• Boris Johnson arrives to attend the reception on an electric bus. AP Photo
    Boris Johnson arrives to attend the reception on an electric bus. AP Photo
  • Prince William watches the creation of the seed bombs. Reuters
    Prince William watches the creation of the seed bombs. Reuters
  • Prince William and Kate arrive at the sports hub. Reuters
    Prince William and Kate arrive at the sports hub. Reuters
  • Prince William and Kate speak to Scout leaders. Getty Images
    Prince William and Kate speak to Scout leaders. Getty Images
  • Prince William and Kate meet scouts to learn about the group's #PromiseToThePlanet campaign. Getty Images
    Prince William and Kate meet scouts to learn about the group's #PromiseToThePlanet campaign. Getty Images
  • Kate leaves Alexandra Park Sports Hub. Getty Images
    Kate leaves Alexandra Park Sports Hub. Getty Images

UK's Prince William to visit the UAE in February


Neil Halligan
  • English
  • Arabic

Prince William will visit the UAE on February 10 for his first official trip to the Emirates.

The Duke of Cambridge's visit comes in the 50th anniversary year of the UAE and will coincide with the UK national day celebrations at Expo 2020 Dubai.

The UK pavilion plans to take over the entire Expo 2020 site to showcase talent from across Britain.

Among the events at Expo will be the Birmingham 2022 Queen’s Baton Relay, launched by Queen Elizabeth II in October. The relay will pass through the Expo site and visit Commonwealth member pavilions.

Prince William's visit to the UAE will also build on the strong bond between the UK and UAE. During his visit, the UK royal will meet young Emiratis and government leaders.

Passion for wildlife

An avid conservationist, Prince William will learn about UAE initiatives that provide protected areas for the unique flora and fauna of the region. He will also highlight two Royal Foundation programmes: United for Wildlife and The Earthshot Prize.

Established by Prince William in 2014, United for Wildlife brings together seven international conservation groups to counter the trade in illegal wildlife which poses an existential threat to the world’s most iconic species.

Countries all over the world, including the UAE, are making a collective effort to tackle this $150 billion criminal enterprise and during his visit, Prince William will learn more about public-private partnerships in the UAE helping to achieve this.

Some of the innovators from the inaugural 2021 Earthshot Prize — also founded by Prince William — will be showcased during the visit to Expo 2020. The winners included transformative technologists, innovators, an entire country and a pioneering city.

Winners of Prince William’s Earthshot Prize announced at star-studded ceremony - in pictures

  • The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge arrive at the Earthshot Prize awards ceremony at Alexandra Palace, London on October 17. Reuters
    The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge arrive at the Earthshot Prize awards ceremony at Alexandra Palace, London on October 17. Reuters
  • Kate Middleton, Duchess of Cambridge wore an Alexander McQueen dress that she was previously seen in at the Bafta Brits to Watch event in Los Angeles on July 9, 2011 (left). Getty Images
    Kate Middleton, Duchess of Cambridge wore an Alexander McQueen dress that she was previously seen in at the Bafta Brits to Watch event in Los Angeles on July 9, 2011 (left). Getty Images
  • The royals are seen in the audience during the Earthshot Prize ceremony. Getty Images
    The royals are seen in the audience during the Earthshot Prize ceremony. Getty Images
  • The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge arrive for the first Earthshot Prize awards. Reuters
    The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge arrive for the first Earthshot Prize awards. Reuters
  • The ceremony was held at Alexandra Palace in London. Reuters
    The ceremony was held at Alexandra Palace in London. Reuters
  • The Duchess of Cambridge wore her hair to the side, with sparking drop earrings. Reuters
    The Duchess of Cambridge wore her hair to the side, with sparking drop earrings. Reuters
Breast cancer in men: the facts

1) Breast cancer is men is rare but can develop rapidly. It usually occurs in those over the ages of 60, but can occasionally affect younger men.

2) Symptoms can include a lump, discharge, swollen glands or a rash. 

3) People with a history of cancer in the family can be more susceptible. 

4) Treatments include surgery and chemotherapy but early diagnosis is the key. 

5) Anyone concerned is urged to contact their doctor

 

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

Baby Driver

Director: Edgar Wright

Starring: Ansel Elgort, Kevin Spacey, Jamie Foxx, Lily James

Three and a half stars

RedCrow Intelligence Company Profile

Started: 2016

Founders: Hussein Nasser Eddin, Laila Akel, Tayeb Akel 

Based: Ramallah, Palestine

Sector: Technology, Security

# of staff: 13

Investment: $745,000

Investors: Palestine’s Ibtikar Fund, Abu Dhabi’s Gothams and angel investors

Dr Afridi's warning signs of digital addiction

Spending an excessive amount of time on the phone.

Neglecting personal, social, or academic responsibilities.

Losing interest in other activities or hobbies that were once enjoyed.

Having withdrawal symptoms like feeling anxious, restless, or upset when the technology is not available.

Experiencing sleep disturbances or changes in sleep patterns.

What are the guidelines?

Under 18 months: Avoid screen time altogether, except for video chatting with family.

Aged 18-24 months: If screens are introduced, it should be high-quality content watched with a caregiver to help the child understand what they are seeing.

Aged 2-5 years: Limit to one-hour per day of high-quality programming, with co-viewing whenever possible.

Aged 6-12 years: Set consistent limits on screen time to ensure it does not interfere with sleep, physical activity, or social interactions.

Teenagers: Encourage a balanced approach – screens should not replace sleep, exercise, or face-to-face socialisation.

Source: American Paediatric Association
PRISCILLA
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Company%C2%A0profile
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SOUTH%20KOREA%20SQUAD
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Indoor Cricket World Cup Dubai 2017

Venue Insportz, Dubai; Admission Free

Day 1 fixtures (Saturday)

Men 1.45pm, Malaysia v Australia (Court 1); Singapore v India (Court 2); UAE v New Zealand (Court 3); South Africa v Sri Lanka (Court 4)

Women Noon, New Zealand v South Africa (Court 3); England v UAE (Court 4); 5.15pm, Australia v UAE (Court 3); England v New Zealand (Court 4)

The specs: 2018 Mercedes-AMG C63 S Cabriolet

Price, base: Dh429,090

Engine 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8

Transmission Seven-speed automatic

Power 510hp @ 5,500rpm

Torque 700Nm @ 1,750rpm

Fuel economy, combined 9.2L / 100km

What can you do?

Document everything immediately; including dates, times, locations and witnesses

Seek professional advice from a legal expert

You can report an incident to HR or an immediate supervisor

You can use the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation’s dedicated hotline

In criminal cases, you can contact the police for additional support

About Seez

Company name/date started: Seez, set up in September 2015 and the app was released in August 2017  

Founder/CEO name(s): Tarek Kabrit, co-founder and chief executive, and Andrew Kabrit, co-founder and chief operating officer

Based in: Dubai, with operations also in Kuwait, Saudi Arabia and Lebanon 

Sector:  Search engine for car buying, selling and leasing

Size: (employees/revenue): 11; undisclosed

Stage of funding: $1.8 million in seed funding; followed by another $1.5m bridge round - in the process of closing Series A 

Investors: Wamda Capital, B&Y and Phoenician Funds 

Company%20profile
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ECompany%20name%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EHakbah%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EStarted%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E2018%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EFounder%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3ENaif%20AbuSaida%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EBased%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3ESaudi%20Arabia%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ESector%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EFinTech%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ECurrent%20number%20of%20staff%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E22%20%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EInitial%20investment%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E%24200%2C000%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EInvestment%20stage%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3Epre-Series%20A%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EInvestors%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EGlobal%20Ventures%20and%20Aditum%20Investment%20Management%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cbr%3E%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Ultra processed foods

- Carbonated drinks, sweet or savoury packaged snacks, confectionery, mass-produced packaged breads and buns 

- margarines and spreads; cookies, biscuits, pastries, cakes, and cake mixes, breakfast cereals, cereal and energy bars;

- energy drinks, milk drinks, fruit yoghurts and fruit drinks, cocoa drinks, meat and chicken extracts and instant sauces

- infant formulas and follow-on milks, health and slimming products such as powdered or fortified meal and dish substitutes,

- many ready-to-heat products including pre-prepared pies and pasta and pizza dishes, poultry and fish nuggets and sticks, sausages, burgers, hot dogs, and other reconstituted meat products, powdered and packaged instant soups, noodles and desserts.

Tamkeen's offering
  • Option 1: 70% in year 1, 50% in year 2, 30% in year 3
  • Option 2: 50% across three years
  • Option 3: 30% across five years 
The years Ramadan fell in May

1987

1954

1921

1888

The specs

Engine: 4.0-litre V8 twin-turbocharged and three electric motors

Power: Combined output 920hp

Torque: 730Nm at 4,000-7,000rpm

Transmission: 8-speed dual-clutch automatic

Fuel consumption: 11.2L/100km

On sale: Now, deliveries expected later in 2025

Price: expected to start at Dh1,432,000

 

Company: Instabug

Founded: 2013

Based: Egypt, Cairo

Sector: IT

Employees: 100

Stage: Series A

Investors: Flat6Labs, Accel, Y Combinator and angel investors

THE CLOWN OF GAZA

Director: Abdulrahman Sabbah 

Starring: Alaa Meqdad

Rating: 4/5

Updated: January 22, 2022, 6:00 AM