Latest news with #EmiratesNewsAgency
Hi Dubai
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Hi Dubai
Dubai World Cup's 30th Edition Set for March 28, 2026 at Meydan
The Dubai Racing Club has officially announced that the 30th edition of the Dubai World Cup will take place on March 28, 2026, at the iconic Meydan Racecourse. The milestone event will serve as the grand finale of the 2025/26 Dubai Racing Carnival, which spans 17 race meetings starting from November 7, 2025. Widely regarded as one of the most prestigious nights in global horse racing, the Dubai World Cup attracts top-tier talent from around the world and is known for its blend of sporting excellence and world-class hospitality. Sheikh Rashed bin Dalmook Al Maktoum, Chairman of Dubai Racing Club, commented on the announcement, stating: 'The Dubai World Cup is firmly established as one of the world's great sporting and social spectacles. As we prepare for its 30th edition in 2026, a milestone to be truly celebrated, we look forward to welcoming the finest horses, jockeys, and connections from around the world.' The 2025/26 Carnival will also feature four marquee events that build anticipation for the World Cup night: Festive Friday (December 19, 2025) : Featuring the AED 1 million G2 Maktoum Mile , this day kicks off the holiday season with racing excitement. : Featuring the AED 1 million , this day kicks off the holiday season with racing excitement. Fashion Friday (January 23, 2026) : A glamorous mix of fashion and racing, spotlighting the AED 3.68 million G1 Al Maktoum Challenge , a key prep for the Cup. : A glamorous mix of fashion and racing, spotlighting the AED 3.68 million , a key prep for the Cup. Emirates Super Saturday (February 28, 2026) : Considered the final dress rehearsal, this day includes the G2 Al Maktoum Classic , which offers a direct route to World Cup night. : Considered the final dress rehearsal, this day includes the , which offers a direct route to World Cup night. Dubai World Cup Night (March 28, 2026): The highlight of the season and a global racing spectacle featuring some of the world's best horses and jockeys. As the Dubai World Cup prepares to celebrate three decades of excellence, anticipation is building for what promises to be one of the most memorable editions yet. News Source: Emirates News Agency
Hi Dubai
2 days ago
- Business
- Hi Dubai
FTA Approves AED 3.2 billion in VAT Refunds for UAE Nationals Building New Homes by June 2025
The Federal Tax Authority (FTA) has processed AED 3.2 billion in VAT refunds for UAE nationals building new residences since the launch of the programme, with over 38,000 applications approved by June 2025. This marks a significant 26% increase in refund value and a 23% rise in application volume compared to June 2024. Key Highlights: New Residences VAT Refund for Nationals: 38,000 total approved applications to date. AED 3.2 billion refunded as of June 2025. Up from 31,000 applications and AED 2.54 billion in refunds by June 2024. In H1 2025 alone: 3,097 applications approved AED 284.77 million refunded Tourist VAT Refund System: 18,410 shops connected as of June 2025, up from 17,720 by end-2024. 697 outlets joined in H1 2025 (up 29% from 2024). 96 self-service refund kiosks operational across major malls, hotels, and departure points. Digital Transformation in Tax Services: 'Maskan' Smart App simplifies VAT refund process for UAE nationals with 100% paperless workflows. E-commerce VAT Refund for Tourists launched in December 2024, allowing tourists to: Digitally scan passports Sync purchase invoices Claim VAT refunds in minutes via a seamless, paperless process Statements from FTA: Director General Khalid Ali Al Bustani confirmed that the FTA's efforts are aligned with the UAE's national digital transformation strategy, citing the ongoing upgrades and automation of refund systems as a major factor in improving user experience, efficiency, and cross-sector leadership. The FTA reiterated its commitment to customer satisfaction, digital innovation, and reducing bureaucracy, with further transformation projects expected to follow in 2025 and beyond. News Source: Emirates News Agency
Gulf Insider
3 days ago
- Gulf Insider
Sharjah Police Bust Massive Drug Network Operating Between Canada, Spain, UAE
Sharjah Police have dismantled an international drug trafficking network operating between Canada and Spain in a security operation that extended from Toronto to Spanish ports and UAE shores. Authorities confiscated a maritime shipment containing 131 kilograms of narcotics and psychoactive substances and arrested seven suspects within the UAE. Among those arrested was an Arab national who used his wife and two children as a front for his smuggling activities, the Emirates News Agency (WAM) reported. The investigation began when authorities observed an Arab individual repeatedly entering the UAE with his family. Monitoring his activities and meetings with local contacts revealed and captured the members of the network. Anti-narcotics teams executed ambushes to apprehend the suspects. The main suspect admitted to playing a role in the smuggling operation, working alongside his wife and using 'geo-location drops' to conceal and distribute the drugs. As the investigation progressed, five suspects of Asian nationality were apprehended. Evidence established their participation in receiving, promoting, and distributing the narcotics within the same network. Intelligence reports revealed a maritime smuggling route linking the Port of Toronto in Canada to Malaga in Spain, eventually reaching a UAE port. Authorities intercepted a shipment hidden in a container filled with auto spare parts, registered under one of the suspects' names. The total seizure included 131 kilograms of narcotics and psychoactive substances, along with 9,945 capsules of controlled medication, as well as tools and devices used for promotion and geolocation concealment. The arrested individuals were referred to the judicial authorities. The Ministry of Interior, in coordination with foreign counterparts, continues to pursue other network operatives abroad, taking legal steps to dismantle the international extension of the ring. Brigadier Majid Sultan Al Asam, Director of Anti-Narcotics at Sharjah Police, stated that counter-narcotics teams are highly prepared and skilled in addressing drug threats. He highlighted that the UAE's initiatives are part of a comprehensive national strategy that prioritizes this crucial issue. Brigadier Abdulrahman Al Owais, Deputy Director-General of Federal Drug Control and Chair of the Anti-Narcotics Trafficking Committee, announced that the Ministry of Interior is finalising arrangements with international agencies to target external elements. He commended the smooth collaboration among UAE law enforcement agencies, which has placed the country at the forefront of global security rankings.
Gulf Insider
4 days ago
- Sport
- Gulf Insider
Abu Dhabi To Host 5th Spartan World Championship In November
The Abu Dhabi Sports Council, in partnership with Spartan, announced that the fifth Spartan World Championship will take place in Al Wathba Desert from 20 to 23 November 2025. The four-day championship will gather thousands of elite athletes and community participants for a series of endurance races across varying distances and obstacles, according to the Emirates News Agency (WAM). The event will feature a series of obstacle races, including women only, mixed, elite, and kids' categories. Key races include the Beast 21K and the Elite Teams Championship. Aref Hamad Al Awani, Secretary General of the Abu Dhabi Sports Council, said the event promotes community engagement and strengthens Abu Dhabi's position as a global sports destination. Joe De Sena, Spartan founder, commended the desert terrain as ideal for endurance challenges. Source Bahrain News Agency
Gulf Insider
4 days ago
- Sport
- Gulf Insider
UAE To Face Qatar, Oman In World Cup Qualifiers
The United Arab Emirates were drawn to take on Qatar and Oman in the fourth phase of Asia's preliminaries for the 2026 World Cup on Thursday. According to the Emirates News Agency (WAM), the winners of each of the three-team groups, which will be played in October, will join already-qualified Australia, Japan, the Republic of Korea, Uzbekistan, Iran and Jordan at next year's expanded 48-nation finals in the United States, Canada and Mexico. Saudi Arabia will host Group A and open against Indonesia on October 8. Indonesia will then play Graham Arnold's Iraq on October 11 before the Saudis and Iraq face off on 14th October. Group B hosts Qatar, organisers of the 2022 World Cup, will take on Oman in their first game on October 8. The UAE will face Oman on October 11, with Qatar and the UAE meeting on October 14. The nations finishing in second place in each group will advance to a further round of qualifying, which will be held over two legs in November on a home-and-away basis. Source Bahrain News Agency
