Pressure grows on Boris Johnson to leave quickly


Laura O'Callaghan
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Pressure was growing on British Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Friday to act more quickly and leave office faster than his planned exit in October.

Some Conservative MPs want him to leave office before a new Tory leader and prime minister is elected.

And opposition leader Sir Keir Starmer has said Labour would use a House of Commons motion to try to remove Mr Johnson if he refuses to hand over the reins to a caretaker other than himself.

Mr Johnson, who wants to stay in office for three months while the next party leader and prime minister is elected, has promised to not make major policy changes or fiscal decisions while in the caretaker role.

He chaired a meeting of his new Cabinet at Number 10 Downing Street hours after announcing his resignation as Conservative Party leader.

Starting his tenure as caretaker prime minister until a replacement is found, Mr Johnson welcomed his reshuffled team to the Cabinet Office on Thursday afternoon to set out his agenda.

“I want you to know that from now until my successor is in place, your interests will be served and the government of the country will be carried on," he said in a later tweet.

After 59 resignations from his government, including two Cabinet ministers, he appointed new figures to replace the disaffected MPs.

'Unwise' for Johnson to remain in No 10

Former Tory leader Sir John Major warned it was “unwise” for Mr Johnson to remain in office until a successor is chosen.

Sir John called on the powerful 1992 Committee of backbench Tory MPs to appoint an acting prime minister or streamline the election process to elect a new leader “solely by MPs”, and not by all party members.

“The proposal for the prime minister to remain in office for up to three months, having lost the support of his Cabinet, his government and his parliamentary party, is unwise and may be unsustainable,” he wrote in his letter to Sir Graham Brady, chairman of the 1992 Committee.

“For the overall wellbeing of the country, Mr Johnson should not remain in Downing Street — when he is unable to command the confidence of the House of Commons — for any longer than necessary to effect the smooth transition of government.”

Andrew Bridgen, the Conservative MP for North West Leicestershire, said he spoke to Sir Graham and urged him to shorten the process to replace Mr Johnson.

"I think we will have two candidates out of the parliamentary party to present the membership before recess," Mr Bridgen said. "And that will be no more than three or four weeks.

"So by the end of August we will have a new leader of the Conservative Party. So Boris Johnson's estimate that he'll still be Prime Minister in October is wildly inaccurate."

Sir Ed Davey, leader of the Liberal Democrats, said it would be “ludicrous” for Mr Johnson to stay on until a new leader has been chosen by the Conservatives, and added his voice to growing calls for a change of government.

“Johnson may have gone but the stain on the Conservative Party can't be removed that easily,” Sir Ed tweeted. “This cruel, callous government must go.”

Who is in Boris Johnson’s new Cabinet?

  • Nadhim Zahawi has been appointed Chancellor of the Exchequer by British Prime Minister Boris Johnson, replacing Rishi Sunak. AFP
    Nadhim Zahawi has been appointed Chancellor of the Exchequer by British Prime Minister Boris Johnson, replacing Rishi Sunak. AFP
  • Mr Zahawi, 55, inherits an economy that is heading for a sharp slowdown or even a recession, and will face immediate pressure to do more to help struggling taxpayers. PA
    Mr Zahawi, 55, inherits an economy that is heading for a sharp slowdown or even a recession, and will face immediate pressure to do more to help struggling taxpayers. PA
  • Mr Zahawi was previously education secretary and was replaced by Michelle Donelan. PA
    Mr Zahawi was previously education secretary and was replaced by Michelle Donelan. PA
  • Mr Zahawi with Portugal's President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa during a visit to Imperial College London in June. PA
    Mr Zahawi with Portugal's President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa during a visit to Imperial College London in June. PA
  • Mr Zahawi answers questions from pupils during a visit to Manor Park Primary School in Sutton in May. PA
    Mr Zahawi answers questions from pupils during a visit to Manor Park Primary School in Sutton in May. PA
  • Mr Zahawi makes a statement in the House of Commons in March. PA
    Mr Zahawi makes a statement in the House of Commons in March. PA
  • Mr Zahawi attends the Cop26 summit in Glasgow, Scotland, in November. Getty Images
    Mr Zahawi attends the Cop26 summit in Glasgow, Scotland, in November. Getty Images
  • Mr Zahawi holds a media briefing on the coronavirus pandemic at Downing Street in June 2021. Mr Zahawi was appointed minister in charge of the Covid-19 vaccine rollouts in 2020. Getty Images
    Mr Zahawi holds a media briefing on the coronavirus pandemic at Downing Street in June 2021. Mr Zahawi was appointed minister in charge of the Covid-19 vaccine rollouts in 2020. Getty Images
  • Conservative London mayor candidate Shaun Bailey and Mr Zahawi on the final day of local election campaigning in May 2021. Getty Images
    Conservative London mayor candidate Shaun Bailey and Mr Zahawi on the final day of local election campaigning in May 2021. Getty Images
  • Mr Zahawi visits the Cullimore independent community chemist in Edgware in January last year after it became the first pharmacy in London to offer the Covid-19 vaccination. Getty Images
    Mr Zahawi visits the Cullimore independent community chemist in Edgware in January last year after it became the first pharmacy in London to offer the Covid-19 vaccination. Getty Images
  • Mr Zahawi stands next to Carrie Symonds at the 2019 Conservative Party conference in Manchester. Getty Images
    Mr Zahawi stands next to Carrie Symonds at the 2019 Conservative Party conference in Manchester. Getty Images
  • Former prime minister David Cameron and Mr Zahawi at the Conservative Party conference in Birmingham in 2010. Getty Images
    Former prime minister David Cameron and Mr Zahawi at the Conservative Party conference in Birmingham in 2010. Getty Images

Nadhim Zahawi, Chancellor

The Iraqi-born MP was promoted from education secretary to Chancellor after Rishi Sunak quit on Tuesday.

Mr Zahawi now holds the second most powerful office in the UK and is expected to be one of the runners in the Conservative leadership race.

On Thursday, just a day after the prime minister handed him the top job, Mr Zahawi publicly called on Mr Johnson to step down.

Nadhim Zahawi, the UK's new Chancellor, leaves Downing Street after a Cabinet meeting on Thursday. Getty
Nadhim Zahawi, the UK's new Chancellor, leaves Downing Street after a Cabinet meeting on Thursday. Getty

Steven Barclay, Health Secretary

Mr Johnson on Wednesday appointed Steve Barclay Health Secretary after Sajid Javid’s resignation on Tuesday evening, which prompted the floodgates to open.

Shailesh Vara, Northern Ireland Secretary

The MP who was born in Uganda to Indian parents replaces Brandon Lewis, who stepped down on Wednesday.

Kit Malthouse, Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster

The former policing minister becomes the most senior minister in the Cabinet Office after the prime minister. He succeeds Mr Barclay.

James Cleverly, Education Secretary

The post was left vacant after Mr Zahawi was promoted to chancellor. Michelle Donelan was appointed education secretary on Wednesday before quitting on Thursday.

Mr Cleverly previously served as chairman of the Conservative Party and minister of state for the Middle East and North Africa, and North America.

Over the past few months he served as minister for Europe and North America.

Sir Robert Buckland arrives for his first Cabinet meeting on Thursday after being appointed Secretary for Wales. EPA
Sir Robert Buckland arrives for his first Cabinet meeting on Thursday after being appointed Secretary for Wales. EPA

Sir Robert Buckland, Wales Secretary

He replaces Simon Hart, who in stepping down told Mr Johnson that there was “no other option left” and his efforts to turn his government in the right direction had “passed the point where this is possible”.

Sir Robert suggested the new Cabinet would not get much done during the “caretaker period” and said it was “crucial” for there to be enough people carrying out the functions of government amid the wait for a new leader.

He said Mr Johnson would have limited scope to introduce fresh policies in the weeks ahead, but defended his decision to take a position in the new-look caretaker Cabinet, stressing he felt the need to “help and serve”.

Sir Robert, a former Lord Chancellor, accepted the offer of a Cabinet post just hours after questioning Mr Johnson’s integrity and saying he “can no longer go on”.

Greg Clark, Levelling Up Secretary

The appointment came after Mr Johnson sacked Michael Gove on Wednesday after asking him to resign.

Mr Clark, a former business secretary, went on the record to say he had voted to remove Mr Johnson in the no-confidence vote last month, which the prime minister passed but lost the support of 41 per cent of his MPs.

Shortly after his appointment, Mr Clark tweeted: “We have a duty to ensure that the country has a functioning government in the weeks ahead.

“Having been secretary of state at the communities department before, I will do my best to provide stability, good governance and accountability to Parliament at this important time.”

He served in the Cabinet under Theresa May, and David Cameron as communities secretary and then business secretary.

Mr Clark's appointment suggested Mr Johnson was reaching out to different wings of the Tory party.

Adam Stephenson, minister without portfolio who will attend Cabinet

“I have loyally supported our last three prime ministers and our party in delivering for our country," Mr Stephenson tweeted.

"Now that Boris Johnson has decided to resign we must ensure a smooth transition so we may continue to do so."

Mr Stephenson previously served as a minister of state at the Department for Transport and a minister in the Foreign Office.

Liz Truss, Foreign Secretary

Ms Truss, who is tipped to compete in the Tory leadership contest, keeps her position as Foreign Secretary after remaining loyal to Mr Johnson.

After he announced his resignation, Ms Truss tweeted: “The PM has made the right decision. The government under Boris's leadership had many achievements — delivering Brexit, vaccines and backing Ukraine.

"We need calmness and unity now and to keep governing while a new leader is found.”

Suella Braverman, Attorney General

Her role did not change in the reshuffle.

Ben Wallace, Defence Secretary

Mr Wallace remains in his post, saying he and a number of others “have an obligation to keep this country safe, no matter who is PM”.

Ben Wallace, the UK's Defence Secretary, kept his job in Boris Johnson's Cabinet reshuffle. AP
Ben Wallace, the UK's Defence Secretary, kept his job in Boris Johnson's Cabinet reshuffle. AP

Grant Shapps, Transport Secretary

Mr Shapps remains in his role.

Priti Patel, Home Secretary

There was no change for Ms Patel, a long-time ally of the prime minister.

Nadine Dorries, Culture Secretary

Ms Dorries retains her portfolio.

Boris Johnson through the years — in pictures

  • Boris Johnson has had an eventful time during his life in politics and journalism. Here, 'The National' looks back at his life in pictures. Getty Images
    Boris Johnson has had an eventful time during his life in politics and journalism. Here, 'The National' looks back at his life in pictures. Getty Images
  • Mr Johnson attends the coronation ceremony of Britain's King Charles III at Westminster Abbey in May. Getty Images
    Mr Johnson attends the coronation ceremony of Britain's King Charles III at Westminster Abbey in May. Getty Images
  • Mr Johnson leaves his home to attend a televised evidence session in March in front of the Commons Privileges Committee. Getty Images
    Mr Johnson leaves his home to attend a televised evidence session in March in front of the Commons Privileges Committee. Getty Images
  • Mr Johnson listening to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy address parliamentarians in Westminster Hall in February. Getty Images
    Mr Johnson listening to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy address parliamentarians in Westminster Hall in February. Getty Images
  • Mr Johnson and Carrie Johnson arrive at Westminster Abbey for the state funeral of Queen Elizabeth II in September 2022. Getty Images
    Mr Johnson and Carrie Johnson arrive at Westminster Abbey for the state funeral of Queen Elizabeth II in September 2022. Getty Images
  • Mr Johnson he announces his resignation as prime minister outside 10 Downing Street in July 2022. Getty Images
    Mr Johnson he announces his resignation as prime minister outside 10 Downing Street in July 2022. Getty Images
  • Mr Johnson at a press conference in response to the publication of the Sue Gray report into Partygate at Downing Street in May 2022. Getty Images
    Mr Johnson at a press conference in response to the publication of the Sue Gray report into Partygate at Downing Street in May 2022. Getty Images
  • Mr Johnson reads the long-awaited report by senior civil servant Sue Gray into the Downing Street party scandal, in his Downing Street office in May 2022. Photo: Downing Street
    Mr Johnson reads the long-awaited report by senior civil servant Sue Gray into the Downing Street party scandal, in his Downing Street office in May 2022. Photo: Downing Street
  • Mr Johnson and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in central Kyiv in April 2022. The British prime minister paid an unannounced visit to Kyiv in a show of solidarity with Ukraine. AFP
    Mr Johnson and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in central Kyiv in April 2022. The British prime minister paid an unannounced visit to Kyiv in a show of solidarity with Ukraine. AFP
  • Mr Johnson watches an early morning police raid on a home in Liverpool as part of an operation to thwart drug dealing, in December, 2021. Getty Images
    Mr Johnson watches an early morning police raid on a home in Liverpool as part of an operation to thwart drug dealing, in December, 2021. Getty Images
  • The prime minister battles with his umbrella while with Prince Charles at The National Memorial Arboretum in July 2021, in Stafford, England. Getty Images
    The prime minister battles with his umbrella while with Prince Charles at The National Memorial Arboretum in July 2021, in Stafford, England. Getty Images
  • Mr Johnson and his wife before the Uefa European Championship final between Italy and England at Wembley Stadium, London, in July last year. Getty Images
    Mr Johnson and his wife before the Uefa European Championship final between Italy and England at Wembley Stadium, London, in July last year. Getty Images
  • The British prime minister with US President Joe Biden, European Council President Charles Michel, former Japanese prime minister Yoshihide Suga and Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi during the G7 Summit in Cornwall, in June 2021. Getty Images
    The British prime minister with US President Joe Biden, European Council President Charles Michel, former Japanese prime minister Yoshihide Suga and Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi during the G7 Summit in Cornwall, in June 2021. Getty Images
  • Mr Johnson with his wife Carrie in the garden of 10 Downing Street after their wedding at Westminster Cathedral, in May last year. Getty Images
    Mr Johnson with his wife Carrie in the garden of 10 Downing Street after their wedding at Westminster Cathedral, in May last year. Getty Images
  • Boris Johnson visits Hartlepool after Conservative Party candidate Jill Mortimer won a parliamentary by-election in May, 2021. Getty Images
    Boris Johnson visits Hartlepool after Conservative Party candidate Jill Mortimer won a parliamentary by-election in May, 2021. Getty Images
  • The prime minister after receiving the first dose of the AstraZeneca vaccine at St Thomas' Hospital in London in March, 2021. Getty Images
    The prime minister after receiving the first dose of the AstraZeneca vaccine at St Thomas' Hospital in London in March, 2021. Getty Images
  • Boris Johnson after signing a Brexit trade deal with the EU in December 2020. Getty Images
    Boris Johnson after signing a Brexit trade deal with the EU in December 2020. Getty Images
  • Mr Johnson examines a vial of the AstraZeneca Covid-19 candidate vaccine, at a pharmaceutical manufacturing facility in Wrexham, Wales, in November 2020. Getty
    Mr Johnson examines a vial of the AstraZeneca Covid-19 candidate vaccine, at a pharmaceutical manufacturing facility in Wrexham, Wales, in November 2020. Getty
  • Mr Johnson demonstrating the two-metre distancing rule during his visit to St Joseph's Catholic Primary School in Upminster, East London, in August 2020. PA
    Mr Johnson demonstrating the two-metre distancing rule during his visit to St Joseph's Catholic Primary School in Upminster, East London, in August 2020. PA
  • In this photo, published alongside the Sue Gray report into the Partygate affair, Mr Johnson is seen at a gathering in the Cabinet Room in 10 Downing Street on his birthday in June, 2020. Getty Images
    In this photo, published alongside the Sue Gray report into the Partygate affair, Mr Johnson is seen at a gathering in the Cabinet Room in 10 Downing Street on his birthday in June, 2020. Getty Images
  • Mr Johnson and former chancellor Rishi Sunak use hand sanitiser during a visit to the Pizza Pilgrims restaurant in June 2020, in east London, to see how they are getting their business ready to reopen as coronavirus lockdown restrictions were lifted in England. PA
    Mr Johnson and former chancellor Rishi Sunak use hand sanitiser during a visit to the Pizza Pilgrims restaurant in June 2020, in east London, to see how they are getting their business ready to reopen as coronavirus lockdown restrictions were lifted in England. PA
  • Mr Johnson and his fiancee Carrie Symonds applaud key workers outside 10 Downing Street in May 2020, during the coronavirus pandemic. Getty Images
    Mr Johnson and his fiancee Carrie Symonds applaud key workers outside 10 Downing Street in May 2020, during the coronavirus pandemic. Getty Images
  • Mr Johnson in the Cabinet Room observing a minute's silence in April 2020 in a tribute to the health staff and key workers who died during the coronavirus outbreak. PA
    Mr Johnson in the Cabinet Room observing a minute's silence in April 2020 in a tribute to the health staff and key workers who died during the coronavirus outbreak. PA
  • Boris Johnson appears on monitors for a meeting in March 2020. The prime minister chaired morning meetings on the coronavirus remotely from Number 11 Downing Street, while self-isolating after testing positive for the virus. Reuters
    Boris Johnson appears on monitors for a meeting in March 2020. The prime minister chaired morning meetings on the coronavirus remotely from Number 11 Downing Street, while self-isolating after testing positive for the virus. Reuters
  • Members of a family listen as BMr ris Johnson makes a televised address to the nation from 10 Downing Street in March 2020, where he outlined the latest instructions to stay at home to help contain the Covid-19 outbreak. AFP
    Members of a family listen as BMr ris Johnson makes a televised address to the nation from 10 Downing Street in March 2020, where he outlined the latest instructions to stay at home to help contain the Covid-19 outbreak. AFP
  • Mr Johnson speaks to British troops stationed in Estonia during a one-day visit to the Baltic country in December 2019. Getty Images
    Mr Johnson speaks to British troops stationed in Estonia during a one-day visit to the Baltic country in December 2019. Getty Images
  • Mr Johnson and Carrie Symonds enter Downing Street as the Conservatives celebrate a sweeping election victory in December 2019. Getty
    Mr Johnson and Carrie Symonds enter Downing Street as the Conservatives celebrate a sweeping election victory in December 2019. Getty
  • Boris Johnson is greeted by staff at 10 Downing Street after meeting Queen Elizabeth II and accepting her invitation to form a new government in December 2012. PA
    Boris Johnson is greeted by staff at 10 Downing Street after meeting Queen Elizabeth II and accepting her invitation to form a new government in December 2012. PA
  • Former US president Donald Trump and Mr Johnson arrive for a bilateral meeting during the G7 summit in August 2019 in Biarritz, France. Getty
    Former US president Donald Trump and Mr Johnson arrive for a bilateral meeting during the G7 summit in August 2019 in Biarritz, France. Getty
  • The queen welcomes Mr Johnson as the newly elected leader of the Conservative Party, during an audience in July 2019. Getty Images
    The queen welcomes Mr Johnson as the newly elected leader of the Conservative Party, during an audience in July 2019. Getty Images
  • Mr Johnson, then Britain's foreign secretary, stands in front of St Basil's Cathedral during a visit to Moscow's Red Square in December 2017. Getty
    Mr Johnson, then Britain's foreign secretary, stands in front of St Basil's Cathedral during a visit to Moscow's Red Square in December 2017. Getty
  • Mr Johnson collides with a child during a Street Rugby tournament in Tokyo in 2015, held to mark Japan hosting the 2019 Rugby World Cup
    Mr Johnson collides with a child during a Street Rugby tournament in Tokyo in 2015, held to mark Japan hosting the 2019 Rugby World Cup
  • As mayor of London Mr Johnson competes in a tug-of-war in October 2015. Getty Images
    As mayor of London Mr Johnson competes in a tug-of-war in October 2015. Getty Images
  • The Olympic Flag is passed from Mr Johnson to IOC President Jacques Rogge during the closing ceremony of the London 2012 Olympic Games. Getty Images
    The Olympic Flag is passed from Mr Johnson to IOC President Jacques Rogge during the closing ceremony of the London 2012 Olympic Games. Getty Images
  • Mayor of London Boris Johnson with Prime Minister David Cameron during the lighting of the Paralympic Cauldron in Trafalgar Square, in August 2012. PA
    Mayor of London Boris Johnson with Prime Minister David Cameron during the lighting of the Paralympic Cauldron in Trafalgar Square, in August 2012. PA
  • Boris Johnson gets stuck on a zip-line during a BT London Live event in Victoria Park in August 2012. Getty
    Boris Johnson gets stuck on a zip-line during a BT London Live event in Victoria Park in August 2012. Getty
  • Mr Johnson and Lord Sebastian Coe cheer as a giant set of Olympic rings is displayed from Tower Bridge in June 2012, Getty Images
    Mr Johnson and Lord Sebastian Coe cheer as a giant set of Olympic rings is displayed from Tower Bridge in June 2012, Getty Images
  • Mr Johnson gestures attends a Harry Potter studio tour of Diagon Alley, at the Warner Brother Studios, London, in December 2011. AP Photo
    Mr Johnson gestures attends a Harry Potter studio tour of Diagon Alley, at the Warner Brother Studios, London, in December 2011. AP Photo
  • Mr Johnson at the launch of London's first cycle hire scheme in July 2010. Getty Images
    Mr Johnson at the launch of London's first cycle hire scheme in July 2010. Getty Images
  • Mr Johnson with artists' impressions of the design for London's new Routemaster bus in May 2010. Getty Images
    Mr Johnson with artists' impressions of the design for London's new Routemaster bus in May 2010. Getty Images
  • The candidates to be mayor of London; Labour's Ken Livingstone, Conservative Boris Johnson and Liberal Democrat Brian Paddick, being questioned on BBC's 'Newsnight' programme in April 2008. Getty Images
    The candidates to be mayor of London; Labour's Ken Livingstone, Conservative Boris Johnson and Liberal Democrat Brian Paddick, being questioned on BBC's 'Newsnight' programme in April 2008. Getty Images
  • Boris Johnson on the North Pier in Blackpool during the Conservative Party conference there in October 2005. Getty Images
    Boris Johnson on the North Pier in Blackpool during the Conservative Party conference there in October 2005. Getty Images
  • Mr Johnson at his desk in 2000 while he was a journalist for 'The Telegraph'. Getty Images
    Mr Johnson at his desk in 2000 while he was a journalist for 'The Telegraph'. Getty Images
  • Mr Johnson when he was president of the Oxford Union society speaking to the Greek minister for culture Melina Mercouri when she addressed the union. Reuters
    Mr Johnson when he was president of the Oxford Union society speaking to the Greek minister for culture Melina Mercouri when she addressed the union. Reuters
  • Boris Johnson in September 1979, at Eton School. Shutterstock
    Boris Johnson in September 1979, at Eton School. Shutterstock
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Navdeep Suri, India's Ambassador to the UAE

There has been a longstanding need from the Indian community to have a religious premises where they can practise their beliefs. Currently there is a very, very small temple in Bur Dubai and the community has outgrown this. So this will be a major temple and open to all denominations and a place should reflect India’s diversity.

It fits so well into the UAE’s own commitment to tolerance and pluralism and coming in the year of tolerance gives it that extra dimension.

What we will see on April 20 is the foundation ceremony and we expect a pretty broad cross section of the Indian community to be present, both from the UAE and abroad. The Hindu group that is building the temple will have their holiest leader attending – and we expect very senior representation from the leadership of the UAE.

When the designs were taken to the leadership, there were two clear options. There was a New Jersey model with a rectangular structure with the temple recessed inside so it was not too visible from the outside and another was the Neasden temple in London with the spires in its classical shape. And they said: look we said we wanted a temple so it should look like a temple. So this should be a classical style temple in all its glory.

It is beautifully located - 30 minutes outside of Abu Dhabi and barely 45 minutes to Dubai so it serves the needs of both communities.

This is going to be the big temple where I expect people to come from across the country at major festivals and occasions.

It is hugely important – it will take a couple of years to complete given the scale. It is going to be remarkable and will contribute something not just to the landscape in terms of visual architecture but also to the ethos. Here will be a real representation of UAE’s pluralism.

Why it pays to compare

A comparison of sending Dh20,000 from the UAE using two different routes at the same time - the first direct from a UAE bank to a bank in Germany, and the second from the same UAE bank via an online platform to Germany - found key differences in cost and speed. The transfers were both initiated on January 30.

Route 1: bank transfer

The UAE bank charged Dh152.25 for the Dh20,000 transfer. On top of that, their exchange rate margin added a difference of around Dh415, compared with the mid-market rate.

Total cost: Dh567.25 - around 2.9 per cent of the total amount

Total received: €4,670.30 

Route 2: online platform

The UAE bank’s charge for sending Dh20,000 to a UK dirham-denominated account was Dh2.10. The exchange rate margin cost was Dh60, plus a Dh12 fee.

Total cost: Dh74.10, around 0.4 per cent of the transaction

Total received: €4,756

The UAE bank transfer was far quicker – around two to three working days, while the online platform took around four to five days, but was considerably cheaper. In the online platform transfer, the funds were also exposed to currency risk during the period it took for them to arrive.

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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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If you go...

Fly from Dubai or Abu Dhabi to Chiang Mai in Thailand, via Bangkok, before taking a five-hour bus ride across the Laos border to Huay Xai. The land border crossing at Huay Xai is a well-trodden route, meaning entry is swift, though travellers should be aware of visa requirements for both countries.

Flights from Dubai start at Dh4,000 return with Emirates, while Etihad flights from Abu Dhabi start at Dh2,000. Local buses can be booked in Chiang Mai from around Dh50

Day 5, Abu Dhabi Test: At a glance

Moment of the day When Dilruwan Perera dismissed Yasir Shah to end Pakistan’s limp resistance, the Sri Lankans charged around the field with the fevered delirium of a side not used to winning. Trouble was, they had not. The delivery was deemed a no ball. Sri Lanka had a nervy wait, but it was merely a stay of execution for the beleaguered hosts.

Stat of the day – 5 Pakistan have lost all 10 wickets on the fifth day of a Test five times since the start of 2016. It is an alarming departure for a side who had apparently erased regular collapses from their resume. “The only thing I can say, it’s not a mitigating excuse at all, but that’s a young batting line up, obviously trying to find their way,” said Mickey Arthur, Pakistan’s coach.

The verdict Test matches in the UAE are known for speeding up on the last two days, but this was extreme. The first two innings of this Test took 11 sessions to complete. The remaining two were done in less than four. The nature of Pakistan’s capitulation at the end showed just how difficult the transition is going to be in the post Misbah-ul-Haq era.

Credits

Produced by: Colour Yellow Productions and Eros Now
Director: Mudassar Aziz
Cast: Sonakshi Sinha, Jimmy Sheirgill, Jassi Gill, Piyush Mishra, Diana Penty, Aparshakti Khurrana
Star rating: 2.5/5

Fight card

1. Bantamweight: Victor Nunes (BRA) v Siyovush Gulmamadov (TJK)

2. Featherweight: Hussein Salim (IRQ) v Shakhriyor Juraev (UZB)

3. Catchweight 80kg: Rashed Dawood (UAE) v Khamza Yamadaev (RUS)

4. Lightweight: Ho Taek-oh (KOR) v Ronald Girones (CUB)

5. Lightweight: Arthur Zaynukov (RUS) v Damien Lapilus (FRA)

6. Bantamweight: Vinicius de Oliveira (BRA) v Furkatbek Yokubov (RUS)

7. Featherweight: Movlid Khaybulaev (RUS) v Zaka Fatullazade (AZE)

8. Flyweight: Shannon Ross (TUR) v Donovon Freelow (USA)

9. Lightweight: Mohammad Yahya (UAE) v Dan Collins (GBR)

10. Catchweight 73kg: Islam Mamedov (RUS) v Martun Mezhulmyan (ARM)

11. Bantamweight World title: Jaures Dea (CAM) v Xavier Alaoui (MAR)

12. Flyweight World title: Manon Fiorot (FRA) v Gabriela Campo (ARG)

Karwaan

Producer: Ronnie Screwvala

Director: Akarsh Khurana

Starring: Irrfan Khan, Dulquer Salmaan, Mithila Palkar

Rating: 4/5

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GOLF’S RAHMBO

- 5 wins in 22 months as pro
- Three wins in past 10 starts
- 45 pro starts worldwide: 5 wins, 17 top 5s
- Ranked 551th in world on debut, now No 4 (was No 2 earlier this year)
- 5th player in last 30 years to win 3 European Tour and 2 PGA Tour titles before age 24 (Woods, Garcia, McIlroy, Spieth)

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COMPANY%20PROFILE%20
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Ipaf in numbers

Established: 2008

Prize money:  $50,000 (Dh183,650) for winners and $10,000 for those on the shortlist.

Winning novels: 13

Shortlisted novels: 66

Longlisted novels: 111

Total number of novels submitted: 1,780

Novels translated internationally: 66

Tips for job-seekers
  • Do not submit your application through the Easy Apply button on LinkedIn. Employers receive between 600 and 800 replies for each job advert on the platform. If you are the right fit for a job, connect to a relevant person in the company on LinkedIn and send them a direct message.
  • Make sure you are an exact fit for the job advertised. If you are an HR manager with five years’ experience in retail and the job requires a similar candidate with five years’ experience in consumer, you should apply. But if you have no experience in HR, do not apply for the job.

David Mackenzie, founder of recruitment agency Mackenzie Jones Middle East

Greatest Royal Rumble match listing

50-man Royal Rumble - names entered so far include Braun Strowman, Daniel Bryan, Kurt Angle, Big Show, Kane, Chris Jericho, The New Day and Elias

Universal Championship Brock Lesnar (champion) v Roman Reigns in a steel cage match

WWE World Heavyweight ChampionshipAJ Styles (champion) v Shinsuke Nakamura

Intercontinental Championship Seth Rollins (champion) v The Miz v Finn Balor v Samoa Joe

United States Championship Jeff Hardy (champion) v Jinder Mahal

SmackDown Tag Team Championship The Bludgeon Brothers (champions) v The Usos

Raw Tag Team Championship (currently vacant) Cesaro and Sheamus v Matt Hardy and Bray Wyatt

Casket match The Undertaker v Rusev

Singles match John Cena v Triple H

Cruiserweight Championship Cedric Alexander v Kalisto

Updated: July 08, 2022, 5:53 AM