In two months' time, the world's biggest football tournament will come to the Middle East for the first time.
The Fifa World Cup in Qatar begins on November 20 and fans will fly in from around the world to catch the on-pitch action.
From the Middle East alone, flight bookings to Doha have jumped more than 4,000 per cent this year. And with many national teams taking over entire properties for the tournament’s duration, it's no surprise that accommodation options in the Gulf country are running out fast.
Travellers who have yet to book a place to stay will be glad to hear that several new hotels are scheduled to open before the tournament kicks off.
From a stay in a luxury tented villa in the desert to a suite in a Waldorf Astoria or an all-inclusive escape in Doha's action-packed Qetaifan Island, these 11 hotels are all opening before the games begin.
Hotels in Qatar opening in October
1. The St Regis Marsa Arabia Island, The Pearl Qatar
For island views and a touch of luxury in Qatar, this soon-to-open St Regis hotel is one to consider. Spanning an entire island, The St Regis Marsa Arabia Island, The Pearl Qatar will open to guests on October 1. Travellers booking a room here can expect the high level of service that St Regis is known for, which includes the brand's signature butler service.
The sprawling hotel has 193 rooms and suites, all with sea-facing balconies and the resort has a unique architecture inspired by Andalusian and Arabesque designs. Designed as a luxury retreat that's ideal for those seeking a sophisticated stay in Qatar, the hotel's 10 culinary spaces will include Turkish contemporary restaurant Nar, Italian fine-dining at Roberto’s and Japanese-Peruvian fusion at Chotto Matte. There's also several outdoor swimming pools, a state-of-the-art fitness suite and home to the region's first Clinique La Prairie Medical Spa.
The St Regis Marsa Arabia Island, The Pearl Qatar, near West Bay; www.marriott.com
2. Rixos Gulf Hotel Doha
The Rixos Gulf Hotel Doha will be the first of two new hotels welcoming guests in Qatar ahead of the Fifa World Cup. Located on a private stretch of coastline in what was previously the site of Qatar’s first five-star hotel, it will also be the country's first luxury beach resort offering an all-inclusive concept. Ideal for families, it offers plenty of entertainment, sports, kids activities and spa experiences. Rooms come with views over the Doha skyline or surrounding ocean and there’s seven restaurants and bars to choose from, including the rustic Farmhouse and Mr Tailor Steakhouse. The Rixy Kids Club makes sure little ones are entertained throughout the duration of their stay, leaving adults with plenty of time to relax and unwind.
Rixos Gulf Hotel Doha, Street 920, Ras Abu Abboud Street, Doha; www.rixos.com
3. Bin Al Sheikh Residences by Rotana
For travellers seeking a home from home in Qatar during the world cup, the Bin Al Sheikh Residences by Rotana in the West Bay area of the city could be a good fit. Opening in October, the residences consist of 158 studios, 278 one-bedroom apartments and 62 two-bedroom apartments. Its five three-bedroom penthouses that are great for families, and come with amazing views of the city skyline. Fully equipped with self-catering facilities, guests checking in can enjoy a spacious outdoor swimming pool, fitness suite and a kids play area. International retail options, a cinema and an ice-rink are also available, all within walking distance.
Bin Al Sheikh Residences by Rotana, Salwa Road; www.rotana.com
Hotels in Qatar opening in November
4. Andaz Doha
The first Andaz hotel in Qatar will also be ready to welcome football fans flying in for the world cup. Located in the West Bay area of Doha, Andaz Doha will be the fourth Hyatt-branded hotel in the country when it opens its doors this November. Situated in proximity to many of Doha’s big shopping malls, financial institutions and embassies, the hotel has 256 rooms, including 32 suites and four so-called royal suites. There are also 56 residences designed for guests looking to stay a little bit longer.
Many of the rooms come with sea views and each is designed in Andaz’s signature style, meaning there’s plenty of culture, colour and local influences to be found, with a focus on the country's lesser-known gems. Four dining outlets will give guests plenty of options including Mr and Mrs Hawker — which brings the flavours of Singaporean hawkers to Qatar. The hotel will also be home to the city’s only enclosed outdoor terrace with city and sea views. A sizeable swimming pool, 24-hour fully equipped fitness studio and a spa featuring eastern hammam treatments make Andaz Doha ideal for a getaway.
Andaz Doha, Diplomatic Street, Doha; www.hyatt.com
5. The Chedi Katara Hotel & Resort
Located in Doha’s Katara Cultural Village, Qatar’s go-to destination for art, culture and cuisine, The Chedi Katara will open in November in time to host football fans visiting for the world cup. With 59 rooms and 32 villas, it's designed to be a landmark of Mughal architecture in the Qatari capital and has been inspired by the grand historic palaces found throughout India. With a private beach on one side and a canal on the other, the hotel encompasses Chedi’s signature values of offering peace and tranquillity and all rooms enjoy soothing views of the surrounding waters.
Its five restaurants and bars on-site include the all-day eatery The Restaurant, The Beach Club and Marsa Katara, which sits on its own site on a pier and is reachable via a jetty ride across the water. Guests staying here will have easy access to the theatres, concert halls, exhibition galleries, mosques, restaurants and parks in the village.
The Chedi Katara, Shakespeare Street, Katara Cultural Village, Doha; www.ghmhotels.com
6. Riviera Rayhaan by Rotana
Rotana's second new hotel opening in Qatar is the Riviera Rayhaan. Located on Salwa Road in the heart of Doha, the four-star hotel will add 185 contemporary rooms and suites to the country's accommodation options in November.
With 129 standard rooms and 56 suites comprising Junior, one-bedroom and two-bedroom suites, the hotel brings Rotana's alcohol-free concept to Qatar. A host of dining options include a lobby cafe, an all-day dining restaurant, a cigar and a speciality restaurant. There is also a fully equipped gymnasium, a swimming pool and a spa offering a variety of treatments.
Riviera Rayhaan by Rotana, Salwa Road, Doha; www.rotana.com
7. Rixos Qetaifan Island North Doha
Rixos’ second new hotel opening in time for the world cup is located on Qetaifan Island, a place that's building a reputation as Qatar's adventure destination. The Rixos Qetaifan Island North Doha will offer plenty for visitors of all ages, with everything from the fully-supervised Rixy Kids Club for little ones to an exclusive sports club where guests will have access to expert trainers and state-of-the art facilities for CrossFit, TRX, spinning classes and more.
The NatureLife spa offers a soothing place to retreat with a wide range of treatments on offer, including a traditional Turkish hammam. Meryal water park, the country's largest water park, is opening on site later this year. The Qatari-themed adventure water park is home to a thrilling 85-metre-high Icon Tower waterside, touted to be the largest in the world. The island is also where football fans can find the purpose-built Qetai-Fan Beach Fest. Open every day throughout the entirety of the tournament, it will have football-themed activities, food and beverage options, entertainment, live music and more.
Rixos Qetaifan Island North Doha, Qetaifan Island North, Doha; www.rixos.com
8. Waldorf Astoria Lusail, Doha
Hilton is opening the Waldorf Astoria Lusail hotel in Doha on November 1. The five-star property is set on its own private beach with views of the Arabian Gulf and offers 429 villas, rooms and suites designed to help travellers unwind. The luxury hotel has resort-style amenities including both a mammoth family-friendly pool and a separate adults-only pool. There’s also an on-site water park for children to enjoy, and a kids and teenagers club.
A full-service Espa Life spa is geared towards adults seeking relaxation and there’s also plenty of space for private events, including an 800-square metre grand ballroom. Restaurants include the sleek Bywater brasserie, inspired by the historical French Quarter in New Orleans; Wyld Erth, which will serve wholesome organic dishes and Doha’s first SushiSamba, which will also be home to the eatery’s first ever beach club.
Waldorf Astoria Lusail, Alar Project, Street 350 Lusail, Doha; www.hilton.com
9. The Outpost Al Barari
Escape to a nature-surrounded stay at The Outpost Al Barari, where travellers can check in to luxury tented-style accommodation in the heart of the Qatari desert. The high-end resort has 21 suites, most of which come with a private pool. For larger families, the Emiri villa is ideal with its three bedrooms, living area, private pool and large outdoor terrace.
Guests staying at this eco-focused escape will be able to take part in plenty of activities including desert excursions, nature walks, sea safaris and stargazing sessions. Yoga on the desert dunes, outdoor cinema experiences and sunrise camel walks are also on the agenda. Al Barari Restaurant is the resort’s all-day eatery and will offer a menu spanning cuisines from across the Mediterranean, Middle East and India, with meals served alongside endless desert views. While the resort doesn’t open until November, bookings open on October 1 for those who want to secure their visit.
The Outpost Al Barari, Al Meera, Sealine Beach; https://theoutpostalbarari.com
10. Element West Bay Doha
Doha’s business district will welcome a new hotel in November this year when Element West Bay Doha by Marriott launches in the city. Taking wellness seriously, the Westin-owned hotel has several initiatives designed to ensure guests checking in can find a sense of balance between business and leisure. The hotel is ideal for those seeking a longer stay, and has a smart design that ensures efficient use of space both in the rooms and public areas, and a strong focus on sustainability. All guests enjoy a nutritious complimentary breakfast to ensure everyone gets the best start to each day. Other food and beverage options include the California-cool ShikiMiki all-day dining restaurant. There’s also a 24-hour gym, outdoor pool and an in-house spa offering locally-inspired treatments.
Element West Bay Doha, Umm Awaarad Street Doha; www.marriott.com
11. Al Samriya, Autograph Collection Hotel
Travellers seeking a touch of traditional Qatari culture might want to consider a stay at Al Samriya, Autograph Collection Hotel. Located about 20 kilometres from Doha in the Shahaniya area, this luxury resort is set inside the grounds of a local farm. Constructed using local materials and traditional masonry techniques familiar in the region, the resort has 60 rooms and 27 villas, each of which offers a luxury space to spend the night. There’s also a spa, outdoor swimming pool, fitness suite and a Lebanese restaurant.
The alcohol-free hotel is only steps away from Al Samriya equestrian centre, where guests can see Arabian horses, take riding lessons or head out on a scenic hack. The farm is also home to an oryx reserve, and guests are welcome to visit to find out more about these Arabian animals. The Sheikh Faisal Bin Qassim Al Thani Museum — which traces Qatar’s journey through history — is also within walking distance.
Al Samriya, Autograph Collection hotel, Dukhan Road, Al Shahaniya Shahaniyah; www.marriott.com
CREW
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EDirector%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3ERajesh%20A%20Krishnan%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EStarring%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3ETabu%2C%20Kareena%20Kapoor%20Khan%2C%20Kriti%20Sanon%26nbsp%3B%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ERating%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%203.5%2F5%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
More from Rashmee Roshan Lall
The%20specs
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EEngine%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Twin%20electric%20motors%20and%20105kWh%20battery%20pack%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EPower%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E619hp%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ETorque%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E1%2C015Nm%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ETransmission%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3ESingle-speed%20auto%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ETouring%20range%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EUp%20to%20561km%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EOn%20sale%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EQ3%20or%20Q4%202022%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EPrice%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EFrom%20Dh635%2C000%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Ten tax points to be aware of in 2026
1. Domestic VAT refund amendments: request your refund within five years
If a business does not apply for the refund on time, they lose their credit.
2. E-invoicing in the UAE
Businesses should continue preparing for the implementation of e-invoicing in the UAE, with 2026 a preparation and transition period ahead of phased mandatory adoption.
3. More tax audits
Tax authorities are increasingly using data already available across multiple filings to identify audit risks.
4. More beneficial VAT and excise tax penalty regime
Tax disputes are expected to become more frequent and more structured, with clearer administrative objection and appeal processes. The UAE has adopted a new penalty regime for VAT and excise disputes, which now mirrors the penalty regime for corporate tax.
5. Greater emphasis on statutory audit
There is a greater need for the accuracy of financial statements. The International Financial Reporting Standards standards need to be strictly adhered to and, as a result, the quality of the audits will need to increase.
6. Further transfer pricing enforcement
Transfer pricing enforcement, which refers to the practice of establishing prices for internal transactions between related entities, is expected to broaden in scope. The UAE will shortly open the possibility to negotiate advance pricing agreements, or essentially rulings for transfer pricing purposes.
7. Limited time periods for audits
Recent amendments also introduce a default five-year limitation period for tax audits and assessments, subject to specific statutory exceptions. While the standard audit and assessment period is five years, this may be extended to up to 15 years in cases involving fraud or tax evasion.
8. Pillar 2 implementation
Many multinational groups will begin to feel the practical effect of the Domestic Minimum Top-Up Tax (DMTT), the UAE's implementation of the OECD’s global minimum tax under Pillar 2. While the rules apply for financial years starting on or after January 1, 2025, it is 2026 that marks the transition to an operational phase.
9. Reduced compliance obligations for imported goods and services
Businesses that apply the reverse-charge mechanism for VAT purposes in the UAE may benefit from reduced compliance obligations.
10. Substance and CbC reporting focus
Tax authorities are expected to continue strengthening the enforcement of economic substance and Country-by-Country (CbC) reporting frameworks. In the UAE, these regimes are increasingly being used as risk-assessment tools, providing tax authorities with a comprehensive view of multinational groups’ global footprints and enabling them to assess whether profits are aligned with real economic activity.
Contributed by Thomas Vanhee and Hend Rashwan, Aurifer
The specs
Engine: 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo
Power: 268hp at 5,600rpm
Torque: 380Nm at 4,800rpm
Transmission: CVT auto
Fuel consumption: 9.5L/100km
On sale: now
Price: from Dh195,000
Company%20Profile
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ECompany%20name%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Cargoz%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EDate%20started%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20January%202022%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EFounders%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Premlal%20Pullisserry%20and%20Lijo%20Antony%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EBased%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Dubai%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ENumber%20of%20staff%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%2030%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EInvestment%20stage%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Seed%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Company%20profile
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ECompany%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EPOPC%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EStarted%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E2022%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EFounders%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EAmna%20Aijaz%2C%20Haroon%20Tahir%20and%20Arafat%20Ali%20Khan%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EBased%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Dubai%2C%20UAE%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EIndustry%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3Eart%20and%20e-commerce%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EFunds%20raised%3A%20u%3C%2Fstrong%3Endisclosed%20amount%20raised%20through%20Waverider%20Entertainment%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
The specs
Engine: 4.0-litre V8
Power: 503hp at 6,000rpm
Torque: 685Nm at 2,000rpm
Transmission: 8-speed auto
Price: from Dh850,000
On sale: now
Company profile
Company: Rent Your Wardrobe
Date started: May 2021
Founder: Mamta Arora
Based: Dubai
Sector: Clothes rental subscription
Stage: Bootstrapped, self-funded
Specs
Engine: Dual-motor all-wheel-drive electric
Range: Up to 610km
Power: 905hp
Torque: 985Nm
Price: From Dh439,000
Available: Now
Conflict, drought, famine
Estimates of the number of deaths caused by the famine range from 400,000 to 1 million, according to a document prepared for the UK House of Lords in 2024.
It has been claimed that the policies of the Ethiopian government, which took control after deposing Emperor Haile Selassie in a military-led revolution in 1974, contributed to the scale of the famine.
Dr Miriam Bradley, senior lecturer in humanitarian studies at the University of Manchester, has argued that, by the early 1980s, “several government policies combined to cause, rather than prevent, a famine which lasted from 1983 to 1985. Mengistu’s government imposed Stalinist-model agricultural policies involving forced collectivisation and villagisation [relocation of communities into planned villages].
The West became aware of the catastrophe through a series of BBC News reports by journalist Michael Buerk in October 1984 describing a “biblical famine” and containing graphic images of thousands of people, including children, facing starvation.
Band Aid
Bob Geldof, singer with the Irish rock group The Boomtown Rats, formed Band Aid in response to the horrific images shown in the news broadcasts.
With Midge Ure of the band Ultravox, he wrote the hit charity single Do They Know it’s Christmas in December 1984, featuring a string of high-profile musicians.
Following the single’s success, the idea to stage a rock concert evolved.
Live Aid was a series of simultaneous concerts that took place at Wembley Stadium in London, John F Kennedy Stadium in Philadelphia, the US, and at various other venues across the world.
The combined event was broadcast to an estimated worldwide audience of 1.5 billion.
Match info
Uefa Champions League Group H
Manchester United v Young Boys, Tuesday, midnight (UAE)
The specs
Engine: 3.8-litre twin-turbo V8
Power: 611bhp
Torque: 620Nm
Transmission: seven-speed automatic
Price: upon application
On sale: now
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.
Result
6.30pm: Al Maktoum Challenge Round-3 – Group 1 (PA) $65,000 (Dirt) 2,000m; Winner: Brraq, Ryan Curatolo (jockey), Jean-Claude Pecout (trainer)
7.05pm: Handicap (TB) $65,000 (Turf) 1,800m; Winner: Bright Melody, James Doyle, Charlie Appleby
7.40pm: Meydan Classic – Listed (TB) $88,000 (T) 1,600m; Winner: Naval Crown, Mickael Barzalona, Charlie Appleby
8.15pm: Nad Al Sheba Trophy – Group 3 (TB) $195,000 (T) 2,810m; Winner: Volcanic Sky, Frankie Dettori, Saeed bin Suroor
8.50pm: Dubai Millennium Stakes – Group 3 (TB) $130,000 (T) 2,000m; Winner: Star Safari, William Buick, Charlie Appleby
9.25pm: Meydan Challenge – Listed Handicap (TB) $88,000 (T) 1,400m; Winner: Zainhom, Dane O’Neill, Musabah Al Muhairi
Zayed Sustainability Prize
Director: Laxman Utekar
Cast: Vicky Kaushal, Akshaye Khanna, Diana Penty, Vineet Kumar Singh, Rashmika Mandanna
Rating: 1/5
McLaren GT specs
Engine: 4-litre twin-turbo V8
Transmission: seven-speed
Power: 620bhp
Torque: 630Nm
Price: Dh875,000
On sale: now
The specs: 2018 Bentley Bentayga V8
Price, base: Dh853,226
Engine: 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8
Transmission: Eight-speed automatic
Power: 550hp @ 6,000pm
Torque: 770Nm @ 1,960rpm
Fuel economy, combined: 11.4L / 100km
The years Ramadan fell in May
First Person
Richard Flanagan
Chatto & Windus
MATCH INFO
Burnley 1 (Brady 89')
Manchester City 4 (Jesus 24', 50', Rodri 68', Mahrez 87')
The specs
Engine: 2.0-litre 4cyl turbo
Power: 261hp at 5,500rpm
Torque: 405Nm at 1,750-3,500rpm
Transmission: 9-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 6.9L/100km
On sale: Now
Price: From Dh117,059
Engine: 80 kWh four-wheel-drive
Transmission: eight-speed automatic
Power: 402bhp
Torque: 760Nm
Price: From Dh280,000
57%20Seconds
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EDirector%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Rusty%20Cundieff%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EStars%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EJosh%20Hutcherson%2C%20Morgan%20Freeman%2C%20Greg%20Germann%2C%20Lovie%20Simone%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ERating%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E2%2F5%0D%3Cbr%3E%0D%3Cbr%3E%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Small Victories: The True Story of Faith No More by Adrian Harte
Jawbone Press
Jetour T1 specs
Engine: 2-litre turbocharged
Power: 254hp
Torque: 390Nm
Price: From Dh126,000
Available: Now
Citizenship-by-investment programmes
United Kingdom
The UK offers three programmes for residency. The UK Overseas Business Representative Visa lets you open an overseas branch office of your existing company in the country at no extra investment. For the UK Tier 1 Innovator Visa, you are required to invest £50,000 (Dh238,000) into a business. You can also get a UK Tier 1 Investor Visa if you invest £2 million, £5m or £10m (the higher the investment, the sooner you obtain your permanent residency).
All UK residency visas get approved in 90 to 120 days and are valid for 3 years. After 3 years, the applicant can apply for extension of another 2 years. Once they have lived in the UK for a minimum of 6 months every year, they are eligible to apply for permanent residency (called Indefinite Leave to Remain). After one year of ILR, the applicant can apply for UK passport.
The Caribbean
Depending on the country, the investment amount starts from $100,000 (Dh367,250) and can go up to $400,000 in real estate. From the date of purchase, it will take between four to five months to receive a passport.
Portugal
The investment amount ranges from €350,000 to €500,000 (Dh1.5m to Dh2.16m) in real estate. From the date of purchase, it will take a maximum of six months to receive a Golden Visa. Applicants can apply for permanent residency after five years and Portuguese citizenship after six years.
“Among European countries with residency programmes, Portugal has been the most popular because it offers the most cost-effective programme to eventually acquire citizenship of the European Union without ever residing in Portugal,” states Veronica Cotdemiey of Citizenship Invest.
Greece
The real estate investment threshold to acquire residency for Greece is €250,000, making it the cheapest real estate residency visa scheme in Europe. You can apply for residency in four months and citizenship after seven years.
Spain
The real estate investment threshold to acquire residency for Spain is €500,000. You can apply for permanent residency after five years and citizenship after 10 years. It is not necessary to live in Spain to retain and renew the residency visa permit.
Cyprus
Cyprus offers the quickest route to citizenship of a European country in only six months. An investment of €2m in real estate is required, making it the highest priced programme in Europe.
Malta
The Malta citizenship by investment programme is lengthy and investors are required to contribute sums as donations to the Maltese government. The applicant must either contribute at least €650,000 to the National Development & Social Fund. Spouses and children are required to contribute €25,000; unmarried children between 18 and 25 and dependent parents must contribute €50,000 each.
The second step is to make an investment in property of at least €350,000 or enter a property rental contract for at least €16,000 per annum for five years. The third step is to invest at least €150,000 in bonds or shares approved by the Maltese government to be kept for at least five years.
Candidates must commit to a minimum physical presence in Malta before citizenship is granted. While you get residency in two months, you can apply for citizenship after a year.
Egypt
A one-year residency permit can be bought if you purchase property in Egypt worth $100,000. A three-year residency is available for those who invest $200,000 in property, and five years for those who purchase property worth $400,000.
Source: Citizenship Invest and Aqua Properties
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.
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
ABU%20DHABI'S%20KEY%20TOURISM%20GOALS%3A%20BY%20THE%20NUMBERS
%3Cp%3EBy%202030%2C%20Abu%20Dhabi%20aims%20to%20achieve%3A%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3E%E2%80%A2%2039.3%20million%20visitors%2C%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20nearly%2064%25%20up%20from%202023%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3E%E2%80%A2%20Dh90%20billion%20contribution%20to%20GDP%2C%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20about%2084%25%20more%20than%20Dh49%20billion%20in%202023%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3E%E2%80%A2%20178%2C000%20new%20jobs%2C%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20bringing%20the%20total%20to%20about%20366%2C000%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3E%E2%80%A2%2052%2C000%20hotel%20rooms%2C%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20up%2053%25%20from%2034%2C000%20in%202023%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3E%E2%80%A2%207.2%20million%20international%20visitors%2C%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20almost%2090%25%20higher%20compared%20to%202023's%203.8%20million%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3E%E2%80%A2%203.9%20international%20overnight%20hotel%20stays%2C%3C%2Fstrong%3E%2022%25%20more%20from%203.2%20nights%20in%202023%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
MATCH INFO
Champions League quarter-final, first leg
Ajax v Juventus, Wednesday, 11pm (UAE)
Match on BeIN Sports
The specs
Engine: 2.0-litre 4-cyl turbo
Power: 201hp at 5,200rpm
Torque: 320Nm at 1,750-4,000rpm
Transmission: 6-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 8.7L/100km
Price: Dh133,900
On sale: now
The Details
Article 15
Produced by: Carnival Cinemas, Zee Studios
Directed by: Anubhav Sinha
Starring: Ayushmann Khurrana, Kumud Mishra, Manoj Pahwa, Sayani Gupta, Zeeshan Ayyub
Our rating: 4/5
The specs
Engine: four-litre V6 and 3.5-litre V6 twin-turbo
Transmission: six-speed and 10-speed
Power: 271 and 409 horsepower
Torque: 385 and 650Nm
Price: from Dh229,900 to Dh355,000
THE BIO
Bio Box
Role Model: Sheikh Zayed, God bless his soul
Favorite book: Zayed Biography of the leader
Favorite quote: To be or not to be, that is the question, from William Shakespeare's Hamlet
Favorite food: seafood
Favorite place to travel: Lebanon
Favorite movie: Braveheart
Pad Man
Dir: R Balki
Starring: Akshay Kumar, Sonam Kapoor, Radhika Apte
Three-and-a-half stars
Key products and UAE prices
iPhone XS
With a 5.8-inch screen, it will be an advance version of the iPhone X. It will be dual sim and comes with better battery life, a faster processor and better camera. A new gold colour will be available.
Price: Dh4,229
iPhone XS Max
It is expected to be a grander version of the iPhone X with a 6.5-inch screen; an inch bigger than the screen of the iPhone 8 Plus.
Price: Dh4,649
iPhone XR
A low-cost version of the iPhone X with a 6.1-inch screen, it is expected to attract mass attention. According to industry experts, it is likely to have aluminium edges instead of stainless steel.
Price: Dh3,179
Apple Watch Series 4
More comprehensive health device with edge-to-edge displays that are more than 30 per cent bigger than displays on current models.
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
Our legal consultant
Name: Dr Hassan Mohsen Elhais
Position: legal consultant with Al Rowaad Advocates and Legal Consultants.
It Was Just an Accident
Director: Jafar Panahi
Stars: Vahid Mobasseri, Mariam Afshari, Ebrahim Azizi, Hadis Pakbaten, Majid Panahi, Mohamad Ali Elyasmehr
Rating: 4/5
The specs
- Engine: 3.9-litre twin-turbo V8
- Power: 640hp
- Torque: 760nm
- On sale: 2026
- Price: Not announced yet
