A principal who witnessed the destruction of his school as a child during Croatia’s War of Independence has spoken of his joy at seeing it rebuilt using money from the Zayed Sustainability Prize.
Marin Pavicic attended Vladimir Nazor School until it was destroyed by fire during a massacre in 1991, after which some of his classmates were imprisoned.
He managed to escape at the time, returning to the school in 1997 after it was rebuilt, although it remained basic and very cold during the winter.
Mr Pavicic went on to teach language and literature, and eventually became principal of the school, which was badly in need of renovation.
Some of my classmates were imprisoned that night while I ran away with my family
Marin Pavicic
The school applied for and subsequently won the Zayed Sustainability Prize’s Global High Schools category in 2018. The prize brings youth-led sustainability projects to life, from the Asia Pacific region to the Americas.
It used the $100,000 grant to install solar panels on a new roof to power a thermal heating system that provides electricity and hot water, taking advantage of the area’s sunny climate.
It also received an EU grant to improve the rest of the building.
“When you look at the photos of the school after the war, and now, you just can't describe with words what it means for new generations to grow in a such a beautiful environment,” said Mr Pavicic.
“Of course, the projects make teaching easier at school, primarily because we are sitting in the new building.
“We are not burdened by weather and worrying whether the children will be cold, whether there will be a break in electricity and pouring rain through the windows et cetera.”
He said growing up during the war, which lasted from 1991 to 1995 and is referred to as the “Homeland War”, was a harrowing experience.
He and his family lived in a basement with 50 others, and Mr Pavicic and the other children slept, played and studied by candlelight.
“Sometimes someone was bothered by the light, so I couldn't even study — they were bothered by children's screams and laughter, so we weren't allowed to play,” he said.
“Today's school building was built in 1974, and in 1991 it was completely destroyed and set on fire, after the fall of Skabrnja on November 18, 1991.
“The school was a place of massacre. Some of my classmates were imprisoned that night while I ran away with my family through the only secure passage to Zadar.
“After the Homeland War, the school was rebuilt in 1997, when it started operating after a seven-year break. I attended the same school until I was 14 years old.”
He said children were excited to return to school although it remained very basic.
“While I attended school in the winter it was not heated by central heating but each classroom had its own wood stove. The students on duty made sure that the fire was not extinguished.
“The windows were large, wooden, through which the wind blew, and it was not always warm and comfortable to sit in spacious classrooms.”
It could not be more different today, he said.
Thanks to the Zayed Sustainability Prize and the EU grant, the school is now well heated and equipped.
“I am very proud to have witnessed and contributed to the big transformation of my school and the village, since winning the Zayed Sustainability Prize," said Leonarda Skara,18, a 12th grade pupil who studied at Vladimir Nazor School when it won the project.
"Before the project, the school was not a safe learning environment for students, with exposed asbestos on the walls and the haunting image of the past compromising our student experience. But since we started working on the project and after the installation of the solar roof and the LiFi technology was completed, the school has felt like home to the students and the wider community."
Zayed Sustainability Prize projects — in pictures
Get inspired
Here are a couple of Valentine’s Day food products that may or may not go the distance (but have got the internet talking anyway).
Sourdough sentiments: Marks & Spencer in the United Kingdom has introduced a slow-baked sourdough loaf dusted with flour to spell out I (heart) you, at £2 (Dh9.5). While it’s not available in the UAE, there’s nothing to stop you taking the idea and creating your own message of love, stencilled on breakfast-inbed toast.
Crisps playing cupid: Crisp company Tyrells has added a spicy addition to its range for Valentine’s Day. The brand describes the new honey and chilli flavour on Twitter as: “A tenderly bracing duo of the tantalising tingle of chilli with sweet and sticky honey. A helping hand to get your heart racing.” Again, not on sale here, but if you’re tempted you could certainly fashion your own flavour mix (spicy Cheetos and caramel popcorn, anyone?).
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
Zombieland: Double Tap
Director: Ruben Fleischer
Stars: Woody Harrelson, Jesse Eisenberg, Emma Stone
Four out of five stars
Muslim Council of Elders condemns terrorism on religious sites
The Muslim Council of Elders has strongly condemned the criminal attacks on religious sites in Britain.
It firmly rejected “acts of terrorism, which constitute a flagrant violation of the sanctity of houses of worship”.
“Attacking places of worship is a form of terrorism and extremism that threatens peace and stability within societies,” it said.
The council also warned against the rise of hate speech, racism, extremism and Islamophobia. It urged the international community to join efforts to promote tolerance and peaceful coexistence.
Best Academy: Ajax and Benfica
Best Agent: Jorge Mendes
Best Club : Liverpool
Best Coach: Jurgen Klopp (Liverpool)
Best Goalkeeper: Alisson Becker
Best Men’s Player: Cristiano Ronaldo
Best Partnership of the Year Award by SportBusiness: Manchester City and SAP
Best Referee: Stephanie Frappart
Best Revelation Player: Joao Felix (Atletico Madrid and Portugal)
Best Sporting Director: Andrea Berta (Atletico Madrid)
Best Women's Player: Lucy Bronze
Best Young Arab Player: Achraf Hakimi
Kooora – Best Arab Club: Al Hilal (Saudi Arabia)
Kooora – Best Arab Player: Abderrazak Hamdallah (Al-Nassr FC, Saudi Arabia)
Player Career Award: Miralem Pjanic and Ryan Giggs
Paris%20Agreement
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THE BIO
Favourite car: Koenigsegg Agera RS or Renault Trezor concept car.
Favourite book: I Am Pilgrim by Terry Hayes or Red Notice by Bill Browder.
Biggest inspiration: My husband Nik. He really got me through a lot with his positivity.
Favourite holiday destination: Being at home in Australia, as I travel all over the world for work. It’s great to just hang out with my husband and family.
'Outclassed in Kuwait'
Taleb Alrefai,
HBKU Press
if you go
The flights
Emirates fly direct from Dubai to Houston, Texas, where United have direct flights to Managua. Alternatively, from October, Iberia will offer connections from Madrid, which can be reached by both Etihad from Abu Dhabi and Emirates from Dubai.
The trip
Geodyssey’s (Geodyssey.co.uk) 15-night Nicaragua Odyssey visits the colonial cities of Leon and Granada, lively country villages, the lake island of Ometepe and a stunning array of landscapes, with wildlife, history, creative crafts and more. From Dh18,500 per person, based on two sharing, including transfers and tours but excluding international flights. For more information, visit visitnicaragua.us.
