‘Inside Missguided: Made in Manchester’ lets viewers see the inner workings of Missguided, one of the UK’s biggest fast-fashion brands. OSN
‘Inside Missguided: Made in Manchester’ lets viewers see the inner workings of Missguided, one of the UK’s biggest fast-fashion brands. OSN
‘Inside Missguided: Made in Manchester’ lets viewers see the inner workings of Missguided, one of the UK’s biggest fast-fashion brands. OSN
‘Inside Missguided: Made in Manchester’ lets viewers see the inner workings of Missguided, one of the UK’s biggest fast-fashion brands. OSN

OSN Woman: Six must-see features from 'A Perfect 14' to 'Framing Britney Spears'


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  • Arabic

OSN is launching a channel dedicated to women to commemorate International Women’s Day. The channel, dubbed OSN Woman, will feature a variety of lifestyle programming across topics such as fashion, health, relationships and parenting.

The line-up of content will include the hit documentary Framing Britney Spears, which charts the turbulent career of the Grammy Award-winning singer; A Perfect 14, a documentary showing how plus-sized models are fighting to reshape the fashion industry; and Royals Declassified, a three-part series that draws back the curtain on Queen Elizabeth II's relationships with her family as well as British and foreign officials.

The shows will be available to watch on the stand-alone OSN Woman channel as well as OSN's streaming app.

The driving force behind the OSN Woman project are several female programming specialists at OSN. To celebrate the launch of the channel, an all-female cast and crew created a video that showcases women of different backgrounds and professions from across the Middle East, giving them a platform to voice what they want to see on screens.

The driving force behind the OSN Woman project were several female programming specialists at the broadcasting company, including Rolla Karam, interim chief content officer at OSN. OSN
The driving force behind the OSN Woman project were several female programming specialists at the broadcasting company, including Rolla Karam, interim chief content officer at OSN. OSN

"We want to send a message to all the women of the region that we listen to them and care about bringing content that connects with them," said Rolla Karam, interim chief content officer at OSN.

“We are tapping into a wider base of modern women through a mix of strong programming that was planned entirely by women like them and made available as a channel and on demand across our digital platforms. And as one of the women who led this exciting project, I [am] very positive it will be supported across the board.”

Karam added that the next phase of the project involves producing more OSN Original content, boosting work by female creatives from the region and providing a platform for them to present their work.

Here are six not-to-be-missed films and TV shows that will be available to watch on OSN Woman:

‘Framing Britney Spears’

The 2021 documentary that reignited the #FreeBritney movement. Framing Britney Spears explores the Toxic singer's meteoric rise to fame as well as the struggles she faced across her three-decade career. The film, directed by Samantha Stark, highlights the star's treatment by the paparazzi and the events leading up to her highly publicised breakdown in 2007. It also sheds light on how Spears has been living under a court-appointed conservatorship since 2008, giving her father control over her finances as well as important life decisions.

Since the documentary’s release, at a hearing on February 11, the judge ruled that Spears's father must share power over her conservatorship, but did not entirely strip him of his role as co-conservator. The next court hearing is on Wednesday, March 17.

The film will air on OSN Woman at 8am on Wednesday

‘Project Runway: Fashion Startup’

If you want to discover what it takes to make it as a start-up in the cut-throat fashion industry, then this is the show for you. The hit 2016 reality series Project Runway: Fashion Startup shows a group of aspiring fashion entrepreneurs pitching their best ideas to investors.

The hit 2016 reality series 'Project Runway: Fashion Startup' shows a group of aspiring fashion entrepreneurs pitching their best ideas to investors. OSN
The hit 2016 reality series 'Project Runway: Fashion Startup' shows a group of aspiring fashion entrepreneurs pitching their best ideas to investors. OSN

The judging panel includes Katia Beauchamp, chief executive and co-founder of make-up subscription Birchbox; Christine Hunsicker, chief executive and founder of the designer wardrobe subscription service Gwynnie Bee; fashion designer Rebecca Minkoff; and Gary Wassner, chief executive of Hilldun Corporation and chairman and co-founder of Interluxe Holdings, both of which have financed some of the world's most renowned designer labels.

The show will air on OSN Woman at 10am on Monday

‘Inside Missguided: Made in Manchester’

A TV series that lets us see the inner workings of Missguided, one of the UK’s biggest fast-fashion brands. The show is witty, fun and full of insightful moments on the fast-fashion business model, which replicates catwalk trends and high fashion designs at an attainable cost. The series also celebrates female empowerment, introducing viewers to the creative and industrious women behind the Missguided fashion brand.

The show will air on OSN Woman from 9am on Tuesday

‘Royals Declassified’

While Netflix's critically acclaimed, but governmentally disdained series The Crown does much to show us what goes on within Buckingham Palace, many historical events seen in the show have been dramatised for storytelling purpose. Royals Declassified takes no such liberties.

Based on declassified documents, including letters, diary entries, testimonies and voice recordings, the series – comprised of three one-hour episodes – reveals what Queen Elizabeth II really thought of those around her.

Based on declassified documents, including letters, diary entries, testimonies and voice recordings, 'Royals Declassified' draws back the curtain on the drama within Buckingham Palace. OSN
Based on declassified documents, including letters, diary entries, testimonies and voice recordings, 'Royals Declassified' draws back the curtain on the drama within Buckingham Palace. OSN

The first episode of the series explores the tensions between her and her prime ministers, including her disagreements with Margaret Thatcher that nearly sparked a constitutional crisis. The series then goes on to examine Queen Elizabeth II's relationship with her husband, Prince Philip, and her family. The final chapter shows how a spy was stationed in the Queen's inner circle and managed to pass information to the Soviet authorities even after he was ousted.

The series will air on OSN Woman from 1pm on Monday

'A Perfect 14'

A documentary that takes us into the world of plus-sized modelling. A Perfect 14 celebrates the journey of three women as they struggle to subvert the warped notions of beauty that have become the norm. A heartfelt perception on what it takes to reshape the fashion industry, A Perfect 14 is an eye-opening watch, prompting viewers to rethink how they define beauty.

The film will air on OSN Woman at 9am on Wednesday, March 17

‘Public Figure’

This 2019 documentary dives into the lives of influencers while exploring the psychological effects of daily social media use. Directed by Brian Corso, the film features appearances by several influencers and celebrities active on social media including Donterio Hundon, Rose McGowan and Bonang Matheba. The hour-long documentary comes as a warning of the addictive nature of social media and highlights some of the grimmer effects the technology has on society.

The film will air on OSN Woman at 9am on Wednesday, March 24

Keep it fun and engaging

Stuart Ritchie, director of wealth advice at AES International, says children cannot learn something overnight, so it helps to have a fun routine that keeps them engaged and interested.

“I explain to my daughter that the money I draw from an ATM or the money on my bank card doesn’t just magically appear – it’s money I have earned from my job. I show her how this works by giving her little chores around the house so she can earn pocket money,” says Mr Ritchie.

His daughter is allowed to spend half of her pocket money, while the other half goes into a bank account. When this money hits a certain milestone, Mr Ritchie rewards his daughter with a small lump sum.

He also recommends books that teach the importance of money management for children, such as The Squirrel Manifesto by Ric Edelman and Jean Edelman.

The specs

  Engine: 2-litre or 3-litre 4Motion all-wheel-drive Power: 250Nm (2-litre); 340 (3-litre) Torque: 450Nm Transmission: 8-speed automatic Starting price: From Dh212,000 On sale: Now

UAE tour of Zimbabwe

All matches in Bulawayo
Friday, Sept 26 – UAE won by 36 runs
Sunday, Sept 28 – Second ODI
Tuesday, Sept 30 – Third ODI
Thursday, Oct 2 – Fourth ODI
Sunday, Oct 5 – First T20I
Monday, Oct 6 – Second T20I

UK-EU trade at a glance

EU fishing vessels guaranteed access to UK waters for 12 years

Co-operation on security initiatives and procurement of defence products

Youth experience scheme to work, study or volunteer in UK and EU countries

Smoother border management with use of e-gates

Cutting red tape on import and export of food

Company%20profile%20
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Other workplace saving schemes
  • The UAE government announced a retirement savings plan for private and free zone sector employees in 2023.
  • Dubai’s savings retirement scheme for foreign employees working in the emirate’s government and public sector came into effect in 2022.
  • National Bonds unveiled a Golden Pension Scheme in 2022 to help private-sector foreign employees with their financial planning.
  • In April 2021, Hayah Insurance unveiled a workplace savings plan to help UAE employees save for their retirement.
  • Lunate, an Abu Dhabi-based investment manager, has launched a fund that will allow UAE private companies to offer employees investment returns on end-of-service benefits.
The%20stats%20and%20facts
%3Cp%3E1.9%20million%20women%20are%20at%20risk%20of%20developing%20cervical%20cancer%20in%20the%20UAE%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E80%25%20of%20people%2C%20females%20and%20males%2C%20will%20get%20human%20papillomavirus%20(HPV)%20once%20in%20their%20lifetime%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3EOut%20of%20more%20than%20100%20types%20of%20HPV%2C%2014%20strains%20are%20cancer-causing%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E99.9%25%20of%20cervical%20cancers%20are%20caused%20by%20the%20virus%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3EA%20five-year%20survival%20rate%20of%20close%20to%2096%25%20can%20be%20achieved%20with%20regular%20screenings%20for%20cervical%20cancer%20detection%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3EWomen%20aged%2025%20to%2029%20should%20get%20a%20Pap%20smear%20every%20three%20years%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3EWomen%20aged%2030%20to%2065%20should%20do%20a%20Pap%20smear%20and%20HPV%20test%20every%20five%20years%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3EChildren%20aged%2013%20and%20above%20should%20get%20the%20HPV%20vaccine%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Results

57kg quarter-finals

Zakaria Eljamari (UAE) beat Hamed Al Matari (YEM) by points 3-0.

60kg quarter-finals

Ibrahim Bilal (UAE) beat Hyan Aljmyah (SYR) RSC round 2.

63.5kg quarter-finals

Nouredine Samir (UAE) beat Shamlan A Othman (KUW) by points 3-0.

67kg quarter-finals

Mohammed Mardi (UAE) beat Ahmad Ondash (LBN) by points 2-1.

71kg quarter-finals

Ahmad Bahman (UAE) defeated Lalthasanga Lelhchhun (IND) by points 3-0.

Amine El Moatassime (UAE) beat Seyed Kaveh Safakhaneh (IRI) by points 3-0.

81kg quarter-finals

Ilyass Habibali (UAE) beat Ahmad Hilal (PLE) by points 3-0

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.”

PROFILE OF HALAN

Started: November 2017

Founders: Mounir Nakhla, Ahmed Mohsen and Mohamed Aboulnaga

Based: Cairo, Egypt

Sector: transport and logistics

Size: 150 employees

Investment: approximately $8 million

Investors include: Singapore’s Battery Road Digital Holdings, Egypt’s Algebra Ventures, Uber co-founder and former CTO Oscar Salazar

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Types of policy

Term life insurance: this is the cheapest and most-popular form of life cover. You pay a regular monthly premium for a pre-agreed period, typically anything between five and 25 years, or possibly longer. If you die within that time, the policy will pay a cash lump sum, which is typically tax-free even outside the UAE. If you die after the policy ends, you do not get anything in return. There is no cash-in value at any time. Once you stop paying premiums, cover stops.

Whole-of-life insurance: as its name suggests, this type of life cover is designed to run for the rest of your life. You pay regular monthly premiums and in return, get a guaranteed cash lump sum whenever you die. As a result, premiums are typically much higher than one term life insurance, although they do not usually increase with age. In some cases, you have to keep up premiums for as long as you live, although there may be a cut-off period, say, at age 80 but it can go as high as 95. There are penalties if you don’t last the course and you may get a lot less than you paid in.

Critical illness cover: this pays a cash lump sum if you suffer from a serious illness such as cancer, heart disease or stroke. Some policies cover as many as 50 different illnesses, although cancer triggers by far the most claims. The payout is designed to cover major financial responsibilities such as a mortgage or children’s education fees if you fall ill and are unable to work. It is cost effective to combine it with life insurance, with the policy paying out once if you either die or suffer a serious illness.

Income protection: this pays a replacement income if you fall ill and are unable to continue working. On the best policies, this will continue either until you recover, or reach retirement age. Unlike critical illness cover, policies will typically pay out for stress and musculoskeletal problems such as back trouble.

Company Profile:

Name: The Protein Bakeshop

Date of start: 2013

Founders: Rashi Chowdhary and Saad Umerani

Based: Dubai

Size, number of employees: 12

Funding/investors:  $400,000 (2018) 

Company profile

Name: Back to Games and Boardgame Space

Started: Back to Games (2015); Boardgame Space (Mark Azzam became co-founder in 2017)

Founder: Back to Games (Mr Azzam); Boardgame Space (Mr Azzam and Feras Al Bastaki)

Based: Dubai and Abu Dhabi 

Industry: Back to Games (retail); Boardgame Space (wholesale and distribution) 

Funding: Back to Games: self-funded by Mr Azzam with Dh1.3 million; Mr Azzam invested Dh250,000 in Boardgame Space  

Growth: Back to Games: from 300 products in 2015 to 7,000 in 2019; Boardgame Space: from 34 games in 2017 to 3,500 in 2019

Avatar: Fire and Ash

Director: James Cameron

Starring: Sam Worthington, Sigourney Weaver, Zoe Saldana

Rating: 4.5/5

Name: Peter Dicce

Title: Assistant dean of students and director of athletics

Favourite sport: soccer

Favourite team: Bayern Munich

Favourite player: Franz Beckenbauer

Favourite activity in Abu Dhabi: scuba diving in the Northern Emirates 

 

MATCH RESULT

Al Jazira 3 Persepolis 2
Jazira:
Mabkhout (52'), Romarinho (77'), Al Hammadi (90' 6)
Persepolis: Alipour (42'), Mensha (84')

EA Sports FC 25
The specs: 2018 Nissan 370Z Nismo

The specs: 2018 Nissan 370Z Nismo
Price, base / as tested: Dh182,178
Engine: 3.7-litre V6
Power: 350hp @ 7,400rpm
Torque: 374Nm @ 5,200rpm
Transmission: Seven-speed automatic
​​​​​​​Fuel consumption, combined: 10.5L / 100km