• President Sheikh Mohamed, who was Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi at the time, with UAE Officer Cadets during the Sovereign’s Parade at The Royal Military Academy at Sandhurst in December 2020. Rashed Al Mansoori/Ministry of Presidential Affairs
    President Sheikh Mohamed, who was Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi at the time, with UAE Officer Cadets during the Sovereign’s Parade at The Royal Military Academy at Sandhurst in December 2020. Rashed Al Mansoori/Ministry of Presidential Affairs
  • Sheikh Zayed bin Mohamed participates in the Sovereign’s Parade. Rashed Al Mansoori/Ministry of Presidential Affairs
    Sheikh Zayed bin Mohamed participates in the Sovereign’s Parade. Rashed Al Mansoori/Ministry of Presidential Affairs
  • Sheikh Zayed bin Mohamed participates in the Sovereign’s Parade. Rashed Al Mansoori/Ministry of Presidential Affairs
    Sheikh Zayed bin Mohamed participates in the Sovereign’s Parade. Rashed Al Mansoori/Ministry of Presidential Affairs
  • Sheikh Zayed bin Mohamed participates in the the Sovereign’s Parade. Rashed Al Mansoori/Ministry of Presidential Affairs
    Sheikh Zayed bin Mohamed participates in the the Sovereign’s Parade. Rashed Al Mansoori/Ministry of Presidential Affairs
  • Sheikh Mohamed attends the Sovereign’s Parade. Rashed Al Mansoori/Ministry of Presidential Affairs
    Sheikh Mohamed attends the Sovereign’s Parade. Rashed Al Mansoori/Ministry of Presidential Affairs
  • Sheikh Mohamed and Sheikh Ammar bin Humaid Al Nuaimi, Crown Prince of Ajman, attend the Sovereign’s Parade. Rashed Al Mansoori/Ministry of Presidential Affairs
    Sheikh Mohamed and Sheikh Ammar bin Humaid Al Nuaimi, Crown Prince of Ajman, attend the Sovereign’s Parade. Rashed Al Mansoori/Ministry of Presidential Affairs
  • Sheikh Mohamed at the Sovereign’s Parade in December 2020. Rashed Al Mansoori/Ministry of Presidential Affairs
    Sheikh Mohamed at the Sovereign’s Parade in December 2020. Rashed Al Mansoori/Ministry of Presidential Affairs
  • Sheikh Humaid bin Ammar bin Humaid Al Nuaimi receives the International Award during the Sovereign’s Parade. Rashed Al Mansoori/Ministry of Presidential Affairs
    Sheikh Humaid bin Ammar bin Humaid Al Nuaimi receives the International Award during the Sovereign’s Parade. Rashed Al Mansoori/Ministry of Presidential Affairs
  • The Sovereign’s Parade for Commissioning Course 201 at The Royal Military Academy Sandhurst. Rashed Al Mansoori/Ministry of Presidential Affairs
    The Sovereign’s Parade for Commissioning Course 201 at The Royal Military Academy Sandhurst. Rashed Al Mansoori/Ministry of Presidential Affairs
  • The Sovereign’s Parade at The Royal Military Academy Sandhurst. Rashed Al Mansoori/Ministry of Presidential Affair
    The Sovereign’s Parade at The Royal Military Academy Sandhurst. Rashed Al Mansoori/Ministry of Presidential Affair
  • Graduating cadets participate in the Sovereign’s Parade at The Royal Military Academy Sandhurst. Rashed Al Mansoori/Ministry of Presidential Affairs
    Graduating cadets participate in the Sovereign’s Parade at The Royal Military Academy Sandhurst. Rashed Al Mansoori/Ministry of Presidential Affairs

Future Emirati leaders sent to UK's Sandhurst for summer training


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  • Arabic

The UAE is sending future Emirati leaders to the UK military's Sandhurst academy for an exclusive summer leadership programme.

Aqdar, the Khalifa Empowerment Programme, is hosting the fourth edition of the Empowering Future Leaders summer camp at the British Royal Military Academy Sandhurst.

The initiative is to help the next generation acquire leadership and personal skills from one of the best institutions in the world.

The camp, which runs from July 31 to August 15, will facilitate international exchange between those taking part, who will share knowledge, experiences and dialogue on several topics of importance.

There are 104 male and female participants taking part in the camp, which is delivered under the supervision of academics and experts from Sandhurst.

The Empowering Future Leaders initiative will feature 104 participants, including UK students, taking part in the camp at Sandhurst. Wam
The Empowering Future Leaders initiative will feature 104 participants, including UK students, taking part in the camp at Sandhurst. Wam

Among the participants, which include UK students, are students from the military and police academies in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, in addition to Zayed II Military College, Khalifa bin Zayed Air College, Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum Naval College, as well as groups of Emirati youth.

The initiative offers Emirati youth tools to enhance their self-confidence to achieve aspirations, foster leadership skills such as the ability to carry discussions, engage in active listening, and work under pressure as part of the Pressure and Leadership Development programme.

It will also allow participants to overcome challenges, emphasise leadership and military skills and recognise relative values.

"It makes a huge difference," said Dr Ibrahim Aldabal, chief executive of Aqdar, of the programme.

"It builds character and will help prepare them for the future. They will be able to understand and read different situations and plan accordingly.

"They will learn basic leadership skills."

Known as one of the world's most prominent military academies, Sandhurst has been described as the place where future leaders get to know each other.

Established in 1812, it trains about 1,500 foreign students every year to be military leaders, including members of royal families from the Middle East.

Notable graduates from the UAE include President Sheikh Mohamed, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, and Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, Crown Prince of Dubai.

Sandhurst: the military academy in the UK that trains Arab royals

  • Sheikh Zayed greeting his son Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed on his graduation from Sandhurst militray academy in 1979. Alittihad
    Sheikh Zayed greeting his son Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed on his graduation from Sandhurst militray academy in 1979. Alittihad
  • Royal Marine Cadets outside Sandhurst in 1878. Getty Images
    Royal Marine Cadets outside Sandhurst in 1878. Getty Images
  • Royal Military College Sandhurst in 1881. Getty Images
    Royal Military College Sandhurst in 1881. Getty Images
  • Cadets outside Sandhurst in 1881. Getty Images
    Cadets outside Sandhurst in 1881. Getty Images
  • Winston Churchill, on the left, as a Sandhurst cadet in 1894. Getty Images
    Winston Churchill, on the left, as a Sandhurst cadet in 1894. Getty Images
  • Sandhurst cadets during a visit of King George V in 1913. Getty Images)
    Sandhurst cadets during a visit of King George V in 1913. Getty Images)
  • Cadets during physical exercises at Sandhurst College in 1925. Getty Images
    Cadets during physical exercises at Sandhurst College in 1925. Getty Images
  • Army Cadets marching out of the gymnasium and preparing for Bayonet Fencing Drill at Sandhurst College in 1938. Getty Images
    Army Cadets marching out of the gymnasium and preparing for Bayonet Fencing Drill at Sandhurst College in 1938. Getty Images
  • Princess Elizabeth inspecting the Guard of Honor at the Royal Military College, Sandhurst, 1949. Getty Images
    Princess Elizabeth inspecting the Guard of Honor at the Royal Military College, Sandhurst, 1949. Getty Images
  • British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher inspecting the Sovereign's Parade at Sandhurst in 1980. Getty Images
    British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher inspecting the Sovereign's Parade at Sandhurst in 1980. Getty Images
  • 403692 02: Major Richard Winstanley, the Academy Adjutant, rides his horse during a rehearsal for the 138th Sovereigns Parade in 2002. Getty Images
    403692 02: Major Richard Winstanley, the Academy Adjutant, rides his horse during a rehearsal for the 138th Sovereigns Parade in 2002. Getty Images
  • British Prime Minister Tony Blair inspects Officer cadets after they completed their training at Sandhurst in 2003. Getty Images)
    British Prime Minister Tony Blair inspects Officer cadets after they completed their training at Sandhurst in 2003. Getty Images)
  • Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, attends his son's Passing Out Parade at Sandhurst in 2006. Getty Images
    Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, attends his son's Passing Out Parade at Sandhurst in 2006. Getty Images
  • Prince Harry is met by Commandant Major General Andrew Ritchie at Sandhurst Royal Military Academy. Prince Harry then began his officer training, in 2005. Getty Images
    Prince Harry is met by Commandant Major General Andrew Ritchie at Sandhurst Royal Military Academy. Prince Harry then began his officer training, in 2005. Getty Images
  • Prince Harry takes part in the Trooping Of New Colours alongside his fellow officer cadets at the Royal Military Academy, Sandhurst in 2005. Getty Images
    Prince Harry takes part in the Trooping Of New Colours alongside his fellow officer cadets at the Royal Military Academy, Sandhurst in 2005. Getty Images
  • Prince Harry in action during his training at Sandhurst Military Academy in 2006. Getty Images
    Prince Harry in action during his training at Sandhurst Military Academy in 2006. Getty Images
  • Prince Charles, Prince William, Prince Harry, Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, Queen Elizabeth II and Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall pose together after the passing-out Sovereign's Parade at Sandhurst in 2006. Getty Images
    Prince Charles, Prince William, Prince Harry, Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, Queen Elizabeth II and Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall pose together after the passing-out Sovereign's Parade at Sandhurst in 2006. Getty Images
  • Prince Charles, Prince William and Prince Harry salute Queen Elizabeth II as she leaves the passing-out Sovereign's Parade at Sandhurst in 2006. Getty Images
    Prince Charles, Prince William and Prince Harry salute Queen Elizabeth II as she leaves the passing-out Sovereign's Parade at Sandhurst in 2006. Getty Images
  • Officer cadets from the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst change their clothes as they take a break before beginning a command task at a checkpoint as they take part in Exercise Long Reach in the Brecon Beacons in 2013. Getty Images
    Officer cadets from the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst change their clothes as they take a break before beginning a command task at a checkpoint as they take part in Exercise Long Reach in the Brecon Beacons in 2013. Getty Images
  • An officer cadet from the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst crosses a river during a command task in the Brecon Beacons in 2013. Getty Images
    An officer cadet from the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst crosses a river during a command task in the Brecon Beacons in 2013. Getty Images
  • Graduating Sandhurst cadets march into the academy following the conclusion of the sovereigns parade at Sandhurst in 2015. Getty Images
    Graduating Sandhurst cadets march into the academy following the conclusion of the sovereigns parade at Sandhurst in 2015. Getty Images
  • Prince Harry inspects the graduating officer cadets at Sandhurst in 2017. Getty Images
    Prince Harry inspects the graduating officer cadets at Sandhurst in 2017. Getty Images
MOUNTAINHEAD REVIEW

Starring: Ramy Youssef, Steve Carell, Jason Schwartzman

Director: Jesse Armstrong

Rating: 3.5/5

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.

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

Groom and Two Brides

Director: Elie Semaan

Starring: Abdullah Boushehri, Laila Abdallah, Lulwa Almulla

Rating: 3/5

Tips for taking the metro

- set out well ahead of time

- make sure you have at least Dh15 on you Nol card, as there could be big queues for top-up machines

- enter the right cabin. The train may be too busy to move between carriages once you're on

- don't carry too much luggage and tuck it under a seat to make room for fellow passengers

ICC men's cricketer of the year

2004 - Rahul Dravid (IND) ; 2005 - Jacques Kallis (SA) and Andrew Flintoff (ENG); 2006 - Ricky Ponting (AUS); 2007 - Ricky Ponting; 2008 - Shivnarine Chanderpaul (WI); 2009 - Mitchell Johnson (AUS); 2010 - Sachin Tendulkar (IND); 2011 - Jonathan Trott (ENG); 2012 - Kumar Sangakkara (SL); 2013 - Michael Clarke (AUS); 2014 - Mitchell Johnson; 2015 - Steve Smith (AUS); 2016 - Ravichandran Ashwin (IND); 2017 - Virat Kohli (IND); 2018 - Virat Kohli; 2019 - Ben Stokes (ENG); 2021 - Shaheen Afridi

Anghami
Started: December 2011
Co-founders: Elie Habib, Eddy Maroun
Based: Beirut and Dubai
Sector: Entertainment
Size: 85 employees
Stage: Series C
Investors: MEVP, du, Mobily, MBC, Samena Capital

Updated: August 01, 2022, 1:02 PM