Saudi Arabia’s Al Ula region will be celebrated with the return of Winter at Tantora.
The four-month programme of events, running from December 21 to March 27, features an expansive array of offerings spanning music, arts, fashion, food and wellness.
Held in the historic Al Ula region, which dates back more than 2,000 years and is the former capital of the ancient Arabian kingdom of Lihyan, Winter at Tantora aims to offer an immersive experience with four eclectic festivals set amid stunning surroundings.
With more details to be announced soon, here are five things to look forward to during the season.
1. Winter at Tantora (Tuesday, December 21 to Saturday, February 12)
The popular seasonal festival returns with concerts, exhibitions and horse races.
The programme for the festival, which will feature performances by five regional stars and three international artists, will be announced soon. The event will begin with a candle-lit classical music concert at the glittering Maraya hall in Al Hegra archaeological site.
Also on the programme are a range of equestrian events, including the return of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Endurance Race, Al Ula Desert Polo competition and the couture horse fashion event, Ikmah Fashion Calvary.
The region’s produce will also be highlighted with the Citrus Festival, while the Harrat Observation Desk will be open for stunning sunrise and sunset views of Al Ula from the top of the Harrat Uwayrid mountain.
Archaeology workshops and cultural displays will also be on offer at various heritage sites and in Al Ula’s Old Town.
2. Al Ula Arts (Sunday, February 13 to Saturday, February 26)
Al Ula’s physical and cultural diversity will serve as the inspiration for the arts festival.
Returning under the theme Art of Our Time, exhibitions will feature the kingdom’s leading and innovative names.
Saudi Arabia’s burgeoning movie industry will be on show with Cinema El House screening local art house films while venues Al Jedidiah and Oasis will be a hub for cultural activities throughout the festival.
3. Al Ula Skies (Sunday, February 27 to Saturday, March 12)
To truly appreciate the wondrous landscape of Al Ula, you need to reach for the skies.
Al Ula Skies provides visitors with a bird’s-eye view of Al Hegra’s ancient heritage sites and the rock formations of the Madakheel canyons through hot air balloon and helicopter rides respectively.
Another immersive experience can be had with Constellations, a state-of-the-art stargazing event featuring cutting edge technology and music.
You can book your activity from Sunday, February 27.
4. Al Ula Wellness Festival (Thursday, March 17 to Sunday, March 27)
The Oasis site in Al Ula will be home to all things wellness through fitness and the arts.
The Five Senses Sanctuary will provide yoga, meditation and mindfulness classes throughout the 10 days, while a more vigorous experience can be had through group led treks on Al Ula’s Eco Trail.
Those looking for a moment of reflection should visit Garden of Moments, a quiet haven and arts installation fusing space, lights and sound.
5. Go on hiking trails and indulge in meals by Michelin-star chefs (Tuesday, December 21 to Sunday, March 27)
In addition to the major programme of events, Winter at Tantora will also offer other features running throughout the festival.
A new bike track traversing the landscape has been constructed, in addition to a zip-line and hiking trails at Madakheel.
Foodies will also have the option of hearty local and gastronomic dishes with various restaurants including Maraya Social, a rooftop restaurant by Michelin-starred British chef Jason Atherton.
Al Ula Moments include free and ticketed experiences, with more information available at experiencealula.com
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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Started: 2020
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Houthis: Iran-backed rebels who occupy Sanaa and run unrecognised government
Yemeni government: Exiled government in Aden led by eight-member Presidential Leadership Council
Southern Transitional Council: Faction in Yemeni government that seeks autonomy for the south
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ARGYLLE
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Try out the test yourself
Q1 Suppose you had $100 in a savings account and the interest rate was 2 per cent per year. After five years, how much do you think you would have in the account if you left the money to grow?
a) More than $102
b) Exactly $102
c) Less than $102
d) Do not know
e) Refuse to answer
Q2 Imagine that the interest rate on your savings account was 1 per cent per year and inflation was 2 per cent per year. After one year, how much would you be able to buy with the money in this account?
a) More than today
b) Exactly the same as today
c) Less than today
d) Do not know
e) Refuse to answer
Q4 Do you think that the following statement is true or false? “Buying a single company stock usually provides a safer return than a stock mutual fund.”
a) True
b) False
d) Do not know
e) Refuse to answer
The “Big Three” financial literacy questions were created by Professors Annamaria Lusardi of the George Washington School of Business and Olivia Mitchell, of the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania.
Answers: Q1 More than $102 (compound interest). Q2 Less than today (inflation). Q3 False (diversification).
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AI traffic lights to ease congestion at seven points to Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Street
The seven points are:
Shakhbout bin Sultan Street
Dhafeer Street
Hadbat Al Ghubainah Street (outbound)
Salama bint Butti Street
Al Dhafra Street
Rabdan Street
Umm Yifina Street exit (inbound)
