'828 metres of excitement': Sheikh Hamdan climbs Dubai's Burj Khalifa


Gillian Duncan
  • English
  • Arabic

The Crown Prince of Dubai has shared a video of himself scaling Burj Khalifa.

Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed is seen standing on a small platform at the top of the 828 metre tower in the video.

The footage, which he posted on Instagram, opens with a view of a staircase before panning up to see the Crown Prince, who is decked out in climbing gear.

In the next frame, he is right at the top, standing on a see-through grate as he pans the camera around to show the city lights twinkling below.

It ends with a selfie.

He posted the video with the comment: “828 metres of excitement.”

The Crown Prince has 10.7 million followers on Instagram and often shares pictures and videos of his travels and family life.

He is particularly fond of wildlife and once shared a video of himself saving a gazelle that had become tangled in rope.

It is the second time he has scaled the world’s tallest tower.

In 2013, the Crown Prince waved the UAE flag from the top as part of a campaign that ultimately led Dubai to win the bid to host the 2020 World Expo.

Celebrities have also climbed the tower.

Earlier this year, former Top Gear presenter Richard Hammond joined a group of window cleaners who spend their days in a basket wiping more than 100,000 square metres of glass year-round for his Discovery Channel series, Big.

______________

Sheikh Hamdan's adventures - in pictures

  • The classic Leaning Tower of Pisa shot. Instagram / Faz3
    The classic Leaning Tower of Pisa shot. Instagram / Faz3
  • Sheikh Hamdan in Uzbekistan, a place he says has a 'special place' in his heart. Instagram / Faz3
    Sheikh Hamdan in Uzbekistan, a place he says has a 'special place' in his heart. Instagram / Faz3
  • On the Skydeck in Chicago. Instagram / Faz3
    On the Skydeck in Chicago. Instagram / Faz3
  • In the cold in Canada in January 2018. Instagram / Faz3
    In the cold in Canada in January 2018. Instagram / Faz3
  • Last year he also went on a cycling tour in Estonia: the crown prince often makes trips to places that are off the beaten track. Instagram / Faz3
    Last year he also went on a cycling tour in Estonia: the crown prince often makes trips to places that are off the beaten track. Instagram / Faz3
  • With a teetering rock sculpture in Norway back in 2014. Instagram / Faz3
    With a teetering rock sculpture in Norway back in 2014. Instagram / Faz3
  • Exploring the glaciers of New Zealand, a country he called 'beautiful' back in May 2015. Instagram / Faz3
    Exploring the glaciers of New Zealand, a country he called 'beautiful' back in May 2015. Instagram / Faz3
  • Wearing traditional dress in Japan. Instagram / Faz3
    Wearing traditional dress in Japan. Instagram / Faz3
  • By a waterfall on one of the Faroe Islands, which are 18 rocky, volcanic islands between Iceland and Norway. Instagram / Faz3
    By a waterfall on one of the Faroe Islands, which are 18 rocky, volcanic islands between Iceland and Norway. Instagram / Faz3
  • A classic Paris shot. Instagram / Faz3
    A classic Paris shot. Instagram / Faz3
  • In one of his favourite places, Uzbekistan, back in 2015. Spot his dad, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, prime minister of the UAE and ruler of Dubai, doing his signature move in the background. Instagram / Faz3
    In one of his favourite places, Uzbekistan, back in 2015. Spot his dad, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, prime minister of the UAE and ruler of Dubai, doing his signature move in the background. Instagram / Faz3
  • Cycling in San Francisco in 2015. Instagram / Faz3
    Cycling in San Francisco in 2015. Instagram / Faz3
  • Taking a snap with a young Tanzanian back in March, 2016. Instagram / Faz3
    Taking a snap with a young Tanzanian back in March, 2016. Instagram / Faz3
  • He's a huge fan of cycling, having been behind many cycling initiatives in Dubai, and he's definitely showing his support for the activity here. Instagram / Faz3
    He's a huge fan of cycling, having been behind many cycling initiatives in Dubai, and he's definitely showing his support for the activity here. Instagram / Faz3
  • With the famous Uncle Saeed in Amsterdam in 2016. Instagram / Faz3
    With the famous Uncle Saeed in Amsterdam in 2016. Instagram / Faz3
  • Here he is spearfishing, one of his favourite past times. Instagram / Faz3
    Here he is spearfishing, one of his favourite past times. Instagram / Faz3
  • Here's Sheikh Hamdan on the road in Algeria. Instagram / Faz3
    Here's Sheikh Hamdan on the road in Algeria. Instagram / Faz3
  • A breathtaking photo of the Crown Prince in Yosemite National Park in the US. Instagram / Faz3
    A breathtaking photo of the Crown Prince in Yosemite National Park in the US. Instagram / Faz3
  • Here's the Crown Prince trekking through the nature of Yorkshire, in England. Instagram / Faz3
    Here's the Crown Prince trekking through the nature of Yorkshire, in England. Instagram / Faz3
  • Sheikh Hamdan skiing in Aspen. Instagram / Faz3
    Sheikh Hamdan skiing in Aspen. Instagram / Faz3
  • He's a keen photographer, and is pictured here with a camera in Tanzania. Instagram / Faz3
    He's a keen photographer, and is pictured here with a camera in Tanzania. Instagram / Faz3
  • At the World Equestrian Games in North Carolina last year. Instagram / Faz3
    At the World Equestrian Games in North Carolina last year. Instagram / Faz3
  • A morning coffee mid-air back in May 2016. Instagram / Faz3
    A morning coffee mid-air back in May 2016. Instagram / Faz3
  • In the clouds, with an amazing view on show in Canada back in January 2016. Instagram / Faz3
    In the clouds, with an amazing view on show in Canada back in January 2016. Instagram / Faz3
  • Driving through London in a Tesla. Instagram / Faz3
    Driving through London in a Tesla. Instagram / Faz3
  • And here he in June, 2018, in Makkah, Saudi Arabia. Instagram / Faz3
    And here he in June, 2018, in Makkah, Saudi Arabia. Instagram / Faz3
  • Here he is at Royal Ascot in the UK last summer with his father, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, the Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai. Instagram / Faz3
    Here he is at Royal Ascot in the UK last summer with his father, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, the Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai. Instagram / Faz3
  • Here's a closer to home travel photo, with the Crown Prince hiking through Hatta. Instagram / Faz3
    Here's a closer to home travel photo, with the Crown Prince hiking through Hatta. Instagram / Faz3
  • And here he is in a cloudy landscape, which is also likely to be from his trip in Canada. Instagram / Faz3
    And here he is in a cloudy landscape, which is also likely to be from his trip in Canada. Instagram / Faz3
  • Here's a throwback Thursday to when he was at Sandhurst Royal Military College in the United Kingdom. Instagram / Faz3
    Here's a throwback Thursday to when he was at Sandhurst Royal Military College in the United Kingdom. Instagram / Faz3
  • Out for a walk in the Big Apple. Instagram / Faz3
    Out for a walk in the Big Apple. Instagram / Faz3
  • The Crown Prince looking out over New York. Instagram / Faz3
    The Crown Prince looking out over New York. Instagram / Faz3
  • At the airport in Algeria with his father and brother. Instagram / Faz3
    At the airport in Algeria with his father and brother. Instagram / Faz3
  • Taking a moment in Italy back in 2015. Instagram / Faz3
    Taking a moment in Italy back in 2015. Instagram / Faz3
  • Sheikh Hamdan in Paris. Instagram / Faz3
    Sheikh Hamdan in Paris. Instagram / Faz3
  • Trying a burger in Tokyo, Japan. Instagram / Faz3
    Trying a burger in Tokyo, Japan. Instagram / Faz3
  • The Crown Prince hiking in Scotland during this year's summer. Instagram / Faz3
    The Crown Prince hiking in Scotland during this year's summer. Instagram / Faz3
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

Avatar: Fire and Ash

Director: James Cameron

Starring: Sam Worthington, Sigourney Weaver, Zoe Saldana

Rating: 4.5/5

'Laal Kaptaan'

Director: Navdeep Singh

Stars: Saif Ali Khan, Manav Vij, Deepak Dobriyal, Zoya Hussain

Rating: 2/5

The Voice of Hind Rajab

Starring: Saja Kilani, Clara Khoury, Motaz Malhees

Director: Kaouther Ben Hania

Rating: 4/5

Walls

Louis Tomlinson

3 out of 5 stars

(Syco Music/Arista Records)

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 

 

Real estate tokenisation project

Dubai launched the pilot phase of its real estate tokenisation project last month.

The initiative focuses on converting real estate assets into digital tokens recorded on blockchain technology and helps in streamlining the process of buying, selling and investing, the Dubai Land Department said.

Dubai’s real estate tokenisation market is projected to reach Dh60 billion ($16.33 billion) by 2033, representing 7 per cent of the emirate’s total property transactions, according to the DLD.

Sarfira

Director: Sudha Kongara Prasad

Starring: Akshay Kumar, Radhika Madan, Paresh Rawal 

Rating: 2/5

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

'Worse than a prison sentence'

Marie Byrne, a counsellor who volunteers at the UAE government's mental health crisis helpline, said the ordeal the crew had been through would take time to overcome.

“It was worse than a prison sentence, where at least someone can deal with a set amount of time incarcerated," she said.

“They were living in perpetual mystery as to how their futures would pan out, and what that would be.

“Because of coronavirus, the world is very different now to the one they left, that will also have an impact.

“It will not fully register until they are on dry land. Some have not seen their young children grow up while others will have to rebuild relationships.

“It will be a challenge mentally, and to find other work to support their families as they have been out of circulation for so long. Hopefully they will get the care they need when they get home.”

Skoda Superb Specs

Engine: 2-litre TSI petrol

Power: 190hp

Torque: 320Nm

Price: From Dh147,000

Available: Now

All or Nothing

Amazon Prime

Four stars

The%20specs
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EPowertrain%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3ESingle%20electric%20motor%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EPower%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E201hp%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ETorque%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E310Nm%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ETransmission%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3ESingle-speed%20auto%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EBattery%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E53kWh%20lithium-ion%20battery%20pack%20(GS%20base%20model)%3B%2070kWh%20battery%20pack%20(GF)%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ETouring%20range%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E350km%20(GS)%3B%20480km%20(GF)%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EPrice%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EFrom%20Dh129%2C900%20(GS)%3B%20Dh149%2C000%20(GF)%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EOn%20sale%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Now%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
The Abu Dhabi Awards explained:

What are the awards? They honour anyone who has made a contribution to life in Abu Dhabi.

Are they open to only Emiratis? The awards are open to anyone, regardless of age or nationality, living anywhere in the world.

When do nominations close? The process concludes on December 31.

How do I nominate someone? Through the website.

When is the ceremony? The awards event will take place early next year.

Infiniti QX80 specs

Engine: twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6

Power: 450hp

Torque: 700Nm

Price: From Dh450,000, Autograph model from Dh510,000

Available: Now

THE BIO

Age: 30

Favourite book: The Power of Habit

Favourite quote: "The world is full of good people, if you cannot find one, be one"

Favourite exercise: The snatch

Favourite colour: Blue

Normal People

Sally Rooney, Faber & Faber
 

The specs: 2018 Ducati SuperSport S

Price, base / as tested: Dh74,900 / Dh85,900

Engine: 937cc

Transmission: Six-speed gearbox

Power: 110hp @ 9,000rpm

Torque: 93Nm @ 6,500rpm

Fuel economy, combined: 5.9L / 100km

Porsche Macan T: The Specs

Engine: 2.0-litre 4-cyl turbo 

Power: 265hp from 5,000-6,500rpm 

Torque: 400Nm from 1,800-4,500rpm 

Transmission: 7-speed dual-clutch auto 

Speed: 0-100kph in 6.2sec 

Top speed: 232kph 

Fuel consumption: 10.7L/100km 

On sale: May or June 

Price: From Dh259,900  

The five pillars of Islam

1. Fasting

2. Prayer

3. Hajj

4. Shahada

5. Zakat 

The specs

Engine: 2.0-litre 4-cyl turbo

Power: 247hp at 6,500rpm

Torque: 370Nm from 1,500-3,500rpm

Transmission: 10-speed auto

Fuel consumption: 7.8L/100km

Price: from Dh94,900

On sale: now