• Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi at sunset. Victor Besa / The National
    Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi at sunset. Victor Besa / The National
  • People queue near Tower Bridge, London to pay their respects after the death of Britain's Queen Elizabeth. Reuters
    People queue near Tower Bridge, London to pay their respects after the death of Britain's Queen Elizabeth. Reuters
  • Pilgrims of the Mouride Brotherhood wait to enter the Grand Mosque during the Grand Magal of Touba annual pilgrimage in Senegal. AFP
    Pilgrims of the Mouride Brotherhood wait to enter the Grand Mosque during the Grand Magal of Touba annual pilgrimage in Senegal. AFP
  • Flooding caused by the Sanguerone river after an overnight rain bomb in Sassoferrato, central Italy. At least eight people died after the floods in the province of Ancona. EPA
    Flooding caused by the Sanguerone river after an overnight rain bomb in Sassoferrato, central Italy. At least eight people died after the floods in the province of Ancona. EPA
  • Members of the Korean Financial Industry Union at a rally during a general strike in Seoul, South Korea. The protesters were demanding a salary increase and better working conditions. EPA
    Members of the Korean Financial Industry Union at a rally during a general strike in Seoul, South Korea. The protesters were demanding a salary increase and better working conditions. EPA
  • A parade for the 201st anniversary of independence in the main streets of Montes de Oca, Costa Rica. The parade was the first after two years because of the Covid-19 pandemic. EPA
    A parade for the 201st anniversary of independence in the main streets of Montes de Oca, Costa Rica. The parade was the first after two years because of the Covid-19 pandemic. EPA
  • The drought-stricken Lake Mead in Boulder City, Nevada. Located outside Las Vegas near the Nevada-Arizona border, the lake provides electricity to several parts of Arizona, California and Nevada and is also the source of water for rural, urban and tribal lands across the south-west. AFP
    The drought-stricken Lake Mead in Boulder City, Nevada. Located outside Las Vegas near the Nevada-Arizona border, the lake provides electricity to several parts of Arizona, California and Nevada and is also the source of water for rural, urban and tribal lands across the south-west. AFP
  • Chinese soldiers with caskets containing the remains of Chinese soldiers who were killed in the 1950-1953 Korean War during the handing over ceremony at Incheon International Airport in South Korea. AP
    Chinese soldiers with caskets containing the remains of Chinese soldiers who were killed in the 1950-1953 Korean War during the handing over ceremony at Incheon International Airport in South Korea. AP
  • An opponent of the government of Salvadoran President Nayib Bukele during a protest against Mr Bukele's security policies, during El Salvador's 201st anniversary of independence in San Salvador. AFP
    An opponent of the government of Salvadoran President Nayib Bukele during a protest against Mr Bukele's security policies, during El Salvador's 201st anniversary of independence in San Salvador. AFP
  • A destroyed school in Verbivka, recently recaptured from Russia by the Ukrainian army in a lightning counter-offensive. AFP
    A destroyed school in Verbivka, recently recaptured from Russia by the Ukrainian army in a lightning counter-offensive. AFP
  • Iraq's holy city of Karbala as Shiite Muslim pilgrims gather to mark Arbaeen, a religious anniversary. Every year, Shiite pilgrims converge in large numbers on the cities of Najaf and Karbala for Arbaeen, which marks the 40th day after Ashura, commemorating the seventh-century killing of Prophet Mohammed's grandson, Imam Hussein. AFP
    Iraq's holy city of Karbala as Shiite Muslim pilgrims gather to mark Arbaeen, a religious anniversary. Every year, Shiite pilgrims converge in large numbers on the cities of Najaf and Karbala for Arbaeen, which marks the 40th day after Ashura, commemorating the seventh-century killing of Prophet Mohammed's grandson, Imam Hussein. AFP
  • Revellers enjoy a fireworks display during Independence Day celebrations at Mexico City's main square, the Zocalo. AP
    Revellers enjoy a fireworks display during Independence Day celebrations at Mexico City's main square, the Zocalo. AP
  • Tiger dancers wait to perform on the last day of Onam celebrations in Kochi, India. AFP
    Tiger dancers wait to perform on the last day of Onam celebrations in Kochi, India. AFP

Today's best photos: from sunset over Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque to tiger dancers


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More from The National:

Thursday's best photos: from an immersive Monet experience to the Bledisloe Cup

Wednesday's best photos: from a Kardashian fashion show to calm before the storm

Tuesday's best photos: from Lizzo's Emmy win to a Berlin ballet tour

Monday's best photos: from Burj Khalifa Queen tribute to Red Bull cliff diving

Sunday's best photos: from donkey racing to New York Fashion Week

Saturday's best photos: from Indra Jatra to an ancient martial art in Sri Lanka

Company info

Company name: Entrupy 

Co-founders: Vidyuth Srinivasan, co-founder/chief executive, Ashlesh Sharma, co-founder/chief technology officer, Lakshmi Subramanian, co-founder/chief scientist

Based: New York, New York

Sector/About: Entrupy is a hardware-enabled SaaS company whose mission is to protect businesses, borders and consumers from transactions involving counterfeit goods.  

Initial investment/Investors: Entrupy secured a $2.6m Series A funding round in 2017. The round was led by Tokyo-based Digital Garage and Daiwa Securities Group's jointly established venture arm, DG Lab Fund I Investment Limited Partnership, along with Zach Coelius. 

Total customers: Entrupy’s customers include hundreds of secondary resellers, marketplaces and other retail organisations around the world. They are also testing with shipping companies as well as customs agencies to stop fake items from reaching the market in the first place. 

Panipat

Director Ashutosh Gowariker

Produced Ashutosh Gowariker, Rohit Shelatkar, Reliance Entertainment

Cast Arjun Kapoor, Sanjay Dutt, Kriti Sanon, Mohnish Behl, Padmini Kolhapure, Zeenat Aman

Rating 3 /stars

The Sand Castle

Director: Matty Brown

Stars: Nadine Labaki, Ziad Bakri, Zain Al Rafeea, Riman Al Rafeea

Rating: 2.5/5

Match info

Manchester United 1
Fred (18')

Wolves 1
Moutinho (53')

Points Classification after Stage 1

1. Geraint Thomas (Britain / Team Sky) 20

2. Stefan Kueng (Switzerland / BMC Racing) 17

3. Vasil Kiryienka (Belarus / Team Sky) 15

4. Tony Martin (Germany / Katusha) 13

5. Matteo Trentin (Italy / Quick-Step) 11

6. Chris Froome (Britain / Team Sky) 10

7. Jos van Emden (Netherlands / LottoNL) 9

8. Michal Kwiatkowski (Poland / Team Sky) 8

9. Marcel Kittel (Germany / Quick-Step) 7

10. Edvald Boasson Hagen (Norway / Dimension Data) 6

%3Cp%3EMATA%0D%3Cbr%3EArtist%3A%20M.I.A%0D%3Cbr%3ELabel%3A%20Island%0D%3Cbr%3ERating%3A%203.5%2F5%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Defence review at a glance

• Increase defence spending to 2.5% of GDP by 2027 but given “turbulent times it may be necessary to go faster”

• Prioritise a shift towards working with AI and autonomous systems

• Invest in the resilience of military space systems.

• Number of active reserves should be increased by 20%

• More F-35 fighter jets required in the next decade

• New “hybrid Navy” with AUKUS submarines and autonomous vessels

MATCH INFO

South Africa 66 (Tries: De Allende, Nkosi, Reinach (3), Gelant, Steyn, Brits, Willemse; Cons: Jantjies 8) 

Canada 7 (Tries: Heaton; Cons: Nelson)

Director: Jon Favreau

Starring: Donald Glover, Seth Rogen, John Oliver

Rating: 2 out of 5 stars

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

What can victims do?

Always use only regulated platforms

Stop all transactions and communication on suspicion

Save all evidence (screenshots, chat logs, transaction IDs)

Report to local authorities

Warn others to prevent further harm

Courtesy: Crystal Intelligence

What can you do?

Document everything immediately; including dates, times, locations and witnesses

Seek professional advice from a legal expert

You can report an incident to HR or an immediate supervisor

You can use the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation’s dedicated hotline

In criminal cases, you can contact the police for additional support

Labour dispute

The insured employee may still file an ILOE claim even if a labour dispute is ongoing post termination, but the insurer may suspend or reject payment, until the courts resolve the dispute, especially if the reason for termination is contested. The outcome of the labour court proceedings can directly affect eligibility.


- Abdullah Ishnaneh, Partner, BSA Law 

MATCH INFO

Uefa Champions League semi-final, first leg

Barcelona v Liverpool, Wednesday, 11pm (UAE).

Second leg

Liverpool v Barcelona, Tuesday, May 7, 11pm

Games on BeIN Sports

6.30pm: Al Maktoum Challenge Round-3 Group 1 (PA) | US$95,000 | (Dirt) 2,000m
7.05pm: Meydan Classic Listed (TB) ) | $175,000) | (Turf) 1,600m
7.40pm: Handicap (TB) ) | $135,000 ) | (D) 1,600m
8.15pm: Nad Al Sheba Trophy Group 3 (TB) ) | $300,000) | (T) 2,810m
8.50pm: Curlin Handicap Listed (TB)) | $160,000) | (D) 2,000m
9.25pm: Handicap (TB)) | $175,000) | (T) 1,400m
10pm: Handicap (TB) ) | $135,000 ) | (T) 2,000m

match info

Southampton 2 (Ings 32' & pen 89') Tottenham Hotspur 5 (Son 45', 47', 64', & 73', Kane 82')

Man of the match Son Heung-min (Tottenham)

Dhadak 2

Director: Shazia Iqbal

Starring: Siddhant Chaturvedi, Triptii Dimri 

Rating: 1/5

EMILY%20IN%20PARIS%3A%20SEASON%203
%3Cp%3ECreated%20by%3A%20Darren%20Star%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3EStarring%3A%20Lily%20Collins%2C%20Philippine%20Leroy-Beaulieu%2C%20Ashley%20Park%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3ERating%3A%202.75%2F5%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Company%20profile
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ECompany%20name%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Fasset%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EStarted%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E2019%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EFounders%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Mohammad%20Raafi%20Hossain%2C%20Daniel%20Ahmed%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EBased%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Dubai%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ESector%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EFinTech%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EInitial%20investment%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20%242.45%20million%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ECurrent%20number%20of%20staff%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%2086%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EInvestment%20stage%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Pre-series%20B%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EInvestors%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Investcorp%2C%20Liberty%20City%20Ventures%2C%20Fatima%20Gobi%20Ventures%2C%20Primal%20Capital%2C%20Wealthwell%20Ventures%2C%20FHS%20Capital%2C%20VN2%20Capital%2C%20local%20family%20offices%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
The President's Cake

Director: Hasan Hadi

Starring: Baneen Ahmad Nayyef, Waheed Thabet Khreibat, Sajad Mohamad Qasem 

Rating: 4/5

Our family matters legal consultant

Name: Hassan Mohsen Elhais

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

MATCH INFO

Inter Milan 2 (Vecino 65', Barella 83')

Verona 1 (Verre 19' pen)

Tailors and retailers miss out on back-to-school rush

Tailors and retailers across the city said it was an ominous start to what is usually a busy season for sales.
With many parents opting to continue home learning for their children, the usual rush to buy school uniforms was muted this year.
“So far we have taken about 70 to 80 orders for items like shirts and trousers,” said Vikram Attrai, manager at Stallion Bespoke Tailors in Dubai.
“Last year in the same period we had about 200 orders and lots of demand.
“We custom fit uniform pieces and use materials such as cotton, wool and cashmere.
“Depending on size, a white shirt with logo is priced at about Dh100 to Dh150 and shorts, trousers, skirts and dresses cost between Dh150 to Dh250 a piece.”

A spokesman for Threads, a uniform shop based in Times Square Centre Dubai, said customer footfall had slowed down dramatically over the past few months.

“Now parents have the option to keep children doing online learning they don’t need uniforms so it has quietened down.”

Updated: September 16, 2022, 11:27 AM