The welcome
On Corniche Street in Sharjah, the 72 by Hues hotel’s small pull-in doesn’t scream five-star stopover, but that proves typical of an unostentatious approach, as we’re checked in at a reassuringly leisurely pace. Taking the boutique approach over glittering suaveness, the emphasis is on bright and breezy shades and contemporary lines, with multicoloured modern-art touches throughout the public areas. (In case you’re wondering, the hotel nomenclature relates to the total number of rooms.)
The neighbourhood
Sharjah is currently the Capital of Islamic Culture for 2014 and, accordingly, it presents a much more traditional Emirati experience for visitors than elsewhere in the country. The 72 overlooks the sparkling water of the Khaled Lagoon, Al Noor Mosque and Buhaira Corniche Park, where families congregate and children play in the evenings; it’s all a throwback to simpler times. The city’s arts hub is only a short drive along the Corniche – if you have time, though, it’s worth the walk along the waterfront. Once you escape Sharjah’s traffic-clogged city-centre streets, the transport links are solid; Dubai International Airport is 10 minutes away, while Sharjah’s airport is even nearer.
The room
Our “Apex” junior suite could quite possibly accommodate a small business conference thanks to it’s a well-appointed lounge, including its own television and a sofa that converts to a bed, as well as an additional couch. Minimalist, post-Ikea fixtures and fittings abound, and it’s excellently lit, with a yellowish warmth controlled by an array of glowing blue switches. Two small rocking bird ornaments are a cute addition, as well.
The scene
In a city where most hotel options appear to have been here as long as time itself, the 72 is a real breath of fresh Gulf air. You won’t spy nearly as many expat visitors as in, for example, neighbouring Dubai; the clientele at 72 appears to be almost exclusively Arab. The dining options are relative to the hotel’s comparatively cosy size, but you won’t be left wanting for relaxation and recreation, with a spa, a gym and an indoor swimming pool.
The service
A little sluggish at points but, generally speaking, everybody is polite without stooping to off-putting kowtowing.
The food
Equation is the hotel’s solitary restaurant; a colourful space that offers all-day dining. The Arabic-centric dinner buffet is modest in scale, although the breakfast options are far more commendable, with an expansive range of fresh fruits being the standout. For an informal bite, the Quadrant coffee shop, adjacent to the lobby, is a sunny spot that serves snackish fair, from salads to sandwiches and burgers, plus desserts.
Loved
The room itself is pleasingly laid out, while the Ellipse spa also gets a thumbs up – a combination of the signature massage (60 minutes, Dh220), nourishing argan shell scrub (45 minutes, Dh220) and relaxing taster facial (30 minutes, Dh165) melts away two-hours-plus in what feels like minutes.
Hated
The dinner buffet isn’t the worst meal that you’ll ever experience, but it is limited and occasionally misguided – the cheeseboard’s limp crackers, for example, have the consistency of wet cardboard. And at more than Dh100 per person, it isn’t great value for money.
The verdict
While it’s debatable whether Sharjah is ready for a boutique hotel, 72 by Hues certainly stands on its own in the city and should appeal to those visiting for the emirate’s cultural aspects.
The bottom line
Doubles start from Dh600 per night, including taxes but excluding breakfast. 72 by Hues, Corniche Street, Sharjah (www.hueshotels.com/seventy-two-hotel; 06 507 9797).
aworkman@thenational.ae
Disclaimer
Director: Alfonso Cuaron
Stars: Cate Blanchett, Kevin Kline, Lesley Manville
Rating: 4/5
The specs
Engine: Direct injection 4-cylinder 1.4-litre
Power: 150hp
Torque: 250Nm
Price: From Dh139,000
On sale: Now
The specs
Engine: 3.9-litre twin-turbo V8
Power: 620hp from 5,750-7,500rpm
Torque: 760Nm from 3,000-5,750rpm
Transmission: Eight-speed dual-clutch auto
On sale: Now
Price: From Dh1.05 million ($286,000)
WHAT%20ARE%20THE%20PRODUCTS%20WITHIN%20THE%20THREE%20MAJOR%20CATEGORIES%3F
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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
Wicked
Director: Jon M Chu
Stars: Cynthia Erivo, Ariana Grande, Jonathan Bailey
Electoral College Victory
Trump has so far secured 295 Electoral College votes, according to the Associated Press, exceeding the 270 needed to win. Only Nevada and Arizona remain to be called, and both swing states are leaning Republican. Trump swept all five remaining swing states, North Carolina, Georgia, Pennsylvania, Michigan and Wisconsin, sealing his path to victory and giving him a strong mandate.
Popular Vote Tally
The count is ongoing, but Trump currently leads with nearly 51 per cent of the popular vote to Harris’s 47.6 per cent. Trump has over 72.2 million votes, while Harris trails with approximately 67.4 million.
Business Insights
- As per the document, there are six filing options, including choosing to report on a realisation basis and transitional rules for pre-tax period gains or losses.
- SMEs with revenue below Dh3 million per annum can opt for transitional relief until 2026, treating them as having no taxable income.
- Larger entities have specific provisions for asset and liability movements, business restructuring, and handling foreign permanent establishments.
RESULTS
5pm: Maiden | Dh80,000 | 1,600m
Winner: AF Al Moreeb, Tadhg O’Shea (jockey), Ernst Oertel (trainer)
5.30pm: Handicap | Dh80,000 | 1,600m
Winner: AF Makerah, Adrie de Vries, Ernst Oertel
6pm: Handicap | Dh80,000 | 2,200m
Winner: Hazeme, Richard Mullen, Jean de Roualle
6.30pm: Handicap | Dh85,000 | 2,200m
Winner: AF Yatroq, Brett Doyle, Ernst Oertel
7pm: Shadwell Farm for Private Owners Handicap | Dh70,000 | 2,200m
Winner: Nawwaf KB, Patrick Cosgrave, Helal Al Alawi
7.30pm: Handicap (TB) | Dh100,000 | 1,600m
Winner: Treasured Times, Bernardo Pinheiro, Rashed Bouresly
Company%20Profile
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if you go
The flights
Emirates have direct flights from Dubai to Glasgow from Dh3,115. Alternatively, if you want to see a bit of Edinburgh first, then you can fly there direct with Etihad from Abu Dhabi.
The hotel
Located in the heart of Mackintosh's Glasgow, the Dakota Deluxe is perhaps the most refined hotel anywhere in the city. Doubles from Dh850
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Events and tours
There are various Mackintosh specific events throughout 2018 – for more details and to see a map of his surviving designs see glasgowmackintosh.com
For walking tours focussing on the Glasgow Style, see the website of the Glasgow School of Art.
More information
For ideas on planning a trip to Scotland, visit www.visitscotland.com
COMPANY%20PROFILE
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Martin Sabbagh profile
Job: CEO JCDecaux Middle East
In the role: Since January 2015
Lives: In the UAE
Background: M&A, investment banking
Studied: Corporate finance
THE SPECS
Engine: 6.75-litre twin-turbocharged V12 petrol engine
Power: 420kW
Torque: 780Nm
Transmission: 8-speed automatic
Price: From Dh1,350,00
On sale: Available for preorder now
The specs
Engine: Dual 180kW and 300kW front and rear motors
Power: 480kW
Torque: 850Nm
Transmission: Single-speed automatic
Price: From Dh359,900 ($98,000)
On sale: Now
The specs
Engine: 3-litre twin-turbo V6
Power: 400hp
Torque: 475Nm
Transmission: 9-speed automatic
Price: From Dh215,900
On sale: Now
COMPANY PROFILE
Founders: Alhaan Ahmed, Alyina Ahmed and Maximo Tettamanzi
Total funding: Self funded
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Company%20profile
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Results
5pm: Maiden (PA) Dh 80,000 (Turf) 1,400m. Winner: Al Ajeeb W’Rsan, Pat Dobbs (jockey), Jaci Wickham (trainer).
5.30pm: Maiden (PA) Dh 80,000 (T) 1,400m racing. Winner: Mujeeb, Fabrice Veron, Eric Lemartinel.
6pm: Handicap (PA) Dh 90,000 (T) 2,200m. Winner: Onward, Connor Beasley, Abdallah Al Hammadi.
6.30pm: Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan Jewel Crown Prep Rated Conditions (PA) Dh 125,000 (T) 2,200m. Winner: Somoud, Richard Mullen, Jean de Roualle.
7pm: Wathba Stallions Cup Handicap (PA) Dh 70,000 (T) 1,600m. Winner: AF Arrab, Tadhg O’Shea, Ernst Oertel.
7.30pm: Handicap (TB) Dh 90,000 (T) 1,400m. Winner: Irish Freedom, Richard Mullen, Satish Seemar.
COMPANY PROFILE
Name: HyperSpace
Started: 2020
Founders: Alexander Heller, Rama Allen and Desi Gonzalez
Based: Dubai, UAE
Sector: Entertainment
Number of staff: 210
Investment raised: $75 million from investors including Galaxy Interactive, Riyadh Season, Sega Ventures and Apis Venture Partners