• Kester Vickery, co-founder of Conservation Solutions, attends to a tranquillised rhino during the relocation of the first 19 white rhinos from South Africa to Zinave National Park in Mozambique. Reuters
    Kester Vickery, co-founder of Conservation Solutions, attends to a tranquillised rhino during the relocation of the first 19 white rhinos from South Africa to Zinave National Park in Mozambique. Reuters
  • Greenpeace activists raise a replica wind turbine on the shore of Lake Lugano on the sidelines of the Ukraine Recovery Conference in Switzerland. Greenpeace has called for Ukraine's recovery to be based on sustainable energy systems. EPA
    Greenpeace activists raise a replica wind turbine on the shore of Lake Lugano on the sidelines of the Ukraine Recovery Conference in Switzerland. Greenpeace has called for Ukraine's recovery to be based on sustainable energy systems. EPA
  • Josue Serrano, a deported Mexican migrant, hangs wooden crosses on the border fence as part of a vigil for migrants who have died trying migrate to the US, at the US-Mexico border in Playas de Tijuana, Mexico. AFP
    Josue Serrano, a deported Mexican migrant, hangs wooden crosses on the border fence as part of a vigil for migrants who have died trying migrate to the US, at the US-Mexico border in Playas de Tijuana, Mexico. AFP
  • A man looks for coins and recyclable materials among the religious offerings thrown by devotees in the waters of river Yamuna, coated with polluted foam, in New Delhi. AFP
    A man looks for coins and recyclable materials among the religious offerings thrown by devotees in the waters of river Yamuna, coated with polluted foam, in New Delhi. AFP
  • A view from a rescue helicopter of the Punta Rocca glacier near Canazei, in the Italian Alps, two days after a huge chunk of the glacier broke loose, sending an avalanche of ice, snow and rocks on to hikers. AP
    A view from a rescue helicopter of the Punta Rocca glacier near Canazei, in the Italian Alps, two days after a huge chunk of the glacier broke loose, sending an avalanche of ice, snow and rocks on to hikers. AP
  • Rescue workers clearing rubble from a destroyed school after an attack in Kharkiv, Ukraine. AP
    Rescue workers clearing rubble from a destroyed school after an attack in Kharkiv, Ukraine. AP
  • Chairs and bycycles lie abandoned after people fled the scene of a mass shooting at a July 4 celebration and parade in Highland Park, Illinois, US. A gunman killed at least six people and injured dozens. EPA
    Chairs and bycycles lie abandoned after people fled the scene of a mass shooting at a July 4 celebration and parade in Highland Park, Illinois, US. A gunman killed at least six people and injured dozens. EPA
  • Egyptian embroiderer Ahmed Othman el-Kassabgy, right, whose family was honoured with the task of producing the Kiswa, the cloth used to cover the Kaaba at the Grand Mosque in the Muslim holy city of Makkah. AFP
    Egyptian embroiderer Ahmed Othman el-Kassabgy, right, whose family was honoured with the task of producing the Kiswa, the cloth used to cover the Kaaba at the Grand Mosque in the Muslim holy city of Makkah. AFP
  • People queue to buy advance train tickets at a railway station ahead of the Muslim festival of Eid Al Adha, in Dhaka. AFP
    People queue to buy advance train tickets at a railway station ahead of the Muslim festival of Eid Al Adha, in Dhaka. AFP
  • A merchant feeds his flock while waiting for customers at a sheep market in Kuwait City, as Muslims prepare for the Eid Al Adha festival and holiday. AFP
    A merchant feeds his flock while waiting for customers at a sheep market in Kuwait City, as Muslims prepare for the Eid Al Adha festival and holiday. AFP
  • Muslim pilgrims visit Mount Al Noor, where Muslims believe the Prophet Mohammed received the first words of the Koran through Gabriel in the Hira cave, in the holy city of Makkah. Reuters
    Muslim pilgrims visit Mount Al Noor, where Muslims believe the Prophet Mohammed received the first words of the Koran through Gabriel in the Hira cave, in the holy city of Makkah. Reuters
  • Models present creations by designer Virginie Viard as part of her Haute Couture Fall/Winter collection for fashion house Chanel, in Paris. Reuters
    Models present creations by designer Virginie Viard as part of her Haute Couture Fall/Winter collection for fashion house Chanel, in Paris. Reuters

Today's best photos: from rhino relocation to Chanel Haute Couture collection


  • English
  • Arabic

More from The National:

Monday's best photos: from synchronised diving to Brazilian ballet

Sunday's best photos: from date harvest in Oman to NYPD graduates

Saturday's best photos: from Adele in London to a floating iceberg - in pictures

Friday's best photos: from Miss Cholita Pacena 2022 to Hong Kong handover anniversary

Thursday's best photos: from an iceberg water hole to National Paddy Day

Wednesday's best photos: from the Capitol Riot investigation to forest fireflies

The Specs:

The Specs:

Engine: 2.9-litre, V6 twin-turbo

Transmission: 8-speed automatic

Power: 444bhp

Torque: 600Nm

Price: AED 356,580 incl VAT

On sale: now.

MATCH INFO

Uefa Champions League semi-final, first leg
Bayern Munich v Real Madrid

When: April 25, 10.45pm kick-off (UAE)
Where: Allianz Arena, Munich
Live: BeIN Sports HD
Second leg: May 1, Santiago Bernabeu, Madrid

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

Company name: Play:Date

Launched: March 2017 on UAE Mother’s Day

Founder: Shamim Kassibawi

Based: Dubai with operations in the UAE and US

Sector: Tech 

Size: 20 employees

Stage of funding: Seed

Investors: Three founders (two silent co-founders) and one venture capital fund

The End of Loneliness
Benedict Wells
Translated from the German by Charlotte Collins
Sceptre

Tamkeen's offering
  • Option 1: 70% in year 1, 50% in year 2, 30% in year 3
  • Option 2: 50% across three years
  • Option 3: 30% across five years 
Syria squad

Goalkeepers: Ibrahim Alma, Mahmoud Al Youssef, Ahmad Madania.
Defenders: Ahmad Al Salih, Moayad Ajan, Jehad Al Baour, Omar Midani, Amro Jenyat, Hussein Jwayed, Nadim Sabagh, Abdul Malek Anezan.
Midfielders: Mahmoud Al Mawas, Mohammed Osman, Osama Omari, Tamer Haj Mohamad, Ahmad Ashkar, Youssef Kalfa, Zaher Midani, Khaled Al Mobayed, Fahd Youssef.
Forwards: Omar Khribin, Omar Al Somah, Mardik Mardikian.

PROVISIONAL FIXTURE LIST

Premier League

Wednesday, June 17 (Kick-offs uae times) Aston Villa v Sheffield United 9pm; Manchester City v Arsenal 11pm 

Friday, June 19 Norwich v Southampton 9pm; Tottenham v Manchester United 11pm  

Saturday, June 20 Watford v Leicester 3.30pm; Brighton v Arsenal 6pm; West Ham v Wolves 8.30pm; Bournemouth v Crystal Palace 10.45pm 

Sunday, June 21 Newcastle v Sheffield United 2pm; Aston Villa v Chelsea 7.30pm; Everton v Liverpool 10pm 

Monday, June 22 Manchester City v Burnley 11pm (Sky)

Tuesday, June 23 Southampton v Arsenal 9pm; Tottenham v West Ham 11.15pm 

Wednesday, June 24 Manchester United v Sheffield United 9pm; Newcastle v Aston Villa 9pm; Norwich v Everton 9pm; Liverpool v Crystal Palace 11.15pm

Thursday, June 25 Burnley v Watford 9pm; Leicester v Brighton 9pm; Chelsea v Manchester City 11.15pm; Wolves v Bournemouth 11.15pm

Sunday June 28 Aston Villa vs Wolves 3pm; Watford vs Southampton 7.30pm 

Monday June 29 Crystal Palace vs Burnley 11pm

Tuesday June 30 Brighton vs Manchester United 9pm; Sheffield United vs Tottenham 11.15pm 

Wednesday July 1 Bournemouth vs Newcastle 9pm; Everton vs Leicester 9pm; West Ham vs Chelsea 11.15pm

Thursday July 2 Arsenal vs Norwich 9pm; Manchester City vs Liverpool 11.15pm

 

Aldar Properties Abu Dhabi T10

*November 15 to November 24

*Venue: Zayed Cricket Stadium, Abu Dhabi

*Tickets: Start at Dh10, from ttensports.com

*TV: Ten Sports

*Streaming: Jio Live

*2017 winners: Kerala Kings

*2018 winners: Northern Warriors

Countries offering golden visas

UK
Innovator Founder Visa is aimed at those who can demonstrate relevant experience in business and sufficient investment funds to set up and scale up a new business in the UK. It offers permanent residence after three years.

Germany
Investing or establishing a business in Germany offers you a residence permit, which eventually leads to citizenship. The investment must meet an economic need and you have to have lived in Germany for five years to become a citizen.

Italy
The scheme is designed for foreign investors committed to making a significant contribution to the economy. Requires a minimum investment of €250,000 which can rise to €2 million.

Switzerland
Residence Programme offers residence to applicants and their families through economic contributions. The applicant must agree to pay an annual lump sum in tax.

Canada
Start-Up Visa Programme allows foreign entrepreneurs the opportunity to create a business in Canada and apply for permanent residence. 

The 12

England

Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester City, Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur

Italy
AC Milan, Inter Milan, Juventus

Spain
Atletico Madrid, Barcelona, Real Madrid

Abu Dhabi card

5pm: Handicap (TB) Dh100,000 2,400m

5.30pm: Wathba Stallions Cup Handicap (PA) Dh 70,000 2,200m

6pm: Abu Dhabi Fillies Classic Prestige (PA) Dh110,000 1,400m

6.30pm: Abu Dhabi Colts Classic Prestige (PA) Dh110,000 1,400m

7pm: Handicap (PA) Dh85,000 1,600m

7.30pm: Maiden (PA) Dh80,000 1,600m

The National selections:

5pm: Valcartier

5.30pm: AF Taraha

6pm: Dhafra

6.30pm: Maqam

7pm: AF Mekhbat

7.30pm: Ezz Al Rawasi  

Ferrari 12Cilindri specs

Engine: naturally aspirated 6.5-liter V12

Power: 819hp

Torque: 678Nm at 7,250rpm

Price: From Dh1,700,000

Available: Now

The UAE squad for the Asian Indoor and Martial Arts Games

The jiu-jitsu men’s team: Faisal Al Ketbi, Zayed Al Kaabi, Yahia Al Hammadi, Taleb Al Kirbi, Obaid Al Nuaimi, Omar Al Fadhli, Zayed Al Mansoori, Saeed Al Mazroui, Ibrahim Al Hosani, Mohammed Al Qubaisi, Salem Al Suwaidi, Khalfan Belhol, Saood Al Hammadi.

Women’s team: Mouza Al Shamsi, Wadeema Al Yafei, Reem Al Hashmi, Mahra Al Hanaei, Bashayer Al Matrooshi, Hessa Thani, Salwa Al Ali.

Profile box

Company name: baraka
Started: July 2020
Founders: Feras Jalbout and Kunal Taneja
Based: Dubai and Bahrain
Sector: FinTech
Initial investment: $150,000
Current staff: 12
Stage: Pre-seed capital raising of $1 million
Investors: Class 5 Global, FJ Labs, IMO Ventures, The Community Fund, VentureSouq, Fox Ventures, Dr Abdulla Elyas (private investment)

At Eternity’s Gate

Director: Julian Schnabel

Starring: Willem Dafoe, Oscar Isaacs, Mads Mikkelsen

Three stars

Libya's Gold

UN Panel of Experts found regime secretly sold a fifth of the country's gold reserves. 

The panel’s 2017 report followed a trail to West Africa where large sums of cash and gold were hidden by Abdullah Al Senussi, Qaddafi’s former intelligence chief, in 2011.

Cases filled with cash that was said to amount to $560m in 100 dollar notes, that was kept by a group of Libyans in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso.

A second stash was said to have been held in Accra, Ghana, inside boxes at the local offices of an international human rights organisation based in France.

Updated: October 13, 2022, 10:15 AM