As thousands of travellers from the Arabian Gulf prepare to head to Europe for the summer, Heathrow Airport has teamed up with the money exchange company Travelex to launch a new premium "VAT refund by appointment" service for customers reclaiming the tax when leaving the United Kingdom.
Gulf customers fed up of waiting in long queues at Heathrow in order to claim a refund of 20 per cent on goods purchased in the UK will be able make use of the airport's new appointment service where passengers can book private refund appointments.
At a cost of £120 (Dh571), Travelex says customers can book a personal one-to-one appointment with an Arabic speaking host at a screened desk where the company promises there will be no waiting time.
Located at Heathrow's Terminal 5 from where the UK flag carrier British Airways (BA) flies, the move could also encourage the sort of high-paying Gulf passengers likely to use the VAT service to fly with BA rather than with their Gulf competitors.
“Tax-free shopping is one of the great benefits of coming to the UK. But we recognise that our customer’s time is precious,” said John Rayment, Travelex UK's commercial director. “This new, exclusive experience will ensure customers can complete their VAT refund in a relaxed environment, safe in the knowledge that their refund will be completed in a timely fashion.”
Chris Annetts, Heathrow's retail and service proposition director said: "This private service will provide our customers with greater choice and personalised support with their VAT returns, giving them more time to enjoy their journey."
Under the UK law, customers who live outside the EU but are visiting the UK are eligible to claim a refund on VAT paid for goods and services at the point at which they leave the EU.
In order to receive a refund, customers are required to provide: the tax-free goods they purchased; original store receipts; VAT refund forms; and their passport and boarding pass as proof that they are taking the goods out of the EU.
Refunds by appointment can be booked online in advance at www.travelex.co.uk/vat-refund-by-appointment.
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.
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Stars: Tom Holland, Zendaya, Jacob Batalon
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TOURNAMENT INFO
Opening fixtures:
Friday, Oct 5
8pm: Kabul Zwanan v Paktia Panthers
Saturday, Oct 6
4pm: Nangarhar Leopards v Kandahar Knights
8pm: Kabul Zwanan v Balkh Legends
Tickets
Tickets can be bought online at https://www.q-tickets.com/apl/eventlist and at the ticket office at the stadium.
TV info
The tournament will be broadcast live in the UAE on OSN Sports.
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It is named after actress and singer Jane Birkin
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Company profile
Company name: Dharma
Date started: 2018
Founders: Charaf El Mansouri, Nisma Benani, Leah Howe
Based: Abu Dhabi
Sector: TravelTech
Funding stage: Pre-series A
Investors: Convivialite Ventures, BY Partners, Shorooq Partners, L& Ventures, Flat6Labs
COMPANY PROFILE
Founders: Alhaan Ahmed, Alyina Ahmed and Maximo Tettamanzi
Total funding: Self funded
The specs
Engine: 6.2-litre V8
Transmission: ten-speed
Power: 420bhp
Torque: 624Nm
Price: Dh325,125
On sale: Now
