Sulaiman Kalathul gets vaccinated at the Biogenix Labs at G42 in Masdar City. Victor Besa / The National
Sulaiman Kalathul gets vaccinated at the Biogenix Labs at G42 in Masdar City. Victor Besa / The National
Sulaiman Kalathul gets vaccinated at the Biogenix Labs at G42 in Masdar City. Victor Besa / The National
Sulaiman Kalathul gets vaccinated at the Biogenix Labs at G42 in Masdar City. Victor Besa / The National

Coronavirus: UAE reports 2,180 new cases and three deaths


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The UAE reported 2,180 new cases of Covid-19 on Friday. There were 2,321 recoveries.

Active cases fell to 14,326 as recoveries again outpaced new infections.

The number of infections recorded since the pandemic began reached 465,939 and the number of patients who have beaten the virus increased to 450,111.

Officials reported three deaths, as the toll rose to 1,502.

Another 244,357 tests were conducted over a 24-hour period. More than 38 million tests have been carried out nationwide since the outbreak began.

On Friday, health officials announced an additional 100,080 vaccine doses had been administered, raising the total to 8,491,382.

This equates to 85.85 doses for every 100 people.

The UAE's Fatwa Council said on Thursday that taking the Covid-19 vaccine "does not invalidate fasting".

The council, chaired by Sheikh Abdallah bin Bayyah, said inoculation was permitted in Islam.

During Ramadan, Muslims do not eat or drink from dawn to dusk – between fajr and maghrib prayers .

Covid-19 cases surge in India

Meanwhile, India's health ministry reported 81,466 new Covid-19 infections on Friday, the highest daily number in six months.

Several states were hit heavily by a second wave of the coronavirus, including Chhattisgarh, Karnataka, Punjab, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh.

Maharashtra, the western state that has been worst hit by Covid-19 so far, reported 43,183 new cases on Friday – its highest since the pandemic spread to India in March 2020.

Officials in the state imposed a night curfew for the weekend but were considering stricter control measures, including shutting down religious places and restricting train travel.

The total number of cases stood at 12.3 million, making India the country third most affected by the virus after the US and Brazil. The death toll rose by 469 to 163,396.

The vaccination drive started on January 16 this year and the programme intensified in recent weeks.

Elsewhere, a senior World Health Organisation official described Europe's immunisation campaign against Covid-19 as “unacceptably slow”.

Dr Hans Kluge, the WHO regional director for Europe, said this could prolong the pandemic.

So far, only 10 per cent of Europe’s population had received a dose and only 4 per cent had been fully protected with two doses.

In pictures: Covid-19 around the world

  • People enter Six Flags Magic Mountain amusement park on the first day of opening, as the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) continues, in Valencia, California, U.S. REUTERS
    People enter Six Flags Magic Mountain amusement park on the first day of opening, as the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) continues, in Valencia, California, U.S. REUTERS
  • People ride a roller coaster at Six Flags Magic Mountain amusement park on the first day of opening, as the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) continues, in Valencia, California, U.S. REUTERS
    People ride a roller coaster at Six Flags Magic Mountain amusement park on the first day of opening, as the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) continues, in Valencia, California, U.S. REUTERS
  • Maritza, who spent time in the hospital with the coronavirus disease COVID-19 and when she was released was locked out of her apartment by fearful roommates, stands in the new room she is renting in an apartment in Chelsea, Massachusetts, U.S. After Maritza lost all her belongings along with her housing, La Colaborativa provided temporary housing, helped her replace her clothes and furniture, and helped her move in to a new rental room in an apartment. REUTERS
    Maritza, who spent time in the hospital with the coronavirus disease COVID-19 and when she was released was locked out of her apartment by fearful roommates, stands in the new room she is renting in an apartment in Chelsea, Massachusetts, U.S. After Maritza lost all her belongings along with her housing, La Colaborativa provided temporary housing, helped her replace her clothes and furniture, and helped her move in to a new rental room in an apartment. REUTERS
  • A community vaccination clinic administering doses of the Pfizer-BioNTech Covid-19 vaccine inside the Viejas Arena on the campus of San Diego State University in San Diego, California, U.S. Starting April 1, Californians ages 50 and older are eligible to get the Covid-19 vaccine. Bloomberg
    A community vaccination clinic administering doses of the Pfizer-BioNTech Covid-19 vaccine inside the Viejas Arena on the campus of San Diego State University in San Diego, California, U.S. Starting April 1, Californians ages 50 and older are eligible to get the Covid-19 vaccine. Bloomberg
  • The otherwise busy Am Plan market square in Koblenz's old town is deserted in Koblenz, Germany. Due to the coronavirus pandemic, there is a general curfew in Koblenz in the evenings from 10 p.m. AP
    The otherwise busy Am Plan market square in Koblenz's old town is deserted in Koblenz, Germany. Due to the coronavirus pandemic, there is a general curfew in Koblenz in the evenings from 10 p.m. AP
  • A woman walks as police use a water cannon during clashes in the Bois de la Cambre park in Brussels. Belgian police have clashed with a large crowd in one of Brussels' largest parks, as thousands of revellers had gathered for an unauthorized event despite coronavirus restrictions. AP Photo
    A woman walks as police use a water cannon during clashes in the Bois de la Cambre park in Brussels. Belgian police have clashed with a large crowd in one of Brussels' largest parks, as thousands of revellers had gathered for an unauthorized event despite coronavirus restrictions. AP Photo
  • Parisians and homeless gather in front of Paris city hall, one hour after the 19h00 curfew, in Paris. France's prime minister Jean Castex on Thursday defended new nationwide measures to combat a resurgent coronavirus in France that include closing schools for at least three weeks and putting in place a month-long domestic travel ban, the government has acted "consistently and pragmatically". AP Photo
    Parisians and homeless gather in front of Paris city hall, one hour after the 19h00 curfew, in Paris. France's prime minister Jean Castex on Thursday defended new nationwide measures to combat a resurgent coronavirus in France that include closing schools for at least three weeks and putting in place a month-long domestic travel ban, the government has acted "consistently and pragmatically". AP Photo
  • A woman wearing traditional 'mantillas' attend a mass at Collegiate church of San Isidore in downtown Madrid, Spain. For a second year running, Spain has had to cancel Easter Week processions to help stop the spread of COVID-19. AP Photo
    A woman wearing traditional 'mantillas' attend a mass at Collegiate church of San Isidore in downtown Madrid, Spain. For a second year running, Spain has had to cancel Easter Week processions to help stop the spread of COVID-19. AP Photo
  • A garbage collector wearing a mask to help protect against the spread of coronavirus, pulls his cart in Ankara, Turkey. The number of confirmed daily COVID-19 infections in Turkey surpassed 40,000 on Thursday, hitting a record-high for a third straight day. The Health Ministry reported 40,806 new cases in past 24 hours, the highest since the start of the outbreak. It also reported 176 deaths, pushing the fatality toll to 31,713. AP Photo
    A garbage collector wearing a mask to help protect against the spread of coronavirus, pulls his cart in Ankara, Turkey. The number of confirmed daily COVID-19 infections in Turkey surpassed 40,000 on Thursday, hitting a record-high for a third straight day. The Health Ministry reported 40,806 new cases in past 24 hours, the highest since the start of the outbreak. It also reported 176 deaths, pushing the fatality toll to 31,713. AP Photo
  • A general view as a runner is led through the tunnel from the stables to the track at Chelmsford City Racecourse in Chelmsford, England. Sporting venues around the UK remain under restrictions due to the Coronavirus Pandemic. Only owners are allowed to attend the meeting but the public must wait until further restrictions are lifted. Getty Images
    A general view as a runner is led through the tunnel from the stables to the track at Chelmsford City Racecourse in Chelmsford, England. Sporting venues around the UK remain under restrictions due to the Coronavirus Pandemic. Only owners are allowed to attend the meeting but the public must wait until further restrictions are lifted. Getty Images
  • People pray at Mother Teresa's Mother House that is closed on Good Friday during the coronavirus COVID-19 pandemic in Kolkata, eastern India. Good Friday is a religious holiday observed by Christians in commemoration of the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. EPA
    People pray at Mother Teresa's Mother House that is closed on Good Friday during the coronavirus COVID-19 pandemic in Kolkata, eastern India. Good Friday is a religious holiday observed by Christians in commemoration of the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. EPA
  • Pakistani senior citizens reacts after he receives a dose of the Chinese-made Sinopharm vaccine against Covid-19 during the second phase of Pakistan's coronavirus vaccination drive in Peshawar, Pakistan. The Pakistan government tightened restrictions on 29 March, amid a fresh Covid-19 wave that is turning out to be worse than the previous two in a country battling an inordinate delay in anti-coronavirus vaccines. EPA
    Pakistani senior citizens reacts after he receives a dose of the Chinese-made Sinopharm vaccine against Covid-19 during the second phase of Pakistan's coronavirus vaccination drive in Peshawar, Pakistan. The Pakistan government tightened restrictions on 29 March, amid a fresh Covid-19 wave that is turning out to be worse than the previous two in a country battling an inordinate delay in anti-coronavirus vaccines. EPA
  • Buddhist monks wait to receive a dose of China's Sinovac coronavirus disease (COVID-19) vaccine at a temple in Bangkok, Thailand. REUTERS
    Buddhist monks wait to receive a dose of China's Sinovac coronavirus disease (COVID-19) vaccine at a temple in Bangkok, Thailand. REUTERS
  • Face masks with dogs and cats illustrations are displayed at the 'Interpets' international pet fair in Tokyo, Japan. As the coronavirus pandemic is limiting access from abroad, some 300 exhibitors based in Japan will present their products to business visitors and pet lovers until 04 April at the event, which is the largest international trade fair in the Japanese pet market. With the COVID-19 pandemic, pets are giving comfort to people who are spending more time home due to lockdowns and telework, boosting the pet products market. EPA
    Face masks with dogs and cats illustrations are displayed at the 'Interpets' international pet fair in Tokyo, Japan. As the coronavirus pandemic is limiting access from abroad, some 300 exhibitors based in Japan will present their products to business visitors and pet lovers until 04 April at the event, which is the largest international trade fair in the Japanese pet market. With the COVID-19 pandemic, pets are giving comfort to people who are spending more time home due to lockdowns and telework, boosting the pet products market. EPA
  • A woman wearing a face mask to help protect against COVID-19 walks through an office and shopping complex on a rainy day in Beijing. A Chinese border city hit by a fresh outbreak of COVID-19 this week began a five-day drive Friday to vaccinate its entire population of 300,000 people. AP Photo
    A woman wearing a face mask to help protect against COVID-19 walks through an office and shopping complex on a rainy day in Beijing. A Chinese border city hit by a fresh outbreak of COVID-19 this week began a five-day drive Friday to vaccinate its entire population of 300,000 people. AP Photo
Timeline

2012-2015

The company offers payments/bribes to win key contracts in the Middle East

May 2017

The UK SFO officially opens investigation into Petrofac’s use of agents, corruption, and potential bribery to secure contracts

September 2021

Petrofac pleads guilty to seven counts of failing to prevent bribery under the UK Bribery Act

October 2021

Court fines Petrofac £77 million for bribery. Former executive receives a two-year suspended sentence 

December 2024

Petrofac enters into comprehensive restructuring to strengthen the financial position of the group

May 2025

The High Court of England and Wales approves the company’s restructuring plan

July 2025

The Court of Appeal issues a judgment challenging parts of the restructuring plan

August 2025

Petrofac issues a business update to execute the restructuring and confirms it will appeal the Court of Appeal decision

October 2025

Petrofac loses a major TenneT offshore wind contract worth €13 billion. Holding company files for administration in the UK. Petrofac delisted from the London Stock Exchange

November 2025

180 Petrofac employees laid off in the UAE

Five expert hiking tips
    Always check the weather forecast before setting off Make sure you have plenty of water Set off early to avoid sudden weather changes in the afternoon Wear appropriate clothing and footwear Take your litter home with you
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

Dubai Bling season three

Cast: Loujain Adada, Zeina Khoury, Farhana Bodi, Ebraheem Al Samadi, Mona Kattan, and couples Safa & Fahad Siddiqui and DJ Bliss & Danya Mohammed 

Rating: 1/5

The five pillars of Islam

1. Fasting

2. Prayer

3. Hajj

4. Shahada

5. Zakat 

Specs – Taycan 4S
Engine: Electric

Transmission: 2-speed auto

Power: 571bhp

Torque: 650Nm

Price: Dh431,800

Specs – Panamera
Engine: 3-litre V6 with 100kW electric motor

Transmission: 2-speed auto

Power: 455bhp

Torque: 700Nm

Price: from Dh431,800

 

 

Astroworld
Travis Scott
Grand Hustle/Epic/Cactus Jack

How to apply for a drone permit
  • Individuals must register on UAE Drone app or website using their UAE Pass
  • Add all their personal details, including name, nationality, passport number, Emiratis ID, email and phone number
  • Upload the training certificate from a centre accredited by the GCAA
  • Submit their request
What are the regulations?
  • Fly it within visual line of sight
  • Never over populated areas
  • Ensure maximum flying height of 400 feet (122 metres) above ground level is not crossed
  • Users must avoid flying over restricted areas listed on the UAE Drone app
  • Only fly the drone during the day, and never at night
  • Should have a live feed of the drone flight
  • Drones must weigh 5 kg or less
RACE CARD

5pm: Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan Racing Festival Purebred Arabian Cup Conditions (PA); Dh 200,000 (Turf) 1,600m
5.30pm: Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak Cup Conditions (PA); Dh 200,000 (T) 1,600m
6pm: Sheikh Sultan bin Zayed Al Nahyan National Day Cup Listed (TB); Dh 380,000 (T) 1,600m
6.30pm: Sheikh Sultan bin Zayed Al Nahyan National Day Group 3 (PA); Dh 500,000 (T) 1,600m
7pm: Sheikh Sultan bin Zayed Al Nahyan National Day Jewel Crown Group 1 (PA); Dh 5,000,000 (T) 2,200m
7.30pm: Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan Racing Festival Handicap (PA); Dh 150,000 (T) 1,400m
8pm: Wathba Stallions Cup Handicap (PA) Dh 100,000 (T); 1,400m

MIDWAY

Produced: Lionsgate Films, Shanghai Ryui Entertainment, Street Light Entertainment
Directed: Roland Emmerich
Cast: Ed Skrein, Woody Harrelson, Dennis Quaid, Aaron Eckhart, Luke Evans, Nick Jonas, Mandy Moore, Darren Criss
Rating: 3.5/5 stars

Paris%20Agreement
%3Cp%3EArticle%2014%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E1.%20%5BThe%20Cop%5D%20shall%20periodically%20take%20stock%20of%20the%20implementation%20of%20this%20Agreement%20to%20assess%20the%20collective%20progress%20towards%20achieving%20the%20purpose%20of%20this%20Agreement%20and%20its%20long-term%20goals%20(referred%20to%20as%20the%20%22global%20stocktake%22)%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E2.%20%5BThe%20Cop%5D%20shall%20undertake%20its%20first%20global%20stocktake%20in%202023%20and%20every%20five%20years%20thereafter%C2%A0%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
MATCH INFO

Iceland 0 England 1 (Sterling pen 90 1)

Man of the match Kari Arnason (Iceland)

Hamilton’s 2017

Australia - 2nd; China - 1st; Bahrain - 2nd; Russia - 4th; Spain - 1st; Monaco - 7th; Canada - 1st; Azerbaijan - 5th; Austria - 4th; Britain - 1st; Hungary - 4th; Belgium - 1st; Italy - 1st; Singapore - 1st; Malaysia - 2nd; Japan - 1st; United States - 1st; Mexico - 9th

Blackpink World Tour [Born Pink] In Cinemas

Starring: Rose, Jisoo, Jennie, Lisa

Directors: Min Geun, Oh Yoon-Dong

Rating: 3/5

The specs

Engine: 3.8-litre twin-turbo flat-six

Power: 650hp at 6,750rpm

Torque: 800Nm from 2,500-4,000rpm

Transmission: 8-speed dual-clutch auto

Fuel consumption: 11.12L/100km

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World%20Food%20Day%20
%3Cp%3ECelebrated%20on%20October%2016%2C%20to%20coincide%20with%20the%20founding%20date%20of%20the%20United%20Nations%20Food%20and%20Agriculture%20Organisation%2C%20World%20Food%20Day%20aims%20to%20tackle%20issues%20such%20as%20hunger%2C%20food%20security%2C%20food%20waste%20and%20the%20environmental%20impact%20of%20food%20production.%20%0D%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Forced%20Deportations
%3Cp%3EWhile%20the%20Lebanese%20government%20has%20deported%20a%20number%20of%20refugees%20back%20to%20Syria%20since%202011%2C%20the%20latest%20round%20is%20the%20first%20en-mass%20campaign%20of%20its%20kind%2C%20say%20the%20Access%20Center%20for%20Human%20Rights%2C%20a%20non-governmental%20organization%20which%20monitors%20the%20conditions%20of%20Syrian%20refugees%20in%20Lebanon.%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%E2%80%9CIn%20the%20past%2C%20the%20Lebanese%20General%20Security%20was%20responsible%20for%20the%20forced%20deportation%20operations%20of%20refugees%2C%20after%20forcing%20them%20to%20sign%20papers%20stating%20that%20they%20wished%20to%20return%20to%20Syria%20of%20their%20own%20free%20will.%20Now%2C%20the%20Lebanese%20army%2C%20specifically%20military%20intelligence%2C%20is%20responsible%20for%20the%20security%20operation%2C%E2%80%9D%20said%20Mohammad%20Hasan%2C%20head%20of%20ACHR.%3Cbr%3EIn%20just%20the%20first%20four%20months%20of%202023%20the%20number%20of%20forced%20deportations%20is%20nearly%20double%20that%20of%20the%20entirety%20of%202022.%26nbsp%3B%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3ESince%20the%20beginning%20of%202023%2C%20ACHR%20has%20reported%20407%20forced%20deportations%20%E2%80%93%20200%20of%20which%20occurred%20in%20April%20alone.%26nbsp%3B%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3EIn%20comparison%2C%20just%20154%20people%20were%20forcfully%20deported%20in%202022.%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Violence%20
%3Cp%3EInstances%20of%20violence%20against%20Syrian%20refugees%20are%20not%20uncommon.%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3EJust%20last%20month%2C%20security%20camera%20footage%20of%20men%20violently%20attacking%20and%20stabbing%20an%20employee%20at%20a%20mini-market%20went%20viral.%20The%20store%E2%80%99s%20employees%20had%20engaged%20in%20a%20verbal%20altercation%20with%20the%20men%20who%20had%20come%20to%20enforce%20an%20order%20to%20shutter%20shops%2C%20following%20the%20announcement%20of%20a%20municipal%20curfew%20for%20Syrian%20refugees.%3Cbr%3E%E2%80%9CThey%20thought%20they%20were%20Syrian%2C%E2%80%9D%20said%20the%20mayor%20of%20the%20Nahr%20el%20Bared%20municipality%2C%20Charbel%20Bou%20Raad%2C%20of%20the%20attackers.%3Cbr%3EIt%20later%20emerged%20the%20beaten%20employees%20were%20Lebanese.%20But%20the%20video%20was%20an%20exemplary%20instance%20of%20violence%20at%20a%20time%20when%20anti-Syrian%20rhetoric%20is%20particularly%20heated%20as%20Lebanese%20politicians%20call%20for%20the%20return%20of%20Syrian%20refugees%20to%20Syria.%3Cbr%3E%3Cbr%3E%3C%2Fp%3E%0A