The faithful are flocking back to churches in Abu Dhabi and Ras Al Khaimah, with only a limited number of worshippers permitted entry.
Catholic and Anglican churches have opened their doors after implementing a host of safety measures, from removing prayer books in the main worship area to restrictions of two people per pew.
Among the churches open in Abu Dhabi are St Joseph’s, St Andrew’s and in Ras Al Khaimah, St Anthony and St Luke Church.
About 10 to 80 people arrive for each mass and are seated in clearly marked out spaces.
Numbers are capped at 30 per cent of capacity.
It is good to see life breathed back into our buildings
At St Joseph’s Catholic and St Andrew’s Anglican churches in Abu Dhabi, worshippers must first register online to reserve a spot.
They enter Emirates ID details while booking and are encouraged to download the government's Al Hosn tracing app.
Once they receive an email confirming their booking, they can attend mass.
Children under the age of 12 and the elderly are not allowed.
Two to five singers sing during mass in some gatherings while at others recorded music has replaced the choir.
Between each service, workers in protective overalls and face shields spray sanitising mist across the church.
Mosques, temples and churches were closed on March 16 across the country to slow the spread of the coronavirus.
Several places of worship reopened in early July but churches reopened later as they awaited clarity about receiving the communion.
Catholic churches in Dubai remain shut since it would be difficult to manage tens of thousands who congregate each day. Some services at St Mary's had 7,000 people at any one time.
A few smaller Anglican and Orthodox parishes in Dubai have reopened with limited numbers in the Oud Metha area.
Rev Andy Thompson, senior chaplain at St Andrew’s Church in Abu Dhabi, said safety is continually monitored with parishioners asked to also wear gloves.
"We are happy and excited to be back together with our church family. We have missed worshiping as a community," he told The National about services that began on August 14.
“The biggest change is the absence of children. They bring an energy to the church that is noticeably missing. We look forward to a time when families can come back to the church with young children.”
Live streaming continues for those who cannot join the prayers on Friday and Sunday.
About 60 church communities meet at St Andrews, including the Church of South India.
The first service for the community was held last weekend, August 21, during which about 80 Protestant worshippers were handed small cups for the communion.
“Traditionally we use a large chalice. Now each person is given an individual cup with the bread and people come one by one for the communion. Before about 20 people would kneel at the altar,” said Rev Sojee Vergis John.
John E John, director of communication at the Apostolic Vicariate of Southern Arabia, said safety guidelines were thoroughly evaluated before the re-opening.
“Safety and vigilance remains our priority. Given the large number of parishioners in Dubai, after evaluating the feasibility of fulfilling all safety precautions, the time it takes to get everyone safely in and out, the church has decided to defer re-opening at the moment.
"We are all one big community, one big family here in the UAE. We pray for this city, this country, all those working on the frontlines, and all those who are in pain."
Three daily services are capped at 80 people with eight mass services on Fridays spread over two churches in the Mushrif compound.
“People need to book online to choose their preferred mass timing and will receive a text message or email confirmation that they have to present at the gate to be allowed entry,” Mr John said.
In Ras Al Khaimah, Fr Kent Middleton has been welcoming worshippers at St Luke Anglican Church since July 19.
The church is not yet open for worship for the regular Friday service and instead hosts two services during the week.
“It is good to see life breathed back into our buildings,” Fr Middleton said.
“We have had a slow and gradual start because a lot of people are hesitant to be part of a gathering even if it socially distanced. I respect and understand it. We are glad they are being cautious. But it is good to have people praying together.”
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MATCH INFO
Uefa Champions League semi-final, first leg
Bayern Munich v Real Madrid
When: April 25, 10.45pm kick-off (UAE)
Where: Allianz Arena, Munich
Live: BeIN Sports HD
Second leg: May 1, Santiago Bernabeu, Madrid
MATCH INFO
Uefa Champions League semi-final, second leg result:
Ajax 2-3 Tottenham
Tottenham advance on away goals rule after tie ends 3-3 on aggregate
Final: June 1, Madrid
RESULTS
6.30pm: Emirates Holidays Maiden (TB) Dh 82,500 (Dirt) 1,900m
Winner: Lady Snazz, Richard Mullen (jockey), Satish Seemar (trainer).
7.05pm: Arabian Adventures Maiden (TB) Dh 82,500 (D) 1,200m
Winner: Zhou Storm, Connor Beasley, Ali Rashid Al Raihe.
7.40pm: Emirates Skywards Handicap (TB) Dh 82,500 (D) 1,200m
Winner: Rich And Famous, Royston Ffrench, Salem bin Ghadayer.
8.15pm: Emirates Airline Conditions (TB) Dh 120,000 (D) 1,400m
Winner: Rio Angie, Sam Hitchcock, Doug Watson.
8.50pm: Emirates Sky Cargo (TB) Dh 92,500 (D) 1,400m
Winner: Kinver Edge, Richard Mullen, Satish Seemar.
9.15pm: Emirates.com (TB) Dh 95,000 (D) 2,000m
Winner: Firnas, Xavier Ziani, Salem bin Ghadayer.
Dhadak 2
Director: Shazia Iqbal
Starring: Siddhant Chaturvedi, Triptii Dimri
Rating: 1/5
FFP EXPLAINED
What is Financial Fair Play?
Introduced in 2011 by Uefa, European football’s governing body, it demands that clubs live within their means. Chiefly, spend within their income and not make substantial losses.
What the rules dictate?
The second phase of its implementation limits losses to €30 million (Dh136m) over three seasons. Extra expenditure is permitted for investment in sustainable areas (youth academies, stadium development, etc). Money provided by owners is not viewed as income. Revenue from “related parties” to those owners is assessed by Uefa's “financial control body” to be sure it is a fair value, or in line with market prices.
What are the penalties?
There are a number of punishments, including fines, a loss of prize money or having to reduce squad size for European competition – as happened to PSG in 2014. There is even the threat of a competition ban, which could in theory lead to PSG’s suspension from the Uefa Champions League.
What the law says
Micro-retirement is not a recognised concept or employment status under Federal Decree Law No. 33 of 2021 on the Regulation of Labour Relations (as amended) (UAE Labour Law). As such, it reflects a voluntary work-life balance practice, rather than a recognised legal employment category, according to Dilini Loku, senior associate for law firm Gateley Middle East.
“Some companies may offer formal sabbatical policies or career break programmes; however, beyond such arrangements, there is no automatic right or statutory entitlement to extended breaks,” she explains.
“Any leave taken beyond statutory entitlements, such as annual leave, is typically regarded as unpaid leave in accordance with Article 33 of the UAE Labour Law. While employees may legally take unpaid leave, such requests are subject to the employer’s discretion and require approval.”
If an employee resigns to pursue micro-retirement, the employment contract is terminated, and the employer is under no legal obligation to rehire the employee in the future unless specific contractual agreements are in place (such as return-to-work arrangements), which are generally uncommon, Ms Loku adds.
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Results
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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
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
Teams
Punjabi Legends Owners: Inzamam-ul-Haq and Intizar-ul-Haq; Key player: Misbah-ul-Haq
Pakhtoons Owners: Habib Khan and Tajuddin Khan; Key player: Shahid Afridi
Maratha Arabians Owners: Sohail Khan, Ali Tumbi, Parvez Khan; Key player: Virender Sehwag
Bangla Tigers Owners: Shirajuddin Alam, Yasin Choudhary, Neelesh Bhatnager, Anis and Rizwan Sajan; Key player: TBC
Colombo Lions Owners: Sri Lanka Cricket; Key player: TBC
Kerala Kings Owners: Hussain Adam Ali and Shafi Ul Mulk; Key player: Eoin Morgan
Venue Sharjah Cricket Stadium
Format 10 overs per side, matches last for 90 minutes
Timeline October 25: Around 120 players to be entered into a draft, to be held in Dubai; December 21: Matches start; December 24: Finals
'Cheb%20Khaled'
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About Takalam
Date started: early 2020
Founders: Khawla Hammad and Inas Abu Shashieh
Based: Abu Dhabi
Sector: HealthTech and wellness
Number of staff: 4
Funding to date: Bootstrapped
Gifts exchanged
- King Charles - replica of President Eisenhower Sword
- Queen Camilla - Tiffany & Co vintage 18-carat gold, diamond and ruby flower brooch
- Donald Trump - hand-bound leather book with Declaration of Independence
- Melania Trump - personalised Anya Hindmarch handbag
COMPANY%20PROFILE%20
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