• An Arabic-style villa in Palm Jumeirah. Dubai is recording a sharp increase in the sale of homes valued at more than $10 million. Photo: Engel and Voelkers
    An Arabic-style villa in Palm Jumeirah. Dubai is recording a sharp increase in the sale of homes valued at more than $10 million. Photo: Engel and Voelkers
  • A Dh48million mansion in Emirates Hills. In Dubai, 22 homes worth more than $10m were sold in the first five months of 2021, the most since 2015, and up from 19 homes in the corresponding period in 2020. Photo: Engel and Voelkers
    A Dh48million mansion in Emirates Hills. In Dubai, 22 homes worth more than $10m were sold in the first five months of 2021, the most since 2015, and up from 19 homes in the corresponding period in 2020. Photo: Engel and Voelkers
  • A custom-built luxury villa in Dubai Hills Estate. Dubai was one of the first cities to reopen its borders to international tourists in July 2020. Photo: Luxhabitat Sotheby's International Realty
    A custom-built luxury villa in Dubai Hills Estate. Dubai was one of the first cities to reopen its borders to international tourists in July 2020. Photo: Luxhabitat Sotheby's International Realty
  • A rendering of a luxury villa in Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum City. The sharp increase in Dubai's luxury home market reflects similar patterns in other global cities. Photo: Meydan Sobha
    A rendering of a luxury villa in Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum City. The sharp increase in Dubai's luxury home market reflects similar patterns in other global cities. Photo: Meydan Sobha
  • Night-time rendering of a mansion at Meraas’ Bvlgari Residences on Jumeirah Bay Island. Photo: Meraas
    Night-time rendering of a mansion at Meraas’ Bvlgari Residences on Jumeirah Bay Island. Photo: Meraas
  • The Il Primo apartments in Downtown Dubai. The smallest units of around 4,979 square feet are being sold for £3.5 million each. Photo: Emaar
    The Il Primo apartments in Downtown Dubai. The smallest units of around 4,979 square feet are being sold for £3.5 million each. Photo: Emaar
  • The swimming pool at the MAG 318 upscale residential tower in Business Bay. Antonie Robertson / The National
    The swimming pool at the MAG 318 upscale residential tower in Business Bay. Antonie Robertson / The National

Dubai tenants face difficult rent decisions as property market thrives


Kelly Clarke
  • English
  • Arabic

As the economy recovers from the onset of the pandemic and Dubai property prices recover, tenants say they face sizeable rises in rent.

In some of the most popular areas of the emirate, rent has increased by up to 20 per cent after prices dipped during the pandemic.

In October last year, Lebanese resident Hoda Ayache, 52, rented a spacious flat in Dubai Sports City through an estate agency so she could work from home more comfortably.

She paid Dh42,000 a year for the two-bedroom property, and said this was a good deal at the time, despite months of maintenance glitches including problems with the air conditioning and plumbing.

The agency sent me an email and stated that according to the Rera calculator they could increase the rent by 20 per cent as the property was already rented out at 40 per cent less than market value
Hoda Ayache,
Dubai resident

In July, three months before her contract was up for renewal, she was told the rent would rise to Dh50,400 a year.

“The agency sent me an email and stated that according to the Real Estate Regulatory Authority (Rera) calculator, they could increase the rent by 20 per cent as the property was already rented out at 40 per cent less than market value,” she told The National.

Hoda Ayache moved out of her apartment in Sports City as the rent increase was too high. Khushnum Bhandari / The National
Hoda Ayache moved out of her apartment in Sports City as the rent increase was too high. Khushnum Bhandari / The National

“I wouldn’t have minded so much, but the apartment was in such bad condition. For the whole time I was living there, the air conditioning did not work correctly and I had continuous leaks in the bathroom ceiling.

“Despite several visits from the maintenance team, the landlord or agency didn’t fix the issues, so when I got that email about the rent increase I was shocked.”

After months of going back and forth, trying to negotiate the price, Ms Ayache decided to move out of the apartment when her contract expired.

Lucas Charles, a public relations executive from New Zealand, said he faced a yearly increase of Dh6,000 on his two-bedroom property in The Greens two months ago. He had been paying Dh56,000 per year for two years prior to the rent increase alert.

“I know the rental market has bounced back from the Covid-19 pandemic, which is good for landlords, but some people are still faced with pay cuts from work,” he said.

  • Dubai rents Q2, 2021
    Dubai rents Q2, 2021
  • Dubai rents Q2, 2021
    Dubai rents Q2, 2021
  • Dubai rents Q2, 2021
    Dubai rents Q2, 2021
  • Dubai rents Q2, 2021
    Dubai rents Q2, 2021
  • Dubai rents Q2, 2021
    Dubai rents Q2, 2021
  • Dubai rents Q2, 2021
    Dubai rents Q2, 2021
  • Dubai rents Q2, 2021
    Dubai rents Q2, 2021
  • Dubai rents Q2, 2021
    Dubai rents Q2, 2021
  • Dubai rents Q2, 2021
    Dubai rents Q2, 2021
  • Dubai rents Q2, 2021
    Dubai rents Q2, 2021
  • Dubai rents Q2, 2021
    Dubai rents Q2, 2021
  • Dubai rents Q2, 2021
    Dubai rents Q2, 2021
  • Dubai rents Q2, 2021
    Dubai rents Q2, 2021
  • Dubai rents Q2, 2021
    Dubai rents Q2, 2021
  • Dubai rents Q2, 2021
    Dubai rents Q2, 2021
  • Dubai rents Q2, 2021
    Dubai rents Q2, 2021
  • Dubai rents Q2, 2021
    Dubai rents Q2, 2021
  • Dubai rents Q2, 2021
    Dubai rents Q2, 2021
  • Dubai rents Q2, 2021
    Dubai rents Q2, 2021
  • Dubai rents Q2, 2021
    Dubai rents Q2, 2021
  • Dubai rents Q2, 2021
    Dubai rents Q2, 2021
  • Dubai rents Q2, 2021
    Dubai rents Q2, 2021
  • Dubai rents Q2, 2021
    Dubai rents Q2, 2021
  • Dubai rents Q2, 2021
    Dubai rents Q2, 2021
  • Dubai rents Q2, 2021
    Dubai rents Q2, 2021
  • Dubai rents Q2, 2021
    Dubai rents Q2, 2021

“To get slapped with a considerable rent hike is stressful. I didn’t want to move from the property as I love the area, so I tried to negotiate a fair deal.

“After several unanswered emails, I eventually managed to speak to someone but had no luck trying to lower the increase. I ended up just agreeing to the new contract.”

He now pays Dh62,000 a year for his apartment.

Estate agents say property market is booming

Estate agents working across the city said the rental market has not been this busy in years. Clients are eager to snap up townhouses and villas – particularly in the city’s desert suburbs – as quickly as possible. The legacy of remote working is a major factor, with many professionals now splitting their working week between the office and home.

Mario Volpi, sales and leasing manager for Engel & Voelkers, said landlords can legally raise the rent by up to a fifth, regardless of whether they are charging below market price.

“The most he or she can raise it by in any one year is 20 per cent, but it has to be in line with what the Rera calculator states,” he said.

“The likelihood is, if a tenant is now being charged 20 per cent more from one year to the next, they must have been paying well below market value to begin with.

“When someone moves into a property, a tenancy agreement is written. In that, it states that if a tenant or landlord wish to make changes to a contract, be it the rent or number of cheques given, this has to be communicated three months before the year is up,” Mr Volpi said.

  • The property is on the rental market for Dh500,000 per year
    The property is on the rental market for Dh500,000 per year
  • Lounge in the enormous bath soaking up the Dubai view
    Lounge in the enormous bath soaking up the Dubai view
  • The master bedroom
    The master bedroom
  • The generously sized open-plan living and dining room
    The generously sized open-plan living and dining room
  • Breakfast with a view
    Breakfast with a view
  • One of the two generously sized bedrooms
    One of the two generously sized bedrooms
  • A snooker table in the form of a life-sized vintage car model in the bar area
    A snooker table in the form of a life-sized vintage car model in the bar area
  • A sleek hotel-quality ensuite bathroom
    A sleek hotel-quality ensuite bathroom
  • Dubai skyline views from the bedroom
    Dubai skyline views from the bedroom
  • The home office
    The home office
  • Look out across the city from the comfort of your bed
    Look out across the city from the comfort of your bed
  • The kitchen is finished with sleek black and white fittings and bold red appliances
    The kitchen is finished with sleek black and white fittings and bold red appliances
  • A walk-in wardrobe
    A walk-in wardrobe
  • Modern bathroom finishes
    Modern bathroom finishes
  • The open-plan living and dining room area, with floor-to-ceiling windows
    The open-plan living and dining room area, with floor-to-ceiling windows
  • Ample space for lounging
    Ample space for lounging
  • The property has been fully upgraded throughout
    The property has been fully upgraded throughout
  • High-end built-in cabinets in the living room
    High-end built-in cabinets in the living room

“If the landlord has communicated a rental increase within the 90-day period, in writing, and it is in line with the Rera calculator, if the tenant does not agree, their only other choice is to vacate the property.”

How Dubai’s rent calculator works

Rera was established 2013 to regulate the market and prevent it from overheating. Its rental calculator shows whether or not an increase is applicable and uses criteria such as location, property type, current rent and number of rooms. It works by comparing properties with similar ones nearby.

For instance, if the current annual rent is below 10 per cent of the market value, no increase is allowed. But if the rent is between 11 per cent and 20 per cent under the market, a maximum rise of 5 per cent is permitted. This progresses to a maximum of 20 per cent.

Mr Volpi said coming to a fair agreement on rent is all about negotiating and “establishing good landlord-tenant relationships”. But ultimately, if the landlord does not agree to the tenant’s revised price, the tenant has to vacate.

While tenants may feel hard done by in this case, Mr Volpi said the current property laws often tend to “favour and protect the tenant”, as the government does not want to be seen allowing landlords to push tenants out unfairly.

“When the market is going up, as it is now, the landlord has to abide by the Rera calculator not the market price,” he said.

“But when prices go down, the rent calculator goes out of the window and the tenant relies with the market forces and, as such, has way more bargaining power.”

Naseer Alam, founder and chief executive of Expert Properties in Dubai, said demand for residential property was rising.

“This is majorly because of people visiting the UAE for Expo 2020 Dubai,” he said.

“It has led to a substantial rise in the properties, be it short or long-term, particularly studio apartments preferred by executives or villas opted for by families. As per our records, this rise in price is greater than anything that has been in the past three years.

“Some of the most prominent areas where these properties have witnessed an increase in demand and rents are Dubai Marina, Al Wasl, Jumeirah, The Palm and Dubai Silicon Oasis.”

How properties in Dubai go in minutes

  • Estate agent Charlie Shetliffe is arranging up to six viewings a day for potential tenants. Issa AlKindy for The National
    Estate agent Charlie Shetliffe is arranging up to six viewings a day for potential tenants. Issa AlKindy for The National
  • Prospective tenants view a property in Dubai's Jumeirah Golf Estates. Issa AlKindy for The National
    Prospective tenants view a property in Dubai's Jumeirah Golf Estates. Issa AlKindy for The National
  • Dubai Marina remains the most popular destination in the emirate for those seeking luxury apartments, according to a report. AFP
    Dubai Marina remains the most popular destination in the emirate for those seeking luxury apartments, according to a report. AFP
  • Jumeirah Village Circle is the most searched for area by those looking for budget-friendly apartments in Dubai, the report revealed. Chris Whiteoak / The National
    Jumeirah Village Circle is the most searched for area by those looking for budget-friendly apartments in Dubai, the report revealed. Chris Whiteoak / The National
  • There is currently a lot of demand for villa communities in Dubai, according to estate agents. Issa AlKindy for The National
    There is currently a lot of demand for villa communities in Dubai, according to estate agents. Issa AlKindy for The National
  • Villas and town houses are being snapped up almost immediately in the emirate. Issa AlKindy for The National
    Villas and town houses are being snapped up almost immediately in the emirate. Issa AlKindy for The National
  • Potential tenants measure a property in Jumeirah Golf Estates. Issa AlKindy for The National
    Potential tenants measure a property in Jumeirah Golf Estates. Issa AlKindy for The National
Karwaan

Producer: Ronnie Screwvala

Director: Akarsh Khurana

Starring: Irrfan Khan, Dulquer Salmaan, Mithila Palkar

Rating: 4/5

Who are the Sacklers?

The Sackler family is a transatlantic dynasty that owns Purdue Pharma, which manufactures and markets OxyContin, one of the drugs at the centre of America's opioids crisis. The family is well known for their generous philanthropy towards the world's top cultural institutions, including Guggenheim Museum, the National Portrait Gallery, Tate in Britain, Yale University and the Serpentine Gallery, to name a few. Two branches of the family control Purdue Pharma.

Isaac Sackler and Sophie Greenberg were Jewish immigrants who arrived in New York before the First World War. They had three sons. The first, Arthur, died before OxyContin was invented. The second, Mortimer, who died aged 93 in 2010, was a former chief executive of Purdue Pharma. The third, Raymond, died aged 97 in 2017 and was also a former chief executive of Purdue Pharma. 

It was Arthur, a psychiatrist and pharmaceutical marketeer, who started the family business dynasty. He and his brothers bought a small company called Purdue Frederick; among their first products were laxatives and prescription earwax remover.

Arthur's branch of the family has not been involved in Purdue for many years and his daughter, Elizabeth, has spoken out against it, saying the company's role in America's drugs crisis is "morally abhorrent".

The lawsuits that were brought by the attorneys general of New York and Massachussetts named eight Sacklers. This includes Kathe, Mortimer, Richard, Jonathan and Ilene Sackler Lefcourt, who are all the children of either Mortimer or Raymond. Then there's Theresa Sackler, who is Mortimer senior's widow; Beverly, Raymond's widow; and David Sackler, Raymond's grandson.

Members of the Sackler family are rarely seen in public.

ALRAWABI%20SCHOOL%20FOR%20GIRLS
%3Cp%3ECreator%3A%20Tima%20Shomali%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3EStarring%3A%C2%A0Tara%20Abboud%2C%C2%A0Kira%20Yaghnam%2C%20Tara%20Atalla%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3ERating%3A%204%2F5%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Champion%20v%20Champion%20(PFL%20v%20Bellator)
%3Cp%3EHeavyweight%3A%20Renan%20Ferreira%20v%20Ryan%20Bader%20%3Cbr%3EMiddleweight%3A%20Impa%20Kasanganay%20v%20Johnny%20Eblen%3Cbr%3EFeatherweight%3A%20Jesus%20Pinedo%20v%20Patricio%20Pitbull%3Cbr%3ECatchweight%3A%20Ray%20Cooper%20III%20v%20Jason%20Jackson%3Cbr%3E%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EShowcase%20Bouts%3C%2Fstrong%3E%3Cbr%3EHeavyweight%3A%20Bruno%20Cappelozza%20(former%20PFL%20World%20champ)%20v%20Vadim%20Nemkov%20(former%20Bellator%20champ)%3Cbr%3ELight%20Heavyweight%3A%20Thiago%20Santos%20(PFL%20title%20contender)%20v%20Yoel%20Romero%20(Bellator%20title%20contender)%3Cbr%3ELightweight%3A%20Clay%20Collard%20(PFL%20title%20contender)%20v%20AJ%20McKee%20(former%20Bellator%20champ)%3Cbr%3EFeatherweight%3A%20Gabriel%20Braga%20(PFL%20title%20contender)%20v%20Aaron%20Pico%20(Bellator%20title%20contender)%3Cbr%3ELightweight%3A%20Biaggio%20Ali%20Walsh%20(pro%20debut)%20v%20Emmanuel%20Palacios%20(pro%20debut)%3Cbr%3EWomen%E2%80%99s%20Lightweight%3A%20Claressa%20Shields%20v%20Kelsey%20DeSantis%3Cbr%3EFeatherweight%3A%20Abdullah%20Al%20Qahtani%20v%20Edukondal%20Rao%3Cbr%3EAmateur%20Flyweight%3A%20Malik%20Basahel%20v%20Vinicius%20Pereira%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Defence review at a glance

• Increase defence spending to 2.5% of GDP by 2027 but given “turbulent times it may be necessary to go faster”

• Prioritise a shift towards working with AI and autonomous systems

• Invest in the resilience of military space systems.

• Number of active reserves should be increased by 20%

• More F-35 fighter jets required in the next decade

• New “hybrid Navy” with AUKUS submarines and autonomous vessels

The specs

Engine: 5.0-litre supercharged V8

Transmission: Eight-speed auto

Power: 575bhp

Torque: 700Nm

Price: Dh554,000

On sale: now

Specs%20
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EPower%20train%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E4.0-litre%20twin-turbo%20V8%20and%20synchronous%20electric%20motor%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EMax%20power%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E800hp%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EMax%20torque%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E950Nm%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ETransmission%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EEight-speed%20auto%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EBattery%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E25.7kWh%20lithium-ion%3Cbr%3E0-100km%2Fh%3A%203.4sec%3Cbr%3E0-200km%2Fh%3A%2011.4sec%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ETop%20speed%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E312km%2Fh%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EMax%20electric-only%20range%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%2060km%20(claimed)%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EOn%20sale%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Q3%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EPrice%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EFrom%20Dh1.2m%20(estimate)%3Cbr%3E%3Cbr%3E%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
How to apply for a drone permit
  • Individuals must register on UAE Drone app or website using their UAE Pass
  • Add all their personal details, including name, nationality, passport number, Emiratis ID, email and phone number
  • Upload the training certificate from a centre accredited by the GCAA
  • Submit their request
What are the regulations?
  • Fly it within visual line of sight
  • Never over populated areas
  • Ensure maximum flying height of 400 feet (122 metres) above ground level is not crossed
  • Users must avoid flying over restricted areas listed on the UAE Drone app
  • Only fly the drone during the day, and never at night
  • Should have a live feed of the drone flight
  • Drones must weigh 5 kg or less
In-demand jobs and monthly salaries
  • Technology expert in robotics and automation: Dh20,000 to Dh40,000 
  • Energy engineer: Dh25,000 to Dh30,000 
  • Production engineer: Dh30,000 to Dh40,000 
  • Data-driven supply chain management professional: Dh30,000 to Dh50,000 
  • HR leader: Dh40,000 to Dh60,000 
  • Engineering leader: Dh30,000 to Dh55,000 
  • Project manager: Dh55,000 to Dh65,000 
  • Senior reservoir engineer: Dh40,000 to Dh55,000 
  • Senior drilling engineer: Dh38,000 to Dh46,000 
  • Senior process engineer: Dh28,000 to Dh38,000 
  • Senior maintenance engineer: Dh22,000 to Dh34,000 
  • Field engineer: Dh6,500 to Dh7,500
  • Field supervisor: Dh9,000 to Dh12,000
  • Field operator: Dh5,000 to Dh7,000
The bio

Favourite food: Japanese

Favourite car: Lamborghini

Favourite hobby: Football

Favourite quote: If your dreams don’t scare you, they are not big enough

Favourite country: UAE

Electric scooters: some rules to remember
  • Riders must be 14-years-old or over
  • Wear a protective helmet
  • Park the electric scooter in designated parking lots (if any)
  • Do not leave electric scooter in locations that obstruct traffic or pedestrians
  • Solo riders only, no passengers allowed
  • Do not drive outside designated lanes

Name: Peter Dicce

Title: Assistant dean of students and director of athletics

Favourite sport: soccer

Favourite team: Bayern Munich

Favourite player: Franz Beckenbauer

Favourite activity in Abu Dhabi: scuba diving in the Northern Emirates 

 

The Gandhi Murder
  • 71 - Years since the death of MK Gandhi, also christened India's Father of the Nation
  • 34 - Nationalities featured in the film The Gandhi Murder
  • 7 - million dollars, the film's budget 
Gender pay parity on track in the UAE

The UAE has a good record on gender pay parity, according to Mercer's Total Remuneration Study.

"In some of the lower levels of jobs women tend to be paid more than men, primarily because men are employed in blue collar jobs and women tend to be employed in white collar jobs which pay better," said Ted Raffoul, career products leader, Mena at Mercer. "I am yet to see a company in the UAE – particularly when you are looking at a blue chip multinationals or some of the bigger local companies – that actively discriminates when it comes to gender on pay."

Mr Raffoul said most gender issues are actually due to the cultural class, as the population is dominated by Asian and Arab cultures where men are generally expected to work and earn whereas women are meant to start a family.

"For that reason, we see a different gender gap. There are less women in senior roles because women tend to focus less on this but that’s not due to any companies having a policy penalising women for any reasons – it’s a cultural thing," he said.

As a result, Mr Raffoul said many companies in the UAE are coming up with benefit package programmes to help working mothers and the career development of women in general. 

Zimbabwe v UAE, ODI series

All matches at the Harare Sports Club:

1st ODI, Wednesday, April 10

2nd ODI, Friday, April 12

3rd ODI, Sunday, April 14

4th ODI, Tuesday, April 16

UAE squad: Mohammed Naveed (captain), Rohan Mustafa, Ashfaq Ahmed, Shaiman Anwar, Mohammed Usman, CP Rizwan, Chirag Suri, Mohammed Boota, Ghulam Shabber, Sultan Ahmed, Imran Haider, Amir Hayat, Zahoor Khan, Qadeer Ahmed

%20Ramez%20Gab%20Min%20El%20Akher
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ECreator%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Ramez%20Galal%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EStarring%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Ramez%20Galal%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EStreaming%20on%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EMBC%20Shahid%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ERating%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E2.5%2F5%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Living in...

This article is part of a guide on where to live in the UAE. Our reporters will profile some of the country’s most desirable districts, provide an estimate of rental prices and introduce you to some of the residents who call each area home.

Juliot Vinolia’s checklist for adopting alternate-day fasting

-      Don’t do it more than once in three days

-      Don’t go under 700 calories on fasting days

-      Ensure there is sufficient water intake, as the body can go in dehydration mode

-      Ensure there is enough roughage (fibre) in the food on fasting days as well

-      Do not binge on processed or fatty foods on non-fasting days

-      Complement fasting with plant-based foods, fruits, vegetables, seafood. Cut out processed meats and processed carbohydrates

-      Manage your sleep

-      People with existing gastric or mental health issues should avoid fasting

-      Do not fast for prolonged periods without supervision by a qualified expert

David Haye record

Total fights: 32
Wins: 28
Wins by KO: 26
Losses: 4

It Was Just an Accident

Director: Jafar Panahi

Stars: Vahid Mobasseri, Mariam Afshari, Ebrahim Azizi, Hadis Pakbaten, Majid Panahi, Mohamad Ali Elyasmehr

Rating: 4/5

Electoral College Victory

Trump has so far secured 295 Electoral College votes, according to the Associated Press, exceeding the 270 needed to win. Only Nevada and Arizona remain to be called, and both swing states are leaning Republican. Trump swept all five remaining swing states, North Carolina, Georgia, Pennsylvania, Michigan and Wisconsin, sealing his path to victory and giving him a strong mandate. 

 

Popular Vote Tally

The count is ongoing, but Trump currently leads with nearly 51 per cent of the popular vote to Harris’s 47.6 per cent. Trump has over 72.2 million votes, while Harris trails with approximately 67.4 million.

The Voice of Hind Rajab

Starring: Saja Kilani, Clara Khoury, Motaz Malhees

Director: Kaouther Ben Hania

Rating: 4/5

The biog

Most memorable achievement: Leading my first city-wide charity campaign in Toronto holds a special place in my heart. It was for Amnesty International’s Stop Violence Against Women program and showed me the power of how communities can come together in the smallest ways to have such wide impact.

Favourite film: Childhood favourite would be Disney’s Jungle Book and classic favourite Gone With The Wind.

Favourite book: To Kill A Mockingbird for a timeless story on justice and courage and Harry Potters for my love of all things magical.

Favourite quote: “We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.” — Winston Churchill

Favourite food: Dim sum

Favourite place to travel to: Anywhere with natural beauty, wildlife and awe-inspiring sunsets.

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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Three ways to boost your credit score

Marwan Lutfi says the core fundamentals that drive better payment behaviour and can improve your credit score are:

1. Make sure you make your payments on time;

2. Limit the number of products you borrow on: the more loans and credit cards you have, the more it will affect your credit score;

3. Don't max out all your debts: how much you maximise those credit facilities will have an impact. If you have five credit cards and utilise 90 per cent of that credit, it will negatively affect your score.

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%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ECompany%20name%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Fasset%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EStarted%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E2019%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EFounders%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Mohammad%20Raafi%20Hossain%2C%20Daniel%20Ahmed%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EBased%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Dubai%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ESector%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EFinTech%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EInitial%20investment%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20%242.45%20million%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ECurrent%20number%20of%20staff%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%2086%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EInvestment%20stage%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Pre-series%20B%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EInvestors%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Investcorp%2C%20Liberty%20City%20Ventures%2C%20Fatima%20Gobi%20Ventures%2C%20Primal%20Capital%2C%20Wealthwell%20Ventures%2C%20FHS%20Capital%2C%20VN2%20Capital%2C%20local%20family%20offices%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
PROVISIONAL FIXTURE LIST

Premier League

Wednesday, June 17 (Kick-offs uae times) Aston Villa v Sheffield United 9pm; Manchester City v Arsenal 11pm 

Friday, June 19 Norwich v Southampton 9pm; Tottenham v Manchester United 11pm  

Saturday, June 20 Watford v Leicester 3.30pm; Brighton v Arsenal 6pm; West Ham v Wolves 8.30pm; Bournemouth v Crystal Palace 10.45pm 

Sunday, June 21 Newcastle v Sheffield United 2pm; Aston Villa v Chelsea 7.30pm; Everton v Liverpool 10pm 

Monday, June 22 Manchester City v Burnley 11pm (Sky)

Tuesday, June 23 Southampton v Arsenal 9pm; Tottenham v West Ham 11.15pm 

Wednesday, June 24 Manchester United v Sheffield United 9pm; Newcastle v Aston Villa 9pm; Norwich v Everton 9pm; Liverpool v Crystal Palace 11.15pm

Thursday, June 25 Burnley v Watford 9pm; Leicester v Brighton 9pm; Chelsea v Manchester City 11.15pm; Wolves v Bournemouth 11.15pm

Sunday June 28 Aston Villa vs Wolves 3pm; Watford vs Southampton 7.30pm 

Monday June 29 Crystal Palace vs Burnley 11pm

Tuesday June 30 Brighton vs Manchester United 9pm; Sheffield United vs Tottenham 11.15pm 

Wednesday July 1 Bournemouth vs Newcastle 9pm; Everton vs Leicester 9pm; West Ham vs Chelsea 11.15pm

Thursday July 2 Arsenal vs Norwich 9pm; Manchester City vs Liverpool 11.15pm

 

Emirates exiles

Will Wilson is not the first player to have attained high-class representative honours after first learning to play rugby on the playing fields of UAE.

Jonny Macdonald
Abu Dhabi-born and raised, the current Jebel Ali Dragons assistant coach was selected to play for Scotland at the Hong Kong Sevens in 2011.

Jordan Onojaife
Having started rugby by chance when the Jumeirah College team were short of players, he later won the World Under 20 Championship with England.

Devante Onojaife
Followed older brother Jordan into England age-group rugby, as well as the pro game at Northampton Saints, but recently switched allegiance to Scotland.

Green ambitions
  • Trees: 1,500 to be planted, replacing 300 felled ones, with veteran oaks protected
  • Lake: Brown's centrepiece to be cleaned of silt that makes it as shallow as 2.5cm
  • Biodiversity: Bat cave to be added and habitats designed for kingfishers and little grebes
  • Flood risk: Longer grass, deeper lake, restored ponds and absorbent paths all meant to siphon off water 

((Disclaimer))

The Liechtensteinische Landesbank AG (“Bank”) assumes no liability or guarantee for the accuracy, balance, or completeness of the information in this publication. The content may change at any time due to given circumstances, and the Liechtensteinische Landesbank AG is under no obligation to update information once it has been published. This publication is intended for information purposes only and does not constitute an offer, a recommendation or an invitation by, or on behalf of, Liechtensteinische Landesbank (DIFC Branch), Liechtensteinische Landesbank AG, or any of its group affiliates to make any investments or obtain services. This publication has not been reviewed, disapproved or approved by the United Arab Emirates (“UAE”) Central Bank, Dubai Financial Services Authority (“DFSA”) or any other relevant licensing authorities in the UAE. It may not be relied upon by or distributed to retail clients. Liechtensteinische Landesbank (DIFC Branch) is regulated by the DFSA and this advertorial is intended for Professional Clients (as defined by the DFSA) who have sufficient financial experience and understanding of financial markets, products or transactions and any associated risks.

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The specs

Engine: 1.6-litre 4-cyl turbo

Power: 217hp at 5,750rpm

Torque: 300Nm at 1,900rpm

Transmission: eight-speed auto

Price: from Dh130,000

On sale: now

THE SPECS

Engine: 3.5-litre V6
Transmission: six-speed manual
Power: 325bhp
Torque: 370Nm
Speed: 0-100km/h 3.9 seconds
Price: Dh230,000
On sale: now

MATCH INFO

Uefa Champions League semi-final, first leg
Bayern Munich v Real Madrid

When: April 25, 10.45pm kick-off (UAE)
Where: Allianz Arena, Munich
Live: BeIN Sports HD
Second leg: May 1, Santiago Bernabeu, Madrid

Updated: November 10, 2021, 9:24 AM