• A child holds the Kuwaiti flag during Kuwait's National Day ceremony at Al Wasl Plaza, Expo 2020 Dubai. Photo by Christopher Edralin / Expo 2020 Dubai
    A child holds the Kuwaiti flag during Kuwait's National Day ceremony at Al Wasl Plaza, Expo 2020 Dubai. Photo by Christopher Edralin / Expo 2020 Dubai
  • Dancers perform. Photo by Christopher Edralin / Expo 2020 Dubai
    Dancers perform. Photo by Christopher Edralin / Expo 2020 Dubai
  • Kuwait National Day parade on Ghaf Avenue. Photo by Walaa Alshaer / Expo 2020 Dubai
    Kuwait National Day parade on Ghaf Avenue. Photo by Walaa Alshaer / Expo 2020 Dubai
  • Visitors watch the parade. Photo by Suneesh Sudhakaran / Expo 2020 Dubai
    Visitors watch the parade. Photo by Suneesh Sudhakaran / Expo 2020 Dubai
  • Kuwaiti singer Amani Al Hajji and musicians take to the stage. Photo by Suneesh Sudhakaran / Expo 2020 Dubai
    Kuwaiti singer Amani Al Hajji and musicians take to the stage. Photo by Suneesh Sudhakaran / Expo 2020 Dubai
  • The parade ran through the Expo site. Photo by Walaa Alshaer / Expo 2020 Dubai
    The parade ran through the Expo site. Photo by Walaa Alshaer / Expo 2020 Dubai
  • Bagpipe players entertain the crowds. Photo by Walaa Alshaer / Expo 2020 Dubai
    Bagpipe players entertain the crowds. Photo by Walaa Alshaer / Expo 2020 Dubai
  • Visitors wave flags on Kuwait National Day. Photo by Palani Mohan / Expo 2020 Dubai
    Visitors wave flags on Kuwait National Day. Photo by Palani Mohan / Expo 2020 Dubai
  • Al Wasl Plaza lights up in the colours of the Kuwait flag. Photo by Steve Holland / Expo 2020 Dubai
    Al Wasl Plaza lights up in the colours of the Kuwait flag. Photo by Steve Holland / Expo 2020 Dubai
  • Cultural performers. Photo by Christopher Edralin / Expo 2020 Dubai
    Cultural performers. Photo by Christopher Edralin / Expo 2020 Dubai
  • Kuwait National Day Celebrations get under way at Expo 2020 Dubai. Photo by Walaa Alshaer / Expo 2020 Dubai
    Kuwait National Day Celebrations get under way at Expo 2020 Dubai. Photo by Walaa Alshaer / Expo 2020 Dubai
  • Visitors outside the Kuwait Pavilion. Photo by Anthony Fleyhan / Expo 2020 Dubai
    Visitors outside the Kuwait Pavilion. Photo by Anthony Fleyhan / Expo 2020 Dubai
  • Kuwait National Day at Expo 2020 Dubai. Photo by Palani Mohan / Expo 2020 Dubai
    Kuwait National Day at Expo 2020 Dubai. Photo by Palani Mohan / Expo 2020 Dubai

Expo 2020 Dubai: Kuwait brings colour and culture to national day celebrations


  • English
  • Arabic

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

  • Shamiya Youth Centre during National Day celebrations. All photos: Kuna
    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.
    Tourism Enterprises Company lit up in the colours of the Kuwaiti flag during National Day celebrations.
  • Buildings lit up in the colours of Kuwait.
    Buildings lit up in the colours of Kuwait.
  • The Ministry of Electricity and Water marks Kuwait's National Day.
    The Ministry of Electricity and Water marks Kuwait's National Day.
  • The Kuwait News Agency is illuminated.
    The Kuwait News Agency is illuminated.
  • Raising the flags in Souk Al Mubarakiya during National Day celebrations.
    Raising the flags in Souk Al Mubarakiya during National Day celebrations.
  • Decorations at night in Mubarakiya.
    Decorations at night in Mubarakiya.
  • Celebrations at Al-Yarmouk Sports Club.
    Celebrations at Al-Yarmouk Sports Club.
  • Kuwait's 'Yom Al-Bahar' village celebrates National Day.
    Kuwait's 'Yom Al-Bahar' village celebrates National Day.
  • Academy of Voluntary Work celebrates Kuwait National Day.
    Academy of Voluntary Work celebrates Kuwait National Day.
  • Kuwait is beautifully decorated for National Day celebrations.
    Kuwait is beautifully decorated for National Day celebrations.
  • Kuwaiti public institutions mark National Day.
    Kuwaiti public institutions mark National Day.
  • Palestinians also enjoy Kuwait National Day celebrations.
    Palestinians also enjoy Kuwait National Day celebrations.
  • The Kuwaiti Information Minister inspects the Kuwait pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai.
    The Kuwaiti Information Minister inspects the Kuwait pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai.
  • A ceremony at Kuwait's 'Yom Al-Bahar' village.
    A ceremony at Kuwait's 'Yom Al-Bahar' village.
  • A shop's Kuwait-shaped offering to celebrate Kuwaiti National Day.
    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.
    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.
    A barista's reminder of the important date.
  • Cafes and cake shops offer themed products for Kuwaiti National Day.
    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.
    Kuwaiti National Day celebrates Sheikh Abdullah Al-Salem Al-Sabah's ascension to the throne in 1950. The leader died in 1965.
'Cheb%20Khaled'
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EArtist%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EKhaled%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ELabel%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EBelieve%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ERating%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%204%2F5%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Sun jukebox

Rufus Thomas, Bear Cat (The Answer to Hound Dog) (1953)

This rip-off of Leiber/Stoller’s early rock stomper brought a lawsuit against Phillips and necessitated Presley’s premature sale to RCA.

Elvis Presley, Mystery Train (1955)

The B-side of Presley’s final single for Sun bops with a drummer-less groove.

Johnny Cash and the Tennessee Two, Folsom Prison Blues (1955)

Originally recorded for Sun, Cash’s signature tune was performed for inmates of the titular prison 13 years later.

Carl Perkins, Blue Suede Shoes (1956)

Within a month of Sun’s February release Elvis had his version out on RCA.

Roy Orbison, Ooby Dooby (1956)

An essential piece of irreverent juvenilia from Orbison.

Jerry Lee Lewis, Great Balls of Fire (1957)

Lee’s trademark anthem is one of the era’s best-remembered – and best-selling – songs.

The British in India: Three Centuries of Ambition and Experience

by David Gilmour

Allen Lane

Labour dispute

The insured employee may still file an ILOE claim even if a labour dispute is ongoing post termination, but the insurer may suspend or reject payment, until the courts resolve the dispute, especially if the reason for termination is contested. The outcome of the labour court proceedings can directly affect eligibility.


- Abdullah Ishnaneh, Partner, BSA Law 

Pad Man

Dir: R Balki

Starring: Akshay Kumar, Sonam Kapoor, Radhika Apte

Three-and-a-half stars

Quick pearls of wisdom

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.”

Know how to fight: Shetty married his wife, Radhi, three years ago (he met her in a meditation class before he went off and became a monk). He says they’ve had to learn to respect each other’s “fighting styles” – he’s a talk it-out-immediately person, while she needs space to think. “When you’re having an argument, remember, it’s not you against each other. It’s both of you against the problem. When you win, they lose. If you’re on a team you have to win together.” 

Paatal Lok season two

Directors: Avinash Arun, Prosit Roy 

Stars: Jaideep Ahlawat, Ishwak Singh, Lc Sekhose, Merenla Imsong

Rating: 4.5/5

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

At a glance - Zayed Sustainability Prize 2020

Launched: 2008

Categories: Health, energy, water, food, global high schools

Prize: Dh2.2 million (Dh360,000 for global high schools category)

Winners’ announcement: Monday, January 13

 

Impact in numbers

335 million people positively impacted by projects

430,000 jobs created

10 million people given access to clean and affordable drinking water

50 million homes powered by renewable energy

6.5 billion litres of water saved

26 million school children given solar lighting

TUESDAY'S ORDER OF PLAY

Centre Court

Starting at 2pm:

Elina Svitolina (UKR) [3] v Jennifer Brady (USA)

Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova (RUS) v Belinda Bencic (SUI [4]

Not before 7pm:

Sofia Kenin (USA) [5] v Elena Rybakina (KAZ)

Maria Sakkari (GRE) v Aryna Sabalenka (BLR) [7]

 

Court One

Starting at midday:

Karolina Muchova (CZE) v Katerina Siniakova (CZE)

Kristina Mladenovic (FRA) v Aliaksandra Sasnovich (BLR)

Veronika Kudermetova (RUS) v Dayana Yastermska (UKR)

Petra Martic (CRO) [8] v Su-Wei Hsieh (TPE)

Sorana Cirstea (ROU) v Anett Kontaveit (EST)

Skoda Superb Specs

Engine: 2-litre TSI petrol

Power: 190hp

Torque: 320Nm

Price: From Dh147,000

Available: Now

THE DETAILS

Deadpool 2

Dir: David Leitch

Starring: Ryan Reynolds, Josh Brolin, Justin Dennison, Zazie Beetz

Four stars

Updated: March 02, 2022, 7:18 AM