Bahrain's first representative at the Miss Universe pageant says she was so excited to attend the global beauty contest that she hardly slept the night before her flight to Israel, the host country this year.
Manar Nadeem Deyani, 25, is one of 79 contestants who are taking part in the annual competition, where current Miss Universe Andrea Meza from Mexico will crown her successor at the gala finals in the resort city of Eilat on December 12.
Despite the threat of the Omicron coronavirus variant, which resulted in Israeli authorities shutting out the country from foreigners, the pageant has been allowed to go ahead, with Tourism Minister Yoel Razvozov saying last month it was the kind of event Israel "is very much in need of".
Deyani, a fashion student living in Dubai, was named on November 29 as her country's first Miss Universe participant. While beauty pageants have been held in Bahrain before, this will be the first time a contestant has represented the country at the competition, which is celebrating its 70th year this year.
Here, Deyani shares with The National her daily journey at Miss Universe 2021, which she called a "once-in-a-lifetime experience".
December 1: the training
"I’m on the last stretch of my preparations before I fly out from Dubai. It has been an intense week of training by Yugen Group, from improving my pasarela walk (a walking style used in pageants) to my outfits to perfecting my daily hair and makeup look.
"I am someone who’s very particular with how I present myself, so having to work with Maggie Semaan, an international celebrity hair artist, is actually a dream come true. I’ve been working with her since the day I was appointed as the first ever Miss Universe Bahrain and it’s been a pleasure working with Maggie in terms of planning my complete day-to-day looks from the moment I land in Israel to the time I depart – hopefully with a crown to match my gorgeous hair."
December 2: arriving in Tel Aviv
"I don’t know if it’s just me but I can’t wait to start my Miss Universe journey. I literally stayed up all night just thinking of how this once-in-a-lifetime experience will turn out. But of course, before anything else, I had to pack my bags and finish off some of my university work on the side.
"But today’s the day! I’m off to Israel to meet my Miss Universe sisters. I managed to catch some sleep on my four-hour journey but I’m just full of excitement.
"I almost lost my luggage when I landed in Tel Aviv but thankfully it has been found. I was met by the Miss Universe team just as soon as I exited the baggage claim. I went straight to the hotel, finished the registration and started my quarantine."
December 3 and 4: quarantine
"After landing, I spent the next 72 hours in quarantine. I used this time to further prepare myself both physically and mentally, doing quick workouts inside my room, virtual training with my team, improving my walk and practicing my Q&A. I also got the chance to catch up and call my family and work on some of my university assignments."
December 5: meeting other contestants
"I'm finally off quarantine period, yay! Just as soon as I left my hotel room, I met the sweetest Elle Smith, Miss USA. We had a quick chat and it was an amazing feeling meeting my Miss Universe sisters in person.
"Today we also leave from Jerusalem to Eilat. After a four-hour ride, I went straight for lunch with Miss USA, Miss Peru and Miss Russia. We also ended the night with an orientation where I got to meet most of my new sisters. It has been a very exciting day to say the least."
December 6: the rehearsals
"Woke up feeling great. I did my make up, my hair and headed down for breakfast. I wanted to join my sisters on the trips but since I only got out of quarantine a few days ago I have so many things to do.
"In the afternoon, it was all rehearsals. We can see how dedicated the Miss Universe team are – so all the girls are behaving well and trying our best to learn the choreographies. I remember my pasarela coach training me for my catwalk before and now it really does feel different doing the catwalk with my sisters here. It’s amazing and I've never felt more confident in [my] life. I can’t wait for the live shows."
December 7: my first trip around Eilat
"I woke up with excitement today, I’m finally going on my first trip with my Miss Universe sisters. I have been on fittings, interviews and shoots since I came to Eilat and finally it’s time for me to enjoy the trips.
"I headed down for breakfast with my sisters then straight to see a waterpark where we met the dolphins named Luna and Nikita. The place is amazing and I can see everything beneath because the water is crystal clear. Miss Universe India and I spotted a tree house and it brought back a lot of memories from when I was young.
"I had an amazing time, it was pure joy and laughter with Miss Universe USA, Miss Universe Nigeria and Miss Universe Mauritius. After the trip, we chilled in another hotel that gave me peaceful vibe. I wish I had brought my sketchpads with me, I feel like the place would have been perfect for me to find inspiration.
"Later, we had more rehearsals, then dinner and then I went back to my room. My day did not finish there. I had to do a Q&A training with my coaches for the personality interview the next day. I’m very lucky to have an amazing team making sure I’m ready."
December 8: the personality interview
"This is it! The day I’ve been waiting for the most – the personality Interview. If you know me personally, I talk a lot and I think talking has really been my strongest suit. I prayed and did my duaas – I’m nervous but I’m excited. I don’t know what’s gonna happen or what to expect but I’m ready to represent Bahrain and everyone that feels unrepresented.
"I walked into the room where the panelist were and started talking. I am the shortest candidate in Miss Universe history, the first Miss Universe Bahrain and the first one to represent Gulf countries, so I think it more as a responsibility. I talked about myself, my country and what my purpose is. And I did it, I nailed my personality interview!
"The rush I got from that moment was so much, I wanted more and it’s making me excited to perform at the preliminaries and the finals. I had lunch and headed back to my room to prepare for my next event.
"Our next stop is the workshop for Smile Train, a non-profit organisation and charity providing corrective surgery for children with cleft lips and palates. They provide free corrective cleft surgeries in 87 countries, training local doctors and providing hospital funding for the procedures. The workshop really did inspire me and I realised that this is my purpose – raising awareness about causes that will help the younger generation to have a better life. I can’t wait to bring Smile Train to Bahrain and give Bahraini kids with cleft palates the chance to smile.
"It was a long day but it was very worth it. I went back to my room and called it a day."
– This article was first published on December 8, 2021
Scroll through the gallery for pictures of Miss Universe 2021 contestants in Jerusalem's Old City:
DUBAI WORLD CUP RACE CARD
6.30pm Meydan Classic Trial US$100,000 (Turf) 1,400m
7.05pm Handicap $135,000 (T) 1,400m
7.40pm UAE 2000 Guineas Group Three $250,000 (Dirt) 1,600m
8.15pm Dubai Sprint Listed Handicap $175,000 (T) 1,200m
8.50pm Al Maktoum Challenge Round-2 Group Two $450,000 (D) 1,900m
9.25pm Handicap $135,000 (T) 1,800m
10pm Handicap $135,000 (T) 1,400m
The National selections
6.30pm Well Of Wisdom
7.05pm Summrghand
7.40pm Laser Show
8.15pm Angel Alexander
8.50pm Benbatl
9.25pm Art Du Val
10pm: Beyond Reason
MATCH RESULT
Liverpool 4 Brighton and Hove Albion 0
Liverpool: Salah (26'), Lovren (40'), Solanke (53'), Robertson (85')
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
The specs: 2018 Nissan 370Z Nismo
The specs: 2018 Nissan 370Z Nismo
Price, base / as tested: Dh182,178
Engine: 3.7-litre V6
Power: 350hp @ 7,400rpm
Torque: 374Nm @ 5,200rpm
Transmission: Seven-speed automatic
Fuel consumption, combined: 10.5L / 100km
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.”
More on animal trafficking
The specs: 2018 Jaguar E-Pace First Edition
Price, base / as tested: Dh186,480 / Dh252,735
Engine: 2.0-litre four-cylinder
Power: 246hp @ 5,500rpm
Torque: 365Nm @ 1,200rpm
Transmission: Nine-speed automatic
Fuel consumption, combined: 7.7L / 100km
RESULTS
Argentina 4 Haiti 0
Peru 2 Scotland 0
Panama 0 Northern Ireland 0
The rules of the road keeping cyclists safe
Cyclists must wear a helmet, arm and knee pads
Have a white front-light and a back red-light on their bike
They must place a number plate with reflective light to the back of the bike to alert road-users
Avoid carrying weights that could cause the bike to lose balance
They must cycle on designated lanes and areas and ride safe on pavements to avoid bumping into pedestrians
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.
RESULTS
6pm: Mazrat Al Ruwayah – Group 2 (PA) $40,000 (Dirt) 1,600m
Winner: AF Alajaj, Tadhg O’Shea (jockey), Ernst Oertel (trainer)
6.35pm: Race of Future – Handicap (TB) $80,000 (Turf) 2,410m
Winner: Global Storm, William Buick, Charlie Appleby
7.10pm: UAE 2000 Guineas – Group 3 (TB) $150,000 (D) 1,600m
Winner: Azure Coast, Antonio Fresu, Pavel Vashchenko
7.45pm: Business Bay Challenge – Listed (TB) $100,000 (T) 1,400m
Winner: Storm Damage, Patrick Cosgrave, Saeed bin Suroor
20.20pm: Curlin Stakes – Listed (TB) $100,000 (D) 2,000m
Winner: Appreciated, Fernando Jara, Doug O’Neill
8.55pm: Singspiel Stakes – Group 2 (TB) $180,000 (T) 1,800m
Winner: Lord Glitters, Daniel Tudhope, David O'Meara
9.30pm: Al Shindagha Sprint – Group 3 (TB) $150,000 (D) 1,200m
Winner: Meraas, Antonio Fresu, Musabah Al Muhairi
The%20specs%20
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EEngine%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E2.0-litre%204cyl%20turbo%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EPower%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E261hp%20at%205%2C500rpm%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ETorque%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E400Nm%20at%201%2C750-4%2C000rpm%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ETransmission%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E7-speed%20dual-clutch%20auto%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EFuel%20consumption%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E10.5L%2F100km%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EOn%20sale%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3ENow%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EPrice%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EFrom%20Dh129%2C999%20(VX%20Luxury)%3B%20from%20Dh149%2C999%20(VX%20Black%20Gold)%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
BMW%20M4%20Competition
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UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
The biog
Name: Mohammed Imtiaz
From: Gujranwala, Pakistan
Arrived in the UAE: 1976
Favourite clothes to make: Suit
Cost of a hand-made suit: From Dh550
Results
%3Cp%3E%0D%3Cstrong%3EElite%20men%3C%2Fstrong%3E%0D%3Cbr%3E1.%20Amare%20Hailemichael%20Samson%20(ERI)%202%3A07%3A10%0D%3Cbr%3E2.%20Leornard%20Barsoton%20(KEN)%202%3A09%3A37%0D%3Cbr%3E3.%20Ilham%20Ozbilan%20(TUR)%202%3A10%3A16%0D%3Cbr%3E4.%20Gideon%20Chepkonga%20(KEN)%202%3A11%3A17%0D%3Cbr%3E5.%20Isaac%20Timoi%20(KEN)%202%3A11%3A34%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EElite%20women%3C%2Fstrong%3E%0D%3Cbr%3E1.%20Brigid%20Kosgei%20(KEN)%202%3A19%3A15%0D%3Cbr%3E2.%20Hawi%20Feysa%20Gejia%20(ETH)%202%3A24%3A03%0D%3Cbr%3E3.%20Sintayehu%20Dessi%20(ETH)%202%3A25%3A36%0D%3Cbr%3E4.%20Aurelia%20Kiptui%20(KEN)%202%3A28%3A59%0D%3Cbr%3E5.%20Emily%20Kipchumba%20(KEN)%202%3A29%3A52%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
MATCH INFO
Championship play-offs, second legs:
Aston Villa 0
Middlesbrough 0
(Aston Villa advance 1-0 on aggregate)
Fulham 2
Sessegnon (47'), Odoi (66')
Derby County 0
(Fulham advance 2-1 on aggregate)
Final
Saturday, May 26, Wembley. Kick off 8pm (UAE)
Venom
Director: Ruben Fleischer
Cast: Tom Hardy, Michelle Williams, Riz Ahmed
Rating: 1.5/5
What is the FNC?
The Federal National Council is one of five federal authorities established by the UAE constitution. It held its first session on December 2, 1972, a year to the day after Federation.
It has 40 members, eight of whom are women. The members represent the UAE population through each of the emirates. Abu Dhabi and Dubai have eight members each, Sharjah and Ras al Khaimah six, and Ajman, Fujairah and Umm Al Quwain have four.
They bring Emirati issues to the council for debate and put those concerns to ministers summoned for questioning.
The FNC’s main functions include passing, amending or rejecting federal draft laws, discussing international treaties and agreements, and offering recommendations on general subjects raised during sessions.
Federal draft laws must first pass through the FNC for recommendations when members can amend the laws to suit the needs of citizens. The draft laws are then forwarded to the Cabinet for consideration and approval.
Since 2006, half of the members have been elected by UAE citizens to serve four-year terms and the other half are appointed by the Ruler’s Courts of the seven emirates.
In the 2015 elections, 78 of the 252 candidates were women. Women also represented 48 per cent of all voters and 67 per cent of the voters were under the age of 40.
What the law says
Micro-retirement is not a recognised concept or employment status under Federal Decree Law No. 33 of 2021 on the Regulation of Labour Relations (as amended) (UAE Labour Law). As such, it reflects a voluntary work-life balance practice, rather than a recognised legal employment category, according to Dilini Loku, senior associate for law firm Gateley Middle East.
“Some companies may offer formal sabbatical policies or career break programmes; however, beyond such arrangements, there is no automatic right or statutory entitlement to extended breaks,” she explains.
“Any leave taken beyond statutory entitlements, such as annual leave, is typically regarded as unpaid leave in accordance with Article 33 of the UAE Labour Law. While employees may legally take unpaid leave, such requests are subject to the employer’s discretion and require approval.”
If an employee resigns to pursue micro-retirement, the employment contract is terminated, and the employer is under no legal obligation to rehire the employee in the future unless specific contractual agreements are in place (such as return-to-work arrangements), which are generally uncommon, Ms Loku adds.
The specs: 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk
Price, base: Dh399,999
Engine: Supercharged 6.2-litre V8
Gearbox: Eight-speed automatic
Power: 707hp @ 6,000rpm
Torque: 875Nm @ 4,800rpm
Fuel economy, combined: 16.8L / 100km (estimate)
