The ex-girlfriend of former Manchester United player Ryan Giggs told a court he assaulted her at a hotel in Dubai during their tumultuous relationship, leaving her with a bruised arm.
Kate Greville, 36, detailed how their holiday in the Gulf in September 2017 turned into a nightmare when Mr Giggs allegedly dragged her from their bed, on to the floor and across the lounge suite.
She said she did not at the time tell anyone about the alleged attack by the former Wales manager because she felt “ashamed”. The defence questioned why she had just days later called Mr Giggs “my gorgeous man”.
More details about the alleged incident in Dubai came to light on Wednesday during the third day of Mr Giggs’s trial at Manchester Minshull Street Crown Court. He is charged with attacking and coercively controlling his ex-girlfriend as well as assaulting her sister. He denies the charges.
The court heard that Ms Greville said a friend in Dubai had noticed the bruise.
Defence lawyer Chris Daw QC said: “You didn’t say anything [to the friend] about it being an assault.”
Ms Greville replied: “No, because I was embarrassed and I didn’t want to admit it.”
During cross examination, the PR executive was questioned over her version of events on how her arm became bruised. She claims the defendant bruised her arm when he dragged her from their hotel bed, on to the floor and across the lounge suite before he threw her belongings outside into the corridor.
Mr Daw said: “I suggest none of that is true. It’s completely manufactured.”
“No,” Ms Greville replied.
Mr Daw said: “I suggest there was no deliberate assault.”
Ms Greville said: “No, he grabbed me by my wrist and caused bruising.”
Mr Daw said: “All he did was take your arm off his.”
Ms Greville replied: “No.”
Ms Greville confirmed she did not tell anyone at the time about the incident and was “ashamed”.
Mr Daw read to the jury a number of messages the pair exchanged in the days that followed.
One from Ms Greville read: “I love you my gorgeous man. I had the best time as always. Safe flight, baby. I love you so much.”
Mr Daw asked: “Were you being genuine?”
Ms Greville said she was being genuine but Mr Giggs “had this way of turning everything around on me” and said he would make her feel that it was her fault.
“It’s difficult to explain,” she added. “We had this turbulent relationship. Obviously we had this argument but I desperately wanted this relationship to go back to the way it was.
“I was in denial about actually what had happened. I would never talk to him about it.”
Ms Greville and Mr Giggs’s relationship began as an affair when they were both married.
After a stint at the Abu Dhabi office of Q Communications, a PR firm, she joined GG Hospitality, an events and catering firm owned by Mr Giggs and his former Manchester United teammate Gary Neville.
She quit the role in early 2020 and was later that year appointed managing partner of Q Communications where she oversees the company’s Manchester and London offices.
MEYDAN RESULTS
6.30pm Baniyas (PA) Group 2 Dh125,000 (Dirt) 1,400m
Winner ES Ajeeb, Sam Hitchcock (jockey), Ibrahim Aseel (trainer).
7.05pm Maiden (TB) Dh165,000 (D) 1,200m
Winner Galaxy Road, Antonio Fresu, Musabah Al Muhairi.
7.40pm Maiden (TB) Dh165,000 (D) 1,400m
Winner Al Modayar, Fernando Jara, Ali Rashid Al Raihe.
8.15pm Handicap (TB) Dh170,000 (D) 1,900m
Winner Gundogdu, Xavier Ziani, Salem bin Ghadayer.
8.50pm Rated Conditions (TB) Dh240,000 (D) 1,600m
Winner George Villiers, Tadhg O’Shea, Satish Seemar.
9.25pm Handicap (TB) Dh175,000 (D)1,200m
Winner Lady Parma, Connor Beasley, Satish Seemar
10pm Handicap (TB) Dh165,000 (D) 1,400m
Winner Zaajer, Fernando Jara, Ali Rashid Al Raihe
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
What is safeguarding?
“Safeguarding, not just in sport, but in all walks of life, is making sure that policies are put in place that make sure your child is safe; when they attend a football club, a tennis club, that there are welfare officers at clubs who are qualified to a standard to make sure your child is safe in that environment,” Derek Bell explains.
Race card
1.30pm: Handicap (PA) Dh 50,000 (Dirt) 1,400m
2pm: Handicap (TB) Dh 84,000 (D) 1,400m
2.30pm: Maiden (TB) Dh 60,000 (D) 1,200m
3pm: Conditions (TB) Dh 100,000 (D) 1.950m
3.30pm: Handicap (TB) Dh 76,000 (D) 1,800m
4pm: Maiden (TB) Dh 60,000 (D) 1,600m
4.30pm: Handicap (TB) Dh 68,000 (D) 1,000m
Sukuk explained
Sukuk are Sharia-compliant financial certificates issued by governments, corporates and other entities. While as an asset class they resemble conventional bonds, there are some significant differences. As interest is prohibited under Sharia, sukuk must contain an underlying transaction, for example a leaseback agreement, and the income that is paid to investors is generated by the underlying asset. Investors must also be prepared to share in both the profits and losses of an enterprise. Nevertheless, sukuk are similar to conventional bonds in that they provide regular payments, and are considered less risky than equities. Most investors would not buy sukuk directly due to high minimum subscriptions, but invest via funds.
ZAYED SUSTAINABILITY PRIZE
How to protect yourself when air quality drops
Install an air filter in your home.
Close your windows and turn on the AC.
Shower or bath after being outside.
Wear a face mask.
Stay indoors when conditions are particularly poor.
If driving, turn your engine off when stationary.
