It should come as no surprise that confidence is not an attribute lacking from Novak Djokovic.
Why should it considering all he has achieved in a career that has cemented him among the greats, and if it continues at the present pace, will propel him to arguably the greatest of them all.
Djokovic, 28, arrives at the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships this week after a 2015 season, and start to this year, that not only proves his dominance of men's tennis, but extended it to previously unseen levels.
To quickly recap, the Serbian world No 1 ended last season with 11 ATP titles, including three of the four grand slams, reached the final of every tournament apart from one, in Doha, and accumulated a win-loss record of 82-6.
This season has started at similarly alarming pace, with two tournaments played and another two titles, including a sixth Australian Open trophy.
ALSO READ: Is Djokovic greatest ever? Not yet but he's getting closer
One of the few tournaments Djokovic failed to win last year was Dubai, although with 2015 and seven-time champion Roger Federer absent this week due to knee surgery, the 11-time grand slam winner is the overwhelming favourite to win a fifth title.
If Djokovic’s rivals needed any more reason to fear the world No 1, then hearing about his brimming confidence is unlikely to do them any favours.
“I have to be honest, it doesn’t surprise me,” Djokovic said when asked about his dominance. “I expect a lot from myself, and I put a lot of dedication into every aspect of the sport in order to get the results I’m getting.
“I try to approach each tournament optimistically, and I believe I can win every match that I play against anybody on any surface. The tournaments and results I have had in the last couple of years give me enough reason to be optimistic. I don’t think there is anything wrong with that.
“I try not to be overconfident because I have lots of respect for all the players and I know I am not the only one who wants to be the best in the world.
“But being at the peak of my career in this moment, I’m trying to use this momentum and take everything out of myself to achieve more. To what extent, I don’t know and I don’t want to think about it too much.”
Since his Australian Open triumph, Djokovic has taken time away from tennis to rest, and while his remarkable fitness levels are among his finest attributes, it is being more selective with tournaments that enables him to perform at his pinnacle.
Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships: The National's full coverage
“I have been spending a lot of time with my wife and my child, leaving the racket on the side. It is important to balance well in order to recharge and to regain that freshness you need to continue at a high level to compete here in Dubai and what’s coming after Dubai,” Djokovic said.
“That is what I have been doing for the last five or six years, following that particular schedule. It is necessary in order to build up the substance needed ahead of a tough three months, with Indian Wells, Miami and the clay court swing coming up.
“Thankfully, I am a father and a husband and already that is a lot of work, but also a lot of pleasure. These three weeks felt like it was more so I’m eager to come back and eager to compete.”
In his first round match, Djokovic will face Tommy Robredo, a player he has beaten in six of their eight meetings, although it was the Spanish 33-year-old that triumphed in their last encounter, in Cincinnati in 2014.
Despite Robredo’s experience and standing in the game, he should pose few problems for Djokovic Monday evening, and given the form and confidence being displayed by the world No 1, neither should the rest of the Dubai field.
jturner@thenational.ae
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What is blockchain?
Blockchain is a form of distributed ledger technology, a digital system in which data is recorded across multiple places at the same time. Unlike traditional databases, DLTs have no central administrator or centralised data storage. They are transparent because the data is visible and, because they are automatically replicated and impossible to be tampered with, they are secure.
The main difference between blockchain and other forms of DLT is the way data is stored as ‘blocks’ – new transactions are added to the existing ‘chain’ of past transactions, hence the name ‘blockchain’. It is impossible to delete or modify information on the chain due to the replication of blocks across various locations.
Blockchain is mostly associated with cryptocurrency Bitcoin. Due to the inability to tamper with transactions, advocates say this makes the currency more secure and safer than traditional systems. It is maintained by a network of people referred to as ‘miners’, who receive rewards for solving complex mathematical equations that enable transactions to go through.
However, one of the major problems that has come to light has been the presence of illicit material buried in the Bitcoin blockchain, linking it to the dark web.
Other blockchain platforms can offer things like smart contracts, which are automatically implemented when specific conditions from all interested parties are reached, cutting the time involved and the risk of mistakes. Another use could be storing medical records, as patients can be confident their information cannot be changed. The technology can also be used in supply chains, voting and has the potential to used for storing property records.
Need to know
The flights: Flydubai flies from Dubai to Kilimanjaro airport via Dar es Salaam from Dh1,619 return including taxes. The trip takes 8 hours.
The trek: Make sure that whatever tour company you select to climb Kilimanjaro, that it is a reputable one. The way to climb successfully would be with experienced guides and porters, from a company committed to quality, safety and an ethical approach to the mountain and its staff. Sonia Nazareth booked a VIP package through Safari Africa. The tour works out to $4,775 (Dh17,538) per person, based on a 4-person booking scheme, for 9 nights on the mountain (including one night before and after the trek at Arusha). The price includes all meals, a head guide, an assistant guide for every 2 trekkers, porters to carry the luggage, a cook and kitchen staff, a dining and mess tent, a sleeping tent set up for 2 persons, a chemical toilet and park entrance fees. The tiny ration of heated water provided for our bath in our makeshift private bathroom stall was the greatest luxury. A standard package, also based on a 4-person booking, works out to $3,050 (Dh11,202) per person.
When to go: You can climb Kili at any time of year, but the best months to ascend are January-February and September-October. Also good are July and August, if you’re tolerant of the colder weather that winter brings.
Do not underestimate the importance of kit. Even if you’re travelling at a relatively pleasant time, be geared up for the cold and the rain.
Indika
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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
How to avoid crypto fraud
- Use unique usernames and passwords while enabling multi-factor authentication.
- Use an offline private key, a physical device that requires manual activation, whenever you access your wallet.
- Avoid suspicious social media ads promoting fraudulent schemes.
- Only invest in crypto projects that you fully understand.
- Critically assess whether a project’s promises or returns seem too good to be true.
- Only use reputable platforms that have a track record of strong regulatory compliance.
- Store funds in hardware wallets as opposed to online exchanges.
From Zero
Artist: Linkin Park
Label: Warner Records
Number of tracks: 11
Rating: 4/5
MATCH INFO
Bayern Munich 2 Borussia Monchengladbach 1
Bayern: Zirkzee (26'), Goretzka (86')
Gladbach: Pavard (37' og)
Man of the Match: Breel Embolo (Borussia Monchengladbach)
ESSENTIALS
The flights
Fly Etihad or Emirates from the UAE to Moscow from 2,763 return per person return including taxes.
Where to stay
Trips on the Golden Eagle Trans-Siberian cost from US$16,995 (Dh62,414) per person, based on two sharing.
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.
Results
1. Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes) 1hr 32mins 03.897sec
2. Max Verstappen (Red Bull-Honda) at 0.745s
3. Valtteri Bottas (Mercedes) 37.383s
4. Lando Norris (McLaren) 46.466s
5.Sergio Perez (Red Bull-Honda) 52.047s
6. Charles Leclerc (Ferrari) 59.090s
7. Daniel Ricciardo (McLaren) 1:06.004
8. Carlos Sainz Jr (Ferrari) 1:07.100
9. Yuki Tsunoda (AlphaTauri-Honda) 1:25.692
10. Lance Stroll (Aston Martin-Mercedes) 1:26.713,
