• Taylor Swift, in an embellished LBD, arrives at the American Music Awards in Los Angeles, California, on November 18, 2007. EPA
    Taylor Swift, in an embellished LBD, arrives at the American Music Awards in Los Angeles, California, on November 18, 2007. EPA
  • Taylor Swift, in Sandy Spika, arrives at the Grammy Awards at the Staples Centre in Los Angeles, California, on February 10, 2008. EPA
    Taylor Swift, in Sandy Spika, arrives at the Grammy Awards at the Staples Centre in Los Angeles, California, on February 10, 2008. EPA
  • Taylor Swift, in a navy mini dress, arrives for the Grammy Awards nominations in Los Angeles, California, on December 3, 2008. EPA
    Taylor Swift, in a navy mini dress, arrives for the Grammy Awards nominations in Los Angeles, California, on December 3, 2008. EPA
  • Taylor Swift, in Kaufman Franco, arrives at the Brit Awards at Earl's Court on February 18, 2009 in London, England. Getty Images
    Taylor Swift, in Kaufman Franco, arrives at the Brit Awards at Earl's Court on February 18, 2009 in London, England. Getty Images
  • Taylor Swift, in a chiffon-sleeved dress, attends the Echo Music Awards at the O2 Arena on February 21, 2009 in Berlin, Germany. Getty Images
    Taylor Swift, in a chiffon-sleeved dress, attends the Echo Music Awards at the O2 Arena on February 21, 2009 in Berlin, Germany. Getty Images
  • Taylor Swift, in Rachel Gilbert, attends the Sydney premiere of '17 Again' on March 11, 2009 in Sydney, Australia. Getty Images
    Taylor Swift, in Rachel Gilbert, attends the Sydney premiere of '17 Again' on March 11, 2009 in Sydney, Australia. Getty Images
  • Taylor Swift, in Kaufman Franco, arrives at the Grammy Awards at the Staples Centre in Los Angeles, California, on January 31, 2010. EPA
    Taylor Swift, in Kaufman Franco, arrives at the Grammy Awards at the Staples Centre in Los Angeles, California, on January 31, 2010. EPA
  • Taylor Swift, in a gold mini, holds her award for 'Album of the Year' at the Academy of Country Music Awards in Las Vegas, Nevada, on April 5, 2009. EPA
    Taylor Swift, in a gold mini, holds her award for 'Album of the Year' at the Academy of Country Music Awards in Las Vegas, Nevada, on April 5, 2009. EPA
  • Taylor Swift, in Roberto Cavalli, attends the Roberto Cavalli show during Milan Fashion Week on September 27, 2010 in Milan, Italy. Getty Images
    Taylor Swift, in Roberto Cavalli, attends the Roberto Cavalli show during Milan Fashion Week on September 27, 2010 in Milan, Italy. Getty Images
  • Taylor Swift, in Roberto Cavalli, attends the Roberto Cavalli party as part of Paris Fashion Week on September 29, 2010 in Paris, France. Getty Images
    Taylor Swift, in Roberto Cavalli, attends the Roberto Cavalli party as part of Paris Fashion Week on September 29, 2010 in Paris, France. Getty Images
  • Taylor Swift, in a lace skater dress, attends BBC Radio 1's Teen Awards at Hammersmith Apollo, on November 14, 2010 in London, England. Getty Images
    Taylor Swift, in a lace skater dress, attends BBC Radio 1's Teen Awards at Hammersmith Apollo, on November 14, 2010 in London, England. Getty Images
  • Taylor Swift, in Collette Dinnigan, arrives at the American Music Awards in Los Angeles, California, on November 21, 2010. EPA
    Taylor Swift, in Collette Dinnigan, arrives at the American Music Awards in Los Angeles, California, on November 21, 2010. EPA
  • Taylor Swift, in Elie Saab, arrives for the Academy of Country Music Awards at the MGM Grand Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada, April 3, 2011. EPA
    Taylor Swift, in Elie Saab, arrives for the Academy of Country Music Awards at the MGM Grand Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada, April 3, 2011. EPA
  • Taylor Swift, in J Mendel, arrives at the Met Gala in New York on May 2, 2011. EPA
    Taylor Swift, in J Mendel, arrives at the Met Gala in New York on May 2, 2011. EPA
  • Taylor Swift, in Reem Acra, arrives for the American Music Awards held at the Nokia Theatre in Los Angeles, California, on November 20, 2011. EPA
    Taylor Swift, in Reem Acra, arrives for the American Music Awards held at the Nokia Theatre in Los Angeles, California, on November 20, 2011. EPA
  • Taylor Swift, in Zuhair Murad, arrives for the Grammy Awards at the Staples Centre in Los Angeles, California, on February 12, 2012. EPA
    Taylor Swift, in Zuhair Murad, arrives for the Grammy Awards at the Staples Centre in Los Angeles, California, on February 12, 2012. EPA
  • Taylor Swift, in J Mendel, arrives at the MTV Video Music Awards in Los Angeles, California, USA, on September 6, 2012. EPA
    Taylor Swift, in J Mendel, arrives at the MTV Video Music Awards in Los Angeles, California, USA, on September 6, 2012. EPA
  • Taylor Swift, in Elie Saab, attends the Elie Saab show as part of Paris Fashion Week on October 3, 2012 in Paris, France. Getty Images
    Taylor Swift, in Elie Saab, attends the Elie Saab show as part of Paris Fashion Week on October 3, 2012 in Paris, France. Getty Images
  • Taylor Swift, in a scarlet midi, at Westfield London on November 6, 2012 in London, England. Getty Images
    Taylor Swift, in a scarlet midi, at Westfield London on November 6, 2012 in London, England. Getty Images
  • Taylor Swift, in J Mendel, attends the MTV EMAs at Festhalle Frankfurt on November 11, 2012 in Frankfurt, Germany. Getty Images
    Taylor Swift, in J Mendel, attends the MTV EMAs at Festhalle Frankfurt on November 11, 2012 in Frankfurt, Germany. Getty Images
  • Taylor Swift, in Elie Saab, arrives at the Aria Awards at the Sydney Entertainment Centre on November 29, 2012 in Sydney, Australia. Getty Images
    Taylor Swift, in Elie Saab, arrives at the Aria Awards at the Sydney Entertainment Centre on November 29, 2012 in Sydney, Australia. Getty Images
  • Taylor Swift, in a white mini, attends the 40 Principales Awards at Palacio de los Deportes on January 24, 2013 in Madrid, Spain. Getty Images
    Taylor Swift, in a white mini, attends the 40 Principales Awards at Palacio de los Deportes on January 24, 2013 in Madrid, Spain. Getty Images
  • Taylor Swift, in Elie Saab, attends the NRJ Music Awards at Palais des Festivals on January 26, 2013 in Cannes, France. Getty Images
    Taylor Swift, in Elie Saab, attends the NRJ Music Awards at Palais des Festivals on January 26, 2013 in Cannes, France. Getty Images
  • Taylor Swift, in J Mendel, arrives for the Grammy Awards in Los Angeles, California, USA, on February 10, 2013. EPA
    Taylor Swift, in J Mendel, arrives for the Grammy Awards in Los Angeles, California, USA, on February 10, 2013. EPA
  • Taylor Swift, in Elie Saab, attends the Brit Awards at the 02 Arena on February 20, 2013 in London, England. Getty Images
    Taylor Swift, in Elie Saab, attends the Brit Awards at the 02 Arena on February 20, 2013 in London, England. Getty Images
  • Taylor Swift, in J Mendel, attends the Met Gala in New York on May 6, 2013. EPA
    Taylor Swift, in J Mendel, attends the Met Gala in New York on May 6, 2013. EPA
  • Taylor Swift, in a shirt and shorts, at the Capital Summertime Ball at Wembley Arena on June 9, 2013 in London, England. Getty Images
    Taylor Swift, in a shirt and shorts, at the Capital Summertime Ball at Wembley Arena on June 9, 2013 in London, England. Getty Images
  • Taylor Swift, in Herve Leger, arrives at the MTV Video Music Awards at the Barclays Centre in Brooklyn, New York, on August 25, 2013. EPA
    Taylor Swift, in Herve Leger, arrives at the MTV Video Music Awards at the Barclays Centre in Brooklyn, New York, on August 25, 2013. EPA
  • Taylor Swift, in Julien Macdonald, arrives for the American Music Awards held at the Nokia Theatre in Los Angeles, California, on November 24, 2013. EPA
    Taylor Swift, in Julien Macdonald, arrives for the American Music Awards held at the Nokia Theatre in Los Angeles, California, on November 24, 2013. EPA
  • Taylor Swift, in Reem Acra, arrives at Centrepoint's Winter Whites Gala at Kensington Palace in London on November 26, 2013. EPA
    Taylor Swift, in Reem Acra, arrives at Centrepoint's Winter Whites Gala at Kensington Palace in London on November 26, 2013. EPA
  • Taylor Swift, in Carolina Herrera, arrives at the Golden Globe Awards in Beverly Hills, California, on January 12, 2014. EPA
    Taylor Swift, in Carolina Herrera, arrives at the Golden Globe Awards in Beverly Hills, California, on January 12, 2014. EPA
  • Taylor Swift, in Gucci, arrives for the Grammy Awards held at the Staples Centre in Los Angeles, California, on January 26, 2014. EPA
    Taylor Swift, in Gucci, arrives for the Grammy Awards held at the Staples Centre in Los Angeles, California, on January 26, 2014. EPA
  • Taylor Swift, in J Mendel, arrives for the Academy of Country Music Awards at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada, on April 6, 2014. EPA
    Taylor Swift, in J Mendel, arrives for the Academy of Country Music Awards at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada, on April 6, 2014. EPA
  • Taylor Swift, in Oscar de la Renta, arrives for the Met Gala in New York on May 5, 2014. EPA
    Taylor Swift, in Oscar de la Renta, arrives for the Met Gala in New York on May 5, 2014. EPA
  • Taylor Swift, in Novis, arrives for the Teen Choice Awards at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles, California, on August 10, 2014. EPA
    Taylor Swift, in Novis, arrives for the Teen Choice Awards at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles, California, on August 10, 2014. EPA
  • Taylor Swift, in Sass & Bide, on September 4, 2014 in Hamburg, Germany. Getty Images
    Taylor Swift, in Sass & Bide, on September 4, 2014 in Hamburg, Germany. Getty Images
  • Taylor Swift, in Michael Kors, at the American Music Awards at the Nokia Theatre in Los Angeles, California, on November 23, 2014. EPA
    Taylor Swift, in Michael Kors, at the American Music Awards at the Nokia Theatre in Los Angeles, California, on November 23, 2014. EPA
  • Taylor Swift, in J Mendel, attends the afterparty for the annual Victoria's Secret fashion show at Earls Court on December 2, 2014 in London, England. Getty Images
    Taylor Swift, in J Mendel, attends the afterparty for the annual Victoria's Secret fashion show at Earls Court on December 2, 2014 in London, England. Getty Images
  • Taylor Swift, in Sachin & Babi, attends the Jingle Bell Ball at 02 Arena on December 7, 2014 in London, England. Getty Images
    Taylor Swift, in Sachin & Babi, attends the Jingle Bell Ball at 02 Arena on December 7, 2014 in London, England. Getty Images
  • Taylor Swift, in Elie Saab, arrives for the Grammy Awards held at the Staples Centre in Los Angeles, California, on February 8, 2015. EPA
    Taylor Swift, in Elie Saab, arrives for the Grammy Awards held at the Staples Centre in Los Angeles, California, on February 8, 2015. EPA
  • Taylor Swift, in Julien Macdonald, attends the Elle Style Awards on February 24, 2015 in London, England. Getty Images
    Taylor Swift, in Julien Macdonald, attends the Elle Style Awards on February 24, 2015 in London, England. Getty Images
  • Taylor Swift, in Roberto Cavalli, attends the Brit Awards at the O2 Arena on February 25, 2015 in London, England. Getty Images
    Taylor Swift, in Roberto Cavalli, attends the Brit Awards at the O2 Arena on February 25, 2015 in London, England. Getty Images
  • Taylor Swift, in Balmain, arrives for the Billboard Music Awards at the MGM Grand Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada, on May 17, 2015. EPA
    Taylor Swift, in Balmain, arrives for the Billboard Music Awards at the MGM Grand Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada, on May 17, 2015. EPA
  • Taylor Swift, in Ashish, arrives for the MTV Video Music Awards at the Microsoft Theatre in Los Angeles, California, on August 30, 2015. EPA
    Taylor Swift, in Ashish, arrives for the MTV Video Music Awards at the Microsoft Theatre in Los Angeles, California, on August 30, 2015. EPA
  • Taylor Swift, in Versace, arrives for the Grammy Awards ceremony at the Staples Centre in Los Angeles, California, on February 15, 2016. EPA
    Taylor Swift, in Versace, arrives for the Grammy Awards ceremony at the Staples Centre in Los Angeles, California, on February 15, 2016. EPA
  • Taylor Swift, in Alexandre Vauthier, arrives for the Vanity Fair Oscars After-Party following the Academy Awards ceremony in Hollywood, California, on February 28, 2016. EPA
    Taylor Swift, in Alexandre Vauthier, arrives for the Vanity Fair Oscars After-Party following the Academy Awards ceremony in Hollywood, California, on February 28, 2016. EPA
  • Taylor Swift, in Louis Vuitton, arrives at the Met Gala in New York on May 2, 2016. EPA
    Taylor Swift, in Louis Vuitton, arrives at the Met Gala in New York on May 2, 2016. EPA
  • Taylor Swift, in Versace, arrives for the Billboard Music Awards at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada, on May 20, 2018. EPA
    Taylor Swift, in Versace, arrives for the Billboard Music Awards at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada, on May 20, 2018. EPA
  • Taylor Swift, in Balmain, arrives for the American Music Awards at the Microsoft Theatre in Los Angeles, California, on October 9, 2018. EPA
    Taylor Swift, in Balmain, arrives for the American Music Awards at the Microsoft Theatre in Los Angeles, California, on October 9, 2018. EPA
  • Taylor Swift, in Rosa Bloom, at the iHeartRadio Music Awards at the Microsoft Theatre in Los Angeles, California, on March 14, 2019. EPA
    Taylor Swift, in Rosa Bloom, at the iHeartRadio Music Awards at the Microsoft Theatre in Los Angeles, California, on March 14, 2019. EPA
  • Taylor Swift, wearing J Mendel, arrives for the Time 100 Gala at the Lincoln Centre in New York on April 23, 2019. EPA
    Taylor Swift, wearing J Mendel, arrives for the Time 100 Gala at the Lincoln Centre in New York on April 23, 2019. EPA
  • Taylor Swift, in Raisa & Vanessa, arrives for the Billboard Music Awards at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada, on May 1, 2019
    Taylor Swift, in Raisa & Vanessa, arrives for the Billboard Music Awards at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada, on May 1, 2019
  • Taylor Swift, in Versace, arrives for the MTV Video Music Awards at the Prudential Centre in Newark, New Jersey, on August 26, 2019. EPA
    Taylor Swift, in Versace, arrives for the MTV Video Music Awards at the Prudential Centre in Newark, New Jersey, on August 26, 2019. EPA
  • Taylor Swift, in Julien Macdonald, arrives at the American Music Awards at the Microsoft Theatre in Los Angeles, California, on November 24, 2019. EPA
    Taylor Swift, in Julien Macdonald, arrives at the American Music Awards at the Microsoft Theatre in Los Angeles, California, on November 24, 2019. EPA
  • Taylor Swift, in Etro, arrives for the Golden Globe Awards ceremony in Beverly Hills, California, on January 5, 2020. EPA
    Taylor Swift, in Etro, arrives for the Golden Globe Awards ceremony in Beverly Hills, California, on January 5, 2020. EPA
  • Taylor Swift, in checked Carmen, attends the 2020 Sundance Film Festival in Park City, Utah on January 23, 2020. AFP
    Taylor Swift, in checked Carmen, attends the 2020 Sundance Film Festival in Park City, Utah on January 23, 2020. AFP
  • Taylor Swift, in a floral Oscar de la Renta dress, attends the 63rd Annual Grammy Awards at Los Angeles Convention Centre on March 14, 2021. AFP
    Taylor Swift, in a floral Oscar de la Renta dress, attends the 63rd Annual Grammy Awards at Los Angeles Convention Centre on March 14, 2021. AFP
  • Taylor Swift, in a black Greta Constantine Hockney bodysuit, performs onstage during the 36th Annual Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame Induction Ceremony at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse on October 30, 2021. AFP
    Taylor Swift, in a black Greta Constantine Hockney bodysuit, performs onstage during the 36th Annual Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame Induction Ceremony at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse on October 30, 2021. AFP
  • Taylor Swift, in a velvet Etro suit, attends the 'All Too Well' premiere in New York City on November 12, 2021. Getty Images
    Taylor Swift, in a velvet Etro suit, attends the 'All Too Well' premiere in New York City on November 12, 2021. Getty Images

Taylor Swift records new version of ‘This Love’ for TV series ‘The Summer I Turned Pretty’


Saeed Saeed
  • English
  • Arabic

Taylor Swift has re-recorded a track from her 2014 blockbuster album 1989.

The US pop star uploaded This Love (Taylor's version) — a remake of This Love — to her social media accounts on Friday, following its appearance in the trailer for drama series The Summer I Turned Pretty, out now on Amazon Prime Video.

Scroll through the gallery above to see Taylor Swift's style evolution.

Based on Jenny Han's Summer trilogy of novels, the US author announced the collaboration with Swift this week on her TikTok account, saying: "In my wildest dreams, I never dreamed of this."

Swift has stuck to the style of previous reworkings of older material, refraining from radically changing the composition of This Love.

The new version instead is marked by more subdued production, such as reverberating synths and clearer vocals.

This Love (Taylor’s Version) is the second track from 1989 to be re-recorded.

In response to the popularity of Wildest Dreams on TikTok, Swift released a "Taylor's version" of the song last year.

It remains unclear if Swift intends to re-record all of 1989, as she did previous albums — Fearless (Taylor's Version) and Red (Taylor's version) — as no announcements have been made yet about future releases.

Swift vowed to re-record and re-release her back catalogue as part of a public dispute over the rights of her music with powerhouse music manager Scooter Braun in 2019.

Braun bought and then sold the masters of her first six albums for a reported $300 million.

Swift publicly criticised the sale and stated that the masters of new versions of the albums will be under her control.

Next week Swift is set to add a doctorate to her list of achievements.

On May 18, she will receive an honorary doctorate in fine arts from New York University and give a commencement speech at a graduation ceremony at New York's Yankee Stadium.

The Kites

Romain Gary

Penguin Modern Classics

Company%20profile
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EName%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20JustClean%3Cbr%3E%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EBased%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EDubai%20with%20offices%20in%20other%20GCC%20countries%3Cbr%3E%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ELaunch%20year%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%202016%3Cbr%3E%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ENumber%20of%20employees%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20160%2B%20with%2021%20nationalities%20in%20eight%20cities%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3E%3Cbr%3ESector%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20online%20laundry%20and%20cleaning%20services%3Cbr%3E%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EFunding%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E%2430m%20from%20Kuwait-based%20Faith%20Capital%20Holding%20and%20Gulf%20Investment%20Corporation%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Cryopreservation: A timeline
  1. Keyhole surgery under general anaesthetic
  2. Ovarian tissue surgically removed
  3. Tissue processed in a high-tech facility
  4. Tissue re-implanted at a time of the patient’s choosing
  5. Full hormone production regained within 4-6 months
Company Profile

Name: Thndr
Started: 2019
Co-founders: Ahmad Hammouda and Seif Amr
Sector: FinTech
Headquarters: Egypt
UAE base: Hub71, Abu Dhabi
Current number of staff: More than 150
Funds raised: $22 million

Avatar: Fire and Ash

Director: James Cameron

Starring: Sam Worthington, Sigourney Weaver, Zoe Saldana

Rating: 4.5/5

WHAT IS A BLACK HOLE?

1. Black holes are objects whose gravity is so strong not even light can escape their pull

2. They can be created when massive stars collapse under their own weight

3. Large black holes can also be formed when smaller ones collide and merge

4. The biggest black holes lurk at the centre of many galaxies, including our own

5. Astronomers believe that when the universe was very young, black holes affected how galaxies formed

Emirates Cricket Board Women’s T10

ECB Hawks v ECB Falcons

Monday, April 6, 7.30pm, Sharjah Cricket Stadium

The match will be broadcast live on the My Sports Eye Facebook page

 

Hawks

Coach: Chaitrali Kalgutkar

Squad: Chaya Mughal (captain), Archara Supriya, Chamani Senevirathne, Chathurika Anand, Geethika Jyothis, Indhuja Nandakumar, Kashish Loungani, Khushi Sharma, Khushi Tanwar, Rinitha Rajith, Siddhi Pagarani, Siya Gokhale, Subha Srinivasan, Suraksha Kotte, Theertha Satish

 

Falcons

Coach: Najeeb Amar

Squad: Kavisha Kumari (captain), Almaseera Jahangir, Annika Shivpuri, Archisha Mukherjee, Judit Cleetus, Ishani Senavirathne, Lavanya Keny, Mahika Gaur, Malavika Unnithan, Rishitha Rajith, Rithika Rajith, Samaira Dharnidharka, Shashini Kaluarachchi, Udeni Kuruppuarachchi, Vaishnave Mahesh

 

 

RESULTS

6pm: Al Maktoum Challenge Round-2 – Group 1 (PA) $55,000 (Dirt) 1,900m
Winner: Rajeh, Antonio Fresu (jockey), Musabah Al Muhairi (trainer)

6.35pm: Oud Metha Stakes – Rated Conditions (TB) $60,000 (D) 1,200m
Winner: Get Back Goldie, William Buick, Doug O’Neill

7.10pm: Jumeirah Classic – Listed (TB) $150,000 (Turf) 1,600m
Winner: Sovereign Prince, James Doyle, Charlie Appleby

7.45pm: Firebreak Stakes – Group 3 (TB) $150,000 (D) 1,600m
Winner: Hypothetical, Mickael Barzalona, Salem bin Ghadayer

8.20pm: Al Maktoum Challenge Round-2 – Group 2 (TB) $350,000 (D) 1,900m
Winner: Hot Rod Charlie, William Buick, Doug O’Neill

8.55pm: Al Bastakiya Trial – Conditions (TB) $60,000 (D) 1,900m
Winner: Withering, Adrie de Vries, Fawzi Nass

9.30pm: Balanchine – Group 2 (TB) $180,000 (T) 1,800m
Winner: Creative Flair, William Buick, Charlie Appleby

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.”

Classification of skills

A worker is categorised as skilled by the MOHRE based on nine levels given in the International Standard Classification of Occupations (ISCO) issued by the International Labour Organisation. 

A skilled worker would be someone at a professional level (levels 1 – 5) which includes managers, professionals, technicians and associate professionals, clerical support workers, and service and sales workers.

The worker must also have an attested educational certificate higher than secondary or an equivalent certification, and earn a monthly salary of at least Dh4,000. 

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

WHAT IS GRAPHENE?

It was discovered in 2004, when Russian-born Manchester scientists Andrei Geim and Kostya Novoselov were experimenting with sticky tape and graphite, the material used as lead in pencils.

Placing the tape on the graphite and peeling it, they managed to rip off thin flakes of carbon. In the beginning they got flakes consisting of many layers of graphene. But when they repeated the process many times, the flakes got thinner.

By separating the graphite fragments repeatedly, they managed to create flakes that were just one atom thick. Their experiment led to graphene being isolated for the very first time.

In 2010, Geim and Novoselov were awarded the Nobel Prize for Physics. 

Updated: May 06, 2022, 11:01 AM