A powerful call for peace infused with optimism has united thousands of people from the Abrahamic faiths in prayer, marking a special time on the spiritual calendar as Ramadan, Easter and Passover coincide.
In a world reeling from conflict and suffering, religious heads and residents are seeing it as a time to celebrate, accept differences and reflect on the common threads that bind diverse communities in the UAE.
Churches in the UAE were filled with joyful celebrations as the Christian community was celebrating Easter this weekend after a month of fasting and prayer.
The Muslim faithful have crossed the halfway mark during a month of fasting that is also a time for reflection, sacrifice and forgiveness.
For the first time in the UAE, members of the Jewish community were gathering in a purpose-built synagogue on Saadiyat Island for the eight-day Passover festival that began on April 5 and ends next week. Others met in homes and hotels.
When greetings of Happy Easter, Ramadan Kareem and Chag Sameach or ‘Happy Festival’ are exchanged, it also symbolises the unique position of the Emirates where people of the world’s major religions visibly celebrate their faith.
Need for a ‘reliable hope’
Bishop Paolo Martinelli, the head of the Catholic Church in the UAE, Oman and Yemen, was optimistic of the power of peace, unity and goodwill to echo across the globe on Easter Sunday and going forward.
“We need a reliable hope on which to build relationships and promote the common good together with all men and women of goodwill,” he said in an Easter message shared with The National.
“This announcement of joy and hope also resounds even today in a world afflicted by so much suffering and uncertainty. There are wars and conflicts that bring destruction and death to many in different parts of the world.
“Sometimes even in our hearts, we have doubts and fears about the future.”
As pews filled up across the emirates, parishioners packed into churches and stood outdoors to listen to services that celebrated the resurrection of Christ.
Christians have been inviting friends and family home, exchanging food, pastries and chocolate eggs.
The bishop called on people to promote reconciliation, build a more fraternal world as they enjoy a festival that proclaimed the victory over evil and death.
“We are a church of migrants, made up of people from different nations, cultures, languages, and rites.
“The same Paschal faith and the same baptism unite us,” the Bishop said in a reference to new beginnings.
“We are called to witness that it is possible to be different and united simultaneously. The world needs this testimony.”
Embracing differences
During the holiest month of the Islamic calendar, Muslims abstain from food and drink from sunrise to sunset and strengthen their faith through increased recitation of the Quran.
Many devote more time on charitable work, others perform Umrah, an optional pilgrimage to Makkah, the birthplace of the Prophet Mohammed in Saudi Arabia.
As the final 10 nights of Ramadan draw nearer, piety is believed to increase with the tahajjud prayers held from midnight onwards at mosques.
Abdullah Mohammad Al Ansari, an Emirati Islamic scholar, spoke of the values of harmony that Islam upheld.
“The very foundation of the religion is to bring people closer together, fostering harmony and understanding among diverse groups of individuals,” he told The National.
“The understanding of differences in colour, language, race and even understanding and perception as a divine law and one of God’s splendid signs has been the cornerstone of the UAE’s approach to fostering a culture of coexistence and tolerance.”
He said while some nations suffered from conflict and discord as they failed to accept differences, the UAE’s multicultural environment enabled people of different faith to perform religious rituals and celebrate occasions without limits on their freedom.
“The UAE has exemplified how embracing differences and understanding the essence of Islam can lead to a prosperous, harmonious society where everyone can coexist peacefully, Mr Al Ansari said.
“The unique example of the UAE is the result of a country of rulers, government and people who build on the principle of — You and I are children of one father and one mother, we all strive to fulfil God’s saying in the Quran: Surely this community of yours is one community and I am your lord, so worship me.”
Mohammed Saleem, imam of a mosque in Sharjah, said inclusivity was built into the country’s framework.
“This proud nation built on the principles of tolerance, respect and unity has become a shining example of harmonious coexistence in today’s world,” he said.
Opportunity for dialogue
The Jewish community said they cherished the spiritual freedom to celebrate the eight-day festival that began with the main ceremony of “seder”, or order, in Hebrew.
A festive meal followed to include matzah — an unleavened flatbread — during which the story of the liberation of the Israelites from slavery in ancient Egypt was retold at different stages during the meal.
During the week, Jews are asked to eat the flat, cracker-like matzah made from flour and water and baked.
Marc Sievers, director of the American Jewish Committee, said observing Passover was integral to their beliefs.
He was among those who attended a service at the synagogue at the Abrahamic Family House.
The milestone site on Abu Dhabi’s Saadiyat Island hails the shared values of Islam, Judaism and Christianity with a mosque, synagogue and church at one site.
“It’s a wonderful opportunity to reflect on the openness of the society here and the decision of the leadership to welcome people of all different backgrounds and religions,” said Mr Sievers, head of a private, non-profit organisation.
“The Abrahamic Family House gives actual physical form to this by having the mosque, church and the synagogue in the same compound even though each is separate and has its own congregation.”
Thousands of Jews will travel to the UAE this year to explore the country, attracted by stories of safety and tolerance shared by others who live and work here.
“It is very remarkable thing and we feel fortunate to be here and to see this happen,” Mr Sievers said.
“As Jews we see a wonderful opportunity here in the UAE for the monotheistic religions to encounter each other and to promote peace and understanding.
“It provides a special chance for the followers of all three religions to have dialogue.”
Stamp duty timeline
December 2014: Former UK finance minister George Osbourne reforms stamp duty, replacing the slab system with a blended rate scheme, with the top rate increasing to 12 per cent from 10 per cent:
Up to £125,000 - 0%; £125,000 to £250,000 – 2%; £250,000 to £925,000 – 5%; £925,000 to £1.5m: 10%; Over £1.5m – 12%
April 2016: New 3% surcharge applied to any buy-to-let properties or additional homes purchased.
July 2020: Rishi Sunak unveils SDLT holiday, with no tax to pay on the first £500,000, with buyers saving up to £15,000.
March 2021: Mr Sunak decides the fate of SDLT holiday at his March 3 budget, with expectations he will extend the perk unti June.
April 2021: 2% SDLT surcharge added to property transactions made by overseas buyers.
More coverage from the Future Forum
The five pillars of Islam
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Key findings of Jenkins report
- Founder of the Muslim Brotherhood, Hassan al Banna, "accepted the political utility of violence"
- Views of key Muslim Brotherhood ideologue, Sayyid Qutb, have “consistently been understood” as permitting “the use of extreme violence in the pursuit of the perfect Islamic society” and “never been institutionally disowned” by the movement.
- Muslim Brotherhood at all levels has repeatedly defended Hamas attacks against Israel, including the use of suicide bombers and the killing of civilians.
- Laying out the report in the House of Commons, David Cameron told MPs: "The main findings of the review support the conclusion that membership of, association with, or influence by the Muslim Brotherhood should be considered as a possible indicator of extremism."
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
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Company profile
Name: Infinite8
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Funding: $1.2m from a UAE angel investor
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Fixtures and results:
Wed, Aug 29:
- Malaysia bt Hong Kong by 3 wickets
- Oman bt Nepal by 7 wickets
- UAE bt Singapore by 215 runs
Thu, Aug 30: UAE v Nepal; Hong Kong v Singapore; Malaysia v Oman
Sat, Sep 1: UAE v Hong Kong; Oman v Singapore; Malaysia v Nepal
Sun, Sep 2: Hong Kong v Oman; Malaysia v UAE; Nepal v Singapore
Tue, Sep 4: Malaysia v Singapore; UAE v Oman; Nepal v Hong Kong
Thu, Sep 6: Final
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
World record transfers
1. Kylian Mbappe - to Real Madrid in 2017/18 - €180 million (Dh770.4m - if a deal goes through)
2. Paul Pogba - to Manchester United in 2016/17 - €105m
3. Gareth Bale - to Real Madrid in 2013/14 - €101m
4. Cristiano Ronaldo - to Real Madrid in 2009/10 - €94m
5. Gonzalo Higuain - to Juventus in 2016/17 - €90m
6. Neymar - to Barcelona in 2013/14 - €88.2m
7. Romelu Lukaku - to Manchester United in 2017/18 - €84.7m
8. Luis Suarez - to Barcelona in 2014/15 - €81.72m
9. Angel di Maria - to Manchester United in 2014/15 - €75m
10. James Rodriguez - to Real Madrid in 2014/15 - €75m
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
Mohammed bin Zayed Majlis
Checks continue
A High Court judge issued an interim order on Friday suspending a decision by Agriculture Minister Edwin Poots to direct a stop to Brexit agri-food checks at Northern Ireland ports.
Mr Justice Colton said he was making the temporary direction until a judicial review of the minister's unilateral action this week to order a halt to port checks that are required under the Northern Ireland Protocol.
Civil servants have yet to implement the instruction, pending legal clarity on their obligations, and checks are continuing.
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