Spring break is around the corner, with most private schools in the UAE scheduled to close from March 27 to April 10.
Pupils will have the two-week break at the beginning of Ramadan, which is expected to begin in the UAE on March 23 — although the official date will be determined by the country's moon-sighting committee closer to the time.
There are plenty of deals to be had for travellers looking to escape on a budget. From exploring ancient history in Egypt's Alexandria to sun-seeking in the Maldives, these last-minute getaways are still available.
1. Underrated Albania
Albania has been growing in popularity as travellers increasingly discover how diverse and affordable the European destination can be. Known for its Adriatic and Ionian coastlines, plus its mountain peaks, Albania can be reached via a six-hour flight from Dubai.
Holiday Factory’s Albanian winter deal is still valid for departures before the end of March. It includes flights to Tirana with flydubai and four nights accommodation, including a hotel stay in the bustling capital and a stint in Korce, the country's cultural and economic centre. Also included are transfers to and from the airport, and between the cities.
From Dh2,999; including flights and hotels; www.holiday-factory.com
2. Georgia in the spring
Georgia still ranks highly when it comes to budget getaways and since it is only a three-and-a-half-hour flight from the UAE, it is ideal for a short break. Air Arabia Holidays is offering a five-night visit to Tbilisi, Georgia’s picturesque capital, departing from Abu Dhabi.
Travellers can stay at the colourful three-star Boutique Hotel Mojo, which is 600 metres from a mall, 6km from Tbilisi Zoo and 9km from Tbilisi Opera and Freedom Square. Visit the sulphur baths of Old Tbilisi, go shopping in the Meidan Bazar, tuck into Georgian cuisine and enjoy the springtime weather in this underrated destination. Transfers to and from the airport are included.
From Dh2,373 per person; including flights and hotel; www.airarabiaholidays.com
3. Self-drive adventures in Oman
For those craving a change of scenery but who don’t fancy flying, Trekkup Dubai’s trip to Oman for spring break is well worth considering.
Departing on March 31, it’s a two-night venture at a time when the country is welcoming its spring blooms. A five-hour drive to Oman takes travellers to their hotel, where an early night is recommended in preparation for an early start the following day. Heading to Jebel Akhdar — Oman’s green mountain — there's a group hike into a wadi, where banana and papaya plantations lead the way to the famed black pools of Maraibis for the chance of a quick dip. Post-hike, the sunset from Anantara Al Jabal Al Akhdar Resort, the highest point on the mountain, is recommended.
A hike through rose plantations takes place the next day. From mid-March until May, farms in these highlands turn pink as rosebuds flourish. Trekking to the Omani village of Al Ain, guests can see the process of rosewater making first-hand, before starting the drive back to Dubai with a few stops along the way.
Dh980 including hotel, hiking and all meals; www.meetup.com
4. Exploring Egypt's Alexandria
Alexandria on the north coast of Egypt is a striking city surrounded by the Mediterranean Sea. One of the great cities of the ancient world, there's plenty for travellers to see and do, and the weather in March is particularly pleasant.
Flydubai Holidays offers a three-night trip to Alexandria, departing from Dubai, with accommodation at the five-star Hilton Alexandria Green Plaza. This Art Deco-style hotel has a spa, two outdoor swimming pools and a well-equipped fitness centre, making it a good base.
Must-see sights include Pompey’s Pillar, the Catacombs of Kom el Shoqafa, the Citadel of Qaitbay and a drive along the corniche to visit the Alexandria National Museum and Bibliotheca Alexandrina. And for anyone that's not yet visited Egypt’s Great Pyramid, the Giza Plateau is reachable via an easy day trip from Alexandria.
Dh1,979.65 per person; including flights and hotel; www.bookholidays.flydubai.com
5. The Maldives on a budget
Wizz Air's new direct flights from Abu Dhabi mean a budget holiday to the Maldives is now possible, and there's availability for the spring break. The Indian Ocean destination is a four-hour flight from the UAE and offers golden shorelines, overwater villas and some of the world’s best sunsets.
The Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives is arguably the most beautiful Holiday Inn in the world. Set on Kandooma Fushi South Male Atoll, it is reached by a 45-minute speedboat transfer. There’s a sprawling outdoor swimming pool, surrounded by palm trees, three on-site restaurants and several bars, a fully-equipped health and fitness suite and a garden spa. Little ones can enjoy playing in the Kandoo Kids Club and children up to the age of 12 stay and eat for free.
Three nights from $1,172 (Dh4,304) www.ihg.com; and flights from Dh1,178; www.wizzair.com
6. A city break in Amman
The Jordanian capital has plenty of sightseeing opportunities with the option to visit the Dead Sea for the day. Etihad Holidays is offering a three-day package, giving visitors enough time to familiarise themselves with the city.
The offer includes accommodation at the five-star Kempinski Hotel Amman, which is in the heart of the city and has a spa, swimming pool and entertainment centre. Rainbow Street, about a 10-minute drive from the hotel, is popular for having great places to eat, drink and people-watch. The city's myriad ancient monuments, including the Citadel and the Roman Amphitheatre, can be explored the Dead Sea is merely an hour from the capital.
Dh3,595 per person, including flights and hotel; www.etihadholidays.com
SM Town Live is on Friday, April 6 at Autism Rocks Arena, Dubai. Tickets are Dh375 at www.platinumlist.net
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 Details
Article 15
Produced by: Carnival Cinemas, Zee Studios
Directed by: Anubhav Sinha
Starring: Ayushmann Khurrana, Kumud Mishra, Manoj Pahwa, Sayani Gupta, Zeeshan Ayyub
Our rating: 4/5
Ticket prices
General admission Dh295 (under-three free)
Buy a four-person Family & Friends ticket and pay for only three tickets, so the fourth family member is free
Buy tickets at: wbworldabudhabi.com/en/tickets
Scoreline
Syria 1-1 Australia
Syria Al Somah 85'
Australia Kruse 40'
Like a Fading Shadow
Antonio Muñoz Molina
Translated from the Spanish by Camilo A. Ramirez
Tuskar Rock Press (pp. 310)
Mercer, the investment consulting arm of US services company Marsh & McLennan, expects its wealth division to at least double its assets under management (AUM) in the Middle East as wealth in the region continues to grow despite economic headwinds, a company official said.
Mercer Wealth, which globally has $160 billion in AUM, plans to boost its AUM in the region to $2-$3bn in the next 2-3 years from the present $1bn, said Yasir AbuShaban, a Dubai-based principal with Mercer Wealth.
“Within the next two to three years, we are looking at reaching $2 to $3 billion as a conservative estimate and we do see an opportunity to do so,” said Mr AbuShaban.
Mercer does not directly make investments, but allocates clients’ money they have discretion to, to professional asset managers. They also provide advice to clients.
“We have buying power. We can negotiate on their (client’s) behalf with asset managers to provide them lower fees than they otherwise would have to get on their own,” he added.
Mercer Wealth’s clients include sovereign wealth funds, family offices, and insurance companies among others.
From its office in Dubai, Mercer also looks after Africa, India and Turkey, where they also see opportunity for growth.
Wealth creation in Middle East and Africa (MEA) grew 8.5 per cent to $8.1 trillion last year from $7.5tn in 2015, higher than last year’s global average of 6 per cent and the second-highest growth in a region after Asia-Pacific which grew 9.9 per cent, according to consultancy Boston Consulting Group (BCG). In the region, where wealth grew just 1.9 per cent in 2015 compared with 2014, a pickup in oil prices has helped in wealth generation.
BCG is forecasting MEA wealth will rise to $12tn by 2021, growing at an annual average of 8 per cent.
Drivers of wealth generation in the region will be split evenly between new wealth creation and growth of performance of existing assets, according to BCG.
Another general trend in the region is clients’ looking for a comprehensive approach to investing, according to Mr AbuShaban.
“Institutional investors or some of the families are seeing a slowdown in the available capital they have to invest and in that sense they are looking at optimizing the way they manage their portfolios and making sure they are not investing haphazardly and different parts of their investment are working together,” said Mr AbuShaban.
Some clients also have a higher appetite for risk, given the low interest-rate environment that does not provide enough yield for some institutional investors. These clients are keen to invest in illiquid assets, such as private equity and infrastructure.
“What we have seen is a desire for higher returns in what has been a low-return environment specifically in various fixed income or bonds,” he said.
“In this environment, we have seen a de facto increase in the risk that clients are taking in things like illiquid investments, private equity investments, infrastructure and private debt, those kind of investments were higher illiquidity results in incrementally higher returns.”
The Abu Dhabi Investment Authority, one of the largest sovereign wealth funds, said in its 2016 report that has gradually increased its exposure in direct private equity and private credit transactions, mainly in Asian markets and especially in China and India. The authority’s private equity department focused on structured equities owing to “their defensive characteristics.”
