• Confetti flies around in Times Square during the New Year's Eve celebrations, in New York City. Reuters
    Confetti flies around in Times Square during the New Year's Eve celebrations, in New York City. Reuters
  • A view of the last sunset for the year 2023 on New Year's Eve, in Karachi, Pakistan. EPA
    A view of the last sunset for the year 2023 on New Year's Eve, in Karachi, Pakistan. EPA
  • A worshipper and child during a new year's prayer at the St Joanes, Legio Maria of African Church Mission within Fort Jesus in Kibera district of Nairobi, Kenya. Reuters
    A worshipper and child during a new year's prayer at the St Joanes, Legio Maria of African Church Mission within Fort Jesus in Kibera district of Nairobi, Kenya. Reuters
  • Fireworks over the Rockwell Centre in celebration of the new year in Makati, Metro Manila, Philippines. Reuters
    Fireworks over the Rockwell Centre in celebration of the new year in Makati, Metro Manila, Philippines. Reuters
  • Fireworks bring in the new year over the Corniche in Abu Dhabi. Ruel Pableo for The National
    Fireworks bring in the new year over the Corniche in Abu Dhabi. Ruel Pableo for The National
  • Balloons are released to celebrate the new year on Jianghan Road in Wuhan, China. Getty Images
    Balloons are released to celebrate the new year on Jianghan Road in Wuhan, China. Getty Images
  • New year celebrations at Kim Il Sung Square in Pyongyang, North Korea. AFP
    New year celebrations at Kim Il Sung Square in Pyongyang, North Korea. AFP
  • Fireworks explode around the London Eye and The Elizabeth Tower, commonly known by the name of the clock's bell, Big Ben, at the Palace of Westminster, home to the Houses of Parliament, in central London, just after midnight on January 1, 2024. AFP
    Fireworks explode around the London Eye and The Elizabeth Tower, commonly known by the name of the clock's bell, Big Ben, at the Palace of Westminster, home to the Houses of Parliament, in central London, just after midnight on January 1, 2024. AFP
  • Fireworks illuminate the sky over the Arc de Triomphe during the New Year's celebrations on the Champs Elysees avenue in Paris, France, January 1, 2024. Reuters
    Fireworks illuminate the sky over the Arc de Triomphe during the New Year's celebrations on the Champs Elysees avenue in Paris, France, January 1, 2024. Reuters
  • Fireworks explode over the Brandenburg Gate at midnight on New Year's Day, January 01, 2024 in Berlin, Germany. Getty Images
    Fireworks explode over the Brandenburg Gate at midnight on New Year's Day, January 01, 2024 in Berlin, Germany. Getty Images
  • People look at an aerial image projection depicting an Iraqi map during New Year celebration in Baghdad, Iraq, January 1, 2024. Reuters
    People look at an aerial image projection depicting an Iraqi map during New Year celebration in Baghdad, Iraq, January 1, 2024. Reuters
  • A reveller joins the crowds in Times Square ahead of celebrations of the New Year's Eve, in New York City, New York. Reuters
    A reveller joins the crowds in Times Square ahead of celebrations of the New Year's Eve, in New York City, New York. Reuters
  • Thousands of people gather during the New Year's Eve concert in Zakopane, southern Poland, 31 December 2023. EPA
    Thousands of people gather during the New Year's Eve concert in Zakopane, southern Poland, 31 December 2023. EPA
  • Fireworks and light effects illuminate the night sky during the 2024 new year's celebrations in the capital Colombo, Sri Lanka, 01 January 2024. EPA
    Fireworks and light effects illuminate the night sky during the 2024 new year's celebrations in the capital Colombo, Sri Lanka, 01 January 2024. EPA
  • Fireworks explode at the Burj Khalifa, the world's tallest building, during the New Year's Eve celebration, in Dubai. AP Photo
    Fireworks explode at the Burj Khalifa, the world's tallest building, during the New Year's Eve celebration, in Dubai. AP Photo
  • Fireworks for India during New Years Eve at Global Village, Dubai. Chris Whiteoak / The National
    Fireworks for India during New Years Eve at Global Village, Dubai. Chris Whiteoak / The National
  • Fireworks are seen over Victoria Harbour for the New Year's Eve celebrations in Hong Kong. EPA
    Fireworks are seen over Victoria Harbour for the New Year's Eve celebrations in Hong Kong. EPA
  • Fireworks over Marina Bay during a New Year's Eve show at the Marina Bay Singapore Countdown 2024 celebrations. EPA
    Fireworks over Marina Bay during a New Year's Eve show at the Marina Bay Singapore Countdown 2024 celebrations. EPA
  • Taksim Square in Istanbul, Turkey. EPA
    Taksim Square in Istanbul, Turkey. EPA
  • Fireworks at the Taipei 101 building during the New Year's celebrations in Taiwan. AP
    Fireworks at the Taipei 101 building during the New Year's celebrations in Taiwan. AP
  • The 9pm 'family fireworks' over the Sydney Opera House during New Year’s Eve celebrations in Sydney. AFP
    The 9pm 'family fireworks' over the Sydney Opera House during New Year’s Eve celebrations in Sydney. AFP
  • A man flies a decorated kite to mark New Year's Eve in Amritsar. AFP
    A man flies a decorated kite to mark New Year's Eve in Amritsar. AFP
  • Members of the Gurung community wearing traditional attire dance on the occasion of Tamu Lhosar festival marking the commencement of Gurung New Year in Kathmandu. AFP
    Members of the Gurung community wearing traditional attire dance on the occasion of Tamu Lhosar festival marking the commencement of Gurung New Year in Kathmandu. AFP
  • A Happy New Year headpiece during New Year's Eve celebrations in Sydney. Getty Images
    A Happy New Year headpiece during New Year's Eve celebrations in Sydney. Getty Images
  • Balinese dancers take part in a cultural parade, during a New Year's Eve celebration in Denpasar, Bali, Indonesia. EPA
    Balinese dancers take part in a cultural parade, during a New Year's Eve celebration in Denpasar, Bali, Indonesia. EPA
  • Pope Francis during the last Angelus prayer of the year from the window of the Apostolic Palace overlooking Saint Peter's Square in Vatican City. EPA
    Pope Francis during the last Angelus prayer of the year from the window of the Apostolic Palace overlooking Saint Peter's Square in Vatican City. EPA
  • A selfie in Seoul, South Korea. Reuters
    A selfie in Seoul, South Korea. Reuters

World

World welcomes New Year with fireworks and prayers

At his Sunday prayers at the Vatican, Pope Francis wished everyone a peaceful end to the year

Soraya Ebrahimi
Soraya Ebrahimi

December 31, 2023

  • English
  • Arabic

A fireworks display in Auckland, New Zealand welcomed in the New Year as the first country in the world celebrated the arrival of 2024.

The fireworks illuminated the cloudy night sky and were accompanied by a laser light and animation show.

Other countries soon followed in bidding farewell to 2023 and welcoming the New Year.

Sydney, Australia hailed 2024 with a dazzling fireworks display featuring silver and gold pyrotechnics to mark the 50th anniversary of its famous Opera House.

At his Sunday prayers at the Vatican, Pope Francis said: “I wish everyone a peaceful end of the year, and please do not forget to pray for me.”

New Year’s celebrations across UAE - in pictures

  • Ras Al Khaimah welcomed the new year with fireworks and a drone show. RAK Media Office
    Ras Al Khaimah welcomed the new year with fireworks and a drone show. RAK Media Office
  • Ras Al Khaimah's firework display was a sea of colour. RAK Media Office
    Ras Al Khaimah's firework display was a sea of colour. RAK Media Office
  • Ras Al Khaimah chased a Guinness World Record of the longest straight-line drones display. RAK Media Office
    Ras Al Khaimah chased a Guinness World Record of the longest straight-line drones display. RAK Media Office
  • Fireworks light up the sky by the landmark Burj Khalifa skyscraper in Dubai. AFP
    Fireworks light up the sky by the landmark Burj Khalifa skyscraper in Dubai. AFP
  • Fireworks over the Corniche in Abu Dhabi bring in 2024. Ruel Pableo for The National
    Fireworks over the Corniche in Abu Dhabi bring in 2024. Ruel Pableo for The National
  • Fireworks over the Corniche in Abu Dhabi bring in 2024. Ruel Pableo for The National
    Fireworks over the Corniche in Abu Dhabi bring in 2024. Ruel Pableo for The National
  • Light is projected from the Burj Khalifa just before the new year fireworks show begins. Reuters
    Light is projected from the Burj Khalifa just before the new year fireworks show begins. Reuters
  • Fireworks light up the sky by the Burj Al Arab hotel. AFP
    Fireworks light up the sky by the Burj Al Arab hotel. AFP
  • Fireworks displays along Dubai's coast on the stroke of midnight. AFP
    Fireworks displays along Dubai's coast on the stroke of midnight. AFP
  • Fireworks for New Years Eve in the UAE at Global Village, Dubai. Chris Whiteoak / The National
    Fireworks for New Years Eve in the UAE at Global Village, Dubai. Chris Whiteoak / The National
  • Fireworks for China during New Years Eve at Global Village, Dubai. Chris Whiteoak / The National
    Fireworks for China during New Years Eve at Global Village, Dubai. Chris Whiteoak / The National
  • Performers during New Years Eve at Global Village, Dubai. Chris Whiteoak / The National
    Performers during New Years Eve at Global Village, Dubai. Chris Whiteoak / The National
  • Fireworks for Pakistan during New Years Eve at Global Village, Dubai. Chris Whiteoak / The National
    Fireworks for Pakistan during New Years Eve at Global Village, Dubai. Chris Whiteoak / The National
  • Fireworks for India during New Years Eve at Global Village, Dubai. Chris Whiteoak / The National
    Fireworks for India during New Years Eve at Global Village, Dubai. Chris Whiteoak / The National
  • Fireworks for Bangladesh during New Years Eve at Global Village, Dubai. Chris Whiteoak / The National
    Fireworks for Bangladesh during New Years Eve at Global Village, Dubai. Chris Whiteoak / The National
  • A young visitor watches the performances during New Years Eve at Global Village, Dubai. Chris Whiteoak / The National
    A young visitor watches the performances during New Years Eve at Global Village, Dubai. Chris Whiteoak / The National
  • Performers during New Years Eve at Global Village, Dubai. Chris Whiteoak / The National
    Performers during New Years Eve at Global Village, Dubai. Chris Whiteoak / The National
  • Syrian cultural performers during New Year's Eve at Global Village, Dubai. Chris Whiteoak / The National
    Syrian cultural performers during New Year's Eve at Global Village, Dubai. Chris Whiteoak / The National
  • Selfies for New Year's Eve at Global Village, Dubai. Chris Whiteoak / The National
    Selfies for New Year's Eve at Global Village, Dubai. Chris Whiteoak / The National
  • Visitors take selfies for New Years Eve at Global Village, Dubai. Chris Whiteoak / The National
    Visitors take selfies for New Years Eve at Global Village, Dubai. Chris Whiteoak / The National

Russian President Vladimir Putin, facing an election in March, made only passing reference in his New Year address to his war in Ukraine, hailing Russia's soldiers as heroes but emphasising unity and shared determination.

China's President Xi Jinping, speaking in a televised speech to mark the New Year, said the country will consolidate and enhance the positive trend of its economic recovery in 2024, and sustain long-term economic development with deeper reforms.

In North Korea, Kim Jong Un vowed to launch three spy satellites, build military drones, and increase its nuclear arsenal in 2024, with the leader saying US policy is making war inevitable.

UAE marks the new year with fireworks and drone displays - video

President Emmanuel Macron vowed on Sunday that 2024 will be the year of French pride and hope, marked by the Paris 2024 Olympic Summer Games and the re-opening of Notre-Dame cathedral after a devastating fire.

"Only once in a century does one host Olympic and Paralympic Games, only once in a millennium does one rebuild a cathedral," Mr Macron said.

"2024, a year of determination, choices, recovery, pride. In fact, a year of hope."

For India, thousands of revellers from the financial hub of Mumbai watched the sun set over the Arabian Sea.

In New Delhi, fireworks raised concerns that the capital — already infamous for its poor air quality — would be blanketed by a toxic haze on the first morning of the new year.

Across Japan, people gathered at temples, such as the Tsukiji Temple in Tokyo, where visitors were given free hot milk and corn soup as they stood in line to strike a massive bell.

Best Academy: Ajax and Benfica

Best Agent: Jorge Mendes

Best Club : Liverpool   

 Best Coach: Jurgen Klopp (Liverpool)  

 Best Goalkeeper: Alisson Becker

 Best Men’s Player: Cristiano Ronaldo

 Best Partnership of the Year Award by SportBusiness: Manchester City and SAP

 Best Referee: Stephanie Frappart

Best Revelation Player: Joao Felix (Atletico Madrid and Portugal)

Best Sporting Director: Andrea Berta (Atletico Madrid)

Best Women's Player:  Lucy Bronze

Best Young Arab Player: Achraf Hakimi

 Kooora – Best Arab Club: Al Hilal (Saudi Arabia)

 Kooora – Best Arab Player: Abderrazak Hamdallah (Al-Nassr FC, Saudi Arabia)

 Player Career Award: Miralem Pjanic and Ryan Giggs

Get Out

Director: Jordan Peele

Stars: Daniel Kaluuya, Allison Williams, Catherine Keener, Bradley Whitford

Four stars

Revival
Eminem
Interscope

Tips%20for%20holiday%20homeowners
%3Cp%3EThere%20are%20several%20factors%20for%20landlords%20to%20consider%20when%20preparing%20to%20establish%20a%20holiday%20home%3A%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cul%3E%0A%3Cli%3E%3Cstrong%3ERevenue%20potential%20of%20the%20unit%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20location%2C%20view%20and%20size%3C%2Fli%3E%0A%3Cli%3E%3Cstrong%3EDesign%3A%20furnished%20or%20unfurnished.%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Is%20the%20design%20up%20to%20standard%2C%20while%20being%20catchy%20at%20the%20same%20time%3F%3C%2Fli%3E%0A%3Cli%3E%3Cstrong%3EBusiness%20model%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20will%20it%20be%20managed%20by%20a%20professional%20operator%20or%20directly%20by%20the%20owner%2C%20how%20often%20does%20the%20owner%20wants%20to%20use%20it%20for%20personal%20reasons%3F%3C%2Fli%3E%0A%3Cli%3E%3Cstrong%3EQuality%20of%20the%20operator%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20guest%20reviews%2C%20customer%20experience%20management%2C%20application%20of%20technology%2C%20average%20utilisation%2C%20scope%20of%20services%20rendered%3C%2Fli%3E%0A%3C%2Ful%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cem%3ESource%3A%20Adam%20Nowak%2C%20managing%20director%20of%20Ultimate%20Stay%20Vacation%20Homes%20Rental%3C%2Fem%3E%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Red flags
  • Promises of high, fixed or 'guaranteed' returns.
  • Unregulated structured products or complex investments often used to bypass traditional safeguards.
  • Lack of clear information, vague language, no access to audited financials.
  • Overseas companies targeting investors in other jurisdictions - this can make legal recovery difficult.
  • Hard-selling tactics - creating urgency, offering 'exclusive' deals.

Courtesy: Carol Glynn, founder of Conscious Finance Coaching

Director: Laxman Utekar

Cast: Vicky Kaushal, Akshaye Khanna, Diana Penty, Vineet Kumar Singh, Rashmika Mandanna

Rating: 1/5

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BUNDESLIGA FIXTURES

Friday (all kick-offs UAE time)

Hertha Berlin v Union Berlin (10.30pm)

Saturday

Freiburg v Werder Bremen (5.30pm)

Paderborn v Hoffenheim (5.30pm)

Wolfsburg v Borussia Dortmund (5.30pm)

Borussia Monchengladbach v Bayer Leverkusen (5.30pm)

Bayern Munich v Eintracht Frankfurt (5.30pm)

Sunday

Schalke v Augsburg (3.30pm)

Mainz v RB Leipzig (5.30pm)

Cologne v Fortuna Dusseldorf (8pm)

 

 

Roll of honour 2019-2020

Dubai Rugby Sevens
Winners: Dubai Hurricanes
Runners up: Bahrain

West Asia Premiership
Winners: Bahrain
Runners up: UAE Premiership

UAE Premiership
}Winners: Dubai Exiles
Runners up: Dubai Hurricanes

UAE Division One
Winners: Abu Dhabi Saracens
Runners up: Dubai Hurricanes II

UAE Division Two
Winners: Barrelhouse
Runners up: RAK Rugby

THE LIGHT

Director: Tom Tykwer

Starring: Tala Al Deen, Nicolette Krebitz, Lars Eidinger

Rating: 3/5

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

SPEC%20SHEET%3A%20SAMSUNG%20GALAXY%20Z%20FLIP%204
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Updated: January 01, 2024, 1:02 AM
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