• Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque blanketed in snow as part of digital artist Jyo John Mulloor's ongoing series. All photos: Jyo John Mulloor
    Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque blanketed in snow as part of digital artist Jyo John Mulloor's ongoing series. All photos: Jyo John Mulloor
  • After Dubai, artist Jyo John Mulloor has reimagined Abu Dhabi as a snow covered winter wonderland in an ongoing photo series.
    After Dubai, artist Jyo John Mulloor has reimagined Abu Dhabi as a snow covered winter wonderland in an ongoing photo series.
  • The Adnoc building.
    The Adnoc building.
  • Louvre Abu Dhabi.
    Louvre Abu Dhabi.
  • Mandarin Oriental, Emirates Palace.
    Mandarin Oriental, Emirates Palace.
  • Through a series of 11 striking photos, Mulloor blankets Abu Dhabi landmarks in white — from the Emirates Palace, to Louvre Abu Dhabi, Qasr Al Watan and the circular Aldar Headquarters in Al Raha.
    Through a series of 11 striking photos, Mulloor blankets Abu Dhabi landmarks in white — from the Emirates Palace, to Louvre Abu Dhabi, Qasr Al Watan and the circular Aldar Headquarters in Al Raha.
  • Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, Yas Island.
    Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, Yas Island.
  • Mulloor hopes his images of snow in the UAE will help keep residents cool during soaring summer temperatures.
    Mulloor hopes his images of snow in the UAE will help keep residents cool during soaring summer temperatures.
  • Aldar Headquarters in Al Raha.
    Aldar Headquarters in Al Raha.
  • Qasr Al Watan.
    Qasr Al Watan.
  • The Abu Dhabi series took Mulloor five weeks to complete.
    The Abu Dhabi series took Mulloor five weeks to complete.

Now it's snowing in Abu Dhabi: artist's striking series reimagines wintry emirate


  • English
  • Arabic

Dubai resident and digital artist Jyo John Mulloor is at it again. After reimagining the city of Dubai covered in snow and then with lush greenery in two separate art series, he's now worked his magic on Abu Dhabi.

On Monday, Mulloor took to Instagram to share snippets of his latest project, which has taken him five weeks to complete. Through a series of 11 striking photos, Mulloor blankets Abu Dhabi landmarks in white — from the Emirates Palace, to Louvre Abu Dhabi, Qasr Al Watan and the circular Aldar Headquarters in Al Raha.

"I was getting such good responses for my snow and bloom series that I thought, 'Why only Dubai? Let it snow in the whole UAE'," Mulloor tells The National.

Scroll through the gallery above for pictures of Abu Dhabi landmarks covered in snow

Ferrari World Abu Dhabi on Yas Island as imagined by artist Jyo John Mulloor. Photo: Jyo John Mulloor
Ferrari World Abu Dhabi on Yas Island as imagined by artist Jyo John Mulloor. Photo: Jyo John Mulloor

He hopes images of snow in the UAE will help keep residents cool during soaring summer temperatures. Humidity levels have recently topped 90 per cent and were even forecast to hit 100 per cent in Abu Dhabi and Dubai in mid-June by the National Centre of Meteorology.

"I know it's never going to happen. But at least in our heart we can let it snow," he says.

Mulloor, who has lived in Dubai for 18 years, said he's only travelled to the UAE capital a few times and was struck by the city's beauty when he visited to take pictures of landmarks for this project.

"Once I started work, I felt like Abu Dhabi was even more gorgeous when it snows. I really enjoyed while working on this project," he says.

In March, the artist made headlines with his impressive work showing Dubai landmarks covered in snow.

  • Through a series of images, Dubai resident and digital artist Jyo John Mulloor has imagined what the city would look like if it were covered in snow. All photos: Jyo John Mulloor
    Through a series of images, Dubai resident and digital artist Jyo John Mulloor has imagined what the city would look like if it were covered in snow. All photos: Jyo John Mulloor
  • This image, viewed from Karama, is the first one Mulloor created.
    This image, viewed from Karama, is the first one Mulloor created.
  • Snow on Atlantis, The Palm.
    Snow on Atlantis, The Palm.
  • A snowy scene with Burj Khalifa and Downtown Dubai in the background.
    A snowy scene with Burj Khalifa and Downtown Dubai in the background.
  • Dubai resident and digital artist Jyo John Mulloor said he got the inspiration for the series in a dream.
    Dubai resident and digital artist Jyo John Mulloor said he got the inspiration for the series in a dream.
  • Global Village covered in snow.
    Global Village covered in snow.
  • The mountains of Hatta.
    The mountains of Hatta.
  • What the famous Hatta sign would look like if it snowed.
    What the famous Hatta sign would look like if it snowed.
  • The Burj Al Arab seen along with a frozen lake.
    The Burj Al Arab seen along with a frozen lake.
  • The famed Clock Tower in Deira.
    The famed Clock Tower in Deira.
  • Expo 2020 Dubai.
    Expo 2020 Dubai.
  • The newly-opened Museum of the Future.
    The newly-opened Museum of the Future.
  • A Dubai Metro station.
    A Dubai Metro station.
  • A shot of snowy Downtown Dubai.
    A shot of snowy Downtown Dubai.

He followed it up with a viral series the following month, this time reimagining the emirate full of greenery, a stark contrast from the vast desert scenes usually associated with Dubai and the rest of the UAE.

  • Jyo John Mulloor has created a new series depicting a verdant Dubai. All photos: Jyo John Mulloor
    Jyo John Mulloor has created a new series depicting a verdant Dubai. All photos: Jyo John Mulloor
  • The Dubai skyline and coast.
    The Dubai skyline and coast.
  • Atlantis, The Palm.
    Atlantis, The Palm.
  • Burj Al Arab and Jumeirah Beach Hotel.
    Burj Al Arab and Jumeirah Beach Hotel.
  • The Dubai skyline.
    The Dubai skyline.
  • Dubai Frame.
    Dubai Frame.
  • Dubai skyline and Dubai Metro.
    Dubai skyline and Dubai Metro.
  • Hatta set within lush Hajar Mountains.
    Hatta set within lush Hajar Mountains.
  • Hatta Dam Lake.
    Hatta Dam Lake.
  • Copper Hike trail in Hatta.
    Copper Hike trail in Hatta.
  • The Dubai Marina skyline with Ain Dubai in view.
    The Dubai Marina skyline with Ain Dubai in view.

Now, Mulloor says he's got plans to continue both series to cover all seven emirates.

He says his series are all themed after the colours of UAE's flag — the green for his #LetItBloom series, the white for #LetItSnow and the red for #LetsHopeOn2Mars, an ode to the country's Mars mission. The artist is also working on another series inspired by the colour black, which he says will be revealed soon.

Mulloor, who is from Kerala in India, also has his eyes on the Metaverse and wants to create a UAE colony in Mars, something he says is closer to reality than ever.

"Nobody has ever done a country colony in the Metaverse and this will be my way of supporting the UAE's vision," he says.

French artist's surreal digital works of Dubai landmarks win fans online ― in pictures

  • French artist Zak Eazy has been creating surrealist artworks of some of the world's best known landmarks, including those in the UAE. All photos: Zak Eazy
    French artist Zak Eazy has been creating surrealist artworks of some of the world's best known landmarks, including those in the UAE. All photos: Zak Eazy
  • Zak Eazy's take on the Dubai Frame.
    Zak Eazy's take on the Dubai Frame.
  • Burj Al Arab surrounded by giant flamingoes.
    Burj Al Arab surrounded by giant flamingoes.
  • Atlantis, the Palm, on a rocky mountain.
    Atlantis, the Palm, on a rocky mountain.
  • Artist Zak Eazy lives in Lille, northern France.
    Artist Zak Eazy lives in Lille, northern France.
  • Eazy says he loves to mix architecture, animals and nature in a surrealistic style.
    Eazy says he loves to mix architecture, animals and nature in a surrealistic style.
  • He started his series in 2019.
    He started his series in 2019.
  • Eazy, 26, who prefers to be known by his artistic moniker, works predominantly using Adobe Photoshop.
    Eazy, 26, who prefers to be known by his artistic moniker, works predominantly using Adobe Photoshop.
  • Eazy's Instagram account @zakeazy, where he curates his works, is full of praise, with many applauding his vision and artistry.
    Eazy's Instagram account @zakeazy, where he curates his works, is full of praise, with many applauding his vision and artistry.
  • 'Some view my art as fantastic and magical, and some see it as the apocalypse and life after human extinction,' says Eazy.
    'Some view my art as fantastic and magical, and some see it as the apocalypse and life after human extinction,' says Eazy.
  • Eazy says his works are inspired by Spanish surrealist Salvador Dali.
    Eazy says his works are inspired by Spanish surrealist Salvador Dali.
  • Eazy says he started his series with images from his home town in Lille, France.
    Eazy says he started his series with images from his home town in Lille, France.
  • He's currently working to put together his own exhibition.
    He's currently working to put together his own exhibition.
Avatar: Fire and Ash

Director: James Cameron

Starring: Sam Worthington, Sigourney Weaver, Zoe Saldana

Rating: 4.5/5

Teenage%20Mutant%20Ninja%20Turtles%3A%20Shredder's%20Revenge
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EDeveloper%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3ETribute%20Games%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EPublisher%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Dotemu%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EConsoles%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3ENintendo%20Switch%2C%20PlayStation%204%26amp%3B5%2C%20PC%20and%20Xbox%20One%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ERating%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%204%2F5%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
The specs

Engine: 2.0-litre 4-cyl

Power: 153hp at 6,000rpm

Torque: 200Nm at 4,000rpm

Transmission: 6-speed auto

Price: Dh99,000

On sale: now

Islamophobia definition

A widely accepted definition was made by the All Party Parliamentary Group on British Muslims in 2019: “Islamophobia is rooted in racism and is a type of racism that targets expressions of Muslimness or perceived Muslimness.” It further defines it as “inciting hatred or violence against Muslims”.

Trump v Khan

2016: Feud begins after Khan criticised Trump’s proposed Muslim travel ban to US

2017: Trump criticises Khan’s ‘no reason to be alarmed’ response to London Bridge terror attacks

2019: Trump calls Khan a “stone cold loser” before first state visit

2019: Trump tweets about “Khan’s Londonistan”, calling him “a national disgrace”

2022:  Khan’s office attributes rise in Islamophobic abuse against the major to hostility stoked during Trump’s presidency

July 2025 During a golfing trip to Scotland, Trump calls Khan “a nasty person”

Sept 2025 Trump blames Khan for London’s “stabbings and the dirt and the filth”.

Dec 2025 Trump suggests migrants got Khan elected, calls him a “horrible, vicious, disgusting mayor”

IF YOU GO
 
The flights: FlyDubai offers direct flights to Catania Airport from Dubai International Terminal 2 daily with return fares starting from Dh1,895.
 
The details: Access to the 2,900-metre elevation point at Mount Etna by cable car and 4x4 transport vehicle cost around €57.50 (Dh248) per adult. Entry into Teatro Greco costs €10 (Dh43). For more go to www.visitsicily.info

 Where to stay: Hilton Giardini Naxos offers beachfront access and accessible to Taormina and Mount Etna. Rooms start from around €130 (Dh561) per night, including taxes.

GAC GS8 Specs

Engine: 2.0-litre 4cyl turbo

Power: 248hp at 5,200rpm

Torque: 400Nm at 1,750-4,000rpm

Transmission: 8-speed auto

Fuel consumption: 9.1L/100km

On sale: Now

Price: From Dh149,900

Global state-owned investor ranking by size

1.

United States

2.

China

3.

UAE

4.

Japan

5

Norway

6.

Canada

7.

Singapore

8.

Australia

9.

Saudi Arabia

10.

South Korea

German intelligence warnings
  • 2002: "Hezbollah supporters feared becoming a target of security services because of the effects of [9/11] ... discussions on Hezbollah policy moved from mosques into smaller circles in private homes." Supporters in Germany: 800
  • 2013: "Financial and logistical support from Germany for Hezbollah in Lebanon supports the armed struggle against Israel ... Hezbollah supporters in Germany hold back from actions that would gain publicity." Supporters in Germany: 950
  • 2023: "It must be reckoned with that Hezbollah will continue to plan terrorist actions outside the Middle East against Israel or Israeli interests." Supporters in Germany: 1,250 

Source: Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution

THREE
%3Cp%3EDirector%3A%20Nayla%20Al%20Khaja%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3EStarring%3A%20Jefferson%20Hall%2C%20Faten%20Ahmed%2C%20Noura%20Alabed%2C%20Saud%20Alzarooni%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3ERating%3A%203.5%2F5%3C%2Fp%3E%0A

The Sky Is Pink

Director: Shonali Bose

Cast: Priyanka Chopra Jonas, Farhan Akhtar, Zaira Wasim, Rohit Saraf

Three stars

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.”

Results

5pm: Maiden (PA) Dh80,000 (Turf) 1,000mm, Winners: Mumayaza, Fabrice Veron (jockey), Eric Lemartinel (trainer)

5.30pm: Wathba Stallions Cup Handicap (PA) Dh70,000 (T) 2,200m, Winners: Sharkh, Pat Cosgrave, Helal Al Alawi

6pm: The President’s Cup Prep - Conditions (PA) Dh100,000 (T) 2,200m, Winner: Somoud, Richard Mullen, Jean de Roualle

6.30pm: Handicap (PA) Dh90,000 (T) 1,600m, Winner: Harrab, Ryan Curatolo, Jean de Roualle

7pm: Abu Dhabi Equestrian Gold Cup - Prestige (PA) Dh125,000 (T) 1,600m, Winner: Hameem, Adrie de Vries, Abdallah Al Hammadi

7.30pm: Al Ruwais – Group 3 (PA) Dh300,000 (T) 1,200m, Winner: AF Alwajel, Tadhg O’Shea, Ernst Oertel

8pm: Maiden (TB) Dh80,000 (T) 1,400m, Winner: Nibras Passion, Bernardo Pinheiro, Ismail Mohammed

Turning%20waste%20into%20fuel
%3Cp%3EAverage%20amount%20of%20biofuel%20produced%20at%20DIC%20factory%20every%20month%3A%20%3Cstrong%3EApproximately%20106%2C000%20litres%3C%2Fstrong%3E%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3EAmount%20of%20biofuel%20produced%20from%201%20litre%20of%20used%20cooking%20oil%3A%20%3Cstrong%3E920ml%20(92%25)%3C%2Fstrong%3E%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3ETime%20required%20for%20one%20full%20cycle%20of%20production%20from%20used%20cooking%20oil%20to%20biofuel%3A%20%3Cstrong%3EOne%20day%3C%2Fstrong%3E%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3EEnergy%20requirements%20for%20one%20cycle%20of%20production%20from%201%2C000%20litres%20of%20used%20cooking%20oil%3A%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3E%E2%96%AA%20Electricity%20-%201.1904%20units%3Cbr%3E%E2%96%AA%20Water-%2031%20litres%3Cbr%3E%E2%96%AA%20Diesel%20%E2%80%93%2026.275%20litres%3C%2Fstrong%3E%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
COMPANY PROFILE
Company name: BorrowMe (BorrowMe.com)

Date started: August 2021

Founder: Nour Sabri

Based: Dubai, UAE

Sector: E-commerce / Marketplace

Size: Two employees

Funding stage: Seed investment

Initial investment: $200,000

Investors: Amr Manaa (director, PwC Middle East) 

Updated: August 01, 2022, 4:22 AM