• Novak Djokovic is against vaccination and says that could impede his return to tennis if it is made mandatory after the coronavirus crisis subsides. AP
    Novak Djokovic is against vaccination and says that could impede his return to tennis if it is made mandatory after the coronavirus crisis subsides. AP
  • Novak Djokovic said he will have to take a decision if vaccination is made mandatory in tennis, if and when it gets developed. Getty Images
    Novak Djokovic said he will have to take a decision if vaccination is made mandatory in tennis, if and when it gets developed. Getty Images
  • World No.1 Novak Djokovic’s opposition to vaccines could stand in the way of his return to tennis once it resumes from the coronavirus pandemic. PA
    World No.1 Novak Djokovic’s opposition to vaccines could stand in the way of his return to tennis once it resumes from the coronavirus pandemic. PA
  • Novak Djokovic had earlier revealed he has held discussions with Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal, left, regarding creating a relief fund for players lower down in the rankings. AFP
    Novak Djokovic had earlier revealed he has held discussions with Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal, left, regarding creating a relief fund for players lower down in the rankings. AFP
  • Roger Federer, left, and Novak Djokovic, right, along with Rafael Nadal and other senior players are being consulted about the plans for the rest of the tennis season. AFP
    Roger Federer, left, and Novak Djokovic, right, along with Rafael Nadal and other senior players are being consulted about the plans for the rest of the tennis season. AFP
  • Novak Djokovic of Serbia during his final singles match against Rafael Nadal of Spain during day 10 of the ATP Cup in Sydney in January. Getty Images
    Novak Djokovic of Serbia during his final singles match against Rafael Nadal of Spain during day 10 of the ATP Cup in Sydney in January. Getty Images
  • Novak Djokovic after defeating Roger Federer at the 2019 Wimbledon Championships. EPA
    Novak Djokovic after defeating Roger Federer at the 2019 Wimbledon Championships. EPA
  • Novak Djokovic during his semi-final against Roger Federer at the Australian Open in January. EPA
    Novak Djokovic during his semi-final against Roger Federer at the Australian Open in January. EPA
  • Novak Djokovic against Kevin Anderson of South Africa on day 2 of the ATP Cup in Australia in January. EPA
    Novak Djokovic against Kevin Anderson of South Africa on day 2 of the ATP Cup in Australia in January. EPA
  • Novak Djokovic is hoping to create a contingency fund for lower-ranked tennis players hit hard by the pandemic and shutdown. EPA
    Novak Djokovic is hoping to create a contingency fund for lower-ranked tennis players hit hard by the pandemic and shutdown. EPA

Novak Djokovic 'opposed to vaccination', admits that could stand in the way of his return to tennis


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World No1 Novak Djokovic revealed he is opposed to vaccination and that could stand in the way of his return to tennis once the coronavirus crisis subsides.

There is a growing call for all players to be vaccinated when tennis restarts, provided a vaccination is available by then.

Former world No1 Amelie Mauresmo last month said tennis should not resume unless players can be vaccinated, although the scientific community has repeatedly said that may be a year away, if a vaccine is developed at all.

"Personally I am opposed to vaccination and I wouldn't want to be forced by someone to take a vaccine in order to be able to travel," Djokovic said in a live Facebook chat with fellow Serbian athletes on Sunday.

"But if it becomes compulsory, what will happen? I will have to make a decision.

"I have my own thoughts about the matter and whether those thoughts will change at some point, I don't know.

"Hypothetically, if the season was to resume in July, August or September, though unlikely, I understand that a vaccine will become a requirement straight after we are out of strict quarantine and there is no vaccine yet."

Dual grand slam winner Mauresmo last month tweeted: "International circuit = players of all nationalities plus management, spectators and people from the four corners of the world who bring these events to life. No vaccine = no tennis."

The tennis world has been thrown into disarray due to the Covid-19 outbreak. Governing bodies have suspended all tournaments until July 13, so far. Wimbledon has been cancelled for the first time since World War II, and the French Open has been pushed back four months until late September.

UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets

GOLF’S RAHMBO

- 5 wins in 22 months as pro
- Three wins in past 10 starts
- 45 pro starts worldwide: 5 wins, 17 top 5s
- Ranked 551th in world on debut, now No 4 (was No 2 earlier this year)
- 5th player in last 30 years to win 3 European Tour and 2 PGA Tour titles before age 24 (Woods, Garcia, McIlroy, Spieth)

What drives subscription retailing?

Once the domain of newspaper home deliveries, subscription model retailing has combined with e-commerce to permeate myriad products and services.

The concept has grown tremendously around the world and is forecast to thrive further, according to UnivDatos Market Insights’ report on recent and predicted trends in the sector.

The global subscription e-commerce market was valued at $13.2 billion (Dh48.5bn) in 2018. It is forecast to touch $478.2bn in 2025, and include the entertainment, fitness, food, cosmetics, baby care and fashion sectors.

The report says subscription-based services currently constitute “a small trend within e-commerce”. The US hosts almost 70 per cent of recurring plan firms, including leaders Dollar Shave Club, Hello Fresh and Netflix. Walmart and Sephora are among longer established retailers entering the space.

UnivDatos cites younger and affluent urbanites as prime subscription targets, with women currently the largest share of end-users.

That’s expected to remain unchanged until 2025, when women will represent a $246.6bn market share, owing to increasing numbers of start-ups targeting women.

Personal care and beauty occupy the largest chunk of the worldwide subscription e-commerce market, with changing lifestyles, work schedules, customisation and convenience among the chief future drivers.

UAE v Gibraltar

What: International friendly

When: 7pm kick off

Where: Rugby Park, Dubai Sports City

Admission: Free

Online: The match will be broadcast live on Dubai Exiles’ Facebook page

UAE squad: Lucas Waddington (Dubai Exiles), Gio Fourie (Exiles), Craig Nutt (Abu Dhabi Harlequins), Phil Brady (Harlequins), Daniel Perry (Dubai Hurricanes), Esekaia Dranibota (Harlequins), Matt Mills (Exiles), Jaen Botes (Exiles), Kristian Stinson (Exiles), Murray Reason (Abu Dhabi Saracens), Dave Knight (Hurricanes), Ross Samson (Jebel Ali Dragons), DuRandt Gerber (Exiles), Saki Naisau (Dragons), Andrew Powell (Hurricanes), Emosi Vacanau (Harlequins), Niko Volavola (Dragons), Matt Richards (Dragons), Luke Stevenson (Harlequins), Josh Ives (Dubai Sports City Eagles), Sean Stevens (Saracens), Thinus Steyn (Exiles)

Profile Periscope Media

Founder: Smeetha Ghosh, one co-founder (anonymous)

Launch year: 2020

Employees: four – plans to add another 10 by July 2021

Financing stage: $250,000 bootstrap funding, approaching VC firms this year

Investors: Co-founders

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

Dunki
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GAC GS8 Specs

Engine: 2.0-litre 4cyl turbo

Power: 248hp at 5,200rpm

Torque: 400Nm at 1,750-4,000rpm

Transmission: 8-speed auto

Fuel consumption: 9.1L/100km

On sale: Now

Price: From Dh149,900

Dubai Rugby Sevens

November 30, December 1-2
International Vets
Christina Noble Children’s Foundation fixtures

Thursday, November 30:

10.20am, Pitch 3, v 100 World Legends Project
1.20pm, Pitch 4, v Malta Marauders

Friday, December 1:

9am, Pitch 4, v SBA Pirates