DUBAI // The UAE can boast yet another Guinness World Record – the largest number of nationalities singing a national anthem at the same time.
The record was set when 100,000 Gems Education staff, pupils and parents from 119 countries sang their hearts out to the UAE anthem on Monday morning.
Pupils from the company’s 40 schools in the UAE took part in the event at their schools.
“It’s something we are thrilled to have achieved,” said Dino Varkey, executive director of Gems.
“Having so many excited pupils in one place made for a fantastic atmosphere and we are delighted to have got the record for the UAE.”
The focal point for the event was the Gems Wellington Academy in Silicon Oasis, where 4,500 pupils, including those from other schools, took part.
The company came up with the idea after a brainstorming session to find the best way to celebrate National Day.
“We have been in the UAE for 55 years and this country has given us an amazing opportunity to be successful, so we wanted to do something significant,” said Mr Varkey.
The UAE’s long multicultural tradition made it easy to find a wide range of nationalities.
“The UAE has given so many families from all over the world the opportunity to start a new life and seeing how proud the children were to be a part of the world record was fantastic,” Mr Varkey said.
The event was organised online and pupils and staff sang the UAE national anthem, Ishy Biladi, or Long Live My Nation.
Officials from Guinness World Records were present to verify the claim, and other officials checked passports to make sure the record could be verified.
“Today is a celebration of the coming together of the seven emirates and 43 years of achievements, thanks to the vision and wisdom of the UAE leadership,” said Amal Al Bayari, director of government relations at Gems.
Ms Al Bayari, an Emirati, praised the founders of the UAE, in particular the founding President Sheikh Zayed, the late Ruler of Dubai Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed, and their brothers.
She also congratulated the country’s leadership.
“Our world record-breaking rendition of the UAE National Anthem is a celebration of unity through diversity, represented by 119 of the 200 nationalities who call the UAE home, and who are eager to give thanks and acknowledge the opportunities they have been given by our nation,” Ms Al Bayari said.
The company organised the event to promote diversity and reflect Sheikh Zayed’s words on tolerance, said Mr Varkey.
“By encouraging students, parents and staff to take part in our celebrations, Gems is conveying a message to the world – that diversity and tolerance is evidence of a nation’s vitality and proof of its ability to achieve wonders.”
The successful record attempt was broadcast simultaneously to all 40 Gems schools.
Each of the schools was given a certificate after the record by Guinness World Records.
nhanif@thenational.ae
MEYDAN RESULTS
6.30pm Baniyas (PA) Group 2 Dh125,000 (Dirt) 1,400m
Winner ES Ajeeb, Sam Hitchcock (jockey), Ibrahim Aseel (trainer).
7.05pm Maiden (TB) Dh165,000 (D) 1,200m
Winner Galaxy Road, Antonio Fresu, Musabah Al Muhairi.
7.40pm Maiden (TB) Dh165,000 (D) 1,400m
Winner Al Modayar, Fernando Jara, Ali Rashid Al Raihe.
8.15pm Handicap (TB) Dh170,000 (D) 1,900m
Winner Gundogdu, Xavier Ziani, Salem bin Ghadayer.
8.50pm Rated Conditions (TB) Dh240,000 (D) 1,600m
Winner George Villiers, Tadhg O’Shea, Satish Seemar.
9.25pm Handicap (TB) Dh175,000 (D)1,200m
Winner Lady Parma, Connor Beasley, Satish Seemar
10pm Handicap (TB) Dh165,000 (D) 1,400m
Winner Zaajer, Fernando Jara, Ali Rashid Al Raihe
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
What is safeguarding?
“Safeguarding, not just in sport, but in all walks of life, is making sure that policies are put in place that make sure your child is safe; when they attend a football club, a tennis club, that there are welfare officers at clubs who are qualified to a standard to make sure your child is safe in that environment,” Derek Bell explains.
Race card
1.30pm: Handicap (PA) Dh 50,000 (Dirt) 1,400m
2pm: Handicap (TB) Dh 84,000 (D) 1,400m
2.30pm: Maiden (TB) Dh 60,000 (D) 1,200m
3pm: Conditions (TB) Dh 100,000 (D) 1.950m
3.30pm: Handicap (TB) Dh 76,000 (D) 1,800m
4pm: Maiden (TB) Dh 60,000 (D) 1,600m
4.30pm: Handicap (TB) Dh 68,000 (D) 1,000m
Sukuk explained
Sukuk are Sharia-compliant financial certificates issued by governments, corporates and other entities. While as an asset class they resemble conventional bonds, there are some significant differences. As interest is prohibited under Sharia, sukuk must contain an underlying transaction, for example a leaseback agreement, and the income that is paid to investors is generated by the underlying asset. Investors must also be prepared to share in both the profits and losses of an enterprise. Nevertheless, sukuk are similar to conventional bonds in that they provide regular payments, and are considered less risky than equities. Most investors would not buy sukuk directly due to high minimum subscriptions, but invest via funds.
ZAYED SUSTAINABILITY PRIZE
How to protect yourself when air quality drops
Install an air filter in your home.
Close your windows and turn on the AC.
Shower or bath after being outside.
Wear a face mask.
Stay indoors when conditions are particularly poor.
If driving, turn your engine off when stationary.
