Save the rhino. That was the overarching goal of a trip I took to South Africa this month, alongside a group of other UAE residents. The species that once roamed the continents of Europe, Asia and Africa now tragically has a global population of about 27,000, the majority of which are in national parks and reserves.
These majestic and distinctive animals have been decimated by poaching, with their horns being used for unfounded medicinal practices and as prestige value, exacerbated by habitat loss. In South Africa, 229 were killed in the first half of this year alone. The northern white rhino is all but extinct, with only two elderly and infertile females remaining.
Global co-operation, awareness and education are crucial in saving the rhino from being wiped out for good. That’s where organisations such as Wilde Tracks come in. Founder Chloe Evans, a British national who lives in Dubai, says: “Wilde Tracks was born out of a burning desire to make a tangible impact on animal conservation. I saw an opportunity to help crucial conservation projects globally, but knew I wanted to do more than ask for funding.
“I’ve always believed in the power of a community to bring about change, so I created a travel-with-purpose organisation that directly contributes to vital conservation work while offering a community of passionate individuals a once-in-a-lifetime experience that might otherwise be inaccessible for many.”
Removing the horns from rhinos to save their lives is necessary. Horn is purely keratin, the same substance that human fingernails and hair are made from, and the process involves members of the anti-poaching units locating an animal, which is then darted from a helicopter. The horn, or regrowth, is then sawn off and the remaining ground down so there is nothing left for poachers to kill the animal for.
Rhinos also have their ears notched for identification and they’re microchipped or fitted with tracking devices. This is all carried out by an experienced vet and medical team to ensure the welfare of each animal. Every member of our group had the opportunity to be a part of this process, and just being close to these incredible animals was a truly emotional experience.
When I asked a member of the anti-poaching team how he got involved in these conservation efforts, he said, at first, it was just a job, but spending every day with these animals he’s grown to love them and will do anything to protect them. “How can you protect something you don’t love?” he says.
During the trip, we also changed the tracking collars on a lioness and a cheetah as well as giving them a health check. Collaring predators is crucial for researchers to track movements and understand behaviour, to help prevent human-animal conflicts and maintain biodiversity.
Dr Benazir Ameer Ali joined the trip alongside her daughter Inaaya, who wants to be a wildlife vet. Inaaya is now more inspired to educate others. “Each one of us has a part to play and raise awareness,” she says. “We can always talk to others about the trip, show them photos and videos about the hands-on experience we had in the wild.”
Teacher Kavya Rachael Gojer, who was also on the trip, says that while facts and figures are out there, people can only really understand what’s happening with endangered species if they see it themselves. “The most significant lesson I took from this trip is realising just how endangered so many animals around us truly are,” she adds. “It's everyone's responsibility to take action and protect these animals if we want them to survive in the future.”
Each one of us has a part to play and raise awareness. We can always talk to others about the trip, show them photos and videos about the hands-on experience we had in the wild.
Inaaya,
aspiring wildlife vet
Melanie Perera, a senior credit controller from Sri Lanka, says she couldn’t turn down the chance to join in. “Everything was very new to me,” she says. “Honestly, I didn’t even know that rhinos were being poached for their horns. Going on this conservation intervention trip was a relatively easy way to know more about wildlife conservation efforts and to get involved yourself to make a real difference.”
While getting hands-on with the animals during this trip, another important aspect was educating children who live in poverty and who may turn to desperate ways to make money when they grow up. Australian Robyn Collins, another group member, says: “We spent all day in two schools and realised that for four months of the year, these children have no running water in the school. They cannot flush the loo, they cannot wash their hands or turn the tap on and drink water. There is a lot of suffering and some of the [bush meat] poachers are young kids hunting for their daily meal.”
These one-off experiences gave way to raise crucial awareness, education and funds for endangered animal conservation. It certainly left a lasting impression on this group and Evans says that as well as international endeavours, the UAE has an important part to play.
“The UAE has a flourishing ecosystem and has made incredible strides in conservation,” she adds. “I look forward to playing a role in its continued success and am eager to give back in a meaningful way by helping people to connect with nature and create a nature-loving community contributing to a sustainable future.”
More information about coming trips can be found on Wilde Tracks' Instagram @wildetracks
Real estate tokenisation project
Dubai launched the pilot phase of its real estate tokenisation project last month.
The initiative focuses on converting real estate assets into digital tokens recorded on blockchain technology and helps in streamlining the process of buying, selling and investing, the Dubai Land Department said.
Dubai’s real estate tokenisation market is projected to reach Dh60 billion ($16.33 billion) by 2033, representing 7 per cent of the emirate’s total property transactions, according to the DLD.
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Read more about the coronavirus
How to watch Ireland v Pakistan in UAE
When: The one-off Test starts on Friday, May 11
What time: Each day’s play is scheduled to start at 2pm UAE time.
TV: The match will be broadcast on OSN Sports Cricket HD. Subscribers to the channel can also stream the action live on OSN Play.
Ferrari 12Cilindri specs
Engine: naturally aspirated 6.5-liter V12
Power: 819hp
Torque: 678Nm at 7,250rpm
Price: From Dh1,700,000
Available: Now
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One-off T20 International: UAE v Australia
When: Monday, October 22, 2pm start
Where: Abu Dhabi Cricket, Oval 1
Tickets: Admission is free
Australia squad: Aaron Finch (captain), Mitch Marsh, Alex Carey, Ashton Agar, Nathan Coulter-Nile, Chris Lynn, Nathan Lyon, Glenn Maxwell, Ben McDermott, Darcy Short, Billy Stanlake, Mitchell Starc, Andrew Tye, Adam Zampa, Peter Siddle
Andor
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In-demand jobs and monthly salaries
- Technology expert in robotics and automation: Dh20,000 to Dh40,000
- Energy engineer: Dh25,000 to Dh30,000
- Production engineer: Dh30,000 to Dh40,000
- Data-driven supply chain management professional: Dh30,000 to Dh50,000
- HR leader: Dh40,000 to Dh60,000
- Engineering leader: Dh30,000 to Dh55,000
- Project manager: Dh55,000 to Dh65,000
- Senior reservoir engineer: Dh40,000 to Dh55,000
- Senior drilling engineer: Dh38,000 to Dh46,000
- Senior process engineer: Dh28,000 to Dh38,000
- Senior maintenance engineer: Dh22,000 to Dh34,000
- Field engineer: Dh6,500 to Dh7,500
- Field supervisor: Dh9,000 to Dh12,000
- Field operator: Dh5,000 to Dh7,000
The Sand Castle
Director: Matty Brown
Stars: Nadine Labaki, Ziad Bakri, Zain Al Rafeea, Riman Al Rafeea
Rating: 2.5/5
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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
Mina Cup winners
Under 12 – Minerva Academy
Under 14 – Unam Pumas
Under 16 – Fursan Hispania
Under 18 – Madenat
Key findings of Jenkins report
- Founder of the Muslim Brotherhood, Hassan al Banna, "accepted the political utility of violence"
- Views of key Muslim Brotherhood ideologue, Sayyid Qutb, have “consistently been understood” as permitting “the use of extreme violence in the pursuit of the perfect Islamic society” and “never been institutionally disowned” by the movement.
- Muslim Brotherhood at all levels has repeatedly defended Hamas attacks against Israel, including the use of suicide bombers and the killing of civilians.
- Laying out the report in the House of Commons, David Cameron told MPs: "The main findings of the review support the conclusion that membership of, association with, or influence by the Muslim Brotherhood should be considered as a possible indicator of extremism."
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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.
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RESULT
Al Hilal 4 Persepolis 0
Khribin (31', 54', 89'), Al Shahrani 40'
Red card: Otayf (Al Hilal, 49')
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KILLING OF QASSEM SULEIMANI
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Skoda Superb Specs
Engine: 2-litre TSI petrol
Power: 190hp
Torque: 320Nm
Price: From Dh147,000
Available: Now
Disclaimer
Director: Alfonso Cuaron
Stars: Cate Blanchett, Kevin Kline, Lesley Manville
Rating: 4/5
The biog
Job: Fitness entrepreneur, body-builder and trainer
Favourite superhero: Batman
Favourite quote: We must become the change we want to see, by Mahatma Gandhi.
Favourite car: Lamborghini
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Learn more about Qasr Al Hosn
In 2013, The National's History Project went beyond the walls to see what life was like living in Abu Dhabi's fabled fort:
The specs: 2018 Volkswagen Teramont
Price, base / as tested Dh137,000 / Dh189,950
Engine 3.6-litre V6
Gearbox Eight-speed automatic
Power 280hp @ 6,200rpm
Torque 360Nm @ 2,750rpm
Fuel economy, combined 11.7L / 100km
Youth YouTuber Programme
The programme will be presented over two weeks and will cover the following topics:
- Learning, scripting, storytelling and basic shots
- Master on-camera presence and advanced script writing
- Beating the algorithm and reaching your core audience
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Also on December 7 to 9, the third edition of the Gulf Car Festival (www.gulfcarfestival.com) will take over Dubai Festival City Mall, a new venue for the event. Last year's festival brought together about 900 cars worth more than Dh300 million from across the Emirates and wider Gulf region – and that first figure is set to swell by several hundred this time around, with between 1,000 and 1,200 cars expected. The first day is themed around American muscle; the second centres on supercars, exotics, European cars and classics; and the final day will major in JDM (Japanese domestic market) cars, tuned vehicles and trucks. Individuals and car clubs can register their vehicles, although the festival isn’t all static displays, with stunt drifting, a rev battle, car pulls and a burnout competition.
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
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