In January, Saudi Arabia added a luxury train to its growing list of tourist attractions. Set to be the Middle East's first super-luxury train, Dream of the Desert will allow travellers to explore the kingdom’s heritage and natural sites through its 1,250 kilometres from Riyadh to Al Qurayyat in the north of the country, close to the Jordanian border.
The 14-carriage Dream of the Desert will house 34 luxury suites and one restaurant, and will aim to cater to the growing slow travel trend as more and more people opt for longer, more sustainable journeys.
With the popularity of the age-old leisurely train travel once again picking up speed, here are some of the world's most luxurious trains to hop on for an experiential journey.
La Dolce Vita Orient Express, Italy
The newest kid on the block, this 12-carriage luxury train launched in April and transports up to 62 passengers for one, two or three nights around Italy, with the journey beginning and ending in Rome.
Passengers can pick from two cabin classes: Deluxe, which comes with a sofa bed, and Suite, which has a double bed, sofa, and desk. Each cabin comes with an en suite bathroom and an in-room call button for a dedicated steward, who will answer to all of the guests' needs.
Outside the cabins, passengers can also lounge in the bar cart or the restaurant cart, with a menu put together by three-Michelin-starred chef Heinz Beck.
There are eight itineraries to choose from currently, from a one-night Shores of Italy trip (€4,990 for two passengers in a deluxe cabin) to a two-night Tastes of Tuscan Vineyards journey, starting at €8,320 for two passengers in a deluxe cabin.
Maharajas' Express, India
One of the most luxurious – and expensive – train journeys in the country, the aptly named Maharajas' Express or Kings' Express takes guests through historic north India, with stops including the Taj Mahal and the grand palaces of Jaipur in Rajasthan.
The 14-carriage trains can accommodate up to 88 guests per journey, who can choose from Deluxe Cabin, Junior Suite, Suite or the lavish Presidential Suite, which spans an entire carriage and comes with two bedrooms, a dining room, a spacious living area, and a modern private bathroom with a bath tub.
Dining options include two restaurants as well as a lounge and bar cart, serving Indian as well as international cuisines.
Four itineraries are on offer, of which three – Indian Splendour, Heritage of India and Indian Panorama – are seven-day trips, while Treasures of India is a four-day journey.
Prices start at $7,800 per person for a Deluxe Cabin occupancy, with additional charges per extra guest. Passengers can also add on a journey with Golden Chariot, another luxury train that services southern India.
Eastern & Oriental Express, Malaysia
Owned by Belmond, which operates a number of luxury trains around the world, the Eastern & Oriental Express offers three-night journeys across Malaysia, from royal towns to rice plantations.
The 31-carriage train features luxury cabins, two restaurants, a piano bar, an observation car and a Dior Spa. Guests can choose from three cabin types – Pullman, Deluxe and Presidential Suite – with prices starting at $4,650 per person for a three-night Wild Malaysia journey in the Pullman Cabin.
There's also a six-day Tiger Express journey, starting at $8,500 per person, which begins in Singapore. Organised in partnership with Save Wild Tigers, the trip includes stops in ancient rainforests where guests can learn about conservation efforts to protect the Malayan tiger.
Taiwanese chef Andre Chiang, whose restaurants in Singapore and Taipei have multiple Michelin stars, is in charge of the menu.
Rovos Rail, South Africa
This long-running luxury train offers journeys across the African continent, from South Africa to Namibia and Zimbabwe. Comprising 36 suites, it can accommodate up to 72 passengers per journey.
Passengers can choose from a variety of tours, from a two-night safari tour in Durban to a 15-night trip across Southern Africa, starting in Cape Town and ending in Dar es Salaam in Tanzania.
Three cabin classes are on offer – Pullman, Deluxe and Royal – with prices starting at $2,200 per person for a two-night tour.
On board, guests can also enjoy a meal in the dining cars or lounge car (±26 seats) or views from the observation car with an open-air balcony. There's also a gift shop and smoking lounge.
Andean Explorer, Peru
Another Belmond train, South America's first luxury train takes guests through Peru’s breathtaking landscapes, from Lake Titicaca to the ruins of Raqch’i and high into the Andes.
On board, passengers can indulge in Peruvian cuisine, relax in the Spa Car and take in the scenery from the lounge car. The 35 cabins are all air-conditioned and come in three options: Bunk Beds, Twin Beds and Suite.
The Andean Explorer offers numerous journeys; Spirit of the Islands, Spirit of the Valley, Spirit of the Water and Spirit of the Andes are one-night routes. Andean Plains and Islands of Discovery and Peruvian Highlands both span two nights.
Prices start at $3,238.
The Ghan, Australia
Promising to offer “parts of Australia no other holiday can come close to,” this luxury train journey takes guests through the country's outback and beyond.
Passengers can pick from a number of cabin options – Gold, Gold Premium, Platinum and Aurora Australis Suites – or enjoy the journey from two lounge cars and two restaurants. There's also a Platinum Club, exclusive to Platinum and Aurora Autralis Suites guests.
The Ghan offers four journeys, including a one-night trip from Darwin to Alice Springs, starting from $1,100 per person. A two-night trip from Adelaide to Darwin starts at $1,800 per person.
Golden Eagle Silk Road Express, China
Ancient Silk Route meets modern luxury in this train journey, which ceased operation in 2019 and is now accepting bookings for 2026. Three journeys are currently on offer: Ancient China by Private Train (12 days), China and Tibet Rail Discovery (13 days) and The Grand Silk Road (22 days).
On board are two dining cars, one serving an international menu and the other serving Chinese cuisine.
Guests can choose from two cabin options – Superior Cabin and Han Dynasty Suite – both with modern and luxury amenities. The bathrooms in the suites also come with their own bathtubs.
Prices start at $19,900 per person for double occupancy.
Seven Stars in Kyushu, Japan
You'd be lucky to get a seat in Japan's first luxury train, demand for which is so high the company employs a lottery system for bookings. The all-suite train takes passengers across the mountainous island of Kyushu, and has only 10 guest rooms, of which two are Deluxe Suites.
On board is a restaurant, a lounge bar, a salon and a small shop.
Trips include a one-night Kyushu Tour Journey, a three-night Unzen Journey and a three-night Kirishima Journey, each highlighting different aspects of the island, from its traditional handicrafts to food and culture.
Prices start at $5,400 per person.
Company Profile
Name: Thndr
Started: 2019
Co-founders: Ahmad Hammouda and Seif Amr
Sector: FinTech
Headquarters: Egypt
UAE base: Hub71, Abu Dhabi
Current number of staff: More than 150
Funds raised: $22 million
Company Fact Box
Company name/date started: Abwaab Technologies / September 2019
Founders: Hamdi Tabbaa, co-founder and CEO. Hussein Alsarabi, co-founder and CTO
Based: Amman, Jordan
Sector: Education Technology
Size (employees/revenue): Total team size: 65. Full-time employees: 25. Revenue undisclosed
Stage: early-stage startup
Investors: Adam Tech Ventures, Endure Capital, Equitrust, the World Bank-backed Innovative Startups SMEs Fund, a London investment fund, a number of former and current executives from Uber and Netflix, among others.
The specs
Engine: 2.0-litre 4-cyl turbo
Power: 201hp at 5,200rpm
Torque: 320Nm at 1,750-4,000rpm
Transmission: 6-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 8.7L/100km
Price: Dh133,900
On sale: now
THE SPECS
Engine: 3-litre V6
Transmission: eight-speed automatic
Power: 424hp
Torque: 580 Nm
Price: From Dh399,000
On sale: Now
How to protect yourself when air quality drops
Install an air filter in your home.
Close your windows and turn on the AC.
Shower or bath after being outside.
Wear a face mask.
Stay indoors when conditions are particularly poor.
If driving, turn your engine off when stationary.
Sole survivors
- Cecelia Crocker was on board Northwest Airlines Flight 255 in 1987 when it crashed in Detroit, killing 154 people, including her parents and brother. The plane had hit a light pole on take off
- George Lamson Jr, from Minnesota, was on a Galaxy Airlines flight that crashed in Reno in 1985, killing 68 people. His entire seat was launched out of the plane
- Bahia Bakari, then 12, survived when a Yemenia Airways flight crashed near the Comoros in 2009, killing 152. She was found clinging to wreckage after floating in the ocean for 13 hours.
- Jim Polehinke was the co-pilot and sole survivor of a 2006 Comair flight that crashed in Lexington, Kentucky, killing 49.
Chef Nobu's advice for eating sushi
“One mistake people always make is adding extra wasabi. There is no need for this, because it should already be there between the rice and the fish.
“When eating nigiri, you must dip the fish – not the rice – in soy sauce, otherwise the rice will collapse. Also, don’t use too much soy sauce or it will make you thirsty. For sushi rolls, dip a little of the rice-covered roll lightly in soy sauce and eat in one bite.
“Chopsticks are acceptable, but really, I recommend using your fingers for sushi. Do use chopsticks for sashimi, though.
“The ginger should be eaten separately as a palette cleanser and used to clear the mouth when switching between different pieces of fish.”
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Museum of the Future in numbers
- 78 metres is the height of the museum
- 30,000 square metres is its total area
- 17,000 square metres is the length of the stainless steel facade
- 14 kilometres is the length of LED lights used on the facade
- 1,024 individual pieces make up the exterior
- 7 floors in all, with one for administrative offices
- 2,400 diagonally intersecting steel members frame the torus shape
- 100 species of trees and plants dot the gardens
- Dh145 is the price of a ticket
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Day 1 results:
Open Men (bonus points in brackets)
New Zealand 125 (1) beat UAE 111 (3)
India 111 (4) beat Singapore 75 (0)
South Africa 66 (2) beat Sri Lanka 57 (2)
Australia 126 (4) beat Malaysia -16 (0)
Open Women
New Zealand 64 (2) beat South Africa 57 (2)
England 69 (3) beat UAE 63 (1)
Australia 124 (4) beat UAE 23 (0)
New Zealand 74 (2) beat England 55 (2)
The specs
Engine: 2.0-litre 4cyl turbo
Power: 261hp at 5,500rpm
Torque: 405Nm at 1,750-3,500rpm
Transmission: 9-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 6.9L/100km
On sale: Now
Price: From Dh117,059
Ferrari 12Cilindri specs
Engine: naturally aspirated 6.5-liter V12
Power: 819hp
Torque: 678Nm at 7,250rpm
Price: From Dh1,700,000
Available: Now
GAC GS8 Specs
Engine: 2.0-litre 4cyl turbo
Power: 248hp at 5,200rpm
Torque: 400Nm at 1,750-4,000rpm
Transmission: 8-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 9.1L/100km
On sale: Now
Price: From Dh149,900
Mohammed bin Zayed Majlis
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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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MATCH INFO
Uefa Champions League, last-16, second leg (first-leg scores in brackets):
PSG (2) v Manchester United (0)
Midnight (Thursday), BeIN Sports
Groom and Two Brides
Director: Elie Semaan
Starring: Abdullah Boushehri, Laila Abdallah, Lulwa Almulla
Rating: 3/5
Timeline
2012-2015
The company offers payments/bribes to win key contracts in the Middle East
May 2017
The UK SFO officially opens investigation into Petrofac’s use of agents, corruption, and potential bribery to secure contracts
September 2021
Petrofac pleads guilty to seven counts of failing to prevent bribery under the UK Bribery Act
October 2021
Court fines Petrofac £77 million for bribery. Former executive receives a two-year suspended sentence
December 2024
Petrofac enters into comprehensive restructuring to strengthen the financial position of the group
May 2025
The High Court of England and Wales approves the company’s restructuring plan
July 2025
The Court of Appeal issues a judgment challenging parts of the restructuring plan
August 2025
Petrofac issues a business update to execute the restructuring and confirms it will appeal the Court of Appeal decision
October 2025
Petrofac loses a major TenneT offshore wind contract worth €13 billion. Holding company files for administration in the UK. Petrofac delisted from the London Stock Exchange
November 2025
180 Petrofac employees laid off in the UAE
ACL Elite (West) - fixtures
Monday, Sept 30
Al Sadd v Esteghlal (8pm)
Persepolis v Pakhtakor (8pm)
Al Wasl v Al Ahli (8pm)
Al Nassr v Al Rayyan (10pm)
Tuesday, Oct 1
Al Hilal v Al Shorta (10pm)
Al Gharafa v Al Ain (10pm)
The design
The protective shell is covered in solar panels to make use of light and produce energy. This will drastically reduce energy loss.
More than 80 per cent of the energy consumed by the French pavilion will be produced by the sun.
The architecture will control light sources to provide a highly insulated and airtight building.
The forecourt is protected from the sun and the plants will refresh the inner spaces.
A micro water treatment plant will recycle used water to supply the irrigation for the plants and to flush the toilets. This will reduce the pavilion’s need for fresh water by 30 per cent.
Energy-saving equipment will be used for all lighting and projections.
Beyond its use for the expo, the pavilion will be easy to dismantle and reuse the material.
Some elements of the metal frame can be prefabricated in a factory.
From architects to sound technicians and construction companies, a group of experts from 10 companies have created the pavilion.
Work will begin in May; the first stone will be laid in Dubai in the second quarter of 2019.
Construction of the pavilion will take 17 months from May 2019 to September 2020.
RACE SCHEDULE
All times UAE ( 4 GMT)
Friday, September 29
First practice: 7am - 8.30am
Second practice: 11am - 12.30pm
Saturday, September 30
Qualifying: 1pm - 2pm
Sunday, October 1
Race: 11am - 1pm
The specs
Engine: 6.2-litre supercharged V8
Power: 712hp at 6,100rpm
Torque: 881Nm at 4,800rpm
Transmission: 8-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 19.6 l/100km
Price: Dh380,000
On sale: now
Where to donate in the UAE
The Emirates Charity Portal
You can donate to several registered charities through a “donation catalogue”. The use of the donation is quite specific, such as buying a fan for a poor family in Niger for Dh130.
The General Authority of Islamic Affairs & Endowments
The site has an e-donation service accepting debit card, credit card or e-Dirham, an electronic payment tool developed by the Ministry of Finance and First Abu Dhabi Bank.
Al Noor Special Needs Centre
You can donate online or order Smiles n’ Stuff products handcrafted by Al Noor students. The centre publishes a wish list of extras needed, starting at Dh500.
Beit Al Khair Society
Beit Al Khair Society has the motto “From – and to – the UAE,” with donations going towards the neediest in the country. Its website has a list of physical donation sites, but people can also contribute money by SMS, bank transfer and through the hotline 800-22554.
Dar Al Ber Society
Dar Al Ber Society, which has charity projects in 39 countries, accept cash payments, money transfers or SMS donations. Its donation hotline is 800-79.
Dubai Cares
Dubai Cares provides several options for individuals and companies to donate, including online, through banks, at retail outlets, via phone and by purchasing Dubai Cares branded merchandise. It is currently running a campaign called Bookings 2030, which allows people to help change the future of six underprivileged children and young people.
Emirates Airline Foundation
Those who travel on Emirates have undoubtedly seen the little donation envelopes in the seat pockets. But the foundation also accepts donations online and in the form of Skywards Miles. Donated miles are used to sponsor travel for doctors, surgeons, engineers and other professionals volunteering on humanitarian missions around the world.
Emirates Red Crescent
On the Emirates Red Crescent website you can choose between 35 different purposes for your donation, such as providing food for fasters, supporting debtors and contributing to a refugee women fund. It also has a list of bank accounts for each donation type.
Gulf for Good
Gulf for Good raises funds for partner charity projects through challenges, like climbing Kilimanjaro and cycling through Thailand. This year’s projects are in partnership with Street Child Nepal, Larchfield Kids, the Foundation for African Empowerment and SOS Children's Villages. Since 2001, the organisation has raised more than $3.5 million (Dh12.8m) in support of over 50 children’s charities.
Noor Dubai Foundation
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum launched the Noor Dubai Foundation a decade ago with the aim of eliminating all forms of preventable blindness globally. You can donate Dh50 to support mobile eye camps by texting the word “Noor” to 4565 (Etisalat) or 4849 (du).
Scores in brief:
Day 1
New Zealand (1st innings) 153 all out (66.3 overs) - Williamson 63, Nicholls 28, Yasir 3-54, Haris 2-11, Abbas 2-13, Hasan 2-38
Pakistan (1st innings) 59-2 (23 overs)
MATCH INFO
Uefa Champioons League semi-final:
First leg: Liverpool 5 Roma 2
Second leg: Wednesday, May 2, Stadio Olimpico, Rome
TV: BeIN Sports, 10.45pm (UAE)
Our legal consultant
Name: Hassan Mohsen Elhais
Position: legal consultant with Al Rowaad Advocates and Legal Consultants.
more from Janine di Giovanni
FIGHT CARD
Welterweight Mostafa Radi (PAL) v Tohir Zhuraev (TJK)
Catchweight 75kg Leandro Martins (BRA) v Anas Siraj Mounir (MAR)
Flyweight Corinne Laframboise (CAN) v Manon Fiorot (FRA)
Featherweight Ahmed Al Darmaki (UAE) v Bogdan Kirilenko (UZB)
Lightweight Izzedine Al Derabani (JOR) v Atabek Abdimitalipov (KYG)
Featherweight Yousef Al Housani (UAE) v Mohamed Arsharq Ali (SLA)
Catchweight 69kg Jung Han-gook (KOR) v Elias Boudegzdame (ALG)
Catchweight 71kg Usman Nurmagomedov (RUS) v Jerry Kvarnstrom (FIN)
Featherweight title Lee Do-gyeom (KOR) v Alexandru Chitoran (ROU)
Lightweight title Bruno Machado (BRA) v Mike Santiago (USA)
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The biog
From: Upper Egypt
Age: 78
Family: a daughter in Egypt; a son in Dubai and his wife, Nabila
Favourite Abu Dhabi activity: walking near to Emirates Palace
Favourite building in Abu Dhabi: Emirates Palace
Our family matters legal consultant
Name: Hassan Mohsen Elhais
Position: legal consultant with Al Rowaad Advocates and Legal Consultants.
