UAE Mother's Day falls on Sunday, March 21.
UAE Mother's Day falls on Sunday, March 21.
UAE Mother's Day falls on Sunday, March 21.
UAE Mother's Day falls on Sunday, March 21.

UAE Mother’s Day 2021: Deals and deliveries in Abu Dhabi and Dubai


Janice Rodrigues
  • English
  • Arabic

UAE Mother’s Day annually falls on March 21. Each year, a number of venues across the country launch deals, discounts and limited-edition dishes to help families celebrate.

Here’s a look at some of the ways you can pamper your mum on her special day in 2021.

Mother's Day deals in Abu Dhabi

Cove Beach

How about bonding with mum over pool views while soaking up the sun? Those visiting Cove Beach on Sunday, March 21 with their mothers not only get a complimentary cabana but also 30 per cent off of the total bill. Talk about a win-win.

Sunday, March 21; 2pm-5pm; 30 per cent off the total bill; 056 398 7895; www.covebeachabudhabi.com

Khalidiya Palace Rayhaan by Rotana

The hotel’s spa has put together a “perfect bonding” package for mothers and daughters. There will be a 60-minute aromatherapy massage, followed by an afternoon tea experience at the Lobby Lounge. It's perfect if you’re looking for rest, relaxation and sweet and savoury treats while overlooking the pool. You need to book 24 hours in advance.

Daily, until March 31; Dh499 for two; Khalidiya Palace Rayhaan by Rotana, Al Bateen; 02 657 0182; www.rotana.com

Park Rotana Abu Dhabi

Mums dining at Ginger on Mother's Day eat for free, along with a paying companion. Courtesy Park Rotana
Mums dining at Ginger on Mother's Day eat for free, along with a paying companion. Courtesy Park Rotana

Mums heading over to Ginger, the all-day dining restaurant at Park Rotana Abu Dhabi, on Mother’s Day will be able to enjoy a smorgasbord of international flavours for free when accompanied by one paying guest. Expect live cooking stations, cheese and bread sections, hearty main courses and plenty of desserts to satiate the sweet tooth.

Sunday, March 21; 7pm-11pm; Dh199; 02 657 3322; www.rotana.com

Punjab Grill

Executive chef Sandeep Ail is teaming up with Emirati chef Aysha Al Obeidli for Emirati Mother’s Day at Punjab Grill. The end result will be a fusion Emirati-Indian menu served at the fine dining restaurant on the day – think samak machboos (seafood machboos) and Rubiyan Salona with dates and Chips Oman.

Friday to Sunday; March 19-21; 2pm-8pm; Dh350 per person; Punjab Grill, Venetian Village, The Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi Grand Canal; WhatsApp 050 668 3054

Remal Hotel

Mums dining at Al Falaj with their families on Mother's Day can expect their meal to be on the house. Courtesy Remal Hotel
Mums dining at Al Falaj with their families on Mother's Day can expect their meal to be on the house. Courtesy Remal Hotel

Mums will get a meal for free at Remal Hotel's signature restaurant Al Falaj. Meanwhile, if you plan on pampering her with a staycation, the hotel has also launched a package for the day with a fixed price of Dh350 for a room for two, inclusive of a buffet breakfast the next day and all taxes.

Sunday, March 21; free meal for mothers at Al Falaj Restaurant and a staycation for Dh350; Remal Hotel, Al Bandaq Road, Al Ruwais; 02 809 2222www.remalhotel.ae

The Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi Grand Canal

It’s her special day – so why not get all dressed up for a tea, biscuits and scones? The Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi Grand Canal is inviting guests for a classic afternoon tea experience at Alba, its lobby lounge. Sip on tea and indulge in sweet and savoury treats while in a cosy setting complete with a vaulted ceiling and chandeliers. Apart from the tea, guests can also expect a complimentary beverage.

Friday to Sunday, March 19-21; 2pm-5pm; The Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi Grand Canal; 02 818 8203; www.ritzcarlton.com

Stars N Bars

The lively Abu Dhabi spot on Yas Marina is treating mums, who are dining with their children, to a free roast dinner. Meanwhile, there’s plenty of delicious dishes to keep the children happy, from chicken wings to nachos.

Sunday, March 21; noon to 1am; free meal for mothers; Yas Marina; 02 565 1175; www.yasmarina.ae

The Yellow Chilli by Sanjeev Kapoor

Lamb rogan josh from The Yellow Chilli by Sanjeev Kapoor. Courtesy The Yellow Chilli by Sanjeev Kapoor
Lamb rogan josh from The Yellow Chilli by Sanjeev Kapoor. Courtesy The Yellow Chilli by Sanjeev Kapoor

Satiate those cravings for hearty dishes from India’s Mughal era with a trip over to The Yellow Chilli by Sanjeev Kapoor. The restaurant is known for its tawa gosht, lamb rogan josh, methi murg tangdi and more, and those dining at the restaurant on Mother's Day with their mum will get a main course on the house.

Saturday and Sunday; March 20 and 21; free main course; offer valid in Dalma Mall in Abu Dhabi, JLT and Burjuman branches in Dubai and Al Qasba in Sharjah; 800 75892

Mother's Day deals in Dubai

Cafe Society

For one day only, mums dining with their family over at Cafe Society can enjoy their meal on the house – be it breakfast, lunch or dinner. Whether it’s the restaurant’s popular eggs Benedict or breakfast waffles, or truffle mushroom pizza or Mediterranean seafood paella, there’s plenty to try. Advanced booking is recommended.

Sunday, March 21; 9am to 11pm; mums dine for free when visiting with family; Tamani Marina Hotel, King Salman Bin Abdul Aziz Al Saud Street, Dubai Marina; 04 318 3755; www.cafesociety.ae

Eggspectation

Limited-edition pancake skewers from Eggspectation. Courtesy Eggspectation
Limited-edition pancake skewers from Eggspectation. Courtesy Eggspectation

If you’re looking to start Mother’s Day in an “egg-cellent” manner, breakfast favourite Eggspectation has whipped up cute little pancake skewers – little cakes layered with strawberries, kiwis, bananas, a drizzle of chocolate sauce and maple syrup – that they’re offering complimentary to all mothers on March 21, along with the purchase of a main by a companion.

Sunday, March 21; timings vary; free skewers with the order of a main; The Beach, JBR; City Walk, Al Safa Street; eggspectation.ae

Hillhouse Brasserie

The family-friendly restaurant located in the grassy surroundings of Dubai Hills Golf Club has put together a deal for all super-mums. The restaurant is offering mothers a complimentary meal when dining with a minimum of four guests. They can choose from a sunset menu, with starters like cauliflower pakoras, crispy chicken tacos and yellowfin tuna ceviche, while mains include dishes such as the Thai-baked sea bass, Hillhouse kofta or tenderloin medallions. To round it off, desserts include maple and pecan lava cake, baked yoghurt and hot rhubarb with cold doughnuts.

Sunday, March 21; all day; one free meal with minimum of four guests dining; Dubai Hills Golf Club; 800 666353; www.dubaihillsgolfclub.com

Inspire Studio

Inspire Studio is having a free Mother's Day yoga class. Courtesy Inspire Studio
Inspire Studio is having a free Mother's Day yoga class. Courtesy Inspire Studio

If a calming session of meditation and yoga is what you think mum needs most, sign her up for a free class. Inspire Studio, a much-loved Dubai yoga and fitness centre, will be having a Mother’s Day class on Saturday, March 20 at Gate Avenue, DIFC. The class will be led by instructor Nerry Toledo, and will take participants of all levels through poses designed to increase her strength, endurance and flexibility. Pre-registration is a must.

Saturday, March 20; 9.30am-10.30am; free; upper level Zone D of Gate Avenue, DIFC; www.inspiremeyoga.net

Mandara Spa

Take a little break from the hustle of life with a relaxing treatment at H Dubai’s Mandara Spa. In honour of Women’s Day and Mother’s Day, it is offering a 65-minute massage treatment for women for Dh399 throughout the month. Want to spend time bonding with your mother? Simply go with her and you both can enjoy one for Dh499.

Daily, until Wednesday, March 31; Dh399 for one woman and Dh499 for two; The H Dubai, Sheikh Zayed Road; 04 501 8270; www.hhoteldubai.com

M&S Cafe

M&S Cafes are offering mums a 25 per cent discount on their afternoon tea for a limited time. Courtesy M&S
M&S Cafes are offering mums a 25 per cent discount on their afternoon tea for a limited time. Courtesy M&S

Celebrate Mother’s Day in a quintessentially British manner – with afternoon tea. To help you do just that, Marks & Spencer will be offering a 25 per cent discount on its afternoon tea experiences, usually priced at Dh79, for a limited time only. Indulge in fair trade tea, sandwiches, freshly baked scones with clotted cream and more, as you catch up with mum.

Daily, until March 21; Dh59.25 (after discount); branches located in Dubai Mall, Dubai Festival City Mall, Marina Walk and The Springs Souk; www.marksandspencer.com/ae

Shine Spa

Shine Spa has deals tor mother, daughters and mums-to-be. Courtesy Shine Spa
Shine Spa has deals tor mother, daughters and mums-to-be. Courtesy Shine Spa

Mother-and-daughter duos heading over to the tranquil spot in Sheraton Mall of the Emirates will get a 50 per cent discount on all body treatments that are one hour or more. The offer also applies to mothers-to-be.

Saturday to Saturday, March 20 to 27; 50 per cent discount on body treatments 60 minutes or more; Shine Spa, 24 floor, Sheraton Mall of the Emirates; 04 377 2380; www.shinespadubai.com

Solo

Throughout the month of March, Raffles Dubai’s home-grown Italian restaurant Solo is inviting the dads and the children to cook a family lunch for mum with the help of its talented chefs – while she enjoys a complimentary 60-minute massage at Raffles Spa. The cooking class will be specifically designed by the chef to cater to mum’s favourite dishes and will be suitable for children 12 years and above, with a minimum of three guests per class required.

Daily, until Wednesday, March 31; Dh380 per person; 04 324 8888; www.raffles.com

Tap House

Mums dining at the popular beachside restaurant can enjoy a delicious roast dinner with 20 per cent off on the final bill when dining with their children. Moreover, all children under the age of 12 will also dine for free from the kids’ menu.

Sunday, March 21; noon to 1am; roast starts at Dh99 before discount; Tap House, Club Vista Mare, Palm Jumeirah; 04 514 3778; www.thetaphouse.ae

The Bungalow

This lively spot at La Mer is treating all super-mums to a discount to match their age. That is, mums will have to show their Emirates ID and if they are, say, 30, they get 30 per cent off the total bill.

Sunday, March 21; 5pm to 1am; The Bungalow, La Mer; 054 994 7971; bungalowdubai.com

Weslodge Saloon

A limited-edition pink dessert for all the super-mums out there from Weslodge Saloon. Courtesy Weslodge Saloon
A limited-edition pink dessert for all the super-mums out there from Weslodge Saloon. Courtesy Weslodge Saloon

This classic American saloon located on the 68th floor of the JW Marriott Marquis Hotel Dubai boasts some of the best views of the city, and for Mother’s Day it’s put together a “show-stopping” pink dessert. This mega-dessert combines a number of classic American sweet treats, from chocolate pecan cake pops to red velvet and cream cheese cupcakes. Pre-order is required.

Sunday, March 21; 1pm onwards; Dh120; JW Marriott Marquis Hotel Dubai, Sheikh Zayed Road, Business Bay, Dubai; 04 560 1700; www.weslodge.ae

Order in this Mother's Day

Customised cakes from Park Rotana Abu Dhabi

Treat her to a personalised cake from ParKafe. Courtesy Park Rotana Abu Dhabi
Treat her to a personalised cake from ParKafe. Courtesy Park Rotana Abu Dhabi

If you want your gift to stand a cut above the rest, Park Rotana Abu Dhabi’s lobby cafe ParKafe is taking orders for customised Mother’s Day cakes. Choose between flavours like chocolate truffle, carrot, blueberry cheesecake and more, and make it extra special by sending a nice photo of your mum over to be incorporated. A one-kilogram cake is priced at Dh99, with an additional Dh15 for the customisation. A day's advance order is required, and this is available for pick-up only.

Thursday to Saturday, March 18 to 27; 7am to midnight; Dh113 for a customised cake; ParKafe lobby lounge, Park Rotana Abu Dhabi; www.rotana.com

A gourmet delivery from Emirates Palace

To ensure no one has to spend a minute in the kitchen on mum's special day, the luxury hotel has put together a bespoke hamper, available as take-away or delivery. Expect Middle Eastern dishes, hot and cold mezze items and a mixed grill.

Friday to Saturday, March 19 to 21; Dh395; 02 690 8888; www.mandarinoriental.com/abu-dhabi

Pre-cut veggies from NRTC Fresh

Whip up an easy Mother's Day meal with NRTC Fresh's 'mummy's helper' box. Courtesy NRTC Fresh
Whip up an easy Mother's Day meal with NRTC Fresh's 'mummy's helper' box. Courtesy NRTC Fresh

Those interested in whipping up a homemade meal, but don’t quite have the time, NRTC Fresh has launched a “mommy’s helper box". Within are fresh, pre-cut fruits and veggies to make meal preparation seamless. Each box contains ingredients such as potatoes, garlic, Romaine lettuce, red cabbage, broccoli florets, carrots, white onions, yellow capsicum, cucumber, beetroot, tomatoes, baby spinach, pineapple, pomegranate, honeydew melon and watermelon.

The crowning touch is that every box also comes with an empty card, so you can fill it with words on how great mum is.

Daily, until Sunday, March 21; Dh84; deliveries across the UAE; www.nrtcfresh.com

Cooking kits from Butcha

To help budding chefs who want to make gourmet meal for their mother, Butcha has put together a “Cook for your Mama” kit. It contains all the ingredients needed to make Turkish cheese koftes, sucuk or Merguez sausages, chicken shisk and lamb chops, and even includes Turkish bread, vegetable skewers, sauces and dips, baklava and Turkish delights.

Daily, until Wednesday, March 31; Dh295; 800 666 353; deliveries across Dubai; www.saroodoffers.com

A cupcake bouquet from Mister Baker

A cupcake bouquet makes for a sweet Mother's Day surprise. Courtesy Mister Baker
A cupcake bouquet makes for a sweet Mother's Day surprise. Courtesy Mister Baker

Think flower bouquets are too cliche? Swap it out for a cupcake version. Mister Baker has one made out of dual-hued cakes, as well as a range specifically for Mother’s Day, including pink heart mousse cake and cupcakes that spell out how much you love her.

Cupcake bouquet available until Wednesday, March 31, mousse cake is available from March 19 to 21; Dh225 for the bouquet, Dh125 for the mousse cake; various branches across the UAE; www.misterbaker.com/uae

Popsicle bites from House of Pops

Limited-edition heart-shaped popsicle bites from House of Pops are available in Dubai via Deliveroo. Courtesy House of Pops
Limited-edition heart-shaped popsicle bites from House of Pops are available in Dubai via Deliveroo. Courtesy House of Pops

If you’re looking for something offbeat for mums with a sweet tooth, homegrown House of Pops has launched limited-edition popsicle bites. The bite-sized chocolate-coated popsicles come in a variety of flavours such as passionfruit, coconut, strawberry and chocolate. Finally, to show mum how much you care, they arrive in cute boxes and are heart-shaped.

Thursday to Sunday, March 19 to 21; Dh50 per box; available in Dubai exclusively through Deliveroo; www.deliveroo.ae

Hampers by Sarood Hospitality

Sarood Hospitality has put together a hamper with everything needed to pamper mum. This includes artisanal soaps, face masks, forget-me-not flower seeds, as well as food items such as miniature afternoon tea cakes, miniature scones with raspberry jam and clotted cream, lemon curd, assorted dates, chocolates and more.

Available until Wednesday, March 31; Dh245; 800 666 353; deliveries across Dubai; www.saroodoffers.com

Breakfast in bed with LDC Kitchen + Coffee

LDC Kitchen + Coffee has put together a box with everything she could possibly want for breakfast. Courtesy LDC Kitchen + Coffee
LDC Kitchen + Coffee has put together a box with everything she could possibly want for breakfast. Courtesy LDC Kitchen + Coffee

LDC Kitchen + Coffee has put together a “big box of bakes” for the occasion. It’s packed with fresh, made-from-scratch baked goodies such as croissants, scones and cookies, and comes with jam and cream (for those scones). You can also expect French toast, a granola cup and a homemade babka drizzled with Nutella.

Daily, until March 31; Dh169; via Deliveroo or takeaway in Dubai through select London Dairy Cafe outlets and LDC Kitchen + Coffee outlets in JLT and DIFC; www.londondairycafe.com

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The specs

Engine: 2.9-litre twin-turbo V6

Power: 540hp at 6,500rpm

Torque: 600Nm at 2,500rpm

Transmission: Eight-speed auto

Kerb weight: 1580kg

Price: From Dh750k

On sale: via special order

SPEC%20SHEET%3A%20SAMSUNG%20GALAXY%20S24%20ULTRA
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EDisplay%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%206.8%22%20quad-HD%2B%20dynamic%20Amoled%202X%2C%203120%20x%201440%2C%20505ppi%2C%20HDR10%2B%2C%20120Hz%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EProcessor%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%204nm%20Qualcomm%20Snapdragon%208%20Gen%203%2C%2064-bit%20octa-core%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EMemory%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%2012GB%20RAM%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EStorage%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20256%2F512GB%20%2F%201TB%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EPlatform%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Android%2014%2C%20One%20UI%206.1%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EMain%20camera%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20quad%20200MP%20wide%20f%2F1.7%20%2B%2050MP%20periscope%20telephoto%20f%2F3.4%20with%205x%20optical%2F10x%20optical%20quality%20zoom%20%2B%2010MP%20telephoto%202.4%20with%203x%20optical%20zoom%20%2B%2012MP%20ultra-wide%20f%2F2.2%3B%20100x%20Space%20Zoom%3B%20auto%20HDR%2C%20expert%20RAW%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EVideo%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%208K%4024%2F30fps%2C%204K%4030%2F60%2F120fps%2C%20full-HD%4030%2F60%2F240fps%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%205.3%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%3EDurability%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20IP68%2C%20up%20to%201.5m%20of%20freshwater%20up%20to%2030%20minutes%3B%20dust-resistant%26nbsp%3B%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ESIM%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Nano%20%2B%20nano%20%2F%20nano%20%2B%20eSIM%20%2F%20dual%20eSIM%20(varies%20in%20different%20markets)%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EColours%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Titanium%20black%2C%20titanium%20grey%2C%20titanium%20violet%2C%20titanium%20yellow%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EIn%20the%20box%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EGalaxy%20S24%20Ultra%2C%20USB-C-to-C%20cable%26nbsp%3B%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EPrice%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Dh5%2C099%20for%20256GB%2C%20Dh5%2C599%20for%20512GB%2C%20Dh6%2C599%20for%201TB%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
THE SPECS

Range Rover Sport Autobiography Dynamic

Engine: 5.0-litre supercharged V8

Transmission: six-speed manual

Power: 518bhp

Torque: 625Nm

Speed: 0-100kmh 5.3 seconds

Price: Dh633,435

On sale: now

In-demand jobs and monthly salaries
  • Technology expert in robotics and automation: Dh20,000 to Dh40,000 
  • Energy engineer: Dh25,000 to Dh30,000 
  • Production engineer: Dh30,000 to Dh40,000 
  • Data-driven supply chain management professional: Dh30,000 to Dh50,000 
  • HR leader: Dh40,000 to Dh60,000 
  • Engineering leader: Dh30,000 to Dh55,000 
  • Project manager: Dh55,000 to Dh65,000 
  • Senior reservoir engineer: Dh40,000 to Dh55,000 
  • Senior drilling engineer: Dh38,000 to Dh46,000 
  • Senior process engineer: Dh28,000 to Dh38,000 
  • Senior maintenance engineer: Dh22,000 to Dh34,000 
  • Field engineer: Dh6,500 to Dh7,500
  • Field supervisor: Dh9,000 to Dh12,000
  • Field operator: Dh5,000 to Dh7,000
The distance learning plan

Spring break will be from March 8 - 19

Public school pupils will undergo distance learning from March 22 - April 2. School hours will be 8.30am to 1.30pm

Staff will be trained in distance learning programmes from March 15 - 19

Teaching hours will be 8am to 2pm during distance learning

Pupils will return to school for normal lessons from April 5

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

Sole survivors
  • Cecelia Crocker was on board Northwest Airlines Flight 255 in 1987 when it crashed in Detroit, killing 154 people, including her parents and brother. The plane had hit a light pole on take off
  • George Lamson Jr, from Minnesota, was on a Galaxy Airlines flight that crashed in Reno in 1985, killing 68 people. His entire seat was launched out of the plane
  • Bahia Bakari, then 12, survived when a Yemenia Airways flight crashed near the Comoros in 2009, killing 152. She was found clinging to wreckage after floating in the ocean for 13 hours.
  • Jim Polehinke was the co-pilot and sole survivor of a 2006 Comair flight that crashed in Lexington, Kentucky, killing 49.
PROFILE OF HALAN

Started: November 2017

Founders: Mounir Nakhla, Ahmed Mohsen and Mohamed Aboulnaga

Based: Cairo, Egypt

Sector: transport and logistics

Size: 150 employees

Investment: approximately $8 million

Investors include: Singapore’s Battery Road Digital Holdings, Egypt’s Algebra Ventures, Uber co-founder and former CTO Oscar Salazar

The stats

Ship name: MSC Bellissima

Ship class: Meraviglia Class

Delivery date: February 27, 2019

Gross tonnage: 171,598 GT

Passenger capacity: 5,686

Crew members: 1,536

Number of cabins: 2,217

Length: 315.3 metres

Maximum speed: 22.7 knots (42kph)

Specs
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EEngine%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%201.5-litre%20turbo%204-cylinder%20%2F%202.0%20turbo%204-cylinder%20(S3)%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EPower%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20148bhp%20%2F%20328bhp%20(S3)%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ETorque%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20250Nm%20%2F%20420Nm%20(S3)%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EOn%20sale%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20December%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EPrice%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20TBA%0D%3C%2Fp%3E%0A

Know your camel milk:
Flavour: Similar to goat’s milk, although less pungent. Vaguely sweet with a subtle, salty aftertaste.
Texture: Smooth and creamy, with a slightly thinner consistency than cow’s milk.
Use it: In your morning coffee, to add flavour to homemade ice cream and milk-heavy desserts, smoothies, spiced camel-milk hot chocolate.
Goes well with: chocolate and caramel, saffron, cardamom and cloves. Also works well with honey and dates.

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.”

Our legal columnist

Name: Yousef Al Bahar

Advocate at Al Bahar & Associate Advocates and Legal Consultants, established in 1994

Education: Mr Al Bahar was born in 1979 and graduated in 2008 from the Judicial Institute. He took after his father, who was one of the first Emirati lawyers

Dr Amal Khalid Alias revealed a recent case of a woman with daughters, who specifically wanted a boy.

A semen analysis of the father showed abnormal sperm so the couple required IVF.

Out of 21 eggs collected, six were unused leaving 15 suitable for IVF.

A specific procedure was used, called intracytoplasmic sperm injection where a single sperm cell is inserted into the egg.

On day three of the process, 14 embryos were biopsied for gender selection.

The next day, a pre-implantation genetic report revealed four normal male embryos, three female and seven abnormal samples.

Day five of the treatment saw two male embryos transferred to the patient.

The woman recorded a positive pregnancy test two weeks later. 

The specs: 2018 Ducati SuperSport S

Price, base / as tested: Dh74,900 / Dh85,900

Engine: 937cc

Transmission: Six-speed gearbox

Power: 110hp @ 9,000rpm

Torque: 93Nm @ 6,500rpm

Fuel economy, combined: 5.9L / 100km

NO OTHER LAND

Director: Basel Adra, Yuval Abraham, Rachel Szor, Hamdan Ballal

Stars: Basel Adra, Yuval Abraham

Rating: 3.5/5

Dubai World Cup Carnival card

6.30pm: UAE 1000 Guineas Trial Conditions (TB) US$100,000 (Dirt) 1,400m

7.05pm: Handicap (TB) $135,000 (Turf) 1,000m

7.40pm: Handicap (TB) $175,000 (D) 1,900m

8.15pm: Meydan Challenge Listed Handicap (TB) $175,000 (T) 1,400m

8.50pm: Dubai Stakes Group 3 (TB) $200,000 (D) 1,200m

9.25pm: Dubai Racing Club Classic Listed Handicap (TB) $175,000 (T) 2,410m

The National selections

6.30pm: Final Song

7.05pm: Pocket Dynamo

7.40pm: Dubai Icon

8.15pm: Dubai Legacy

8.50pm: Drafted

9.25pm: Lucius Tiberius

'Panga'

Directed by Ashwiny Iyer Tiwari

Starring Kangana Ranaut, Richa Chadha, Jassie Gill, Yagya Bhasin, Neena Gupta

Rating: 3.5/5

UPI facts

More than 2.2 million Indian tourists arrived in UAE in 2023
More than 3.5 million Indians reside in UAE
Indian tourists can make purchases in UAE using rupee accounts in India through QR-code-based UPI real-time payment systems
Indian residents in UAE can use their non-resident NRO and NRE accounts held in Indian banks linked to a UAE mobile number for UPI transactions

Pakistanis%20at%20the%20ILT20%20
%3Cp%3EThe%20new%20UAE%20league%20has%20been%20boosted%20this%20season%20by%20the%20arrival%20of%20five%20Pakistanis%2C%20who%20were%20not%20released%20to%20play%20last%20year.%20%0D%3Cbr%3E%0D%0D%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EShaheen%20Afridi%20(Desert%20Vipers)%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E%0D%3Cbr%3ESet%20for%20at%20least%20four%20matches%2C%20having%20arrived%20from%20New%20Zealand%20where%20he%20captained%20Pakistan%20in%20a%20series%20loss.%20%0D%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EShadab%20Khan%20(Desert%20Vipers)%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E%0D%3Cbr%3E%0DThe%20leg-spin%20bowling%20allrounder%20missed%20the%20tour%20of%20New%20Zealand%20after%20injuring%20an%20ankle%20when%20stepping%20on%20a%20ball.%20%0D%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EAzam%20Khan%20(Desert%20Vipers)%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E%0D%3Cbr%3EPowerhouse%20wicketkeeper%20played%20three%20games%20for%20Pakistan%20on%20tour%20in%20New%20Zealand.%20He%20was%20the%20first%20Pakistani%20recruited%20to%20the%20ILT20.%20%0D%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EMohammed%20Amir%20(Desert%20Vipers)%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E%0D%3Cbr%3EHas%20made%20himself%20unavailable%20for%20national%20duty%2C%20meaning%20he%20will%20be%20available%20for%20the%20entire%20ILT20%20campaign.%20%0D%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EImad%20Wasim%20(Abu%20Dhabi%20Knight%20Riders)%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E%0D%3Cbr%3EThe%20left-handed%20allrounder%2C%2035%2C%20retired%20from%20international%20cricket%20in%20November%20and%20was%20subsequently%20recruited%20by%20the%20Knight%20Riders.%26nbsp%3B%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Global state-owned investor ranking by size

1.

United States

2.

China

3.

UAE

4.

Japan

5

Norway

6.

Canada

7.

Singapore

8.

Australia

9.

Saudi Arabia

10.

South Korea

The specs

Engine: 1.5-litre 4-cylinder petrol

Power: 154bhp

Torque: 250Nm

Transmission: 7-speed automatic with 8-speed sports option 

Price: From Dh79,600

On sale: Now

How Tesla’s price correction has hit fund managers

Investing in disruptive technology can be a bumpy ride, as investors in Tesla were reminded on Friday, when its stock dropped 7.5 per cent in early trading to $575.

It recovered slightly but still ended the week 15 per cent lower and is down a third from its all-time high of $883 on January 26. The electric car maker’s market cap fell from $834 billion to about $567bn in that time, a drop of an astonishing $267bn, and a blow for those who bought Tesla stock late.

The collapse also hit fund managers that have gone big on Tesla, notably the UK-based Scottish Mortgage Investment Trust and Cathie Wood’s ARK Innovation ETF.

Tesla is the top holding in both funds, making up a hefty 10 per cent of total assets under management. Both funds have fallen by a quarter in the past month.

Matt Weller, global head of market research at GAIN Capital, recently warned that Tesla founder Elon Musk had “flown a bit too close to the sun”, after getting carried away by investing $1.5bn of the company’s money in Bitcoin.

He also predicted Tesla’s sales could struggle as traditional auto manufacturers ramp up electric car production, destroying its first mover advantage.

AJ Bell’s Russ Mould warns that many investors buy tech stocks when earnings forecasts are rising, almost regardless of valuation. “When it works, it really works. But when it goes wrong, elevated valuations leave little or no downside protection.”

A Tesla correction was probably baked in after last year’s astonishing share price surge, and many investors will see this as an opportunity to load up at a reduced price.

Dramatic swings are to be expected when investing in disruptive technology, as Ms Wood at ARK makes clear.

Every week, she sends subscribers a commentary listing “stocks in our strategies that have appreciated or dropped more than 15 per cent in a day” during the week.

Her latest commentary, issued on Friday, showed seven stocks displaying extreme volatility, led by ExOne, a leader in binder jetting 3D printing technology. It jumped 24 per cent, boosted by news that fellow 3D printing specialist Stratasys had beaten fourth-quarter revenues and earnings expectations, seen as good news for the sector.

By contrast, computational drug and material discovery company Schrödinger fell 27 per cent after quarterly and full-year results showed its core software sales and drug development pipeline slowing.

Despite that setback, Ms Wood remains positive, arguing that its “medicinal chemistry platform offers a powerful and unique view into chemical space”.

In her weekly video view, she remains bullish, stating that: “We are on the right side of change, and disruptive innovation is going to deliver exponential growth trajectories for many of our companies, in fact, most of them.”

Ms Wood remains committed to Tesla as she expects global electric car sales to compound at an average annual rate of 82 per cent for the next five years.

She said these are so “enormous that some people find them unbelievable”, and argues that this scepticism, especially among institutional investors, “festers” and creates a great opportunity for ARK.

Only you can decide whether you are a believer or a festering sceptic. If it’s the former, then buckle up.

Ruwais timeline

1971 Abu Dhabi National Oil Company established

1980 Ruwais Housing Complex built, located 10 kilometres away from industrial plants

1982 120,000 bpd capacity Ruwais refinery complex officially inaugurated by the founder of the UAE Sheikh Zayed

1984 Second phase of Ruwais Housing Complex built. Today the 7,000-unit complex houses some 24,000 people.  

1985 The refinery is expanded with the commissioning of a 27,000 b/d hydro cracker complex

2009 Plans announced to build $1.2 billion fertilizer plant in Ruwais, producing urea

2010 Adnoc awards $10bn contracts for expansion of Ruwais refinery, to double capacity from 415,000 bpd

2014 Ruwais 261-outlet shopping mall opens

2014 Production starts at newly expanded Ruwais refinery, providing jet fuel and diesel and allowing the UAE to be self-sufficient for petrol supplies

2014 Etihad Rail begins transportation of sulphur from Shah and Habshan to Ruwais for export

2017 Aldar Academies to operate Adnoc’s schools including in Ruwais from September. Eight schools operate in total within the housing complex.

2018 Adnoc announces plans to invest $3.1 billion on upgrading its Ruwais refinery 

2018 NMC Healthcare selected to manage operations of Ruwais Hospital

2018 Adnoc announces new downstream strategy at event in Abu Dhabi on May 13

Source: The National

The specs

Engine: 2.0-litre 4-cyl

Power: 153hp at 6,000rpm

Torque: 200Nm at 4,000rpm

Transmission: 6-speed auto

Price: Dh99,000

On sale: now

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%3Cp%3EAsked%20to%20rate%20Boris%20Johnson's%20leadership%20out%20of%2010%2C%20Mr%20Sunak%20awarded%20a%20full%2010%20for%20delivering%20Brexit%20%E2%80%94%20remarks%20that%20earned%20him%20his%20biggest%20round%20of%20applause%20of%20the%20night.%20%22My%20views%20are%20clear%2C%20when%20he%20was%20great%20he%20was%20great%20and%20it%20got%20to%20a%20point%20where%20we%20need%20to%20move%20forward.%20In%20delivering%20a%20solution%20to%20Brexit%20and%20winning%20an%20election%20that's%20a%2010%2F10%20-%20you've%20got%20to%20give%20the%20guy%20credit%20for%20that%2C%20no-one%20else%20could%20probably%20have%20done%20that.%22%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
The bio:

Favourite film:

Declan: It was The Commitments but now it’s Bohemian Rhapsody.

Heidi: The Long Kiss Goodnight.

Favourite holiday destination:

Declan: Las Vegas but I also love getting home to Ireland and seeing everyone back home.

Heidi: Australia but my dream destination would be to go to Cuba.

Favourite pastime:

Declan: I love brunching and socializing. Just basically having the craic.

Heidi: Paddleboarding and swimming.

Personal motto:

Declan: Take chances.

Heidi: Live, love, laugh and have no regrets.

 

What is a black hole?

1. Black holes are objects whose gravity is so strong not even light can escape their pull

2. They can be created when massive stars collapse under their own weight

3. Large black holes can also be formed when smaller ones collide and merge

4. The biggest black holes lurk at the centre of many galaxies, including our own

5. Astronomers believe that when the universe was very young, black holes affected how galaxies formed

Ferrari 12Cilindri specs

Engine: naturally aspirated 6.5-liter V12

Power: 819hp

Torque: 678Nm at 7,250rpm

Price: From Dh1,700,000

Available: Now

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

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

The Year Earth Changed

Directed by:Tom Beard

Narrated by: Sir David Attenborough

Stars: 4