• Firefighters arrive at a military building in Kiev that was damaged in an explosion. EPA
    Firefighters arrive at a military building in Kiev that was damaged in an explosion. EPA
  • A man looks at the debris of an unidentified object in the aftermath of an explosion in Kiev. EPA
    A man looks at the debris of an unidentified object in the aftermath of an explosion in Kiev. EPA
  • Black smoke rises from a military airport in Chuguyev near Kharkiv. AFP
    Black smoke rises from a military airport in Chuguyev near Kharkiv. AFP
  • People take shelter in a Kiev subway station, after Russian President Vladimir Putin authorised a military operation in eastern Ukraine. Reuters
    People take shelter in a Kiev subway station, after Russian President Vladimir Putin authorised a military operation in eastern Ukraine. Reuters
  • A Kiev underground train station provides some shelter. Reuters
    A Kiev underground train station provides some shelter. Reuters
  • Clear airspace over Ukraine, shortly after the attack began, as shown on the Flightradar24 website. AP
    Clear airspace over Ukraine, shortly after the attack began, as shown on the Flightradar24 website. AP
  • Kiev residents leave the city following pre-offensive missile strikes by the Russian armed forces and Belarus. Getty
    Kiev residents leave the city following pre-offensive missile strikes by the Russian armed forces and Belarus. Getty
  • Russian President Vladimir Putin justified the attack in a televised address, saying it was to protect civilians in eastern Ukraine. AP
    Russian President Vladimir Putin justified the attack in a televised address, saying it was to protect civilians in eastern Ukraine. AP
  • Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy addresses the nation in Kiev. He has declared martial law, saying Russia has targeted Ukraine's military infrastructure. AP
    Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy addresses the nation in Kiev. He has declared martial law, saying Russia has targeted Ukraine's military infrastructure. AP
  • Firefighters extinguish a blaze at a house in Muratovo, in Ukraine's Luhansk enclave. AFP
    Firefighters extinguish a blaze at a house in Muratovo, in Ukraine's Luhansk enclave. AFP
  • The house is said to have been hit during shelling by Russian-backed separatists. AFP
    The house is said to have been hit during shelling by Russian-backed separatists. AFP
  • The coffin of Capt Anton Sidorov is carried by members of the honour guard during a ceremony held at the Ministry of Defence in Kiev, Ukraine. Getty
    The coffin of Capt Anton Sidorov is carried by members of the honour guard during a ceremony held at the Ministry of Defence in Kiev, Ukraine. Getty
  • A picture memorial for those killed in the confrontation between Ukraine's military and pro-Russia separatist forces, in the Luhansk region in eastern Ukraine. AP
    A picture memorial for those killed in the confrontation between Ukraine's military and pro-Russia separatist forces, in the Luhansk region in eastern Ukraine. AP
  • UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres and Russia's Ambassador to the UN, Vassily Nebenzia, attend a Security Council meeting in New York to discuss the crisis in Ukraine. Reuters
    UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres and Russia's Ambassador to the UN, Vassily Nebenzia, attend a Security Council meeting in New York to discuss the crisis in Ukraine. Reuters
  • Ukraine's UN ambassador Sergey Kyslytsya speaks during an emergency meeting of the Security Council. AP
    Ukraine's UN ambassador Sergey Kyslytsya speaks during an emergency meeting of the Security Council. AP
  • US Army soldiers from the 82nd Airborne Division head towards an air base near Arlamow, Poland. Reuters
    US Army soldiers from the 82nd Airborne Division head towards an air base near Arlamow, Poland. Reuters
  • An employee works at the gun counter of a tactical equipment shop in Kiev, Ukraine. Getty
    An employee works at the gun counter of a tactical equipment shop in Kiev, Ukraine. Getty
  • A Ukrainian soldier speaks on a walkie-talkie at his position at the line of separation between Ukraine-held territory and rebel-held territory near Svitlodarsk, eastern Ukraine. AP
    A Ukrainian soldier speaks on a walkie-talkie at his position at the line of separation between Ukraine-held territory and rebel-held territory near Svitlodarsk, eastern Ukraine. AP
  • A man removes his belongings from his house after it was struck by artillery shells in Novoluhanske, eastern Ukraine. AP
    A man removes his belongings from his house after it was struck by artillery shells in Novoluhanske, eastern Ukraine. AP
  • A damaged house in Vibrovka village. EPA
    A damaged house in Vibrovka village. EPA
  • A man shows a poster in support of Ukraine as he protests against the escalation of the tension between Russia and Ukraine, in Berlin. AP
    A man shows a poster in support of Ukraine as he protests against the escalation of the tension between Russia and Ukraine, in Berlin. AP
  • Soldiers carry the coffin of Capt Anton Sydorov, 35, after he was killed in eastern Ukraine. AP
    Soldiers carry the coffin of Capt Anton Sydorov, 35, after he was killed in eastern Ukraine. AP
  • Workers look into a destroyed house after shelling near the city of Novoluhanske in Donetsk. Reuters
    Workers look into a destroyed house after shelling near the city of Novoluhanske in Donetsk. Reuters
  • Destroyed buildings in Krasnogorivka, Ukraine. AFP
    Destroyed buildings in Krasnogorivka, Ukraine. AFP
  • Smoke rises from a power plant after shelling outside the town of Schastia, a day after Moscow recognised two Ukrainian separatist republics and ordered the Russian Army to send in troops as ‘peacekeepers’. AFP
    Smoke rises from a power plant after shelling outside the town of Schastia, a day after Moscow recognised two Ukrainian separatist republics and ordered the Russian Army to send in troops as ‘peacekeepers’. AFP
  • A Ukrainian Army soldier trudges through the wintry streets of Schastia on patrol. AFP
    A Ukrainian Army soldier trudges through the wintry streets of Schastia on patrol. AFP
  • Three women run for cover during shelling in Schastia, eastern Ukraine. AFP
    Three women run for cover during shelling in Schastia, eastern Ukraine. AFP
  • Russian tanks and armoured vehicles on the road in Rostov. EPA
    Russian tanks and armoured vehicles on the road in Rostov. EPA
  • A woman shares food with dogs in Stanytsia Luhanska, a crossing point between Ukrainian government-controlled areas and pro-Russian separatists' territory. AP
    A woman shares food with dogs in Stanytsia Luhanska, a crossing point between Ukrainian government-controlled areas and pro-Russian separatists' territory. AP
  • People wave Russian flags in Donetsk, the territory controlled by pro-Russian militants, in eastern Ukraine. AP
    People wave Russian flags in Donetsk, the territory controlled by pro-Russian militants, in eastern Ukraine. AP
  • A tank drives along a street in the city of Donetsk. Reuters
    A tank drives along a street in the city of Donetsk. Reuters
  • Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy addresses the nation on TV and says 'we are not afraid' after Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered troops into Donetsk and Luhansk, two Moscow-backed rebel regions of Ukraine. AFP
    Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy addresses the nation on TV and says 'we are not afraid' after Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered troops into Donetsk and Luhansk, two Moscow-backed rebel regions of Ukraine. AFP
  • A military truck in Donetsk after Mr Putin ordered the deployment of Russian troops to the city. Reuters
    A military truck in Donetsk after Mr Putin ordered the deployment of Russian troops to the city. Reuters
  • Russian state television showed Mr Putin signing a decree recognising the independence of the two Ukrainian breakaway regions. Reuters
    Russian state television showed Mr Putin signing a decree recognising the independence of the two Ukrainian breakaway regions. Reuters
  • US President Joe Biden signs an executive order at the White House to prohibit trade and investment between US individuals and the two breakaway regions of eastern Ukraine. Reuters
    US President Joe Biden signs an executive order at the White House to prohibit trade and investment between US individuals and the two breakaway regions of eastern Ukraine. Reuters
  • Mr Putin signs documents, including the decree recognising two Russian-backed breakaway regions in eastern Ukraine. Reuters
    Mr Putin signs documents, including the decree recognising two Russian-backed breakaway regions in eastern Ukraine. Reuters
  • Ukraine ambassador to the United Nations, Sergiy Kyslytsya, addresses an emergency meeting of the UN Security Council on the situation between Ukraine and Russia in New York. EPA
    Ukraine ambassador to the United Nations, Sergiy Kyslytsya, addresses an emergency meeting of the UN Security Council on the situation between Ukraine and Russia in New York. EPA

EU sanctions Russia in ‘answer to grave violations’ in Ukraine


James Haines-Young
  • English
  • Arabic

Live updates: follow the latest news on Russia-Ukraine

EU ministers on Tuesday unanimously agreed on a package of sanctions on Russia in response to Moscow's recognition of two breakaway Ukrainian regions as independent republics.

“The grave violations Russia is committing will not go unanswered,” EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs Josep Borrell said.

Mr Borrell said the EU would target 27 individuals and entities that undermine Ukrainian integrity. These are Duma representatives that backed Mr Putin’s bid, banks financing Russian decision-makers, the ability of the Russian state and government to access European capital and financial markets and services.

Russian President Vladimir Putin, however, is not on the sanctions list, Mr Borrell said.

"Sanctions are only part of the response – diplomacy will continue," he added.

He said the EU will send a mission to help block cyber-attacks and insisted that "We will raise the level of sanctions substantially depending on Russian behaviour."

A day after Russia's move, Mr Putin blamed Ukraine for the end of the so-called Minsk ceasefire agreement, called on Kiev to end its bid to join Nato and told the West to stop sending arms.

Russia also started withdrawing diplomats from Ukraine.

Nato secretary-general Jens Stoltenberg said that Russia has 150,000 soldiers on Ukraine's borders and that it was undertaking a “further invasion” of the country.

The EU sanctions come after the UK announced its own measures targeting three wealthy Russian citizens and five private banks on Tuesday. UK Foreign Secretary Liz Truss also said that G7 countries had agreed "a strong package of coordinated escalatory sanctions" on Russia.

Mr Putin on Monday announced the recognition of Donetsk and Luhansk and signed a decree to station Russian forces on the ground, drawing swift international condemnation and US sanctions.

Mr Le Drian, Mr Macron’s foreign minister, offered a robust rebuttal to questions over the French president’s mediation efforts on Ukraine where he flew to Moscow to meet with Mr Putin less than two weeks ago. Mr Le Drian said that Mr Macron did everything in his power to avoid a war but that Mr Putin’s actions showed that his signature and word was now worthless.

The text of the EU sanctions was drawn up while ministers attended the EU ministerial forum on the Indo-Pacific region on Tuesday morning in Paris. It was then discussed at an emergency sideline meeting.

The EU Commission draft mirrored closely the final sanctions announced.

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz said Germany and other countries made clear at a UN Security Council meeting that Moscow “has no support in the world” for the latest move and it had halted the process of certifying the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline from Russia.

EU Commission Vice President Frans Timmermans warned that Europe’s response to Russia would have lasting repercussions both on the continent and across the world.

An EU diplomat told journalists that ambassadors were “unanimously in favour” of imposing sanctions, potentially on hundreds of Russian companies and officials, and that banning trade in Russian state bonds was on the cards.

The EU has repeatedly warned of “massive consequences” on Russia if Moscow invades Ukraine. However, Mr Borrell was clear on Tuesday morning that the deployment of forces was an escalation but did not constitute the long-feared invasion.

  • Russian President Vladimir Putin signs documents recognising two breakaway regions in eastern Ukraine as independent. AFP
    Russian President Vladimir Putin signs documents recognising two breakaway regions in eastern Ukraine as independent. AFP
  • A Ukrainian soldier walks past fragments of a mortar shell amid fighting near the front line in Travneve, Donetsk region. Reuters
    A Ukrainian soldier walks past fragments of a mortar shell amid fighting near the front line in Travneve, Donetsk region. Reuters
  • People wave Russian flags while celebrating Moscow's recognition of the self-proclaimed republic's independence, in Donetsk. AP
    People wave Russian flags while celebrating Moscow's recognition of the self-proclaimed republic's independence, in Donetsk. AP
  • Protesters gather at the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry in Kiev, calling on the EU to impose additional sanctions against Russia. Getty Images
    Protesters gather at the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry in Kiev, calling on the EU to impose additional sanctions against Russia. Getty Images
  • Members of the security forces walk in an underpass at a railway station in Kiev. Getty Images
    Members of the security forces walk in an underpass at a railway station in Kiev. Getty Images
  • A Ukrainian soldier on the front line near the village of Travneve, in Donetsk. Reuters
    A Ukrainian soldier on the front line near the village of Travneve, in Donetsk. Reuters
  • Alisa, 38, a media relations specialist, takes part in a combat skills training for civilians near Kiev. Reuters
    Alisa, 38, a media relations specialist, takes part in a combat skills training for civilians near Kiev. Reuters
  • Alisa poses with a gun at her home near Kiev. Reuters
    Alisa poses with a gun at her home near Kiev. Reuters
  • A young girl takes part in a rally in defence of 'Ukraine, Europe and democratic values', organised by the Association of Ukrainians in Portugal, outside the Russian Consulate in Porto, Portugal. EPA
    A young girl takes part in a rally in defence of 'Ukraine, Europe and democratic values', organised by the Association of Ukrainians in Portugal, outside the Russian Consulate in Porto, Portugal. EPA
  • A Ukrainian soldier takes time out to play with dogs on the front line near the city of Novoluhanske, in Donetsk. Reuters
    A Ukrainian soldier takes time out to play with dogs on the front line near the city of Novoluhanske, in Donetsk. Reuters
  • People gather under the Ukrainian flag for a Day of Solidarity with Ukraine at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, DC. AFP
    People gather under the Ukrainian flag for a Day of Solidarity with Ukraine at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, DC. AFP
  • Residents of the self-proclaimed Donetsk People's Republic cross from Ukraine into Russia, after it was announced that women and children would be led to the Rostov region due to rising tension in the area. EPA
    Residents of the self-proclaimed Donetsk People's Republic cross from Ukraine into Russia, after it was announced that women and children would be led to the Rostov region due to rising tension in the area. EPA
  • After the evacuation of separatist-controlled regions of eastern Ukraine, people complete documents in a temporary accommodation centre in Rostov, Russia. Reuters
    After the evacuation of separatist-controlled regions of eastern Ukraine, people complete documents in a temporary accommodation centre in Rostov, Russia. Reuters
  • War veterans and volunteers train civilians in handling weapons on one of Kiev's city beaches. AFP
    War veterans and volunteers train civilians in handling weapons on one of Kiev's city beaches. AFP
  • Russian and Belarusian helicopters taking part in a joint military exercise of the allied countries’ armed forces. EPA
    Russian and Belarusian helicopters taking part in a joint military exercise of the allied countries’ armed forces. EPA
  • Ukrainian National Guard soldiers at a mobile checkpoint together with the Ukrainian Security Service agents and police officers during a joint operation in Kharkiv, Ukraine. AP
    Ukrainian National Guard soldiers at a mobile checkpoint together with the Ukrainian Security Service agents and police officers during a joint operation in Kharkiv, Ukraine. AP
  • US President Joe Biden delivers a national update on the situation at the Russia-Ukraine border at the White House in Washington, DC. AFP
    US President Joe Biden delivers a national update on the situation at the Russia-Ukraine border at the White House in Washington, DC. AFP
  • A Polish soldier uses his phone, as US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin and Polish Defence Minister Mariusz Blaszczak visit the Air Base in Powidz, Poland. Reuters
    A Polish soldier uses his phone, as US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin and Polish Defence Minister Mariusz Blaszczak visit the Air Base in Powidz, Poland. Reuters
  • Mr Austin, left, addresses US troops stationed at the Powidz Air Base in Poland. AP Photo
    Mr Austin, left, addresses US troops stationed at the Powidz Air Base in Poland. AP Photo
  • A woman walks to board a bus, arranged to evacuate local residents, in the rebel-controlled city of Donetsk, Ukraine. Reuters
    A woman walks to board a bus, arranged to evacuate local residents, in the rebel-controlled city of Donetsk, Ukraine. Reuters
  • A satellite image shows an overview of helicopter deployments near Lake Donuzlav in Crimea, Ukraine. Reuters
    A satellite image shows an overview of helicopter deployments near Lake Donuzlav in Crimea, Ukraine. Reuters
  • A Ukrainian Military Forces serviceman looks through a spyglass on the front line with Russia-backed separatists not far from Novolugansk in the Donetsk region. AFP
    A Ukrainian Military Forces serviceman looks through a spyglass on the front line with Russia-backed separatists not far from Novolugansk in the Donetsk region. AFP
  • A serviceman keeps position on the front line. AFP
    A serviceman keeps position on the front line. AFP
  • A Ukrainian frontier guard patrols along the border with Russia, some 40km from the city of Kharkiv. AFP
    A Ukrainian frontier guard patrols along the border with Russia, some 40km from the city of Kharkiv. AFP
  • US President Joe Biden speaks to the media about Russia's buildup on the Ukrainian border as he leaves the White House in Washington. EPA
    US President Joe Biden speaks to the media about Russia's buildup on the Ukrainian border as he leaves the White House in Washington. EPA
  • A Ukrainian frontier guard stands at a check point. AFP
    A Ukrainian frontier guard stands at a check point. AFP
  • Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and his Italian counterpart Luigi Di Maio enter a hall during a meeting in Moscow. Reuters
    Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and his Italian counterpart Luigi Di Maio enter a hall during a meeting in Moscow. Reuters
  • US Secretary of State Antony Blinken addresses the United Nations Security Council. AP Photo
    US Secretary of State Antony Blinken addresses the United Nations Security Council. AP Photo
  • An elderly lady walks by as members of the Joint Centre for Control and Co-ordination survey damage to a house from artillery shell that landed in Vrubivka, eastern Ukraine. AP Photo
    An elderly lady walks by as members of the Joint Centre for Control and Co-ordination survey damage to a house from artillery shell that landed in Vrubivka, eastern Ukraine. AP Photo
  • French President Emmanuel Macron arrives for an extraordinary meeting of EU leaders to discuss Ukraine at the European Council building in Brussels. AP Photo
    French President Emmanuel Macron arrives for an extraordinary meeting of EU leaders to discuss Ukraine at the European Council building in Brussels. AP Photo
  • A local resident boards a train at a suburban area of Kiev. Reuters
    A local resident boards a train at a suburban area of Kiev. Reuters
  • A woman stands among debris after the reported shelling of a nursery in the settlement of Stanytsia Luhanska, Ukraine. AFP
    A woman stands among debris after the reported shelling of a nursery in the settlement of Stanytsia Luhanska, Ukraine. AFP
  • A protester shouts slogans during a demonstration outside the Ukrainian parliament in Kiev against high government taxes. AFP
    A protester shouts slogans during a demonstration outside the Ukrainian parliament in Kiev against high government taxes. AFP
  • A member of the 82nd Airborne Division of the US Army rests ahead of deployment to Poland from Fort Bragg in the US. AP Photo
    A member of the 82nd Airborne Division of the US Army rests ahead of deployment to Poland from Fort Bragg in the US. AP Photo
  • Members of the 82nd Airborne Division of the US Army clean weaponry ahead of deployment to Poland. AP Photo
    Members of the 82nd Airborne Division of the US Army clean weaponry ahead of deployment to Poland. AP Photo

“Russian troops in Donbas I wouldn’t say is a full invasion, but they are on Ukrainian soil,” he said as he arrived at the EU forum on the Indo-Pacific region on Tuesday morning in Paris.

Russia’s decision to recognise as independent entities and send troops to certain areas of Ukraine is illegal and unacceptable, the European Council and the European Commission said in a statement.

The move violates international law, Ukraine’s territorial integrity and sovereignty, Russia’s own international commitments and escalates the crisis, it said.

Discussing the sanctions list before it was announced, Lithuanian Foreign Minister Gabrielius Landsbergis said that “yesterday’s TV ‘show’ [by Mr Putin] means we know all the faces that were behind the political decision making leading to Russia’s actions. When it comes to heads of state, there is usually a different track.

The White House responded quickly to Monday’s move in Moscow by issuing an executive order to prohibit US investment and trade in the separatist regions. The US said additional measures — likely sanctions — would be announced on Tuesday.

Monday’s measures are separate from the list of possible sanctions that Washington prepared in the event of a Russian invasion, a senior administration official said.

Six large-scale objects on show
  • Concrete wall and windows from the now demolished Robin Hood Gardens housing estate in Poplar
  • The 17th Century Agra Colonnade, from the bathhouse of the fort of Agra in India
  • A stagecloth for The Ballet Russes that is 10m high – the largest Picasso in the world
  • Frank Lloyd Wright’s 1930s Kaufmann Office
  • A full-scale Frankfurt Kitchen designed by Margarete Schütte-Lihotzky, which transformed kitchen design in the 20th century
  • Torrijos Palace dome
Email sent to Uber team from chief executive Dara Khosrowshahi

From: Dara

To: Team@

Date: March 25, 2019 at 11:45pm PT

Subj: Accelerating in the Middle East

Five years ago, Uber launched in the Middle East. It was the start of an incredible journey, with millions of riders and drivers finding new ways to move and work in a dynamic region that’s become so important to Uber. Now Pakistan is one of our fastest-growing markets in the world, women are driving with Uber across Saudi Arabia, and we chose Cairo to launch our first Uber Bus product late last year.

Today we are taking the next step in this journey—well, it’s more like a leap, and a big one: in a few minutes, we’ll announce that we’ve agreed to acquire Careem. Importantly, we intend to operate Careem independently, under the leadership of co-founder and current CEO Mudassir Sheikha. I’ve gotten to know both co-founders, Mudassir and Magnus Olsson, and what they have built is truly extraordinary. They are first-class entrepreneurs who share our platform vision and, like us, have launched a wide range of products—from digital payments to food delivery—to serve consumers.

I expect many of you will ask how we arrived at this structure, meaning allowing Careem to maintain an independent brand and operate separately. After careful consideration, we decided that this framework has the advantage of letting us build new products and try new ideas across not one, but two, strong brands, with strong operators within each. Over time, by integrating parts of our networks, we can operate more efficiently, achieve even lower wait times, expand new products like high-capacity vehicles and payments, and quicken the already remarkable pace of innovation in the region.

This acquisition is subject to regulatory approval in various countries, which we don’t expect before Q1 2020. Until then, nothing changes. And since both companies will continue to largely operate separately after the acquisition, very little will change in either teams’ day-to-day operations post-close. Today’s news is a testament to the incredible business our team has worked so hard to build.

It’s a great day for the Middle East, for the region’s thriving tech sector, for Careem, and for Uber.

Uber on,

Dara

The biog

Name: Shamsa Hassan Safar

Nationality: Emirati

Education: Degree in emergency medical services at Higher Colleges of Technology

Favourite book: Between two hearts- Arabic novels

Favourite music: Mohammed Abdu and modern Arabic songs

Favourite way to spend time off: Family visits and spending time with friends

COMPANY%20PROFILE%20
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EName%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Dooda%20Solutions%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EBased%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Lebanon%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EFounder%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3ENada%20Ghanem%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ESector%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20AgriTech%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ETotal%20funding%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E%24300%2C000%20in%20equity-free%20funding%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ENumber%20of%20employees%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%2011%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
POWERWASH%20SIMULATOR
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EDeveloper%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20FuturLab%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EPublisher%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3ESquare%20Enix%20Collective%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EConsole%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3ENintendo%20Switch%2C%3Cstrong%3E%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EPlayStation%204%20%26amp%3B%205%2C%20Xbox%20Series%20X%2FS%20and%20PC%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ERating%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%204%2F5%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Wicked: For Good

Director: Jon M Chu

Starring: Ariana Grande, Cynthia Erivo, Jonathan Bailey, Jeff Goldblum, Michelle Yeoh, Ethan Slater

Rating: 4/5

COMPANY%20PROFILE
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ECompany%20name%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Switch%20Foods%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EStarted%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%202022%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EFounder%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Edward%20Hamod%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EBased%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Abu%20Dhabi%2C%20UAE%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EIndustry%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Plant-based%20meat%20production%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ENumber%20of%20employees%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%2034%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EFunding%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20%246.5%20million%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EFunding%20round%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Seed%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EInvestors%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Based%20in%20US%20and%20across%20Middle%20East%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
NBA Finals so far

(Toronto lead 3-1 in best-of-seven series_

Game 1 Raptors 118 Warriors 109

Game 2 Raptors 104 Warriors 109

Game 3 Warriors 109 Raptors 123

Game 4 Warriors 92 Raptors 105

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

'The Batman'

Stars:Robert Pattinson

Director:Matt Reeves

Rating: 5/5

How the bonus system works

The two riders are among several riders in the UAE to receive the top payment of £10,000 under the Thank You Fund of £16 million (Dh80m), which was announced in conjunction with Deliveroo's £8 billion (Dh40bn) stock market listing earlier this year.

The £10,000 (Dh50,000) payment is made to those riders who have completed the highest number of orders in each market.

There are also riders who will receive payments of £1,000 (Dh5,000) and £500 (Dh2,500).

All riders who have worked with Deliveroo for at least one year and completed 2,000 orders will receive £200 (Dh1,000), the company said when it announced the scheme.

Winners

Best Men's Player of the Year: Kylian Mbappe (PSG)

Maradona Award for Best Goal Scorer of the Year: Robert Lewandowski (Bayern Munich)

TikTok Fans’ Player of the Year: Robert Lewandowski

Top Goal Scorer of All Time: Cristiano Ronaldo (Manchester United)

Best Women's Player of the Year: Alexia Putellas (Barcelona)

Best Men's Club of the Year: Chelsea

Best Women's Club of the Year: Barcelona

Best Defender of the Year: Leonardo Bonucci (Juventus/Italy)

Best Goalkeeper of the Year: Gianluigi Donnarumma (PSG/Italy)

Best Coach of the Year: Roberto Mancini (Italy)

Best National Team of the Year: Italy 

Best Agent of the Year: Federico Pastorello

Best Sporting Director of the Year: Txiki Begiristain (Manchester City)

Player Career Award: Ronaldinho

Updated: February 22, 2022, 6:22 PM