Apple has unveiled the iPhone 17, 17 Pro, 17 Pro Max and introduced a new model to its flagship line-up, the super-thin iPhone Air.
Among the most significant changes in this iteration are the screen sizes, cameras, chips and user interface.
Apple also launched refreshed accessories, including new versions of its watches and AirPods.
Orders for new iPhones in the UAE can be made from 4pm on Friday, and they will become available in stores on September 19. Telcos e& and du, as well as other major retailers, have said they will be ready to meet demand.
And, yes, you can trade in your old Apple devices for credit of up to Dh2,500.
iPhone Air: The skinny
Apple, masters of hype, made sure all eyes were on the iPhone Air, as the company seeks to make its mark in the emerging slim-phone game.
Already, Apple has Samsung's Galaxy S25 Edge beat on thinness – 5.6mm versus 5.8mm. But, as expected, there are pluses and minuses – and we fully expect Samsung to respond.
The “Air” branding was first used by Apple in the first MacBook Air in 2008, months after the original iPhone was launched, and adapted by the iPad in 2013. The company has since used the moniker as its signature to showcase the compactness of their devices – even once again evoking the “impossibly thin” tagline for the iPhone Air.
Apple says the iPhone Air model is its most durable, protected by its Ceramic Shield 2 coating on both front and back – three times better scratch resistance and four times better protection against cracks. And it's also built with grade-5 spacecraft titanium – the most common alloy for vessels travelling to space – known for its strength and lightness.
The camera block has also been redesigned: it now runs across the width of the rear, with the flash and light sensor now on the right.
Aesthetics aside, there's a reason for this: the bigger space protruding from the back helped Apple to cram in more hardware components, which, in turn, allowed its thinner finish. Also, more space was created as it only supports e-SIMs.
The iPhone Air is also the successor to the Plus model, albeit with a smaller 6.5-inch (16mm) display compared to its predecessor's 6.7in.
And with the new A19 Pro chip, Apple said the iPhone Air has “MacBook-level” power. Without getting too technical, Apple says the combination of boosted efficiency, advancements in artificial intelligence capabilities and a “big upgrade” to the GPU compute abilities of its Neural Engine resulted in what is akin to having a laptop in your palm.
It does only have one camera, albeit with a 48MP sensor that Apple says still has the good stuff, including portrait and macro shots. Samsung, however, was able to put two cameras in the Galaxy S25 Edge.
On the front camera, Apple brought Centre Stage, first introduced in modern iMacs, which automatically puts every person in-frame, in addition to automatically adjusting the orientation so you won't have to rotate the phone to get everyone in.
Battery life is up to 27 hours, on par with the iPhone 16 Plus, but stretchable to 40 hours with a sold-separately MagSafe battery exclusively for the iPhone Air. And, as an added bonus, there's also a dedicated cross-body strap for it.
The iPhone Air comes in 256GB, 512GB and a new 1TB, for Dh4,299, Dh5,149 and Dh5,999, respectively. It is available in white, light gold, blue and black. The latter two prices are higher than iPhone 16 Plus equivalents.
iPhone 17: Bumped-up
The entry-level iPhone 17, once again, represents the best option for those who want that Apple logo in their hands without breaking the bank.
There weren't any major changes physically, and Apple even left it out of the camera block upgrade. Instead, Apple is counting on the A19 chip to do the heavy lifting for the iPhone 17.
Apple said the device also has a more durable design, slimmer bezels and “huge boosts in speed”, capable of providing “incredible gaming”. It also retains a dual-camera set-up, but both now have 48MP Fusion sensors. The front snapper also has Centre Stage capabilities.
And if there's one big boost, it's on battery. Apple says it can last up to 30 hours for video, compared to the iPhone 16's 22 hours.
The iPhone 17 comes in 256GB and 512GB – 128GB is no longer available – at Dh3,399 and Dh4,249, respectively. Important note: you can now get double the storage for the same base price, while the 512GB option is now down by Dh400 compared to its iPhone 16 equivalent last year. You get to choose from black, lavender, mist blue, sage and white; sage is our pick here.
iPhone 17 Pro and 17 Pro Max: A great new feel
Apple's top-tier smartphones somewhat had to take a back seat because of the iPhone Air. Nevertheless, they, of course, remain the best options, spec-wise.
The first thing you'll notice is, like the iPhone Air, a redesigned rear anchored by the extended camera block (the latest Google Pixels come to mind). But, more importantly, this is the first time Apple is using a unibody chassis for its flagships.
Apple says the phones also have the biggest batteries: the 17 Pro can last up to 33 hours for video, while the 17 Pro Max is up at 39 hours, compared to their predecessors' 27 hours and 33 hours, respectively.
The company has also used what is says is a new thermal system that can dissipate heat “rapidly”, which should aid in performance-intensive applications such as gaming and using the camera. The A19 Pro chip, among other things, boosts performance by up to 40 per cent.
And, as with the iPhone 17, all three cameras on the Pro models now have 48MP Fusion sensors, in addition to a wider field of view and up to 8x optical zoom that is the longest for an iPhone, so it's like having the “equivalent of eight Pro lenses in your pocket”, Apple says.
The front camera also has a wider field of view and its overall improvements would make it the “absolute best for content creators”. This could help Apple beat the more than 500 billion selfies iPhone users shot in 2024, “more than any other phone”, according to the company's data.
The iPhone 17 Pro comes in 256GB, 512GB and 1TB – goodbye 128GB, again – and prices remain unchanged at Dh4,699, Dh5,549 and Dh6,399, respectively. The iPhone 17 Pro Max, meanwhile, has added a new and whopping 2TB option, and the device is priced at Dh5,099, Dh5,949, Dh6,799 and Dh8,499. You colour options are deep blue, silver and, the runaway winner, cosmic orange.
Updated accessories complement the look
Apple's refreshed accessories all are now available to order, but they will hit shop shelves on September 19.
AirPods Pro 3: Features a new design, up to twice the power of active noise cancellation, up to four times more noise removal and a new adaptive equaliser that customises sound signature. Dh949.
Watch Series 11: The thinnest Apple Watch by far that introduces a high blood pressure monitor (regulatory approval for use “soon”). It adds sleep score and now lasts up to 24 hours. Comes in 42mm and 46mm versions, features a new aluminium finish and starts at Dh1,599. The titanium version starts at Dh2,799.
Watch SE 3: Apple's pocket-friendly digital timepiece now has an always-on display, sleep score, wrist temperature sensing, and up to 18 hours of battery. Comes in midnight and starlight colours, 40mm and 44m sizing, and starts at Dh999.
Watch Ultra 3: The rugged watch comes with advanced metrics, “the best GPS in a watch”, the longest battery life of any Apple Watch of up to 42 hours (with normal use) and its largest screen. Comes in black and natural, and is priced at Dh3,199.
Why are you, you?
Why are you, you?
From this question, a new beginning.
From this question, a new destiny.
For you are a world, and a meeting of worlds.
Our dream is to unite that which has been
separated by history.
To return the many to the one.
A great story unites us all,
beyond colour and creed and gender.
The lightning flash of art
And the music of the heart.
We reflect all cultures, all ways.
We are a twenty first century wonder.
Universal ideals, visions of art and truth.
Now is the turning point of cultures and hopes.
Come with questions, leave with visions.
We are the link between the past and the future.
Here, through art, new possibilities are born. And
new answers are given wings.
Why are you, you?
Because we are mirrors of each other.
Because together we create new worlds.
Together we are more powerful than we know.
We connect, we inspire, we multiply illuminations
with the unique light of art.
Ben Okri,
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
Representing%20UAE%20overseas
%3Cp%3E%0DIf%20Catherine%20Richards%20debuts%20for%20Wales%20in%20the%20Six%20Nations%2C%20she%20will%20be%20the%20latest%20to%20have%20made%20it%20from%20the%20UAE%20to%20the%20top%20tier%20of%20the%20international%20game%20in%20the%20oval%20ball%20codes.%0D%3Cbr%3E%20%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ESeren%20Gough-Walters%20(Wales%20rugby%20league)%3C%2Fstrong%3E%0D%3Cbr%3EBorn%20in%20Dubai%2C%20raised%20in%20Sharjah%2C%20and%20once%20an%20immigration%20officer%20at%20the%20British%20Embassy%20in%20Abu%20Dhabi%2C%20she%20debuted%20for%20Wales%20in%20rugby%20league%20in%202021.%0D%3Cbr%3E%20%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ESophie%20Shams%20(England%20sevens)%3C%2Fstrong%3E%0D%3Cbr%3EWith%20an%20Emirati%20father%20and%20English%20mother%2C%20Shams%20excelled%20at%20rugby%20at%20school%20in%20Dubai%2C%20and%20went%20on%20to%20represent%20England%20on%20the%20sevens%20circuit.%20%0D%3Cbr%3E%20%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EFiona%20Reidy%20(Ireland)%3C%2Fstrong%3E%0D%3Cbr%3EMade%20her%20Test%20rugby%20bow%20for%20Ireland%20against%20England%20in%202015%2C%20having%20played%20for%20four%20years%20in%20the%20capital%20with%20Abu%20Dhabi%20Harlequins%20previously.%0D%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
PROFILE OF HALAN
Started: November 2017
Founders: Mounir Nakhla, Ahmed Mohsen and Mohamed Aboulnaga
Based: Cairo, Egypt
Sector: transport and logistics
Size: 150 employees
Investment: approximately $8 million
Investors include: Singapore’s Battery Road Digital Holdings, Egypt’s Algebra Ventures, Uber co-founder and former CTO Oscar Salazar
More coverage from the Future Forum
The Matrix Resurrections
Director: Lana Wachowski
Stars: Keanu Reeves, Carrie-Anne Moss, Jessica Henwick
Rating:****
Our legal columnist
Name: Yousef Al Bahar
Advocate at Al Bahar & Associate Advocates and Legal Consultants, established in 1994
Education: Mr Al Bahar was born in 1979 and graduated in 2008 from the Judicial Institute. He took after his father, who was one of the first Emirati lawyers
What can victims do?
Always use only regulated platforms
Stop all transactions and communication on suspicion
Save all evidence (screenshots, chat logs, transaction IDs)
Report to local authorities
Warn others to prevent further harm
Courtesy: Crystal Intelligence
Teachers' pay - what you need to know
Pay varies significantly depending on the school, its rating and the curriculum. Here's a rough guide as of January 2021:
- top end schools tend to pay Dh16,000-17,000 a month - plus a monthly housing allowance of up to Dh6,000. These tend to be British curriculum schools rated 'outstanding' or 'very good', followed by American schools
- average salary across curriculums and skill levels is about Dh10,000, recruiters say
- it is becoming more common for schools to provide accommodation, sometimes in an apartment block with other teachers, rather than hand teachers a cash housing allowance
- some strong performing schools have cut back on salaries since the pandemic began, sometimes offering Dh16,000 including the housing allowance, which reflects the slump in rental costs, and sheer demand for jobs
- maths and science teachers are most in demand and some schools will pay up to Dh3,000 more than other teachers in recognition of their technical skills
- at the other end of the market, teachers in some Indian schools, where fees are lower and competition among applicants is intense, can be paid as low as Dh3,000 per month
- in Indian schools, it has also become common for teachers to share residential accommodation, living in a block with colleagues
Paatal Lok season two
Directors: Avinash Arun, Prosit Roy
Stars: Jaideep Ahlawat, Ishwak Singh, Lc Sekhose, Merenla Imsong
Rating: 4.5/5
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
Read more from Mina Al-Oraibi
All%20The%20Light%20We%20Cannot%20See%20
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ECreator%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3ESteven%20Knight%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EStars%3A%C2%A0%3C%2Fstrong%3EMark%20Ruffalo%2C%20Hugh%20Laurie%2C%20Aria%20Mia%20Loberti%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ERating%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E1%2F5%C2%A0%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
The Sand Castle
Director: Matty Brown
Stars: Nadine Labaki, Ziad Bakri, Zain Al Rafeea, Riman Al Rafeea
Rating: 2.5/5
'Skin'
Dir: Guy Nattiv
Starring: Jamie Bell, Danielle McDonald, Bill Camp, Vera Farmiga
Rating: 3.5/5 stars
MATCH INFO
Uefa Champions League final:
Who: Real Madrid v Liverpool
Where: NSC Olimpiyskiy Stadium, Kiev, Ukraine
When: Saturday, May 26, 10.45pm (UAE)
TV: Match on BeIN Sports
NBA FINALS SO FAR
(Toronto lead 3-2 in best-of-seven series)
Game 1 Raptors 118 Warriors 109
Game 2 Raptors 104 Warriors 109
Game 3 Warriors 109 Raptors 123
Game 4 Warriors 92 Raptors 105
Game 5 Raptors 105 Warriors 106
Game 6 Thursday, at Oakland
Game 7 Sunday, at Toronto (if needed)
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
