Setting goals is a popular way to start the new year, although resolutions often fail in a few months. For those wanting to make longer-term changes, inspiration can also be found in life philosophies popular in different countries and cultures.
Evolving over the centuries to enable communities to come together and find common ground, or as a necessary way for people to adapt to their environment, these global philosophies can inspire you to adopt newfound practices and mindsets that make a real difference.
From dolce far niente, the Italian philosophy of finding guilt-free pleasure in doing nothing, to ikigai, the Japanese practice of creating a life filled with purpose, these seven philosophies will open you up to new, positive ways of thinking and living.
1. Pomalo, the Croatian philosophy of unhurried living
With slow and intentional living topping many lists when it comes to lifestyle trends for 2026, the Croatian life philosophy of pomalo will appeal to those looking to slow things down in the coming year. Translated as “slowly” or “take it easy”, the phrase is often used in everyday language when cautioning against impatience, such as: “Pomalo, no need to rush.”
This is the antithesis of hustle or grind culture that advocates squeezing every minute out of each day, turning hobbies into money-making side gigs and considering leisure time wasted. Instead, pomalo embraces the idea that life is to be lived rather than optimised and that constant busyness is not an enviable goal.
Incorporating pomalo into UAE life: The notion of “grabbing a coffee” is the opposite of this philosophy, so with an abundance of cafes across the UAE, swap your coffee-on-the-go mentality for a stop-and-sip mindset.
2. Dolce far niente, the Italian philosophy of pleasure in stillness
A distant cousin of pomalo, sharing the same laid-back Mediterranean vibe, this philosophy is concerned with doing naught as opposed to simply slowing down.
Translating as “the sweetness of doing nothing”, dolce far niente concerns itself with cultivating moments of intentional idleness without feeling the need to justify them. Spending time with your thoughts in a gadget-free environment is only part of the process.
The main focus is on ridding yourself of any guilty feelings you might have about doing nothing, understanding that rest is not a reward but a right, and appreciating that moments of stillness or silence are restorative and calming.
Incorporating dolce far niente into UAE life: Putting down your phone and pausing to watch the world go by while queueing in line or riding the metro is an easy way to experience the philosophy.
Ikigai, the Japanese philosophy of creating a life of purpose
If making changes big or small is on your list for 2026, consider using the Japanese philosophy of ikigai as a framework to ensure your choices complement your life.
Meaning “a reason for being”, ikigai is about cultivating jobs, hobbies and leisure time that make your life more purposeful. Interestingly, the approach doesn’t focus on happiness as the end goal, but rather assumes that contentment will come naturally as you do more of what inspires you to get out of bed each morning.
Found at the intersection of what you love, what you’re good at, what the world needs and what sustains you, ikigai can be anything from a small daily ritual to a lifelong passion project.
Incorporating ikigai into UAE life: Ikigai prioritises consistency over intensity, meaning that showing up to the gym regularly is better than working yourself to the bone on occasional visits.
Santosha, the Indian philosophy of inner peace
The quest for inner peace can be a lifelong one, and santosha – which stems from yogic and Vedic traditions – is about finding peace that isn’t dependent on external circumstances or things.
Coming from the Sanskrit, “san” means completely and “tosha” means content or satisfied. As such, the philosophy is centred on acceptance without resignation as a route to inner peace.
Appreciation is another key consideration, allowing practitioners to focus on what they have as opposed to what they don’t have in order to move away from the mindset that buying or owning things brings happiness. For overachievers, the practice also focuses on cultivating contentment through awareness rather than achievement.
Incorporating Santosha into UAE life: The philosophy goes hand in hand with the popular “buy nothing” movement, which encourages adherents to be content with what they already have. Put this into practice by taking a break from the mall or online shopping and evaluating what’s already in your home or wardrobe, then repurpose, donate or swap things you no longer need.
Lagom, the Swedish philosophy of life balance
Balance is at the heart of lagom, the Swedish practice of living a life of moderation and sufficiency. Translated, it simply means “enough”, asking practitioners to consider what is enough in all aspects of their lives.
The philosophy strictly avoids extremes – constantly working overtime, overconsumption, hours spent at the gym – by pushing a middle ground that takes sustainability into account, whether on a personal, professional or materialistic level. It also tasks adherents with thinking beyond themselves to consider the collective well-being of their family, community and planet, by asking how others might be affected by their choices.
Incorporating lagom into UAE life: If you’re rethinking your personal style or home decor this year, lagom focuses on simplicity, functionality and moderation. Forward planning is key, as is making lists to ensure you stick to buying only what you need.
Aloha aina, the Hawaiian philosophy of respect for nature
This Hawaiian philosophy is about moving your relationship with nature beyond that of buzzwords such as “touching grass” and “grounding”.
Meaning “a love of the land”, the practice is not about environmentalism as a trend or adopting an aesthetic, but becoming spiritually, culturally and ethically responsible for the natural world around you.
The philosophy centres on expressing gratitude for the local and global environment through direct action and with the intention of taking care of the land for future generations.
Incorporating aloha aina into UAE life: Choosing UAE-made or grown products is an easy place to start, consuming as mindfully and locally as possible. Also consider volunteering for an environmental organisation such as Emirates Nature-WWF (Leaders of Change), UAE Dolphin Project, or Dubai Turtle Rehabilitation Project to name a few.
Tarab, the Arabic philosophy of emotional resonance
Finding beauty and depth in the art you consume lies at the heart of tarab, which invites practitioners to connect more deeply with music, literature and poetry, not just in the moment, but in a way that endures.
Translated as “musical ecstasy” or “emotional rapture”, tarab focuses on the idea that life’s richness is experienced through profound emotional engagement, with a particular emphasis on art, and allowing those experiences to permeate in ways that enhance your everyday existence.
The philosophy advocates total immersion in the art you’re reading, viewing or listening to, giving it your full focus and attention in order to heighten your general awareness and appreciation of life.
Incorporating tarab into UAE life: Head to the many art galleries, museums and concerts across the UAE, or practise being more mindful at home when listening to music or reading poetry.
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pocketsUJDA CHAMAN
Produced: Panorama Studios International
Directed: Abhishek Pathak
Cast: Sunny Singh, Maanvi Gagroo, Grusha Kapoor, Saurabh Shukla
Rating: 3.5 /5 stars
F1 The Movie
Starring: Brad Pitt, Damson Idris, Kerry Condon, Javier Bardem
Director: Joseph Kosinski
Rating: 4/5
Match info
Liverpool 4
Salah (19′), Mane (45 2′, 53′), Sturridge (87′)
West Ham United 0
Omar Yabroudi’s factfile
Born: October 20, 1989, Sharjah
Education: Bachelor of Science and Football, Liverpool John Moores University
2010: Accrington Stanley FC, internship
2010-2012: Crystal Palace, performance analyst with U-18 academy
2012-2015: Barnet FC, first-team performance analyst/head of recruitment
2015-2017: Nottingham Forest, head of recruitment
2018-present: Crystal Palace, player recruitment manager
How to increase your savings
Have a plan for your savings.
Decide on your emergency fund target and once that’s achieved, assign your savings to another financial goal such as saving for a house or investing for retirement.
Decide on a financial goal that is important to you and put your savings to work for you.
It’s important to have a purpose for your savings as it helps to keep you motivated to continue while also reducing the temptation to spend your savings.
– Carol Glynn, founder of Conscious Finance Coaching
RESULT
Argentina 0 Croatia 3
Croatia: Rebic (53′), Modric (80′), Rakitic (90′ 1)
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Read more from Mina Al-OraibiOur legal advisor
Ahmad El Sayed is Senior Associate at Charles Russell Speechlys, a law firm headquartered in London with offices in the UK, Europe, the Middle East and Hong Kong.
Experience: Commercial litigator who has assisted clients with overseas judgments before UAE courts. His specialties are cases related to banking, real estate, shareholder disputes, company liquidations and criminal matters as well as employment related litigation.
Education: Sagesse University, Beirut, Lebanon, in 2005.
Brief scores:
Day 2
England: 277 & 19-0
West Indies: 154
Results
1.30pm Handicap (PA) Dh50,000 (Dirt) 1,400m
Winner Al Suhooj, Saif Al Balushi (jockey), Khalifa Al Neyadi (trainer)
2pm Handicap (TB) 68,000 (D) 1,950m
Winner Miracle Maker, Xavier Ziani, Salem bin Ghadayer
2.30pm Maiden (TB) Dh60,000 (D) 1,600m
Winner Mazagran, Tadhg O’Shea, Satish Seemar
3pm Handicap (TB) Dh84,000 (D) 1,800m
Winner Tailor’s Row, Royston Ffrench, Salem bin Ghadayer
3.30pm Handicap (TB) Dh76,000 (D) 1,400m
Winner Alla Mahlak, Adrie de Vries, Rashed Bouresly
4pm Maiden (TB) Dh60,000 (D) 1,200m
Winner Hurry Up, Royston Ffrench, Salem bin Ghadayer
4.30pm Handicap (TB) Dh68,000 (D) 1,200m
UPI facts
More than 2.2 million Indian tourists arrived in UAE in 2023
More than 3.5 million Indians reside in UAE
Indian tourists can make purchases in UAE using rupee accounts in India through QR-code-based UPI real-time payment systems
Indian residents in UAE can use their non-resident NRO and NRE accounts held in Indian banks linked to a UAE mobile number for UPI transactions
MATCH INFO
Day 2 at the Gabba
Australia 312-1
Warner 151 not out, Burns 97, Labuschagne 55 not out
Pakistan 240
Shafiq 76, Starc 4-52
TERMINAL HIGH ALTITUDE AREA DEFENCE (THAAD)What is THAAD?
It is considered to be the US’s most superior missile defence system.
Production:
It was created in 2008.
Speed:
THAAD missiles can travel at over Mach 8, so fast that it is hypersonic.
Abilities:
THAAD is designed to take out ballistic missiles as they are on their downward trajectory towards their target, otherwise known as the “terminal phase”.
Purpose:
To protect high-value strategic sites, such as airfields or population centres.
Range:
THAAD can target projectiles inside and outside the Earth’s atmosphere, at an altitude of 150 kilometres above the Earth’s surface.
Creators:
Lockheed Martin was originally granted the contract to develop the system in 1992. Defence company Raytheon sub-contracts to develop other major parts of the system, such as ground-based radar.
UAE and THAAD:
In 2011, the UAE became the first country outside of the US to buy two THAAD missile defence systems. It then stationed them in 2016, becoming the first Gulf country to do so.
Labour dispute
The insured employee may still file an ILOE claim even if a labour dispute is ongoing post termination, but the insurer may suspend or reject payment, until the courts resolve the dispute, especially if the reason for termination is contested. The outcome of the labour court proceedings can directly affect eligibility.
– Abdullah Ishnaneh, Partner, BSA Law
Tom Fletcher on ‘soft power’Living in…
This article is part of a guide on where to live in the UAE. Our reporters will profile some of the country’s most desirable districts, provide an estimate of rental prices and introduce you to some of the residents who call each area home.
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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
THE SPECS
Engine: 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder
Transmission: Constant Variable (CVT)
Power: 141bhp
Torque: 250Nm
Price: Dh64,500
On sale: Now
Yemen’s Bahais and the charges they often face
The Baha’i faith was made known in Yemen in the 19th century, first introduced by an Iranian man named Ali Muhammad Al Shirazi, considered the Herald of the Baha’i faith in 1844.
The Baha’i faith has had a growing number of followers in recent years despite persecution in Yemen and Iran.
Today, some 2,000 Baha’is reside in Yemen, according to Insaf.
“The 24 defendants represented by the House of Justice, which has intelligence outfits from the uS and the UK working to carry out an espionage scheme in Yemen under the guise of religion.. aimed to impant and found the Bahai sect on Yemeni soil by bringing foreign Bahais from abroad and homing them in Yemen,” the charge sheet said.
Baha’Ullah, the founder of the Bahai faith, was exiled by the Ottoman Empire in 1868 from Iran to what is now Israel. Now, the Bahai faith’s highest governing body, known as the Universal House of Justice, is based in the Israeli city of Haifa, which the Bahais turn towards during prayer.
The Houthis cite this as collective “evidence” of Bahai “links” to Israel – which the Houthis consider their enemy.
Results
Stage seven
1. Tadej Pogacar (SLO) UAE Team Emirates, in 3:20:24
2. Adam Yates (GBR) Ineos Grenadiers, at 1s
3. Pello Bilbao (ESP) Bahrain-Victorious, at 5s
General Classification
1. Tadej Pogacar (SLO) UAE Team Emirates, in 25:38:16
2. Adam Yates (GBR) Ineos Grenadiers, at 22s
3. Pello Bilbao (ESP) Bahrain-Victorious, at 48s
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