Sultan Al Neyadi's remarkable space mission
With reference to the report Sultan Al Neyadi posts tribute to Egypt from International Space Station (March 28): This was an interesting read. Hats off to the UAE astronaut for the feats he is accomplishing on a weekly basis on board the International Space Station. He paid a touching tribute to Egypt, rightly mentioning the old civilisation, the world-famous pyramids and different aspects of Egyptian culture. It is incredible that Al Neyadi is experiencing six months in space. It will be for him a trip of a lifetime. It is also very interesting to read that during his time there he will take part in more than 200 experiments by Nasa and 19 that involve UAE universities. Apart from the scientific work, in conveying such spectacular images – pointing out how the Nile Delta from space resembles a flower from that vantage point – he is making everyone proud, his family, his people, his country and the Arab world at large. Kudos to Al Neyadi.
K Ragavan, Bengaluru, India
Attempts needed to restore peace in the world
With regard to the report Brazil's Bolsonaro will not lead opposition to President Lula (March 30): I respect President Lula. The time may have come for leaders such as him and other non-aligned countries such as Brazil, India, China, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE to get together and prepare a plan to restore peace between Russia and Ukraine. There has been too high a cost. Thousands of civilians, including children have died. Countless Ukrainians have become refugees in foreign lands.
In addition to the massive human cost, the economy of the entire world has gone into a tailspin, due to the war. Russia and Ukraine together produce one-third of the world’s wheat. Ukraine is also a major producer of sunflower oil. Many countries in the Middle East are dependent on Russia and Ukraine for agricultural products. Due to agricultural shortfalls and transport issues, there are shortages of food in many parts of the world and inflation is at an all-time high in many countries.
A protracted war will only have further ramifications across countries, including on the prices of oil, raw materials, commodities and supply chains. We live in a globally interdependent world. Events in any part of the world have an immediate and cascading impact everywhere. Global statecraft could help resolve this issue peacefully. This is the essence of leadership. It would be useful if multiple nations focus on bringing about a ceasefire, rather than taking sides in this ugly battle.
Rajendra Aneja, Dubai
Heavily-sugared soft drinks slip through the tax net
Some popular drinks with high levels of sugar and caffeine have slipped through the fizz drink tax loophole, as they are not carbonated or classed as an energy drink.
Arizona Iced Tea with lemon is one of those beverages, with one 240 millilitre serving offering up 23 grams of sugar - about six teaspoons.
A 680ml can of Arizona Iced Tea costs just Dh6.
Most sports drinks sold in supermarkets were found to contain, on average, five teaspoons of sugar in a 500ml bottle.
Business Insights
- As per the document, there are six filing options, including choosing to report on a realisation basis and transitional rules for pre-tax period gains or losses.
- SMEs with revenue below Dh3 million per annum can opt for transitional relief until 2026, treating them as having no taxable income.
- Larger entities have specific provisions for asset and liability movements, business restructuring, and handling foreign permanent establishments.
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Tips to avoid getting scammed
1) Beware of cheques presented late on Thursday
2) Visit an RTA centre to change registration only after receiving payment
3) Be aware of people asking to test drive the car alone
4) Try not to close the sale at night
5) Don't be rushed into a sale
6) Call 901 if you see any suspicious behaviour
Milestones on the road to union
1970
October 26: Bahrain withdraws from a proposal to create a federation of nine with the seven Trucial States and Qatar.
December: Ahmed Al Suwaidi visits New York to discuss potential UN membership.
1971
March 1: Alex Douglas Hume, Conservative foreign secretary confirms that Britain will leave the Gulf and “strongly supports” the creation of a Union of Arab Emirates.
July 12: Historic meeting at which Sheikh Zayed and Sheikh Rashid make a binding agreement to create what will become the UAE.
July 18: It is announced that the UAE will be formed from six emirates, with a proposed constitution signed. RAK is not yet part of the agreement.
August 6: The fifth anniversary of Sheikh Zayed becoming Ruler of Abu Dhabi, with official celebrations deferred until later in the year.
August 15: Bahrain becomes independent.
September 3: Qatar becomes independent.
November 23-25: Meeting with Sheikh Zayed and Sheikh Rashid and senior British officials to fix December 2 as date of creation of the UAE.
November 29: At 5.30pm Iranian forces seize the Greater and Lesser Tunbs by force.
November 30: Despite a power sharing agreement, Tehran takes full control of Abu Musa.
November 31: UK officials visit all six participating Emirates to formally end the Trucial States treaties
December 2: 11am, Dubai. New Supreme Council formally elects Sheikh Zayed as President. Treaty of Friendship signed with the UK. 11.30am. Flag raising ceremony at Union House and Al Manhal Palace in Abu Dhabi witnessed by Sheikh Khalifa, then Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi.
December 6: Arab League formally admits the UAE. The first British Ambassador presents his credentials to Sheikh Zayed.
December 9: UAE joins the United Nations.
