• Armenians enter the Quba Mere Diwane temple, the world's largest Yazidi Temple, in Aknalich, as Yazidis mark their New Year. Kiran Ridley for The National
    Armenians enter the Quba Mere Diwane temple, the world's largest Yazidi Temple, in Aknalich, as Yazidis mark their New Year. Kiran Ridley for The National
  • A worshipper leaves the Quba Mere Diwane temple, the world's largest Yazidi place of worship, in Aknalich, Armenia, as the country's largest ethnic minority group celebrate their New Year. Kiran Ridley for The National
    A worshipper leaves the Quba Mere Diwane temple, the world's largest Yazidi place of worship, in Aknalich, Armenia, as the country's largest ethnic minority group celebrate their New Year. Kiran Ridley for The National
  • The world's largest Yazidi temple Quba Mere Diwane, in Aknalich, Armenia. Kiran Ridley for The National
    The world's largest Yazidi temple Quba Mere Diwane, in Aknalich, Armenia. Kiran Ridley for The National
  • The dome of Quba Mere Diwane, the world's largest Yazidi Temple, in Aknalich, Armenia. With a population of about 35,000, Yazidis are the country’s largest ethnic minority. Kiran Ridley for The National
    The dome of Quba Mere Diwane, the world's largest Yazidi Temple, in Aknalich, Armenia. With a population of about 35,000, Yazidis are the country’s largest ethnic minority. Kiran Ridley for The National
  • A Yazidi man leaves the graveyard at the Quba Mere Diwane temple, the world's largest Yazidi place of worship, in Aknalich, Armenia. Kiran Ridley for The National
    A Yazidi man leaves the graveyard at the Quba Mere Diwane temple, the world's largest Yazidi place of worship, in Aknalich, Armenia. Kiran Ridley for The National
  • Amad Shaykh, a representative of the Yazidi spiritual society at the Quba Mere Diwane temple, the world's largest Yazidi temple, on April 14, 2021. Kiran Ridley for The National
    Amad Shaykh, a representative of the Yazidi spiritual society at the Quba Mere Diwane temple, the world's largest Yazidi temple, on April 14, 2021. Kiran Ridley for The National

Festive but sombre Yazidi New Year in Armenia


  • English
  • Arabic

In the town of Aknalich, the Yazidi people are marking the New Year, as their calendar turns to 6771.

That is the traditional date of the birth of the world in their belief, which hails from modern-day Iraq where about half of the world’s one million Yazidis live.

Aknalich has always been a centre of Armenia’s Yazidi people who, with a population of about 35,000, are the country’s largest ethnic minority.

But it took on new significance in 2019 when the largest Yazidi temple in the world was unveiled there.

A Yazidi woman prays at the altar of Melek Taus, the Peacock Angel - the primary deity in the Yazidis’ unique cosmology. Kiran Ridley
A Yazidi woman prays at the altar of Melek Taus, the Peacock Angel - the primary deity in the Yazidis’ unique cosmology. Kiran Ridley

“Before Christianity, everyone worshipped the sun, like we do,” says Jon Namoyan, 35, a resident of the Yazidi-populated village of Shamiram.

“When the sun peers through the clouds, it’s like God looking down on his children."

On the square behind him a variety of dance troupes, including one from Armenia’s Assyrian minority, go through their performances.

Cacophonous traditional music blasts continuously from a group on the stage.

The main temple, known as Quba Mere Diwane, towers off to one side.

A regular procession moves through it, removing their shoes at the entrance before entering to pray at the altar of Melek Taus, the Peacock Angel, who is the primary deity in the Yazidis’ unique cosmology.

Many also stop to pay respects at the grave of Mirza Sloyan, an Armenian Yazidi businessman who paid for the temple’s construction before dying just a month after its opening.

Behind the day’s upbeat artistic performances, though, there is a palpable melancholy.

Along with everyone else in the country, members of the Yazidi community fought in last year’s war between Armenia and its neighbour, Azerbaijan, over the disputed territory of Nagorno-Karabakh.

In 44 days, at least 16 local Yazidis were killed.

“It’s different this year,” says Amad Shaykh, 36. "Coronavirus prevented many of our foreign friends from visiting and many families are at home, in mourning.

“The speeches were dedicated to seven local families who lost their sons and husbands [in the war]."

Yazidi women celebrate New Year in Armenia. Kiran Ridley
Yazidi women celebrate New Year in Armenia. Kiran Ridley

The Yazidi people are no strangers to tragedy. Their histories hold that they have been the victims of 74 genocides, most recently at the hands of ISIS in 2014, in northern Iraq.

Of the survivors, a few made their way through Armenia. Some settled with distant relatives, but “only a handful", Mr Shaykh says.

Another of those genocides came at the same time as that of the Armenians, in 1915.

At the same time that Armenian villages in eastern Anatolia were being systematically killed by Ottoman troops, the nearby Yazidi populace was also suffering reprisals.

Many sought refuge in the lands that now form Armenia, laying the basis for much of today’s community.

The parallels between the two peoples are not lost on Mr Namoyan.

“When the Turks were slaughtering Armenians, they slaughtered us, too,” he says.

“They tried to force us to convert to Islam but we didn’t accept. Last year they tried it again."

For the Yazidis last year, there was no question as to whether they would stand beside their Armenian neighbours on the battlefield.

“Of course we served in the army,” says Vital Sloyan, 48, another Shamiram resident.

“Armenia is our country too and it was under attack. We were proud to stand with our Armenian brothers."

Yazidi people outside the Quba Mere Diwane. Kiran Ridley
Yazidi people outside the Quba Mere Diwane. Kiran Ridley

The Yazidi members of Armenia’s army and associated volunteer militias were well publicised during the war, and well organised.

Temur Khudoyan, 28, director of the Yazidi TV channel Lalish TV, says that local Yazidis fought in their own units and in the Armenian army.

“When the war started, Yazidi community leaders started to organise those who wished to fight,” Mr Khudoyan says.

That was partly co-ordinated by Rustam Bakoyan, an Armenian MP who holds the Parliament seat reserved for the minority.

In all, three Yazidi volunteer detachments served on the front lines in Karabakh. Many fought in areas hardest hit by the fighting, including those captured by Azerbaijan.

The losses have not affected the local community’s appreciation for their homeland.

“We are an ancient people but we don’t have a state,” Mr Shaykh says.

“In the 2014 genocide (in Iraq), over 100,000 Yazidis became refugees. It makes you appreciate safe places like Armenia.”

Mr Khudoyan agrees.

“This is the only country in the world where Yazidis are taught at school in their own language,” he says.

“All our rights are protected here. We can preserve our culture, our religion, our identity. We have a future in Armenia.

As the festivities wind down, Mr Namoyan delivers the most optimistic outlook yet.

“There’s a story about a prophet in Greece,” he says. “This prophet foresaw that Constantinople would one day be Christian again.

"Turkey will be divided into three or four parts. The Greeks will take one part, the Armenians another, and we Yazidis will take ours. Everything will be great.”

Tales of Yusuf Tadros

Adel Esmat (translated by Mandy McClure)

Hoopoe

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

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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

COMPANY PROFILE

Founders: Sebastian Stefan, Sebastian Morar and Claudia Pacurar

Based: Dubai, UAE

Founded: 2014

Number of employees: 36

Sector: Logistics

Raised: $2.5 million

Investors: DP World, Prime Venture Partners and family offices in Saudi Arabia and the UAE

RESULT

Aston Villa 1
Samatta (41')
Manchester City 2
Aguero (20')
Rodri (30')

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 

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 
Living in...

This article is part of a guide on where to live in the UAE. Our reporters will profile some of the country’s most desirable districts, provide an estimate of rental prices and introduce you to some of the residents who call each area home.

Juliet, Naked
Dir: Jesse Peretz
Starring: Chris O'Dowd, Rose Byrne, Ethan Hawke​​​​​​​
​​​​​​​Two stars

Desert Warrior

Starring: Anthony Mackie, Aiysha Hart, Ben Kingsley

Director: Rupert Wyatt

Rating: 3/5

About Housecall

Date started: July 2020

Founders: Omar and Humaid Alzaabi

Based: Abu Dhabi

Sector: HealthTech

# of staff: 10

Funding to date: Self-funded

What the law says

Micro-retirement is not a recognised concept or employment status under Federal Decree Law No. 33 of 2021 on the Regulation of Labour Relations (as amended) (UAE Labour Law). As such, it reflects a voluntary work-life balance practice, rather than a recognised legal employment category, according to Dilini Loku, senior associate for law firm Gateley Middle East.

“Some companies may offer formal sabbatical policies or career break programmes; however, beyond such arrangements, there is no automatic right or statutory entitlement to extended breaks,” she explains.

“Any leave taken beyond statutory entitlements, such as annual leave, is typically regarded as unpaid leave in accordance with Article 33 of the UAE Labour Law. While employees may legally take unpaid leave, such requests are subject to the employer’s discretion and require approval.”

If an employee resigns to pursue micro-retirement, the employment contract is terminated, and the employer is under no legal obligation to rehire the employee in the future unless specific contractual agreements are in place (such as return-to-work arrangements), which are generally uncommon, Ms Loku adds.

Tightening the screw on rogue recruiters

The UAE overhauled the procedure to recruit housemaids and domestic workers with a law in 2017 to protect low-income labour from being exploited.

 Only recruitment companies authorised by the government are permitted as part of Tadbeer, a network of labour ministry-regulated centres.

A contract must be drawn up for domestic workers, the wages and job offer clearly stating the nature of work.

The contract stating the wages, work entailed and accommodation must be sent to the employee in their home country before they depart for the UAE.

The contract will be signed by the employer and employee when the domestic worker arrives in the UAE.

Only recruitment agencies registered with the ministry can undertake recruitment and employment applications for domestic workers.

Penalties for illegal recruitment in the UAE include fines of up to Dh100,000 and imprisonment

But agents not authorised by the government sidestep the law by illegally getting women into the country on visit visas.

Avatar: Fire and Ash

Director: James Cameron

Starring: Sam Worthington, Sigourney Weaver, Zoe Saldana

Rating: 4.5/5

WOMAN AND CHILD

Director: Saeed Roustaee

Starring: Parinaz Izadyar, Payman Maadi

Rating: 4/5

Results

57kg quarter-finals

Zakaria Eljamari (UAE) beat Hamed Al Matari (YEM) by points 3-0.

60kg quarter-finals

Ibrahim Bilal (UAE) beat Hyan Aljmyah (SYR) RSC round 2.

63.5kg quarter-finals

Nouredine Samir (UAE) beat Shamlan A Othman (KUW) by points 3-0.

67kg quarter-finals

Mohammed Mardi (UAE) beat Ahmad Ondash (LBN) by points 2-1.

71kg quarter-finals

Ahmad Bahman (UAE) defeated Lalthasanga Lelhchhun (IND) by points 3-0.

Amine El Moatassime (UAE) beat Seyed Kaveh Safakhaneh (IRI) by points 3-0.

81kg quarter-finals

Ilyass Habibali (UAE) beat Ahmad Hilal (PLE) by points 3-0

The specs

Engine: 1.5-litre turbo

Power: 181hp

Torque: 230Nm

Transmission: 6-speed automatic

Starting price: Dh79,000

On sale: Now

Five famous companies founded by teens

There are numerous success stories of teen businesses that were created in college dorm rooms and other modest circumstances. Below are some of the most recognisable names in the industry:

  1. Facebook: Mark Zuckerberg and his friends started Facebook when he was a 19-year-old Harvard undergraduate. 
  2. Dell: When Michael Dell was an undergraduate student at Texas University in 1984, he started upgrading computers for profit. He starting working full-time on his business when he was 19. Eventually, his company became the Dell Computer Corporation and then Dell Inc. 
  3. Subway: Fred DeLuca opened the first Subway restaurant when he was 17. In 1965, Mr DeLuca needed extra money for college, so he decided to open his own business. Peter Buck, a family friend, lent him $1,000 and together, they opened Pete’s Super Submarines. A few years later, the company was rebranded and called Subway. 
  4. Mashable: In 2005, Pete Cashmore created Mashable in Scotland when he was a teenager. The site was then a technology blog. Over the next few decades, Mr Cashmore has turned Mashable into a global media company.
  5. Oculus VR: Palmer Luckey founded Oculus VR in June 2012, when he was 19. In August that year, Oculus launched its Kickstarter campaign and raised more than $1 million in three days. Facebook bought Oculus for $2 billion two years later.
THE BIO: Mohammed Ashiq Ali

Proudest achievement: “I came to a new country and started this shop”

Favourite TV programme: the news

Favourite place in Dubai: Al Fahidi. “They started the metro in 2009 and I didn’t take it yet.”

Family: six sons in Dubai and a daughter in Faisalabad

 

Race card:

6.30pm: Maiden; Dh165,000; 2,000m

7.05pm: Handicap; Dh165,000; 2,200m

7.40pm: Conditions; Dh240,000; 1,600m

8.15pm: Handicap; Dh190,000; 2,000m

8.50pm: The Garhoud Sprint Listed; Dh265,000; 1,200m

9.25pm: Handicap; Dh170,000; 1,600m

10pm: Handicap; Dh190,000; 1,400m

BEACH SOCCER WORLD CUP

Group A

Paraguay
Japan
Switzerland
USA

Group B

Uruguay
Mexico
Italy
Tahiti

Group C

Belarus
UAE
Senegal
Russia

Group D

Brazil
Oman
Portugal
Nigeria

Dr Amal Khalid Alias revealed a recent case of a woman with daughters, who specifically wanted a boy.

A semen analysis of the father showed abnormal sperm so the couple required IVF.

Out of 21 eggs collected, six were unused leaving 15 suitable for IVF.

A specific procedure was used, called intracytoplasmic sperm injection where a single sperm cell is inserted into the egg.

On day three of the process, 14 embryos were biopsied for gender selection.

The next day, a pre-implantation genetic report revealed four normal male embryos, three female and seven abnormal samples.

Day five of the treatment saw two male embryos transferred to the patient.

The woman recorded a positive pregnancy test two weeks later. 

While you're here