Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, received Ramadan well-wishers at an event in Dubai on Monday. Photo: Wam
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, received Ramadan well-wishers at an event in Dubai on Monday. Photo: Wam
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, received Ramadan well-wishers at an event in Dubai on Monday. Photo: Wam
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, received Ramadan well-wishers at an event in Dubai on Monday. Photo: Wam

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid receives Ramadan well-wishers in Dubai


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Read: UAE prayer timetable and daily iftar time

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, received Ramadan well-wishers on Monday at Al Mudaif Majlis in Union House, Dubai.

The Ruler of Dubai was joined by Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence, as well as Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed, First Deputy Ruler of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, to meet local dignitaries and senior officials, state news agency Wam reported.

During the gathering, Sheikh Mohammed highlighted how the spirit of Ramadan has inspired core Emirati values while promoting peace, co-operation, and support for those in need.

Also on Monday, Sheikh Mohammed presided over the swearing-in ceremony of 34 new judges appointed to the Dubai Courts, wishing them success in fulfilling their responsibilities and emphasising their role in enhancing the standards of Dubai’s judicial system. He also highlighted the vital role judges play in upholding fairness, protecting society, and maintaining the rule of law.

Sheikh Mohammed also presided over the swearing-in ceremony of 34 new judges appointed to the Dubai Courts. Photo: Wam
Sheikh Mohammed also presided over the swearing-in ceremony of 34 new judges appointed to the Dubai Courts. Photo: Wam

The swearing-in ceremony was also attended by Sheikh Hamdan, Sheikh Maktoum, Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed, Second Deputy Ruler of Dubai, and Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid bin Mohammed bin Rashid.

Also in attendance were Mohammed Ibrahim Al Shaibani, Director General of the Dubai Ruler's Court, and Vice Chairman of the Dubai Judicial Council, Essam Issa Al Humaidan, Attorney General of Dubai, Saif Ghanem Al Suwaidi, Director General of Dubai Courts, and Dr Abdullah Al Sabousi, Secretary-General of the Dubai Judicial Council.

On Sunday, Sheikh Hamdan shared photographs on X as he joined National Guard troops in Hatta for iftar. “I was delighted to join the personnel of the National Guard in Hatta for iftar,” Sheikh Hamdan wrote. “Their dedication to safeguarding our borders, even while away from their families during the Holy Month, is truly remarkable. We deeply appreciate all those who work diligently around the clock to ensure our country continues to be a beacon of stability and prosperity.”

Sheikh Hamdan joins Hatta troops for iftar - in pictures

  • Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence, joined personnel of the National Guard in Hatta for iftar. All photos: Sheikh Hamdan / X
    Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence, joined personnel of the National Guard in Hatta for iftar. All photos: Sheikh Hamdan / X
  • The troops, who were on patrol, broke their fast with Sheikh Hamdan and could be seen in photos on X with iftar meal boxes in front of them, on the first weekend of Ramadan
    The troops, who were on patrol, broke their fast with Sheikh Hamdan and could be seen in photos on X with iftar meal boxes in front of them, on the first weekend of Ramadan
  • 'Their dedication to safeguarding our borders, even while away from their families during the Holy Month, is truly remarkable,' Sheikh Hamdan wrote on X of the UAE soldiers
    'Their dedication to safeguarding our borders, even while away from their families during the Holy Month, is truly remarkable,' Sheikh Hamdan wrote on X of the UAE soldiers
  • As well as sharing their iftar meal, Sheikh Hamdan joined the National Guard members for prayer
    As well as sharing their iftar meal, Sheikh Hamdan joined the National Guard members for prayer

How to apply for a drone permit
  • Individuals must register on UAE Drone app or website using their UAE Pass
  • Add all their personal details, including name, nationality, passport number, Emiratis ID, email and phone number
  • Upload the training certificate from a centre accredited by the GCAA
  • Submit their request
What are the regulations?
  • Fly it within visual line of sight
  • Never over populated areas
  • Ensure maximum flying height of 400 feet (122 metres) above ground level is not crossed
  • Users must avoid flying over restricted areas listed on the UAE Drone app
  • Only fly the drone during the day, and never at night
  • Should have a live feed of the drone flight
  • Drones must weigh 5 kg or less

Who is Ramon Tribulietx?

Born in Spain, Tribulietx took sole charge of Auckland in 2010 and has gone on to lead the club to 14 trophies, including seven successive Oceania Champions League crowns. Has been tipped for the vacant New Zealand national team job following Anthony Hudson's resignation last month. Had previously been considered for the role. 

Results

1. New Zealand Daniel Meech – Fine (name of horse), Richard Gardner – Calisto, Bruce Goodin - Backatorps Danny V, Samantha McIntosh – Check In. Team total First round: 200.22; Second round: 201.75 – Penalties 12 (jump-off 40.16 seconds) Prize €64,000

2. Ireland Cameron Hanley – Aiyetoro, David Simpson – Keoki, Paul Kennedy – Cartown Danger Mouse, Shane Breen – Laith. Team total 200.25/202.84 – P 12 (jump-off 51.79 – P17) Prize €40,000

3. Italy Luca Maria Moneta – Connery, Luca Coata – Crandessa, Simone Coata – Dardonge, Natale Chiaudani – Almero. Team total 130.82/198.-4 – P20. Prize €32,000

The specs

Engine: 1.5-litre 4-cyl turbo

Power: 194hp at 5,600rpm

Torque: 275Nm from 2,000-4,000rpm

Transmission: 6-speed auto

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The National's picks

4.35pm: Tilal Al Khalediah
5.10pm: Continous
5.45pm: Raging Torrent
6.20pm: West Acre
7pm: Flood Zone
7.40pm: Straight No Chaser
8.15pm: Romantic Warrior
8.50pm: Calandogan
9.30pm: Forever Young

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Afcon 2019

SEMI-FINALS

Senegal v Tunisia, 8pm

Algeria v Nigeria, 11pm

Matches are live on BeIN Sports

At a glance

Global events: Much of the UK’s economic woes were blamed on “increased global uncertainty”, which can be interpreted as the economic impact of the Ukraine war and the uncertainty over Donald Trump’s tariffs.

 

Growth forecasts: Cut for 2025 from 2 per cent to 1 per cent. The OBR watchdog also estimated inflation will average 3.2 per cent this year

 

Welfare: Universal credit health element cut by 50 per cent and frozen for new claimants, building on cuts to the disability and incapacity bill set out earlier this month

 

Spending cuts: Overall day-to day-spending across government cut by £6.1bn in 2029-30 

 

Tax evasion: Steps to crack down on tax evasion to raise “£6.5bn per year” for the public purse

 

Defence: New high-tech weaponry, upgrading HM Naval Base in Portsmouth

 

Housing: Housebuilding to reach its highest in 40 years, with planning reforms helping generate an extra £3.4bn for public finances

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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

All or Nothing

Amazon Prime

Four 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

Updated: March 04, 2025, 8:32 AM