Donald Trump is the first US president to be impeached twice. AFP
Donald Trump is the first US president to be impeached twice. AFP
Donald Trump is the first US president to be impeached twice. AFP
Donald Trump is the first US president to be impeached twice. AFP

World

Trump parts with impeachment lawyers a week before trial

The upheaval injects fresh uncertainty into the make-up and strategy of Trump’s defence team

AP

January 31, 2021

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Former US president Donald Trump parted ways with his lead impeachment lawyers about a week before his Senate trial is set to begin, sources said on Saturday.

Butch Bowers and Deborah Barbier, both South Carolina lawyers, are no longer with Mr Trump’s defence team, according to the sources.

One described the parting as a "mutual decision" that reflected a difference of opinion on the direction of the case.
Another said additions to the legal team were expected to be announced in a day or two.

The upheaval injects more uncertainty into the make-up and strategy of Mr Trump’s defence team as he prepares to face charges that he incited the insurrection at the US Capitol on January 6.

However, all but five Republicans senators this week voted in favour of an effort to dismiss the trial before it even started, making clear a conviction of the former president is unlikely, regardless of his defence team.

Mr Trump has struggled to find lawyers willing to defend him, after becoming the first president to be impeached twice.

He is set to stand trial in the week of February 8 on a charge that he incited his supporters to storm Congress before President Joe Biden’s inauguration, in an attempt to halt the peaceful transition of power.

After numerous lawyers who defended Mr Trump previously declined to take on the case, Mr Trump was introduced to Mr Bowers by one of his closest allies in the Senate, South Carolina senator Lindsey Graham.

Mr Bowers, a familiar figure in Republican legal circles, has years of experience representing elected officials and political candidates, including Mark Sanford, South Carolina governor at the time, against a failed impeachment effort that turned into an ethics investigation.

Republicans and aides of Mr Trump have made clear that they intend to make a simple argument in the trial: Mr Trump’s trial is unconstitutional because he is no longer in office.

While Republicans in Washington seemed eager to part ways with Mr Trump after the deadly events of January 6, they have since eased their criticism, wary of angering Mr Trump's loyal voter base.

A look back at the Trump presidency - in pictures

  • Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton and Republican nominee Donald Trump leave the stage after the first presidential debate at Hofstra University in Hempstead, New York on September 26, 2016. AFP
    Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton and Republican nominee Donald Trump leave the stage after the first presidential debate at Hofstra University in Hempstead, New York on September 26, 2016. AFP
  • Demonstrators hold up placards in protest a day after Donald Trump’s victory, during a rally outside Los Angeles City Hall in Los Angeles, California, on November 9, 2016. AFP
    Demonstrators hold up placards in protest a day after Donald Trump’s victory, during a rally outside Los Angeles City Hall in Los Angeles, California, on November 9, 2016. AFP
  • Paul Ryan, speaker of the US House of Representatives, vice president-elect Mike Pence, and president-elect Donald Trump leave the stage after speaking to supporters at a Thank You Tour 2016 rally on December 13, 2016 in West Allis, Wisconsin. AFP
    Paul Ryan, speaker of the US House of Representatives, vice president-elect Mike Pence, and president-elect Donald Trump leave the stage after speaking to supporters at a Thank You Tour 2016 rally on December 13, 2016 in West Allis, Wisconsin. AFP
  • President Donald Trump takes the oath of office from Chief Justice John Roberts, as his wife Melania holds the Bible, and with his children Barron, Ivanka, Eric and Tiffany, on Capitol Hill in Washington, on January 27, 2017. AP
    President Donald Trump takes the oath of office from Chief Justice John Roberts, as his wife Melania holds the Bible, and with his children Barron, Ivanka, Eric and Tiffany, on Capitol Hill in Washington, on January 27, 2017. AP
  • Donald Trump is inaugurated as the 45th president of the United States at the US Capitol in Washington, DC on January 20, 2017. Reuters
    Donald Trump is inaugurated as the 45th president of the United States at the US Capitol in Washington, DC on January 20, 2017. Reuters
  • US President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump dance at the Freedom Ball in Washington, DC on January 20, 2017. EPA
    US President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump dance at the Freedom Ball in Washington, DC on January 20, 2017. EPA
  • US President Donald Trump sits in the drivers seat of a semi-truck as he welcomes truckers and CEOs to the White House in Washington, DC, on March 23, 2017, to discuss healthcare. AFP
    US President Donald Trump sits in the drivers seat of a semi-truck as he welcomes truckers and CEOs to the White House in Washington, DC, on March 23, 2017, to discuss healthcare. AFP
  • US First Lady Melania Trump listens while US President Donald Trump speaks to the press before a meeting with Argentina's President Mauricio Macri in the Oval Office of the White House on April 27, 2017 in Washington, DC. AFP
    US First Lady Melania Trump listens while US President Donald Trump speaks to the press before a meeting with Argentina's President Mauricio Macri in the Oval Office of the White House on April 27, 2017 in Washington, DC. AFP
  • US President Donald Trump and US First lady Melania Trump, pose for a picture with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El Sisi and Saudi Arabia's King Salman during the inauguration of the Global Centre for Combating Extremist Ideology "Etidal" in Riyadh, on May 21, 2017. AFP
    US President Donald Trump and US First lady Melania Trump, pose for a picture with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El Sisi and Saudi Arabia's King Salman during the inauguration of the Global Centre for Combating Extremist Ideology "Etidal" in Riyadh, on May 21, 2017. AFP
  • US President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump wave as they board Air Force One before leaving Riyadh to Israel, on May 22, 2017. AFP
    US President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump wave as they board Air Force One before leaving Riyadh to Israel, on May 22, 2017. AFP
  • US President Donald Trump visits the Western Wall, the holiest site where Jews can pray, in Jerusalem’s Old City on May 22, 2017. AFP
    US President Donald Trump visits the Western Wall, the holiest site where Jews can pray, in Jerusalem’s Old City on May 22, 2017. AFP
  • Vice President Mike Pence laughs as President Donald Trump holds a baseball bat as they attend a Made in America product showcase event at the White House in Washington, on July 17, 2017. Reuters
    Vice President Mike Pence laughs as President Donald Trump holds a baseball bat as they attend a Made in America product showcase event at the White House in Washington, on July 17, 2017. Reuters
  • White nationalists participate in a torch-lit march on the grounds of the University of Virginia ahead of the Unite the Right Rally in Charlottesville, Virginia on August 11, 2017. Reuters
    White nationalists participate in a torch-lit march on the grounds of the University of Virginia ahead of the Unite the Right Rally in Charlottesville, Virginia on August 11, 2017. Reuters
  • Donald Trump pauses to drink water while touting his foreign policy accomplishments during his trip to Asia in a speech in the Diplomatic Room at the White House in Washington, DC, on November 15, 2017. EPA
    Donald Trump pauses to drink water while touting his foreign policy accomplishments during his trip to Asia in a speech in the Diplomatic Room at the White House in Washington, DC, on November 15, 2017. EPA
  • US President Donald Trump gestures as he meets with North Korea's leader Kim Jong Un at the start of their historic US-North Korea summit, at the Capella Hotel on Sentosa island in Singapore on June 12, 2018. AFP
    US President Donald Trump gestures as he meets with North Korea's leader Kim Jong Un at the start of their historic US-North Korea summit, at the Capella Hotel on Sentosa island in Singapore on June 12, 2018. AFP
  • US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin adjust their earpiece plugs during a joint press conference following their summit talks at the Presidential Palace in Helsinki, Finland, on July 16, 2018. EPA
    US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin adjust their earpiece plugs during a joint press conference following their summit talks at the Presidential Palace in Helsinki, Finland, on July 16, 2018. EPA
  • US President Donald Trump speaks alongside fast food he purchased for a ceremony honoring the 2018 College Football Playoff National Champion Clemson Tigers in the State Dining Room of the White House in Washington, DC, on January 14, 2019. AFP
    US President Donald Trump speaks alongside fast food he purchased for a ceremony honoring the 2018 College Football Playoff National Champion Clemson Tigers in the State Dining Room of the White House in Washington, DC, on January 14, 2019. AFP
  • Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi tears up a copy of the State of the Union address that US President Donald Trump just delivered, as US Vice President Mike Pence looks on, in front of the floor of the US House of Representatives on Capitol Hill in Washington, DC on February 4, 2020. EPA
    Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi tears up a copy of the State of the Union address that US President Donald Trump just delivered, as US Vice President Mike Pence looks on, in front of the floor of the US House of Representatives on Capitol Hill in Washington, DC on February 4, 2020. EPA
  • US President Donald Trump holds the front page of the Washington Post with headline 'Trump acquitted' as he speaks in the East Room of the White House a day after his Senate impeachment trial acquittal in Washington, DC on February 6, 2020. EPA
    US President Donald Trump holds the front page of the Washington Post with headline 'Trump acquitted' as he speaks in the East Room of the White House a day after his Senate impeachment trial acquittal in Washington, DC on February 6, 2020. EPA
  • Donald Trump participates in a meeting with African American community, business and faith leaders in the Cabinet Room prior to the National African American History Month reception at the White House in Washington, DC on February 27, 2020. EPA
    Donald Trump participates in a meeting with African American community, business and faith leaders in the Cabinet Room prior to the National African American History Month reception at the White House in Washington, DC on February 27, 2020. EPA
  • President Donald Trump holds up a Bible as he stands in front of St John's Episcopal Church across from the White House after walking there for a photo opportunity during ongoing protests over racial inequality in Washington, June 1, 2020. Reuters
    President Donald Trump holds up a Bible as he stands in front of St John's Episcopal Church across from the White House after walking there for a photo opportunity during ongoing protests over racial inequality in Washington, June 1, 2020. Reuters
  • Donald Trump arrives for the Independence Day events at Mount Rushmore National Memorial in Keystone, South Dakota, on July 3, 2020. AFP
    Donald Trump arrives for the Independence Day events at Mount Rushmore National Memorial in Keystone, South Dakota, on July 3, 2020. AFP
  • Donald Trump walks towards the media platform surrounded by his secret service detail after arriving on Air Force One at Sacramento McClellan Airport in McClelland Park, California, on September 14, 2020. The President visited Sacramento County to be briefed on the deadly wildfires that had burned more than three million acres across California. EPA
    Donald Trump walks towards the media platform surrounded by his secret service detail after arriving on Air Force One at Sacramento McClellan Airport in McClelland Park, California, on September 14, 2020. The President visited Sacramento County to be briefed on the deadly wildfires that had burned more than three million acres across California. EPA
  • Bahrain Foreign Minister Abdullatif Al Zayani, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, US President Donald Trump, and UAE Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed hold up documents after participating in the signing of the Abraham Accords where the countries of Bahrain and the UAE recognise Israel, at the White House in Washington, DC, on September 15, 2020. AFP
    Bahrain Foreign Minister Abdullatif Al Zayani, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, US President Donald Trump, and UAE Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed hold up documents after participating in the signing of the Abraham Accords where the countries of Bahrain and the UAE recognise Israel, at the White House in Washington, DC, on September 15, 2020. AFP
  • President Donald Trump speaks, with a flag behind him, during a campaign rally at Cecil Airport in Jacksonville, Florida, on September 24, 2020. Reuters
    President Donald Trump speaks, with a flag behind him, during a campaign rally at Cecil Airport in Jacksonville, Florida, on September 24, 2020. Reuters
  • Donald Trump, Joe Biden and moderator, NBC News anchor, Kristen Welker participate in the final presidential debate at Belmont University in Nashville, Tennessee, on October 22, 2020. AFP
    Donald Trump, Joe Biden and moderator, NBC News anchor, Kristen Welker participate in the final presidential debate at Belmont University in Nashville, Tennessee, on October 22, 2020. AFP
  • President Donald Trump returns to the White House from playing golf in Washington, DC on November 7, 2020, after Joe Biden was declared the winner of the 2020 presidential election. AFP
    President Donald Trump returns to the White House from playing golf in Washington, DC on November 7, 2020, after Joe Biden was declared the winner of the 2020 presidential election. AFP
  • An explosion caused by a police munition is seen while supporters of US President Donald Trump gather in front of the US Capitol Building in Washington, on January 6, 2021. Reuters
    An explosion caused by a police munition is seen while supporters of US President Donald Trump gather in front of the US Capitol Building in Washington, on January 6, 2021. Reuters
  • US President Donald Trump gives a thumbs up after touring a section of the border wall in Alamo, Texas on January 12, 2021. AFP
    US President Donald Trump gives a thumbs up after touring a section of the border wall in Alamo, Texas on January 12, 2021. AFP
Kareem Shaheen on Canada

 

 

TECH%20SPECS%3A%20APPLE%20WATCH%20SE%20(second%20generation)
%3Cp%3EDisplay%3A%2040mm%2C%20324%20x%20394%3B%2044mm%2C%20368%20x%20448%3B%20Retina%20LTPO%20OLED%2C%20up%20to%201000%20nits%3B%20Ion-X%20glass%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3EProcessor%3A%20Apple%20S8%2C%20W3%20wireless%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3ECapacity%3A%2032GB%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3EMemory%3A%201GB%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3EPlatform%3A%20watchOS%209%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3EHealth%20metrics%3A%202nd-gen%20heart%20rate%20sensor%2C%20workouts%2C%20fall%2Fcrash%20detection%3B%20emergency%20SOS%2C%20international%20emergency%20calling%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3EConnectivity%3A%20GPS%2FGPS%20%2B%20cellular%3B%20Wi-Fi%2C%20LTE%2C%20Bluetooth%205.3%2C%20NFC%20(Apple%20Pay)%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3EDurability%3A%20Water%20resistant%20up%20to%2050m%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3EBattery%3A%20269mAh%20Li-ion%2C%20up%20to%2018h%2C%20wireless%20charging%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3ECards%3A%20eSIM%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3EFinishes%3A%20Aluminium%3B%20midnight%2C%20silver%2C%20starlight%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3EIn%20the%20box%3A%20Watch%20SE%2C%20magnetic-to-USB-C%20charging%20cable%2C%20band%2Floop%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3EPrice%3A%20Starts%20at%20Dh999%20(40mm)%20%2F%201%2C119%20(44mm)%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Recipe: Spirulina Coconut Brothie

Ingredients
1 tbsp Spirulina powder
1 banana
1 cup unsweetened coconut milk (full fat preferable)
1 tbsp fresh turmeric or turmeric powder
½ cup fresh spinach leaves
½ cup vegan broth
2 crushed ice cubes (optional)

Method
Blend all the ingredients together on high in a high-speed blender until smooth and creamy. 

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

THE CLOWN OF GAZA

Director: Abdulrahman Sabbah 

Starring: Alaa Meqdad

Rating: 4/5

The specs
Engine: 2.0-litre turbo 4-cyl

Transmission: eight-speed auto

Power: 190bhp

Torque: 300Nm

Price: Dh169,900

On sale: now 

The Pope's itinerary

Sunday, February 3, 2019 - Rome to Abu Dhabi
1pm: departure by plane from Rome / Fiumicino to Abu Dhabi
10pm: arrival at Abu Dhabi Presidential Airport


Monday, February 4
12pm: welcome ceremony at the main entrance of the Presidential Palace
12.20pm: visit Abu Dhabi Crown Prince at Presidential Palace
5pm: private meeting with Muslim Council of Elders at Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
6.10pm: Inter-religious in the Founder's Memorial


Tuesday, February 5 - Abu Dhabi to Rome
9.15am: private visit to undisclosed cathedral
10.30am: public mass at Zayed Sports City – with a homily by Pope Francis
12.40pm: farewell at Abu Dhabi Presidential Airport
1pm: departure by plane to Rome
5pm: arrival at the Rome / Ciampino International Airport

Company%20profile
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ECompany%20name%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Ogram%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EStarted%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E2017%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EFounders%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Karim%20Kouatly%20and%20Shafiq%20Khartabil%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EBased%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EDubai%2C%20UAE%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EIndustry%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20On-demand%20staffing%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ENumber%20of%20employees%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%2050%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EFunding%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EMore%20than%20%244%20million%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EFunding%20round%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Series%20A%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EInvestors%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EGlobal%20Ventures%2C%20Aditum%20and%20Oraseya%20Capital%3Cbr%3E%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
How to wear a kandura

Dos

  • Wear the right fabric for the right season and occasion 
  • Always ask for the dress code if you don’t know
  • Wear a white kandura, white ghutra / shemagh (headwear) and black shoes for work 
  • Wear 100 per cent cotton under the kandura as most fabrics are polyester

Don’ts 

  • Wear hamdania for work, always wear a ghutra and agal 
  • Buy a kandura only based on how it feels; ask questions about the fabric and understand what you are buying
Uefa Nations League: How it works

The Uefa Nations League, introduced last year, has reached its final stage, to be played over five days in northern Portugal. The format of its closing tournament is compact, spread over two semi-finals, with the first, Portugal versus Switzerland in Porto on Wednesday evening, and the second, England against the Netherlands, in Guimaraes, on Thursday.

The winners of each semi will then meet at Porto’s Dragao stadium on Sunday, with the losing semi-finalists contesting a third-place play-off in Guimaraes earlier that day.

Qualifying for the final stage was via League A of the inaugural Nations League, in which the top 12 European countries according to Uefa's co-efficient seeding system were divided into four groups, the teams playing each other twice between September and November. Portugal, who finished above Italy and Poland, successfully bid to host the finals.

Timeline

2012-2015

The company offers payments/bribes to win key contracts in the Middle East

May 2017

The UK SFO officially opens investigation into Petrofac’s use of agents, corruption, and potential bribery to secure contracts

September 2021

Petrofac pleads guilty to seven counts of failing to prevent bribery under the UK Bribery Act

October 2021

Court fines Petrofac £77 million for bribery. Former executive receives a two-year suspended sentence 

December 2024

Petrofac enters into comprehensive restructuring to strengthen the financial position of the group

May 2025

The High Court of England and Wales approves the company’s restructuring plan

July 2025

The Court of Appeal issues a judgment challenging parts of the restructuring plan

August 2025

Petrofac issues a business update to execute the restructuring and confirms it will appeal the Court of Appeal decision

October 2025

Petrofac loses a major TenneT offshore wind contract worth €13 billion. Holding company files for administration in the UK. Petrofac delisted from the London Stock Exchange

November 2025

180 Petrofac employees laid off in the UAE

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