ABU DHABI // Tourists are flocking to the region in defiance of the global economic downturn, a phenomenon industry leaders attribute in part to cooler temperatures that have extended the holiday season.
A new report by the UN's World Tourism Organisation shows the number of visitors to the UAE for the first four months of 2008 grew by 5.7 per cent over the same period the previous year, while the number of visitors to the wider Middle East increased by 12.5 per cent. Occupancy rates for hotels were at 87 per cent.
"It's been a lot busier," said Chris Denil, the complex and recreation manager for the Le Meridien and Westin hotels in Dubai.
Beaches have been packed, he said, and the country's restaurants, hotels and attractions were reaping the benefit as residents and tourists made the most of the uncharacteristically temperate weather throughout June and July.
During June, the average temperature was almost a full degree below normal, said Darren Eulenstein, the chief meteorologist at the Dubai airport weather office. "This goes against recent trends. Every month, increasing temperatures have been normal. It's unusual to see a month that is below the average," he said.
In the early summer, typically, the region is cooled by a phenomenon known as the 40-day shamal, in which a low-pressure system in southern Iran creates wind in the Gulf states.
This year, the shamal has been particularly effective.
"The air that sits off the Gulf approaches sea-surface temperatures," said Mr Eulenstein. "This year's 40-day shamal had wider influence than in previous years."
Mr Eulenstein said the temperature might also feel cooler because the country had become accustomed to above-average heat over the past few years. "Since 2002, temperatures have consistently been above average. This year, temperatures have been cooler than normal."
Specs: 2024 McLaren Artura Spider
Engine: 3.0-litre twin-turbo V6 and electric motor
Max power: 700hp at 7,500rpm
Max torque: 720Nm at 2,250rpm
Transmission: Eight-speed dual-clutch auto
0-100km/h: 3.0sec
Top speed: 330kph
Price: From Dh1.14 million ($311,000)
On sale: Now
TWISTERS
Director:+Lee+Isaac+Chung
Starring:+Glen+Powell,+Daisy+Edgar-Jones,+Anthony+Ramos
Rating:+2.5/5
Confirmed bouts (more to be added)
Cory Sandhagen v Umar Nurmagomedov
Nick Diaz v Vicente Luque
Michael Chiesa v Tony Ferguson
Deiveson Figueiredo v Marlon Vera
Mackenzie Dern v Loopy Godinez
Tickets for the August 3 Fight Night, held in partnership with the Department of Culture and Tourism Abu Dhabi, went on sale earlier this month, through www.etihadarena.ae and www.ticketmaster.ae.
Company profile
Name: Fruitful Day
Founders: Marie-Christine Luijckx, Lyla Dalal AlRawi, Lindsey Fournie
Based: Dubai, UAE
Founded: 2015
Number of employees: 30
Sector: F&B
Funding so far: Dh3 million
Future funding plans: None at present
Future markets: Saudi Arabia, potentially Kuwait and other GCC countries
MATCH INFO
Real Madrid 2
Vinicius Junior (71') Mariano (90+2')
Barcelona 0
What went into the film
25 visual effects (VFX) studios
2,150 VFX shots in a film with 2,500 shots
1,000 VFX artists
3,000 technicians
10 Concept artists, 25 3D designers
New sound technology, named 4D SRL
Company profile
Name: Tratok Portal
Founded: 2017
Based: UAE
Sector: Travel & tourism
Size: 36 employees
Funding: Privately funded
Company profile
Company name: Fasset
Started: 2019
Founders: Mohammad Raafi Hossain, Daniel Ahmed
Based: Dubai
Sector: FinTech
Initial investment: $2.45 million
Current number of staff: 86
Investment stage: Pre-series B
Investors: Investcorp, Liberty City Ventures, Fatima Gobi Ventures, Primal Capital, Wealthwell Ventures, FHS Capital, VN2 Capital, local family offices
Kill
Director: Nikhil Nagesh Bhat
Starring: Lakshya, Tanya Maniktala, Ashish Vidyarthi, Harsh Chhaya, Raghav Juyal
Rating: 4.5/5
The specs+
Engine: 2x201bhp AC Permanent-magnetic electric
Transmission: n/a
Power: 402bhp
Torque: 659Nm
Price estimate: Dh200,000
On sale: Q3 2022
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.
Pari
Produced by: Clean Slate Films (Anushka Sharma, Karnesh Sharma) & KriArj Entertainment
Director: Prosit Roy
Starring: Anushka Sharma, Parambrata Chattopadhyay, Ritabhari Chakraborty, Rajat Kapoor, Mansi Multani
Three stars
What's in my pazhamkootan?
Add:
Parippu – moong dal and coconut curry
Sambar – vegetable-infused toor dal curry
Aviyal – mixed vegetables in thick coconut paste
Thoran – beans and other dry veggies with spiced coconut
Khichdi – lentil and rice porridge
Optional:
Kootukari – stew of black chickpeas, raw banana, yam and coconut paste
Olan – ash gourd curry with coconut milk
Pulissery – spiced buttermilk curry
Rasam – spice-infused soup with a tamarind base
Avoid:
Payasam – sweet vermicelli kheer