The roses were created by crossbreeding a combination of varieties in the city of Salalah. Photo: RHS
The roses were created by crossbreeding a combination of varieties in the city of Salalah. Photo: RHS
The roses were created by crossbreeding a combination of varieties in the city of Salalah. Photo: RHS
The roses were created by crossbreeding a combination of varieties in the city of Salalah. Photo: RHS

Rose inspired by Sultan of Oman on display at Chelsea Flower Show


Gillian Duncan
  • English
  • Arabic

Two roses inspired by the Sultan of Oman and his wife are currently on display at London's Chelsea Flower Show.

Harcarmine, created in honour of Sultan Haitham of Oman, and Harforever, created for his wife Ahad Al Busaidiyah, represent the colours of the Omani flag.

Harcarmine is red, Harforever is white and the foliage represents the green part of the flag.

The roses are a crossbreeding of a combination of varieties, and have been grown in the city of Salalah where they adapted to the area’s cool and damp climate.

Oman already has a reputation for cultivating roses. Thousands of rose bushes flower each year across Jebel Akhdar, also known as the green mountain, filling the air with their scent during harvesting between March and April.

Farmers pick roses during harvest season in Oman – in pictures

  • As harvest season begins, farmers pick roses in Oman's Jebel Akhdar. Photos: AFP
    As harvest season begins, farmers pick roses in Oman's Jebel Akhdar. Photos: AFP
  • The mountains of Jebel Akhdar in Oman come alive with the scent of roses
    The mountains of Jebel Akhdar in Oman come alive with the scent of roses
  • A farmer picks roses in Jebel Akhdar
    A farmer picks roses in Jebel Akhdar
  • Rose blooms are harvested in April
    Rose blooms are harvested in April
  • Pickers work in the early morning or late afternoon to harvest the flowers
    Pickers work in the early morning or late afternoon to harvest the flowers
  • The Jebel Akhdar mountain range as at about 3,000 metres above sea level
    The Jebel Akhdar mountain range as at about 3,000 metres above sea level
  • A farmer picks roses in Oman's Jebel Akhdar
    A farmer picks roses in Oman's Jebel Akhdar
  • Farmers pick roses in Oman's Jebel Akhdar
    Farmers pick roses in Oman's Jebel Akhdar
  • A farmer picks roses in Oman's Jebel Akhdar
    A farmer picks roses in Oman's Jebel Akhdar

The season attracts tourists from all over the world who come to watch pickers select the flowers to make smoked rosewater in a process that has been passed down through the generations.

The new roses were unveiled at a ceremony in Chelsea this week, which was attended by Badr Al Mantheri, Oman's ambassador to the UK, among other officials.

The annual flower show has been running since 1862 and is a favourite of the British royal family.

On Monday, it was visited by King Charles III, who appeared to be on the lookout for something to fill a patch in his garden at Highgrove, his Gloucestershire home, after the animals took a liking to some of his plants.

King Charles III at the Choose Love garden with the humanitarian aid movement's chief executive officer, Josie Naughton, and award-winning designer Jane Porter at Chelsea Flower Show. Getty
King Charles III at the Choose Love garden with the humanitarian aid movement's chief executive officer, Josie Naughton, and award-winning designer Jane Porter at Chelsea Flower Show. Getty

He stopped at designer Jane Porter's Choose Love garden, where a lavender sage plant – also known as salvia lavandulifolia – with delicate purple flowers caught his eye.

The garden was created for the humanitarian aid movement, which supports asylum seekers around the globe, and features plants such as old varieties of roses from the Middle East and irises from North Africa that those seeking sanctuary would recognise.

“He was really interested in one of the plants we've got because at Highgrove something's being eaten by rabbits and he wants to replace it,” Ms Porter said.

“I love that. That's brilliant he's such a keen gardener. I'm sure he would have his eye out for all sorts of things – he was very knowledgeable about everything in the garden.”

The new roses were unveiled at a ceremony at the flower show this week. Photo: Oman News Agency
The new roses were unveiled at a ceremony at the flower show this week. Photo: Oman News Agency

It was the king’s first visit to the Royal Horticultural Society Chelsea Flower Show as monarch. He was joined by the queen, who toured the site separately.

Earlier in the day, the Princess of Wales also visited the event to join schoolchildren who were invited by the RHS to participate.

Best in Show at Chelsea Flower Show was on Tuesday awarded to Harris Bugg Studio for an entry named after the spinal injuries charity Horatio’s Garden, the first fully wheel-chair accessible garden to win the prize.

Catherine, Princess of Wales, visits the Chelsea Flower Show – in pictures

  • Catherine, Princess of Wales, speaks with school pupils at the first Children's Picnic at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show in London. PA
    Catherine, Princess of Wales, speaks with school pupils at the first Children's Picnic at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show in London. PA
  • The princess arrives at the show in the grounds of the Royal Hospital Chelsea. PA
    The princess arrives at the show in the grounds of the Royal Hospital Chelsea. PA
  • The princess shakes hands with children before the picnic. AP
    The princess shakes hands with children before the picnic. AP
  • She smiles during the children's picnic. PA
    She smiles during the children's picnic. PA
  • Pupils from 10 schools taking part in the RHS's Campaign for School Gardening sent children to the first children's picnic in the show's 110-year history. Getty
    Pupils from 10 schools taking part in the RHS's Campaign for School Gardening sent children to the first children's picnic in the show's 110-year history. Getty
  • The princess speaks to Chelsea Pensioners. PA
    The princess speaks to Chelsea Pensioners. PA
  • She is given a tour of the flower show. PA
    She is given a tour of the flower show. PA

“It’s unbelievable and still sinking in,” a statement released on behalf of designers Charlotte Harris and Hugo Bugg said.

“It’s a really special garden for us because of the nature of the charity. Horatio’s is a charity about gardens and how they help on journeys of healing and so it feels absolutely right that it should win Best in Show.

“We are delighted for the charity, and we hope it helps to raise the profile of the incredible work they do and are delighted it will live on to form the heart of Horatio’s Garden Sheffield after the show.”

Plant of the Year was also awarded to Agapanthus Black Jack, which was selected from a shortlist of 18 plants.

The Good Liar

Starring: Helen Mirren, Ian McKellen

Directed by: Bill Condon

Three out of five stars

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

Fire and Fury
By Michael Wolff,
Henry Holt

COMPANY PROFILE
Name: Akeed

Based: Muscat

Launch year: 2018

Number of employees: 40

Sector: Online food delivery

Funding: Raised $3.2m since inception 

First Person
Richard Flanagan
Chatto & Windus 

Specs

Engine: Dual-motor all-wheel-drive electric

Range: Up to 610km

Power: 905hp

Torque: 985Nm

Price: From Dh439,000

Available: Now

THE BIO

Born: Mukalla, Yemen, 1979

Education: UAE University, Al Ain

Family: Married with two daughters: Asayel, 7, and Sara, 6

Favourite piece of music: Horse Dance by Naseer Shamma

Favourite book: Science and geology

Favourite place to travel to: Washington DC

Best advice you’ve ever been given: If you have a dream, you have to believe it, then you will see it.

Expert input

If you had all the money in the world, what’s the one sneaker you would buy or create?

“There are a few shoes that have ‘grail’ status for me. But the one I have always wanted is the Nike x Patta x Parra Air Max 1 - Cherrywood. To get a pair in my size brand new is would cost me between Dh8,000 and Dh 10,000.” Jack Brett

“If I had all the money, I would approach Nike and ask them to do my own Air Force 1, that’s one of my dreams.” Yaseen Benchouche

“There’s nothing out there yet that I’d pay an insane amount for, but I’d love to create my own shoe with Tinker Hatfield and Jordan.” Joshua Cox

“I think I’d buy a defunct footwear brand; I’d like the challenge of reinterpreting a brand’s history and changing options.” Kris Balerite

 “I’d stir up a creative collaboration with designers Martin Margiela of the mixed patchwork sneakers, and Yohji Yamamoto.” Hussain Moloobhoy

“If I had all the money in the world, I’d live somewhere where I’d never have to wear shoes again.” Raj Malhotra

Ain Dubai in numbers

126: The length in metres of the legs supporting the structure

1 football pitch: The length of each permanent spoke is longer than a professional soccer pitch

16 A380 Airbuses: The equivalent weight of the wheel rim.

9,000 tonnes: The amount of steel used to construct the project.

5 tonnes: The weight of each permanent spoke that is holding the wheel rim in place

192: The amount of cable wires used to create the wheel. They measure a distance of 2,4000km in total, the equivalent of the distance between Dubai and Cairo.

MATCH INFO

Tottenham Hotspur 1
Kane (50')

Newcastle United 0

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South Africa v India schedule

Tests: 1st Test Jan 5-9, Cape Town; 2nd Test Jan 13-17, Centurion; 3rd Test Jan 24-28, Johannesburg

ODIs: 1st ODI Feb 1, Durban; 2nd ODI Feb 4, Centurion; 3rd ODI Feb 7, Cape Town; 4th ODI Feb 10, Johannesburg; 5th ODI Feb 13, Port Elizabeth; 6th ODI Feb 16, Centurion

T20Is: 1st T20I Feb 18, Johannesburg; 2nd T20I Feb 21, Centurion; 3rd T20I Feb 24, Cape Town

GAC GS8 Specs

Engine: 2.0-litre 4cyl turbo

Power: 248hp at 5,200rpm

Torque: 400Nm at 1,750-4,000rpm

Transmission: 8-speed auto

Fuel consumption: 9.1L/100km

On sale: Now

Price: From Dh149,900

Directed by: Craig Gillespie

Starring: Emma Stone, Emma Thompson, Joel Fry

4/5

Who's who in Yemen conflict

Houthis: Iran-backed rebels who occupy Sanaa and run unrecognised government

Yemeni government: Exiled government in Aden led by eight-member Presidential Leadership Council

Southern Transitional Council: Faction in Yemeni government that seeks autonomy for the south

Habrish 'rebels': Tribal-backed forces feuding with STC over control of oil in government territory

Company%C2%A0profile
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SPEC%20SHEET%3A%20NOTHING%20PHONE%20(2a)
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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

AT4 Ultimate, as tested

Engine: 6.2-litre V8

Power: 420hp

Torque: 623Nm

Transmission: 10-speed automatic

Price: From Dh330,800 (Elevation: Dh236,400; AT4: Dh286,800; Denali: Dh345,800)

On sale: Now

ARGYLLE
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The specs
Engine: 77.4kW all-wheel-drive dual motor
Power: 320bhp
Torque: 605Nm
Transmission: Single-speed automatic
Price: From Dh219,000
On sale: Now
Bugatti Chiron Super Sport - the specs:

Engine: 8.0-litre quad-turbo W16 

Transmission: 7-speed DSG auto 

Power: 1,600hp

Torque: 1,600Nm

0-100kph in 2.4seconds

0-200kph in 5.8 seconds

0-300kph in 12.1 seconds

Top speed: 440kph

Price: Dh13,200,000

Bugatti Chiron Pur Sport - the specs:

Engine: 8.0-litre quad-turbo W16 

Transmission: 7-speed DSG auto 

Power: 1,500hp

Torque: 1,600Nm

0-100kph in 2.3 seconds

0-200kph in 5.5 seconds

0-300kph in 11.8 seconds

Top speed: 350kph

Price: Dh13,600,000

Jetour T1 specs

Engine: 2-litre turbocharged

Power: 254hp

Torque: 390Nm

Price: From Dh126,000

Available: Now

The National Archives, Abu Dhabi

Founded over 50 years ago, the National Archives collects valuable historical material relating to the UAE, and is the oldest and richest archive relating to the Arabian Gulf.

Much of the material can be viewed on line at the Arabian Gulf Digital Archive - https://www.agda.ae/en

COMPANY%20PROFILE%20
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EName%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Haltia.ai%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EStarted%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%202023%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ECo-founders%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Arto%20Bendiken%20and%20Talal%20Thabet%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EBased%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Dubai%2C%20UAE%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EIndustry%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20AI%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ENumber%20of%20employees%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%2041%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EFunding%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20About%20%241.7%20million%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EInvestors%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Self%2C%20family%20and%20friends%26nbsp%3B%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Aayan%E2%80%99s%20records
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Results

5pm: Maiden (PA) Dh80,000 (Turf) 1,600m; Winner: Aahid Al Khalediah II, Pat Cosgrave (jockey), Helal Al Alawi (trainer)

5.30pm: Handicap (PA) Dh80,000 (T) 2,200m; Winner: Whistle, Harry Bentley, Abdallah Al Hammadi

6pm: Wathba Stallions Cup - Maiden (PA) Dh70,000 (T) 1,600m; Winner: Alsaied, Szczepan Mazur, Ibrahim Al Hadhrami

6.30pm: Emirates Fillies Classic – Prestige (PA) Dh100,000 (T) 1,600m; Winner: Mumayaza, Antonio Fresu, Eric Lemartinel

7pm: Emirates Colts Classic – Prestige (PA) Dh100,000 (T) 1,600m; Winner: Hameem, Adrie de Vries, Abdallah Al Hammadi

7.30pm: President’s Cup – Group 1 (PA) Dh2,500,000 (T) 2,200m; Winner: Somoud, Richard Mullen, Jean de Roualle

8pm: President’s Cup – Listed (TB) Dh380,000 (T) 1,400m; Winner: Medahim, Richard Mullen, Satish Seemar

Updated: May 24, 2023, 1:04 PM