A guide to Father's Day gifts that range from Dh360 to Dh36,700
A guide to Father's Day gifts that range from Dh360 to Dh36,700
A guide to Father's Day gifts that range from Dh360 to Dh36,700
A guide to Father's Day gifts that range from Dh360 to Dh36,700

Father’s Day gift guide: Last‑minute ideas, from New Balance sneakers to a Formula One book


Faisal Al Zaabi
  • English
  • Arabic

Father’s Day in the UAE is just around the corner, but there’s still time to pick out a gift that shows genuine appreciation. Whether your dad is a fan of food, fashion, toys or tech, here’s a round‑up of options that are practical and fun.

Fashion

New Balance Made in USA 993, Dh1,000

The Made in USA 993 model is a comfortable shoe for daily use. Photo: New Balance
The Made in USA 993 model is a comfortable shoe for daily use. Photo: New Balance

New Balance has become synonymous with the “dad shoe” moniker over the years and for good reason. This running-inspired trainer blends comfort, durability and heritage design. The shoe incorporates cushioning technology for shock absorption and comfort, ideal for active dads.

The 993 has a classic silhouette with an understated style that is good for both casual wear and light athletic use.

Polaris Date, Dh36,700, Jaeger-LeCoultre

The Polaris Date model is both elegant and durable. Photo: Jaeger-LeCoultre
The Polaris Date model is both elegant and durable. Photo: Jaeger-LeCoultre

The most expensive gift on the list, the Jaeger-LeCoultre Polaris Date is a 42mm stainless steel timepiece that balances sportiness with elegance. Powered by the in-house Calibre 899, it offers a 70-hour power reserve.

The dial uses a mix of textures, including sunray, grained and opaline finishes, brought to life with a lacquered gradient in deep green, blue or grey. Water-resistant up to 200 metres, and with a quick-change rubber strap, it works as both a daily-wear watch and an adventure piece.

SunGod x McLaren Core Renegades Plus, Dh603, McLaren store

Motorsport-loving fathers will enjoy these McLaren-branded sunglasses. Photo: McLaren
Motorsport-loving fathers will enjoy these McLaren-branded sunglasses. Photo: McLaren

The SunGod x McLaren Core Renegades Plus sunglasses mix performance with clean design. Aimed at the most ardent fans of motorsports, this limited-edition release features ultra-lightweight frames made from recycled TR90, finished in frosted black with McLaren’s papaya orange detailing and subtle lens branding.

The polarised nylon lenses are designed to block both UVA and UVB rays, while also helping to reduce glare. A triple-layer coating resists scratches over time. The frames use screw-free pop-lock hinges, which offer a secure fit and added durability.

Toys and gaming

Porsche 911, Dh649, Lego

The Porsche 911 Lego in available in two versions of the build. Photo: Lego
The Porsche 911 Lego in available in two versions of the build. Photo: Lego

Lego isn't just for children any more, as the brand has started catering to adults with more intricate sets that can double as display pieces. This includes the Porsche 911 Icons set, which features 1,458 blocks.

Builders can choose to assemble the Turbo or Targa version of the German car, each featuring elements such as the rear-mounted, air-cooled flat-six engine, working steering, gearshift, emergency brake and tilting seats.

Lego is also celebrating Father’s Day in its shops across the UAE on Saturday with an event that invites fathers and children to create Lego versions of typical gifts given during the holiday, such as mugs, wallets and drills.

Valve Steam Deck, Dh2,899, Virgin Megastores

The Steam Deck allows for classic and cutting-edge PC games. Photo: Valve
The Steam Deck allows for classic and cutting-edge PC games. Photo: Valve

The Valve Steam Deck is a powerful handheld gaming device that plays PC games on the go. It has the look of a chunky game controller with a built-in screen, but it can run full games from the Steam library just as a computer would.

While children might opt for the new Nintendo Switch 2, dad may prefer a system that lets him play some favourite classics during his free time.

Technology

Sonos Arc soundbar, Dh3,899, Amazon

No home entertainment setup is complete without a good sound system, and the Arc sound bar comes with upgrade options. Photo: Sonos
No home entertainment setup is complete without a good sound system, and the Arc sound bar comes with upgrade options. Photo: Sonos

For a cinema-like experience at home, a sound system upgrade goes a long way. And the Sonos Arc is a compact but powerful smart sound bar that uses Dolby Atmos to make viewing far more immersive. Families can enjoy watching films and television together, or dad can use it for everything from sport events to action films. For full surround sound and powerful bass, it can be upgraded with the Sub wireless subwoofer and Era 300 speakers.

Ninja CREAMi Deluxe 10-in 1-Ice Cream & Frozen Drink Maker, Dh1,199, Ninja

The nifty gadget can be used to make both healthy drinks and foods as well as dessert. Photo: Ninja
The nifty gadget can be used to make both healthy drinks and foods as well as dessert. Photo: Ninja

It's the kitchen gadget many didn’t know they needed but suddenly want. The 10 one-touch programmes include ice cream, sorbet, gelato, milkshake, frappe, frozen drink, slushie, frozen yoghurt and mix-in, so choices can be tailored to suit needs and wants. Decadent dessert aside, the Ninja CREAMi can be used to make healthy foods such as protein milkshakes and fruit sorbets.

Coffee-table books

James Bond Destinations, Dh480, Tanagra

The book features photography from locales seen in James Bond films. Photo: Assouline
The book features photography from locales seen in James Bond films. Photo: Assouline

For fathers who love James Bond, a book by Assouline features the famous locations featured throughout the 007 film franchise. Written by Daniel Pembrey, a seasoned journalist and devoted Bond fan, it explores more than 100 real-life places where Bond’s adventures have unfolded.

From the sunny beaches of Jamaica to the historic streets of Rome, each chapter includes exclusive insights and behind-the-scenes stories from producers Michael G Wilson and Barbara Broccoli.

Grands Prix: 75 Years of Formula One Racing, Dh360, Kinokuniya

The book features exhilarating imagery from the history of F1. Photo: ACC Art Books
The book features exhilarating imagery from the history of F1. Photo: ACC Art Books

For Formula One fans, Grands Prix: 75 Years of Formula One Racing is a coffee-table book that traces the rich history of the motorsport from its launch in 1950 up to the present day.

Featuring an introduction by three-time World Champion Jackie Stewart, it has more than 200 colour and black-and-white photographs showcasing the sport’s most memorable moments, legendary cars, drivers and famous circuits such as Monaco, Monza and Silverstone. The book also explores rivalries, technical advancements and behind-the-scenes stories that have shaped the sport.

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

Who's who in Yemen conflict

Houthis: Iran-backed rebels who occupy Sanaa and run unrecognised government

Yemeni government: Exiled government in Aden led by eight-member Presidential Leadership Council

Southern Transitional Council: Faction in Yemeni government that seeks autonomy for the south

Habrish 'rebels': Tribal-backed forces feuding with STC over control of oil in government territory

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.”

Pharaoh's curse

British aristocrat Lord Carnarvon, who funded the expedition to find the Tutankhamun tomb, died in a Cairo hotel four months after the crypt was opened.
He had been in poor health for many years after a car crash, and a mosquito bite made worse by a shaving cut led to blood poisoning and pneumonia.
Reports at the time said Lord Carnarvon suffered from “pain as the inflammation affected the nasal passages and eyes”.
Decades later, scientists contended he had died of aspergillosis after inhaling spores of the fungus aspergillus in the tomb, which can lie dormant for months. The fact several others who entered were also found dead withiin a short time led to the myth of the curse.

'The Coddling of the American Mind: How Good Intentions and Bad Ideas are Setting up a Generation for Failure' ​​​​
Greg Lukianoff and Jonathan Haidt, Penguin Randomhouse

UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
SPEC%20SHEET%3A%20SAMSUNG%20GALAXY%20S23%20ULTRA
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EDisplay%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%206.8%22%20edge%20quad-HD%2B%20dynamic%20Amoled%202X%2C%20Infinity-O%2C%203088%20x%201440%2C%20500ppi%2C%20HDR10%2B%2C%20120Hz%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EProcessor%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%204nm%20Qualcomm%20Snapdragon%208%20Gen%202%2C%2064-bit%20octa-core%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EMemory%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%208%2F12GB%20RAM%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EStorage%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20128%2F256%2F512GB%2F1TB%20(only%20128GB%20has%20an%208GB%20RAM%20option)%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EPlatform%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Android%2013%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EMain%20camera%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20quad%2012MP%20ultra-wide%20f%2F2.2%20%2B%20200MP%20wide%20f%2F1.7%20%2B%2010MP%20telephoto%20f%2F4.9%20%2B%2010MP%20telephoto%202.4%3B%203x%2F10x%20optical%20zoom%2C%20Space%20Zoom%20up%20to%20100x%3B%20auto%20HDR%2C%20expert%20RAW%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EVideo%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%208K%4024%2F30fps%2C%204K%4060fps%2C%20full-HD%4060fps%2C%20HD%4030fps%2C%20full-HD%20super%20slo-mo%40960fps%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EFront%20camera%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%2012MP%20f%2F2.2%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EBattery%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%205000mAh%2C%20fast%20wireless%20charging%202.0%2C%20Wireless%20PowerShare%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EConnectivity%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%205G%2C%20Wi-Fi%2C%20Bluetooth%205.2%2C%20NFC%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EI%2FO%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20USB-C%3B%20built-in%20Galaxy%20S%20Pen%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ESIM%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20single%20nano%20%2F%20nano%20%2B%20eSIM%20%2F%20nano%20%2B%20nano%20%2B%20eSIM%20%2F%20nano%20%2B%20nano%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EColours%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20cream%2C%20green%2C%20lavender%2C%20phantom%20black%3B%20online%20exclusives%3A%20graphite%2C%20lime%2C%20red%2C%20sky%20blue%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EPrice%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Dh4%2C949%20for%20256GB%2C%20Dh5%2C449%20for%20512GB%2C%20Dh6%2C449%20for%201TB%3B%20128GB%20unavailable%20in%20the%20UAE%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Groom and Two Brides

Director: Elie Semaan

Starring: Abdullah Boushehri, Laila Abdallah, Lulwa Almulla

Rating: 3/5

COMPANY%20PROFILE%20
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ECompany%20name%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3ENomad%20Homes%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EStarted%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E2020%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EFounders%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EHelen%20Chen%2C%20Damien%20Drap%2C%20and%20Dan%20Piehler%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EBased%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20UAE%20and%20Europe%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EIndustry%3C%2Fstrong%3E%3A%20PropTech%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EFunds%20raised%20so%20far%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20%2444m%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EInvestors%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Acrew%20Capital%2C%2001%20Advisors%2C%20HighSage%20Ventures%2C%20Abstract%20Ventures%2C%20Partech%2C%20Precursor%20Ventures%2C%20Potluck%20Ventures%2C%20Knollwood%20and%20several%20undisclosed%20hedge%20funds%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
The specs

Engine: 4.0-litre V8 twin-turbocharged and three electric motors

Power: Combined output 920hp

Torque: 730Nm at 4,000-7,000rpm

Transmission: 8-speed dual-clutch automatic

Fuel consumption: 11.2L/100km

On sale: Now, deliveries expected later in 2025

Price: expected to start at Dh1,432,000

How to avoid crypto fraud
  • Use unique usernames and passwords while enabling multi-factor authentication.
  • Use an offline private key, a physical device that requires manual activation, whenever you access your wallet.
  • Avoid suspicious social media ads promoting fraudulent schemes.
  • Only invest in crypto projects that you fully understand.
  • Critically assess whether a project’s promises or returns seem too good to be true.
  • Only use reputable platforms that have a track record of strong regulatory compliance.
  • Store funds in hardware wallets as opposed to online exchanges.
ETFs explained

Exhchange traded funds are bought and sold like shares, but operate as index-tracking funds, passively following their chosen indices, such as the S&P 500, FTSE 100 and the FTSE All World, plus a vast range of smaller exchanges and commodities, such as gold, silver, copper sugar, coffee and oil.

ETFs have zero upfront fees and annual charges as low as 0.07 per cent a year, which means you get to keep more of your returns, as actively managed funds can charge as much as 1.5 per cent a year.

There are thousands to choose from, with the five biggest providers BlackRock’s iShares range, Vanguard, State Street Global Advisors SPDR ETFs, Deutsche Bank AWM X-trackers and Invesco PowerShares.

The biog

Name: Fareed Lafta

Age: 40

From: Baghdad, Iraq

Mission: Promote world peace

Favourite poet: Al Mutanabbi

Role models: His parents 

In numbers: China in Dubai

The number of Chinese people living in Dubai: An estimated 200,000

Number of Chinese people in International City: Almost 50,000

Daily visitors to Dragon Mart in 2018/19: 120,000

Daily visitors to Dragon Mart in 2010: 20,000

Percentage increase in visitors in eight years: 500 per cent

Our legal consultant

Name: Dr Hassan Mohsen Elhais

Position: legal consultant with Al Rowaad Advocates and Legal Consultants.

Representing%20UAE%20overseas
%3Cp%3E%0DIf%20Catherine%20Richards%20debuts%20for%20Wales%20in%20the%20Six%20Nations%2C%20she%20will%20be%20the%20latest%20to%20have%20made%20it%20from%20the%20UAE%20to%20the%20top%20tier%20of%20the%20international%20game%20in%20the%20oval%20ball%20codes.%0D%3Cbr%3E%20%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ESeren%20Gough-Walters%20(Wales%20rugby%20league)%3C%2Fstrong%3E%0D%3Cbr%3EBorn%20in%20Dubai%2C%20raised%20in%20Sharjah%2C%20and%20once%20an%20immigration%20officer%20at%20the%20British%20Embassy%20in%20Abu%20Dhabi%2C%20she%20debuted%20for%20Wales%20in%20rugby%20league%20in%202021.%0D%3Cbr%3E%20%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ESophie%20Shams%20(England%20sevens)%3C%2Fstrong%3E%0D%3Cbr%3EWith%20an%20Emirati%20father%20and%20English%20mother%2C%20Shams%20excelled%20at%20rugby%20at%20school%20in%20Dubai%2C%20and%20went%20on%20to%20represent%20England%20on%20the%20sevens%20circuit.%20%0D%3Cbr%3E%20%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EFiona%20Reidy%20(Ireland)%3C%2Fstrong%3E%0D%3Cbr%3EMade%20her%20Test%20rugby%20bow%20for%20Ireland%20against%20England%20in%202015%2C%20having%20played%20for%20four%20years%20in%20the%20capital%20with%20Abu%20Dhabi%20Harlequins%20previously.%0D%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Updated: June 19, 2025, 12:32 PM