.”

Djokovic has been a regular participant at the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships throughout his career, competing 11 times since making his debut in 2007 and winning the title on five occasions, most recently in 2020.

He was in Dubai earlier this month when transiting through the airport on his way back to Belgrade following his deportation from Australia.

Djokovic transits through Dubai on way to Belgrade

  • Serbian tennis player Novak Djokovic walks with his team after landing at Dubai International Airport on January 17, 2022 after the Australian Federal Court upheld a government decision to cancel his visa to play in the Australian Open. Reuters
    Serbian tennis player Novak Djokovic walks with his team after landing at Dubai International Airport on January 17, 2022 after the Australian Federal Court upheld a government decision to cancel his visa to play in the Australian Open. Reuters
  • Novak Djokovic walks through Dubai International Airport after landing from Melbourne where he was deported on Sunday. Reuters
    Novak Djokovic walks through Dubai International Airport after landing from Melbourne where he was deported on Sunday. Reuters
  • Serbian tennis player Novak Djokovic after landing in Dubai. Reuters
    Serbian tennis player Novak Djokovic after landing in Dubai. Reuters
  • Serbian tennis player Novak Djokovic. Reuters
    Serbian tennis player Novak Djokovic. Reuters
  • Novak Djokovic lost his appeal Sunday after the Australian government cancelled his visa for a second time. Reuters
    Novak Djokovic lost his appeal Sunday after the Australian government cancelled his visa for a second time. Reuters
  • World No 1 men's tennis player Novak Djokovic walks with his team at Dubai Airport. Reuters
    World No 1 men's tennis player Novak Djokovic walks with his team at Dubai Airport. Reuters
  • Novak Djokovic poses for a selfie. Reuters
    Novak Djokovic poses for a selfie. Reuters
  • Novak Djokovic seen walking through Dubai International Airport shortly after arriving from Melbourne. Reuters
    Novak Djokovic seen walking through Dubai International Airport shortly after arriving from Melbourne. Reuters
  • Serbia's tennis champion Novak Djokovic disembarks from a plane at the airport in Dubai. AFP
    Serbia's tennis champion Novak Djokovic disembarks from a plane at the airport in Dubai. AFP
  • Novak Djokovic poses for a selfie after landing at Dubai Airport. Reuters
    Novak Djokovic poses for a selfie after landing at Dubai Airport. Reuters
  • Serbian tennis player Novak Djokovic walks in Melbourne Airport before boarding a flight to Dubai. Reuters
    Serbian tennis player Novak Djokovic walks in Melbourne Airport before boarding a flight to Dubai. Reuters
  • Novak Djokovic walks through departures at Melbourne Airport before boarding a flight to Dubai. Reuters
    Novak Djokovic walks through departures at Melbourne Airport before boarding a flight to Dubai. Reuters
  • Serbian tennis player Novak Djokovic walks in Melbourne Airport escorted by aides. Reuters
    Serbian tennis player Novak Djokovic walks in Melbourne Airport escorted by aides. Reuters
  • A Federal Court upheld a government decision to cancel Novak Djokovic's visa to play in the Australian Open, in Melbourne. Reuters
    A Federal Court upheld a government decision to cancel Novak Djokovic's visa to play in the Australian Open, in Melbourne. Reuters
  • This screen grab taken from AFPTV shows a Dubai-bound plane carrying Serbia's Novak Djokovic preparing to depart from Melbourne Airport on January 16, 2022, after Djokovc lost a legal battle over his coronavirus vaccination status with his dream of clinching a record 21st Grand Slam in tatters. AFP
    This screen grab taken from AFPTV shows a Dubai-bound plane carrying Serbia's Novak Djokovic preparing to depart from Melbourne Airport on January 16, 2022, after Djokovc lost a legal battle over his coronavirus vaccination status with his dream of clinching a record 21st Grand Slam in tatters. AFP

Among those set to join the 20-time Grand Slam champion in Dubai are eight of the current top 20 players in the ATP rankings, including 2021 Dubai champion Aslan Karatsev, 2021 semi-finalists Andrey Rublev and Denis Shapovalov and former champion Roberto Bautista Agut.

The ATP tournament will follow the week after the WTA competition, which on Tuesday announced a stacked line-up comprising nine of the world's top 10 and 17 of the top 20.

Confirmed players include second-ranked Aryna Sabalenka, world No 3 and defending champion Garbine Muguruza, and two-time Dubai winner Simona Halep.

“We can once more look forward to two weeks of fantastic tennis as we not only enjoy the 30th year celebrations of the ATP Tour event, but an incredible line-up of talent in the preceding WTA 500 tournament that features nine of the world’s top 10 and 17 of the top 20 women players, including no less than five previous Dubai winners all returning to one of their favourite tournaments,” said tournament director Salah Tahlak.

Tickets for the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships are on sale online now with prices starting from Dh55, and tickets will also be available at the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Stadium Box Office from February 8.

Djokovic's 20 Grand Slams

  • 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.
Rocketman

Director: Dexter Fletcher

Starring: Taron Egerton, Richard Madden, Jamie Bell

Rating: 3 out of 5 stars 

2024%20Dubai%20Marathon%20Results
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Scoreline

Man Utd 2 Pogba 27', Martial 49'

Everton 1 Sigurdsson 77'

The burning issue

The internal combustion engine is facing a watershed moment – major manufacturer Volvo is to stop producing petroleum-powered vehicles by 2021 and countries in Europe, including the UK, have vowed to ban their sale before 2040. The National takes a look at the story of one of the most successful technologies of the last 100 years and how it has impacted life in the UAE.

Read part three: the age of the electric vehicle begins

Read part two: how climate change drove the race for an alternative 

Read part one: how cars came to the UAE

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 biog

Most memorable achievement: Leading my first city-wide charity campaign in Toronto holds a special place in my heart. It was for Amnesty International’s Stop Violence Against Women program and showed me the power of how communities can come together in the smallest ways to have such wide impact.

Favourite film: Childhood favourite would be Disney’s Jungle Book and classic favourite Gone With The Wind.

Favourite book: To Kill A Mockingbird for a timeless story on justice and courage and Harry Potters for my love of all things magical.

Favourite quote: “We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.” — Winston Churchill

Favourite food: Dim sum

Favourite place to travel to: Anywhere with natural beauty, wildlife and awe-inspiring sunsets.

Jetour T1 specs

Engine: 2-litre turbocharged

Power: 254hp

Torque: 390Nm

Price: From Dh126,000

Available: Now

MATCH INFO

Champions League quarter-final, first leg

Tottenham Hotspur v Manchester City, Tuesday, 11pm (UAE)

Matches can be watched on BeIN Sports

Key facilities
  • Olympic-size swimming pool with a split bulkhead for multi-use configurations, including water polo and 50m/25m training lanes
  • Premier League-standard football pitch
  • 400m Olympic running track
  • NBA-spec basketball court with auditorium
  • 600-seat auditorium
  • Spaces for historical and cultural exploration
  • An elevated football field that doubles as a helipad
  • Specialist robotics and science laboratories
  • AR and VR-enabled learning centres
  • Disruption Lab and Research Centre for developing entrepreneurial skills
The candidates

Dr Ayham Ammora, scientist and business executive

Ali Azeem, business leader

Tony Booth, professor of education

Lord Browne, former BP chief executive

Dr Mohamed El-Erian, economist

Professor Wyn Evans, astrophysicist

Dr Mark Mann, scientist

Gina MIller, anti-Brexit campaigner

Lord Smith, former Cabinet minister

Sandi Toksvig, broadcaster

 

UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
The specs: 2018 Ford F-150

Price, base / as tested: Dh173,250 / Dh178,500

Engine: 5.0-litre V8

Power: 395hp @ 5,000rpm

Torque: 555Nm @ 2,750rpm

Transmission: 10-speed automatic

Fuel consumption, combined: 12.4L / 100km

Updated: January 27, 2022, 10:20 AM