Andy Murray said he is undergoing "great preparation" for the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships, with the former world No 1 already on site getting familiar with the court and conditions.
Murray, champion in Dubai in 2017, has accepted a wildcard for the 2023 tournament, which takes place from February 27 to March 4 and features eight of the world's top 20 players, including world No 1 Novak Djokovic.
Preparing to take on a strong field, Murray has been practicing at the venue this week and said he is in good shape ahead of his bid for a second Dubai title.
“Practice has been brilliant,” the three-time Grand Slam champion said. “The court was pretty much brand-new when we started, so I got some really good sessions in. The team here have been unbelievably helpful. It’s been great preparation for these next two weeks – I’ve loved it.
“Everything has been super easy and smooth,” Murray added. “The facilities are fantastic, great gyms – they’ve even got a gym just for the players to use now, which is really nice."
Murray first appeared at the tournament 15 years ago, making his debut in 2008 where he defeated then world No 1 Roger Federer in the first round en route to the quarter-finals. In seven appearances, the 35-year-old Scot also reached the final in 2015.
“The tournament has changed a lot since the first time I was here," he said. "I mean, the whole city has changed, but the tournament has evolved. With the hotel here onsite now, it is brilliant for the players; it’s so easy and convenient – you spend no time in cars, or traffic, or anything. You’re right here.
“They always have brilliant food, great crowds, and lots of practice courts. I think the players have voted Dubai as one of the best ATP 500 events multiple times in the last 10 years or so, which says a lot. And each year the organisers keep improving it, so there’s really nothing to complain about.”
Murray has had an encouraging start to the season after coming through two marathon five-set matches at the Australian Open, putting his fitness to the test as he aims to return near the top of the rankings following career-saving hip surgery in 2019.
Murray hasn't played since his third-round exit at Melbourne Park but has got an extended team with him in Dubai, keeping him busy on and off the court.
“The kids are off this week, so they were able to come over,” he said. “It’s been part-training and part-holiday. We went to the aquarium at The Atlantis, watched the fountains outside the Burj Khalifa, and went to Miracle Gardens, which was good. We may go to one of the waterparks, but the kids are just loving being on the beach and in the pool – they are more than happy with that. It’s been really good.”
In addition to Djokovic, Murray will be joined in Dubai by defending champion Andrey Rublev, 2021 US Open winner Daniil Medvedev, Olympic gold medalist Alexander Zverev, and world No 8 Felix Auger-Aliassime.
“We are pleased to have Andy here with us, arriving early and taking the time to settle in and make the most of our facilities,” said Colm McLoughlin, executive vice chairman and CEO at Dubai Duty Free.
“As much as we know this tournament is popular among the players, as its organisers we remain very ambitious, so it’s great to hear Andy speaking so positively about the tournament evolution and acknowledging the hard work we are doing to constantly improve."
Before the men take to the courts, the WTA tournament will begin on Sunday headlined by world No 1 Iga Swiatek and recently-crowned Australian Open champion Aryna Sabalenka. However, Tunisian star and world No 3 Ons Jabeur will be absent due to injury.
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UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
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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Who are the Soroptimists?
The first Soroptimists club was founded in Oakland, California in 1921. The name comes from the Latin word soror which means sister, combined with optima, meaning the best.
The organisation said its name is best interpreted as ‘the best for women’.
Since then the group has grown exponentially around the world and is officially affiliated with the United Nations. The organisation also counts Queen Mathilde of Belgium among its ranks.
Lampedusa: Gateway to Europe
Pietro Bartolo and Lidia Tilotta
Quercus
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
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Price, base / as tested: Dh48,000
Engine: 2.4-litre four-cylinder
Power: 136hp @ 1,600rpm
Torque: 360Nm @ 1,600 rpm
Transmission: Five-speed manual
Fuel consumption, combined: 9.1L / 100km
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The flights
Emirates flies direct from Dubai to Seattle from Dh6,755 return in economy and Dh24,775 in business class.
The cruise
UnCruise Adventures offers a variety of small-ship cruises in Alaska and around the world. A 14-day Alaska’s Inside Passage and San Juans Cruise from Seattle to Juneau or reverse costs from $4,695 (Dh17,246), including accommodation, food and most activities. Trips in 2019 start in April and run until September.
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Volvo ES90 Specs
Engine: Electric single motor (96kW), twin motor (106kW) and twin motor performance (106kW)
Power: 333hp, 449hp, 680hp
Torque: 480Nm, 670Nm, 870Nm
On sale: Later in 2025 or early 2026, depending on region
Price: Exact regional pricing TBA
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Founder: Omar Onsi
Launched: 2018
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Investors: B&Y, Phoenician Funds, M1 Group, Shorooq Partners
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