• Singer Christina Aguilera performs during a World Aids Day concert in Inglewood, California, last year. Reuters
    Singer Christina Aguilera performs during a World Aids Day concert in Inglewood, California, last year. Reuters
  • Aguilera at the Latin Grammy Awards show in Las Vegas, Nevada, in November. Reuters
    Aguilera at the Latin Grammy Awards show in Las Vegas, Nevada, in November. Reuters
  • The US musician will perform at the closing ceremony of Expo 2020 Dubai on Thursday. EPA
    The US musician will perform at the closing ceremony of Expo 2020 Dubai on Thursday. EPA
  • Cellist Yo-Yo Ma performs at the John F Kennedy Centre for the Performing Arts, in Washington. EPA
    Cellist Yo-Yo Ma performs at the John F Kennedy Centre for the Performing Arts, in Washington. EPA
  • Award winning cellist Yo-yo Ma, right, speaks to students at Al Rabeeh School in Abu Dhabi. Photo: Al Rabeeh school
    Award winning cellist Yo-yo Ma, right, speaks to students at Al Rabeeh School in Abu Dhabi. Photo: Al Rabeeh school
  • Ma will also perform at the Expo closing ceremony. The National
    Ma will also perform at the Expo closing ceremony. The National
  • Norah Jones performs during a tour in India to raise awareness and funds for breast cancer. AFP
    Norah Jones performs during a tour in India to raise awareness and funds for breast cancer. AFP
  • American singer Jones is another star expected to play at the world's fair. AP
    American singer Jones is another star expected to play at the world's fair. AP

Christina Aguilera to play at star-studded Expo 2020 Dubai closing ceremony


  • English
  • Arabic

Global music stars including US artists Christina Aguilera and Norah Jones will perform at the closing ceremony of Expo 2020 Dubai on Thursday.

Organisers on Saturday revealed more about the eagerly anticipated event and said children will lead the way as the curtain comes down on the six-month event.

Aguilera, Jones and American cellist Yo-Yo Ma will lead the line-up, while hundreds of children will be in the audience beneath the Al Wasl dome.

The concerts are free to attend for anyone with an Expo ticket and entry is on a first come first served basis, organisers said.

The world's fair baton will also be passed from Dubai to Expo 2025 Osaka.

Performances from the stars

Aguilera, Jones and Ma will perform on the night and on 20-plus giant screens across the site, including the main stages, Festival Garden and country pavilions.

The evening will begin at 7pm with Mira Singh, the girl who stole the show during the opening ceremony, taking the audience on another journey.

Hundreds of children from across the UAE are to witness the wonders as the country looks to the next 50 years, having celebrated its Golden Jubilee during Expo 2020 Dubai.

Later in the evening, Grammy-winner Ma will play a concert at Dubai Millennium Amphitheatre from 8.45pm. The celebrated Grammy-winning singer, songwriter and pianist Jones will entertain visitors with her own concert on the Jubilee Stage from 9pm, and singer Aguilera will present an extended performance on the Jubilee Stage from 10.45pm.

  • Christina Aguilera, wearing a green crop top and green pleather trousers, poses for a portrait in Universal City, California in June 1998. Getty Images
    Christina Aguilera, wearing a green crop top and green pleather trousers, poses for a portrait in Universal City, California in June 1998. Getty Images
  • Christina Aguilera, wearing a leopard-print camisole and jacket, arrives at the 1999 MTV Music Video Awards in New York City on September 9, 1999. ImageDirect
    Christina Aguilera, wearing a leopard-print camisole and jacket, arrives at the 1999 MTV Music Video Awards in New York City on September 9, 1999. ImageDirect
  • Christina Aguilera, wearing a tasselled Las Vegas crop top, arrives at the Billboard Music Awards show at the MGM Grand Hotel in Las Vegas on December 8, 1999. FSP
    Christina Aguilera, wearing a tasselled Las Vegas crop top, arrives at the Billboard Music Awards show at the MGM Grand Hotel in Las Vegas on December 8, 1999. FSP
  • Christina Aguilera, wearing a green crop top and red snake-skin trousers, performs during the 27th Annual American Music Awards on January 17, 2000 in Los Angeles. AFP
    Christina Aguilera, wearing a green crop top and red snake-skin trousers, performs during the 27th Annual American Music Awards on January 17, 2000 in Los Angeles. AFP
  • Christina Aguilera, in a gold two-piece, attends the BMG Entertainment party in Hollywood following the Grammy Awards on February 24, 2000 in Los Angeles. FSP
    Christina Aguilera, in a gold two-piece, attends the BMG Entertainment party in Hollywood following the Grammy Awards on February 24, 2000 in Los Angeles. FSP
  • Christina Aguilera, wearing a red vest and black leather skirt with boots, and Enrique Iglesias perform at the half time show during the Super Bowl on January 30, 2000. JLS
    Christina Aguilera, wearing a red vest and black leather skirt with boots, and Enrique Iglesias perform at the half time show during the Super Bowl on January 30, 2000. JLS
  • Christina Aguilera, wearing a silver column dress, attends the American Latino Media Arts Awards in Pasadena, California on April 16, 2000. AFP
    Christina Aguilera, wearing a silver column dress, attends the American Latino Media Arts Awards in Pasadena, California on April 16, 2000. AFP
  • Christina Aguilera, wearing a red lace dress, arrives at the 43rd Annual Grammy Awards on February 21, 2001. Getty Images
    Christina Aguilera, wearing a red lace dress, arrives at the 43rd Annual Grammy Awards on February 21, 2001. Getty Images
  • Christina Aguilera, wearing a shredded velvet dress, arrives at the Blockbuster Entertainment Awards in Los Angeles on April 10, 2001. FSP
    Christina Aguilera, wearing a shredded velvet dress, arrives at the Blockbuster Entertainment Awards in Los Angeles on April 10, 2001. FSP
  • Christina Aguilera, wearing a shredded top and cargo pants, attends a photocall ahead of the 30th Annual American Music Awards, in Los Angeles on January 13, 2003. AFP
    Christina Aguilera, wearing a shredded top and cargo pants, attends a photocall ahead of the 30th Annual American Music Awards, in Los Angeles on January 13, 2003. AFP
  • Christina Aguilera, wearing a black semi-sheer dress, arrives at the 30th Annual American Music Awards in Los Angeles on January 13, 2003. AFP
    Christina Aguilera, wearing a black semi-sheer dress, arrives at the 30th Annual American Music Awards in Los Angeles on January 13, 2003. AFP
  • Christina Aguilera, wearing a pink feathered Roberto Cavalli feather dress, arrives at the 2003 MTV Video Music Awards at Radio City Music Hall on August 28, 2003 in New York City. AFP
    Christina Aguilera, wearing a pink feathered Roberto Cavalli feather dress, arrives at the 2003 MTV Video Music Awards at Radio City Music Hall on August 28, 2003 in New York City. AFP
  • Christina Aguilera, wearing a white layered Carlos Miele gown, at the NRJ Music Awards in Calais, France on January 24, 2004. AFP
    Christina Aguilera, wearing a white layered Carlos Miele gown, at the NRJ Music Awards in Calais, France on January 24, 2004. AFP
  • Christina Aguilera, wearing an embellished lace lavender Atelier Versace dress, arrives at the 46th Annual Grammy Awards on February 8, 2004 in Los Angeles, California. AFP
    Christina Aguilera, wearing an embellished lace lavender Atelier Versace dress, arrives at the 46th Annual Grammy Awards on February 8, 2004 in Los Angeles, California. AFP
  • Christina Aguilera, wearing a corset-style dress, attends the 13th Annual Music Video Production Association Awards on May 20, 2004 in Los Angeles, California. AFP
    Christina Aguilera, wearing a corset-style dress, attends the 13th Annual Music Video Production Association Awards on May 20, 2004 in Los Angeles, California. AFP
  • Christina Aguilera, wearing a golden flapper-style Roberto Cavalli dress, arrives at the 2004 MTV Video Music Awards on August 29, 2004 in Miami, Florida. Getty Images
    Christina Aguilera, wearing a golden flapper-style Roberto Cavalli dress, arrives at the 2004 MTV Video Music Awards on August 29, 2004 in Miami, Florida. Getty Images
  • Christina Aguilera, wearing a blue Monique Lhuillier prom dress, arrives at the 13th Annual Elton John Aids Foundation Academy Awards Viewing Party on February 27, 2005 in Los Angeles, California. AFP
    Christina Aguilera, wearing a blue Monique Lhuillier prom dress, arrives at the 13th Annual Elton John Aids Foundation Academy Awards Viewing Party on February 27, 2005 in Los Angeles, California. AFP
  • Christina Aguilera, wearing a black vest and red trousers, poses backstage during MTV's Total Request Live at the MTV Times Square Studios in New York on June 21, 2006. AFP
    Christina Aguilera, wearing a black vest and red trousers, poses backstage during MTV's Total Request Live at the MTV Times Square Studios in New York on June 21, 2006. AFP
  • Christina Aguilera, wearing a open collar suit and black tie, attends the Mac Viva Glam VI dinner on September 6, 2006 in New York City. Getty Images
    Christina Aguilera, wearing a open collar suit and black tie, attends the Mac Viva Glam VI dinner on September 6, 2006 in New York City. Getty Images
  • Christina Aguilera, wearing a white Valentino gown with a black bow, arrives at the 59th Annual Primetime Emmy Awards on 16, 2007 in Los Angeles, California. Getty Images
    Christina Aguilera, wearing a white Valentino gown with a black bow, arrives at the 59th Annual Primetime Emmy Awards on 16, 2007 in Los Angeles, California. Getty Images
  • Christina Aguilera, wearing a green Vanitas silk dress, attends the launch of Rock The Vote 2008 on November 13, 2007. AFP
    Christina Aguilera, wearing a green Vanitas silk dress, attends the launch of Rock The Vote 2008 on November 13, 2007. AFP
  • Christina Aguilera, in a black belted mini dress, attends a Rock The Vote party on September 25, 2008 in Los Angeles. AFP
    Christina Aguilera, in a black belted mini dress, attends a Rock The Vote party on September 25, 2008 in Los Angeles. AFP
  • Christina Aguilera, wearing a patterned top and black trousers, arrives at Emirates Palace, Abu Dhabi on October 23, 2008. AFP
    Christina Aguilera, wearing a patterned top and black trousers, arrives at Emirates Palace, Abu Dhabi on October 23, 2008. AFP
  • Christina Aguilera, wearing a white jumpsuit with gold accessories, performs at Emirates Palace, Abu Dhabi on October 24, 2008. Stephen Lock / The National
    Christina Aguilera, wearing a white jumpsuit with gold accessories, performs at Emirates Palace, Abu Dhabi on October 24, 2008. Stephen Lock / The National
  • Cher and Christina Aguilera, wearing a blush pink Versace gown, attend the 67th Golden Globe Awards in Los Angeles, California on January 17, 2010. EPA
    Cher and Christina Aguilera, wearing a blush pink Versace gown, attend the 67th Golden Globe Awards in Los Angeles, California on January 17, 2010. EPA
  • Christina Aguilera, wearing a green Elie Saab gown, arrives at the premiere of 'Burlesque' at Grauman's Chinese Theatre on November 15, 2010 in Los Angeles, California. AFP
    Christina Aguilera, wearing a green Elie Saab gown, arrives at the premiere of 'Burlesque' at Grauman's Chinese Theatre on November 15, 2010 in Los Angeles, California. AFP
  • Christina Aguilera, wearing a black blazer over a jacket and trousers, performs the national anthem ahead of the Super Bowl in Arlington, Texas on February 6, 2011. PA
    Christina Aguilera, wearing a black blazer over a jacket and trousers, performs the national anthem ahead of the Super Bowl in Arlington, Texas on February 6, 2011. PA
  • Christina Aguilera, in a pink Dolce & Gabbana lace tube dress, arrives at a 'The Voice' event on March 15, 2011 in Los Angeles, California. AFP
    Christina Aguilera, in a pink Dolce & Gabbana lace tube dress, arrives at a 'The Voice' event on March 15, 2011 in Los Angeles, California. AFP
  • Christina Aguilera, wearing a monochrome outfit, attends a 'The Voice' reception on August 12, 2012 in Los Angeles. AFP
    Christina Aguilera, wearing a monochrome outfit, attends a 'The Voice' reception on August 12, 2012 in Los Angeles. AFP
  • Christina Aguilera, in a purple Alexander Wang body con dress, attends the 40th Anniversary American Music Awards nominations press conference on October 9, 2012 in Los Angeles. AFP
    Christina Aguilera, in a purple Alexander Wang body con dress, attends the 40th Anniversary American Music Awards nominations press conference on October 9, 2012 in Los Angeles. AFP
  • Christina Aguilera, wearing a purple ombre Pamella Roland dress, attends the 40th American Music Awards held at Nokia Theatre on November 18, 2012 in Los Angeles, California. AFP
    Christina Aguilera, wearing a purple ombre Pamella Roland dress, attends the 40th American Music Awards held at Nokia Theatre on November 18, 2012 in Los Angeles, California. AFP
  • Christina Aguilera, wearing a black Victoria Beckham silk dress, attends the Time 100 Gala on April 23, 2013 in New York. AFP
    Christina Aguilera, wearing a black Victoria Beckham silk dress, attends the Time 100 Gala on April 23, 2013 in New York. AFP
  • Christina Aguilera, wearing a black semi-sheer gown, at 102.7 KIIS FM on May 10, 2014 in Los Angeles, California. AFP
    Christina Aguilera, wearing a black semi-sheer gown, at 102.7 KIIS FM on May 10, 2014 in Los Angeles, California. AFP
  • Christina Aguilera, wearing an earth-print white Marc Bouwer gown, attends the 2015 Vanity Fair Oscar Party on February 22, 2015 in Beverly Hills, California. AFP
    Christina Aguilera, wearing an earth-print white Marc Bouwer gown, attends the 2015 Vanity Fair Oscar Party on February 22, 2015 in Beverly Hills, California. AFP
  • Christina Aguilera, wearing leggings and a band T-shirt, arrives at NBC's 'The Voice' season eight event on April 23, 2015 in West Hollywood. AFP
    Christina Aguilera, wearing leggings and a band T-shirt, arrives at NBC's 'The Voice' season eight event on April 23, 2015 in West Hollywood. AFP
  • Christina Aguilera, wearing a blue top over a Alexander McQueen jersey dress, raises awareness about domestic violence with Verizon's HopeLine Programme on November 12, 2015 in West Hollywood, California. AFP
    Christina Aguilera, wearing a blue top over a Alexander McQueen jersey dress, raises awareness about domestic violence with Verizon's HopeLine Programme on November 12, 2015 in West Hollywood, California. AFP
  • Matthew Rutler and Christina Aguilera, wearing a black Emanuel Ungaro jumpsuit, attends the 5th Annual Baby2Baby Gala on November 12, 2016 in California. AFP
    Matthew Rutler and Christina Aguilera, wearing a black Emanuel Ungaro jumpsuit, attends the 5th Annual Baby2Baby Gala on November 12, 2016 in California. AFP
  • Christina Aguilera, wearing a striped Saint Laurent T-shirt and flower emblazoned trousers with a High Heels Suicide jacket, attends the premiere of 'The Emoji Movie' on July 23, 2017 in California. AFP
    Christina Aguilera, wearing a striped Saint Laurent T-shirt and flower emblazoned trousers with a High Heels Suicide jacket, attends the premiere of 'The Emoji Movie' on July 23, 2017 in California. AFP
  • Christina Aguilera, wearing a white feathered dress, attends Harper's Bazaar's 'Icons By Carine Roitfeld' celebration on September 7, 2018 in New York City. AFP
    Christina Aguilera, wearing a white feathered dress, attends Harper's Bazaar's 'Icons By Carine Roitfeld' celebration on September 7, 2018 in New York City. AFP
  • Christina Aguilera, wearing a red leather coat over a skirt and top, poses backstage at the Christian Cowan Show during New York Fashion Week on September 8, 2018. AFP
    Christina Aguilera, wearing a red leather coat over a skirt and top, poses backstage at the Christian Cowan Show during New York Fashion Week on September 8, 2018. AFP
  • Christina Aguilera, wearing a black tulle and sequinned Nicolas Jebran look, attends the 2019 amfAR Gala Los Angeles on October 10, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. AFP
    Christina Aguilera, wearing a black tulle and sequinned Nicolas Jebran look, attends the 2019 amfAR Gala Los Angeles on October 10, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. AFP
  • Christina Aguilera, wearing a white embellished hooded Jean Paul Gaultier dress, attends the 2019 American Music Awards on November 24, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. Getty Images
    Christina Aguilera, wearing a white embellished hooded Jean Paul Gaultier dress, attends the 2019 American Music Awards on November 24, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. Getty Images
  • Christina Aguilera, wearing a red and pink gown Galia Lahav, attends the premiere of 'Mulan' in Hollywood on March 9, 2020. AFP
    Christina Aguilera, wearing a red and pink gown Galia Lahav, attends the premiere of 'Mulan' in Hollywood on March 9, 2020. AFP
  • Christina Aguilera, wearing a black leather Helmut Lang trench coat over trousers, attends the MasterClass First Look Event at The Whitney Museum of American Art on November 10, 2021 in New York City. AFP
    Christina Aguilera, wearing a black leather Helmut Lang trench coat over trousers, attends the MasterClass First Look Event at The Whitney Museum of American Art on November 10, 2021 in New York City. AFP
  • Christina Aguilera, wearing a black full-sleeved latex dress, appears at the 22nd annual Latin Grammy Awards in Las Vegas on November 18, 2021. AP
    Christina Aguilera, wearing a black full-sleeved latex dress, appears at the 22nd annual Latin Grammy Awards in Las Vegas on November 18, 2021. AP
  • AHF President, Michael Weinstein and Christina Aguilera, wearing a Balmain star-print blazer over leather trousers, attend the at the Aids Healthcare Foundation's concert marking World Aids Day in Inglewood, California on Wednesday, December 1, 2021. AP
    AHF President, Michael Weinstein and Christina Aguilera, wearing a Balmain star-print blazer over leather trousers, attend the at the Aids Healthcare Foundation's concert marking World Aids Day in Inglewood, California on Wednesday, December 1, 2021. AP
  • Christina Aguilera, wearing a black pleather set with Hanut Singh earrings and Le Vian diamond rings, attends the Billboard Women in Music Awards on March 2, 2022. Reuters
    Christina Aguilera, wearing a black pleather set with Hanut Singh earrings and Le Vian diamond rings, attends the Billboard Women in Music Awards on March 2, 2022. Reuters

The show in statistics

The cast of the closing ceremony includes more than 400 professionals and volunteers from 56 countries, with 745 costumes created for the culmination of Expo 2020 Dubai.

Forty members of a UAE-based children’s choir will perform Ishy Bilady, the National Anthem of the UAE, joined by the all-women Firdaus Orchestra, conducted by Yasmina Sabbah.

The ceremony will be streamed live on Virtual Expo and Expo TV. It will remind audiences of some of Al Wasl Plaza’s great moments, including calligraphy poetry in the sky from Emirati poetess Ousha bint Khalifa Al Suwaidi; the falcon from immersive theatrical show Journey of the 50th, which was presented during the UAE’s Golden Jubilee celebrations, and the incredible horse from The Boy and The Horse – a tribute to Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai.

The show also looks to the future. Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak, Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence and Commissioner-General of Expo 2020 Dubai will participate in a ceremony that hands the baton over to Osaka in Japan for the next Expo in 2025.

The celebrations will continue throughout the night, with fireworks displays at midnight and 3am.

Coldplay perform at Expo 2020 Dubai - in pictures

  • Coldplay performs at Expo 2020 Dubai on February 15. All photos: Reuters, unless noted otherwise
    Coldplay performs at Expo 2020 Dubai on February 15. All photos: Reuters, unless noted otherwise
  • Chris Martin and crew rocked Al Wasl Dome as part of the Infinite Nights concert series.
    Chris Martin and crew rocked Al Wasl Dome as part of the Infinite Nights concert series.
  • Kicking off the gig right on time at 9pm, Coldplay launched directly into 'Higher Power', the uplifting hit from their ninth and latest album 'Music of the Spheres'.
    Kicking off the gig right on time at 9pm, Coldplay launched directly into 'Higher Power', the uplifting hit from their ninth and latest album 'Music of the Spheres'.
  • As part of the concert, the 'sky' of Al Wasl Dome also teemed with butterflies, rainbows and oversized BTS holograms.
    As part of the concert, the 'sky' of Al Wasl Dome also teemed with butterflies, rainbows and oversized BTS holograms.
  • Al Wasl Dome came alive with laser projections and holograms as part of the concert.
    Al Wasl Dome came alive with laser projections and holograms as part of the concert.
  • Chris Martin went around the circular stage a number of times, greeting the audience.
    Chris Martin went around the circular stage a number of times, greeting the audience.
  • Despite the smaller crowd, Chris Martin’s energy was infectious as he stomped back and forth between the centre stage and the outer circles.
    Despite the smaller crowd, Chris Martin’s energy was infectious as he stomped back and forth between the centre stage and the outer circles.
  • Chris Martin of the band Coldplay performs at Expo 2020 Dubai.
    Chris Martin of the band Coldplay performs at Expo 2020 Dubai.
  • Coldplay played several hits including 'Paradise' — performed under a kaleidoscope of butterflies and rainbows. Photo: Expo 2020 Dubai
    Coldplay played several hits including 'Paradise' — performed under a kaleidoscope of butterflies and rainbows. Photo: Expo 2020 Dubai
  • Chris Martin takes a seat at the piano to croon along to a song.
    Chris Martin takes a seat at the piano to croon along to a song.
  • Chris Martin was at his best, traipsing around the stage and pulling electrifying poses as he swung his arms and pointed his fingers.
    Chris Martin was at his best, traipsing around the stage and pulling electrifying poses as he swung his arms and pointed his fingers.
  • Guitarist Jonny Buckland, bassist Guy Berryman and drummer Will Champion provided a solid support team to lead vocalist Chris Martin for the night.
    Guitarist Jonny Buckland, bassist Guy Berryman and drummer Will Champion provided a solid support team to lead vocalist Chris Martin for the night.
  • With more than 100 million albums sold worldwide, Coldplay are one of the most successful bands of the 21st century and one of the bestselling music acts of all time.
    With more than 100 million albums sold worldwide, Coldplay are one of the most successful bands of the 21st century and one of the bestselling music acts of all time.
  • Typically found headlining stadiums around the world with upwards of 100,000 fans, it was a rather intimate affair at Expo 2020 Dubai.
    Typically found headlining stadiums around the world with upwards of 100,000 fans, it was a rather intimate affair at Expo 2020 Dubai.
  • Chris Martin and Jonny Buckland of Coldplay perform at Expo 2020 Dubai.
    Chris Martin and Jonny Buckland of Coldplay perform at Expo 2020 Dubai.
Bert van Marwijk factfile

Born: May 19 1952
Place of birth: Deventer, Netherlands
Playing position: Midfielder

Teams managed:
1998-2000 Fortuna Sittard
2000-2004 Feyenoord
2004-2006 Borussia Dortmund
2007-2008 Feyenoord
2008-2012 Netherlands
2013-2014 Hamburg
2015-2017 Saudi Arabia
2018 Australia

Major honours (manager):
2001/02 Uefa Cup, Feyenoord
2007/08 KNVB Cup, Feyenoord
World Cup runner-up, Netherlands

 

 

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TEACHERS' PAY - WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

Pay varies significantly depending on the school, its rating and the curriculum. Here's a rough guide as of January 2021:

- top end schools tend to pay Dh16,000-17,000 a month - plus a monthly housing allowance of up to Dh6,000. These tend to be British curriculum schools rated 'outstanding' or 'very good', followed by American schools

- average salary across curriculums and skill levels is about Dh10,000, recruiters say

- it is becoming more common for schools to provide accommodation, sometimes in an apartment block with other teachers, rather than hand teachers a cash housing allowance

- some strong performing schools have cut back on salaries since the pandemic began, sometimes offering Dh16,000 including the housing allowance, which reflects the slump in rental costs, and sheer demand for jobs

- maths and science teachers are most in demand and some schools will pay up to Dh3,000 more than other teachers in recognition of their technical skills

- at the other end of the market, teachers in some Indian schools, where fees are lower and competition among applicants is intense, can be paid as low as Dh3,000 per month

- in Indian schools, it has also become common for teachers to share residential accommodation, living in a block with colleagues

Squid Game season two

Director: Hwang Dong-hyuk 

Stars:  Lee Jung-jae, Wi Ha-joon and Lee Byung-hun

Rating: 4.5/5

The years Ramadan fell in May

1987

1954

1921

1888

The specs: 2018 Mercedes-Benz E 300 Cabriolet

Price, base / as tested: Dh275,250 / Dh328,465

Engine: 2.0-litre four-cylinder

Power: 245hp @ 5,500rpm

Torque: 370Nm @ 1,300rpm

Transmission: Nine-speed automatic

Fuel consumption, combined: 7.0L / 100km

Our family matters legal consultant

Name: Hassan Mohsen Elhais

Position: legal consultant with Al Rowaad Advocates and Legal Consultants.

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UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
What are the main cyber security threats?

Cyber crime - This includes fraud, impersonation, scams and deepfake technology, tactics that are increasingly targeting infrastructure and exploiting human vulnerabilities.
Cyber terrorism - Social media platforms are used to spread radical ideologies, misinformation and disinformation, often with the aim of disrupting critical infrastructure such as power grids.
Cyber warfare - Shaped by geopolitical tension, hostile actors seek to infiltrate and compromise national infrastructure, using one country’s systems as a springboard to launch attacks on others.

Company Fact Box

Company name/date started: Abwaab Technologies / September 2019

Founders: Hamdi Tabbaa, co-founder and CEO. Hussein Alsarabi, co-founder and CTO

Based: Amman, Jordan

Sector: Education Technology

Size (employees/revenue): Total team size: 65. Full-time employees: 25. Revenue undisclosed

Stage: early-stage startup 

Investors: Adam Tech Ventures, Endure Capital, Equitrust, the World Bank-backed Innovative Startups SMEs Fund, a London investment fund, a number of former and current executives from Uber and Netflix, among others.

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Calls

Directed by: Fede Alvarez

Starring: Pedro Pascal, Karen Gillian, Aaron Taylor-Johnson

4/5

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Trump v Khan

2016: Feud begins after Khan criticised Trump’s proposed Muslim travel ban to US

2017: Trump criticises Khan’s ‘no reason to be alarmed’ response to London Bridge terror attacks

2019: Trump calls Khan a “stone cold loser” before first state visit

2019: Trump tweets about “Khan’s Londonistan”, calling him “a national disgrace”

2022:  Khan’s office attributes rise in Islamophobic abuse against the major to hostility stoked during Trump’s presidency

July 2025 During a golfing trip to Scotland, Trump calls Khan “a nasty person”

Sept 2025 Trump blames Khan for London’s “stabbings and the dirt and the filth”.

Dec 2025 Trump suggests migrants got Khan elected, calls him a “horrible, vicious, disgusting mayor”

Jetour T1 specs

Engine: 2-litre turbocharged

Power: 254hp

Torque: 390Nm

Price: From Dh126,000

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Dhadak 2

Director: Shazia Iqbal

Starring: Siddhant Chaturvedi, Triptii Dimri 

Rating: 1/5

The specs
Engine: 2.0-litre turbo 4-cyl

Transmission: eight-speed auto

Power: 190bhp

Torque: 300Nm

Price: Dh169,900

On sale: now 

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SPECS
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SPECS
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The specs

Engine: 2.0-litre 4cyl turbo

Power: 261hp at 5,500rpm

Torque: 405Nm at 1,750-3,500rpm

Transmission: 9-speed auto

Fuel consumption: 6.9L/100km

On sale: Now

Price: From Dh117,059

The candidates

Dr Ayham Ammora, scientist and business executive

Ali Azeem, business leader

Tony Booth, professor of education

Lord Browne, former BP chief executive

Dr Mohamed El-Erian, economist

Professor Wyn Evans, astrophysicist

Dr Mark Mann, scientist

Gina MIller, anti-Brexit campaigner

Lord Smith, former Cabinet minister

Sandi Toksvig, broadcaster

 

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How to get there

Emirates (www.emirates.com) flies directly to Hanoi, Vietnam, with fares starting from around Dh2,725 return, while Etihad (www.etihad.com) fares cost about Dh2,213 return with a stop. Chuong is 25 kilometres south of Hanoi.
 

The specs

Engine: 1.5-litre turbo

Power: 181hp

Torque: 230Nm

Transmission: 6-speed automatic

Starting price: Dh79,000

On sale: Now

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

First Person
Richard Flanagan
Chatto & Windus 

Updated: March 31, 2022, 12:13 PM