• President Sheikh Mohamed walks with his grandchildren at the Sea Palace before Flag Day. Seen with Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed, member of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council and chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Office. Photo: UAE Presidential Court
    President Sheikh Mohamed walks with his grandchildren at the Sea Palace before Flag Day. Seen with Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed, member of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council and chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Office. Photo: UAE Presidential Court
  • Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed raises the UAE flag at the Abu Dhabi Executive Office in the presence of members of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council, to celebrate UAE Flag Day and honour the nation’s symbol of unity, loyalty and pride. Photo: AD Media Office
    Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed raises the UAE flag at the Abu Dhabi Executive Office in the presence of members of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council, to celebrate UAE Flag Day and honour the nation’s symbol of unity, loyalty and pride. Photo: AD Media Office
  • The UAE flag is raised at Abu Dhabi Executive Office. Photo: AD Media Office
    The UAE flag is raised at Abu Dhabi Executive Office. Photo: AD Media Office
  • Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed, chairman and chief executive of Emirates Group, raises the UAE Flag at the group's headquarters. Photo: Emirates
    Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed, chairman and chief executive of Emirates Group, raises the UAE Flag at the group's headquarters. Photo: Emirates
  • Reem Al Hashimy, Minister of State for International Co-operation, greets schoolchildren at Expo City Dubai on UAE Flag Day. Photo: Expo City Dubai
    Reem Al Hashimy, Minister of State for International Co-operation, greets schoolchildren at Expo City Dubai on UAE Flag Day. Photo: Expo City Dubai
  • Jumeirah International Nursery students take part in the Emirates Group's UAE Flag Day ceremony. Photo: Emirates
    Jumeirah International Nursery students take part in the Emirates Group's UAE Flag Day ceremony. Photo: Emirates
  • Vendors selling flags and other related items in Satwa, Dubai to celebrate flag day. Ruel Pableo / The National
    Vendors selling flags and other related items in Satwa, Dubai to celebrate flag day. Ruel Pableo / The National
  • Commander-in-Chief of Sharjah Police, Maj Gen Saif Al Shamsi, attends the force's Flag Day celebrations.
    Commander-in-Chief of Sharjah Police, Maj Gen Saif Al Shamsi, attends the force's Flag Day celebrations.
  • UAE University celebrates with a flag-raising ceremony attended by Prof Ghaleb Al Hadrami, acting vice chancellor, academic staff and students. Photo: UAE University
    UAE University celebrates with a flag-raising ceremony attended by Prof Ghaleb Al Hadrami, acting vice chancellor, academic staff and students. Photo: UAE University
  • Flags for sale in Satwa, Dubai. Ruel Pableo / The National
    Flags for sale in Satwa, Dubai. Ruel Pableo / The National
  • The flag is raised at Al Ain Zoo at a ceremonyu attended by the zoo's director, Ghanim Al Hajeri, and all staff. Photo: Al Ain Zoo
    The flag is raised at Al Ain Zoo at a ceremonyu attended by the zoo's director, Ghanim Al Hajeri, and all staff. Photo: Al Ain Zoo
  • Youssef Al Abri, undersecretary of the Abu Dhabi Judicial Department, led the department's celebrations. Photo: ADJD
    Youssef Al Abri, undersecretary of the Abu Dhabi Judicial Department, led the department's celebrations. Photo: ADJD
  • Vendors selling flags and other related items in Satwa, Dubai to celebrate flag day. Ruel Pableo / The National
    Vendors selling flags and other related items in Satwa, Dubai to celebrate flag day. Ruel Pableo / The National
  • Abu Dhabi City Municipality celebrates Flag Day.
    Abu Dhabi City Municipality celebrates Flag Day.
  • Vendors sell flags in Satwa, Dubai. Ruel Pableo / The National
    Vendors sell flags in Satwa, Dubai. Ruel Pableo / The National
  • Union Coop celebrates UAE Flag Day 2022
    Union Coop celebrates UAE Flag Day 2022
  • A pupil celebrating the flag day at Raffles World Academy in Dubai. Ruel Pableo / The National
    A pupil celebrating the flag day at Raffles World Academy in Dubai. Ruel Pableo / The National
  • Reem Al Hashimy, Minister of State for International Co-operation, raises the UAE flag at Expo City Dubai. Photo: Expo City Dubai
    Reem Al Hashimy, Minister of State for International Co-operation, raises the UAE flag at Expo City Dubai. Photo: Expo City Dubai
  • Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Presidential Court, raises the UAE flag at Abu Dhabi’s Qasr Al Watan. Wam
    Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Presidential Court, raises the UAE flag at Abu Dhabi’s Qasr Al Watan. Wam
  • Dubai Police raise the flag. Photo: @DubaiPoliceHQ / Twitter
    Dubai Police raise the flag. Photo: @DubaiPoliceHQ / Twitter
  • Flags on Sheikh Zayed Road in Dubai. Pawan Singh / The National
    Flags on Sheikh Zayed Road in Dubai. Pawan Singh / The National
  • Pupils at the Indian High School, Dubai, celebrate UAE Flag Day. Pawan Singh / The National
    Pupils at the Indian High School, Dubai, celebrate UAE Flag Day. Pawan Singh / The National
  • A staff at Adnoc petrol station proudly wears a UAE scarf to celebrate UAE flag day in Khalifa City, Abu Dhabi. Victor Besa / The National
    A staff at Adnoc petrol station proudly wears a UAE scarf to celebrate UAE flag day in Khalifa City, Abu Dhabi. Victor Besa / The National
  • UAE flag raised at at Abu Dhabi’s Qasr Al Watan, in the presidential palace compound. Wam
    UAE flag raised at at Abu Dhabi’s Qasr Al Watan, in the presidential palace compound. Wam
  • Pupils at the Indian High School, Dubai, celebrate UAE Flag Day. Pawan Singh / The National
    Pupils at the Indian High School, Dubai, celebrate UAE Flag Day. Pawan Singh / The National
  • The flag-raising ceremony is the attended by Sheikh Salem bin Abdulrahman Al Qasimi, Chairman of the Ruler’s Office, and a number of government figures and employees. Photo: Sharjah National Day Celebrations Committee
    The flag-raising ceremony is the attended by Sheikh Salem bin Abdulrahman Al Qasimi, Chairman of the Ruler’s Office, and a number of government figures and employees. Photo: Sharjah National Day Celebrations Committee
  • Pupils at the Indian High School, Dubai, celebrate UAE Flag Day. Pawan Singh / The National
    Pupils at the Indian High School, Dubai, celebrate UAE Flag Day. Pawan Singh / The National
  • Sharjah marked UAE Flag Day with a flag-raising ceremony on The Flag Island. Photo: Sharjah National Day Celebrations Committee
    Sharjah marked UAE Flag Day with a flag-raising ceremony on The Flag Island. Photo: Sharjah National Day Celebrations Committee
  • Pupils at the Indian High School, Dubai, celebrate UAE Flag Day. Pawan Singh / The National
    Pupils at the Indian High School, Dubai, celebrate UAE Flag Day. Pawan Singh / The National
  • A display of UAE flags on Kite Beach in Dubai. Antonie Robertson / The National
    A display of UAE flags on Kite Beach in Dubai. Antonie Robertson / The National
  • A display of UAE flags on Kite Beach in Dubai. Antonie Robertson / The National
    A display of UAE flags on Kite Beach in Dubai. Antonie Robertson / The National
  • A display of UAE flags on Kite Beach in Dubai. Antonie Robertson / The National
    A display of UAE flags on Kite Beach in Dubai. Antonie Robertson / The National
  • Al Dhafra Club executive management and staff celebrate UAE flag day at the entrance to Hamdan bin Zayed Stadium in Zayed City, Al Dhafra region. Twitter/AlDhafra
    Al Dhafra Club executive management and staff celebrate UAE flag day at the entrance to Hamdan bin Zayed Stadium in Zayed City, Al Dhafra region. Twitter/AlDhafra
  • Dubai Police raise the flag at their headquarters in Deira.
    Dubai Police raise the flag at their headquarters in Deira.
  • Essam Issa Al Humaidan, Dubai attorney general and employees of Dubai Public Prosecution take part in UAE flag day. Photo: DPP
    Essam Issa Al Humaidan, Dubai attorney general and employees of Dubai Public Prosecution take part in UAE flag day. Photo: DPP
  • Members of Al-Nasr Sports Club in Dubai celebrate the flag day.
    Members of Al-Nasr Sports Club in Dubai celebrate the flag day.
  • Dubai Electricity and Water Authority members of staff attend the flag raising ceremony at the headquarters in Umm Hurair.
    Dubai Electricity and Water Authority members of staff attend the flag raising ceremony at the headquarters in Umm Hurair.
  • Federal Authority For Government Human Resources members of staff at the UAE flag day celebrations.
    Federal Authority For Government Human Resources members of staff at the UAE flag day celebrations.
  • Etihad Rail painted a locomotive in the colours of the UAE in honour of flag day. "We raise the flag of the United Arab Emirates, a symbol of sovereignty, unity, and pride. We are proud of our contribution to the advancement of the nation's transport sector," the transport company said on Twitter.
    Etihad Rail painted a locomotive in the colours of the UAE in honour of flag day. "We raise the flag of the United Arab Emirates, a symbol of sovereignty, unity, and pride. We are proud of our contribution to the advancement of the nation's transport sector," the transport company said on Twitter.
  • Abu Dhabi Pension Fund employees participated in the UAE flag day celebration. Photo: Supplied.
    Abu Dhabi Pension Fund employees participated in the UAE flag day celebration. Photo: Supplied.
  • Federal Authority For Government Human Resources celebrates UAE flag day.
    Federal Authority For Government Human Resources celebrates UAE flag day.
  • Dr Abdul Nasser Al Shaali, UAE's ambassador to India, raise the flag at the embassy in New Delhi.
    Dr Abdul Nasser Al Shaali, UAE's ambassador to India, raise the flag at the embassy in New Delhi.
  • Sharjah Consultative Council raises the flag in front of its building in Sharjah
    Sharjah Consultative Council raises the flag in front of its building in Sharjah
  • A man arranges the flags at Raffles World Academy in Dubai. Ruel Pableo for The National
    A man arranges the flags at Raffles World Academy in Dubai. Ruel Pableo for The National
  • Flag outside a coffee shop in Dubai to celebrate flag day. Ruel Pableo for The National
    Flag outside a coffee shop in Dubai to celebrate flag day. Ruel Pableo for The National
  • Flag Day in Dubai. Ruel Pableo for The National
    Flag Day in Dubai. Ruel Pableo for The National

UAE national flag: What do the colours mean?


James Langton
  • English
  • Arabic

The story of the UAE flag is well known, but one always worth retelling.

It was created by Abdullah Mohammed Al Maainah, then just 19, after reading a newspaper article about a contest to design the new nation’s flag.

Mr Al Maainah, who much later would become the UAE ambassador to Chile, only realised he won as he watched the flag being raised for the first time at Mushrif Palace on December 2, 1971.

UAE Founding Father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan and Saif Ghobash, the UAE's first Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, look at the first representation of the UAE flag. Courtesy: Hamdan Al Maainah
UAE Founding Father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan and Saif Ghobash, the UAE's first Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, look at the first representation of the UAE flag. Courtesy: Hamdan Al Maainah

The flag is celebrated every year on Flag Day, on November 3.

But the full story of flags in the UAE is much older than 50 years. It can be traced back hundreds of years when the sailing dhows of the Arabian Gulf often identified themselves with a red flag, usually in the form of a pennant fluttering from the mast.

How each emirate got its flag before the unification

For British naval ships that increasingly patrolled the Gulf in the early 19th century, though, red flags signalled a potential enemy.

A series of destructive raids by Britain along the coast of the Northern Emirates resulted in a series of enforced treaties, or truces, that effectively gave the British control over the Gulf, and the emirates the name “Trucial States”.

The 1819 General Treaty also established how Arab shipping along the Gulf should identify themselves as non-hostile.

  • Articles 3 and 4 of the General Treaty of 1819, in which Britain enforced the design of flags flown by the so-called Trucial States.
    Articles 3 and 4 of the General Treaty of 1819, in which Britain enforced the design of flags flown by the so-called Trucial States.
  • Recorded in the UK archives in 1958, this is the design for the flag of Abu Dhabi, adopted by the Ruler, Sheikh Shakhbut bin Sultan in 1961
    Recorded in the UK archives in 1958, this is the design for the flag of Abu Dhabi, adopted by the Ruler, Sheikh Shakhbut bin Sultan in 1961
  • The original flag of Umm Al Quwain, a design created in 1961 by the Ruler, Sheikh Ahmad bin Rashid Al Mualla and submitted to the British Government
    The original flag of Umm Al Quwain, a design created in 1961 by the Ruler, Sheikh Ahmad bin Rashid Al Mualla and submitted to the British Government
  • A watercolour drawing of the British frigate HMS Vernon in the Arabian Gulf in January 1833, with a local ship flying the traditional red flag of thee region
    A watercolour drawing of the British frigate HMS Vernon in the Arabian Gulf in January 1833, with a local ship flying the traditional red flag of thee region

“The friendly Arabs shall carry by land and sea a red flag, with or without letters in it, at their option,” it specified.

“This shall be in a border of white, the breadth of the white in the border being equal to the breadth of the red, as represented in the margin (the whole forming the flag known in the British Navy by the title of white pierced red).”

It concluded “this shall be the flag of the friendly Arabs, and they shall use it, and no other”.

In practice, the designs varied between states, from Bahrain to Ras Al Khaimah. Among the seven Trucial States that now form the UAE, five distinct flags emerged, some with the ruler’s personal touch.

Much later, in the 1950s, the British established the Trucial States Council, a consultative body for the rulers of the seven emirates, and which, almost forgotten, was also given a flag that featured a green seven-point star and a white and red design.

These three shades, along with black, are generally known as the Pan Arab colours, and feature on the flags of nine Arab countries, including the UAE.

Here is the complete guide to the flags of the UAE, past and present.

The current UAE flag

The current flag of the UAE, which was adopted on December 2, 1971, with the unification of the Emirates. Ramon Peñas Jr / The National
The current flag of the UAE, which was adopted on December 2, 1971, with the unification of the Emirates. Ramon Peñas Jr / The National

Mr Al Maainah’s design is a green, white and black horizontal tricolour with a vertical red band nearest the flagpole.

To see if it had been chosen, he ran to Mushrif Palace and peeked through the fence as it was raised for the first time on the morning of December 2, 1971.

“There was no wind that day, so I waited until there was a draft to make sure that the flag up there at the pole was mine,” he told The National.

The colours can be interpreted in a number of ways. According to Mr Al Maainah, the black is for the early years of Islam and the first two Caliphates.

Green represented the Caliphate of the Fatimids, who ruled out of Egypt, while Red was the Ottoman flag and represented blood.

Finally, white symbolised the Prophet Mohammed’s first victory, at the Battle of Badr in 624 CE, but also peace.

Other variations of the Pan Arab colours attribute red to the Hashemite dynasty, but also a quote from the 14th century Iraqi poet Safi Al Din Al Hilli: “White are our acts, black our battles, green our fields, and red our swords”.

The first use of these colours was in the flag of the Arab Revolt in 1916. The design is said to have been selected by Hussein bin Ali, the Sharif of Makkah and leader of the revolt.

Arab soldiers carry the flag of the Arab Revolt of 1916-1918 in the Arabian desert.
Arab soldiers carry the flag of the Arab Revolt of 1916-1918 in the Arabian desert.

He is reported to have been presented with a number of alternatives created by a British diplomat, Sir Mark Sykes.

Ironically, Sykes, with the French diplomat François Picot, would that year also draw up the infamous Sykes-Picot Agreement, which created many of the divisions in the Middle East that still exist today.

Abu Dhabi's flag

The original flag of Abu Dhabi. Ramon Peñas Jr / The National
The original flag of Abu Dhabi. Ramon Peñas Jr / The National

The flag of Abu Dhabi is still occasionally seen today. It is red, with a white square in the top corner.

In fact, this is a relatively new version. Until the late 1950s, Abu Dhabi used a plain red flag, at least on land.

In 1958, the then Ruler of Abu Dhabi, Sheikh Shakbut bin Sultan Al Nahyan, announced to Britain that he would be adding a white square “on its upper side corner to take one third of the width and slightly more than one third of the length of the flag”.

It was flown for the first time on February 27, 1958, and was used for state occasions until December 1971, when the UAE flag was adopted.

Dubai and Ajman's flag

The historical flag of Dubai and Ajman. Ramon Peñas Jr / The National
The historical flag of Dubai and Ajman. Ramon Peñas Jr / The National

The flag of Dubai is red, with a white band next to the hoist, as the flag staff is technically known. In the early 1960s, oil companies also agreed to fly the Dubai flag when operating in the emirate. Ajman’s official flag also uses the same design.

Sharjah and Ras Al Khaimah's flag

The historical flag of Sharjah and Ras Al Khaimah. Ramon Peñas Jr / The National
The historical flag of Sharjah and Ras Al Khaimah. Ramon Peñas Jr / The National

The fact Sharjah and Ras Al Khaimah use the same design is also a reflection of their past, with both Emirates ruled by branches of the Al Qasimi family.

The flag is red with a white border, whose width is a quarter of the total and most closely resembles the design proposed by the British in the 1820, perhaps unsurprisingly, since the British military expeditions that led to the signing of the treaty were directed at the Al Qasimis.

Umm Al Quwain's flag

The historical flag of Umm Al Quwain. Ramon Peñas Jr / The National
The historical flag of Umm Al Quwain. Ramon Peñas Jr / The National

The flag of Umm Al Quwain is a design created in 1961 by the ruler, Sheikh Ahmad bin Rashid Al Mualla, who had ruled the Emirate since 1928 and was the oldest leader at the ceremony to create the UAE in 1971.

The flag features a white band next to the hoist, white crescent moon and a five-point star, both symbols of Islam.

According to British diplomatic files, the ruler initially wished a plain red background, but added a white band after it was pointed out the original design might be confused with the flag of Turkey. Its official use was confirmed in May, 1961.

Before that date, Umm Al Quwain had adopted the same design as Dubai and Ajman.

Fujairah's flag

The flag of Fujairah between 1952 and 1975. Ramon Peñas Jr / The National
The flag of Fujairah between 1952 and 1975. Ramon Peñas Jr / The National

Fujairah’s flag reflects its history. At the time of the signing of the General Treaty with Britain in 1819, it was considered part of the Sultanate of Muscat, and adopted the plain red flag used there. Around 1850, it came under Sharjah, and was accepted as an emirate in 1902, although the UK government did not recognise it as a Trucial State until 1952.

The Ruler of Fujairah, Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad Al Sharqi, at this point replaced the red flag with one that included the name of the emirate in white Arabic letters.

In 1961, Fujairah is understood to have reverted to the old red flag until 1975, when the current ruler, Sheikh Hamad bin Mohammed Al Sharqi, replaced it with the flag of the UAE.

The flag of the Trucial States Council

The Trucial States flag, used prior to the formation of the UAE. Ramon Peñas Jr / The National
The Trucial States flag, used prior to the formation of the UAE. Ramon Peñas Jr / The National

Established in 1952, the Trucial States Council was a consultative body set up by the UK and chaired by the political agent, Britain’s top administrative official who was replaced by an ambassador in 1971.

The council consisted of the rulers of the seven emirates, but lacked funding and met just twice a year. It did, however, have a flag. The design incorporated red stripes at the top and bottom, with white between, and a seven-point green star in the centre, each point presumably to represent an emirate.

The flag is almost identical with that of Lebanon, which features a cedar tree rather than a star, but there is no indication this in anything other than a coincidence.

It does not seem to have been widely used, but badges of the Trucial Oman Scouts, the paramilitary force established by Britain, sometimes use a similar colour scheme, with the crossed khanjar daggers of the regiment instead of a star.

LIVERPOOL SQUAD

Alisson Becker, Virgil van Dijk, Georginio Wijnaldum, James Milner, Naby Keita, Roberto Firmino, Sadio Mane, Mohamed Salah, Joe Gomez, Adrian, Jordan Henderson, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Adam Lallana, Andy Lonergan, Xherdan Shaqiri, Andy Robertson, Divock Origi, Curtis Jones, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Neco Williams

'My Son'

Director: Christian Carion

Starring: James McAvoy, Claire Foy, Tom Cullen, Gary Lewis

Rating: 2/5

RESULTS

6.30pm UAE 1000 Guineas Trial Conditions (TB) US$100,000 (Dirt) 1,400m

Winner Final Song, Christophe Soumillon (jockey), Saeed bin Suroor (trainer).

7.05pm Handicap (TB) $135,000 (Turf) 1,000m

Winner Almanaara, Dane O’Neill, Doug Watson.

7.40pm Handicap (TB) $175,000 (D) 1,900m

Winner Grand Argentier, Brett Doyle, Doug Watson.

8.15pm Meydan Challenge Listed Handicap (TB) $175,000 (T) 1,400m

Winner Major Partnership, Patrick Cosgrave, Saeed bin Suroor.

8.50pm Dubai Stakes Group 3 (TB) $200,000 (D) 1,200m

Winner Gladiator King, Mickael Barzalona, Satish Seemar.

9.25pm Dubai Racing Club Classic Listed Handicap (TB) $175,000 (T) 2,410m

Winner Universal Order, Richard Mullen, David Simcock.

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.”

SERIE A FIXTURES

Saturday (All UAE kick-off times)

Cagliari v AC Milan (6pm)

Lazio v Napoli (9pm)

Inter Milan v Atalanta (11.45pm)

Sunday

Udinese v Sassuolo (3.30pm)

Sampdoria v Brescia (6pm)

Fiorentina v SPAL (6pm)

Torino v Bologna (6pm)

Verona v Genoa (9pm)

Roma V Juventus (11.45pm)

Parma v Lecce (11.45pm)

 

 

Dubai Rugby Sevens

November 30, December 1-2
International Vets
Christina Noble Children’s Foundation fixtures

Thursday, November 30:

10.20am, Pitch 3, v 100 World Legends Project
1.20pm, Pitch 4, v Malta Marauders

Friday, December 1:

9am, Pitch 4, v SBA Pirates

War 2

Director: Ayan Mukerji

Stars: Hrithik Roshan, NTR, Kiara Advani, Ashutosh Rana

Rating: 2/5

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. 

Need to know

The flights: Flydubai flies from Dubai to Kilimanjaro airport via Dar es Salaam from Dh1,619 return including taxes. The trip takes 8 hours. 

The trek: Make sure that whatever tour company you select to climb Kilimanjaro, that it is a reputable one. The way to climb successfully would be with experienced guides and porters, from a company committed to quality, safety and an ethical approach to the mountain and its staff. Sonia Nazareth booked a VIP package through Safari Africa. The tour works out to $4,775 (Dh17,538) per person, based on a 4-person booking scheme, for 9 nights on the mountain (including one night before and after the trek at Arusha). The price includes all meals, a head guide, an assistant guide for every 2 trekkers, porters to carry the luggage, a cook and kitchen staff, a dining and mess tent, a sleeping tent set up for 2 persons, a chemical toilet and park entrance fees. The tiny ration of heated water provided for our bath in our makeshift private bathroom stall was the greatest luxury. A standard package, also based on a 4-person booking, works out to $3,050 (Dh11,202) per person.

When to go: You can climb Kili at any time of year, but the best months to ascend  are  January-February and September-October.  Also good are July and August, if you’re tolerant of the colder weather that winter brings.

Do not underestimate the importance of kit. Even if you’re travelling at a relatively pleasant time, be geared up for the cold and the rain.

Milestones on the road to union

1970

October 26: Bahrain withdraws from a proposal to create a federation of nine with the seven Trucial States and Qatar. 

December: Ahmed Al Suwaidi visits New York to discuss potential UN membership.

1971

March 1:  Alex Douglas Hume, Conservative foreign secretary confirms that Britain will leave the Gulf and “strongly supports” the creation of a Union of Arab Emirates.

July 12: Historic meeting at which Sheikh Zayed and Sheikh Rashid make a binding agreement to create what will become the UAE.

July 18: It is announced that the UAE will be formed from six emirates, with a proposed constitution signed. RAK is not yet part of the agreement.

August 6:  The fifth anniversary of Sheikh Zayed becoming Ruler of Abu Dhabi, with official celebrations deferred until later in the year.

August 15: Bahrain becomes independent.

September 3: Qatar becomes independent.

November 23-25: Meeting with Sheikh Zayed and Sheikh Rashid and senior British officials to fix December 2 as date of creation of the UAE.

November 29:  At 5.30pm Iranian forces seize the Greater and Lesser Tunbs by force.

November 30: Despite  a power sharing agreement, Tehran takes full control of Abu Musa. 

November 31: UK officials visit all six participating Emirates to formally end the Trucial States treaties

December 2: 11am, Dubai. New Supreme Council formally elects Sheikh Zayed as President. Treaty of Friendship signed with the UK. 11.30am. Flag raising ceremony at Union House and Al Manhal Palace in Abu Dhabi witnessed by Sheikh Khalifa, then Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi.

December 6: Arab League formally admits the UAE. The first British Ambassador presents his credentials to Sheikh Zayed.

December 9: UAE joins the United Nations.

Key facilities
  • Olympic-size swimming pool with a split bulkhead for multi-use configurations, including water polo and 50m/25m training lanes
  • Premier League-standard football pitch
  • 400m Olympic running track
  • NBA-spec basketball court with auditorium
  • 600-seat auditorium
  • Spaces for historical and cultural exploration
  • An elevated football field that doubles as a helipad
  • Specialist robotics and science laboratories
  • AR and VR-enabled learning centres
  • Disruption Lab and Research Centre for developing entrepreneurial skills
Avatar: Fire and Ash

Director: James Cameron

Starring: Sam Worthington, Sigourney Weaver, Zoe Saldana

Rating: 4.5/5

ETFs explained

Exhchange traded funds are bought and sold like shares, but operate as index-tracking funds, passively following their chosen indices, such as the S&P 500, FTSE 100 and the FTSE All World, plus a vast range of smaller exchanges and commodities, such as gold, silver, copper sugar, coffee and oil.

ETFs have zero upfront fees and annual charges as low as 0.07 per cent a year, which means you get to keep more of your returns, as actively managed funds can charge as much as 1.5 per cent a year.

There are thousands to choose from, with the five biggest providers BlackRock’s iShares range, Vanguard, State Street Global Advisors SPDR ETFs, Deutsche Bank AWM X-trackers and Invesco PowerShares.

Company%20profile
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hall of shame

SUNDERLAND 2002-03

No one has ended a Premier League season quite like Sunderland. They lost each of their final 15 games, taking no points after January. They ended up with 19 in total, sacking managers Peter Reid and Howard Wilkinson and losing 3-1 to Charlton when they scored three own goals in eight minutes.

SUNDERLAND 2005-06

Until Derby came along, Sunderland’s total of 15 points was the Premier League’s record low. They made it until May and their final home game before winning at the Stadium of Light while they lost a joint record 29 of their 38 league games.

HUDDERSFIELD 2018-19

Joined Derby as the only team to be relegated in March. No striker scored until January, while only two players got more assists than goalkeeper Jonas Lossl. The mid-season appointment Jan Siewert was to end his time as Huddersfield manager with a 5.3 per cent win rate.

ASTON VILLA 2015-16

Perhaps the most inexplicably bad season, considering they signed Idrissa Gueye and Adama Traore and still only got 17 points. Villa won their first league game, but none of the next 19. They ended an abominable campaign by taking one point from the last 39 available.

FULHAM 2018-19

Terrible in different ways. Fulham’s total of 26 points is not among the lowest ever but they contrived to get relegated after spending over £100 million (Dh457m) in the transfer market. Much of it went on defenders but they only kept two clean sheets in their first 33 games.

LA LIGA: Sporting Gijon, 13 points in 1997-98.

BUNDESLIGA: Tasmania Berlin, 10 points in 1965-66

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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

BLACKBERRY
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UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
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House-hunting

Top 10 locations for inquiries from US house hunters, according to Rightmove

  1. Edinburgh, Scotland 
  2. Westminster, London 
  3. Camden, London 
  4. Glasgow, Scotland 
  5. Islington, London 
  6. Kensington and Chelsea, London 
  7. Highlands, Scotland 
  8. Argyll and Bute, Scotland 
  9. Fife, Scotland 
  10. Tower Hamlets, London 

 

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Who has lived at The Bishops Avenue?
  • George Sainsbury of the supermarket dynasty, sugar magnate William Park Lyle and actress Dame Gracie Fields were residents in the 1930s when the street was only known as ‘Millionaires’ Row’.
  • Then came the international super rich, including the last king of Greece, Constantine II, the Sultan of Brunei and Indian steel magnate Lakshmi Mittal who was at one point ranked the third richest person in the world.
  • Turkish tycoon Halis Torprak sold his mansion for £50m in 2008 after spending just two days there. The House of Saud sold 10 properties on the road in 2013 for almost £80m.
  • Other residents have included Iraqi businessman Nemir Kirdar, singer Ariana Grande, holiday camp impresario Sir Billy Butlin, businessman Asil Nadir, Paul McCartney’s former wife Heather Mills. 
Hunting park to luxury living
  • Land was originally the Bishop of London's hunting park, hence the name
  • The road was laid out in the mid 19th Century, meandering through woodland and farmland
  • Its earliest houses at the turn of the 20th Century were substantial detached properties with extensive grounds

 

360Vuz PROFILE

Date started: January 2017
Founder: Khaled Zaatarah 
Based: Dubai and Los Angeles
Sector: Technology 
Size: 21 employees
Funding: $7 million 
Investors: Shorooq Partners, KBW Ventures, Vision Ventures, Hala Ventures, 500Startups, Plug and Play, Magnus Olsson, Samih Toukan, Jonathan Labin

Updated: November 29, 2022, 7:23 AM