President Sheikh Mohamed concluded his state visit to Paris on Tuesday, thanking Emmanuel Macron as they issued a joint statement calling for action on pressing global issues.
The head of state departed Orly airport on Tuesday afternoon after an engagement at the Arc de Triomphe and meetings with French leaders.
A series of talks and the signing of deals brought to an end a successful inaugural state visit that made headlines at home and abroad.
In energy, Adnoc and Total Energies signed an agreement to explore opportunities in gas growth, carbon capture and storage, among other areas.
In space and climate change, there were agreements to work together on breakthroughs in both areas, particularly ahead of Cop27 in Egypt in November and Cop28 in the UAE in late-2023.
On the final day of his state visit, Sheikh Mohamed toured several Paris landmarks, laying a wreath at the Arc de Triomphe's tomb for an Unknown Soldier.
At Matignon, the prime minister's residence, Sheikh Mohamed met Elisabeth Borne to discuss food security, investment and the economy, among other topics.
In their closing joint statement, Sheikh Mohamed and Mr Macron called for action to tackle crises that affect global stability.
The following text is from the UAE's state news agency Wam:
The crisis in Ukraine
Both leaders expressed deep concern regarding war in Ukraine, its terrible impact on civilians, the humanitarian situation, and its effects on commodity markets worldwide.
They underscored the urgent need to intensify diplomatic efforts to reach a solution to the conflict, and Sheikh Mohamed commended President Macron’s continuing efforts in that regard.
Energy and Food Security
Both leaders discussed a range of regional and global opportunities and challenges, and agreed to work together to find ways to mitigate the impact of these challenges on each other and globally.
They agreed to establish a France-UAE Comprehensive Strategic Energy Partnership, representing a major step in fostering energy security and affordability. They also welcomed the agreement between TotalEnergies and Adnoc on fuel provision, with the aim of increasing the security of fuel supply in France.
Of equal importance, the UAE also emphasised its support for global action on food security, and to work with France to find ways to mitigate ongoing pressure on global supply chains.
The UAE announced its support for the Food and Agriculture Resilience Mission (Farm) initiative, specifically on open, transparent, and resilient food trade, as well as the provision of timely and accurate information to support the Agriculture Market Information System (AMIS).
Economy, Investment, and Industry
Building on the significant investment partnership agreed in December 2021, the two leaders share an ambition to further expand the vibrant economic partnership between the two countries. They expressed interest in identifying and facilitating areas of co-operation, where interests and capabilities converge.
The two sides praised the recently launched UAE-France Business Council, with a view to further increase bilateral business opportunities for the benefit of both nations.
The two sides noted that the Council will serve as a tangible outlet to expand the already constructive co-operation that exists between the two countries’ business communities, and underlined their shared desire to convene the inaugural meeting of this grouping in the near future.
Climate Action
Both leaders noted that climate action represents an area of critical mutual concern, and emphasised common and ambitious goals in this important field. President Macron congratulated the UAE for the future hosting of Cop28 in 2023, and offered France’s full support, including through its expertise derived from Cop21. Both sides signed an agreement on Climate Action, which will enable France and the UAE to enhance their co-operation.
The French side congratulated UAE on the successful operation of its nuclear energy programme. Both sides confirmed the important role of nuclear energy in their countries’ efforts to decarbonise their energy sectors and their resolve to continue the strong co-operation in this field, including by sharing technical expertise, the provision of technology and nuclear fuel, as well as in the area of R&D.
The two sides also commended progress made in regard to the MoU on Decarbonised Hydrogen.
Additionally, concerning collaboration on marine research and development efforts, both parties agreed to work closely on the development of a marine research collaborative programme to promote the sustainable blue economy.
Health sector
Both leaders agreed on the importance of the health sector as a major domain for expansion in bilateral co-operation, reflecting a mutual priority area of French and Emirati development and expertise.
One example of successful collaboration is the Cardiovascular Diseases Prevention project between the Abu Dhabi Public Health Centre and Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris (AP-HP) (Iinternational).
Based on the signing of the MoU in December 2020, the project was implemented by a team of French experts, who helped achieve growth, sustainable development and global competitiveness, as well as exchange of information and know-how.
Both sides welcomed the signing of a MoU on Co-operation between the Institute Pasteur and the Abu Dhabi Public Health Centre, noting that such co-operation could produce mutually beneficial outcomes. Both sides also cited the potential of higher education co-operation that focused on developing healthcare expertise.
Education, Culture, and Space
Both leaders recognised the importance of education, culture and science as embedded in the fabric of the bilateral relationship, underscoring the contributions of existing key projects, such as the Sorbonne Abu Dhabi, and the efforts to expand co-operation in higher education, such as with Ecole 42, EM Normandie Business School, and ESCP Business School.
Both sides looked forward to forthcoming projects, such as gaming school Rubika, and encouraged further endeavours involving French higher education institutions in the UAE, as well as the expansion of French language teaching in UAE schools.
The leaders discussed the exploration of new chapters in cultural co-operation, following the successful partnership of the Louvre Abu Dhabi.
Recognising that the space sector is a key driver for the advancement of science and technology, the UAE and France signed multiple agreements related to earth observation, climate change initiatives, and lunar exploration to strengthen and deepen collaboration in this critical sector.
Peace and Stability
The two leaders recognised that their strategic partnership is a critical component in their collaborative and mutual efforts to act as a beacon for peace and stability in the region, and beyond.
As the founding members of the International Security Alliance since 2017, the UAE and France reaffirmed their commitment to combating radicalisation, extremism, and transnational crime by exchanging experiences and continuing joint operations with fellow member states.
The two leaders discussed prospects for promoting peace, dialogue and diplomacy across the region, and expressed hope that nuclear negotiations with Iran could lead to an agreement that would increase regional security.
Sheikh Mohamed commended the successful Baghdad Conference on Partnership and Cooperation, and President Macron underscored the benefits of the Abraham Accords, which contribute to peace and prosperity in the region through building bridges and cooperation. Both leaders stressed the importance of further fostering peace and prosperity.
Looking beyond the region, the two leaders emphasised the importance of multilateralism as a way to increase mutual understanding and trust on a global scale at a time when collective cooperation is most needed. President Macron commended the UAE’s role as non-permanent member of the United Nation’s Security Council, and Sheikh Mohamed commended the achievements in multilateralism under the French Presidency of the European Union.
Both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to further expand and develop the historic co-operation between the two countries, to opening new domains across all areas, and to be an ever-more active force for peace and stability in the region and beyond.
The biog
Favourite films: Casablanca and Lawrence of Arabia
Favourite books: Start with Why by Simon Sinek and Good to be Great by Jim Collins
Favourite dish: Grilled fish
Inspiration: Sheikh Zayed's visionary leadership taught me to embrace new challenges.
TEST SQUADS
Bangladesh: Mushfiqur Rahim (captain), Tamim Iqbal, Soumya Sarkar, Imrul Kayes, Liton Das, Shakib Al Hasan, Mominul Haque, Nasir Hossain, Sabbir Rahman, Mehedi Hasan, Shafiul Islam, Taijul Islam, Mustafizur Rahman and Taskin Ahmed.
Australia: Steve Smith (captain), David Warner, Ashton Agar, Hilton Cartwright, Pat Cummins, Peter Handscomb, Matthew Wade, Josh Hazlewood, Usman Khawaja, Nathan Lyon, Glenn Maxwell, Matt Renshaw, Mitchell Swepson and Jackson Bird.
Dunki
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Switching%20sides
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Essentials
The flights
Emirates flies direct from Dubai to Seattle from Dh6,755 return in economy and Dh24,775 in business class.
The cruise
UnCruise Adventures offers a variety of small-ship cruises in Alaska and around the world. A 14-day Alaska’s Inside Passage and San Juans Cruise from Seattle to Juneau or reverse costs from $4,695 (Dh17,246), including accommodation, food and most activities. Trips in 2019 start in April and run until September.
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
Gothia Cup 2025
4,872 matches
1,942 teams
116 pitches
76 nations
26 UAE teams
15 Lebanese teams
2 Kuwaiti teams
Test
Director: S Sashikanth
Cast: Nayanthara, Siddharth, Meera Jasmine, R Madhavan
Star rating: 2/5
500 People from Gaza enter France
115 Special programme for artists
25 Evacuation of injured and sick
10 tips for entry-level job seekers
- Have an up-to-date, professional LinkedIn profile. If you don’t have a LinkedIn account, set one up today. Avoid poor-quality profile pictures with distracting backgrounds. Include a professional summary and begin to grow your network.
- Keep track of the job trends in your sector through the news. Apply for job alerts at your dream organisations and the types of jobs you want – LinkedIn uses AI to share similar relevant jobs based on your selections.
- Double check that you’ve highlighted relevant skills on your resume and LinkedIn profile.
- For most entry-level jobs, your resume will first be filtered by an applicant tracking system for keywords. Look closely at the description of the job you are applying for and mirror the language as much as possible (while being honest and accurate about your skills and experience).
- Keep your CV professional and in a simple format – make sure you tailor your cover letter and application to the company and role.
- Go online and look for details on job specifications for your target position. Make a list of skills required and set yourself some learning goals to tick off all the necessary skills one by one.
- Don’t be afraid to reach outside your immediate friends and family to other acquaintances and let them know you are looking for new opportunities.
- Make sure you’ve set your LinkedIn profile to signal that you are “open to opportunities”. Also be sure to use LinkedIn to search for people who are still actively hiring by searching for those that have the headline “I’m hiring” or “We’re hiring” in their profile.
- Prepare for online interviews using mock interview tools. Even before landing interviews, it can be useful to start practising.
- Be professional and patient. Always be professional with whoever you are interacting with throughout your search process, this will be remembered. You need to be patient, dedicated and not give up on your search. Candidates need to make sure they are following up appropriately for roles they have applied.
Arda Atalay, head of Mena private sector at LinkedIn Talent Solutions, Rudy Bier, managing partner of Kinetic Business Solutions and Ben Kinerman Daltrey, co-founder of KinFitz
MATCH INFO
Euro 2020 qualifier
Fixture: Liechtenstein v Italy, Tuesday, 10.45pm (UAE)
TV: Match is shown on BeIN Sports
MATCH INFO
What: 2006 World Cup quarter-final
When: July 1
Where: Gelsenkirchen Stadium, Gelsenkirchen, Germany
Result:
England 0 Portugal 0
(Portugal win 3-1 on penalties)
Leap of Faith
Michael J Mazarr
Public Affairs
Dh67
Most%20ODI%20hundreds
%3Cp%3E49%20-%20Sachin%20Tendulkar%2C%20India%0D%3Cbr%3E47%20-%20Virat%20Kohli%2C%20India%0D%3Cbr%3E31%20-%20Rohit%20Sharma%2C%20India%0D%3Cbr%3E30%20-%20Ricky%20Ponting%2C%20Australia%2FICC%0D%3Cbr%3E28%20-%20Sanath%20Jayasuriya%2C%20Sri%20Lanka%2FAsia%0D%3Cbr%3E27%20-%20Hashim%20Amla%2C%20South%20Africa%0D%3Cbr%3E25%20-%20AB%20de%20Villiers%2C%20South%20Africa%2FAfrica%0D%3Cbr%3E25%20-%20Chris%20Gayle%2C%20West%20Indies%2FICC%0D%3Cbr%3E25%20-%20Kumar%20Sangakkara%2C%20Sri%20Lanka%2FICC%2FAsia%0D%3Cbr%3E22%20-%20Sourav%20Ganguly%2C%20India%2FAsia%0D%3Cbr%3E22%20-%20Tillakaratne%20Dilshan%2C%20Sri%20Lanka%0D%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Key facilities
- Olympic-size swimming pool with a split bulkhead for multi-use configurations, including water polo and 50m/25m training lanes
- Premier League-standard football pitch
- 400m Olympic running track
- NBA-spec basketball court with auditorium
- 600-seat auditorium
- Spaces for historical and cultural exploration
- An elevated football field that doubles as a helipad
- Specialist robotics and science laboratories
- AR and VR-enabled learning centres
- Disruption Lab and Research Centre for developing entrepreneurial skills
Jurassic%20Park
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Getting there
Flydubai flies direct from Dubai to Tbilisi from Dh1,025 return including taxes
Desert Warrior
Starring: Anthony Mackie, Aiysha Hart, Ben Kingsley
Director: Rupert Wyatt
Rating: 3/5
Fifa%20World%20Cup%20Qatar%202022%20
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EFirst%20match%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3ENovember%2020%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EFinal%2016%20round%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EDecember%203%20to%206%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EQuarter-finals%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EDecember%209%20and%2010%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ESemi-finals%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EDecember%2013%20and%2014%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EFinal%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EDecember%2018%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Who's who in Yemen conflict
Houthis: Iran-backed rebels who occupy Sanaa and run unrecognised government
Yemeni government: Exiled government in Aden led by eight-member Presidential Leadership Council
Southern Transitional Council: Faction in Yemeni government that seeks autonomy for the south
Habrish 'rebels': Tribal-backed forces feuding with STC over control of oil in government territory
2018 ICC World Twenty20 Asian Western Sub Regional Qualifier
Event info: The tournament in Kuwait is the first phase of the qualifying process for sides from Asia for the 2020 World T20 in Australia. The UAE must finish within the top three teams out of the six at the competition to advance to the Asia regional finals. Success at regional finals would mean progression to the World T20 Qualifier.
Teams: UAE, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Maldives, Qatar
Friday fixtures: 9.30am (UAE time) - Kuwait v Maldives, Qatar v UAE; 3pm - Saudi Arabia v Bahrain
MATCH INFO
Manchester United 1 (Rashford 36')
Liverpool 1 (Lallana 84')
Man of the match: Marcus Rashford (Manchester United)
RESULTS
Catchweight 63.5kg: Shakriyor Juraev (UZB) beat Bahez Khoshnaw (IRQ). Round 3 TKO (body kick)
Lightweight: Nart Abida (JOR) beat Moussa Salih (MAR). Round 1 by rear naked choke
Catchweight 79kg: Laid Zerhouni (ALG) beat Ahmed Saeb (IRQ). Round 1 TKO (punches)
Catchweight 58kg: Omar Al Hussaini (UAE) beat Mohamed Sahabdeen (SLA) Round 1 rear naked choke
Flyweight: Lina Fayyad (JOR) beat Sophia Haddouche (ALG) Round 2 TKO (ground and pound)
Catchweight 80kg: Badreddine Diani (MAR) beat Sofiane Aïssaoui (ALG) Round 2 TKO
Flyweight: Sabriye Sengul (TUR) beat Mona Ftouhi (TUN). Unanimous decision
Middleweight: Kher Khalifa Eshoushan (LIB) beat Essa Basem (JOR). Round 1 rear naked choke
Heavyweight: Mohamed Jumaa (SUD) beat Hassen Rahat (MAR). Round 1 TKO (ground and pound)
Lightweight: Abdullah Mohammad Ali Musalim (UAE beat Omar Emad (EGY). Round 1 triangle choke
Catchweight 62kg: Ali Taleb (IRQ) beat Mohamed El Mesbahi (MAR). Round 2 KO
Catchweight 88kg: Mohamad Osseili (LEB) beat Samir Zaidi (COM). Unanimous decision
