The UAE has been making it easier and more affordable for its freelance workforce to apply for licences as it seeks to create a more flexible job market to attract and retain talent.
The shift in working habits, accelerated by the Covid-19 pandemic, has increased the popularity of the gig economy in the Emirates, especially among the younger generation, as it provides greater flexibility.
You need a residence visa and a freelance licence or work permit to work as a freelancer in the UAE. Some free zones and business set-up companies offer packages that include both the freelance permit and the residency visa. It's essential to confirm whether the visa is included in your chosen package.
Typically, health insurance is not included in the freelance permit or visa packages and must be arranged separately.
Many entrepreneurs start out freelancing and then upgrade to a company set-up once established.
However, you can apply for the UAE freelance licence only if you pursue selected professional activities approved by the government.
Freelance is most suited for individuals of creative professions such as artists, copywriters, designers, and similar professions, according to Danish Qazi, senior associate at law firm BSA Ahmad Bin Hezeem & Associates.
"It is relatively straightforward and easier to obtain a freelance licence as opposed to SME business licence for a UAE entrepreneur. However, if you intend to work with larger companies or procure government contracts, a full-fledged trade licence may be a minimum requirement. Moreover, corporate clients may request for a tax registration number issued by the Federal Tax Authority, which cannot be obtained by freelancers," Mr Qazi says.
"It’s certainly easier to keep costs under control as a freelancer. You don’t have to pay employees, office space, utilities and many other expenses. Free zones would also let you rent a workstation if necessary. A freelance permit doesn’t have an obligatory requirement to keep the books, accounting and submit annual financial statements, which contributes to the costs and time considerations. However, again, lack of financial transparency can be an obstacle in being awarded certain types of jobs."
James Swallow, commercial director at business formation and support company Sovereign PPG, says that a lot of the emirates and free zones are vying with each other to try to lower costs for freelancer licences.
“We're seeing a big effort by everyone to try to encourage individual owners, small and medium enterprises and freelancers. It is becoming more affordable for freelancers and individual entrepreneurs to obtain a licence.”
Although cost is a big consideration for most people looking to apply for a licence or set up a limited liability company in the UAE, they need to think about what activities they plan to pursue.
“Are you importing and selling physical products, or are you delivering a service? Are you a consultant or a professional service provider? If you're a service provider offering services virtually, the freelance permit is more suited to you. If you're physically trading, then it might not work for you because the freelancer licence doesn't allow a trading activity,” Mr Swallow advises.
“You also need to look at who are your clients. Are they based in the UAE, internationally or in a free zone? If your clients are international or free zone only, then you might be better off applying for a licence in a free zone. But if you're dealing with mainland clients, it might be better to have a mainland freelance licence.”
He suggests considering expansion plans in terms of headcount or office space. This will help determine whether you are better off applying for an SME licence or freelancer permit.
People also need to consider registering for value-added tax and corporate tax if their turnover hits the threshold. Even those on a freelance permit must register for VAT if their annual turnover is more than Dh375,000 ($102,110), Mr Swallow says.
With a freelance licence, a person is eligible to apply for a personal bank account and can only sponsor dependents, children and a spouse, but cannot hire any staff. If they want to expand the business and hire staff, they need to convert the licence into a limited liability company.
In terms of documents, the applicant’s passport or ID is required. In certain cases, you need to show experience in a specific field or industry or have earned an academic or professional achievement in that field.
“This can be done using a degree-level qualification. It depends on the activity, but you may need to get your degree certificate attested or notarised from the country where you completed your degree through the UAE embassy,” Mr Swallow says.
Freelance registrations in the Middle East and North Africa region increased by 142 per cent from 2022 to last year, according to a report by talent-on-demand platform Outsized, which draws on data from its platform.
This growth is driven by the increasing demand for specialised expertise in various fields, says Azeem Zainulbhai, co-founder and chief product officer at Outsized.
“The rise in freelance visas is part of the UAE’s broader vision to become a global talent hub and also a response to the global skills shortage, which is projected to leave 85.2 million positions unfilled by 2030,” he says.
“The UAE's policies aim to bridge this gap by attracting top-tier independent talent through a combination of favourable visa regulations and targeted economic initiatives.”
Technology and artificial intelligence are the most sought-after and lucrative fields for skilled independent professionals this year. The region's mega-projects, particularly in Saudi Arabia, have created opportunities for independent professionals specialising in product development, change management and FinTech, Mr Zainulbhai says.
“The need for skilled professionals who can drive digital transformation initiatives has been particularly pronounced in niche areas such as oil and gas,” he adds.
We take a look at the costs of applying for a freelancer licence in the UAE.
Abu Dhabi freelancer licence
The Abu Dhabi freelancer licence is a mainland licence issued by the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development. The licence holder has the right to contract and work with companies in Abu Dhabi as well as the free zones.
It costs around Dh5,175 and grants a residence visa for the licence holder and his or her family. The freelancer activities tend to be around consultancy, service and professional activities, according to Mr Swallow. The licence is initially issued for a period of one year and is renewable annually.
As of August 15, 2024, there are 100 business activities available for Abu Dhabi freelancer licences. Traditionally, they were tightly restricted to professional services, most commonly in media, IT and education; but increasingly, more activities are being opened up for freelance licence eligibility.
Abu Dhabi has added AI development, 3D-model designing, electronic and software designing, data classification and analysis services, oil and gas production software design, and online players support providers to its freelancer licence category.
Abu Dhabi first issued the freelancer licence in 2020, initially covering 48 business activities.
Dubai’s e-Trader licence
The e-Trader licence from Dubai’s Department of Economic Development is applicable for freelancers who offer online services.
The licence fee is Dh1,070 and it is mandatory to renew the licence annually.
By getting an e-Trader licence in Dubai, you can engage in offering products or services for sale on social platforms. However, an e-Trader licence holder cannot open a physical shop. The licence holder will also need to get separate approval from the respective DED authorities to sell their products and services in other emirates.
A home-based business owned by a single individual that does not necessitate a local partner can apply for an e-Trader licence in Dubai. The applicant should reside in Dubai and should satisfy the minimum age requirement of 21 to apply for this licence.
If your clients are international or free zone only, then you might be better off applying for a licence in a free zone
James Swallow,
commercial director, Sovereign PPG
“Only Emiratis are able to do trading activities on an e-Trader licence, but you can do professional activities,” Mr Swallow says.
“For this licence, you already need to have an Emirates ID and an Ejari to show that you're a Dubai resident. It tends to be for spouses or people already here on residency if they want to sell things on social media.”
The e-Trader licence, which was set up in 2017, can be obtained within minutes by registering on invest.dubai.ae, according to Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism.
twofour54’s freelance visa
The cost of Abu Dhabi media free zone twofour54’s freelance work permit is Dh3,538.5, including VAT. However, this does not include the mandatory health insurance fees.
To obtain a freelancer licence, the applicant’s residency visa must be sponsored by the twofour54 free zone.
This licensing is open only for media-related companies. The free zone provides freelance licences in more than 60 media-related categories, including pre-production, production and post-production, public relations, marketing, gaming and creative design.
The applicant is only licensed to work within the Abu Dhabi free zone and with registered twofour54 partner companies.
Tecom's GoFreelance scheme
With Tecom's GoFreelance programme, you can become a freelancer at Dubai Internet City, Dubai Media City, Dubai Knowledge Park and Dubai Design District.
The cost of the one-year permit is Dh7,500 and it has to be renewed annually. Permit holders can also apply for family and dependent visas for an additional cost. The one-year visa for the applicant or dependents costs Dh4,600 while a two-year visa can be obtained for Dh5,042, according to the initiative's website.
The licence holder can bid on projects and expand their network through the Marketplace – a dedicated platform to support freelancers. The business activities that are selected for this type of visa include education, media, technology and design.
“You need a CV and qualifications in that particular activity. The free zone will want to know that you're already experienced to set up a type of licence for media, internet, technology and design activities,” Mr Swallow says.
DMCC’s FreelanceUAE licence
The Dubai Multi Commodities Centre free zone issues a FreelanceUAE licence for a year for Dh4,020 a year.
They also provide a one-year FreelanceUAE licence, one-year visa and one-year establishment card for Dh9,136, whereas it costs Dh14,136 to obtain a two-year FreelanceUAE licence, two-year visa and two-year establishment card.
Some of the activities permitted under this licence include influencer/content creator, model, interior designer, make-up artist, author, game developer and software developer, among others.
“You don't need a CV or a residency to apply for this permit. You can do online selling and professional activities with this licence,” Mr Swallow says.
Technology and AI are the most sought-after and lucrative fields for skilled independent professionals in 2024
Azeem Zainulbhai,
co-founder and chief product officer, Outsized
Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone Freelance Permit
The Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone offers a Freelance Permit for rates starting from Dh6,100 a year and this is mainly aimed at media and education professionals.
The documents required include the applicant’s passport copy, a valid UAE residence visa copy (if applying for a permit without a visa), the sponsor’s no objection certificate (if applying for a permit without a visa), and a portfolio or qualification certificate.
Fujairah Creative City
This free zone does not offer a freelancer licence. Instead, it provides a renewable trade licence for Dh10,000 a year. It also offers a package of a two-year residency visa and a one-year trade licence for Dh21,000, where the latter can be renewed for Dh14,000 after a year.
The company can have up to four shareholders and the trade licence is targeted at media, marketing and consulting businesses.
Sharjah Publishing City Free Zone
A basic freelancer licence from this free zone costs Dh5,750 for a year without a visa.
Green Visa
This visa allows skilled workers and self-employed workers to sponsor themselves for up to five years.
Freelancers and/or self-employed people who wish to apply for a green visa need to submit a freelance/self-employment permit from from the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation, proof of a bachelor’s degree or a specialised diploma and evidence of annual income from self-employment for the previous two years amounting to not less than Dh360,000, or proof of financial solvency throughout their stay in the UAE.
“But these requirements keep changing and it is important for the talent to keep a tab on it,” Mr Zainulbhai says.
The visa offers five-year residency without the need for an employer to be a sponsor and allows holders to bring first-degree relatives to the country for the duration of their stay.
Golden Visa
The Golden Visa is another popular option, providing a renewable 10-year residency. This visa comes with significant benefits, such as the ability to sponsor family members and maintain residency even after extended periods abroad.
A standard application can range between Dh5,000 to Dh9,000 for filing the application, medical tests, Emirates ID and residency application.
The visa is granted to investors, entrepreneurs, skilled professionals who earn a monthly salary of more than Dh30,000, exceptional talents, scientists and professionals, outstanding students and graduates, property investors, teachers, humanitarian pioneers and health workers.
Remote worker visa
For remote workers and digital nomads, the Dubai Digital Nomad Visa and UAE Remote Worker Visa offer one-year stays.
These visas cater to professionals who are employed outside the UAE or own businesses that allow them to work remotely. Applicants need to demonstrate proof of income or business ownership to qualify, Mr Zainulbhai says.
To apply for a UAE remote work visa, you must provide proof that you work remotely for an organisation outside the Emirates and receive a monthly income of $3,500 or its equivalent in a different currency.
To apply for Dubai's virtual work visa, an employee must earn a salary of at least $3,500 per month, or the equivalent in other currencies, and be employed by a non-UAE company, with a contract of at least one year. The cost of applying for a virtual work visa through Amer government service centres in Dubai is $334 (Dh1,226).
SME business licences
If you set up a fully-fledged company, with some free zones your costs may range between Dh20,000 to Dh60,000, depending on location, number of residency visas required, bank accounts and type of activity you want to do, according to Mr Qazi.
Mr Swallow says the costs to procure an SME business licence have also been reduced in the UAE. Dubai and Abu Dhabi have been reducing costs to set up an LLC.
“There's a list of activities that don't need an office space for the first year at least. With a freelancer licence, you don't need an office space, but with an LLC, you do. But now, they have brought in some activities that don't need an office space if you only have one or two visas,” he says.
“But once you hit three visas, the labour quota comes in and you need an office of about 200 square feet minimum size. If you take out the office cost, it costs about Dh15,000 on average to set up an SME LLC licence for a year. On renewal, the cost is less.”
Mr Qazi says it is not always advisable to go for the least expensive business set-up package. It may seem appealing, however it may not include essential services such as visa processing, office space and administrative support. Inadequate support may result in non-compliances with local regulations, which could result in fines, he warns.
"Individuals have the option to apply for business licences directly through relevant authorities, such as the DED for mainland licences or specific free zone authorities. This approach can be cost-effective but may require navigating complex procedures and understanding local regulations," he says.
"Business set-up consultants offer expertise in local laws, handle documentation and streamline the application process. While this incurs additional costs, it can save time and reduce the risk of errors. Agents can also provide valuable insights into the most suitable licence types and jurisdictions for your business."
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Five out of five stars
The National Archives, Abu Dhabi
Founded over 50 years ago, the National Archives collects valuable historical material relating to the UAE, and is the oldest and richest archive relating to the Arabian Gulf.
Much of the material can be viewed on line at the Arabian Gulf Digital Archive - https://www.agda.ae/en
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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”.
TEACHERS' PAY - WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
Pay varies significantly depending on the school, its rating and the curriculum. Here's a rough guide as of January 2021:
- top end schools tend to pay Dh16,000-17,000 a month - plus a monthly housing allowance of up to Dh6,000. These tend to be British curriculum schools rated 'outstanding' or 'very good', followed by American schools
- average salary across curriculums and skill levels is about Dh10,000, recruiters say
- it is becoming more common for schools to provide accommodation, sometimes in an apartment block with other teachers, rather than hand teachers a cash housing allowance
- some strong performing schools have cut back on salaries since the pandemic began, sometimes offering Dh16,000 including the housing allowance, which reflects the slump in rental costs, and sheer demand for jobs
- maths and science teachers are most in demand and some schools will pay up to Dh3,000 more than other teachers in recognition of their technical skills
- at the other end of the market, teachers in some Indian schools, where fees are lower and competition among applicants is intense, can be paid as low as Dh3,000 per month
- in Indian schools, it has also become common for teachers to share residential accommodation, living in a block with colleagues
The specs: 2019 Haval H6
Price, base: Dh69,900
Engine: 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder
Transmission: Seven-speed automatic
Power: 197hp @ 5,500rpm
Torque: 315Nm @ 2,000rpm
Fuel economy, combined: 7.0L / 100km
Living in...
This article is part of a guide on where to live in the UAE. Our reporters will profile some of the country’s most desirable districts, provide an estimate of rental prices and introduce you to some of the residents who call each area home.
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Results
6.30pm: Maiden Dh165,000 (Dirt) 1,400m. Winner: Rio Angie, Pat Dobbs (jockey), Doug Watson (trainer).
7.05pm: Handicap Dh170,000 (D) 1,600m. Winner: Trenchard, Pat Dobbs, Doug Watson.
7.40pm: Maiden Dh165,000 (D) 1,600m. Winner: Mulfit, Pat Dobbs, Doug Watson.
8.15pm: Handicap Dh210,000 (D) 1,200m. Winner: Waady, Dane O’Neill, Doug Watson.
8.50pm: Handicap Dh210,000 (D) 2,000m. Winner: Tried And True, Pat Dobbs, Doug Watson.
9.25pm:Handicap Dh185,000 (D) 1,400m. Winner: Midnight Sands, Pat Dobbs, Doug Watson.
What the law says
Micro-retirement is not a recognised concept or employment status under Federal Decree Law No. 33 of 2021 on the Regulation of Labour Relations (as amended) (UAE Labour Law). As such, it reflects a voluntary work-life balance practice, rather than a recognised legal employment category, according to Dilini Loku, senior associate for law firm Gateley Middle East.
“Some companies may offer formal sabbatical policies or career break programmes; however, beyond such arrangements, there is no automatic right or statutory entitlement to extended breaks,” she explains.
“Any leave taken beyond statutory entitlements, such as annual leave, is typically regarded as unpaid leave in accordance with Article 33 of the UAE Labour Law. While employees may legally take unpaid leave, such requests are subject to the employer’s discretion and require approval.”
If an employee resigns to pursue micro-retirement, the employment contract is terminated, and the employer is under no legal obligation to rehire the employee in the future unless specific contractual agreements are in place (such as return-to-work arrangements), which are generally uncommon, Ms Loku adds.
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KILLING OF QASSEM SULEIMANI
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Graduated from the American University of Sharjah
She is the eldest of three brothers and two sisters
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Profile
Company: Justmop.com
Date started: December 2015
Founders: Kerem Kuyucu and Cagatay Ozcan
Sector: Technology and home services
Based: Jumeirah Lake Towers, Dubai
Size: 55 employees and 100,000 cleaning requests a month
Funding: The company’s investors include Collective Spark, Faith Capital Holding, Oak Capital, VentureFriends, and 500 Startups.
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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.”
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Defence review at a glance
• Increase defence spending to 2.5% of GDP by 2027 but given “turbulent times it may be necessary to go faster”
• Prioritise a shift towards working with AI and autonomous systems
• Invest in the resilience of military space systems.
• Number of active reserves should be increased by 20%
• More F-35 fighter jets required in the next decade
• New “hybrid Navy” with AUKUS submarines and autonomous vessels
Andor
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Bangladesh tour of Pakistan
January 24 – First T20, Lahore
January 25 – Second T20, Lahore
January 27 – Third T20, Lahore
February 7-11 – First Test, Rawalpindi
April 3 – One-off ODI, Karachi
April 5-9 – Second Test, Karachi
MATCH INFO
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THE SPECS
GMC Sierra Denali 1500
Engine: 6.2-litre V8
Transmission: 10-speed automatic
Power: 420hp
Torque: 623Nm
Price: Dh232,500
AI traffic lights to ease congestion at seven points to Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Street
The seven points are:
Shakhbout bin Sultan Street
Dhafeer Street
Hadbat Al Ghubainah Street (outbound)
Salama bint Butti Street
Al Dhafra Street
Rabdan Street
Umm Yifina Street exit (inbound)
Timeline
2012-2015
The company offers payments/bribes to win key contracts in the Middle East
May 2017
The UK SFO officially opens investigation into Petrofac’s use of agents, corruption, and potential bribery to secure contracts
September 2021
Petrofac pleads guilty to seven counts of failing to prevent bribery under the UK Bribery Act
October 2021
Court fines Petrofac £77 million for bribery. Former executive receives a two-year suspended sentence
December 2024
Petrofac enters into comprehensive restructuring to strengthen the financial position of the group
May 2025
The High Court of England and Wales approves the company’s restructuring plan
July 2025
The Court of Appeal issues a judgment challenging parts of the restructuring plan
August 2025
Petrofac issues a business update to execute the restructuring and confirms it will appeal the Court of Appeal decision
October 2025
Petrofac loses a major TenneT offshore wind contract worth €13 billion. Holding company files for administration in the UK. Petrofac delisted from the London Stock Exchange
November 2025
180 Petrofac employees laid off in the UAE
How to join and use Abu Dhabi’s public libraries
• There are six libraries in Abu Dhabi emirate run by the Department of Culture and Tourism, including one in Al Ain and Al Dhafra.
• Libraries are free to visit and visitors can consult books, use online resources and study there. Most are open from 8am to 8pm on weekdays, closed on Fridays and have variable hours on Saturdays, except for Qasr Al Watan which is open from 10am to 8pm every day.
• In order to borrow books, visitors must join the service by providing a passport photograph, Emirates ID and a refundable deposit of Dh400. Members can borrow five books for three weeks, all of which are renewable up to two times online.
• If users do not wish to pay the fee, they can still use the library’s electronic resources for free by simply registering on the website. Once registered, a username and password is provided, allowing remote access.
• For more information visit the library network's website.
COMPANY%20PROFILE
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ECompany%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EMascotte%20Health%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EStarted%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E2023%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EBased%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EMiami%2C%20US%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EFounder%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Bora%20Hamamcioglu%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ESector%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EOnline%20veterinary%20service%20provider%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EInvestment%20stage%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20%241.2%20million%20raised%20in%20seed%20funding%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Infiniti QX80 specs
Engine: twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6
Power: 450hp
Torque: 700Nm
Price: From Dh450,000, Autograph model from Dh510,000
Available: Now
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
Specs
Engine: Dual-motor all-wheel-drive electric
Range: Up to 610km
Power: 905hp
Torque: 985Nm
Price: From Dh439,000
Available: Now
Royal Birkdale Golf Course
Location: Southport, Merseyside, England
Established: 1889
Type: Private
Total holes: 18
Dust and sand storms compared
Sand storm
- Particle size: Larger, heavier sand grains
- Visibility: Often dramatic with thick "walls" of sand
- Duration: Short-lived, typically localised
- Travel distance: Limited
- Source: Open desert areas with strong winds
Dust storm
- Particle size: Much finer, lightweight particles
- Visibility: Hazy skies but less intense
- Duration: Can linger for days
- Travel distance: Long-range, up to thousands of kilometres
- Source: Can be carried from distant regions
2025 Fifa Club World Cup groups
Group A: Palmeiras, Porto, Al Ahly, Inter Miami.
Group B: Paris Saint-Germain, Atletico Madrid, Botafogo, Seattle.
Group C: Bayern Munich, Auckland City, Boca Juniors, Benfica.
Group D: Flamengo, ES Tunis, Chelsea, Leon.
Group E: River Plate, Urawa, Monterrey, Inter Milan.
Group F: Fluminense, Borussia Dortmund, Ulsan, Mamelodi Sundowns.
Group G: Manchester City, Wydad, Al Ain, Juventus.
Group H: Real Madrid, Al Hilal, Pachuca, Salzburg.
Profile
Co-founders of the company: Vilhelm Hedberg and Ravi Bhusari
Launch year: In 2016 ekar launched and signed an agreement with Etihad Airways in Abu Dhabi. In January 2017 ekar launched in Dubai in a partnership with the RTA.
Number of employees: Over 50
Financing stage: Series B currently being finalised
Investors: Series A - Audacia Capital
Sector of operation: Transport
The Greatest Royal Rumble card as it stands
50-man Royal Rumble - names entered so far include Braun Strowman, Daniel Bryan, Kurt Angle, Big Show, Kane, Chris Jericho, The New Day and Elias
Universal Championship Brock Lesnar (champion) v Roman Reigns in a steel cage match
WWE World Heavyweight Championship AJ Styles (champion) v Shinsuke Nakamura
Intercontinental Championship Seth Rollins (champion) v The Miz v Finn Balor v Samoa Joe
United States Championship Jeff Hardy (champion) v Jinder Mahal
SmackDown Tag Team Championship The Bludgeon Brothers (champions) v The Usos
Raw Tag Team Championship (currently vacant) Cesaro and Sheamus v Matt Hardy and Bray Wyatt
Casket match The Undertaker v Chris Jericho
Singles match John Cena v Triple H
Cruiserweight Championship Cedric Alexander v tba
HOW%20TO%20ACTIVATE%20THE%20GEMINI%20SHORTCUT%20ON%20CHROME%20CANARY
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more from Janine di Giovanni
WHAT%20IS%20'JUICE%20JACKING'%3F
%3Cp%3E%E2%80%A2%20Juice%20jacking%2C%20in%20the%20simplest%20terms%2C%20is%20using%20a%20rogue%20USB%20cable%20to%20access%20a%20device%20and%20compromise%20its%20contents%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%E2%80%A2%20The%20exploit%20is%20taken%20advantage%20of%20by%20the%20fact%20that%20the%20data%20stream%20and%20power%20supply%20pass%20through%20the%20same%20cable.%20The%20most%20common%20example%20is%20connecting%20a%20smartphone%20to%20a%20PC%20to%20both%20transfer%20data%20and%20charge%20the%20former%20at%20the%20same%20time%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%E2%80%A2%20The%20term%20was%20first%20coined%20in%202011%20after%20researchers%20created%20a%20compromised%20charging%20kiosk%20to%20bring%20awareness%20to%20the%20exploit%3B%20when%20users%20plugged%20in%20their%20devices%2C%20they%20received%20a%20security%20warning%20and%20discovered%20that%20their%20phones%20had%20paired%20to%20the%20kiosk%2C%20according%20to%20US%20cybersecurity%20company%20Norton%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%E2%80%A2%20While%20juice%20jacking%20is%20a%20real%20threat%2C%20there%20have%20been%20no%20known%20widespread%20instances.%20Apple%20and%20Google%20have%20also%20added%20security%20layers%20to%20prevent%20this%20on%20the%20iOS%20and%20Android%20devices%2C%20respectively%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
'HIJRAH%3A%20IN%20THE%20FOOTSTEPS%20OF%20THE%20PROPHET'
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EEdited%20by%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Idries%20Trevathan%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EPages%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20240%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EPublisher%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Hirmer%20Publishers%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EAvailable%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Now%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
MATCH INFO
Uefa Champions League last 16, second leg
Liverpool (0) v Atletico Madrid (1)
Venue: Anfield
Kick-off: Thursday, March 12, midnight
Live: On beIN Sports HD
Results
2.15pm: Handicap Dh80,000 1,950m
Winner: Hello, Tadhg O’Shea (jockey), Ali Rashid Al Raihi (trainer).
2.45pm: Handicap Dh90,000 1,800m
Winner: Right Flank, Pat Dobbs, Doug Watson.
3.15pm: Handicap Dh115,000 1,000m
Winner: Leading Spirit, Richard Mullen, Satish Seemar.
3.45pm: Jebel Ali Mile Group 3 Dh575,000 1,600m
Winner: Chiefdom, Royston Ffrench, Salem bin Ghadayer.
4.15pm: Handicap Dh105,000 1,400m
Winner: Ode To Autumn, Patrick Cosgrave, Satish Seemar.
4.45pm: Shadwell Farm Conditions Dh125,000 1,200m
Winner: Last Surprise, James Doyle, Simon Crisford.
5.15pm: Handicap Dh85,000 1,200m
Winner: Daltrey, Sandro Paiva, Ali Rashid Al Raihi.
Jawan
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EDirector%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EAtlee%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EStars%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Shah%20Rukh%20Khan%2C%20Nayanthara%2C%20Vijay%20Sethupathi%26nbsp%3B%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ERating%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E4%2F5%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Countries offering golden visas
UK
Innovator Founder Visa is aimed at those who can demonstrate relevant experience in business and sufficient investment funds to set up and scale up a new business in the UK. It offers permanent residence after three years.
Germany
Investing or establishing a business in Germany offers you a residence permit, which eventually leads to citizenship. The investment must meet an economic need and you have to have lived in Germany for five years to become a citizen.
Italy
The scheme is designed for foreign investors committed to making a significant contribution to the economy. Requires a minimum investment of €250,000 which can rise to €2 million.
Switzerland
Residence Programme offers residence to applicants and their families through economic contributions. The applicant must agree to pay an annual lump sum in tax.
Canada
Start-Up Visa Programme allows foreign entrepreneurs the opportunity to create a business in Canada and apply for permanent residence.
Quick%20facts
%3Cul%3E%0A%3Cli%3EStorstockholms%20Lokaltrafik%20(SL)%20offers%20free%20guided%20tours%20of%20art%20in%20the%20metro%20and%20at%20the%20stations%3C%2Fli%3E%0A%3Cli%3EThe%20tours%20are%20free%20of%20charge%3B%20all%20you%20need%20is%20a%20valid%20SL%20ticket%2C%20for%20which%20a%20single%20journey%20(valid%20for%2075%20minutes)%20costs%2039%20Swedish%20krone%20(%243.75)%3C%2Fli%3E%0A%3Cli%3ETravel%20cards%20for%20unlimited%20journeys%20are%20priced%20at%20165%20Swedish%20krone%20for%2024%20hours%3C%2Fli%3E%0A%3Cli%3EAvoid%20rush%20hour%20%E2%80%93%20between%209.30%20am%20and%204.30%20pm%20%E2%80%93%20to%20explore%20the%20artwork%20at%20leisure%3C%2Fli%3E%0A%3C%2Ful%3E%0A
INFO
What: DP World Tour Championship
When: November 21-24
Where: Jumeirah Golf Estates, Dubai
Tickets: www.ticketmaster.ae.
Why%20all%20the%20lefties%3F
%3Cp%3ESix%20of%20the%20eight%20fast%20bowlers%20used%20in%20the%20ILT20%20match%20between%20Desert%20Vipers%20and%20MI%20Emirates%20were%20left-handed.%20So%2075%20per%20cent%20of%20those%20involved.%0D%3Cbr%3EAnd%20that%20despite%20the%20fact%2010-12%20per%20cent%20of%20the%20world%E2%80%99s%20population%20is%20said%20to%20be%20left-handed.%0D%3Cbr%3EIt%20is%20an%20extension%20of%20a%20trend%20which%20has%20seen%20left-arm%20pacers%20become%20highly%20valued%20%E2%80%93%20and%20over-represented%2C%20relative%20to%20other%20formats%20%E2%80%93%20in%20T20%20cricket.%0D%3Cbr%3EIt%20is%20all%20to%20do%20with%20the%20fact%20most%20batters%20are%20naturally%20attuned%20to%20the%20angles%20created%20by%20right-arm%20bowlers%2C%20given%20that%20is%20generally%20what%20they%20grow%20up%20facing%20more%20of.%0D%3Cbr%3EIn%20their%20book%2C%20%3Cem%3EHitting%20Against%20the%20Spin%3C%2Fem%3E%2C%20cricket%20data%20analysts%20Nathan%20Leamon%20and%20Ben%20Jones%20suggest%20the%20advantage%20for%20a%20left-arm%20pace%20bowler%20in%20T20%20is%20amplified%20because%20of%20the%20obligation%20on%20the%20batter%20to%20attack.%0D%3Cbr%3E%E2%80%9CThe%20more%20attacking%20the%20batsman%2C%20the%20more%20reliant%20they%20are%20on%20anticipation%2C%E2%80%9D%20they%20write.%0D%3Cbr%3E%E2%80%9CThis%20effectively%20increases%20the%20time%20pressure%20on%20the%20batsman%2C%20so%20increases%20the%20reliance%20on%20anticipation%2C%20and%20therefore%20increases%20the%20left-arm%20bowler%E2%80%99s%20advantage.%E2%80%9D%0D%3Cbr%3E%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Evacuations to France hit by controversy
- Over 500 Gazans have been evacuated to France since November 2023
- Evacuations were paused after a student already in France posted anti-Semitic content and was subsequently expelled to Qatar
- The Foreign Ministry launched a review to determine how authorities failed to detect the posts before her entry
- Artists and researchers fall under a programme called Pause that began in 2017
- It has benefited more than 700 people from 44 countries, including Syria, Turkey, Iran, and Sudan
- Since the start of the Gaza war, it has also included 45 Gazan beneficiaries
- Unlike students, they are allowed to bring their families to France
How has net migration to UK changed?
The figure was broadly flat immediately before the Covid-19 pandemic, standing at 216,000 in the year to June 2018 and 224,000 in the year to June 2019.
It then dropped to an estimated 111,000 in the year to June 2020 when restrictions introduced during the pandemic limited travel and movement.
The total rose to 254,000 in the year to June 2021, followed by steep jumps to 634,000 in the year to June 2022 and 906,000 in the year to June 2023.
The latest available figure of 728,000 for the 12 months to June 2024 suggests levels are starting to decrease.
Formula Middle East Calendar (Formula Regional and Formula 4)
Round 1: January 17-19, Yas Marina Circuit – Abu Dhabi
Round 2: January 22-23, Yas Marina Circuit – Abu Dhabi
Round 3: February 7-9, Dubai Autodrome – Dubai
Round 4: February 14-16, Yas Marina Circuit – Abu Dhabi
Round 5: February 25-27, Jeddah Corniche Circuit – Saudi Arabia
The%20specs
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RESULT
Huddersfield Town 2 Manchester United 1
Huddersfield: Mooy (28'), Depoitre (33')
Manchester United: Rashford (78')
Man of the Match: Aaron Mooy (Huddersfield Town)
