• Abortion rights activists gather outside the US Supreme Court in Washington on June 24, 2022. AP
    Abortion rights activists gather outside the US Supreme Court in Washington on June 24, 2022. AP
  • Pro-life demonstrators celebrate outside the Supreme Court in Washington. AP
    Pro-life demonstrators celebrate outside the Supreme Court in Washington. AP
  • A pro-choice supporter cries outside the Supreme Court. AFP
    A pro-choice supporter cries outside the Supreme Court. AFP
  • Pro-life campaigners celebrate outside the Supreme Court. AFP
    Pro-life campaigners celebrate outside the Supreme Court. AFP
  • A demonstrator wears 'second class citizen' tape over her mouth outside the Supreme Court. Bloomberg
    A demonstrator wears 'second class citizen' tape over her mouth outside the Supreme Court. Bloomberg
  • An activist outside the Supreme Court. AP
    An activist outside the Supreme Court. AP
  • A woman reacts after hearing the abortion decision. AP
    A woman reacts after hearing the abortion decision. AP
  • Pro-life activists hug outside the Supreme Court. AFP
    Pro-life activists hug outside the Supreme Court. AFP
  • A pro-life supporter reacts outside the Supreme Court. AFP
    A pro-life supporter reacts outside the Supreme Court. AFP
  • Pro-life supporters hug outside the court. AFP
    Pro-life supporters hug outside the court. AFP
  • The Supreme Court has ended constitutional protections for abortion that had been in place nearly 50 years. AP
    The Supreme Court has ended constitutional protections for abortion that had been in place nearly 50 years. AP
  • People celebrate outside the Supreme Court after the conservative majority overturned Roe v Wade. AP
    People celebrate outside the Supreme Court after the conservative majority overturned Roe v Wade. AP
  • Pro-life supporters celebrate outside the court. AFP
    Pro-life supporters celebrate outside the court. AFP
  • People celebrate outside the Supreme Court. AP
    People celebrate outside the Supreme Court. AP
  • Pro-choice demonstrators gather outside the Supreme Court. AFP
    Pro-choice demonstrators gather outside the Supreme Court. AFP

US Supreme Court overturns Roe v Wade, ending federal right to abortion


Willy Lowry
  • English
  • Arabic

The US Supreme Court on Friday overturned Roe v Wade, the major 1973 ruling that granted American women the constitutional right to an abortion, in a historic ruling that is likely to cause the majority of states to ban the procedure.

“Roe was egregiously wrong from the start,” conservative justice Samuel Alito wrote in the majority opinion.

“The constitution makes no express reference to a right to obtain an abortion.”

The court voted along ideological lines. All six Republican-appointed justices voted to uphold a Mississippi law that bans abortion after 15 weeks of pregnancy, and five said they would go further and overturn Roe and the constitutional right it established.

President Joe Biden condemned the court's decision, calling it a "sad day for the court and the country."

Mr Biden added that "the health and life of women in this nation is now at risk."

Hundreds of people descended on the Supreme Court following the ruling, with pro-choice and pro-life demonstrators flocking to the marbled building.

Paige Thomas, a 17-year-old from Colorado, fought back tears as she described how she fears growing up in a country where she has fewer rights than her mother did.

“A million things are going through my mind right now, mostly that women of colour and people living in poverty are not going to have access to the health care they need,” she told The National.

“It’s really an attack on all women everywhere and it’s just really overwhelming,”

A few metres away, Nathalie Wilson welcomed the ruling with a friend.

“We are here to celebrate the lives that are going to be saved,” said Ms Wilson, 20, who had driven from Richmond, Virginia.

The decision struck a chord with women of all generations.

Janet Clazzy came out to support women who were distraught after the court's ruling. Ms Clazzy said that as a teenager in 1970, she had to travel from her home in Tennessee to New York State to have an abortion.

The Florida resident said she was struggling to come to terms with the idea that once again, a woman may be forced travel the same path as her.

"I just can't believe that our Supreme Court is [taking] our country back into history," she told The National. "It's a very sad day for justice in America. But we need to rise up and we need to vote out the people who would take away our freedoms, because we've got to change the law."

Emotions flared throughout the morning, with opposing groups chanting over each other. Black metal fencing, erected after a draft decision was leaked in May, surrounded the Supreme Court, preventing crowds from venturing too close.

Many worried the Supreme Court may come for other civil liberties such as the right to gay marriage, something Justice Clarence Thomas suggested in his decision.

Caitlin Gibson, who dropped everything and rushed over to the Supreme Court to protest the decision, said she was worried Roe Vs Wade was only the beginning.

"Things happen gradually and then suddenly in life," she told The National. "And so this is the gradual drip, drip, drip to a reversal of a lot of rights for a lot of individuals."

The court's decision restores states' ability to prohibit abortion. Mississippi was one of 13 states with so-called trigger-laws that were designed to ban the procedure if the Supreme Court overturned Roe.

Liberal justices Sonia Sotomayor, Stephen Breyer and Elena Kagan said that the Supreme Court's decision paves the way for even more restrictive measures.

“Whatever the exact scope of the coming laws, one result of today’s decision is certain: the curtailment of women’s rights and of their status as free and equal citizens,” they wrote in a dissenting opinion.

“With sorrow — for this court, but more, for the many millions of American women who have today lost a fundamental constitutional protection — we dissent.”

In a tweet, former president Barack Obama said the Supreme Court's decision attacks “the essential freedoms of millions of Americans”.

Friday's ruling marks a significant victory for Republicans, who for decades have advocated the overturning of Roe v Wade. As a presidential candidate, Donald Trump vowed to nominate justices who would reverse the decision.

All three of his picks — Neil Gorsuch, Brett Kavanaugh and Amy Coney Barrett — joined in the majority opinion.

Annabelle Rutledge, who showed up at the Supreme Court wearing a shirt that said "Women For Kavanaugh", said the ruling upheld the Constitution.

Who "we want sitting on that bench is not anyone who is going to legislate from that bench or who is going to be a judicial activist but people who are going to look at the Constitution and what it is says," Ms Rutledge said.

A version of the opinion was leaked months before the court's ruling on one of the most hotly debated issues in the country.

The court's leaked opinion caused outrage among Democrats, who rallied to protect abortion rights.

Republicans blocked a Democrat-led effort to codify abortion rights in May.

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The Buckingham Murders

Starring: Kareena Kapoor Khan, Ash Tandon, Prabhleen Sandhu

Director: Hansal Mehta

Rating: 4 / 5

if you go

The flights

Flydubai flies to Podgorica or nearby Tivat via Sarajevo from Dh2,155 return including taxes. Turkish Airlines flies from Abu Dhabi and Dubai to Podgorica via Istanbul; alternatively, fly with Flydubai from Dubai to Belgrade and take a short flight with Montenegro Air to Podgorica. Etihad flies from Abu Dhabi to Podgorica via Belgrade. Flights cost from about Dh3,000 return including taxes. There are buses from Podgorica to Plav. 

The tour

While you can apply for a permit for the route yourself, it’s best to travel with an agency that will arrange it for you. These include Zbulo in Albania (www.zbulo.org) or Zalaz in Montenegro (www.zalaz.me).

 

Dr Afridi's warning signs of digital addiction

Spending an excessive amount of time on the phone.

Neglecting personal, social, or academic responsibilities.

Losing interest in other activities or hobbies that were once enjoyed.

Having withdrawal symptoms like feeling anxious, restless, or upset when the technology is not available.

Experiencing sleep disturbances or changes in sleep patterns.

What are the guidelines?

Under 18 months: Avoid screen time altogether, except for video chatting with family.

Aged 18-24 months: If screens are introduced, it should be high-quality content watched with a caregiver to help the child understand what they are seeing.

Aged 2-5 years: Limit to one-hour per day of high-quality programming, with co-viewing whenever possible.

Aged 6-12 years: Set consistent limits on screen time to ensure it does not interfere with sleep, physical activity, or social interactions.

Teenagers: Encourage a balanced approach – screens should not replace sleep, exercise, or face-to-face socialisation.

Source: American Paediatric Association

At Eternity’s Gate

Director: Julian Schnabel

Starring: Willem Dafoe, Oscar Isaacs, Mads Mikkelsen

Three stars

Abu Dhabi GP schedule

Friday: First practice - 1pm; Second practice - 5pm

Saturday: Final practice - 2pm; Qualifying - 5pm

Sunday: Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix (55 laps) - 5.10pm

Company%20profile
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EName%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EEmonovo%20(previously%20Marj3)%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EBased%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3ECairo%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ELaunch%20year%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E2016%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ENumber%20of%20employees%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E12%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ESector%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3Eeducation%20technology%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EFunding%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3Ethree%20rounds%2C%20undisclosed%20amount%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Ms Yang's top tips for parents new to the UAE
  1. Join parent networks
  2. Look beyond school fees
  3. Keep an open mind
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%3Cp%3EApril%2021-23%3A%20Imola%3Cbr%3EMay%205-7%3A%20Misano%3Cbr%3EMay%2026-28%3A%20SPA-Francorchamps%3Cbr%3EJune%2023-25%3A%20Monza%3Cbr%3EJuly%2021-23%3A%20Paul%20Ricard%3Cbr%3ESept%2029-Oct%201%3A%20Mugello%3Cbr%3EOct%2013-15%3A%20Vallelunga%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
How to come clean about financial infidelity
  • Be honest and transparent: It is always better to own up than be found out. Tell your partner everything they want to know. Show remorse. Inform them of the extent of the situation so they know what they are dealing with.
  • Work on yourself: Be honest with yourself and your partner and figure out why you did it. Don’t be ashamed to ask for professional help. 
  • Give it time: Like any breach of trust, it requires time to rebuild. So be consistent, communicate often and be patient with your partner and yourself.
  • Discuss your financial situation regularly: Ensure your spouse is involved in financial matters and decisions. Your ability to consistently follow through with what you say you are going to do when it comes to money can make all the difference in your partner’s willingness to trust you again.
  • Work on a plan to resolve the problem together: If there is a lot of debt, for example, create a budget and financial plan together and ensure your partner is fully informed, involved and supported. 

Carol Glynn, founder of Conscious Finance Coaching

The President's Cake

Director: Hasan Hadi

Starring: Baneen Ahmad Nayyef, Waheed Thabet Khreibat, Sajad Mohamad Qasem 

Rating: 4/5

Schedule for show courts

Centre Court - from 4pm UAE time

Johanna Konta (6) v Donna Vekic

Andy Murray (1) v Dustin Brown

Rafael Nadal (4) v Donald Young

 

Court 1 - from 4pm UAE time

Kei Nishikori (9) v Sergiy Stakhovsky

Qiang Wang v Venus Williams (10)

Beatriz Haddad Maia v Simona Halep (2)

 

Court 2 - from 2.30pm

Heather Watson v Anastasija Sevastova (18)

Jo-Wilfried Tsonga (12) v Simone Bolelli

Florian Mayer v Marin Cilic (7)

 

The specs
Engine: 2.0-litre 4-cyl turbo

Power: 201hp at 5,200rpm

Torque: 320Nm at 1,750-4,000rpm

Transmission: 6-speed auto

Fuel consumption: 8.7L/100km

Price: Dh133,900

On sale: now 

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Company%20profile
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ECompany%20name%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EHakbah%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EStarted%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E2018%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EFounder%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3ENaif%20AbuSaida%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EBased%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3ESaudi%20Arabia%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ESector%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EFinTech%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ECurrent%20number%20of%20staff%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E22%20%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EInitial%20investment%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E%24200%2C000%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EInvestment%20stage%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3Epre-Series%20A%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EInvestors%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EGlobal%20Ventures%20and%20Aditum%20Investment%20Management%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cbr%3E%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
The 12 Syrian entities delisted by UK 

Ministry of Interior
Ministry of Defence
General Intelligence Directorate
Air Force Intelligence Agency
Political Security Directorate
Syrian National Security Bureau
Military Intelligence Directorate
Army Supply Bureau
General Organisation of Radio and TV
Al Watan newspaper
Cham Press TV
Sama TV

Bareilly Ki Barfi
Directed by: Ashwiny Iyer Tiwari
Starring: Kriti Sanon, Ayushmann Khurrana, Rajkummar Rao
Three and a half 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

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SPECS
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EEngine%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%202-litre%204-cylinder%20turbo%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EPower%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E268hp%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ETorque%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E380Nm%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EPrice%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EFrom%20Dh208%2C000%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EOn%20sale%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3ENow%0D%3Cbr%3E%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Company%20Profile
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ECompany%20name%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20myZoi%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EStarted%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%202021%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EFounders%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Syed%20Ali%2C%20Christian%20Buchholz%2C%20Shanawaz%20Rouf%2C%20Arsalan%20Siddiqui%2C%20Nabid%20Hassan%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EBased%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20UAE%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ENumber%20of%20staff%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%2037%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EInvestment%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Initial%20undisclosed%20funding%20from%20SC%20Ventures%3B%20second%20round%20of%20funding%20totalling%20%2414%20million%20from%20a%20consortium%20of%20SBI%2C%20a%20Japanese%20VC%20firm%2C%20and%20SC%20Venture%3C%2Fp%3E%0A

First Person
Richard Flanagan
Chatto & Windus 

THE%20SPECS
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WHAT IS A BLACK HOLE?

1. Black holes are objects whose gravity is so strong not even light can escape their pull

2. They can be created when massive stars collapse under their own weight

3. Large black holes can also be formed when smaller ones collide and merge

4. The biggest black holes lurk at the centre of many galaxies, including our own

5. Astronomers believe that when the universe was very young, black holes affected how galaxies formed

COMPANY%20PROFILE
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The years Ramadan fell in May

1987

1954

1921

1888

TWISTERS

Director: Lee Isaac Chung

Starring: Glen Powell, Daisy Edgar-Jones, Anthony Ramos

Rating: 2.5/5

Updated: June 24, 2022, 7:59 PM