• EMBARGOED TO 2330 TUESDAY OCTOBER 8 MANDATORY CREDIT MUST APPEAR ALONGSIDE EACH IMAGE: Shane Gross/Wildlife Photographer of the Year No sales, No archive, No cropping, overprinting or alterations. Images can only be used in connection with the Natural History Museum's Wildlife Photographer of the year competition. THE FOLLOWING MUST APPEAR CLEARLY AND LEGIBLY IN EDITORIAL COPY: Wildlife Photographer of the Year is developed and produced by the Natural History Museum, London. No more than fifteen images may be used per publication or website, across multiple editions and pages, unless otherwise agreed in writing between the publication and the Natural History Museum. All front cover requests must be approved by the Natural History Museum and the photographer. Undated handout photo issued by Natural History Museum of The Swarm of Life by Shane Gross from Canada, the winner in the Wetlands: The Bigger Picture category of the Natural History Museum's Wildlife Photographer of the Year competition. Issue date: Tuesday October 8, 2024. PA Photo. Mandatory photo credit should read: Shane Gross/Wildlife Photographer of the Year/PA Wire NOTE TO EDITORS: This handout photo may only be used for editorial reporting purposes for the contemporaneous illustration of events, things or the people in the image or facts mentioned in the caption. Reuse of the picture may require further permission from the copyright holder.
    EMBARGOED TO 2330 TUESDAY OCTOBER 8 MANDATORY CREDIT MUST APPEAR ALONGSIDE EACH IMAGE: Shane Gross/Wildlife Photographer of the Year No sales, No archive, No cropping, overprinting or alterations. Images can only be used in connection with the Natural History Museum's Wildlife Photographer of the year competition. THE FOLLOWING MUST APPEAR CLEARLY AND LEGIBLY IN EDITORIAL COPY: Wildlife Photographer of the Year is developed and produced by the Natural History Museum, London. No more than fifteen images may be used per publication or website, across multiple editions and pages, unless otherwise agreed in writing between the publication and the Natural History Museum. All front cover requests must be approved by the Natural History Museum and the photographer. Undated handout photo issued by Natural History Museum of The Swarm of Life by Shane Gross from Canada, the winner in the Wetlands: The Bigger Picture category of the Natural History Museum's Wildlife Photographer of the Year competition. Issue date: Tuesday October 8, 2024. PA Photo. Mandatory photo credit should read: Shane Gross/Wildlife Photographer of the Year/PA Wire NOTE TO EDITORS: This handout photo may only be used for editorial reporting purposes for the contemporaneous illustration of events, things or the people in the image or facts mentioned in the caption. Reuse of the picture may require further permission from the copyright holder.
  • EMBARGOED TO 2330 TUESDAY OCTOBER 8 MANDATORY CREDIT MUST APPEAR ALONGSIDE EACH IMAGE: Hikkaduwa Liyanage Prasantha Vinod/Wildlife Photographer of the Year No sales, No archive, No cropping, overprinting or alterations. Images can only be used in connection with the Natural History Museum's Wildlife Photographer of the year competition. THE FOLLOWING MUST APPEAR CLEARLY AND LEGIBLY IN EDITORIAL COPY: Wildlife Photographer of the Year is developed and produced by the Natural History Museum, London. No more than fifteen images may be used per publication or website, across multiple editions and pages, unless otherwise agreed in writing between the publication and the Natural History Museum. All front cover requests must be approved by the Natural History Museum and the photographer. Undated handout photo issued by Natural History Museum of A Tranquil Moment by Hikkaduwa Liyanage Prasantha Vinod from Sri Lanka, the winner in the Behaviour: Mammals category of the Natural History Museum's Wildlife Photographer of the Year competition. Issue date: Tuesday October 8, 2024. PA Photo. Mandatory photo credit should read: Hikkaduwa Liyanage Prasantha Vinod/Wildlife Photographer of the Year/PA Wire NOTE TO EDITORS: This handout photo may only be used for editorial reporting purposes for the contemporaneous illustration of events, things or the people in the image or facts mentioned in the caption. Reuse of the picture may require further permission from the copyright holder.
    EMBARGOED TO 2330 TUESDAY OCTOBER 8 MANDATORY CREDIT MUST APPEAR ALONGSIDE EACH IMAGE: Hikkaduwa Liyanage Prasantha Vinod/Wildlife Photographer of the Year No sales, No archive, No cropping, overprinting or alterations. Images can only be used in connection with the Natural History Museum's Wildlife Photographer of the year competition. THE FOLLOWING MUST APPEAR CLEARLY AND LEGIBLY IN EDITORIAL COPY: Wildlife Photographer of the Year is developed and produced by the Natural History Museum, London. No more than fifteen images may be used per publication or website, across multiple editions and pages, unless otherwise agreed in writing between the publication and the Natural History Museum. All front cover requests must be approved by the Natural History Museum and the photographer. Undated handout photo issued by Natural History Museum of A Tranquil Moment by Hikkaduwa Liyanage Prasantha Vinod from Sri Lanka, the winner in the Behaviour: Mammals category of the Natural History Museum's Wildlife Photographer of the Year competition. Issue date: Tuesday October 8, 2024. PA Photo. Mandatory photo credit should read: Hikkaduwa Liyanage Prasantha Vinod/Wildlife Photographer of the Year/PA Wire NOTE TO EDITORS: This handout photo may only be used for editorial reporting purposes for the contemporaneous illustration of events, things or the people in the image or facts mentioned in the caption. Reuse of the picture may require further permission from the copyright holder.
  • Dolphins of the Forest by Thomas Peschak from Germany/South Africa, the winner of the Photojournalist Story Award. Photo: Thomas Peschak / Wildlife Photographer of the Year
    Dolphins of the Forest by Thomas Peschak from Germany/South Africa, the winner of the Photojournalist Story Award. Photo: Thomas Peschak / Wildlife Photographer of the Year
  • Wetland Wrestle by Karine Aigner from USA, the winner in the Behaviour: Amphibians and Reptiles category. Photo: Karine Aigner / Wildlife Photographer of the Year
    Wetland Wrestle by Karine Aigner from USA, the winner in the Behaviour: Amphibians and Reptiles category. Photo: Karine Aigner / Wildlife Photographer of the Year
  • EMBARGOED TO 2330 TUESDAY OCTOBER 8 MANDATORY CREDIT MUST APPEAR ALONGSIDE EACH IMAGE: Jiri Hrebicek/Wildlife Photographer of the Year No sales, No archive, No cropping, overprinting or alterations. Images can only be used in connection with the Natural History Museum's Wildlife Photographer of the year competition. THE FOLLOWING MUST APPEAR CLEARLY AND LEGIBLY IN EDITORIAL COPY: Wildlife Photographer of the Year is developed and produced by the Natural History Museum, London. No more than fifteen images may be used per publication or website, across multiple editions and pages, unless otherwise agreed in writing between the publication and the Natural History Museum. All front cover requests must be approved by the Natural History Museum and the photographer. Undated handout photo issued by Natural History Museum of The Artful Crow by Jiri Hrebicek from Czech Republic, the winner in the Natural Artistrycategory of the Natural History Museum's Wildlife Photographer of the Year competition. Issue date: Tuesday October 8, 2024. PA Photo. Mandatory photo credit should read: Jiri Hrebicek/Wildlife Photographer of the Year/PA Wire NOTE TO EDITORS: This handout photo may only be used for editorial reporting purposes for the contemporaneous illustration of events, things or the people in the image or facts mentioned in the caption. Reuse of the picture may require further permission from the copyright holder.
    EMBARGOED TO 2330 TUESDAY OCTOBER 8 MANDATORY CREDIT MUST APPEAR ALONGSIDE EACH IMAGE: Jiri Hrebicek/Wildlife Photographer of the Year No sales, No archive, No cropping, overprinting or alterations. Images can only be used in connection with the Natural History Museum's Wildlife Photographer of the year competition. THE FOLLOWING MUST APPEAR CLEARLY AND LEGIBLY IN EDITORIAL COPY: Wildlife Photographer of the Year is developed and produced by the Natural History Museum, London. No more than fifteen images may be used per publication or website, across multiple editions and pages, unless otherwise agreed in writing between the publication and the Natural History Museum. All front cover requests must be approved by the Natural History Museum and the photographer. Undated handout photo issued by Natural History Museum of The Artful Crow by Jiri Hrebicek from Czech Republic, the winner in the Natural Artistrycategory of the Natural History Museum's Wildlife Photographer of the Year competition. Issue date: Tuesday October 8, 2024. PA Photo. Mandatory photo credit should read: Jiri Hrebicek/Wildlife Photographer of the Year/PA Wire NOTE TO EDITORS: This handout photo may only be used for editorial reporting purposes for the contemporaneous illustration of events, things or the people in the image or facts mentioned in the caption. Reuse of the picture may require further permission from the copyright holder.
  • EMBARGOED TO 2330 TUESDAY OCTOBER 8 MANDATORY CREDIT MUST APPEAR ALONGSIDE EACH IMAGE: Ingo Arndt/Wildlife Photographer of the Year No sales, No archive, No cropping, overprinting or alterations. Images can only be used in connection with the Natural History Museum's Wildlife Photographer of the year competition. THE FOLLOWING MUST APPEAR CLEARLY AND LEGIBLY IN EDITORIAL COPY: Wildlife Photographer of the Year is developed and produced by the Natural History Museum, London. No more than fifteen images may be used per publication or website, across multiple editions and pages, unless otherwise agreed in writing between the publication and the Natural History Museum. All front cover requests must be approved by the Natural History Museum and the photographer. Undated handout photo issued by Natural History Museum of The Demolition Squad by Ingo Arndt from Germany, the winner in the Behaviour: Invertebrates category of the Natural History Museum's Wildlife Photographer of the Year competition. Issue date: Tuesday October 8, 2024. PA Photo. Mandatory photo credit should read: Ingo Arndt/Wildlife Photographer of the Year/PA Wire NOTE TO EDITORS: This handout photo may only be used for editorial reporting purposes for the contemporaneous illustration of events, things or the people in the image or facts mentioned in the caption. Reuse of the picture may require further permission from the copyright holder.
    EMBARGOED TO 2330 TUESDAY OCTOBER 8 MANDATORY CREDIT MUST APPEAR ALONGSIDE EACH IMAGE: Ingo Arndt/Wildlife Photographer of the Year No sales, No archive, No cropping, overprinting or alterations. Images can only be used in connection with the Natural History Museum's Wildlife Photographer of the year competition. THE FOLLOWING MUST APPEAR CLEARLY AND LEGIBLY IN EDITORIAL COPY: Wildlife Photographer of the Year is developed and produced by the Natural History Museum, London. No more than fifteen images may be used per publication or website, across multiple editions and pages, unless otherwise agreed in writing between the publication and the Natural History Museum. All front cover requests must be approved by the Natural History Museum and the photographer. Undated handout photo issued by Natural History Museum of The Demolition Squad by Ingo Arndt from Germany, the winner in the Behaviour: Invertebrates category of the Natural History Museum's Wildlife Photographer of the Year competition. Issue date: Tuesday October 8, 2024. PA Photo. Mandatory photo credit should read: Ingo Arndt/Wildlife Photographer of the Year/PA Wire NOTE TO EDITORS: This handout photo may only be used for editorial reporting purposes for the contemporaneous illustration of events, things or the people in the image or facts mentioned in the caption. Reuse of the picture may require further permission from the copyright holder.
  • EMBARGOED TO 2330 TUESDAY OCTOBER 8 MANDATORY CREDIT MUST APPEAR ALONGSIDE EACH IMAGE: Alexis Tinker-Tsavalas/Wildlife Photographer of the Year No sales, No archive, No cropping, overprinting or alterations. Images can only be used in connection with the Natural History Museum's Wildlife Photographer of the year competition. THE FOLLOWING MUST APPEAR CLEARLY AND LEGIBLY IN EDITORIAL COPY: Wildlife Photographer of the Year is developed and produced by the Natural History Museum, London. No more than fifteen images may be used per publication or website, across multiple editions and pages, unless otherwise agreed in writing between the publication and the Natural History Museum. All front cover requests must be approved by the Natural History Museum and the photographer. Undated handout photo issued by Natural History Museum of Life Under Dead Wood by Alexis Tinker-Tsavalas from Germany, the winner in the Young Wildlife Photographer of the Year, 15-17 Years category of the Natural History Museum's Wildlife Photographer of the Year competition. Issue date: Tuesday October 8, 2024. PA Photo. Mandatory photo credit should read: Alexis Tinker-Tsavalas/Wildlife Photographer of the Year/PA Wire NOTE TO EDITORS: This handout photo may only be used for editorial reporting purposes for the contemporaneous illustration of events, things or the people in the image or facts mentioned in the caption. Reuse of the picture may require further permission from the copyright holder.
    EMBARGOED TO 2330 TUESDAY OCTOBER 8 MANDATORY CREDIT MUST APPEAR ALONGSIDE EACH IMAGE: Alexis Tinker-Tsavalas/Wildlife Photographer of the Year No sales, No archive, No cropping, overprinting or alterations. Images can only be used in connection with the Natural History Museum's Wildlife Photographer of the year competition. THE FOLLOWING MUST APPEAR CLEARLY AND LEGIBLY IN EDITORIAL COPY: Wildlife Photographer of the Year is developed and produced by the Natural History Museum, London. No more than fifteen images may be used per publication or website, across multiple editions and pages, unless otherwise agreed in writing between the publication and the Natural History Museum. All front cover requests must be approved by the Natural History Museum and the photographer. Undated handout photo issued by Natural History Museum of Life Under Dead Wood by Alexis Tinker-Tsavalas from Germany, the winner in the Young Wildlife Photographer of the Year, 15-17 Years category of the Natural History Museum's Wildlife Photographer of the Year competition. Issue date: Tuesday October 8, 2024. PA Photo. Mandatory photo credit should read: Alexis Tinker-Tsavalas/Wildlife Photographer of the Year/PA Wire NOTE TO EDITORS: This handout photo may only be used for editorial reporting purposes for the contemporaneous illustration of events, things or the people in the image or facts mentioned in the caption. Reuse of the picture may require further permission from the copyright holder.
  • Old Man of the Glen by Fortunato Gatto from Italy, the winner in the Plants and Fungi category. Photo: Fortunato Gatto / Wildlife Photographer of the Year
    Old Man of the Glen by Fortunato Gatto from Italy, the winner in the Plants and Fungi category. Photo: Fortunato Gatto / Wildlife Photographer of the Year
  • Practice Makes Perfect by Jack Zhi from USA, the winner in the Behaviour: Birds category. Photo: Jack Zhi / Wildlife Photographer of the Year
    Practice Makes Perfect by Jack Zhi from USA, the winner in the Behaviour: Birds category. Photo: Jack Zhi / Wildlife Photographer of the Year
  • A Diet of Deadly Plastic by Justin Gilligan from Australia, the winner in the Oceans: The Bigger Picture category. Photo: Justin Gilligan / Wildlife Photographer of the Year
    A Diet of Deadly Plastic by Justin Gilligan from Australia, the winner in the Oceans: The Bigger Picture category. Photo: Justin Gilligan / Wildlife Photographer of the Year
  • Free as a Bird by Alberto Roman Gomez from Spain, the winner in the Young Wildlife Photographer of the Year, 10 Years and Under category. Photo: Alberto Roman Gomez / Wildlife Photographer of the Year
    Free as a Bird by Alberto Roman Gomez from Spain, the winner in the Young Wildlife Photographer of the Year, 10 Years and Under category. Photo: Alberto Roman Gomez / Wildlife Photographer of the Year
  • Tiger in Town by Robin Darius Conz from Germany, the winner in the Urban Wildlife category. Photo: Robin Darius Conz / Wildlife Photographer of the Year
    Tiger in Town by Robin Darius Conz from Germany, the winner in the Urban Wildlife category. Photo: Robin Darius Conz / Wildlife Photographer of the Year
  • Under the Waterline by Matthew Smith from UK/Australia, the winner in the Underwater category. Photo: Matthew Smith / Wildlife Photographer of the Year
    Under the Waterline by Matthew Smith from UK/Australia, the winner in the Underwater category. Photo: Matthew Smith / Wildlife Photographer of the Year
  • EMBARGOED TO 2330 TUESDAY OCTOBER 8 MANDATORY CREDIT MUST APPEAR ALONGSIDE EACH IMAGE: Igor Metelskiy/Wildlife Photographer of the Year No sales, No archive, No cropping, overprinting or alterations. Images can only be used in connection with the Natural History Museum's Wildlife Photographer of the year competition. THE FOLLOWING MUST APPEAR CLEARLY AND LEGIBLY IN EDITORIAL COPY: Wildlife Photographer of the Year is developed and produced by the Natural History Museum, London. No more than fifteen images may be used per publication or website, across multiple editions and pages, unless otherwise agreed in writing between the publication and the Natural History Museum. All front cover requests must be approved by the Natural History Museum and the photographer. Undated handout photo issued by Natural History Museum of Frontier of the Lynx by Igor Metelskiy from Russia, the winner in the Animals in their Environment category of the Natural History Museum's Wildlife Photographer of the Year competition. Issue date: Tuesday October 8, 2024. PA Photo. Mandatory photo credit should read: Igor Metelskiy/Wildlife Photographer of the Year/PA Wire NOTE TO EDITORS: This handout photo may only be used for editorial reporting purposes for the contemporaneous illustration of events, things or the people in the image or facts mentioned in the caption. Reuse of the picture may require further permission from the copyright holder.
    EMBARGOED TO 2330 TUESDAY OCTOBER 8 MANDATORY CREDIT MUST APPEAR ALONGSIDE EACH IMAGE: Igor Metelskiy/Wildlife Photographer of the Year No sales, No archive, No cropping, overprinting or alterations. Images can only be used in connection with the Natural History Museum's Wildlife Photographer of the year competition. THE FOLLOWING MUST APPEAR CLEARLY AND LEGIBLY IN EDITORIAL COPY: Wildlife Photographer of the Year is developed and produced by the Natural History Museum, London. No more than fifteen images may be used per publication or website, across multiple editions and pages, unless otherwise agreed in writing between the publication and the Natural History Museum. All front cover requests must be approved by the Natural History Museum and the photographer. Undated handout photo issued by Natural History Museum of Frontier of the Lynx by Igor Metelskiy from Russia, the winner in the Animals in their Environment category of the Natural History Museum's Wildlife Photographer of the Year competition. Issue date: Tuesday October 8, 2024. PA Photo. Mandatory photo credit should read: Igor Metelskiy/Wildlife Photographer of the Year/PA Wire NOTE TO EDITORS: This handout photo may only be used for editorial reporting purposes for the contemporaneous illustration of events, things or the people in the image or facts mentioned in the caption. Reuse of the picture may require further permission from the copyright holder.

Culture

Art & Design

Swarming tadpoles shot wins Wildlife Photographer of the Year award

The annual competition by Natural History Museum, London, is now in its 60th year

David Tusing

October 08, 2024

  • English
  • Arabic

The Natural History Museum, London, has announced the winners of this year's Wildlife Photographer of the Year, with the top prize going to Canadian marine conservation photojournalist Shane Gross.

Gross's photo, The Swarm of Life, which shows a swarm of tadpoles swimming through lily pads, was picked from a record-breaking 59,228 entries from 117 countries as the main winner of the annual competition, now in its 60th year.

The conservationist captured the photo while snorkelling for several hours in Cedar Lake on Vancouver Island in British Columbia. The western toad tadpoles are classed as near threatened due to habitat destruction, according to the museum.

"The jury was captivated by the mix of light, energy and connectivity between the environment and the tadpoles," said Kathy Moran, chairwoman of the jury. "We were equally excited by the addition of a new species to the Wildlife Photographer of the Year archive.

"Over the last few years, the competition has highlighted environments and species that are often overlooked, yet provoke the same wonder and delight when shared as the more typically photographed wildlife and wild places."

Incidentally, last year's winning photo was also an underwater image, which showed a tri-spine horseshoe crab gliding through the protected waters of Pangatalan Island, Philippines, accompanied by three golden trevally fish.

French underwater photographer and marine biologist Laurent Ballesta became only the second person in the history of the competition to have won the prize twice, after she won in 2021.

Life Under Dead Wood by Alexis Tinker-Tsavalas, 17, from Germany, winner in the Young Wildlife Photographer of the Year, 15-17 Years category. Photo: Alexis Tinker-Tsavalas / Wildlife Photographer of the Year
Life Under Dead Wood by Alexis Tinker-Tsavalas, 17, from Germany, winner in the Young Wildlife Photographer of the Year, 15-17 Years category. Photo: Alexis Tinker-Tsavalas / Wildlife Photographer of the Year

The winner of this year's Young Wildlife Photographer of the Year competition was Alexis Tinker-Tsavalas, 17, from Germany, for a close-up shot of a tiny springtail bug next to a slime mould.

Called Life Under Dead Wood, Tinker-Tsavalas used a technique called focus stacking, which combines 36 images each with a different area in focus, to capture the moment.

"A photographer attempting to capture this moment not only brings great skill, but incredible attention to detail, patience and perseverance," said Moran. "To see a macro image of two species photographed on the forest floor, with such skill, is exceptional."

The Demolition Squad by Ingo Arndt from Germany, the winner in the Behaviour: Invertebrates category. Photo: Ingo Arndt / Wildlife Photographer of the Year
The Demolition Squad by Ingo Arndt from Germany, the winner in the Behaviour: Invertebrates category. Photo: Ingo Arndt / Wildlife Photographer of the Year

Category winners were also awarded for a range of subjects, such as animal portraits, animals in their environment, behaviour of mammals, amphibians and reptiles, birds, and invertebrates, underwater and urban wildlife, as well as three age categories for the young wildlife photographer competition.

To celebrate the 60th anniversary of Wildlife Photographer of the Year, the competition introduced an "impact award" for both the adult and young photographer categories, for pictures recognising a conservation success that shows hope and/or positive change.

Frontier of the Lynx by Igor Metelskiy from Russia, the winner in the Animals in their Environment category. Photo: Igor Metelskiy / Wildlife Photographer of the Year
Frontier of the Lynx by Igor Metelskiy from Russia, the winner in the Animals in their Environment category. Photo: Igor Metelskiy / Wildlife Photographer of the Year

The Young Impact Award was given to Liwia Pawlowska from Poland, for her shot of a common whitethroat as part of a bird ringing project to aid conservation.

The Adult Impact Award was won by Australian photographer Jannico Kelk for a picture of a greater bilby, or ninu, a species brought close to extinction through predation by introduced foxes and cats, in a fenced reserve that eradicates the threat of predators.

A Tranquil Moment by Hikkaduwa Liyanage Prasantha Vinod from Sri Lanka, the winner in the Behaviour: Mammals category. Photo: Hikkaduwa Liyanage Prasantha Vinod / Wildlife Photographer of the Year
A Tranquil Moment by Hikkaduwa Liyanage Prasantha Vinod from Sri Lanka, the winner in the Behaviour: Mammals category. Photo: Hikkaduwa Liyanage Prasantha Vinod / Wildlife Photographer of the Year

"Wildlife Photographer of the Year's longevity is a testament to the vital importance and growing appreciation of our natural world," said Dr Doug Gurr, director of the Natural History Museum, London.

"We are delighted to feature such inspiring images in this year's portfolio – these are photographs that not only encourage further wildlife conservation efforts, but that spark the creation of real advocates for our planet on a global scale."

The announcement of the winners will coincide with the opening of the Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibition at the Natural History Museum in London on Friday.

The Artful Crow by Jiri Hrebicek from Czech Republic, the winner in the Natural Artistry category. Photo: Jiri Hrebicek / Wildlife Photographer of the Year
The Artful Crow by Jiri Hrebicek from Czech Republic, the winner in the Natural Artistry category. Photo: Jiri Hrebicek / Wildlife Photographer of the Year
MATCH INFO

Rugby World Cup (all times UAE)

Third-place play-off: New Zealand v Wales, Friday, 1pm

Shubh Mangal Saavdhan
Directed by: RS Prasanna
Starring: Ayushmann Khurrana, Bhumi Pednekar

Mobile phone packages comparison

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.”

 

 

BORDERLANDS

Starring: Cate Blanchett, Kevin Hart, Jamie Lee Curtis

Director: Eli Roth

Rating: 0/5

The specs: 2018 Ford Mustang GT

Price, base / as tested: Dh204,750 / Dh241,500
Engine: 5.0-litre V8
Gearbox: 10-speed automatic
Power: 460hp @ 7,000rpm
Torque: 569Nm @ 4,600rpm​​​​​​​
​​​​​​​Fuel economy, combined: 10.3L / 100km

Main report
Zayed Sustainability Prize
While you're here
The%20specs%20
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EEngine%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E2.0-litre%204cyl%20turbo%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EPower%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E261hp%20at%205%2C500rpm%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ETorque%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E400Nm%20at%201%2C750-4%2C000rpm%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ETransmission%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E7-speed%20dual-clutch%20auto%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EFuel%20consumption%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E10.5L%2F100km%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EOn%20sale%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3ENow%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EPrice%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EFrom%20Dh129%2C999%20(VX%20Luxury)%3B%20from%20Dh149%2C999%20(VX%20Black%20Gold)%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
'Cheb%20Khaled'
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EArtist%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EKhaled%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ELabel%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EBelieve%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ERating%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%204%2F5%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
ELIO

Starring: Yonas Kibreab, Zoe Saldana, Brad Garrett

Directors: Madeline Sharafian, Domee Shi, Adrian Molina

Rating: 4/5

Dates for the diary

To mark Bodytree’s 10th anniversary, the coming season will be filled with celebratory activities:

  • September 21 Anyone interested in becoming a certified yoga instructor can sign up for a 250-hour course in Yoga Teacher Training with Jacquelene Sadek. It begins on September 21 and will take place over the course of six weekends.
  • October 18 to 21 International yoga instructor, Yogi Nora, will be visiting Bodytree and offering classes.
  • October 26 to November 4 International pilates instructor Courtney Miller will be on hand at the studio, offering classes.
  • November 9 Bodytree is hosting a party to celebrate turning 10, and everyone is invited. Expect a day full of free classes on the grounds of the studio.
  • December 11 Yogeswari, an advanced certified Jivamukti teacher, will be visiting the studio.
  • February 2, 2018 Bodytree will host its 4th annual yoga market.
'The worst thing you can eat'

Trans fat is typically found in fried and baked goods, but you may be consuming more than you think.

Powdered coffee creamer, microwave popcorn and virtually anything processed with a crust is likely to contain it, as this guide from Mayo Clinic outlines: 

Baked goods - Most cakes, cookies, pie crusts and crackers contain shortening, which is usually made from partially hydrogenated vegetable oil. Ready-made frosting is another source of trans fat.

Snacks - Potato, corn and tortilla chips often contain trans fat. And while popcorn can be a healthy snack, many types of packaged or microwave popcorn use trans fat to help cook or flavour the popcorn.

Fried food - Foods that require deep frying — french fries, doughnuts and fried chicken — can contain trans fat from the oil used in the cooking process.

Refrigerator dough - Products such as canned biscuits and cinnamon rolls often contain trans fat, as do frozen pizza crusts.

Creamer and margarine - Nondairy coffee creamer and stick margarines also may contain partially hydrogenated vegetable oils.

Who's who in Yemen conflict

Houthis: Iran-backed rebels who occupy Sanaa and run unrecognised government

Yemeni government: Exiled government in Aden led by eight-member Presidential Leadership Council

Southern Transitional Council: Faction in Yemeni government that seeks autonomy for the south

Habrish 'rebels': Tribal-backed forces feuding with STC over control of oil in government territory

Desert Warrior

Starring: Anthony Mackie, Aiysha Hart, Ben Kingsley

Director: Rupert Wyatt

Rating: 3/5

Eyasses squad

Charlie Preston (captain) – goal shooter/ goalkeeper (Dubai College)

Arushi Holt (vice-captain) – wing defence / centre (Jumeriah English Speaking School)  

Olivia Petricola (vice-captain) – centre / wing attack (Dubai English Speaking College)

Isabel Affley – goalkeeper / goal defence (Dubai English Speaking College)

Jemma Eley – goal attack / wing attack (Dubai College)

Alana Farrell-Morton – centre / wing / defence / wing attack (Nord Anglia International School)

Molly Fuller – goal attack / wing attack (Dubai College)

Caitlin Gowdy – goal defence / wing defence (Dubai English Speaking College)

Noorulain Hussain – goal defence / wing defence (Dubai College)

Zahra Hussain-Gillani – goal defence / goalkeeper (British School Al Khubairat)

Claire Janssen – goal shooter / goal attack (Jumeriah English Speaking School)         

Eliza Petricola – wing attack / centre (Dubai English Speaking College)

MATCH INFO

What: 2006 World Cup quarter-final
When: July 1
Where: Gelsenkirchen Stadium, Gelsenkirchen, Germany

Result:
England 0 Portugal 0
(Portugal win 3-1 on penalties)

UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
While you're here
Tonight's Chat on The National

Tonight's Chat is a series of online conversations on The National. The series features a diverse range of celebrities, politicians and business leaders from around the Arab world.

Tonight’s Chat host Ricardo Karam is a renowned author and broadcaster who has previously interviewed Bill Gates, Carlos Ghosn, Andre Agassi and the late Zaha Hadid, among others.

Intellectually curious and thought-provoking, Tonight’s Chat moves the conversation forward.

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Winners

Best Men's Player of the Year: Kylian Mbappe (PSG)

Maradona Award for Best Goal Scorer of the Year: Robert Lewandowski (Bayern Munich)

TikTok Fans’ Player of the Year: Robert Lewandowski

Top Goal Scorer of All Time: Cristiano Ronaldo (Manchester United)

Best Women's Player of the Year: Alexia Putellas (Barcelona)

Best Men's Club of the Year: Chelsea

Best Women's Club of the Year: Barcelona

Best Defender of the Year: Leonardo Bonucci (Juventus/Italy)

Best Goalkeeper of the Year: Gianluigi Donnarumma (PSG/Italy)

Best Coach of the Year: Roberto Mancini (Italy)

Best National Team of the Year: Italy 

Best Agent of the Year: Federico Pastorello

Best Sporting Director of the Year: Txiki Begiristain (Manchester City)

Player Career Award: Ronaldinho

Updated: October 09, 2024, 4:45 AM
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