• US President Joe Biden and first lady Jill Biden are greeted and walk with British Prime Minister Boris Johnson and his wife Carrie Johnson in Carbis Bay. AP Photo
    US President Joe Biden and first lady Jill Biden are greeted and walk with British Prime Minister Boris Johnson and his wife Carrie Johnson in Carbis Bay. AP Photo
  • Justin Trudeau, Canada's prime minister, and his wife Sophie Gregoire Trudeau. Getty Images
    Justin Trudeau, Canada's prime minister, and his wife Sophie Gregoire Trudeau. Getty Images
  • French President Emmanuel Macron and his wife Brigitte Macron. Getty Images
    French President Emmanuel Macron and his wife Brigitte Macron. Getty Images
  • German Chancellor Angela Merkel with her husband Joachim Sauer. Getty Images
    German Chancellor Angela Merkel with her husband Joachim Sauer. Getty Images
  • Mario Draghi and his wife Serena Draghi. Getty Images
    Mario Draghi and his wife Serena Draghi. Getty Images
  • Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga accompanied by his wife Mariko Suga. AFP
    Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga accompanied by his wife Mariko Suga. AFP

Carrie Johnson ready for her moment in the G7 spotlight


Simon Rushton
  • English
  • Arabic

Newly married Carrie Johnson is taking on her biggest official role as the G7 summit starts in the UK, even as the weather throws a spanner at plans.
Less than two weeks after tying the knot with Prime Minister Boris Johnson, she will play a key role as the couple entertain the world's political leaders in Cornwall.
One of the reasons the Johnsons said they brought forward their wedding was the timing of the G7 summit.

With a background in PR for the ruling Conservative party, Mrs Johnson, 33, could find herself on familiar territory, even if the guests are more powerful than in her previous experience.
She will spend time with the spouses of all the leaders, including US first lady Jill Biden.

Mariko Suga, the wife of Japan's Yoshihide Suga, and Serena Cappello, married to Italy's Mario Draghi, are also new faces, but the former Ms Symonds can expect the full force of the spotlight as the British prime minister's new wife.
The Johnsons and Bidens met on Thursday before the work started, but British weather has already scuppered one of the first planned events.
The White House confirmed on Wednesday the first lady and Mrs Johnson would meet over tea and "then tour St Michael's Mount off the coast of Cornwall".

A man walks on the beach in front of a mist covered St Michael's Mount, as Cornwall prepares for the G7 Summit, in Penzance, Britain, June 10, 2021. REUTERS/Toby Melville
A man walks on the beach in front of a mist covered St Michael's Mount, as Cornwall prepares for the G7 Summit, in Penzance, Britain, June 10, 2021. REUTERS/Toby Melville

The mount, an islet off the Cornish coast, is usually a picturesque setting with a castle and chapel only open to visitors when the tide is out.

On Thursday, it was shrouded in fog and could barely be picked out against the grim, grey sky.

A No 10 Downing Street source confirmed that the visit was “sadly off due to the weather”.

  • A surfer catches a wave in front of a naval vessel in St Ives Bay. Reuters
    A surfer catches a wave in front of a naval vessel in St Ives Bay. Reuters
  • A coastal train passes near the Carbis Bay hotel and beach, where an in-person G7 summit of global leaders is due to take place, in St Ives, Cornwall. Reuters
    A coastal train passes near the Carbis Bay hotel and beach, where an in-person G7 summit of global leaders is due to take place, in St Ives, Cornwall. Reuters
  • People look at artwork called Mount Recyclemore: The E7, which has been created out of e-waste, in the likeness of the G7 leaders and in the style of Mount Rushmore by British artist Joe Rush on Sandy Acres Beach in Cornwall. AP Photo
    People look at artwork called Mount Recyclemore: The E7, which has been created out of e-waste, in the likeness of the G7 leaders and in the style of Mount Rushmore by British artist Joe Rush on Sandy Acres Beach in Cornwall. AP Photo
  • Activists from climate action group Ocean Rebellion demonstrate in St Ives Harbour. Reuters
    Activists from climate action group Ocean Rebellion demonstrate in St Ives Harbour. Reuters
  • Naval vessels are moored in St Ives Bay, ahead of the G7 summit. Reuters
    Naval vessels are moored in St Ives Bay, ahead of the G7 summit. Reuters
  • A member of the hotel staff cleans tables in the new orangery at the Carbis Bay Hotel. Getty Images
    A member of the hotel staff cleans tables in the new orangery at the Carbis Bay Hotel. Getty Images
  • A police drone operator during a demonstration organised by Devon And Cornwall Police to illustrate the skills they may have to draw upon on order to police the forthcoming G7 Summit. Getty Images
    A police drone operator during a demonstration organised by Devon And Cornwall Police to illustrate the skills they may have to draw upon on order to police the forthcoming G7 Summit. Getty Images
  • Devon and Cornwall police officers demonstrate armed stop and arrest techniques. Getty Images
    Devon and Cornwall police officers demonstrate armed stop and arrest techniques. Getty Images
  • A man views a kite being flown on the beach at Carbis Bay. Reuters
    A man views a kite being flown on the beach at Carbis Bay. Reuters
  • Police officers make advance security checks on entrance routes to the Carbis Bay resort. Reuters
    Police officers make advance security checks on entrance routes to the Carbis Bay resort. Reuters
  • A person walks past The Cornish Arms pub as the G7 nations' flags flutter next to the Cornish flag. Reuters
    A person walks past The Cornish Arms pub as the G7 nations' flags flutter next to the Cornish flag. Reuters
  • Police officers patrol on the beach in front of the Carbis Bay Hotel. Getty Images
    Police officers patrol on the beach in front of the Carbis Bay Hotel. Getty Images
  • Police firearms officers hold their weapons as they take part in a live firing training exercise. AFP
    Police firearms officers hold their weapons as they take part in a live firing training exercise. AFP
  • Bulding works continue at the Carbis Bay Hotel ahead of the summit. Reuters
    Bulding works continue at the Carbis Bay Hotel ahead of the summit. Reuters
  • Police officers patrol the harbour in St. Ives. AP Photo
    Police officers patrol the harbour in St. Ives. AP Photo

Mrs Johnson had a brief moment when she got stuck behind the other three and wasn't sure how to get back in the line.

Mrs Biden wore a coat with the message 'Love' on it - a far cry from a similar message coat worn by her predecessor Melania Trump, which read 'I really don't care, do you?'
In brief comments, Mr Biden joked that he and Mr Johnson had both "married above their station".

US first lady Jill Biden arrived with a message of 'love' on her coat. AP
US first lady Jill Biden arrived with a message of 'love' on her coat. AP

Other spouses attending are French first lady Brigitte Macron, Germany’s Joachim Sauer, and Canada’s Sophie Gregoire Trudeau.

The Johnsons married in a small private ceremony in London's Westminster Cathedral on May 29.

They wed in front of a small group of close friends and family, in line with Covid-19 restrictions that limit ceremonies to a capacity of 30 people.

The marriage is her first and Mr Johnson’s third. He has at least five other children from previous relationships.

Founders: Abdulmajeed Alsukhan, Turki Bin Zarah and Abdulmohsen Albabtain.

Based: Riyadh

Offices: UAE, Vietnam and Germany

Founded: September, 2020

Number of employees: 70

Sector: FinTech, online payment solutions

Funding to date: $116m in two funding rounds  

Investors: Checkout.com, Impact46, Vision Ventures, Wealth Well, Seedra, Khwarizmi, Hala Ventures, Nama Ventures and family offices

Dengue%20fever%20symptoms
%3Cp%3EHigh%20fever%20(40%C2%B0C%2F104%C2%B0F)%3Cbr%3ESevere%20headache%3Cbr%3EPain%20behind%20the%20eyes%3Cbr%3EMuscle%20and%20joint%20pains%3Cbr%3ENausea%3Cbr%3EVomiting%3Cbr%3ESwollen%20glands%3Cbr%3ERash%26nbsp%3B%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
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.

What vitamins do we know are beneficial for living in the UAE

Vitamin D: Highly relevant in the UAE due to limited sun exposure; supports bone health, immunity and mood.Vitamin B12: Important for nerve health and energy production, especially for vegetarians, vegans and individuals with absorption issues.Iron: Useful only when deficiency or anaemia is confirmed; helps reduce fatigue and support immunity.Omega-3 (EPA/DHA): Supports heart health and reduces inflammation, especially for those who consume little fish.

The five pillars of Islam

1. Fasting 

2. Prayer 

3. Hajj 

4. Shahada 

5. Zakat 

The specs

Engine: 6.2-litre V8

Transmission: ten-speed

Power: 420bhp

Torque: 624Nm

Price: Dh325,125

On sale: Now

COMPANY%20PROFILE
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ECompany%20name%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Klipit%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EStarted%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%202022%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EFounders%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Venkat%20Reddy%2C%20Mohammed%20Al%20Bulooki%2C%20Bilal%20Merchant%2C%20Asif%20Ahmed%2C%20Ovais%20Merchant%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EBased%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Dubai%2C%20UAE%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EIndustry%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Digital%20receipts%2C%20finance%2C%20blockchain%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EFunding%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20%244%20million%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EInvestors%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Privately%2Fself-funded%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
WITHIN%20SAND
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%20Ramez%20Gab%20Min%20El%20Akher
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ECreator%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Ramez%20Galal%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EStarring%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Ramez%20Galal%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EStreaming%20on%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EMBC%20Shahid%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ERating%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E2.5%2F5%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
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 specs: Macan Turbo

Engine: Dual synchronous electric motors
Power: 639hp
Torque: 1,130Nm
Transmission: Single-speed automatic
Touring range: 591km
Price: From Dh412,500
On sale: Deliveries start in October

Skoda Superb Specs

Engine: 2-litre TSI petrol

Power: 190hp

Torque: 320Nm

Price: From Dh147,000

Available: Now

If you go:
The flights: Etihad, Emirates, British Airways and Virgin all fly from the UAE to London from Dh2,700 return, including taxes
The tours: The Tour for Muggles usually runs several times a day, lasts about two-and-a-half hours and costs £14 (Dh67)
Harry Potter and the Cursed Child is on now at the Palace Theatre. Tickets need booking significantly in advance
Entrance to the Harry Potter exhibition at the House of MinaLima is free
The hotel: The grand, 1909-built Strand Palace Hotel is in a handy location near the Theatre District and several of the key Harry Potter filming and inspiration sites. The family rooms are spacious, with sofa beds that can accommodate children, and wooden shutters that keep out the light at night. Rooms cost from £170 (Dh808).

Dhadak 2

Director: Shazia Iqbal

Starring: Siddhant Chaturvedi, Triptii Dimri 

Rating: 1/5

Company%20profile
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EName%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Belong%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EBased%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Dubai%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EFounders%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Michael%20Askew%20and%20Matthew%20Gaziano%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ESector%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Technology%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ETotal%20funding%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20%243.5%20million%20from%20crowd%20funding%20and%20angel%20investors%3Cstrong%3E%3Cbr%3ENumber%20of%20employees%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%2012%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
The Vile

Starring: Bdoor Mohammad, Jasem Alkharraz, Iman Tarik, Sarah Taibah

Director: Majid Al Ansari

Rating: 4/5

THE SPECS

2020 Toyota Corolla Hybrid LE

Engine: 1.8 litre combined with 16-volt electric motors

Transmission: Automatic with manual shifting mode

Power: 121hp

Torque: 142Nm

Price: Dh95,900

Our legal consultant

Name: Dr Hassan Mohsen Elhais

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

 

Rock in a Hard Place: Music and Mayhem in the Middle East
Orlando Crowcroft
Zed Books

 

 

The%20specs
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EEngine%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E3.5-litre%20twin-turbo%20V6%20%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EPower%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E456hp%20at%205%2C000rpm%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ETorque%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E691Nm%20at%203%2C500rpm%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ETransmission%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E10-speed%20auto%20%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EFuel%20consumption%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E14.6L%2F100km%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EPrice%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3Efrom%20Dh349%2C545%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EOn%20sale%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3Enow%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
How tumultuous protests grew
  • A fuel tax protest by French drivers appealed to wider anti-government sentiment
  • Unlike previous French demonstrations there was no trade union or organised movement involved 
  • Demonstrators responded to online petitions and flooded squares to block traffic
  • At its height there were almost 300,000 on the streets in support
  • Named after the high visibility jackets that drivers must keep in cars 
  • Clashes soon turned violent as thousands fought with police at cordons
  • An estimated two dozen people lost eyes and many others were admitted to hospital 

Manchester City 4
Otamendi (52) Sterling (59) Stones (67) Brahim Diaz (81)

Real Madrid 1
Oscar (90)

The specs: 2018 Volkswagen Teramont

Price, base / as tested Dh137,000 / Dh189,950

Engine 3.6-litre V6

Gearbox Eight-speed automatic

Power 280hp @ 6,200rpm

Torque 360Nm @ 2,750rpm

Fuel economy, combined 11.7L / 100km

'Worse than a prison sentence'

Marie Byrne, a counsellor who volunteers at the UAE government's mental health crisis helpline, said the ordeal the crew had been through would take time to overcome.

“It was worse than a prison sentence, where at least someone can deal with a set amount of time incarcerated," she said.

“They were living in perpetual mystery as to how their futures would pan out, and what that would be.

“Because of coronavirus, the world is very different now to the one they left, that will also have an impact.

“It will not fully register until they are on dry land. Some have not seen their young children grow up while others will have to rebuild relationships.

“It will be a challenge mentally, and to find other work to support their families as they have been out of circulation for so long. Hopefully they will get the care they need when they get home.”