The inaugural Animenia Abu Dhabi has begun with anime fans flocking to Manarat Al Saadiyat for the four-day celebration. Organised by the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi, the event showcases some of the most popular and beloved modern anime.
Anime, or Japanese Animation, has been around since the early 20th century, though it gained widespread recognition in its modern form in the 1960s. While anime saw moderate popularity outside Japan in the 1980s, interest boomed in the early 1990s as many shows were dubbed in English. However, in the Arab world, anime has been popular since the 1980s, thanks to Arabic dubbing of classics such as Grendizer and Future Boy Conan.
Though anime fans have had space in comic conventions to showcase their passion through cosplay, or getting to meet the voices behind their favourite shows, Animenia aims to be the first convention in Abu Dhabi dedicated solely to anime.
So for those attending, here’s what to expect.
Attack on Titan zone
Fans of arguably one of the most popular Anime shows, Attack on Titan, will be thrilled to visit the zone dedicated to the series. On entry, there's a large inflatable titan. Next to it, is a huge inflatable head of another titan. The titan models are surrounded by sections straight from the show, such as a horse stable and a catapult model used to combat these giants.
Attack on Titan, adapted from the manga of the same name by writer Hajime Isayama, first aired in 2013. It has four seasons spread over a decade, with the final episodes wrapping up in November last year.
Jujutsu Kaisen zone
There's an area dedicated to Jujutsu Kaisen, one of the newer anime phenomena, having only made its debut in 2020. In this zone, fans can expect a dedicated shop that sells merchandise from the show, as well as a massive block room covered in eyes with an entrance and experience only fans of the series will appreciate.
There is also a space to unwind and watch episodes of the show, either by sitting on bean bags in front of small screens, or standing in front of a massive screen that displays some of the show’s most famous scenes.
Gaming zone
Nestled behind the Jujutsu Kaisen zone is a space dedicated to gaming. Supported by AD Gaming, this area offers something for everyone. Whether it's competitive esports tournaments or a friendly bout on a fighting game, the gaming zone has players of all skills and interest levels covered.
Naruto zone
One of the most enduring and longest-lasting anime is Naruto. The manga spanned 72 volumes over 15 years, while the show of the same name aired from 2002 until 2007.
In this zone, there’s an elaborate model of Kurama, a mythical nine-tailed fox creature. Fans of the anime can also ascend a small stage and take pictures in front of what looks like a Mount Rushmore of characters from the show, including Naruto, Sasuke and Kakashi. There is also an impressive recreation of an authentic ramen shop that is often seen in the series.
Shopping, eating, live entertainment and more
Apart from the dedicated anime sections, there are pockets of vendors and food stalls located around that offer everything from collectable toys and models to a much-needed matcha tea break.
On either side of the VIP entrance are walkways with vendors selling pop culture items or clothing, most being local businesses. Upon entry from the VIP entrance, fans can access the cinema section to watch anime classics. Next to the cinema is a workshop area that will host sessions on drawing or model making.
For live entertainment, a stage is set up that will host concerts, Q&A sessions and the much-anticipated cosplay competition.
Animenia Abu Dhabi is at Manarat Al Saadiyat until Sunday. Tickets are Dh65 for a day pass
The specs: 2018 Nissan Altima
Price, base / as tested: Dh78,000 / Dh97,650
Engine: 2.5-litre in-line four-cylinder
Power: 182hp @ 6,000rpm
Torque: 244Nm @ 4,000rpm
Transmission: Continuously variable tranmission
Fuel consumption, combined: 7.6L / 100km
Skoda Superb Specs
Engine: 2-litre TSI petrol
Power: 190hp
Torque: 320Nm
Price: From Dh147,000
Available: Now
Mercer, the investment consulting arm of US services company Marsh & McLennan, expects its wealth division to at least double its assets under management (AUM) in the Middle East as wealth in the region continues to grow despite economic headwinds, a company official said.
Mercer Wealth, which globally has $160 billion in AUM, plans to boost its AUM in the region to $2-$3bn in the next 2-3 years from the present $1bn, said Yasir AbuShaban, a Dubai-based principal with Mercer Wealth.
“Within the next two to three years, we are looking at reaching $2 to $3 billion as a conservative estimate and we do see an opportunity to do so,” said Mr AbuShaban.
Mercer does not directly make investments, but allocates clients’ money they have discretion to, to professional asset managers. They also provide advice to clients.
“We have buying power. We can negotiate on their (client’s) behalf with asset managers to provide them lower fees than they otherwise would have to get on their own,” he added.
Mercer Wealth’s clients include sovereign wealth funds, family offices, and insurance companies among others.
From its office in Dubai, Mercer also looks after Africa, India and Turkey, where they also see opportunity for growth.
Wealth creation in Middle East and Africa (MEA) grew 8.5 per cent to $8.1 trillion last year from $7.5tn in 2015, higher than last year’s global average of 6 per cent and the second-highest growth in a region after Asia-Pacific which grew 9.9 per cent, according to consultancy Boston Consulting Group (BCG). In the region, where wealth grew just 1.9 per cent in 2015 compared with 2014, a pickup in oil prices has helped in wealth generation.
BCG is forecasting MEA wealth will rise to $12tn by 2021, growing at an annual average of 8 per cent.
Drivers of wealth generation in the region will be split evenly between new wealth creation and growth of performance of existing assets, according to BCG.
Another general trend in the region is clients’ looking for a comprehensive approach to investing, according to Mr AbuShaban.
“Institutional investors or some of the families are seeing a slowdown in the available capital they have to invest and in that sense they are looking at optimizing the way they manage their portfolios and making sure they are not investing haphazardly and different parts of their investment are working together,” said Mr AbuShaban.
Some clients also have a higher appetite for risk, given the low interest-rate environment that does not provide enough yield for some institutional investors. These clients are keen to invest in illiquid assets, such as private equity and infrastructure.
“What we have seen is a desire for higher returns in what has been a low-return environment specifically in various fixed income or bonds,” he said.
“In this environment, we have seen a de facto increase in the risk that clients are taking in things like illiquid investments, private equity investments, infrastructure and private debt, those kind of investments were higher illiquidity results in incrementally higher returns.”
The Abu Dhabi Investment Authority, one of the largest sovereign wealth funds, said in its 2016 report that has gradually increased its exposure in direct private equity and private credit transactions, mainly in Asian markets and especially in China and India. The authority’s private equity department focused on structured equities owing to “their defensive characteristics.”
How to apply for a drone permit
- Individuals must register on UAE Drone app or website using their UAE Pass
- Add all their personal details, including name, nationality, passport number, Emiratis ID, email and phone number
- Upload the training certificate from a centre accredited by the GCAA
- Submit their request
What are the regulations?
- Fly it within visual line of sight
- Never over populated areas
- Ensure maximum flying height of 400 feet (122 metres) above ground level is not crossed
- Users must avoid flying over restricted areas listed on the UAE Drone app
- Only fly the drone during the day, and never at night
- Should have a live feed of the drone flight
- Drones must weigh 5 kg or less
The End of Loneliness
Benedict Wells
Translated from the German by Charlotte Collins
Sceptre
The National's picks
4.35pm: Tilal Al Khalediah
5.10pm: Continous
5.45pm: Raging Torrent
6.20pm: West Acre
7pm: Flood Zone
7.40pm: Straight No Chaser
8.15pm: Romantic Warrior
8.50pm: Calandogan
9.30pm: Forever Young
Sanju
Produced: Vidhu Vinod Chopra, Rajkumar Hirani
Director: Rajkumar Hirani
Cast: Ranbir Kapoor, Vicky Kaushal, Paresh Rawal, Anushka Sharma, Manish’s Koirala, Dia Mirza, Sonam Kapoor, Jim Sarbh, Boman Irani
Rating: 3.5 stars
PREMIER LEAGUE STATS
Romelu Lukaku's goalscoring statistics in the Premier League
Season/club/appearances (substitute)/goals
2011/12 Chelsea: 8(7) - 0
2012/13 West Brom (loan): 35(15) - 17
2013/14 Chelsea: 2(2) - 0
2013/14 Everton (loan): 31(2) - 15
2014/15 Everton: 36(4) - 10
2015/16 Everton: 37(1) - 18
2016/17 Everton: 37(1) - 25
DUBAI SEVENS 2018 DRAW
Gulf Men’s League
Pool A – Dubai Exiles, Dubai Hurricanes, Bahrain, Dubai Sports City Eagles
Pool B – Jebel Ali Dragons, Abu Dhabi Saracens, Abu Dhabi Harlequins, Al Ain Amblers
Gulf Men’s Open
Pool A – Bahrain Firbolgs, Arabian Knights, Yalla Rugby, Muscat
Pool B – Amman Citadel, APB Dubai Sharks, Jebel Ali Dragons 2, Saudi Rugby
Pool C – Abu Dhabi Harlequins 2, Roberts Construction, Dubai Exiles 2
Pool D – Dubai Tigers, UAE Shaheen, Sharjah Wanderers, Amman Citadel 2
Gulf U19 Boys
Pool A – Deira International School, Dubai Hurricanes, British School Al Khubairat, Jumeirah English Speaking School B
Pool B – Dubai English Speaking College 2, Jumeirah College, Dubai College A, Abu Dhabi Harlequins 2
Pool C – Bahrain Colts, Al Yasmina School, DESC, DC B
Pool D – Al Ain Amblers, Repton Royals, Dubai Exiles, Gems World Academy Dubai
Pool E – JESS A, Abu Dhabi Sharks, Abu Dhabi Harlequins 1, EC
Gulf Women
Pool A – Kuwait Scorpions, Black Ruggers, Dubai Sports City Eagles, Dubai Hurricanes 2
Pool B – Emirates Firebirds, Sharjah Wanderers, RAK Rides, Beirut Aconites
Pool C – Dubai Hurricanes, Emirates Firebirds 2, Abu Dhabi Saracens, Transforma Panthers
Pool D – AUC Wolves, Dubai Hawks, Abu Dhabi Harlequins, Al Ain Amblers
Gulf U19 Girls
Pool A – Dubai Exiles, BSAK, DESC, Al Maha
Pool B – Arabian Knights, Dubai Hurricanes, Al Ain Amblers, Abu Dhabi Harlequins
