The next UAE public holiday is around the corner and if you are planning to use the break for a last-minute escape, there are plenty of options on offer this Eid Al Adha.
While the exact dates of the coming holiday depend on the sighting of the Moon, it is believed Arafat Day will fall on July 9 this year.
That means Eid Al Adha holidays are most likely to start on Sunday, July 10, which would be a public holiday.
For UAE employees, this means a long weekend is on the cards, with the majority of people expected to be off from Saturday, July 9 until Tuesday, July 12.
Here are some destinations you can fly to from the UAE this Eid Al Adha.
Santorini, Greece
With Etihad Airways, flydubai and Wizz Air all offering flights to the picturesque Greek island, this could be the perfect time to pay a visit to its whitewashed villages and famous blue domes.
With a flight time of four hours and 40 minutes and no Covid-19 restrictions for travellers entering the country, a long weekend wandering its tiled streets and sampling fresh seafood is within easy reach.
Wizz Air operates three flights a week from the capital direct to Santorini, on Mondays, Thursdays and Fridays throughout summer, while Etihad also flies thrice weekly from Abu Dhabi, on Thursdays, Fridays and Sundays.
From Dubai, flydubai operates three weekly flights on Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays.
Flight prices start from Dh1,479 for the Eid break.
Salalah, Oman
If you want to escape the summer heat without clocking up too many air miles, head over the border to Oman, where Salalah’s Khareef season will be getting under way.
The Khareef season runs from July to September and is one of the most appealing times to visit the Sultanate thanks to the cool refreshing weather it brings with it.
Wizz Air operates three weekly flights from Abu Dhabi directly to Salalah on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays throughout the summer months, with prices starting from Dh820 over the Eid break.
From DXB, flydubai offers daily flights, with prices from Dh819. Oman lifted Covid-19 entry restrictions in May.
Tivat, Montenegro
If you fancy trying a new destination this Eid, take advantage of flydubai’s newly launched route to Tivat in the Bay of Kotor, in south-west Montenegro.
A Unesco World Heritage site, the Bay of Kotor is the largest natural harbour in the eastern Mediterranean and is now home to Porto Montenegro, a luxury marina with waterfront residences, hotels, restaurants, shopping, water sports and leisure activities.
Hiking or biking trips up the pine forest-covered Vrmac mountain offer expansive views of the bay and surrounding area, while Gornja Lastva, an abandoned 14th-century village, is located 3 kilometres from Tivat and offers a trip back in time.
Flydubai operates twice-weekly flights to Tivat from Dubai throughout summer. Operating on Fridays and Mondays, flight time is five hours and 40 minutes and prices over the Eid break start from Dh5,650.
Montenegro has no Covid-19 entry restrictions.
Pisa, Italy
Escape to Italy this Eid with flydubai’s new route to Pisa, set to launch on June 24.
Best known for its Leaning Tower, an architectural project gone somewhat awry, this vibrant city is home to a buzzing cafe and bar scene, Renaissance squares and Gothic churches.
While a visit to the Leaning Tower, or Torre Pendente, which leans 3.9 degrees off its axis, is essential, the Piazza dei Miracoli and Duomo are not to be missed. Pisa is a gateway to the rest of Tuscany, making it the ideal starting point for a longer Italian adventure.
Flydubai operates three flights per week on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Sundays, with prices over Eid starting at Dh1,670.
Italy lifted all Covid-19 entry requirements this month.
Cairo, Egypt
With several airlines operating low-cost fares to Cairo from cities across the UAE, the three-and-a-half-hour flight to the historic Egyptian capital makes it a great long-weekend choice.
With sand-covered tombs, ancient pyramids, the River Nile and bustling souqs, Eid celebrations in the city are not to be missed.
Etihad operates from Abu Dhabi to Cairo with Eid fares from Dh3,200 and from Dubai there's a choice of Emirates and Egyptair, with starting fares from Dh2,900.
Egypt last month lifted all Covid-19 restrictions for travellers visiting the country.
Vienna, Austria
If you are looking for a dose of untouched nature and beautiful European architecture this Eid, take advantage of low-cost airline Wizz Air’s newly launched route to Vienna.
Known for its imperial palaces, historic museum quarter and colourful parks, Austria’s capital comes alive in the summer, making July the perfect time to visit.
With two weekly flights operating from Abu Dhabi on Tuesdays and Saturdays, Eid fares start from Dh759.
From Dubai, Emirates also operates a daily route to the capital, with prices over Eid starting from Dh3,265.
The country lifted its Covid-19 restrictions last month, meaning travellers can visit without a negative PCR or proof of vaccination.
What is cyberbullying?
Cyberbullying or online bullying could take many forms such as sending unkind or rude messages to someone, socially isolating people from groups, sharing embarrassing pictures of them, or spreading rumors about them.
Cyberbullying can take place on various platforms such as messages, on social media, on group chats, or games.
Parents should watch out for behavioural changes in their children.
When children are being bullied they they may be feel embarrassed and isolated, so parents should watch out for signs of signs of depression and anxiety
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5 of the most-popular Airbnb locations in Dubai
Bobby Grudziecki, chief operating officer of Frank Porter, identifies the five most popular areas in Dubai for those looking to make the most out of their properties and the rates owners can secure:
• Dubai Marina
The Marina and Jumeirah Beach Residence are popular locations, says Mr Grudziecki, due to their closeness to the beach, restaurants and hotels.
Frank Porter’s average Airbnb rent:
One bedroom: Dh482 to Dh739
Two bedroom: Dh627 to Dh960
Three bedroom: Dh721 to Dh1,104
• Downtown
Within walking distance of the Dubai Mall, Burj Khalifa and the famous fountains, this location combines business and leisure. “Sure it’s for tourists,” says Mr Grudziecki. “Though Downtown [still caters to business people] because it’s close to Dubai International Financial Centre."
Frank Porter’s average Airbnb rent:
One bedroom: Dh497 to Dh772
Two bedroom: Dh646 to Dh1,003
Three bedroom: Dh743 to Dh1,154
• City Walk
The rising star of the Dubai property market, this area is lined with pristine sidewalks, boutiques and cafes and close to the new entertainment venue Coca Cola Arena. “Downtown and Marina are pretty much the same prices,” Mr Grudziecki says, “but City Walk is higher.”
Frank Porter’s average Airbnb rent:
One bedroom: Dh524 to Dh809
Two bedroom: Dh682 to Dh1,052
Three bedroom: Dh784 to Dh1,210
• Jumeirah Lake Towers
Dubai Marina’s little brother JLT resides on the other side of Sheikh Zayed road but is still close enough to beachside outlets and attractions. The big selling point for Airbnb renters, however, is that “it’s cheaper than Dubai Marina”, Mr Grudziecki says.
Frank Porter’s average Airbnb rent:
One bedroom: Dh422 to Dh629
Two bedroom: Dh549 to Dh818
Three bedroom: Dh631 to Dh941
• Palm Jumeirah
Palm Jumeirah's proximity to luxury resorts is attractive, especially for big families, says Mr Grudziecki, as Airbnb renters can secure competitive rates on one of the world’s most famous tourist destinations.
Frank Porter’s average Airbnb rent:
One bedroom: Dh503 to Dh770
Two bedroom: Dh654 to Dh1,002
Three bedroom: Dh752 to Dh1,152
Match info
Huddersfield Town 0
Chelsea 3
Kante (34'), Jorginho (45' pen), Pedro (80')
Benefits of first-time home buyers' scheme
- Priority access to new homes from participating developers
- Discounts on sales price of off-plan units
- Flexible payment plans from developers
- Mortgages with better interest rates, faster approval times and reduced fees
- DLD registration fee can be paid through banks or credit cards at zero interest rates
RESULTS
Bantamweight
Victor Nunes (BRA) beat Siyovush Gulmamadov (TJK)
(Split decision)
Featherweight
Hussein Salim (IRQ) beat Shakhriyor Juraev (UZB)
(Round 1 submission, armbar)
Catchweight 80kg
Rashed Dawood (UAE) beat Otabek Kadirov (UZB)
(Round-1 submission, rear naked choke)
Lightweight
Ho Taek-oh (KOR) beat Ronald Girones (CUB)
(Round 3 submission, triangle choke)
Lightweight
Arthur Zaynukov (RUS) beat Damien Lapilus (FRA)
(Unanimous points)
Bantamweight
Vinicius de Oliveira (BRA) beat Furkatbek Yokubov (RUS)
(Round 1 TKO)
Featherweight
Movlid Khaybulaev (RUS) v Zaka Fatullazade (AZE)
(Round 1 rear naked choke)
Flyweight
Shannon Ross (TUR) beat Donovon Freelow (USA)
(Unanimous decision)
Lightweight
Dan Collins (GBR) beat Mohammad Yahya (UAE)
(Round 2 submission D’arce choke)
Catchweight 73kg
Martun Mezhulmyan (ARM) beat Islam Mamedov (RUS)
(Round 3 submission, kneebar)
Bantamweight world title
Xavier Alaoui (MAR) beat Jaures Dea (CAM)
(Unanimous points 48-46, 49-45, 49-45)
Flyweight world title
Manon Fiorot (FRA) v Gabriela Campo (ARG)
(Round 1 RSC)
Specs
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Fire and Fury
By Michael Wolff,
Henry Holt
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
