Kuwait celebrated its 61st national day with colour and culture at Expo 2020 Dubai on Friday.
Following the flag-raising ceremony in the morning, hundreds watched the parade on Ghaf Avenue, waving Kuwaiti flags as it made its way through the Expo 2020 site.
The highlight of the day saw Amani Al-Hajji, the first female opera singer from the Arabian Gulf, entertain the audience gathered at Al Wasl dome. She was joined by Kuwait’s National TV band and a group of cultural performers.
Dr Hamad Rouh El-Din, Kuwait’s Minister of Information and Culture, attended the day's celebrations, and said the country's pavilion highlighted its Vision 2035 for a sustainable future.
“The Kuwait pavilion reflects the civilisation of the country under the theme ‘New Opportunities for Sustainability’," Dr Rouh El-Din said.
"With over two million visits to the pavilion so far, people have had the opportunity to learn about the history of Kuwait and its present, which is full of urban development, as well as its Vision 2035 for the future, especially in the fields of sustainable ideas and alternative energy sources.”
Located in the Sustainability District, the Kuwait pavilion features the ‘Spring of Life’, an architectural feature inspired by the country’s vision for sustainability and The Envelope, a facade that shimmers and reflects sunlight. There are also authentic Kuwaiti dishes rich with flavour, aromas and spices for visitors to enjoy.
Kuwait celebrates National Day – in pictures
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Shamiya Youth Centre during National Day celebrations. All photos: Kuna -

Tourism Enterprises Company lit up in the colours of the Kuwaiti flag during National Day celebrations. -

Buildings lit up in the colours of Kuwait. -

The Ministry of Electricity and Water marks Kuwait's National Day. -

The Kuwait News Agency is illuminated. -

Raising the flags in Souk Al Mubarakiya during National Day celebrations. -

Decorations at night in Mubarakiya. -

Celebrations at Al-Yarmouk Sports Club. -

Kuwait's 'Yom Al-Bahar' village celebrates National Day. -

Academy of Voluntary Work celebrates Kuwait National Day. -

Kuwait is beautifully decorated for National Day celebrations. -

Kuwaiti public institutions mark National Day. -

Palestinians also enjoy Kuwait National Day celebrations. -

The Kuwaiti Information Minister inspects the Kuwait pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai. -

A ceremony at Kuwait's 'Yom Al-Bahar' village. -

A shop's Kuwait-shaped offering to celebrate Kuwaiti National Day. -

The country's 4.6 million population has a wide range of national day-themed products from which to choose. -

A barista's reminder of the important date. -

Cafes and cake shops offer themed products for Kuwaiti National Day. -

Kuwaiti National Day celebrates Sheikh Abdullah Al-Salem Al-Sabah's ascension to the throne in 1950. The leader died in 1965.
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Focus on gratitude: And do so deeply, he says. “Think of one to three things a day that you’re grateful for. It needs to be specific, too, don’t just say ‘air.’ Really think about it. If you’re grateful for, say, what your parents have done for you, that will motivate you to do more for the world.”
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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.
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9. Reduced compliance obligations for imported goods and services
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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.
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Launched: 2008
Categories: Health, energy, water, food, global high schools
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Winners’ announcement: Monday, January 13
Impact in numbers
335 million people positively impacted by projects
430,000 jobs created
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50 million homes powered by renewable energy
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