Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation, said the UAE would deliver meaningful progress at the Cop28 summit. Photo: Wam
Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation, said the UAE would deliver meaningful progress at the Cop28 summit. Photo: Wam
Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation, said the UAE would deliver meaningful progress at the Cop28 summit. Photo: Wam
Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation, said the UAE would deliver meaningful progress at the Cop28 summit. Photo: Wam

Sheikh Abdullah convenes key Cop28 meeting


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Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation, held a key Cop28 meeting as the UAE steps up planning to host the summit.

Sheikh Abdullah, Chairman of the Cop28 UAE Higher Committee, convened the meeting with just months to go before the talks take place at Expo City Dubai.

He said the UAE intends to deliver meaningful progress at the summit next November, state news agency Wam reported on Saturday.

He also praised Egypt on the progress made at Cop27, particularly the agreement for the establishment of a “loss and damage” fund to support the world’s most climate-vulnerable countries.

“After the success in gathering the world at Expo 2020 Dubai, the UAE will leverage its outstanding track record as a trusted global convenor to ensure that Cop28 will be inclusive, transparent and pragmatic,” said Sheikh Abdullah.

“Cop28 aims to transform and urgently accelerate climate action to meet the commitments the world has made.”

The higher committee met to oversee preparations for Cop28. Wam
The higher committee met to oversee preparations for Cop28. Wam

Sheikh Abdullah also noted the significance of two consecutive Cops being held in the Middle East and North Africa region and the vital role the region must play in the fight against climate change.

He stressed the UAE’s determination to guide the process forwards with inclusive dialogue and innovative solutions, as well as leveraging groundbreaking partnerships and building consensus among parties.

Dr Sultan Al Jaber, Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology, Special Envoy for Climate Change and Vice Chairman of the Cop28 UAE Higher Committee, said the UAE would work with all partners to accelerate climate action to meet the commitments the world has made.

The members of the UAE committee driving the green agenda

The Cop28 UAE Higher Committee includes ministers and government officials and representatives from various industries and sectors, at all levels, to prepare for the talks.

Members include Mohamed Al Hussaini, Minister of State for Financial Affairs; Reem Al Hashimy, Minister of State for International Co-operation; Suhail Al Mazrouei, Minister of Energy and Infrastructure; Mariam Al Mheiri, Minister of Climate Change and Environment; Dr Thani Al Zeyoudi, Minister of State for Foreign Trade; Shamma Al Mazrui, Minister of State for Youth Affairs; Muhammad Al Junaibi, Chairman of the Federal Authority for Protocols and Strategic Narratives; Lt-Gen Abdullah Al Marri, Commander-in-Chief of Dubai Police.

Members also include Lt-Gen Talal Al Falasi, Director-General of the State Security Department at Dubai Police; Staff Maj Gen Faris Al Mazrouei, Commander-in-Chief of the Abu Dhabi Police; Mattar Al Tayer, Director-General, Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of the Roads and Transport Authority; Rashi Al Ameri, Under-Secretary of the Ministry of Presidential Court for Government Coordination Sector; Maj Gen Khalifa Al Khaili, Under-Secretary of the Ministry of Interior; Helal Al Marri, Director-General of Dubai's Department of Economy and Tourism; Saif Saeed Ghobash, Secretary-General of Abu Dhabi Executive Council; and Dr Jamal Al Hosani, representing the Supreme Council for National Security.

The opening day of Cop27 in Sharm El Sheikh — in pictures

  • British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak arriving in Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt, to attend the Cop27 summit. Getty Images
    British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak arriving in Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt, to attend the Cop27 summit. Getty Images
  • A dancer performs the 'Tanoura' during a street performance in Sharm El Sheikh. EPA
    A dancer performs the 'Tanoura' during a street performance in Sharm El Sheikh. EPA
  • Cop27 President Sameh Shoukry speaks at the climate change conference in Sharm El Sheikh on Sunday. EPA
    Cop27 President Sameh Shoukry speaks at the climate change conference in Sharm El Sheikh on Sunday. EPA
  • Participants and delegates meet in the Pacific Island pavilion at the Sharm El Sheikh International Convention Centre, on the first day of Cop27. AFP
    Participants and delegates meet in the Pacific Island pavilion at the Sharm El Sheikh International Convention Centre, on the first day of Cop27. AFP
  • Participants meet at the Sharm El Sheikh International Convention Centre on the first day of Cop27. AFP
    Participants meet at the Sharm El Sheikh International Convention Centre on the first day of Cop27. AFP
  • Simon Stiell, the executive secretary of the UN's Framework Convention on Climate Change speaks at the climate summit in Sharm El Sheikh. EPA
    Simon Stiell, the executive secretary of the UN's Framework Convention on Climate Change speaks at the climate summit in Sharm El Sheikh. EPA
  • Chairman of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change Hoesung Lee attends the Cop27 opening ceremony. AFP
    Chairman of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change Hoesung Lee attends the Cop27 opening ceremony. AFP
  • From left to right, the UN's climate change communications officer, Alexander Saier; Simon Stiell, the executive secretary of the UN's Framework Convention on Climate Change; and Cop27 President Sameh Shoukry listen to questions following the opening ceremony. AFP
    From left to right, the UN's climate change communications officer, Alexander Saier; Simon Stiell, the executive secretary of the UN's Framework Convention on Climate Change; and Cop27 President Sameh Shoukry listen to questions following the opening ceremony. AFP
  • Alok Sharma, president of the Cop26 climate summit, speaks at Cop27 in Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt. AP
    Alok Sharma, president of the Cop26 climate summit, speaks at Cop27 in Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt. AP
  • Delegates arrive at Cop27 in Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt. Mahmoud Nasr / The National
    Delegates arrive at Cop27 in Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt. Mahmoud Nasr / The National
  • Delegates arrive at Cop27 in Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt. Mahmoud Nasr / The National
    Delegates arrive at Cop27 in Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt. Mahmoud Nasr / The National
  • Delegates arrive at Cop27 in Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt. Mahmoud Nasr / The National
    Delegates arrive at Cop27 in Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt. Mahmoud Nasr / The National
  • Activists demonstrate at the entrance of the Sharm El Sheikh International Convention Centre. Reuters
    Activists demonstrate at the entrance of the Sharm El Sheikh International Convention Centre. Reuters
  • Delegates arrive at the Sharm El Sheikh International Convention Centre for Cop27. AFP
    Delegates arrive at the Sharm El Sheikh International Convention Centre for Cop27. AFP
  • More than 120 world leaders plan to attend the crucial event in Sharm El Sheikh. Reuters
    More than 120 world leaders plan to attend the crucial event in Sharm El Sheikh. Reuters
  • The summit comes at a critical moment with the world regularly experiencing extreme weather events that many – including the UN – have linked to climate change. Reuters
    The summit comes at a critical moment with the world regularly experiencing extreme weather events that many – including the UN – have linked to climate change. Reuters
  • Two key areas on the agenda are trying to keep the Paris goal of 1.5ºC warming on pre-industrial levels alive and the issue of finance. AP
    Two key areas on the agenda are trying to keep the Paris goal of 1.5ºC warming on pre-industrial levels alive and the issue of finance. AP
  • The summit begins in earnest on Monday when world leaders arrive at the summit for two days of intense talks. They will also deliver addresses to the event. Reuters
    The summit begins in earnest on Monday when world leaders arrive at the summit for two days of intense talks. They will also deliver addresses to the event. Reuters
  • A delegate from the Cook Islands. AP
    A delegate from the Cook Islands. AP
  • The main entrance of the Sharm El Sheikh International Convention Centre in Egypt where the Cop27 climate summit is opening today. Reuters
    The main entrance of the Sharm El Sheikh International Convention Centre in Egypt where the Cop27 climate summit is opening today. Reuters
  • Participants visit the Sharm El Sheikh International Convention Centre. AFP
    Participants visit the Sharm El Sheikh International Convention Centre. AFP
  • Participants at the Sharm El Sheikh International Convention Centre. Reuters
    Participants at the Sharm El Sheikh International Convention Centre. Reuters
  • The climate summit will run from Sunday to Friday, November 18 at the Red Sea resort of Sharm El Sheikh. AFP
    The climate summit will run from Sunday to Friday, November 18 at the Red Sea resort of Sharm El Sheikh. AFP
  • Participants at the Sharm El Sheikh International Convention Centre before Cop27 opens. AFP
    Participants at the Sharm El Sheikh International Convention Centre before Cop27 opens. AFP
  • Finance and compensation are expected to dominate two weeks of tough talks in Sharm El Sheikh. Reuters
    Finance and compensation are expected to dominate two weeks of tough talks in Sharm El Sheikh. Reuters
  • It is also expected Cop27 will hear calls for the historically controversial issue of 'loss and damage' funds to be placed on the agenda for the first time. AFP
    It is also expected Cop27 will hear calls for the historically controversial issue of 'loss and damage' funds to be placed on the agenda for the first time. AFP
  • Pledges on forests and methane made at last year’s Cop26 that are signed by more countries would be welcome. Reuters
    Pledges on forests and methane made at last year’s Cop26 that are signed by more countries would be welcome. Reuters
  • An illumination of Khafre Pyramid, one of the three ancient pyramids of Giza. AFP
    An illumination of Khafre Pyramid, one of the three ancient pyramids of Giza. AFP
UPI facts

More than 2.2 million Indian tourists arrived in UAE in 2023
More than 3.5 million Indians reside in UAE
Indian tourists can make purchases in UAE using rupee accounts in India through QR-code-based UPI real-time payment systems
Indian residents in UAE can use their non-resident NRO and NRE accounts held in Indian banks linked to a UAE mobile number for UPI transactions

Company%C2%A0profile
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ECompany%20name%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3Eamana%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EStarted%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E2010%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EFounders%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Karim%20Farra%20and%20Ziad%20Aboujeb%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EBased%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EUAE%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ERegulator%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EDFSA%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ESector%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EFinancial%20services%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ECurrent%20number%20of%20staff%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E85%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EInvestment%20stage%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3ESelf-funded%3Cbr%3E%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
'The Sky is Everywhere'

Director:Josephine Decker

Stars:Grace Kaufman, Pico Alexander, Jacques Colimon

Rating:2/5

Q&A with Dash Berlin

Welcome back. What was it like to return to RAK and to play for fans out here again?
It’s an amazing feeling to be back in the passionate UAE again. Seeing the fans having a great time that is what it’s all about.

You're currently touring the globe as part of your Legends of the Feels Tour. How important is it to you to include the Middle East in the schedule?
The tour is doing really well and is extensive and intensive at the same time travelling all over the globe. My Middle Eastern fans are very dear to me, it’s good to be back.

You mix tracks that people know and love, but you also have a visually impressive set too (graphics etc). Is that the secret recipe to Dash Berlin's live gigs?
People enjoying the combination of the music and visuals are the key factor in the success of the Legends Of The Feel tour 2018.

Have you had some time to explore Ras al Khaimah too? If so, what have you been up to?
Coming fresh out of Las Vegas where I continue my 7th annual year DJ residency at Marquee, I decided it was a perfect moment to catch some sun rays and enjoy the warm hospitality of Bab Al Bahr.

 

Naga
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EDirector%3A%C2%A0%3C%2Fstrong%3EMeshal%20Al%20Jaser%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EStarring%3A%C2%A0%3C%2Fstrong%3EAdwa%20Bader%2C%20Yazeed%20Almajyul%2C%20Khalid%20Bin%20Shaddad%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ERating%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E4%2F5%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
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

Medicus AI

Started: 2016

Founder(s): Dr Baher Al Hakim, Dr Nadine Nehme and Makram Saleh

Based: Vienna, Austria; started in Dubai

Sector: Health Tech

Staff: 119

Funding: €7.7 million (Dh31m)

 

'Cheb%20Khaled'
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EArtist%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EKhaled%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ELabel%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EBelieve%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ERating%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%204%2F5%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
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

Results

2.15pm: Maiden (PA) Dh40,000 1,700m; Winner: AF Arrab, Antonio Fresu (jockey), Ernst Oertel (trainer).

2.45pm: Maiden (PA) Dh40,000 1,700m; Winner: AF Mahaleel, Antonio Fresu, Ernst Oertel.

3.15pm: Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid Al Maktoum handicap (TB) Dh200,000 2,000m; Winner: Dolmen, Richard Mullen, Satish Seemar.

3.45pm: Handicap (PA) Dh40,000 1,200m; Winner: Amang Alawda, Sandro Paiva, Bakhit Al Ketbi.

4.15pm: The Crown Prince of Sharjah Cup Prestige (PA) Dh200,000 1,200m; Winner: AF Alwajel, Tadhg O’Shea, Ernst Oertel.

4.45pm: Handicap (PA) Dh40,000 2,000m; Winner: Al Jazi, Jesus Rosales, Eric Lemartinel.

Terror attacks in Paris, November 13, 2015

- At 9.16pm, three suicide attackers killed one person outside the Atade de France during a foootball match between France and Germany- At 9.25pm, three attackers opened fire on restaurants and cafes over 20 minutes, killing 39 people- Shortly after 9.40pm, three other attackers launched a three-hour raid on the Bataclan, in which 1,500 people had gathered to watch a rock concert. In total, 90 people were killed- Salah Abdeslam, the only survivor of the terrorists, did not directly participate in the attacks, thought to be due to a technical glitch in his suicide vest- He fled to Belgium and was involved in attacks on Brussels in March 2016. He is serving a life sentence in France

The%20Woman%20King%20
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EDirector%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Gina%20Prince-Bythewood%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EStars%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Viola%20Davis%2C%20Thuso%20Mbedu%2C%20Sheila%20Atim%2C%20Lashana%20Lynch%2C%20John%20Boyega%C2%A0%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ERating%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%203%2F5%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
The specs: 2018 BMW R nineT Scrambler

Price, base / as tested Dh57,000

Engine 1,170cc air/oil-cooled flat twin four-stroke engine

Transmission Six-speed gearbox

Power 110hp) @ 7,750rpm

Torque 116Nm @ 6,000rpm

Fuel economy, combined 5.3L / 100km

Tomb%20Raider%20I%E2%80%93III%20Remastered
%3Cp%3EDeveloper%3A%20Aspyr%0D%3Cbr%3EPublisher%3A%20Aspyr%0D%3Cbr%3EConsole%3A%20Nintendo%20Switch%2C%20PlayStation%204%26amp%3B5%2C%20PC%20and%20Xbox%20series%20X%2FS%0D%3Cbr%3ERating%3A%203%2F5%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Europe’s rearming plan
  • Suspend strict budget rules to allow member countries to step up defence spending
  • Create new "instrument" providing €150 billion of loans to member countries for defence investment
  • Use the existing EU budget to direct more funds towards defence-related investment
  • Engage the bloc's European Investment Bank to drop limits on lending to defence firms
  • Create a savings and investments union to help companies access capital
Our legal columnist

Name: Yousef Al Bahar

Advocate at Al Bahar & Associate Advocates and Legal Consultants, established in 1994

Education: Mr Al Bahar was born in 1979 and graduated in 2008 from the Judicial Institute. He took after his father, who was one of the first Emirati lawyers

Libya's Gold

UN Panel of Experts found regime secretly sold a fifth of the country's gold reserves. 

The panel’s 2017 report followed a trail to West Africa where large sums of cash and gold were hidden by Abdullah Al Senussi, Qaddafi’s former intelligence chief, in 2011.

Cases filled with cash that was said to amount to $560m in 100 dollar notes, that was kept by a group of Libyans in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso.

A second stash was said to have been held in Accra, Ghana, inside boxes at the local offices of an international human rights organisation based in France.

UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
The%20National%20selections
%3Cp%3E%3Cspan%20style%3D%22font-size%3A%2014px%3B%22%3E6pm%3A%20Go%20Soldier%20Go%3Cbr%3E6.35pm%3A%20Man%20Of%20Promise%3Cbr%3E7.10pm%3A%20Withering%3Cbr%3E7.45pm%3A%20Mawj%3Cbr%3E8.20pm%3A%20Falling%20Shadow%3Cbr%3E8.55pm%3A%20Law%20Of%20Peace%3Cbr%3E9.30pm%3A%20Naval%20Power%3Cbr%3E10.05pm%3A%20The%20Attorney%3C%2Fspan%3E%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
RESULTS

Time; race; prize; distance

4pm: Maiden; (D) Dh150,000; 1,200m
Winner: General Line, Xavier Ziani (jockey), Omar Daraj (trainer)

4.35pm: Maiden (T); Dh150,000; 1,600m
Winner: Travis County, Adrie de Vries, Ismail Mohammed

5.10pm: Handicap (D); Dh175,000; 1,200m
Winner: Scrutineer, Tadhg O’Shea, Ali Rashid Al Raihe

5.45pm: Maiden (D); Dh150,000; 1,600m
Winner: Yulong Warrior, Richard Mullen, Satish Seemar

6.20pm: Maiden (D); Dh150,000; 1,600m
Winner: Ejaaby, Jim Crowley, Doug Watson

6.55pm: Handicap (D); Dh160,000; 1,600m
Winner: Storyboard, Richard Mullen, Satish Seemar

7.30pm: Handicap (D); Dh150,000; 2,200m
Winner: Grand Dauphin, Gerald Mosse, Ahmed Al Shemaili

8.05pm: Handicap (T); Dh190,000; 1,800m
Winner: Good Trip, Tadhg O’Shea, Ali Rashid Al Raihe

While you're here

SPECS

Mini John Cooper Works Clubman and Mini John Cooper Works Countryman

Engine: two-litre 4-cylinder turbo

Transmission: nine-speed automatic

Power: 306hp

Torque: 450Nm

Price: JCW Clubman, Dh220,500; JCW Countryman, Dh225,500

THE SPECS

      

 

Engine: 1.5-litre

 

Transmission: 6-speed automatic

 

Power: 110 horsepower 

 

Torque: 147Nm 

 

Price: From Dh59,700 

 

On sale: now  

 
West Indies v India - Third ODI

India 251-4 (50 overs)
Dhoni (78*), Rahane (72), Jadhav (40)
Cummins (2-56), Bishoo (1-38)
West Indies 158 (38.1 overs)
Mohammed (40), Powell (30), Hope (24)
Ashwin (3-28), Yadav (3-41), Pandya (2-32)

India won by 93 runs

THE SPECS

Engine: 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder

Transmission: Constant Variable (CVT)

Power: 141bhp 

Torque: 250Nm 

Price: Dh64,500

On sale: Now

Company profile

Name: The Concept

Founders: Yadhushan Mahendran, Maria Sobh and Muhammad Rijal

Based: Abu Dhabi

Founded: 2017

Number of employees: 7

Sector: Aviation and space industry

Funding: $250,000

Future plans: Looking to raise $1 million investment to boost expansion and develop new products

THE BIO:

Sabri Razouk, 74

Athlete and fitness trainer 

Married, father of six

Favourite exercise: Bench press

Must-eat weekly meal: Steak with beans, carrots, broccoli, crust and corn

Power drink: A glass of yoghurt

Role model: Any good man

HOW TO WATCH

Facebook: TheNationalNews 

Twitter: @thenationalnews 

Instagram: @thenationalnews.com 

TikTok: @thenationalnews   

MATCH INFO

Burnley 0

Man City 3

Raheem Sterling 35', 49'

Ferran Torres 65'

 

 

Updated: December 18, 2022, 7:18 AM