With the UAE's next public holiday not too far off, it's time to start thinking about your next getaway. This year's National Day holiday falls on Monday, December 2, and Tuesday, December 3, meaning that a four-day weekend is likely on the cards for those who typically have Saturday and Sunday off.
That's a good amount of time to head off on a short break for a few days, discovering somewhere new, or simply for a change of scenery. If you're looking for some destination inspiration ahead of the coming holiday, here are some places to visit in December, all within a five-hour flight of the UAE.
Tbilisi, Georgia
A short hop from the UAE, Tbilisi is less than a four-hour flight away and offers centuries-old ruins, botanical gardens and bustling street life. The Caucasus country sees relatively mild temperatures throughout winter, averaging between 8ºC and 10ºC during the day. Wrap yourself up and meander through Meidan Square, take a cable car over Turtle Lake or warm up with a visit to the city's thermal baths. Winter sports enthusiasts can head to Gudauri, only 90 minutes outside the city, where the first snows of the season are likely to have fallen.
The Maldives
Quintessential beachside holidays await in the Maldives, and the Indian Ocean archipelago is only a four-hour flight from the UAE. Once reserved for honeymooners, the holiday hotspot has matured over the years and now offers something for everyone, from family-friendly resorts to wellness retreats. For most travellers, time in the Maldives is likely to be spent basking on a golden beach or venturing into the blue to discover some of the world's best waters for snorkelling and scuba diving.
Egypt
Dripping in history, Cairo is a city you could spend weeks or months exploring. But if you've only got time for a short break, its proximity to the UAE – and less than four-hour flight time – makes it an ideal pick for a few days of discovery. As well as checking out the top must-sees, such as the Pyramids of Giza and the artefact-filled Egyptian Museum, schedule time to tour the art galleries, shop in the old Khan el-Khalili Bazaar and go on an evening cruise down the Nile, perfect this time of year. The city also has a bustling food scene, so make sure you pack your appetite.
Muscat, Oman
Whether for a city escape or a small-town getaway, the charm of Muscat is in its varied natural beauty and accessibility. Everything is a short drive away, whether you wish to go dolphin-watching or snorkelling in the many wadis or, weather-permitting, tackle an outdoor trek. It's got a lot to offer culturally, too – from a tour of the striking Royal Opera House Muscat to the stunning Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, where multilingual Omani guides will regale you with colourful anecdotes of how these architectural marvels were built. And then there’s the country's famous frankincense, considered one of the best in the world, and easily found in the local souqs. As a city known for its safety, and friendly smiles wherever you go, Oman's Muscat is the perfect spot for a short break, and a mere hour-long flight away.
Bahrain
Only an hour from the UAE, Bahrain offers a change of scenery within easy reach. The tiny kingdom is easily traversed in a couple of days, making it a good pick for a short break. Visit Qal’at al-Bahrain (the Bahrain Fort), shop at Manama Souq or soak in some rays on Bilaj Al Jazayer. December is a special month here too, as the country celebrates its own national day on December 16, and celebrations take place throughout the month with concerts, carnivals and events. For petrol heads, Bahrain International Circuit is worth a visit or, if nature is your thing, you might consider the drive out to the Tree of Life. Located at Bahrain’s highest point, the tree is green year-round despite no known water source coupled with the country's hot and dry desert climate.
Armenia
Nicknamed the pink city, Yerevan is Armenia's rose-toned capital that boasts Mount Ararat as its gorgeous backdrop. A three-hour flight from Dubai, it is the heart of one of the oldest countries in the world and the first to declare itself a Christian nation, meaning there's more than enough cultural and religious history to keep even the most avid history buff engaged. Wander around Republic Square, head to the National Gallery to see the world’s largest collection of Armenian art, or take a trip to the History Museum of Armenia to delve into the past. The best views of the city are waiting at the top of the giant limestone stairway known as the Yerevan Cascade. Prices here are relatively reasonable – meaning you can feast like a king without blowing your budget. And if you tire of the capital, there are plenty of day trips within easy reach.
Mumbai, India
India’s busiest city is also one of the world’s most vibrant and is only a three-hour flight from the UAE. Winter in this chaotic city is delightful, as temperatures cool down and people come out to play. Base yourself in Bandra, Worli or Colaba – each a district worth exploring. As the birthplace of Bollywood, catching a movie here is a must, as is a visit to The Gateway of India overlooking the Arabian Sea and a great place to soak in the city’s frenetic atmosphere. If you want a bird’s-eye view of Mumbai’s famous skyline, take in a sunset from Malabar Hill, and be sure to pack your appetite – the capital of Maharashtra has a vibrant food scene teaming with cafes, restaurants, street food and fine dining.
Kenya
One of the world’s best safari destinations is only a five-hour flight from the UAE, and December is a great time to go as the rains begin to taper off and wildlife sightings are in abundance thanks to migratory patterns and mating seasons. While the Great Migration is elsewhere at this time of year, travellers can spot newborn animals and migratory birds. Samburu National Reserve is the place to go to see imperial zebras and the world's tallest giraffes. The capital, Nairobi, offers warm days and cool nights, while divers and snorkellers can head to the coast to escape into the big blue. Seas are calm at this time of year and marine life, including whale sharks and manta rays, is plentiful.
AlUla, Saudi Arabia
Winter is the best time of year to visit Saudi Arabia's historic AlUla, reachable via a three-hour flight from the UAE. Surrounded by desert dunes and sandstone canyons, the region's lush green oases bloom brightly at this time of year and the scent of citrus fills the air as lemons, oranges and grapefruits grow. As well as enjoying some winter sun, travellers can witness history at age-old monuments, heritages sites and ancient tombs. After dark, wrap up with a blanket to embrace the cover of darkness, best served stargazing under an inky black sky. There's a host of hotels to stay in, from the traditional-inspired Dar Tantora by The House Hotel to the wellness-focused Banyan Tree AlUla
Istanbul, Turkey
With a flight time of just under five hours, Istanbul's cultural capital is a must-visit if you've never been before. Filled with historic sites, bustling markets and excellent museums, the city sees December temperatures that hover around 10°C or less, perfect if you're looking to embrace rather than escape the season. It is also the best time of year to score cheap deals on accommodation. Warm up at a Turkish Bath then sip a hot cup of coffee in a nearby cafe while you try to master the art of tavla, the country's national board game. Visit world-renowned attractions such as Hagia Sophia, the former church-turned-mosque that's also a Unesco World Heritage Site, and the 400-year-old Blue Mosque, where you can enjoy a visit without the throng of crowds that flock here during spring and summer.
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.
Tips to avoid getting scammed
1) Beware of cheques presented late on Thursday
2) Visit an RTA centre to change registration only after receiving payment
3) Be aware of people asking to test drive the car alone
4) Try not to close the sale at night
5) Don't be rushed into a sale
6) Call 901 if you see any suspicious behaviour
THE SCORES
Ireland 125 all out
(20 overs; Stirling 72, Mustafa 4-18)
UAE 125 for 5
(17 overs, Mustafa 39, D’Silva 29, Usman 29)
UAE won by five wickets
Benefits of first-time home buyers' scheme
- Priority access to new homes from participating developers
- Discounts on sales price of off-plan units
- Flexible payment plans from developers
- Mortgages with better interest rates, faster approval times and reduced fees
- DLD registration fee can be paid through banks or credit cards at zero interest rates
Six things you need to know about UAE Women’s Special Olympics football team
Several girls started playing football at age four
They describe sport as their passion
The girls don’t dwell on their condition
They just say they may need to work a little harder than others
When not in training, they play football with their brothers and sisters
The girls want to inspire others to join the UAE Special Olympics teams
Pakistan v New Zealand Test series
Pakistan: Sarfraz (c), Hafeez, Imam, Azhar, Sohail, Shafiq, Azam, Saad, Yasir, Asif, Abbas, Hassan, Afridi, Ashraf, Hamza
New Zealand: Williamson (c), Blundell, Boult, De Grandhomme, Henry, Latham, Nicholls, Ajaz, Raval, Sodhi, Somerville, Southee, Taylor, Wagner
Umpires: Bruce Oxerford (AUS) and Ian Gould (ENG); TV umpire: Paul Reiffel (AUS); Match referee: David Boon (AUS)
Tickets and schedule: Entry is free for all spectators. Gates open at 9am. Play commences at 10am
Trump v Khan
2016: Feud begins after Khan criticised Trump’s proposed Muslim travel ban to US
2017: Trump criticises Khan’s ‘no reason to be alarmed’ response to London Bridge terror attacks
2019: Trump calls Khan a “stone cold loser” before first state visit
2019: Trump tweets about “Khan’s Londonistan”, calling him “a national disgrace”
2022: Khan’s office attributes rise in Islamophobic abuse against the major to hostility stoked during Trump’s presidency
July 2025 During a golfing trip to Scotland, Trump calls Khan “a nasty person”
Sept 2025 Trump blames Khan for London’s “stabbings and the dirt and the filth”.
Dec 2025 Trump suggests migrants got Khan elected, calls him a “horrible, vicious, disgusting mayor”
Red flags
- Promises of high, fixed or 'guaranteed' returns.
- Unregulated structured products or complex investments often used to bypass traditional safeguards.
- Lack of clear information, vague language, no access to audited financials.
- Overseas companies targeting investors in other jurisdictions - this can make legal recovery difficult.
- Hard-selling tactics - creating urgency, offering 'exclusive' deals.
Courtesy: Carol Glynn, founder of Conscious Finance Coaching
The burning issue
The internal combustion engine is facing a watershed moment – major manufacturer Volvo is to stop producing petroleum-powered vehicles by 2021 and countries in Europe, including the UK, have vowed to ban their sale before 2040. The National takes a look at the story of one of the most successful technologies of the last 100 years and how it has impacted life in the UAE.
Read part four: an affection for classic cars lives on
Read part three: the age of the electric vehicle begins
Read part one: how cars came to the UAE
UAE v Gibraltar
What: International friendly
When: 7pm kick off
Where: Rugby Park, Dubai Sports City
Admission: Free
Online: The match will be broadcast live on Dubai Exiles’ Facebook page
UAE squad: Lucas Waddington (Dubai Exiles), Gio Fourie (Exiles), Craig Nutt (Abu Dhabi Harlequins), Phil Brady (Harlequins), Daniel Perry (Dubai Hurricanes), Esekaia Dranibota (Harlequins), Matt Mills (Exiles), Jaen Botes (Exiles), Kristian Stinson (Exiles), Murray Reason (Abu Dhabi Saracens), Dave Knight (Hurricanes), Ross Samson (Jebel Ali Dragons), DuRandt Gerber (Exiles), Saki Naisau (Dragons), Andrew Powell (Hurricanes), Emosi Vacanau (Harlequins), Niko Volavola (Dragons), Matt Richards (Dragons), Luke Stevenson (Harlequins), Josh Ives (Dubai Sports City Eagles), Sean Stevens (Saracens), Thinus Steyn (Exiles)
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
War
Director: Siddharth Anand
Cast: Hrithik Roshan, Tiger Shroff, Ashutosh Rana, Vaani Kapoor
Rating: Two out of five stars
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KILLING OF QASSEM SULEIMANI
Expo details
Expo 2020 Dubai will be the first World Expo to be held in the Middle East, Africa and South Asia
The world fair will run for six months from October 20, 2020 to April 10, 2021.
It is expected to attract 25 million visits
Some 70 per cent visitors are projected to come from outside the UAE, the largest proportion of international visitors in the 167-year history of World Expos.
More than 30,000 volunteers are required for Expo 2020
The site covers a total of 4.38 sqkm, including a 2 sqkm gated area
It is located adjacent to Al Maktoum International Airport in Dubai South
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Results
5pm: Handicap (PA) Dh80,000 1,400m; Winner: Faiza, Sandro Paiva (jockey), Ali Rashid Al Raihe (trainer).
5.30pm: Handicap (TB) Dh90,000 1,400m; Winner: Greeley, Connor Beasley, Helal Al Alawi.
6pm: Emirates Fillies Classic Prestige (PA) Dh100,000 1,600m; Winner: Marzaga, Jim Crowley, Ana Mendez.
6.30pm: Emirates Colts Classic Prestige (PA) Dh100,000 1,600m; Winner: Jawaal, Jim Crowley, Majed Al Jahouri.
7pm: Wathba Stallions Cup Handicap (PA) Dh70,000 1,600m; Winner: AF Ashras, Tadhg O’Shea, Ernst Oertel.
7.30pm: Handicap (PA) Dh80,000 2,200m; Winner: Somoud, Richard Mullen, Ahmed Al Mehairbi.
How to wear a kandura
Dos
- Wear the right fabric for the right season and occasion
- Always ask for the dress code if you don’t know
- Wear a white kandura, white ghutra / shemagh (headwear) and black shoes for work
- Wear 100 per cent cotton under the kandura as most fabrics are polyester
Don’ts
- Wear hamdania for work, always wear a ghutra and agal
- Buy a kandura only based on how it feels; ask questions about the fabric and understand what you are buying
F1 2020 calendar
March 15 - Australia, Melbourne; March 22 - Bahrain, Sakhir; April 5 - Vietnam, Hanoi; April 19 - China, Shanghai; May 3 - Netherlands, Zandvoort; May 20 - Spain, Barcelona; May 24 - Monaco, Monaco; June 7 - Azerbaijan, Baku; June 14 - Canada, Montreal; June 28 - France, Le Castellet; July 5 - Austria, Spielberg; July 19 - Great Britain, Silverstone; August 2 - Hungary, Budapest; August 30 - Belgium, Spa; September 6 - Italy, Monza; September 20 - Singapore, Singapore; September 27 - Russia, Sochi; October 11 - Japan, Suzuka; October 25 - United States, Austin; November 1 - Mexico City, Mexico City; November 15 - Brazil, Sao Paulo; November 29 - Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi.
The Voice of Hind Rajab
Starring: Saja Kilani, Clara Khoury, Motaz Malhees
Director: Kaouther Ben Hania
Rating: 4/5
The BIO
Favourite piece of music: Verdi’s Requiem. It’s awe-inspiring.
Biggest inspiration: My father, as I grew up in a house where music was constantly played on a wind-up gramophone. I had amazing music teachers in primary and secondary school who inspired me to take my music further. They encouraged me to take up music as a profession and I follow in their footsteps, encouraging others to do the same.
Favourite book: Ian McEwan’s Atonement – the ending alone knocked me for six.
Favourite holiday destination: Italy - music and opera is so much part of the life there. I love it.
Turkish Ladies
Various artists, Sony Music Turkey
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Results:
5pm: Handicap (PA) | Dh80,000 | 1,600 metres
Winner: Dasan Da, Saeed Al Mazrooei (jockey), Helal Al Alawi (trainer)
5.30pm: Maiden (PA) | Dh80,000 | 1,600m
Winner: AF Saabah, Tadhg O’Shea, Ernst Oertel
6pm: Handicap (PA) | Dh80,000 | 1,600m
Winner: Mukaram, Pat Cosgrave, Eric Lemartinel
6.30pm: Handicap (PA) | Dh80,000 | 2,200m
Winner: MH Tawag, Richard Mullen, Elise Jeanne
7pm: Wathba Stallions Cup Handicap (PA) | Dh70,000 | 1,400m
Winner: RB Inferno, Fabrice Veron, Ismail Mohammed
7.30pm: Handicap (TB) | Dh100,000 | 1,600m
Winner: Juthoor, Jim Crowley, Erwan Charpy
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