Contemporary design. Woven with love. Rooted in Kerala. Made in India.
These are the words used by Indian carpet company Extraweave to describe the mammoth rug it created for the Met Gala 2023, which took place in New York on Monday evening.
With its Karl Lagerfeld theme and celebrity attendance, the gala is a bona-fide red-carpet event. However, the rug it commissioned this year was white as the purest snow, GG Aniyan, the general marketing manager of Extraweave, tells The National.
“The Met Gala wanted a top-grade fibre and weave, as well as a carpet that was as white as possible because this year they wanted to add some texture to the carpet by way of multicoloured swirls of red and blue. For this reason, we went with a boucle weave and sisal fibre sourced from Madagascar,” explains Aniyan.
“While the fabric is also available in Brazil and Tanzania, it is not as pure.”

The company shipped 80 rolls of the carpet to the organisers in January, having been commissioned last November. Each roll measures 4 x 30 metres, so the rugs sent cover an area of 9,600 square metres.
This is the second Met Gala carpet furnished by Extraweave, which also provided one in 2021 for the event In America: A Lexicon of Fashion theme.
Extraweave has also supplied its wares for events at Buckingham Palace in the past, says Aniyan, as well as exporting rugs to Dubai's Alexandria furniture company.
Neytt, which is the designer wing of the B2B company, plans to open shops across India this year.
Met Gala 2023: The best fashion looks as stars pay tribute to Karl Lagerfeld — in pictures
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Alia Bhatt, in a custom Prabal Gurung, attends the 2023 Met Gala at The Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 01, 2023 in New York City. Getty Images -

Rihanna, in custom Valentino, and A$AP Rocky arrive fashionably late. AP -

Cardi B attends the 2023 Met Gala, which honoured the late Karl Lagerfeld, in a monochrome look by Chenpeng Studio. AP -

Gigi Hadid in custom Givenchy. AFP -

Gisele Bundchen wears vintage Chanel. EPA -

Margot Robbie in Chanel. Reuters -

Priyanka Chopra, in Valentino, with husband Nick Jonas. AP -

Doja Cat chanelled Choupette in custom Oscar de la Renta. AFP -

Jennifer Lopez in Ralph Lauren. AP -

Anna Wintour in vintage Chanel, arrives with British actor Bill Nighy. EPA -

Kim Kardashian in custom Schiaparelli. Reuters -

Florence Pugh in Valentino. Getty Images -

Jeremy Pope attends in a Balmain cape emblazoned with Karl Lagerfeld's face. AFP -

British actress Daisy Edgar-Jones in Gucci. AFP -

Sean 'Diddy' Combs in a floral black cape by June Ambrose. AFP -

Conan Gray pays homage to Lagerfeld's signature style. AFP -

Designer Olivier Rousteing carries a 'Karl who?' bag. AFP -

Amber Valletta arrives in a fan-inspired outfit. AFP -

Olivia Rodrigo in Thom Browne. Getty Images -

Miranda Kerr in Dior. AP -

Serena Williams sticks to black and white. AFP -

Janelle Monae wears custom Thom Browne. Reuters -

Kendall Jenner in custom Marc Jacobs. AFP -

Bad Bunny in a white suit and floral cape by Jacquemus. Getty Images -

Jared Leto attends as Choupette, Lagerfeld's cat. AP -

Viola Davis in hot pink. AP -

Anne Hathaway in custom Versace. AP -

Pedro Pascal bares his legs in red and black. AFP -

Julia Garner in custom Gucci. AFP -

Sienna Miller wears all-black. AFP -

Teyana Taylor in Thom Browne. AP -

Kylie Jenner in custom Jean Paul Gaultier. Reuters -

Billie Eilish wears Simone Rocha. EPA -

Karlie Kloss in Loewe. EPA -

Mindy Kaling in Jonathan Simkhai. Reuters -

Jodie Comer in Burberry. AP -

Lily Collins wears a black cape emblazoned with the word 'Karl'. AFP -

Stormzy attends. AP -

Allison Williams wears Patou. Reuters -

Jordan Roth in Schiaparelli. Reuters -

Cara Delevingne pays homage to Lagerfeld with her hairdo. AFP -

Jeremy Scott in one of his own designs. AP -

Jenna Ortega attends. AP -

Idris Elba and Sabrina Dhowre Elba attend. Getty Images -

Lila Grace Moss and Kate Moss in Fendi, with designer Kim Jones. AFP -

Lizzo in Chanel. Getty Images -

Olivia Wilde in Chloe. AFP -

Irina Shayk arrives. EPA -

Michaela Coel arrives. AFP -

Rihanna arrives in custom Valentino. AFP
RESULTS
5pm Maiden (PA) Dh80,000 (Turf) 1,600m
Winner Thabet Al Reef, Bernardo Pinheiro (jockey), Abdallah Al Hammadi (trainer)
5.30pm Handicap (PA) Dh80,000 (T) 1,600m
Winner Blue Diamond, Pat Cosgrave, Abdallah Al Hammadi
6pm Arabian Triple Crown Round-1 Listed (PA) Dh230,000 (T) 1,600m
Winner Hameem, Adrie de Vries, Abdallah Al Hammadi
6.30pm Wathba Stallions Cup Handicap (PA) Dh70,000 (T) 1,400m
Winner Shoja’A Muscat, Szczepan Mazur, Ibrahim Al Hadhrami
7pm Maiden (PA) Dh80,000 (T) 1,200m
Winner Heros De Lagarde, Szczepan Mazur, Ibrahim Al Hadhrami
7.30pm Handicap (TB) Dh100,000 (T) 2,400m
Winner Good Tidings, Antonio Fresu, Musabah Al Muhairi
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COMPANY PROFILE
Company name: Blah
Started: 2018
Founder: Aliyah Al Abbar and Hend Al Marri
Based: Dubai
Industry: Technology and talent management
Initial investment: Dh20,000
Investors: Self-funded
Total customers: 40
While you're here
Cheryl Thompson: Stop the practice of blackface that's as Canadian as hockey
Kareem Shaheen: Alghabra outshines the racists who malign him
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Kanguva
While you're here...
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
Mobile phone packages comparison
THE SPECS
Touareg Highline
Engine: 3.0-litre, V6
Transmission: 8-speed automatic
Power: 340hp
Torque: 450Nm
Price: Dh239,312
Barbie
SPEC%20SHEET%3A%20APPLE%20M3%20MACBOOK%20AIR%20(13%22)
Why are you, you?
Why are you, you?
From this question, a new beginning.
From this question, a new destiny.
For you are a world, and a meeting of worlds.
Our dream is to unite that which has been
separated by history.
To return the many to the one.
A great story unites us all,
beyond colour and creed and gender.
The lightning flash of art
And the music of the heart.
We reflect all cultures, all ways.
We are a twenty first century wonder.
Universal ideals, visions of art and truth.
Now is the turning point of cultures and hopes.
Come with questions, leave with visions.
We are the link between the past and the future.
Here, through art, new possibilities are born. And
new answers are given wings.
Why are you, you?
Because we are mirrors of each other.
Because together we create new worlds.
Together we are more powerful than we know.
We connect, we inspire, we multiply illuminations
with the unique light of art.
Ben Okri,
((Disclaimer))
The Liechtensteinische Landesbank AG (“Bank”) assumes no liability or guarantee for the accuracy, balance, or completeness of the information in this publication. The content may change at any time due to given circumstances, and the Liechtensteinische Landesbank AG is under no obligation to update information once it has been published. This publication is intended for information purposes only and does not constitute an offer, a recommendation or an invitation by, or on behalf of, Liechtensteinische Landesbank (DIFC Branch), Liechtensteinische Landesbank AG, or any of its group affiliates to make any investments or obtain services. This publication has not been reviewed, disapproved or approved by the United Arab Emirates (“UAE”) Central Bank, Dubai Financial Services Authority (“DFSA”) or any other relevant licensing authorities in the UAE. It may not be relied upon by or distributed to retail clients. Liechtensteinische Landesbank (DIFC Branch) is regulated by the DFSA and this advertorial is intended for Professional Clients (as defined by the DFSA) who have sufficient financial experience and understanding of financial markets, products or transactions and any associated risks.
Dust and sand storms compared
Sand storm
- Particle size: Larger, heavier sand grains
- Visibility: Often dramatic with thick "walls" of sand
- Duration: Short-lived, typically localised
- Travel distance: Limited
- Source: Open desert areas with strong winds
Dust storm
- Particle size: Much finer, lightweight particles
- Visibility: Hazy skies but less intense
- Duration: Can linger for days
- Travel distance: Long-range, up to thousands of kilometres
- Source: Can be carried from distant regions
The biog
Hobby: Playing piano and drawing patterns
Best book: Awaken the Giant Within by Tony Robbins
Food of choice: Sushi
Favourite colour: Orange
The%20specs
The%20specs
SPAIN SQUAD
Goalkeepers Simon (Athletic Bilbao), De Gea (Manchester United), Sanchez (Brighton)
Defenders Gaya (Valencia), Alba (Barcelona), P Torres (Villarreal), Laporte (Manchester City), Garcia (Manchester City), D Llorente (Leeds), Azpilicueta (Chelsea)
Midfielders Busquets (Barcelona), Rodri (Manchester City), Pedri (Barcelona), Thiago (Liverpool), Koke (Atletico Madrid), Ruiz (Napoli), M Llorente (Atletico Madrid)
Forwards: Olmo (RB Leipzig), Oyarzabal (Real Sociedad), Morata (Juventus), Moreno (Villarreal), F Torres (Manchester City), Traore (Wolves), Sarabia (PSG)
SPECS
Engine: 4-litre V8 twin-turbo
Power: 630hp
Torque: 850Nm
Transmission: 8-speed Tiptronic automatic
Price: From Dh599,000
On sale: Now
Read more from Aya Iskandarani
Water waste
In the UAE’s arid climate, small shrubs, bushes and flower beds usually require about six litres of water per square metre, daily. That increases to 12 litres per square metre a day for small trees, and 300 litres for palm trees.
Horticulturists suggest the best time for watering is before 8am or after 6pm, when water won't be dried up by the sun.
A global report published by the Water Resources Institute in August, ranked the UAE 10th out of 164 nations where water supplies are most stretched.
The Emirates is the world’s third largest per capita water consumer after the US and Canada.
While you're here
Gavin Esler: The Good Friday Agreement teaches us some important lessons
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Avatar: Fire and Ash
Director: James Cameron
Starring: Sam Worthington, Sigourney Weaver, Zoe Saldana
Rating: 4.5/5
Biography
Favourite drink: Must have karak chai and Chinese tea every day
Favourite non-Chinese food: Arabic sweets and Indian puri, small round bread of wheat flour
Favourite Chinese dish: Spicy boiled fish or anything cooked by her mother because of its flavour
Best vacation: Returning home to China
Music interests: Enjoys playing the zheng, a string musical instrument
Enjoys reading: Chinese novels, romantic comedies, reading up on business trends, government policy changes
Favourite book: Chairman Mao Zedong’s poems
'Midnights'
The%20specs
More from Neighbourhood Watch:
Company%C2%A0profile
On Women's Day
Shelina Janmohamed: Why shouldn't a spouse be compensated fairly for housework?
Samar Elmnhrawy: How companies in the Middle East can catch up on gender equality
The National Editorial: Is there much to celebrate on International Women's Day 2021?
Justin Thomas: Challenge the notion that 'men are from Mars, women are from Venus'
The Gandhi Murder
- 71 - Years since the death of MK Gandhi, also christened India's Father of the Nation
- 34 - Nationalities featured in the film The Gandhi Murder
- 7 - million dollars, the film's budget
Specs
Engine: Dual-motor all-wheel-drive electric
Range: Up to 610km
Power: 905hp
Torque: 985Nm
Price: From Dh439,000
Available: Now
BMW M5 specs
Engine: 4.4-litre twin-turbo V-8 petrol enging with additional electric motor
Power: 727hp
Torque: 1,000Nm
Transmission: 8-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 10.6L/100km
On sale: Now
Price: From Dh650,000
Manchester United v Liverpool
Premier League, kick off 7.30pm (UAE)
Scoreline
Arsenal 0 Manchester City 3
- Agüero 18'
- Kompany 58'
- Silva 65'
Suggested picnic spots
Abu Dhabi
Umm Al Emarat Park
Yas Gateway Park
Delma Park
Al Bateen beach
Saadiyaat beach
The Corniche
Zayed Sports City
Dubai
Kite Beach
Zabeel Park
Al Nahda Pond Park
Mushrif Park
Safa Park
Al Mamzar Beach Park
Al Qudrah Lakes
While you're here
Key figures in the life of the fort
Sheikh Dhiyab bin Isa (ruled 1761-1793) Built Qasr Al Hosn as a watchtower to guard over the only freshwater well on Abu Dhabi island.
Sheikh Shakhbut bin Dhiyab (ruled 1793-1816) Expanded the tower into a small fort and transferred his ruling place of residence from Liwa Oasis to the fort on the island.
Sheikh Tahnoon bin Shakhbut (ruled 1818-1833) Expanded Qasr Al Hosn further as Abu Dhabi grew from a small village of palm huts to a town of more than 5,000 inhabitants.
Sheikh Khalifa bin Shakhbut (ruled 1833-1845) Repaired and fortified the fort.
Sheikh Saeed bin Tahnoon (ruled 1845-1855) Turned Qasr Al Hosn into a strong two-storied structure.
Sheikh Zayed bin Khalifa (ruled 1855-1909) Expanded Qasr Al Hosn further to reflect the emirate's increasing prominence.
Sheikh Shakhbut bin Sultan (ruled 1928-1966) Renovated and enlarged Qasr Al Hosn, adding a decorative arch and two new villas.
Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan (ruled 1966-2004) Moved the royal residence to Al Manhal palace and kept his diwan at Qasr Al Hosn.
Sources: Jayanti Maitra, www.adach.ae
THE SPECS
Engine: 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder
Transmission: Constant Variable (CVT)
Power: 141bhp
Torque: 250Nm
Price: Dh64,500
On sale: Now


