Bruce Willis occupies a formidable place in Hollywood’s pantheon of legendary action heroes, a position that often overshadows the diversity of the actor’s range.
Much of this is down to his role as John McClane in the 1988 film Die Hard, a character that skyrocketed Willis to public attention, before evolving into the archetypal unsuspecting action hero.
Unlike Sylvester Stallone’s Rambo and Arnold Schwarzenegger’s Terminator — who were both seen as the quintessential action personas of the early 1980s — McClane, and Willis’s depiction of the character, changed what an action hero could be, someone with not only gumption, but wit and humour too.
Willis did not stop there when it came to pushing the boundaries of action. From 12 Monkeys to The Fifth Element and even Red, Willis has continued to play with character tropes with an idiosyncratic smoothness.
One of Willis’s last films, Detective Knight: Independence, is released this week. The film, directed by Edward Drake, is the third and final instalment in the Detective Knight trilogy and follow-up to 2022's Detective Knight: Redemption. Willis plays the titular role, as an LAPD detective.
In March, Willis announced his retirement from acting after being found to have aphasia, a language disorder caused by damage in the brain.
“To Bruce's amazing supporters, as a family we wanted to share that our beloved Bruce has been experiencing some health issues and has recently been diagnosed with aphasia, which is impacting his cognitive abilities,” his family said on Instagram. “As a result of this and with much consideration, Bruce is stepping away from the career that has meant so much to him.”
Willis has starred in more than a hundred films in the past four decades. Here, we take a look at some of his most memorable performances.
Pulp Fiction (1994)
Willis plays Butch Coolidge in the 1994 Quentin Tarantino film Pulp Fiction. By this time, Willis had released three Die Hard films and had acted in off-beat titles, such as providing the voice for baby Mikey in the family-friendly Look Who’s Talking films with John Travolta and Kirstie Alley, as well as the 1992 satire Death becomes Her, opposite Meryl Streep and Goldie Hawn.
Pulp Fiction brought Willis renewed attention and boosted his credentials as an actor.
12 Monkeys (1995)
In the Terry Gilliam-directed film, 12 Monkeys, Willis stars opposite Brad Pitt as a convict who goes back in time to understand how a manmade virus wiped out most of the human population.
Dark and sombre, the film has a winding plot line, but the performances of the cast make it, as the critic’s consensus on Rotten Tomatoes reads, “a kooky, effective experience”.
Much like Die Hard, Willis spends a considerable amount of time in the film bleeding and dripping with sweat. But here, time-traveller James Cole arguably has a little more nuance than McClane, as he stumbles to stay on his mission and maintain his sanity. The film earned Willis an Academy Award nomination for best supporting actor.
The Fifth Element (1997)
In Luc Besson’s quirky sci-fi epic The Fifth Element, Willis plays Korben Dallas, a flying taxi driver and former ranger in Earth’s special forces who crashes into a humanoid woman named Leelo, played by Milla Jovovich. Things get only wilder from there on as the plot swirls at the hands of a cast that includes Gary Oldman and Chris Tucker.
The film won prizes at the Cannes Film Festival, British Academy Film Awards, and the Cesar Awards. That being said, it was also subject to some criticism and was nominated for the infamous Golden Raspberry Awards and Stinkers Bad Movie Awards. Whether a cult classic or a film with an overreaching, meandering storyline, either way it’s a memorable ride.
The Sixth Sense (1999)
In The Sixth Sense, Willis proved his aptitude for psychological thrillers and sparked a professional relationship with the director M Night Shyamalan that would go on for several films. Willis takes on the role of a child psychologist who is treating a nine-year-old boy who claims he can see and talk to the dead.
If you don’t know how the film ends, and have somehow avoided references to the twist, we’re not going to ruin it for you.
Willis was nominated for an Academy Award for his performance, highlighting that he was capable of taking on roles outside the action realm.
Unbreakable (2000)
Another M Night Shyamalan film, Unbreakable upends the understanding of what a comic book hero with superpowers could be. Willis takes on the role of David Dunn, a man who survives a horrific train crash unscathed, acting alongside Robin Wright as Audrey Dunn, who plays his wife and therapist, and Samuel L Jackson as Elijah Price.
By now, Willis had become a staple in Hollywood’s action offerings. In Unbreakable, he transformed the idea of what a person with superpowers could be, displaying a flawed character burdened with the psychological weight of being the sole survivor of a tragic event.
Sin City (2005)
Willis’s performance in Sin City shines despite the stellar ensemble cast that includes Rosario Dawson, Benicio del Toro, Jessica Alba, Mickey Rourke, Clive Owen and Michael Clarke Duncan. Willis takes on the role of Detective John Hartigan, an aging police officer on the trail of a serial child murderer all while suffering from a heart condition.
The neo-noir film is based on the Frank Miller graphic novels of the same name and is co-directed by Miller, with Machete filmmaker Robert Rodriguez.
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
What vitamins do we know are beneficial for living in the UAE
Vitamin D: Highly relevant in the UAE due to limited sun exposure; supports bone health, immunity and mood.
Vitamin B12: Important for nerve health and energy production, especially for vegetarians, vegans and individuals with absorption issues.
Iron: Useful only when deficiency or anaemia is confirmed; helps reduce fatigue and support immunity.
Omega-3 (EPA/DHA): Supports heart health and reduces inflammation, especially for those who consume little fish.
More on Quran memorisation:
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UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
COMPANY PROFILE
Company name: Blah
Started: 2018
Founder: Aliyah Al Abbar and Hend Al Marri
Based: Dubai
Industry: Technology and talent management
Initial investment: Dh20,000
Investors: Self-funded
Total customers: 40
What is the FNC?
The Federal National Council is one of five federal authorities established by the UAE constitution. It held its first session on December 2, 1972, a year to the day after Federation.
It has 40 members, eight of whom are women. The members represent the UAE population through each of the emirates. Abu Dhabi and Dubai have eight members each, Sharjah and Ras al Khaimah six, and Ajman, Fujairah and Umm Al Quwain have four.
They bring Emirati issues to the council for debate and put those concerns to ministers summoned for questioning.
The FNC’s main functions include passing, amending or rejecting federal draft laws, discussing international treaties and agreements, and offering recommendations on general subjects raised during sessions.
Federal draft laws must first pass through the FNC for recommendations when members can amend the laws to suit the needs of citizens. The draft laws are then forwarded to the Cabinet for consideration and approval.
Since 2006, half of the members have been elected by UAE citizens to serve four-year terms and the other half are appointed by the Ruler’s Courts of the seven emirates.
In the 2015 elections, 78 of the 252 candidates were women. Women also represented 48 per cent of all voters and 67 per cent of the voters were under the age of 40.
COMPANY PROFILE
Name: Kumulus Water
Started: 2021
Founders: Iheb Triki and Mohamed Ali Abid
Based: Tunisia
Sector: Water technology
Number of staff: 22
Investment raised: $4 million
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Mercedes-AMG GT 63 S E Performance: the specs
Engine: 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 plus rear-mounted electric motor
Power: 843hp at N/A rpm
Torque: 1470Nm N/A rpm
Transmission: 9-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 8.6L/100km
On sale: October to December
Price: From Dh875,000 (estimate)
When Umm Kulthum performed in Abu Dhabi
Known as The Lady of Arabic Song, Umm Kulthum performed in Abu Dhabi on November 28, 1971, as part of celebrations for the fifth anniversary of the accession of Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan as Ruler of Abu Dhabi. A concert hall was constructed for the event on land that is now Al Nahyan Stadium, behind Al Wahda Mall. The audience were treated to many of Kulthum's most well-known songs as part of the sold-out show, including Aghadan Alqak and Enta Omri.
Our legal consultant
Name: Dr Hassan Mohsen Elhais
Position: legal consultant with Al Rowaad Advocates and Legal Consultants.
Avatar: Fire and Ash
Director: James Cameron
Starring: Sam Worthington, Sigourney Weaver, Zoe Saldana
Rating: 4.5/5
THE SPECS
Engine: 6.75-litre twin-turbocharged V12 petrol engine
Power: 420kW
Torque: 780Nm
Transmission: 8-speed automatic
Price: From Dh1,350,000
On sale: Available for preorder now
UK’s AI plan
- AI ambassadors such as MIT economist Simon Johnson, Monzo cofounder Tom Blomfield and Google DeepMind’s Raia Hadsell
- £10bn AI growth zone in South Wales to create 5,000 jobs
- £100m of government support for startups building AI hardware products
- £250m to train new AI models
The burning issue
The internal combustion engine is facing a watershed moment – major manufacturer Volvo is to stop producing petroleum-powered vehicles by 2021 and countries in Europe, including the UK, have vowed to ban their sale before 2040. The National takes a look at the story of one of the most successful technologies of the last 100 years and how it has impacted life in the UAE.
Read part four: an affection for classic cars lives on
Read part three: the age of the electric vehicle begins
Read part one: how cars came to the UAE
Wicked: For Good
Director: Jon M Chu
Starring: Ariana Grande, Cynthia Erivo, Jonathan Bailey, Jeff Goldblum, Michelle Yeoh, Ethan Slater
Rating: 4/5
Emergency phone numbers in the UAE
Estijaba – 8001717 – number to call to request coronavirus testing
Ministry of Health and Prevention – 80011111
Dubai Health Authority – 800342 – The number to book a free video or voice consultation with a doctor or connect to a local health centre
Emirates airline – 600555555
Etihad Airways – 600555666
Ambulance – 998
Knowledge and Human Development Authority – 8005432 ext. 4 for Covid-19 queries
All Blacks line-up for third Test
J Barrett; I Dagg, A Lienert-Brown, N Laumape, J Savea; B Barrett, A Smith; J Moody, C Taylor, O Franks, B Retallick, S Whitelock, J Kaino, S Cane, K Read (capt).
Replacements: N Harris, W Crockett, C Faumuina, S Barrett, A Savea, TJ Perenara, A Cruden, M Fekitoa.
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
MATCH INFO
Uefa Champions League semi-final:
First leg: Liverpool 5 Roma 2
Second leg: Wednesday, May 2, Stadio Olimpico, Rome
TV: BeIN Sports, 10.45pm (UAE)
New Zealand T20 squad
New Zealand T20 squad: Tim Southee (captain), Finn Allen, Todd Astle, Hamish Bennett, Mark Chapman, Devon Conway (wicketkeeper), Lockie Ferguson, Martin Guptill, Adam Milne, Daryl Mitchell, Glenn Phillips, Ish Sodhi, Will Young
Farage on Muslim Brotherhood
Nigel Farage told Reform's annual conference that the party will proscribe the Muslim Brotherhood if he becomes Prime Minister.
"We will stop dangerous organisations with links to terrorism operating in our country," he said. "Quite why we've been so gutless about this – both Labour and Conservative – I don't know.
“All across the Middle East, countries have banned and proscribed the Muslim Brotherhood as a dangerous organisation. We will do the very same.”
It is 10 years since a ground-breaking report into the Muslim Brotherhood by Sir John Jenkins.
Among the former diplomat's findings was an assessment that “the use of extreme violence in the pursuit of the perfect Islamic society” has “never been institutionally disowned” by the movement.
The prime minister at the time, David Cameron, who commissioned the report, said membership or association with the Muslim Brotherhood was a "possible indicator of extremism" but it would not be banned.
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)
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Stan%20Lee
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How to apply for a drone permit
- Individuals must register on UAE Drone app or website using their UAE Pass
- Add all their personal details, including name, nationality, passport number, Emiratis ID, email and phone number
- Upload the training certificate from a centre accredited by the GCAA
- Submit their request
What are the regulations?
- Fly it within visual line of sight
- Never over populated areas
- Ensure maximum flying height of 400 feet (122 metres) above ground level is not crossed
- Users must avoid flying over restricted areas listed on the UAE Drone app
- Only fly the drone during the day, and never at night
- Should have a live feed of the drone flight
- Drones must weigh 5 kg or less
Company%20profile
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