First Minister of Scotland Humza Yousaf, left, and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan meet at Cop28 in Dubai. EPA
First Minister of Scotland Humza Yousaf, left, and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan meet at Cop28 in Dubai. EPA
First Minister of Scotland Humza Yousaf, left, and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan meet at Cop28 in Dubai. EPA
First Minister of Scotland Humza Yousaf, left, and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan meet at Cop28 in Dubai. EPA

Humza Yousaf hits out at David Cameron after Erdogan rebuke


Lemma Shehadi
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Scotland's First Minister Humza Yousaf has hit back at the UK Foreign Secretary's threat to revoke British government support for the country's overseas activities, saying this could affect Scotland's economy adversely.

Humza Yousaf met Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan during the Cop28 climate summit in Dubai in December without a UK government official present.

In response, Mr Cameron said in a letter on Sunday there would be “no further FCDO [Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office] facilitation of meetings or logistical support” for the Scottish Government if there are any “further breaches” of protocol.

Mr Yousaf said he was shocked.

"First of all, let's be clear – the approach from Lord Cameron is really petty and frankly misguided," he said on Monday.

"Scotland is the part of the UK, outside of London, that has attracted the most foreign direct investment for eight years in a row. That happens because the Scottish Government's international engagement is valued [and] has impact.

"To threaten to curtail that, to stop that international engagement – the international engagement from the elected Scottish Government from an unelected lord – I think is misguided and petty."

The First Minister said the meeting in question had been rescheduled at the last minute by Mr Erdogan's team but added he would have had "no problem" with a UK government official – or even Mr Cameron himself – attending.

  • Scotland's First Minister Humza Yousaf speaks during a press conference at Bute House in Edinburgh, where he said he will resign as Scottish National Party chief and the country's leader. PA
    Scotland's First Minister Humza Yousaf speaks during a press conference at Bute House in Edinburgh, where he said he will resign as Scottish National Party chief and the country's leader. PA
  • Mr Yousaf speaks to the media during a visit to Dundee in April. His appearance came as Scottish opposition parties called for a confidence vote after the collapse of his power-sharing deal with the Green Party. Getty Images
    Mr Yousaf speaks to the media during a visit to Dundee in April. His appearance came as Scottish opposition parties called for a confidence vote after the collapse of his power-sharing deal with the Green Party. Getty Images
  • Mr Yousaf holds a press conference in Edinburgh as he announces the SNP's withdrawal from the Bute House Agreement. Getty Images
    Mr Yousaf holds a press conference in Edinburgh as he announces the SNP's withdrawal from the Bute House Agreement. Getty Images
  • Mr Yousaf joins members of the public as they attend a march in Glasgow calling for an independent Scotland, in April. Getty Images
    Mr Yousaf joins members of the public as they attend a march in Glasgow calling for an independent Scotland, in April. Getty Images
  • Mr Yousaf takes part in a dance performance during a visit to DN Studios in Edinburgh in March. Getty Images
    Mr Yousaf takes part in a dance performance during a visit to DN Studios in Edinburgh in March. Getty Images
  • Mr Yousaf and his new cabinet pose at St Andrew's House in Edinburgh, in February. Getty Images
    Mr Yousaf and his new cabinet pose at St Andrew's House in Edinburgh, in February. Getty Images
  • Mr Yousaf speaks during the launch of the SNP general election campaign at Oran Mor in Glasgow, in January. Getty Images
    Mr Yousaf speaks during the launch of the SNP general election campaign at Oran Mor in Glasgow, in January. Getty Images
  • Mr Yousaf during Save the Children Christmas Jumper Day at the Scottish Parliament in December. Getty Images
    Mr Yousaf during Save the Children Christmas Jumper Day at the Scottish Parliament in December. Getty Images
  • Mr Yousaf engages with pupils during Scotland's Book Week at Craigentinny Primary School in Edinburgh, in November. Getty Images
    Mr Yousaf engages with pupils during Scotland's Book Week at Craigentinny Primary School in Edinburgh, in November. Getty Images
  • Mr Yousaf lays a wreath during Scotland's Remembrance Sunday Event at Edinburgh City Chambers, in November. Getty Images
    Mr Yousaf lays a wreath during Scotland's Remembrance Sunday Event at Edinburgh City Chambers, in November. Getty Images
  • Mr Yousaf with his wife Nadia El-Nakla after his speech at the SNP conference in October. PA
    Mr Yousaf with his wife Nadia El-Nakla after his speech at the SNP conference in October. PA
  • Mr Yousaf speaking at a service of solidarity at Giffnock Newton Mearns Synagogue in October. PA
    Mr Yousaf speaking at a service of solidarity at Giffnock Newton Mearns Synagogue in October. PA
  • Mr Yousaf with hundreds of supporters of Scottish independence during a march in Edinburgh in September. Getty Images
    Mr Yousaf with hundreds of supporters of Scottish independence during a march in Edinburgh in September. Getty Images
  • Mr Yousaf outside the Court of Session in Edinburgh, after being sworn in as First Minister of Scotland in March 2023. Getty Images
    Mr Yousaf outside the Court of Session in Edinburgh, after being sworn in as First Minister of Scotland in March 2023. Getty Images
  • Mr Yousaf signs the nomination form to become First Minister of Scotland, watched by his wife Nadia El Nakla, daughter Amal and step-daughter Maya, in March 2023. Getty Images
    Mr Yousaf signs the nomination form to become First Minister of Scotland, watched by his wife Nadia El Nakla, daughter Amal and step-daughter Maya, in March 2023. Getty Images
  • Mr Yousaf speaks after being elected as new Scottish National Party leader in Edinburgh, in March 2023. Getty Images
    Mr Yousaf speaks after being elected as new Scottish National Party leader in Edinburgh, in March 2023. Getty Images
  • Mr Yousaf with his mother Shaaista and father Muzaffar in Glasgow as he campaigns to become the next leader of the Scottish National Party, in February 2023. Getty Images
    Mr Yousaf with his mother Shaaista and father Muzaffar in Glasgow as he campaigns to become the next leader of the Scottish National Party, in February 2023. Getty Images
  • Mr Yousaf visits Monklands Hospital in Airdrie in 2021, when he was health secretary. Getty Images
    Mr Yousaf visits Monklands Hospital in Airdrie in 2021, when he was health secretary. Getty Images
  • Mr Yousaf, justice minister at the time, attends a Ministerial Statement in Edinburgh in 2020. Getty Images
    Mr Yousaf, justice minister at the time, attends a Ministerial Statement in Edinburgh in 2020. Getty Images
  • Mr Yousaf with Nicola Sturgeon, leader of the ruling SNP at the time, at the count for the Scottish Parliament elections in 2016 in Glasgow. Getty Images
    Mr Yousaf with Nicola Sturgeon, leader of the ruling SNP at the time, at the count for the Scottish Parliament elections in 2016 in Glasgow. Getty Images
  • Angela Constance and Mr Yousaf after being sworn in as Scottish MPs in Edinburgh in 2016. Getty Images
    Angela Constance and Mr Yousaf after being sworn in as Scottish MPs in Edinburgh in 2016. Getty Images
  • Mr Yousaf speaks during the SNP conference in Aberdeen in 2015. Getty Images
    Mr Yousaf speaks during the SNP conference in Aberdeen in 2015. Getty Images
  • Alex Salmond, SNP leader at the time, with Mr Yousaf at the Scottish Parliament in 2011. Getty Images
    Alex Salmond, SNP leader at the time, with Mr Yousaf at the Scottish Parliament in 2011. Getty Images

"It was rearranged at short notice by the president of Turkey's team, the [FCDO] official chose not to stay with the Scottish delegation the whole day and because of that they ended up missing the meeting.

"Nothing was discussed that hadn't been discussed at other meetings, such as the climate crisis, and in this particular meeting the issue of the Israel-Gaza conflict."

The First Minister said an FCDO official had been at the "vast majority" of meetings he had during the climate summit.

Revoking support from the Scottish Government abroad would negatively affect the country's economy, Mr Yousaf said.

"Most importantly, it will affect Scottish business, affect the Scottish economy," he said.

UK Foreign Secretary David Cameron and First Minister of Scotland Humza Yousaf visiting Heriot-Watt University Dubai Campus during the Cop28 summit, before a row developed between the two. PA
UK Foreign Secretary David Cameron and First Minister of Scotland Humza Yousaf visiting Heriot-Watt University Dubai Campus during the Cop28 summit, before a row developed between the two. PA

"Our exports are worth over £6 billion [$47.55 billion] in whisky alone over the last year, showing how important exports, how important international engagement, is to Scotland's economy," he said.

"For Lord Cameron to say he's basically going to stop Scotland's international engagement because of one meeting, where one FCDO official wasn't able to attend – because, of course, at events like Cop, diaries can change quite last minute – is really petty, really misguided."

"I suggest to Lord Cameron that next time, if he has an issue like that, he should just pick up the phone. I'm sure it can be resolved."

“It is wholly unacceptable for the Scottish Government to promote foreign policies which are at odds with those of the United Kingdom government.” Alister Jack, Scottish secretary said.

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Price, base: Dh429,090

Engine 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8

Transmission Seven-speed automatic

Power 510hp @ 5,500rpm

Torque 700Nm @ 1,750rpm

Fuel economy, combined 9.2L / 100km

Where to donate in the UAE

The Emirates Charity Portal

You can donate to several registered charities through a “donation catalogue”. The use of the donation is quite specific, such as buying a fan for a poor family in Niger for Dh130.

The General Authority of Islamic Affairs & Endowments

The site has an e-donation service accepting debit card, credit card or e-Dirham, an electronic payment tool developed by the Ministry of Finance and First Abu Dhabi Bank.

Al Noor Special Needs Centre

You can donate online or order Smiles n’ Stuff products handcrafted by Al Noor students. The centre publishes a wish list of extras needed, starting at Dh500.

Beit Al Khair Society

Beit Al Khair Society has the motto “From – and to – the UAE,” with donations going towards the neediest in the country. Its website has a list of physical donation sites, but people can also contribute money by SMS, bank transfer and through the hotline 800-22554.

Dar Al Ber Society

Dar Al Ber Society, which has charity projects in 39 countries, accept cash payments, money transfers or SMS donations. Its donation hotline is 800-79.

Dubai Cares

Dubai Cares provides several options for individuals and companies to donate, including online, through banks, at retail outlets, via phone and by purchasing Dubai Cares branded merchandise. It is currently running a campaign called Bookings 2030, which allows people to help change the future of six underprivileged children and young people.

Emirates Airline Foundation

Those who travel on Emirates have undoubtedly seen the little donation envelopes in the seat pockets. But the foundation also accepts donations online and in the form of Skywards Miles. Donated miles are used to sponsor travel for doctors, surgeons, engineers and other professionals volunteering on humanitarian missions around the world.

Emirates Red Crescent

On the Emirates Red Crescent website you can choose between 35 different purposes for your donation, such as providing food for fasters, supporting debtors and contributing to a refugee women fund. It also has a list of bank accounts for each donation type.

Gulf for Good

Gulf for Good raises funds for partner charity projects through challenges, like climbing Kilimanjaro and cycling through Thailand. This year’s projects are in partnership with Street Child Nepal, Larchfield Kids, the Foundation for African Empowerment and SOS Children's Villages. Since 2001, the organisation has raised more than $3.5 million (Dh12.8m) in support of over 50 children’s charities.

Noor Dubai Foundation

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum launched the Noor Dubai Foundation a decade ago with the aim of eliminating all forms of preventable blindness globally. You can donate Dh50 to support mobile eye camps by texting the word “Noor” to 4565 (Etisalat) or 4849 (du).

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UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Countries recognising Palestine

France, UK, Canada, Australia, Portugal, Belgium, Malta, Luxembourg, San Marino and Andorra

 

Classification of skills

A worker is categorised as skilled by the MOHRE based on nine levels given in the International Standard Classification of Occupations (ISCO) issued by the International Labour Organisation. 

A skilled worker would be someone at a professional level (levels 1 – 5) which includes managers, professionals, technicians and associate professionals, clerical support workers, and service and sales workers.

The worker must also have an attested educational certificate higher than secondary or an equivalent certification, and earn a monthly salary of at least Dh4,000. 

JAPAN SQUAD

Goalkeepers: Masaaki Higashiguchi, Shuichi Gonda, Daniel Schmidt
Defenders: Yuto Nagatomo, Tomoaki Makino, Maya Yoshida, Sho Sasaki, Hiroki Sakai, Sei Muroya, Genta Miura, Takehiro Tomiyasu
Midfielders: Toshihiro Aoyama, Genki Haraguchi, Gaku Shibasaki, Wataru Endo, Junya Ito, Shoya Nakajima, Takumi Minamino, Hidemasa Morita, Ritsu Doan
Forwards: Yuya Osako, Takuma Asano, Koya Kitagawa

SPEC%20SHEET%3A%20APPLE%20M3%20MACBOOK%20AIR%20(13%22)
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EProcessor%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Apple%20M3%2C%208-core%20CPU%2C%20up%20to%2010-core%20CPU%2C%2016-core%20Neural%20Engine%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EDisplay%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%2013.6-inch%20Liquid%20Retina%2C%202560%20x%201664%2C%20224ppi%2C%20500%20nits%2C%20True%20Tone%2C%20wide%20colour%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EMemory%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%208%2F16%2F24GB%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EStorage%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20256%2F512GB%20%2F%201%2F2TB%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EI%2FO%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Thunderbolt%203%2FUSB-4%20(2)%2C%203.5mm%20audio%2C%20Touch%20ID%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EConnectivity%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Wi-Fi%206E%2C%20Bluetooth%205.3%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EBattery%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%2052.6Wh%20lithium-polymer%2C%20up%20to%2018%20hours%2C%20MagSafe%20charging%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ECamera%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%201080p%20FaceTime%20HD%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EVideo%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Support%20for%20Apple%20ProRes%2C%20HDR%20with%20Dolby%20Vision%2C%20HDR10%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EAudio%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%204-speaker%20system%2C%20wide%20stereo%2C%20support%20for%20Dolby%20Atmos%2C%20Spatial%20Audio%20and%20dynamic%20head%20tracking%20(with%20AirPods)%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EColours%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Midnight%2C%20silver%2C%20space%20grey%2C%20starlight%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EIn%20the%20box%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20MacBook%20Air%2C%2030W%2F35W%20dual-port%2F70w%20power%20adapter%2C%20USB-C-to-MagSafe%20cable%2C%202%20Apple%20stickers%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EPrice%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20From%20Dh4%2C599%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Apple product price list

iPad Pro

11" - $799 (64GB)
12.9" - $999 (64GB)

MacBook Air 

$1,199

Mac Mini

$799

What is the FNC?

The Federal National Council is one of five federal authorities established by the UAE constitution. It held its first session on December 2, 1972, a year to the day after Federation.
It has 40 members, eight of whom are women. The members represent the UAE population through each of the emirates. Abu Dhabi and Dubai have eight members each, Sharjah and Ras al Khaimah six, and Ajman, Fujairah and Umm Al Quwain have four.
They bring Emirati issues to the council for debate and put those concerns to ministers summoned for questioning. 
The FNC’s main functions include passing, amending or rejecting federal draft laws, discussing international treaties and agreements, and offering recommendations on general subjects raised during sessions.
Federal draft laws must first pass through the FNC for recommendations when members can amend the laws to suit the needs of citizens. The draft laws are then forwarded to the Cabinet for consideration and approval. 
Since 2006, half of the members have been elected by UAE citizens to serve four-year terms and the other half are appointed by the Ruler’s Courts of the seven emirates.
In the 2015 elections, 78 of the 252 candidates were women. Women also represented 48 per cent of all voters and 67 per cent of the voters were under the age of 40.
 

Islamophobia definition

A widely accepted definition was made by the All Party Parliamentary Group on British Muslims in 2019: “Islamophobia is rooted in racism and is a type of racism that targets expressions of Muslimness or perceived Muslimness.” It further defines it as “inciting hatred or violence against Muslims”.

Three ways to boost your credit score

Marwan Lutfi says the core fundamentals that drive better payment behaviour and can improve your credit score are:

1. Make sure you make your payments on time;

2. Limit the number of products you borrow on: the more loans and credit cards you have, the more it will affect your credit score;

3. Don't max out all your debts: how much you maximise those credit facilities will have an impact. If you have five credit cards and utilise 90 per cent of that credit, it will negatively affect your score.

Company%20profile
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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

How has net migration to UK changed?

The figure was broadly flat immediately before the Covid-19 pandemic, standing at 216,000 in the year to June 2018 and 224,000 in the year to June 2019.

It then dropped to an estimated 111,000 in the year to June 2020 when restrictions introduced during the pandemic limited travel and movement.

The total rose to 254,000 in the year to June 2021, followed by steep jumps to 634,000 in the year to June 2022 and 906,000 in the year to June 2023.

The latest available figure of 728,000 for the 12 months to June 2024 suggests levels are starting to decrease.

The five pillars of Islam

1. Fasting 

2. Prayer 

3. Hajj 

4. Shahada 

5. Zakat 

Nepotism is the name of the game

Salman Khan’s father, Salim Khan, is one of Bollywood’s most legendary screenwriters. Through his partnership with co-writer Javed Akhtar, Salim is credited with having paved the path for the Indian film industry’s blockbuster format in the 1970s. Something his son now rules the roost of. More importantly, the Salim-Javed duo also created the persona of the “angry young man” for Bollywood megastar Amitabh Bachchan in the 1970s, reflecting the angst of the average Indian. In choosing to be the ordinary man’s “hero” as opposed to a thespian in new Bollywood, Salman Khan remains tightly linked to his father’s oeuvre. Thanks dad. 

While you're here
The biog

Favourite films: Casablanca and Lawrence of Arabia

Favourite books: Start with Why by Simon Sinek and Good to be Great by Jim Collins

Favourite dish: Grilled fish

Inspiration: Sheikh Zayed's visionary leadership taught me to embrace new challenges.

Tips for taking the metro

- set out well ahead of time

- make sure you have at least Dh15 on you Nol card, as there could be big queues for top-up machines

- enter the right cabin. The train may be too busy to move between carriages once you're on

- don't carry too much luggage and tuck it under a seat to make room for fellow passengers

Name: Peter Dicce

Title: Assistant dean of students and director of athletics

Favourite sport: soccer

Favourite team: Bayern Munich

Favourite player: Franz Beckenbauer

Favourite activity in Abu Dhabi: scuba diving in the Northern Emirates 

 

Updated: December 11, 2023, 7:49 PM