Dubai's Meydan racecourse will host the 10th Oil Barons Charity Ball, an annual fund-raiser for the oil and gas industry, on Friday. But it is Houston, in the other half of the world, where many of the oil barons headquarter their operations.
Key facts about Houston:
Airlines that connect with Houston: Etihad Airways and Emirates Airline connect Abu Dhabi and Dubai to the city.
Airport: Named after Bush the Elder, George Bush Intercontinental Airport (Iata code: IAH) opened in 1969, although its original name was Houston Intercontinental Airport. It has five terminals, three of which handle international operations.
Airport hotel: Hyatt Place Bush Intercontinental Airport is about 5 kilometres from the Bush airport. Weekend room rates start at US $94, says the hotel's website.
Downtown hotel: Club Quarters is in the central district close to Houston Pavilions, which features office, retail and entertainment facilities. Weekend room rates start at $79, according to the hotel website.
Cost of cab from airport to city centre: About $52, according to World Taximeter.
A conference centre: The Greater Houston Convention and Visitors Bureau, which opened in 1964, is 32km from George Bush Airport and has been expanded. It now has an exhibit space of 862,000 square feet and convention centre space of 3,400,000 sq ft.
A power restaurant: The Italian restaurant Tony's on Richmond Avenue made it onto Forbes' list of restaurants for power lunches last year. Entrees start at $14 for a chopped salad with salami.
Currency/conversion rate: US $1 = Dh3.67
Main businesses in town: Known for its oil and gas industry, Houston has the highest concentration of Fortune 500 companies in the US after New York City. Among these are Baker Hughes and ConocoPhillips. The law firm Baker Botts and the defence contractor KBR are also based in Houston.
ssahoo@thenational.ae
BMW M5 specs
Engine: 4.4-litre twin-turbo V-8 petrol enging with additional electric motor
Power: 727hp
Torque: 1,000Nm
Transmission: 8-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 10.6L/100km
On sale: Now
Price: From Dh650,000
Captain Marvel
Director: Anna Boden, Ryan Fleck
Starring: Brie Larson, Samuel L Jackson, Jude Law, Ben Mendelsohn
4/5 stars
The specs
- Engine: 3.9-litre twin-turbo V8
- Power: 640hp
- Torque: 760nm
- On sale: 2026
- Price: Not announced yet
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If you go
The flights
Emirates flies from Dubai to Seattle from Dh5,555 return, including taxes.
The car
Hertz offers compact car rental from about $300 (Dh1,100) per week, including taxes. Emirates Skywards members can earn points on their car hire through Hertz.
The national park
Entry to Mount Rainier National Park costs $30 for one vehicle and passengers for up to seven days. Accommodation can be booked through mtrainierguestservices.com. Prices vary according to season. Rooms at the Holiday Inn Yakima cost from $125 per night, excluding breakfast.
The specs
Engine: 4.0-litre flat-six
Torque: 450Nm at 6,100rpm
Transmission: 7-speed PDK auto or 6-speed manual
Fuel economy, combined: 13.8L/100km
On sale: Available to order now
Our family matters legal consultant
Name: Dr Hassan Mohsen Elhais
Position: legal consultant with Al Rowaad Advocates and Legal Consultants.
Labour dispute
The insured employee may still file an ILOE claim even if a labour dispute is ongoing post termination, but the insurer may suspend or reject payment, until the courts resolve the dispute, especially if the reason for termination is contested. The outcome of the labour court proceedings can directly affect eligibility.
- Abdullah Ishnaneh, Partner, BSA Law
LILO & STITCH
Starring: Sydney Elizebeth Agudong, Maia Kealoha, Chris Sanders
Director: Dean Fleischer Camp
Rating: 4.5/5
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Palestine and Israel - live updates
