Ramadan is often the best time to buy a new car, with dealerships in the UAE offering a range of incentives to help consumers save money during the holy month.
This year is no different, with perks including steep discounts, cashback deals, free service packages, extended warranties, reduced down payments and longer payment periods.
“Given the current climate, UAE motorists are looking for more affordable ways to own a car, whether new or used,” Saad Abdullah, general manager of marketing at Al Futtaim Lexus, said.
“Ramadan has always been a time of year for automotive dealers to provide their customers with even greater value.”
Demand for private car ownership has increased during the Covid-19 pandemic as people seek more protection from the virus as opposed to using public transport, US management consultancy Arthur D Little said in its Future of Automotive Mobility survey in February.
“In the short term, Covid-19 has influenced people’s thinking about car ownership … nearly half [48 per cent] of all respondents globally think that owning a car is more important than it was before the pandemic,” Arthur D Little said in the report.
“[This is] a probable result of the sense of security we get from being inside our own ‘socially distanced transport bubble’ rather than having to use public transport.”
In the UAE, 16 per cent of respondents to the Future of Automotive Mobility survey said owning a car was much more important because of the pandemic, while 31 per cent said it was more important.
However, as the pandemic recedes, it is expected that these numbers will “fall back somewhat, though the perceived importance of car ownership overall will remain high”, the report added.
Here is our round-up of the Ramadan car deals on offer in 2021:
Jeep
The deal: Al Futtaim has rolled out its Ramadan deals on a range of Jeep models, including the compact Compass Longitude, Grand Cherokee Laredo, Wrangler and Gladiator SUVs.
Benefits include a 20 per cent down payment, up to three-year/60,000 kilometre service packages, free first-year insurance and a five-year warranty. Monthly instalments range from Dh1,391 for the Compass Longitude to Dh3,555 for the Jeep Gladiator Sand Runner model.
Customers who purchase a Wrangler two- or four-door Sport model will also receive free accessory vouchers, allowing them to customise their new SUV.
Valid until: End of Ramadan
GMC
The deal: GMC dealership partners Al Ghandi Auto and Bin Hamoodah Auto are offering customers steep discounts on select GMC models during the holy month.
The 2021 GMC Acadia has been reduced by Dh20,000, while customers can save Dh10,000 on the Sierra pick-up truck. The 2021 GMC Yukon is being offered at a starting price of Dh215,000 and comes with a five-year/100,000km service package, as well as a five-year/100,000km warranty. Customers can also buy a GMC model from the comfort of their own homes through GMC's online platform.
Valid until: June 24, 2021
Toyota
The deal: Al Futtaim Toyota has a range of Ramadan deals on offer, including a zero per cent interest rate for two years, a 90-day deferred payment option with an interest rate of 1.49 per cent over five years and budget-friendly leasing options across a variety of models. Customers can also choose the special Ramadan package that includes a four-year/80,000km free service package, free rust proofing and free window tinting.
Valid until: End of Ramadan
Ford and Lincoln
The deal: During Ramadan, Al Tayer Motors is offering a 1.5 per cent finance rate on select Ford models, zero down payments, one-year free insurance, three-year/60,000km service packages and five-year/100,000km warranties. Customers looking to buy a Lincoln will receive up to 20 per cent cashback or down payment assistance, as well as five-year/100,000km service packages and five-year/100,000km warranties.
Pre-owned Ford and Lincoln vehicles are also part of Al Tayer Motor’s 2021 Ramadan deals package. These include zero down payments, VAT paid by Al Tayer Motors, free insurance and registration, and remaining service and warranty, which can be extended by up to seven years/200,000km.
Valid until: End of Ramadan
Hyundai
The deal: Hyundai, with local dealership partner Juma Al Majid, is offering Ramadan deals on a range of models, including Santa Fe, Creta, Sonata and Elantra. Benefits include free service contracts, free registration, up to four months deferred payment and an extreme protection package by Auto Millennium.
On top of its Ramadan deals, Hyundai also offers customers a five year/100,000km warranty and a five-year roadside assistance package.
Valid until: The third day of Eid Al Fitr
MG
The deal: MG, through its distributor Inter Emirates Motors, has a range of perks for customers during Ramadan. These include one-year free registration and insurance, and a guaranteed prize of either an iPhone 12 or fuel worth Dh1,000 through scratch and win cards.
It is also giving away car-servicing packages of up to 200,000km through scratch and win cards, and customers have the chance to win back the value of their new car through a weekly raffle draw (eight cars in total).
Valid until: May 31, 2021
Chevrolet
The deal: Chevrolet dealerships Al Ghandi Auto and Bin Hamoodah Auto are offering car buyers a range of discounts on select Chevrolet models. Customers in the market for a Camaro can save up to Dh25,000, up to Dh15,000 on a Silverado or Blazer and up to Dh12,000 on a Traverse.
Other offers include reduced finance packages for the Chevrolet Tahoe starting from Dh2,999 a month along with a three-year/60,000km servicing package, free insurance and registration for the first year and a three-year/100,000km warranty.
Valid until: June 30, 2021
Cadillac
The deal: Cadillac's Ramadan campaign, held in conjunction with dealership partner Al Ghandi Auto, includes reduced finance packages for a range of SUVs and sedans, as well as zero down payments, free insurance and registration, and full service packages for up to three years or 25,000km.
Customers will also be given staycations, gifts and the Cadillac Premium care package. The offer is valid on Cadillac SUVs and sedans, including the XT4, XT5 and CT4.
Valid until: End of Ramadan
Volkswagen
The deal: Al Nabooda Automobiles Dubai is offering Ramadan value deals on the Volkswagen Touareg, Tiguan and Passat models. The benefits are valued at up to Dh7,600 on the Passat, Dh8,300 on the Tiguan and Dh18,000 on the Touareg.
They also include a five-year warranty, three-year service package, three-year roadside assistance, one-year insurance and free car registration, while each car will also receive a free ProTech PT 100 protective shield.
Valid until: Stocks last
Kia
The deal: For customers planning to buy a Kia this Ramadan, Al Majid Motors is offering one-year free insurance and three-year/50,000km free service packages for the Kia Rio, Cerato, K5, Sportage, Sorento and Telluride models, while the Cadenza comes with one-year free insurance and up to five years/100,000km service package.
Other benefits include financing at 1.99 per cent, 120 days deferred payment and roadside assistance.
Valid until: April 30, 2021
Dodge
The deal: Al Futtaim Trading Enterprises has a range of Ramadan deals on Dodge models, with monthly instalments starting from Dh1,739 for a Dodge Charger SXT with a 20 per cent down payment, Dh2,495 for a Dodge Challenger GT and Dh2,041 for a Dodge Durango. Other benefits include up to five-year/100,000km warranties, five-year/100,000km roadside assistance and free registration for the first year.
Valid until: End of Ramadan
Lexus
The deal: The Ramadan campaign for Al Futtaim Lexus is focused on flexibility, giving car buyers payment options such as low-cost bank financing, leasing or direct cash. Customers are being offered zero per cent finance for three years with select banks, as well as a three-year/60,000km free service contract.
For budget-conscious buyers, pre-owned Lexus models are being offered at an interest rate of 1.99 per cent and carry a three-month payment deferment option, as well as a two-year/30,000km service contract, free window tinting, paint protection and a cash discount of up to Dh10,000.
Valid until: End of Ramadan
Nissan
The deal: Al Masaood Automobiles is offering a number of perks for select Nissan models. Benefits include free insurance for one year, a one-year service package and five-year warranty with unlimited mileage. It is also offering payment support with down payment assistance and a four-month deferred payment option.
Valid until: End of Ramadan
BMW and Mini
The deal: Abu Dhabi Motors is offering a number of deals on BMW and Mini models, such as a 1.79 per cent finance rate, up to 20 per cent down payment assistance and free one-year insurance and registration. Customers will also benefit from a BMW service package that covers buyers for up to five years/100,000km and a repair package that is valid for up to five years/200,000km.
Mini buyers also receive a service inclusive package that covers them for up to three years/60,000km and a repair package for up to three years/200,000km. Customers will also receive BMW and Mini lifestyle boutique vouchers, as well as doorstep delivery of their new car that has been sanitised by detailing specialists.
Meanwhile, AGMC, the official importer of BMW and Mini brands for Dubai, Sharjah and the Northern Emirates, is offering buyers special finance options starting from zero per cent for three years and one-year free registration on selected models until the end of Eid Al Fitr. AGMC has also rolled out a new trade-in offer that applies to BMW X5, X6, X7 and the new BMW 4 Series Coupe models that will give buyers up to Dh20,000 towards the purchase of their new vehicle.
If you are in the market for a Mini, you will receive free registration and a zero per cent finance rate for three years with either a four-year service and repair package or one year’s free insurance.
Valid until: End of Ramadan (Abu Dhabi Motors) and end of Eid Al Fitr (AGMC)
Volvo
The deal: Themed under "A great deal of good", Al Futtaim Trading Enterprises is focusing on safe and sustainable driving during its Volvo Ramadan campaign. Perks include convenient payment plans, down payment assistance of up to Dh20,000 and free service and extended warranty packages for its XC90, XC60 and SC40 models. It is also offering buyers of its Volvo hybrid SUV a free wall box charger.
Valid until: May 31, 20212
AutoCentral
The deal: For car buyers looking for pre-owned vehicles, Al Masaood's AutoCentral is offering a number of benefits during the holy month. These include monthly payments starting from as low as Dh599, free insurance and registration on selected models, six months deferred payment options, down payment assistance and trade-ins.
Valid until: End of Ramadan
What can victims do?
Always use only regulated platforms
Stop all transactions and communication on suspicion
Save all evidence (screenshots, chat logs, transaction IDs)
Report to local authorities
Warn others to prevent further harm
Courtesy: Crystal Intelligence
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10 tips for entry-level job seekers
- Have an up-to-date, professional LinkedIn profile. If you don’t have a LinkedIn account, set one up today. Avoid poor-quality profile pictures with distracting backgrounds. Include a professional summary and begin to grow your network.
- Keep track of the job trends in your sector through the news. Apply for job alerts at your dream organisations and the types of jobs you want – LinkedIn uses AI to share similar relevant jobs based on your selections.
- Double check that you’ve highlighted relevant skills on your resume and LinkedIn profile.
- For most entry-level jobs, your resume will first be filtered by an applicant tracking system for keywords. Look closely at the description of the job you are applying for and mirror the language as much as possible (while being honest and accurate about your skills and experience).
- Keep your CV professional and in a simple format – make sure you tailor your cover letter and application to the company and role.
- Go online and look for details on job specifications for your target position. Make a list of skills required and set yourself some learning goals to tick off all the necessary skills one by one.
- Don’t be afraid to reach outside your immediate friends and family to other acquaintances and let them know you are looking for new opportunities.
- Make sure you’ve set your LinkedIn profile to signal that you are “open to opportunities”. Also be sure to use LinkedIn to search for people who are still actively hiring by searching for those that have the headline “I’m hiring” or “We’re hiring” in their profile.
- Prepare for online interviews using mock interview tools. Even before landing interviews, it can be useful to start practising.
- Be professional and patient. Always be professional with whoever you are interacting with throughout your search process, this will be remembered. You need to be patient, dedicated and not give up on your search. Candidates need to make sure they are following up appropriately for roles they have applied.
Arda Atalay, head of Mena private sector at LinkedIn Talent Solutions, Rudy Bier, managing partner of Kinetic Business Solutions and Ben Kinerman Daltrey, co-founder of KinFitz
Milestones on the road to union
1970
October 26: Bahrain withdraws from a proposal to create a federation of nine with the seven Trucial States and Qatar.
December: Ahmed Al Suwaidi visits New York to discuss potential UN membership.
1971
March 1: Alex Douglas Hume, Conservative foreign secretary confirms that Britain will leave the Gulf and “strongly supports” the creation of a Union of Arab Emirates.
July 12: Historic meeting at which Sheikh Zayed and Sheikh Rashid make a binding agreement to create what will become the UAE.
July 18: It is announced that the UAE will be formed from six emirates, with a proposed constitution signed. RAK is not yet part of the agreement.
August 6: The fifth anniversary of Sheikh Zayed becoming Ruler of Abu Dhabi, with official celebrations deferred until later in the year.
August 15: Bahrain becomes independent.
September 3: Qatar becomes independent.
November 23-25: Meeting with Sheikh Zayed and Sheikh Rashid and senior British officials to fix December 2 as date of creation of the UAE.
November 29: At 5.30pm Iranian forces seize the Greater and Lesser Tunbs by force.
November 30: Despite a power sharing agreement, Tehran takes full control of Abu Musa.
November 31: UK officials visit all six participating Emirates to formally end the Trucial States treaties
December 2: 11am, Dubai. New Supreme Council formally elects Sheikh Zayed as President. Treaty of Friendship signed with the UK. 11.30am. Flag raising ceremony at Union House and Al Manhal Palace in Abu Dhabi witnessed by Sheikh Khalifa, then Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi.
December 6: Arab League formally admits the UAE. The first British Ambassador presents his credentials to Sheikh Zayed.
December 9: UAE joins the United Nations.
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
COMPANY%20PROFILE
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GIANT REVIEW
Starring: Amir El-Masry, Pierce Brosnan
Director: Athale
Rating: 4/5
Cry Macho
Director: Clint Eastwood
Stars: Clint Eastwood, Dwight Yoakam
Rating:**
More from Rashmee Roshan Lall
Results
2.30pm: Park Avenue – Conditions (PA) Dh80,000 (Dirt) 2,000m; Winner: Rb Seqondtonone, Abdul Aziz Al Balushi (jockey), Helal Al Alawi (trainer)
3.05pm: Al Furjan – Maiden (TB) Dh82,500 (Turf) 1,200m; Winner: Bosphorus, Dane O’Neill, Bhupat Seemar
3.40pm: Mina – Rated Condition (TB) Dh105,000 (D) 1,600m; Winner: Royal Mews, Tadhg O’Shea, Bhupat Seemar
4.15pm: Aliyah – Handicap (TB) Dh87,500 (T) 1,900m; Winner: Ursa Minor, Ray Dawson, Ahmad bin Harmash
4.50pm: Riviera Beach – Rated Conditions (TB) Dh95,000 (D) 2,200m; Winner: Woodditton, Saif Al Balushi, Ahmad bin Harmash
5.25pm: Riviera – Handicap (TB) Dh2,000 (T) 2,000m; Winner: Al Madhar, Antonio Fresu, Musabah Al Muhairi
6pm: Creek Views – Handicap (TB) Dh95,000 (T) 1,400m; Winner: Al Salt, Dane O’Neill, Erwan Charpy
The chef's advice
Troy Payne, head chef at Abu Dhabi’s newest healthy eatery Sanderson’s in Al Seef Resort & Spa, says singles need to change their mindset about how they approach the supermarket.
“They feel like they can’t buy one cucumber,” he says. “But I can walk into a shop – I feed two people at home – and I’ll walk into a shop and I buy one cucumber, I’ll buy one onion.”
Mr Payne asks for the sticker to be placed directly on each item, rather than face the temptation of filling one of the two-kilogram capacity plastic bags on offer.
The chef also advises singletons not get too hung up on “organic”, particularly high-priced varieties that have been flown in from far-flung locales. Local produce is often grown sustainably, and far cheaper, he says.
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 President's Cake
Director: Hasan Hadi
Starring: Baneen Ahmad Nayyef, Waheed Thabet Khreibat, Sajad Mohamad Qasem
Rating: 4/5
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MATCH INFO
Uefa Champions League semi-final, first leg
Bayern Munich v Real Madrid
When: April 25, 10.45pm kick-off (UAE)
Where: Allianz Arena, Munich
Live: BeIN Sports HD
Second leg: May 1, Santiago Bernabeu, Madrid
Profile of Bitex UAE
Date of launch: November 2018
Founder: Monark Modi
Based: Business Bay, Dubai
Sector: Financial services
Size: Eight employees
Investors: Self-funded to date with $1m of personal savings
'Top Gun: Maverick'
Rating: 4/5
Directed by: Joseph Kosinski
Starring: Tom Cruise, Val Kilmer, Jennifer Connelly, Jon Hamm, Miles Teller, Glen Powell, Ed Harris
The 10 Questions
- Is there a God?
- How did it all begin?
- What is inside a black hole?
- Can we predict the future?
- Is time travel possible?
- Will we survive on Earth?
- Is there other intelligent life in the universe?
- Should we colonise space?
- Will artificial intelligence outsmart us?
- How do we shape the future?
Squads
India (for first three ODIs) Kohli (capt), Rohit, Rahul, Pandey, Jadhav, Rahane, Dhoni, Pandya, Axar, Kuldeep, Chahal, Bumrah, Bhuvneshwar, Umesh, Shami.
Australia Smith (capt), Warner, Agar, Cartwright, Coulter-Nile, Cummins, Faulkner, Finch, Head, Maxwell, Richardson, Stoinis, Wade, Zampa.
MATCH INFO
Tottenham Hotspur 3 (Son 1', Kane 8' & 16') West Ham United 3 (Balbuena 82', Sanchez og 85', Lanzini 90' 4)
Man of the match Harry Kane
House-hunting
Top 10 locations for inquiries from US house hunters, according to Rightmove
- Edinburgh, Scotland
- Westminster, London
- Camden, London
- Glasgow, Scotland
- Islington, London
- Kensington and Chelsea, London
- Highlands, Scotland
- Argyll and Bute, Scotland
- Fife, Scotland
- Tower Hamlets, London
Why your domicile status is important
Your UK residence status is assessed using the statutory residence test. While your residence status – ie where you live - is assessed every year, your domicile status is assessed over your lifetime.
Your domicile of origin generally comes from your parents and if your parents were not married, then it is decided by your father. Your domicile is generally the country your father considered his permanent home when you were born.
UK residents who have their permanent home ("domicile") outside the UK may not have to pay UK tax on foreign income. For example, they do not pay tax on foreign income or gains if they are less than £2,000 in the tax year and do not transfer that gain to a UK bank account.
A UK-domiciled person, however, is liable for UK tax on their worldwide income and gains when they are resident in the UK.
Bio:
Favourite Quote: Prophet Mohammad's quotes There is reward for kindness to every living thing and A good man treats women with honour
Favourite Hobby: Serving poor people
Favourite Book: The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho
Favourite food: Fish and vegetables
Favourite place to visit: London
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Mohammed bin Zayed Majlis
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How to wear a kandura
Dos
- Wear the right fabric for the right season and occasion
- Always ask for the dress code if you don’t know
- Wear a white kandura, white ghutra / shemagh (headwear) and black shoes for work
- Wear 100 per cent cotton under the kandura as most fabrics are polyester
Don’ts
- Wear hamdania for work, always wear a ghutra and agal
- Buy a kandura only based on how it feels; ask questions about the fabric and understand what you are buying
'Skin'
Dir: Guy Nattiv
Starring: Jamie Bell, Danielle McDonald, Bill Camp, Vera Farmiga
Rating: 3.5/5 stars