Palawan, an archipelago in the Philippines, offers a tropical island escape similar to the Maldives. Getty Images
Palawan, an archipelago in the Philippines, offers a tropical island escape similar to the Maldives. Getty Images
Palawan, an archipelago in the Philippines, offers a tropical island escape similar to the Maldives. Getty Images
Palawan, an archipelago in the Philippines, offers a tropical island escape similar to the Maldives. Getty Images

'Destination dupes' to travel to this summer, with alternatives for Seoul and the Maldives


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Overtourism has become a major talking point in recent years in the world of travel.

Many European destinations, for example, that are traditionally popular for summer holidays are getting more crowded than ever.

That's why “destination dupes” are a big trend this year. These are more affordable, less-crowded equivalents to popular holiday hot spots, places where you can avoid the unpleasant impact of overtourism while still enjoying a similar vibe.

Here are 10 destinations The National recommends jetting off to, all of which are easy to reach from the UAE.

Swap Santorini for Paros

Santorini, left, can be replaced with Paros, right, which has the same Greek charm at a more affordable price. Getty Images
Santorini, left, can be replaced with Paros, right, which has the same Greek charm at a more affordable price. Getty Images

Crystal-clear waters, stunning beaches and traditional Cycladic architecture abound in Paros, a fabulous alternative Greek island destination to the intensely popular Santorini. It has all the charm, but is also more laid back and affordable.

Spend your days trying out water activities and exploring the quaint fishing village of Naousa or the main port at Parikia, where the whitewashed buildings and narrow cobblestone streets create a picturesque setting.

During the day, discover ancient ruins including the magnificent Byzantine-era church complex Panagia Ekatontapiliani, and in the evenings indulge in local cuisine at seaside tavernas or experience Paros's vibrant nightlife.

Swap the Maldives for Palawan

Maldives, left, can be swapped for Palawan, right, offering nature and culture in a beautiful setting. Getty Images
Maldives, left, can be swapped for Palawan, right, offering nature and culture in a beautiful setting. Getty Images

Palawan is often referred to as the Last Frontier of the Philippines because of the thousands of kilometres of unexplored forests and coastlines, making it an easy rival for the Maldives's renowned beauty.

The narrow archipelago is the third largest island in the Philippines and features pristine beaches and bright blue waters, but also incredible biodiversity and marine life.

It's also home to two Unesco World Heritage Sites – the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park, which includes the world's longest navigable underground river, and the Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park, coral-reef atolls that are uninhabited by people but that are home to more than 400 species of fish.

It is an ideal location for diving enthusiasts or anyone hoping to get a taste of authentic Filipino cuisine, but a variety of luxury hotels also means it's perfect for a more off-the-beaten-track tropical escape.

Swap London for Liverpool

London, left, may be the UK's most famous city, but Liverpool, right, has plenty of northern charm to offer travellers. Getty Images
London, left, may be the UK's most famous city, but Liverpool, right, has plenty of northern charm to offer travellers. Getty Images

The home of The Beatles has historically been overlooked as a British tourist destination, but travellers all over the world are starting to catch on to this northern English city's charm, not to mention its relatively cooler climes during the summer.

While London lures tourists with its cosmopolitan allure, Liverpool captures imaginations with its rich cultural heritage, lively music scene and friendly vibe. Music fans can explore the Fab Four's history at the famous Cavern Club, while football fanatics can head to Liverpool FC's home at Anfield.

No trip to Liverpool should go without a visit to the Royal Albert Dock, home to galleries, restaurants, bars, shops and museums, including the Merseyside Maritime Museum. The famed Tate Liverpool's Albert Dock home is temporarily closed for renovations, but you can take a detour to Mann Island, where Tate and the Royal Institute of British Architects have collaborated on a new, dynamic art-filled experience on the waterfront.

Swap Sydney for Perth

Sydney, top, is full of famous landmarks, but Perth, above, is less crowded and conveniently located near excellent day-trip destinations. Getty Images
Sydney, top, is full of famous landmarks, but Perth, above, is less crowded and conveniently located near excellent day-trip destinations. Getty Images

The vibrant Fremantle arts scene, lush Kings Park and scenic Swan River are only a handful of reasons to make Perth your destination of choice on your next Australian adventure. It's a charming, laid-back alternative to the country's most famous metropolis.

It's also home to stunning shorelines, including Cottesloe Beach, one of Western Australia's most famous. But Perth's biggest perk is its warm and friendly atmosphere, thanks to welcoming locals and a fine balance between city and nature in a more compact setting, which is conveniently located for exciting and adventurous day trips. These include stargazing in the desert at The Pinnacles and meeting cute quokkas at Rottnest Island, a protected nature reserve.

Swap Seoul for Taipei

Seoul, left, is a must-visit, but during peak season head for Taipei, right. Getty Images; Bloomberg
Seoul, left, is a must-visit, but during peak season head for Taipei, right. Getty Images; Bloomberg

International interest in South Korea has boomed over recent years, leading to crowds of tourists heading to its wonderful capital, Seoul. While it's still a must-visit in off-peak season, for another captivating Asian experience this summer head to Taipei.

The capital of Taiwan is a similarly dynamic blend between modern meets traditional, where bustling night markets, delicious street food, towering skyscrapers and historic treasures reside side by side.

Explore Bangka Lungshan Temple, a Chinese folk religious structure that dates back to 1738, or Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall, an impressive monument that pays homage to the island's former leader.

For a taste of modernity, head up the observatory in Taipei 101, which until 2009 was the world's tallest building, before it was surpassed by Dubai's Burj Khalifa.

Swap Bali for Langkawi

Bali, left, is a tropical island paradise, but so is underrated Langkawi, right. Getty Images
Bali, left, is a tropical island paradise, but so is underrated Langkawi, right. Getty Images

Bali is on most people's bucket list, but rowdy tourists, big crowds and rising gentrification has had people looking elsewhere for that dreamy island paradise feel. The Malaysian archipelago of Langkawi is an excellent choice.

Want picture-perfect beaches? Check. Lush rainforests? It's got that. Wildlife? Yes. Luxury hotels? In abundance. Major tourist attractions won't have queues forming for miles just for a photo opportunity, including Langkawi Sky Bridge, a 125-metre curved pedestrian cable-stayed bridge 660 metres above sea level, and Telaga Tujuh Waterfalls, a popular swimming and hiking spot home to several natural pools.

Yet you can still also savour authentic local cuisine, bask in a spiritual experience, island hop and soak up the relaxed atmosphere – all at a much lower price point.

Swap Dubrovnik for Sibenik

Dubrovnik, left, is a stunning Croatian city that could be swapped for Sibenik, right. Getty Images
Dubrovnik, left, is a stunning Croatian city that could be swapped for Sibenik, right. Getty Images

Croatia has been on many people's summer travel lists for years now, so the main cities of Zagreb and Split are typically overflowing with tourists, while the southern seaside city of Dubrovnik is also extremely popular.

A great alternative is Sibenik, a lesser-known gem along the country's Adriatic coastline that offers a quieter, more authentic experience surrounded by well-preserved medieval architecture. This includes the Unesco-listed Cathedral of St James, known as a masterpiece of Renaissance and Gothic art.

Similar to Dubrovnik, the city's Old Town stands out, but the nearby beaches are also a major draw. Sibenik is also known as the gateway to the stunning Kornati Islands, which can be reached by sailboat.

Swap Amsterdam for Utrecht

Utrecht, right, has plenty of beautiful tree-lined canals, just like Amsterdam, left. Getty Images
Utrecht, right, has plenty of beautiful tree-lined canals, just like Amsterdam, left. Getty Images

The Netherlands' capital is a quintessentially popular summer spot, but why not consider Utrecht this year? The city, which is about 45km south-east of Amsterdam, has tree-lined canals, colourful houses, quirky boutiques, a thriving cafe culture and plenty of hidden gems.

Whether you're visiting the myriad museums, which cover genres from steam trains to self-playing instruments, the botanic gardens or the 14th-century landmark Dom Tower, the tallest church tower in the country, you won't be short of things to do.

Explore the Van Gogh Museum or stroll around family-friendly Giftpark and take a boat cruise along one of the many tranquil canals. It's often hailed as the “crowdless mini-Amsterdam” for a reason.

Swap Bruges for Ghent

Bruges, left, is filled with canals, medieval architecture and plenty of charm, similar to nearby Ghent, right. Getty Images
Bruges, left, is filled with canals, medieval architecture and plenty of charm, similar to nearby Ghent, right. Getty Images

Bruges is one of Belgium's most popular destinations, no small thanks to Colin Farrell's turn in the 2008 hit crime-thriller In Bruges. But the small medieval city, which was once an important centre for economic activity in Europe, is now overrun with tourists on those cobbled streets and canals.

Ghent, however, which is about an hour's drive away, has similarly charming medieval architecture, picturesque canals and a rich cultural heritage.

It particularly stands out as being one of the most sustainable destinations in Europe, where eco-friendly accommodation, vegetarian restaurants and electric transportation are in plentiful supply.

It's also home to a thriving student population, meaning the contemporary arts scene is blossoming, and there is a lively nightlife scene across the city's vibrant neighbourhoods.

Swap Stockholm for Gothenburg

Head to the smaller Swedish city of Gothenburg, left, from the bustling capital Stockholm. Getty Images
Head to the smaller Swedish city of Gothenburg, left, from the bustling capital Stockholm. Getty Images

Scandinavia is becoming an increasingly popular go-to come the summer thanks to the cooler temperatures, so avoiding bustling metropolises is ideal.

In Sweden, that could mean heading to Gothenburg, on the country's west coast, an important port known for Dutch-style canals, tree-lined boulevards and a more relaxed and yet still classic Swedish experience.

Gothenburg is filled with things to do, from art galleries and museums to historic sites and a stunning opera house.

Stroll through the picturesque Haga district, known for its cobbled streets and traditional wooden buildings that are home to candlelit cafes and courtyards, creating a bohemian vibe.

Or unwind in the tranquil, century-old, 137-hectare Slottsskogen Park and indulge in a thriving culinary scene propped up by local markets and seafood restaurants that showcase the city's diverse gastronomy.

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UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
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'Munich: The Edge of War'

Director: Christian Schwochow

Starring: George MacKay, Jannis Niewohner, Jeremy Irons

Rating: 3/5

The specs

Engine: 3.8-litre twin-turbo flat-six

Power: 650hp at 6,750rpm

Torque: 800Nm from 2,500-4,000rpm

Transmission: 8-speed dual-clutch auto

Fuel consumption: 11.12L/100km

Price: From Dh796,600

On sale: now

The biog

Favourite books: 'Ruth Bader Ginsburg: A Life' by Jane D. Mathews and ‘The Moment of Lift’ by Melinda Gates

Favourite travel destination: Greece, a blend of ancient history and captivating nature. It always has given me a sense of joy, endless possibilities, positive energy and wonderful people that make you feel at home.

Favourite pastime: travelling and experiencing different cultures across the globe.

Favourite quote: “In the future, there will be no female leaders. There will just be leaders” - Sheryl Sandberg, COO of Facebook.

Favourite Movie: Mona Lisa Smile 

Favourite Author: Kahlil Gibran

Favourite Artist: Meryl Streep

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

BIGGEST CYBER SECURITY INCIDENTS IN RECENT TIMES

SolarWinds supply chain attack: Came to light in December 2020 but had taken root for several months, compromising major tech companies, governments and its entities

Microsoft Exchange server exploitation: March 2021; attackers used a vulnerability to steal emails

Kaseya attack: July 2021; ransomware hit perpetrated REvil, resulting in severe downtime for more than 1,000 companies

Log4j breach: December 2021; attackers exploited the Java-written code to inflitrate businesses and governments

Neymar's bio

Total club appearances 411

Total goals scored 241

Appearances for Barca 186

Goals scored for Barca 105

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
Singham Again

Director: Rohit Shetty

Stars: Ajay Devgn, Kareena Kapoor Khan, Ranveer Singh, Akshay Kumar, Tiger Shroff, Deepika Padukone

Rating: 3/5

Who was Alfred Nobel?

The Nobel Prize was created by wealthy Swedish chemist and entrepreneur Alfred Nobel.

  • In his will he dictated that the bulk of his estate should be used to fund "prizes to those who, during the preceding year, have conferred the greatest benefit to humankind".
  • Nobel is best known as the inventor of dynamite, but also wrote poetry and drama and could speak Russian, French, English and German by the age of 17. The five original prize categories reflect the interests closest to his heart.
  • Nobel died in 1896 but it took until 1901, following a legal battle over his will, before the first prizes were awarded.
COMPANY PROFILE

Company: Bidzi

● Started: 2024

● Founders: Akshay Dosaj and Asif Rashid

● Based: Dubai, UAE

● Industry: M&A

● Funding size: Bootstrapped

● No of employees: Nine

Know your camel milk:
Flavour: Similar to goat’s milk, although less pungent. Vaguely sweet with a subtle, salty aftertaste.
Texture: Smooth and creamy, with a slightly thinner consistency than cow’s milk.
Use it: In your morning coffee, to add flavour to homemade ice cream and milk-heavy desserts, smoothies, spiced camel-milk hot chocolate.
Goes well with: chocolate and caramel, saffron, cardamom and cloves. Also works well with honey and dates.

Series result

1st ODI Zimbabwe won by 6 wickets

2nd ODI Sri Lanka won by 7 wickets

3rd ODI Sri Lanka won by 8 wickets

4th ODI Zimbabwe won by 4 wickets

5th ODI Zimbabwe won by 3 wickets

First Person
Richard Flanagan
Chatto & Windus 

Iran's dirty tricks to dodge sanctions

There’s increased scrutiny on the tricks being used to keep commodities flowing to and from blacklisted countries. Here’s a description of how some work.

1 Going Dark

A common method to transport Iranian oil with stealth is to turn off the Automatic Identification System, an electronic device that pinpoints a ship’s location. Known as going dark, a vessel flicks the switch before berthing and typically reappears days later, masking the location of its load or discharge port.

2. Ship-to-Ship Transfers

A first vessel will take its clandestine cargo away from the country in question before transferring it to a waiting ship, all of this happening out of sight. The vessels will then sail in different directions. For about a third of Iranian exports, more than one tanker typically handles a load before it’s delivered to its final destination, analysts say.

3. Fake Destinations

Signaling the wrong destination to load or unload is another technique. Ships that intend to take cargo from Iran may indicate their loading ports in sanction-free places like Iraq. Ships can keep changing their destinations and end up not berthing at any of them.

4. Rebranded Barrels

Iranian barrels can also be rebranded as oil from a nation free from sanctions such as Iraq. The countries share fields along their border and the crude has similar characteristics. Oil from these deposits can be trucked out to another port and documents forged to hide Iran as the origin.

* Bloomberg

The five stages of early child’s play

From Dubai-based clinical psychologist Daniella Salazar:

1. Solitary Play: This is where Infants and toddlers start to play on their own without seeming to notice the people around them. This is the beginning of play.

2. Onlooker play: This occurs where the toddler enjoys watching other people play. There doesn’t necessarily need to be any effort to begin play. They are learning how to imitate behaviours from others. This type of play may also appear in children who are more shy and introverted.

3. Parallel Play: This generally starts when children begin playing side-by-side without any interaction. Even though they aren’t physically interacting they are paying attention to each other. This is the beginning of the desire to be with other children.

4. Associative Play: At around age four or five, children become more interested in each other than in toys and begin to interact more. In this stage children start asking questions and talking about the different activities they are engaging in. They realise they have similar goals in play such as building a tower or playing with cars.

5. Social Play: In this stage children are starting to socialise more. They begin to share ideas and follow certain rules in a game. They slowly learn the definition of teamwork. They get to engage in basic social skills and interests begin to lead social interactions.

Mercedes-AMG GT 63 S E Performance: the specs

Engine: 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 plus rear-mounted electric motor

Power: 843hp at N/A rpm

Torque: 1470Nm N/A rpm

Transmission: 9-speed auto

Fuel consumption: 8.6L/100km

On sale: October to December

Price: From Dh875,000 (estimate)

What is graphene?

Graphene is extracted from graphite and is made up of pure carbon.

It is 200 times more resistant than steel and five times lighter than aluminum.

It conducts electricity better than any other material at room temperature.

It is thought that graphene could boost the useful life of batteries by 10 per cent.

Graphene can also detect cancer cells in the early stages of the disease.

The material was first discovered when Andre Geim and Konstantin Novoselov were 'playing' with graphite at the University of Manchester in 2004.

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PROFILE OF INVYGO

Started: 2018

Founders: Eslam Hussein and Pulkit Ganjoo

Based: Dubai

Sector: Transport

Size: 9 employees

Investment: $1,275,000

Investors: Class 5 Global, Equitrust, Gulf Islamic Investments, Kairos K50 and William Zeqiri

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While you're here
The specs

Engine: 2.0-litre 4-cyl turbo

Power: 247hp at 6,500rpm

Torque: 370Nm from 1,500-3,500rpm

Transmission: 10-speed auto

Fuel consumption: 7.8L/100km

Price: from Dh94,900

On sale: now

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Updated: February 27, 2024, 6:37 AM