An old song about the city of Tehran praises it for being “always full of light”. But this isn’t how most Tehranis are experiencing their city this week. Like other parts of Iran, the city is going through government-organised electricity cuts. Its long highways have gone dark and every home has received a schedule for power cuts. Neighbourhoods have to do without electricity for several hours during daytime.
Despite being energy-rich, Iran is no stranger to electricity cuts, although they are nowhere as common as in countries such as Lebanon, Pakistan or South Africa. This is why many Iranians are reacting with considerable anger. In the city of Shahriar, a baker who had lost much of his products to a power cut, protested by dumping his stock of spoilt sourdough on the streets. A shopkeeper in Zabul voiced outrage at his goods going bad due to his fridge shutting off.
This situation would have been controversial under any circumstances but the explanation provided by the government of Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has only added fuel to the fire.
The government is framing the electricity cuts as an environmental protection measure, saying that they were the result of power plants being ordered to stop burning mazut, a particularly dirty and low-grade heavy oil, which is used to generate power in only a few countries in the world, including Iran. Announcing the measure, the government’s spokesperson sounded like she was doing Iranians a favour, declaring that “regulated darkness” was better than “producing poison”.
As expected, Dr Pezeshkian’s political opponents, particularly the more extreme, have jumped on this. The research centre at the hardliner-dominated parliament was quick to produce a report that questions the government’s claim that stopping the use of mazut is the real reason for the electricity cuts.
The real reason is Iran’s lacking sufficient fuels such as diesel fuel or even mazut, it said. In other words, it wasn’t that the government didn’t want to burn mazut but that it simply doesn’t have enough of it or other fuels.
Malek Shariati, a conservative MP, made similar claims and said people were being as hurt by electricity cuts as they would be by air pollution. The Tehran daily Hamshahri, went with the headline: “Will our skies become blue only if the lights go dark?”
Placing the blame for Iran’s myriad energy problems on Dr Pezeshkian is absurd. He has been President only since July 28. The previous administration was led by the hardliner president, Ebrahim Raisi. But it’s true that blaming problems on predecessors is a venerable part of the Islamic Republic’s political culture. Raisi himself often blamed the bad hand he had been dealt by the centrist Hassan Rouhani who, in turn, put the blame on another former hardliner president Mahmoud Ahmadinejad.
The truth is that Iran’s electricity problems have been a long time coming. In fact, on the day of Dr Pezeshkian’s inauguration, Tehran was facing power cuts. The presidential office was literally in the dark on that day, an ironic symbol of Iran’s problems.
The Pezeshkian government’s decision to cut electricity in Iranian homes contrasts with the Raisi government’s cutting electricity out of industrial concerns. The latter created less of a hassle in the daily lives of most citizens, but it was arguably more harmful for the country’s long-term economic health.
Vice President, Mohammadreza Aref, made a similar point a few weeks ago when introducing Iran’s new energy minister, Abbas Aliabadi. If the country wants to achieve its goal of eight per cent economic growth, as outlined in its development plan, it couldn’t go through hours of electricity cut at its factories, Mr Aref said.
But Iranians aren’t just upset at the current electricity cuts for the inconvenience of today. They are also worried that this might bode ill for the near future. It’s still only fall and a particularly tough or cold winter could stretch Iran further. Many remember with bitterness how following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, conservative Iranians claimed that Europe was going to face a “tough winter” without regular energy sources from Iran and Russia. Europe was able to avoid a serious crisis in its energy supply but Iran hasn’t been so lucky.
Despite boasting of one of the largest natural gas reserves in the world, Iran doesn’t produce enough energy to warm all its homes, especially since it also relies on gas export for hard currency. Dr Pezeshkian was hoping to sign a deal with its gas-rich north-eastern neighbour, Turkmenistan, to solve this problem but no satisfactory deal has been coming.
More worryingly, it’s likely that when US president-elect Donald Trump takes office in January, he will bring back his policy of "maximum pressure", which would mean a harsher enforcement of sanctions on Iranian oil. If Iran is not able to sell as much oil, it will even have more problems providing the basics for its citizens. The problem will be even worse if Israel attacks Iran’s energy infrastructure, as many have suggested it could. Emboldened by Mr Trump’s election, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu might want to use such attacks to heighten domestic discontent in Iran.
Like most of its problems, Iran’s energy pains also have to do with its international isolation. Among other things, the US-imposed sanctions prevent Iran from accessing the most up-to-date technology for its power plants. Nevertheless, Iranians are clear-eyed about the roots of their problems. In a poll published last month and reported by the Iranian Students' News Agency, a majority of Iranians blamed mismanagement of resources by authorities as the main reason behind the electricity cuts. “Sanctions” and “mismanagement” have been long cited as twin evils bedeviling the country.
Writing on the current crisis, journalist Reza Ghobeishawi warned in Shargh Daily about an ominous example: Cuba, which recently went through significant electricity cuts. Iran, he said, will await a similar fate unless it worked to lift the sanctions and improve its international stature.
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
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Mohammed bin Zayed Majlis
LA LIGA FIXTURES
Thursday (All UAE kick-off times)
Sevilla v Real Betis (midnight)
Friday
Granada v Real Betis (9.30pm)
Valencia v Levante (midnight)
Saturday
Espanyol v Alaves (4pm)
Celta Vigo v Villarreal (7pm)
Leganes v Real Valladolid (9.30pm)
Mallorca v Barcelona (midnight)
Sunday
Atletic Bilbao v Atletico Madrid (4pm)
Real Madrid v Eibar (9.30pm)
Real Sociedad v Osasuna (midnight)
What went into the film
25 visual effects (VFX) studios
2,150 VFX shots in a film with 2,500 shots
1,000 VFX artists
3,000 technicians
10 Concept artists, 25 3D designers
New sound technology, named 4D SRL
Global state-owned investor ranking by size
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United States
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China
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UAE
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Japan
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Norway
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Canada
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Singapore
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Australia
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Saudi Arabia
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South Korea
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COMPANY%20PROFILE
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RESULTS
Bantamweight: Victor Nunes (BRA) beat Azizbek Satibaldiev (KYG). Round 1 KO
Featherweight: Izzeddin Farhan (JOR) beat Ozodbek Azimov (UZB). Round 1 rear naked choke
Middleweight: Zaakir Badat (RSA) beat Ercin Sirin (TUR). Round 1 triangle choke
Featherweight: Ali Alqaisi (JOR) beat Furkatbek Yokubov (UZB). Round 1 TKO
Featherweight: Abu Muslim Alikhanov (RUS) beat Atabek Abdimitalipov (KYG). Unanimous decision
Catchweight 74kg: Mirafzal Akhtamov (UZB) beat Marcos Costa (BRA). Split decision
Welterweight: Andre Fialho (POR) beat Sang Hoon-yu (KOR). Round 1 TKO
Lightweight: John Mitchell (IRE) beat Arbi Emiev (RUS). Round 2 RSC (deep cuts)
Middleweight: Gianni Melillo (ITA) beat Mohammed Karaki (LEB)
Welterweight: Handesson Ferreira (BRA) beat Amiran Gogoladze (GEO). Unanimous decision
Flyweight (Female): Carolina Jimenez (VEN) beat Lucrezia Ria (ITA), Round 1 rear naked choke
Welterweight: Daniel Skibinski (POL) beat Acoidan Duque (ESP). Round 3 TKO
Lightweight: Martun Mezhlumyan (ARM) beat Attila Korkmaz (TUR). Unanimous decision
Bantamweight: Ray Borg (USA) beat Jesse Arnett (CAN). Unanimous decision
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Citizenship-by-investment programmes
United Kingdom
The UK offers three programmes for residency. The UK Overseas Business Representative Visa lets you open an overseas branch office of your existing company in the country at no extra investment. For the UK Tier 1 Innovator Visa, you are required to invest £50,000 (Dh238,000) into a business. You can also get a UK Tier 1 Investor Visa if you invest £2 million, £5m or £10m (the higher the investment, the sooner you obtain your permanent residency).
All UK residency visas get approved in 90 to 120 days and are valid for 3 years. After 3 years, the applicant can apply for extension of another 2 years. Once they have lived in the UK for a minimum of 6 months every year, they are eligible to apply for permanent residency (called Indefinite Leave to Remain). After one year of ILR, the applicant can apply for UK passport.
The Caribbean
Depending on the country, the investment amount starts from $100,000 (Dh367,250) and can go up to $400,000 in real estate. From the date of purchase, it will take between four to five months to receive a passport.
Portugal
The investment amount ranges from €350,000 to €500,000 (Dh1.5m to Dh2.16m) in real estate. From the date of purchase, it will take a maximum of six months to receive a Golden Visa. Applicants can apply for permanent residency after five years and Portuguese citizenship after six years.
“Among European countries with residency programmes, Portugal has been the most popular because it offers the most cost-effective programme to eventually acquire citizenship of the European Union without ever residing in Portugal,” states Veronica Cotdemiey of Citizenship Invest.
Greece
The real estate investment threshold to acquire residency for Greece is €250,000, making it the cheapest real estate residency visa scheme in Europe. You can apply for residency in four months and citizenship after seven years.
Spain
The real estate investment threshold to acquire residency for Spain is €500,000. You can apply for permanent residency after five years and citizenship after 10 years. It is not necessary to live in Spain to retain and renew the residency visa permit.
Cyprus
Cyprus offers the quickest route to citizenship of a European country in only six months. An investment of €2m in real estate is required, making it the highest priced programme in Europe.
Malta
The Malta citizenship by investment programme is lengthy and investors are required to contribute sums as donations to the Maltese government. The applicant must either contribute at least €650,000 to the National Development & Social Fund. Spouses and children are required to contribute €25,000; unmarried children between 18 and 25 and dependent parents must contribute €50,000 each.
The second step is to make an investment in property of at least €350,000 or enter a property rental contract for at least €16,000 per annum for five years. The third step is to invest at least €150,000 in bonds or shares approved by the Maltese government to be kept for at least five years.
Candidates must commit to a minimum physical presence in Malta before citizenship is granted. While you get residency in two months, you can apply for citizenship after a year.
Egypt
A one-year residency permit can be bought if you purchase property in Egypt worth $100,000. A three-year residency is available for those who invest $200,000 in property, and five years for those who purchase property worth $400,000.
Source: Citizenship Invest and Aqua Properties
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The five pillars of Islam
1. Fasting
2. Prayer
3. Hajj
4. Shahada
5. Zakat
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
It Was Just an Accident
Director: Jafar Panahi
Stars: Vahid Mobasseri, Mariam Afshari, Ebrahim Azizi, Hadis Pakbaten, Majid Panahi, Mohamad Ali Elyasmehr
Rating: 4/5
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.
FA Cup quarter-final draw
The matches will be played across the weekend of 21 and 22 March
Sheffield United v Arsenal
Newcastle v Manchester City
Norwich v Derby/Manchester United
Leicester City v Chelsea
More from Neighbourhood Watch:
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The Settlers
Director: Louis Theroux
Starring: Daniella Weiss, Ari Abramowitz
Rating: 5/5
The specs: 2018 Infiniti QX80
Price: base / as tested: Dh335,000
Engine: 5.6-litre V8
Gearbox: Seven-speed automatic
Power: 400hp @ 5,800rpm
Torque: 560Nm @ 4,000rpm
Fuel economy, combined: 12.1L / 100km
On racial profiling at airports
Ads on social media can 'normalise' drugs
A UK report on youth social media habits commissioned by advocacy group Volteface found a quarter of young people were exposed to illegal drug dealers on social media.
The poll of 2,006 people aged 16-24 assessed their exposure to drug dealers online in a nationally representative survey.
Of those admitting to seeing drugs for sale online, 56 per cent saw them advertised on Snapchat, 55 per cent on Instagram and 47 per cent on Facebook.
Cannabis was the drug most pushed by online dealers, with 63 per cent of survey respondents claiming to have seen adverts on social media for the drug, followed by cocaine (26 per cent) and MDMA/ecstasy, with 24 per cent of people.
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