The US special envoy on climate John Kerry is to visit the UAE next week.
On Sunday, Mr Kerry will attend high-level discussions on advancing global action to halt climate change at the GCC and Mena Regional Dialogue For Climate Action in Abu Dhabi.
This is his first visit to the Middle East since being appointed to the role. The veteran politician was made climate envoy by US President Joe Biden and vowed to swiftly make up for America's "lost years" in the battle to protect the environment.
Mr Kerry's visit to the UAE comes during a critical year in the global fight to halt rising temperatures. A major international climate meeting convened by Mr Biden takes place this month, while the Cop26 climate change summit is to be staged in Glasgow, Scotland, in November.
The UAE Regional Dialogue will include Cop26 President Alok Sharma, together with high-level representatives from the GCC and Mena region, the UAE's state news agency Wam reported on Thursday.
The meeting will allow participants to exchange experiences in their responses to climate change and build momentum for increased global ambitions.
Wam reported that the meeting will enable the US and the Mena region to examine new areas of collaboration in the field of climate change mitigation and adaptation, with the aim of transforming the climate challenge into an economic opportunity.
Core themes will include accelerating the deployment of renewable energy solutions, exploring the potential of new zero-carbon energy sources, such as green and blue hydrogen, maximising the impact of technologies, such as carbon capture, and reducing the carbon emission intensity of hydrocarbon fuels.
Cop26 has been described as the most important summit since Paris in 2015. Agreed the same year and now signed by 195 countries, including the UAE, the deal aims to limit the global average temperature increase to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels. But experts warned the world faces increases of more than 1.5°C within 10 years if countries fail to act.
The UAE was the first Gulf country to sign up to the Paris climate accords.
One of Mr Biden's first acts in office was to announce the US would rejoin the Paris accord.
Mr Sharma warned of the destruction that will be unleashed if the world fails to tackle rising temperatures. Already seas are rising and freak climate events are becoming commonplace.
Speaking at the Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week Summit in January, Mr Sharma said choices made today would determine the world’s fate.
“It is vital we act now,” said Mr Sharma, a former British minister who continues to serve in British Prime Minister Boris Johnson's Cabinet.
In advance of the talks in the UAE on Sunday, Mr Sharma said: "It is vitally important that the world works together to tackle climate change. That means countries coming forward with net zero targets and near-term emissions reduction targets that keep 1.5 degrees within reach. The transition to a clean economy is one which can benefit us all: through creating jobs, spurring sustainable development, and cleaning our air.
"We are already beginning to see progress and countries in the Mena region are well placed to take advantage of the economic opportunities of this transition. However, the consequences of climate change are already being felt across the region, and the UK will use its Cop26 presidency to build momentum on adaptation to help to keep countries, communities and people safe from the impacts of climate change."
Mr Kerry has held talks with Dr Sultan Al Jaber, the UAE's special envoy for climate change.
The meeting came just days after the former US secretary of state took up the role.
"Excellent conversation today with our long-term partner, Dr Sultan Al Jaber, the UAE special envoy for climate," said Mr Kerry.
"I look forward to strong and productive collaboration on tech, investment and regional leadership as we work together to ensure global action on deep decarbonisation."
In comments reported on Thursday by Wam, Dr Sultan said: "We look forward to welcoming special envoy Kerry and Cop26 President Alok Sharma, along with ministers and high level representatives of the key economies of the GCC and Mena region to Abu Dhabi for this important dialogue. The UAE has demonstrated a longstanding commitment to progressive climate action and sought to promote sustainable development throughout the region.
"By coming together for this dialogue, I believe we can create greater momentum for progress. The UAE views climate action as an opportunity for economic development, while contributing practical solutions to a global problem that affects us all. As the world seeks new pathways to ‘building back better’ in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic, special envoy Kerry’s visit will help consolidate efforts on smart sustainable solutions with tangible benefits for the global community.
"We are already seeing great examples of climate leadership throughout our region, including the recently announced initiative by our brotherly neighbours in Saudi Arabia. The Regional Climate Dialogue will provide a constructive platform for the Mena region to unite around progressive, practical solutions that can help the world reach global climate goals, while also fostering innovation for sustainable growth."
Emissions fell worldwide last year as many countries implemented Covid-19 lockdowns. But experts predict the reductions won’t last. Cop26 was postponed in 2020 due to the pandemic.
Abdullah Al Nuaimi, the UAE's Minister of Climate Change and Environment, said international collaboration was important for talks to succeed and the UAE was dedicated to accelerating its transition to a green economy as part of its Covid-19 recovery plans.
The UAE has set out targets to limit greenhouse gas emissions over the next decade, as part of its commitment to the Paris Agreement on climate change.
The country aims to cut emissions by nearly a quarter by 2030, compared to “business as usual”, which does not take into account the latest commitments.
The dialogue in Abu Dhabi will also consider policies for adaptation to the impacts of accelerating climate change trends that are of particular concern to the region, such as food and water security, desertification mitigation and environmental conservation, Wam reported.
Key facilities
- Olympic-size swimming pool with a split bulkhead for multi-use configurations, including water polo and 50m/25m training lanes
- Premier League-standard football pitch
- 400m Olympic running track
- NBA-spec basketball court with auditorium
- 600-seat auditorium
- Spaces for historical and cultural exploration
- An elevated football field that doubles as a helipad
- Specialist robotics and science laboratories
- AR and VR-enabled learning centres
- Disruption Lab and Research Centre for developing entrepreneurial skills
PREMIER LEAGUE FIXTURES
Saturday (UAE kick-off times)
Watford v Leicester City (3.30pm)
Brighton v Arsenal (6pm)
West Ham v Wolves (8.30pm)
Bournemouth v Crystal Palace (10.45pm)
Sunday
Newcastle United v Sheffield United (5pm)
Aston Villa v Chelsea (7.15pm)
Everton v Liverpool (10pm)
Monday
Manchester City v Burnley (11pm)
Gulf Men's League final
Dubai Hurricanes 24-12 Abu Dhabi Harlequins
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Know your Camel lingo
The bairaq is a competition for the best herd of 50 camels, named for the banner its winner takes home
Namoos - a word of congratulations reserved for falconry competitions, camel races and camel pageants. It best translates as 'the pride of victory' - and for competitors, it is priceless
Asayel camels - sleek, short-haired hound-like racers
Majahim - chocolate-brown camels that can grow to weigh two tonnes. They were only valued for milk until camel pageantry took off in the 1990s
Millions Street - the thoroughfare where camels are led and where white 4x4s throng throughout the festival
Specs
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Jetour T1 specs
Engine: 2-litre turbocharged
Power: 254hp
Torque: 390Nm
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Who's who in Yemen conflict
Houthis: Iran-backed rebels who occupy Sanaa and run unrecognised government
Yemeni government: Exiled government in Aden led by eight-member Presidential Leadership Council
Southern Transitional Council: Faction in Yemeni government that seeks autonomy for the south
Habrish 'rebels': Tribal-backed forces feuding with STC over control of oil in government territory
Who was Alfred Nobel?
The Nobel Prize was created by wealthy Swedish chemist and entrepreneur Alfred Nobel.
- In his will he dictated that the bulk of his estate should be used to fund "prizes to those who, during the preceding year, have conferred the greatest benefit to humankind".
- Nobel is best known as the inventor of dynamite, but also wrote poetry and drama and could speak Russian, French, English and German by the age of 17. The five original prize categories reflect the interests closest to his heart.
- Nobel died in 1896 but it took until 1901, following a legal battle over his will, before the first prizes were awarded.
TRAP
Starring: Josh Hartnett, Saleka Shyamalan, Ariel Donaghue
Director: M Night Shyamalan
Rating: 3/5
Skoda Superb Specs
Engine: 2-litre TSI petrol
Power: 190hp
Torque: 320Nm
Price: From Dh147,000
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The Perfect Couple
Starring: Nicole Kidman, Liev Schreiber, Jack Reynor
Creator: Jenna Lamia
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Mohammed bin Zayed Majlis
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
GULF MEN'S LEAGUE
Pool A Dubai Hurricanes, Bahrain, Dubai Exiles, Dubai Tigers 2
Pool B Abu Dhabi Harlequins, Jebel Ali Dragons, Dubai Knights Eagles, Dubai Tigers
Opening fixtures
Thursday, December 5
6.40pm, Pitch 8, Abu Dhabi Harlequins v Dubai Knights Eagles
7pm, Pitch 2, Jebel Ali Dragons v Dubai Tigers
7pm, Pitch 4, Dubai Hurricanes v Dubai Exiles
7pm, Pitch 5, Bahrain v Dubai Eagles 2
Recent winners
2018 Dubai Hurricanes
2017 Dubai Exiles
2016 Abu Dhabi Harlequins
2015 Abu Dhabi Harlequins
2014 Abu Dhabi Harlequins
The specs
Engine: 4.0-litre flat-six
Torque: 450Nm at 6,100rpm
Transmission: 7-speed PDK auto or 6-speed manual
Fuel economy, combined: 13.8L/100km
On sale: Available to order now
In numbers
Number of Chinese tourists coming to UAE in 2017 was... 1.3m
Alibaba’s new ‘Tech Town’ in Dubai is worth... $600m
China’s investment in the MIddle East in 2016 was... $29.5bn
The world’s most valuable start-up in 2018, TikTok, is valued at... $75bn
Boost to the UAE economy of 5G connectivity will be... $269bn
Sholto Byrnes on Myanmar politics
The years Ramadan fell in May
Should late investors consider cryptocurrencies?
Wealth managers recommend late investors to have a balanced portfolio that typically includes traditional assets such as cash, government and corporate bonds, equities, commodities and commercial property.
They do not usually recommend investing in Bitcoin or other cryptocurrencies due to the risk and volatility associated with them.
“It has produced eye-watering returns for some, whereas others have lost substantially as this has all depended purely on timing and when the buy-in was. If someone still has about 20 to 25 years until retirement, there isn’t any need to take such risks,” Rupert Connor of Abacus Financial Consultant says.
He adds that if a person is interested in owning a business or growing a property portfolio to increase their retirement income, this can be encouraged provided they keep in mind the overall risk profile of these assets.
