Steve Harvey attends the second pre-season NBA game between Atlanta Hawks and Milwaukee Bucks at Etihad Arena. Getty Images
Steve Harvey attends the second pre-season NBA game between Atlanta Hawks and Milwaukee Bucks at Etihad Arena. Getty Images
Martin Lawrence at the second NBA pre-season game between the Atlanta Hawks and Milwaukee Bucks at Etihad Arena. Khushnum Bhandari / The National
Martin Lawrence at the second NBA pre-season game between the Atlanta Hawks and Milwaukee Bucks at Etihad Arena. Khushnum Bhandari / The National
Ranveer Singh at the second pre-season NBA game between Atlanta Hawks v Milwaukee Bucks. Reuters
Ranveer Singh at the second pre-season NBA game between Atlanta Hawks v Milwaukee Bucks. Reuters
Ranveer Singh, in floral pink outfit, sits front row. Khushnum Bhandari / The National
Ranveer Singh, in floral pink outfit, sits front row. Khushnum Bhandari / The National
Left, Shaquille O'Neal and Steve Harvey look on as Grayson Allen of the Milwaukee Bucks takes a shot. EPA
Left, Shaquille O'Neal and Steve Harvey look on as Grayson Allen of the Milwaukee Bucks takes a shot. EPA
Shaquille O'Neal at the pre-season NBA game between Atlanta Hawks and Milwaukee Bucks at the Etihad Arena. Getty Images
Shaquille O'Neal at the pre-season NBA game between Atlanta Hawks and Milwaukee Bucks at the Etihad Arena. Getty Images
Steve Harvey congratulates an Atlanta Hawks player after the game. Chris Whiteoak / The National
Steve Harvey congratulates an Atlanta Hawks player after the game. Chris Whiteoak / The National
Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, chairman of DCT Abu Dhabi, is given a shoe signed by Atlanta Hawks player Trae Young. Chris Whiteoak / The National
Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, chairman of DCT Abu Dhabi, is given a shoe signed by Atlanta Hawks player Trae Young. Chris Whiteoak / The National
Maya Diab, far right, watches Atlanta Hawks star Trae Young in action. AFP
Maya Diab, far right, watches Atlanta Hawks star Trae Young in action. AFP
Former NBA players Vince Carter, Isiah Thomas and Chris Bosh before the match. Reuters
Former NBA players Vince Carter, Isiah Thomas and Chris Bosh before the match. Reuters

Lifestyle

All the celebrities seen courtside during the NBA Abu Dhabi Games

Match drew several international stars, from Steve Harvey to Ranveer Singh

Sophie Prideaux
Sophie Prideaux

October 09, 2022

  • English
  • Arabic

The NBA Abu Dhabi Games took place at Etihad Arena on Thursday and Saturday night, with Atlanta Hawks beating the Milwaukee Bucks in both pre-season games.

The thrilling games marked the NBA’s debut in the UAE, and regional and international celebrities were among the crowd watching the sold-out games.

Here are some of the stars who attended.

Steve Harvey

Comedian Steve Harvey congratulates an Atlanta Hawks player at the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi. Chris Whiteoak / The National
Comedian Steve Harvey congratulates an Atlanta Hawks player at the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi. Chris Whiteoak / The National

US television host and comedian Steve Harvey sat courtside on both days, happily waving and chatting to fans between the action.

Harvey, a well-known NBA fan, stood out dressed in a green tropical shirt and sunglasses on Thursday while wearing an all-black outfit on Saturday.

Ranveer Singh

Bollywood actor Ranveer Singh was also in attendance on both days. The Simmba star, who was named as the NBA’s brand ambassador for India last year, waved to crowds as he was shown on the big screen. He wore a green and yellow Louis Vuitton bomber jacket with white sunglasses on Thursday and a pink floral ensemble for the event on Saturday.

Martin Lawrence

The Bad Boys actor was also spotted courtside at the game on Saturday. On Instagram, he shared stories from the game including signing things for fans. He later posted a photo with Steve Harvey and former NBA players Chris Bosh and Charles Smith.

Fabolous

US rapper Fabolous sat next to Singh to watch the action. The Into You singer is set to perform on Friday night as part of the NBA District event happening at Manarat Al Saadiyat. He also played a set at Yas Island club White, following Thursday’s game.

Maya Diab

Lebanese singer Maya Diab greeted fans from her courtside seats, and also took the time to chat to her fellow celebrity guests. Diab, who describes herself as a huge basketball fan, wore a colourful bomber patchwork jacket featuring logos from different NBA teams.

Karen Wazen

Lebanese social media personality and designer Karen Wazen was also in attendance with her husband and three children. Wazen shared sweet snaps from the event, including her son Georgie getting a hug from Harvey and Shaquille O’Neal.

Shaquille O’Neal

Shaquille O'Neal attends the preseason NBA game between Atlanta Hawks and Milwaukee Bucks. Getty Images
Shaquille O'Neal attends the preseason NBA game between Atlanta Hawks and Milwaukee Bucks. Getty Images

Basketball legend O’Neal, who has been central to the NBA Abu Dhabi games, was of course front and centre for the action. He sat alongside Harvey for much of the game, and was spotted chatting to several fans and fellow celebrities throughout.

Isiah Thomas

Former player and coach Isiah Thomas, a 12-time All-Star, was among the former players in Abu Dhabi to support NBA’s regional debut. He joined his fellow players on the court during half-time to wave to crowds.

Former NBA players Vince Carter, Isiah Thomas and Chris Bosh before the match. Reuters
Former NBA players Vince Carter, Isiah Thomas and Chris Bosh before the match. Reuters

Chris Bosh

Former Miami Heat star Chris Bosh was also part of the NBA Legends line-up to appear at the half-time presentation, and joined his fellow players courtside to watch the action.

Vince Carter

Fan-favourite Vince Carter, who retired from professional basketball in 2020 following a 22-season career, drew huge cheers as he joined his fellow basketball stars on stage during half-time. Like the others, he will take part in events at the Manarat Al Saadiyat fan zone during the weekend.

What vitamins do we know are beneficial for living in the UAE

Vitamin D: Highly relevant in the UAE due to limited sun exposure; supports bone health, immunity and mood.Vitamin B12: Important for nerve health and energy production, especially for vegetarians, vegans and individuals with absorption issues.Iron: Useful only when deficiency or anaemia is confirmed; helps reduce fatigue and support immunity.Omega-3 (EPA/DHA): Supports heart health and reduces inflammation, especially for those who consume little fish.

 


 

Tips to stay safe during hot weather
  • Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids, especially water. Avoid alcohol and caffeine, which can increase dehydration.
  • Seek cool environments: Use air conditioning, fans, or visit community spaces with climate control.
  • Limit outdoor activities: Avoid strenuous activity during peak heat. If outside, seek shade and wear a wide-brimmed hat.
  • Dress appropriately: Wear lightweight, loose and light-coloured clothing to facilitate heat loss.
  • Check on vulnerable people: Regularly check in on elderly neighbours, young children and those with health conditions.
  • Home adaptations: Use blinds or curtains to block sunlight, avoid using ovens or stoves, and ventilate living spaces during cooler hours.
  • Recognise heat illness: Learn the signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke (dizziness, confusion, rapid pulse, nausea), and seek medical attention if symptoms occur.
The specs: 2019 Lincoln MKC

Price, base / as tested: Dh169,995 / Dh192,045

Engine: Turbocharged, 2.0-litre, in-line four-cylinder

Transmission: Six-speed automatic

Power: 253hp @ 5,500rpm

Torque: 389Nm @ 2,500rpm

Fuel economy, combined: 10.7L / 100km

ENGLAND SQUAD

Goalkeepers Henderson, Pickford, Pope.

Defenders Alexander-Arnold, Chilwell, Coady, Dier, Gomez, Keane, Maguire, Maitland-Niles, Mings, Saka, Trippier, Walker.

Midfielders Henderson, Mount, Phillips, Rice, Ward-Prowse, Winks.

Forwards Abraham, Barnes, Calvert-Lewin, Grealish, Ings, Kane, Rashford, Sancho, Sterling.

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.

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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.
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Credit Score explained

What is a credit score?

In the UAE your credit score is a number generated by the Al Etihad Credit Bureau (AECB), which represents your credit worthiness – in other words, your risk of defaulting on any debt repayments. In this country, the number is between 300 and 900. A low score indicates a higher risk of default, while a high score indicates you are a lower risk.

Why is it important?

Financial institutions will use it to decide whether or not you are a credit risk. Those with better scores may also receive preferential interest rates or terms on products such as loans, credit cards and mortgages.

How is it calculated?

The AECB collects information on your payment behaviour from banks as well as utilitiy and telecoms providers.

How can I improve my score?

By paying your bills on time and not missing any repayments, particularly your loan, credit card and mortgage payments. It is also wise to limit the number of credit card and loan applications you make and to reduce your outstanding balances.

How do I know if my score is low or high?

By checking it. Visit one of AECB’s Customer Happiness Centres with an original and valid Emirates ID, passport copy and valid email address. Liv. customers can also access the score directly from the banking app.

How much does it cost?

A credit report costs Dh100 while a report with the score included costs Dh150. Those only wanting the credit score pay Dh60. VAT is payable on top.

On Women's Day

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.”

The national orchestra
Mohamed bin Zayed Majlis

IF YOU GO
 
The flights: FlyDubai offers direct flights to Catania Airport from Dubai International Terminal 2 daily with return fares starting from Dh1,895.
 
The details: Access to the 2,900-metre elevation point at Mount Etna by cable car and 4x4 transport vehicle cost around €57.50 (Dh248) per adult. Entry into Teatro Greco costs €10 (Dh43). For more go to www.visitsicily.info

 Where to stay: Hilton Giardini Naxos offers beachfront access and accessible to Taormina and Mount Etna. Rooms start from around €130 (Dh561) per night, including taxes.

UAE central contracts

Full time contracts

Rohan Mustafa, Ahmed Raza, Mohammed Usman, Chirag Suri, Mohammed Boota, Sultan Ahmed, Zahoor Khan, Junaid Siddique, Waheed Ahmed, Zawar Farid

Part time contracts

Aryan Lakra, Ansh Tandon, Karthik Meiyappan, Rahul Bhatia, Alishan Sharafu, CP Rizwaan, Basil Hameed, Matiullah, Fahad Nawaz, Sanchit Sharma

Profile of VoucherSkout

Date of launch: November 2016

Founder: David Tobias

Based: Jumeirah Lake Towers

Sector: Technology

Size: 18 employees

Stage: Embarking on a Series A round to raise $5 million in the first quarter of 2019 with a 20 per cent stake

Investors: Seed round was self-funded with “millions of dollars” 

Scores

Wales 74-24 Tonga
England 35-15 Japan
Italy 7-26 Australia

UAE currency
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New UK refugee system

 

  • A new “core protection” for refugees moving from permanent to a more basic, temporary protection
  • Shortened leave to remain - refugees will receive 30 months instead of five years
  • A longer path to settlement with no indefinite settled status until a refugee has spent 20 years in Britain
  • To encourage refugees to integrate the government will encourage them to out of the core protection route wherever possible.
  • Under core protection there will be no automatic right to family reunion
  • Refugees will have a reduced right to public funds
The Vile

Starring: Bdoor Mohammad, Jasem Alkharraz, Iman Tarik, Sarah Taibah

Director: Majid Al Ansari

Rating: 4/5

What it means to be a conservationist

Who is Enric Sala?

Enric Sala is an expert on marine conservation and is currently the National Geographic Society's Explorer-in-Residence. His love of the sea started with his childhood in Spain, inspired by the example of the legendary diver Jacques Cousteau. He has been a university professor of Oceanography in the US, as well as working at the Spanish National Council for Scientific Research and is a member of the World Economic Forum’s Global Future Council on Biodiversity and the Bio-Economy. He has dedicated his life to protecting life in the oceans. Enric describes himself as a flexitarian who only eats meat occasionally.

What is biodiversity?

According to the United Nations Environment Programme, all life on earth – including in its forests and oceans – forms a “rich tapestry of interconnecting and interdependent forces”. Biodiversity on earth today is the product of four billion years of evolution and consists of many millions of distinct biological species. The term ‘biodiversity’ is relatively new, popularised since the 1980s and coinciding with an understanding of the growing threats to the natural world including habitat loss, pollution and climate change. The loss of biodiversity itself is dangerous because it contributes to clean, consistent water flows, food security, protection from floods and storms and a stable climate. The natural world can be an ally in combating global climate change but to do so it must be protected. Nations are working to achieve this, including setting targets to be reached by 2020 for the protection of the natural state of 17 per cent of the land and 10 per cent of the oceans. However, these are well short of what is needed, according to experts, with half the land needed to be in a natural state to help avert disaster.

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Updated: October 09, 2022, 12:27 PM
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