• US actress Kerry Washington arrives for the 33rd Annual Producers Guild Awards at the Fairmont Century Plaza in Los Angeles on March 19, 2022. AFP
    US actress Kerry Washington arrives for the 33rd Annual Producers Guild Awards at the Fairmont Century Plaza in Los Angeles on March 19, 2022. AFP
  • US actor Chris Pine. AFP
    US actor Chris Pine. AFP
  • Irish actor Jamie Dornan of 'Belfast'. AFP
    Irish actor Jamie Dornan of 'Belfast'. AFP
  • British-American actor Andrew Garfield. AFP
    British-American actor Andrew Garfield. AFP
  • Puerto Rican-American actress Rita Moreno. AFP
    Puerto Rican-American actress Rita Moreno. AFP
  • Tennis star and now poducer Serena Williams. AFP
    Tennis star and now poducer Serena Williams. AFP
  • Pro-tennis player-poducer Venus Williams. AFP
    Pro-tennis player-poducer Venus Williams. AFP
  • Actor Will Smith, who is nominated for his role in 'King Richard'. AFP
    Actor Will Smith, who is nominated for his role in 'King Richard'. AFP
  • US actress Issa Rae. AFP
    US actress Issa Rae. AFP
  • Scottish actor Ewan McGregor, left, with US actress Mary Elizabeth Winstead. AFP
    Scottish actor Ewan McGregor, left, with US actress Mary Elizabeth Winstead. AFP
  • US actress Marlee Matlin. AFP
    US actress Marlee Matlin. AFP
  • South Korean actress Jung Hoyeon from 'Squid Game'. AFP
    South Korean actress Jung Hoyeon from 'Squid Game'. AFP
  • Malaysian actress Michelle Yeoh. AFP
    Malaysian actress Michelle Yeoh. AFP
  • US actress Rachel Brosnahan arrives for the 33rd Annual Producers Guild Awards at the Fairmont Century Plaza in Los Angeles on March 19, 2022. (Photo by Michael Tran / AFP)
    US actress Rachel Brosnahan arrives for the 33rd Annual Producers Guild Awards at the Fairmont Century Plaza in Los Angeles on March 19, 2022. (Photo by Michael Tran / AFP)
  • 'Spencer' actress Kristen Stewart. AFP
    'Spencer' actress Kristen Stewart. AFP
  • Alana Haim, left, and Sara Murphy. AP Photo
    Alana Haim, left, and Sara Murphy. AP Photo
  • Denis Villeneuve, director of 'Dune'. AP Photo
    Denis Villeneuve, director of 'Dune'. AP Photo
  • American filmmaker Barry Jenkins. AP Photo
    American filmmaker Barry Jenkins. AP Photo
  • Kathryn Boyd Brolin, left, and Josh Brolin. AFP
    Kathryn Boyd Brolin, left, and Josh Brolin. AFP
  • Demi Singleton, left, and Saniyya Sidney. AP Photo
    Demi Singleton, left, and Saniyya Sidney. AP Photo
  • American actor Daniel Dae Kim. AP Photo
    American actor Daniel Dae Kim. AP Photo
  • American filmmaker Jac Schaeffer arrives. AP Photo
    American filmmaker Jac Schaeffer arrives. AP Photo
  • TV producer Liza Katzer. AFP
    TV producer Liza Katzer. AFP
  • Author Andrea Warren. Getty Images / AFP
    Author Andrea Warren. Getty Images / AFP
  • Actor Jude Hill of 'Belfast'. AP Photo
    Actor Jude Hill of 'Belfast'. AP Photo
  • From left, Daniel Durant, Troy Kotsur and Marlee Matlin. Getty Images / AFP
    From left, Daniel Durant, Troy Kotsur and Marlee Matlin. Getty Images / AFP
  • Karen Sharpe, left, and Kat Kramer. Getty Images / AFP
    Karen Sharpe, left, and Kat Kramer. Getty Images / AFP

Producers Guild Awards 2022 fashion: best-dressed stars at the Los Angeles event


Katy Gillett
  • English
  • Arabic

Hollywood's elite turned out looking glamorous on Saturday night for the Producers Guild Awards 2022, which were held at the Fairmont Century Plaza Hotel in Los Angeles.

CODA, the story of a hearing daughter in a deaf family, may have taken home the marquee film prize, but there were winners all round when it came to style.

Look through the gallery above to see the best-dressed celebrities at the Producers Guild Awards 2022.

Among those bringing high style to the event were Kerry Washington, who sported a coral gown in satin with corset top and flowing train, and a long diamond chain hung asymmetrically around her neck and shoulder.

Oscar nominee Kristen Stewart turned heads in a strapless white dress with mesh bodice and textured skirt, her blonde hair in a stunning up do.

Red carpet veteran Rita Moreno, the Puerto Rican-born American actress, dancer, and singer, also looked every bit as stunning as her younger peers, with a black gown and black gloves, ruffled sleeves and dusty rose cape.

Scroll through the gallery below to see who won the Producers Guild Awards 2022:

  • Kristen Stewart, right, presents Patrick Wachsberger with the Darryl F Zanuck Award for Outstanding Producer of Theatrical Motion Pictures for 'CODA' at the 33rd annual Producers Guild Awards, at the Fairmont Century Plaza Hotel in Los Angeles. All photos: AP
    Kristen Stewart, right, presents Patrick Wachsberger with the Darryl F Zanuck Award for Outstanding Producer of Theatrical Motion Pictures for 'CODA' at the 33rd annual Producers Guild Awards, at the Fairmont Century Plaza Hotel in Los Angeles. All photos: AP
  • The production team and cast of 'CODA' accept the Darryl F Zanuck Award for Outstanding Producer of Theatrical Motion Pictures.
    The production team and cast of 'CODA' accept the Darryl F Zanuck Award for Outstanding Producer of Theatrical Motion Pictures.
  • Yvett Merino, left, and Clark Spencer accept the award for Outstanding Producer of Animated Theatrical Motion Pictures for 'Encanto'.
    Yvett Merino, left, and Clark Spencer accept the award for Outstanding Producer of Animated Theatrical Motion Pictures for 'Encanto'.
  • The producing team of 'Succession' accept the Norman Felton Award for Outstanding Producer of Episodic Television Drama.
    The producing team of 'Succession' accept the Norman Felton Award for Outstanding Producer of Episodic Television Drama.
  • The producers of 'Mare of Easttown' accept the David L Wolper Award for Outstanding Producer of Limited or Anthology Series for Television.
    The producers of 'Mare of Easttown' accept the David L Wolper Award for Outstanding Producer of Limited or Anthology Series for Television.
  • Rita Moreno, left, accepts the Stanley Kramer Award from Jessica Chastain.
    Rita Moreno, left, accepts the Stanley Kramer Award from Jessica Chastain.
  • Mary Parent accepts the David O Selznick Achievement Award.
    Mary Parent accepts the David O Selznick Achievement Award.
  • Issa Rae accepts the Visionary Award.
    Issa Rae accepts the Visionary Award.
  • Olivia Harrison, from left, Jonathan Clyde, Clare Olssen and Ken Kamins accept the award for Outstanding Producer of Non-fiction Television for 'The Beatles: Get Back'.
    Olivia Harrison, from left, Jonathan Clyde, Clare Olssen and Ken Kamins accept the award for Outstanding Producer of Non-fiction Television for 'The Beatles: Get Back'.
  • George Lucas, right, accepts the Milestone Award from Kathleen Kennedy.
    George Lucas, right, accepts the Milestone Award from Kathleen Kennedy.
  • The production team from 'Ted Lasso' accept the Danny Thomas award for Outstanding Producer of Episodic Television Comedy.
    The production team from 'Ted Lasso' accept the Danny Thomas award for Outstanding Producer of Episodic Television Comedy.

The men cannot be ignored, either. Actor Will Smith is among the males who brought their A-game to LA last night, wearing a navy suit with black trim and waistcoat.

Jamie Dornan, Ewan McGregor and Josh Brolin also wore classic suits, while Andrew Garfield donned velvet.

It wasn't only film stars who caught eyes on the red carpet, as tennis greats Serena and Venus Williams also turned up wearing a dazzling sequinned halter-topped dress and bodiced white gown, respectively.

CODA star Marlee Matlin sparkled in a sequinned jumpsuit, while Squid Game actress Jung Ho-yeon donned a stunning Louis Vuitton outfit and the limelight shone on Issa Rae's ruffled green Aliette dress.

Scroll through the gallery below to see what celebrities wore to the Baftas 2022 last week:

  • Lady Gaga, wearing a custom emerald Ralph Lauren Collection dress, upon arrival at the 75th British Academy Film Awards in London. AP Photo
    Lady Gaga, wearing a custom emerald Ralph Lauren Collection dress, upon arrival at the 75th British Academy Film Awards in London. AP Photo
  • Naomi Campbell, in a black velvet Burberry gown. AP Photo
    Naomi Campbell, in a black velvet Burberry gown. AP Photo
  • Ariana DeBose, wearing yellow Oscar de la Renta. EPA
    Ariana DeBose, wearing yellow Oscar de la Renta. EPA
  • British actor Daniel Kaluuya, wearing feather-trimmed Prada. AFP
    British actor Daniel Kaluuya, wearing feather-trimmed Prada. AFP
  • Salma Hayek, wearing purple velvet Gucci. Getty Images
    Salma Hayek, wearing purple velvet Gucci. Getty Images
  • Irish actress Caitriona Balfe in a custom velvet Armani Prive dress. AFP
    Irish actress Caitriona Balfe in a custom velvet Armani Prive dress. AFP
  • Sienna Miller, wearing a Gucci gown with lace gloves. AP Photo
    Sienna Miller, wearing a Gucci gown with lace gloves. AP Photo
  • Emma Watson, in a halter-top Oscar de la Renta dress. AFP
    Emma Watson, in a halter-top Oscar de la Renta dress. AFP
  • British actress Daisy Edgar-Jones, in fringed Gucci. AFP
    British actress Daisy Edgar-Jones, in fringed Gucci. AFP
  • Lucy Boynton, in silver Chanel. AP
    Lucy Boynton, in silver Chanel. AP
  • French actress Lea Seydoux, wearing a sequin embroidered Louis Vuitton gown. AFP
    French actress Lea Seydoux, wearing a sequin embroidered Louis Vuitton gown. AFP
  • Millie Bobby Brown, wearing black velvet and lace Louis Vuitton. AP Photo
    Millie Bobby Brown, wearing black velvet and lace Louis Vuitton. AP Photo
  • British actor Benedict Cumberbatch and his wife Sophie Hunter. AFP
    British actor Benedict Cumberbatch and his wife Sophie Hunter. AFP
  • Florence Pugh, in black Carolina Herrera with a white train. AP Photo
    Florence Pugh, in black Carolina Herrera with a white train. AP Photo
  • Sebastian Stan, in a Givenchy tuxedo. AFP
    Sebastian Stan, in a Givenchy tuxedo. AFP
  • Rebecca Hall, in silver sheer Christian Dior couture. Getty Images
    Rebecca Hall, in silver sheer Christian Dior couture. Getty Images
  • Adwoa Aboah, in black Saint Laurent. AFP
    Adwoa Aboah, in black Saint Laurent. AFP
  • Haley Bennett, in red Valentino. AFP
    Haley Bennett, in red Valentino. AFP
  • Host Rebel Wilson, in a tiered tulle Giambattista Valli Couture dress. AFP
    Host Rebel Wilson, in a tiered tulle Giambattista Valli Couture dress. AFP
  • Rachel Zegler, in blue Vivienne Westwood. AFP
    Rachel Zegler, in blue Vivienne Westwood. AFP
  • Daisy Ridley, wearing a Vivienne Westwood gown. Getty Images
    Daisy Ridley, wearing a Vivienne Westwood gown. Getty Images
  • Emilia Jones, in a gold Atelier Versace halter gown. AFP
    Emilia Jones, in a gold Atelier Versace halter gown. AFP
  • British actress Lashana Lynch. AFP
    British actress Lashana Lynch. AFP
  • British actor Riz Ahmed, wearing clashing Gucci pieces. AFP
    British actor Riz Ahmed, wearing clashing Gucci pieces. AFP
  • Alana Haim and Este Haim. AFP
    Alana Haim and Este Haim. AFP
  • British actor Tom Hiddleston and British actress Zawe Ashton. AFP
    British actor Tom Hiddleston and British actress Zawe Ashton. AFP
  • Emerald Fennell, in a royal blue velvet Gucci tuxedo. Getty Images
    Emerald Fennell, in a royal blue velvet Gucci tuxedo. Getty Images
  • British actor Stephen Graham. AFP
    British actor Stephen Graham. AFP
  • British actress Ellie Bamber. AFP
    British actress Ellie Bamber. AFP
  • Jessie Buckley. AP Photo
    Jessie Buckley. AP Photo
  • Renate Reinsve. AP Photo
    Renate Reinsve. AP Photo
  • British actor Ciaran Hinds. AFP
    British actor Ciaran Hinds. AFP
  • British actress Simone Ashley. AFP
    British actress Simone Ashley. AFP
  • Millicent Simmonds. AP Photo
    Millicent Simmonds. AP Photo
RACE CARD

6.30pm Maiden (TB) Dh82.500 (Dirt) 1,400m

7.05pm Handicap (TB) Dh87,500 (D) 1,400m

7.40pm Handicap (TB) Dh92,500 (Turf) 2,410m

8.15pm Handicap (TB) Dh105,000 (D) 1,900m

8.50pm UAE 2000 Guineas Trial (TB) Conditions Dh183,650 (D) 1,600m

9.25pm Dubai Trophy (TB) Conditions Dh183,650 (T) 1,200m

10pm Handicap (TB) Dh102,500 (T) 1,400m

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

CONFIRMED%20LINE-UP
%3Cp%3E%0DElena%20Rybakina%20(Kazakhstan)%20%20%0D%3Cbr%3EOns%20Jabeur%20(Tunisia)%20%20%0D%3Cbr%3EMaria%20Sakkari%20(Greece)%20%20%0D%3Cbr%3EBarbora%20Krej%C4%8D%C3%ADkov%C3%A1%20(Czech%20Republic)%20%20%0D%3Cbr%3EBeatriz%20Haddad%20Maia%20(Brazil)%20%20%0D%3Cbr%3EJe%C4%BCena%20Ostapenko%20(Latvia)%20%20%0D%3Cbr%3ELiudmila%20Samsonova%20%20%0D%3Cbr%3EDaria%20Kasatkina%E2%80%AF%20%0D%3Cbr%3EVeronika%20Kudermetova%E2%80%AF%20%0D%3Cbr%3ECaroline%20Garcia%20(France)%E2%80%AF%20%0D%3Cbr%3EMagda%20Linette%20(Poland)%E2%80%AF%20%0D%3Cbr%3ESorana%20C%C3%AErstea%20(Romania)%E2%80%AF%20%0D%3Cbr%3EAnastasia%20Potapova%E2%80%AF%20%0D%3Cbr%3EAnhelina%20Kalinina%20(Ukraine)%E2%80%AF%E2%80%AF%20%0D%3Cbr%3EJasmine%20Paolini%20(Italy)%E2%80%AF%20%0D%3Cbr%3EEmma%20Navarro%20(USA)%E2%80%AF%20%0D%3Cbr%3ELesia%20Tsurenko%20(Ukraine)%3Cbr%3ENaomi%20Osaka%20(Japan)%20-%20wildcard%3Cbr%3EEmma%20Raducanu%20(Great%20Britain)%20-%20wildcard%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
THE SPECS

Engine: 1.5-litre, four-cylinder turbo

Transmission: seven-speed dual clutch automatic

Power: 169bhp

Torque: 250Nm

Price: Dh54,500

On sale: now

The%20specs
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EEngine%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E2.0-litre%204-cyl%20turbo%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EPower%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E190hp%20at%205%2C600rpm%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ETorque%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E320Nm%20at%201%2C500-4%2C000rpm%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ETransmission%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E7-speed%20dual-clutch%20auto%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EFuel%20consumption%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E10.9L%2F100km%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EPrice%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EFrom%20Dh119%2C900%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EOn%20sale%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3ENow%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Diriyah%20project%20at%20a%20glance
%3Cp%3E-%20Diriyah%E2%80%99s%201.9km%20King%20Salman%20Boulevard%2C%20a%20Parisian%20Champs-Elysees-inspired%20avenue%2C%20is%20scheduled%20for%20completion%20in%202028%0D%3Cbr%3E-%20The%20Royal%20Diriyah%20Opera%20House%20is%20expected%20to%20be%20completed%20in%20four%20years%0D%3Cbr%3E-%20Diriyah%E2%80%99s%20first%20of%2042%20hotels%2C%20the%20Bab%20Samhan%20hotel%2C%20will%20open%20in%20the%20first%20quarter%20of%202024%0D%3Cbr%3E-%20On%20completion%20in%202030%2C%20the%20Diriyah%20project%20is%20forecast%20to%20accommodate%20more%20than%20100%2C000%20people%0D%3Cbr%3E-%20The%20%2463.2%20billion%20Diriyah%20project%20will%20contribute%20%247.2%20billion%20to%20the%20kingdom%E2%80%99s%20GDP%0D%3Cbr%3E-%20It%20will%20create%20more%20than%20178%2C000%20jobs%20and%20aims%20to%20attract%20more%20than%2050%20million%20visits%20a%20year%0D%3Cbr%3E-%20About%202%2C000%20people%20work%20for%20the%20Diriyah%20Company%2C%20with%20more%20than%2086%20per%20cent%20being%20Saudi%20citizens%0D%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
BUNDESLIGA FIXTURES

Friday (all kick-offs UAE time)

Hertha Berlin v Union Berlin (10.30pm)

Saturday

Freiburg v Werder Bremen (5.30pm)

Paderborn v Hoffenheim (5.30pm)

Wolfsburg v Borussia Dortmund (5.30pm)

Borussia Monchengladbach v Bayer Leverkusen (5.30pm)

Bayern Munich v Eintracht Frankfurt (5.30pm)

Sunday

Schalke v Augsburg (3.30pm)

Mainz v RB Leipzig (5.30pm)

Cologne v Fortuna Dusseldorf (8pm)

The 15 players selected

Muzzamil Afridi, Rahman Gul, Rizwan Haider (Dezo Devils); Shahbaz Ahmed, Suneth Sampath (Glory Gladiators); Waqas Gohar, Jamshaid Butt, Shadab Ahamed (Ganga Fighters); Ali Abid, Ayaz Butt, Ghulam Farid, JD Mahesh Kumara (Hiranni Heros); Inam Faried, Mausif Khan, Ashok Kumar (Texas Titans

MATCH INFO

Everton 0

Manchester City 2 (Laporte 45 2', Jesus 90 7')

SERIE A FIXTURES

Friday Sassuolo v Torino (Kick-off 10.45pm UAE)

Saturday Atalanta v Sampdoria (5pm),

Genoa v Inter Milan (8pm),

Lazio v Bologna (10.45pm)

Sunday Cagliari v Crotone (3.30pm) 

Benevento v Napoli (6pm) 

Parma v Spezia (6pm)

 Fiorentina v Udinese (9pm)

Juventus v Hellas Verona (11.45pm)

Monday AC Milan v AS Roma (11.45pm)

Key 2013/14 UAE Motorsport dates

October 4: Round One of Rotax Max Challenge, Al Ain (karting)

October 1: 1 Round One of the inaugural UAE Desert Championship (rally)

November 1-3: Abu Dhabi Grand Prix (Formula One)

November 28-30: Dubai International Rally

January 9-11: 24Hrs of Dubai (Touring Cars / Endurance)

March 21: Round 11 of Rotax Max Challenge, Muscat, Oman (karting)

April 4-10: Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge (Endurance)

Ahmed Raza

UAE cricket captain

Age: 31

Born: Sharjah

Role: Left-arm spinner

One-day internationals: 31 matches, 35 wickets, average 31.4, economy rate 3.95

T20 internationals: 41 matches, 29 wickets, average 30.3, economy rate 6.28

Stamp duty timeline

December 2014: Former UK finance minister George Osbourne reforms stamp duty, replacing the slab system with a blended rate scheme, with the top rate increasing to 12 per cent from 10 per cent:
Up to £125,000 - 0%; £125,000 to £250,000 – 2%; £250,000 to £925,000 – 5%; £925,000 to £1.5m: 10%; Over £1.5m – 12%

April 2016: New 3% surcharge applied to any buy-to-let properties or additional homes purchased.

July 2020: Rishi Sunak unveils SDLT holiday, with no tax to pay on the first £500,000, with buyers saving up to £15,000.

March 2021: Mr Sunak decides the fate of SDLT holiday at his March 3 budget, with expectations he will extend the perk unti June.

April 2021: 2% SDLT surcharge added to property transactions made by overseas buyers.

In numbers: PKK’s money network in Europe

Germany: PKK collectors typically bring in $18 million in cash a year – amount has trebled since 2010

Revolutionary tax: Investigators say about $2 million a year raised from ‘tax collection’ around Marseille

Extortion: Gunman convicted in 2023 of demanding $10,000 from Kurdish businessman in Stockholm

Drug trade: PKK income claimed by Turkish anti-drugs force in 2024 to be as high as $500 million a year

Denmark: PKK one of two terrorist groups along with Iranian separatists ASMLA to raise “two-digit million amounts”

Contributions: Hundreds of euros expected from typical Kurdish families and thousands from business owners

TV channel: Kurdish Roj TV accounts frozen and went bankrupt after Denmark fined it more than $1 million over PKK links in 2013 

US tops drug cost charts

The study of 13 essential drugs showed costs in the United States were about 300 per cent higher than the global average, followed by Germany at 126 per cent and 122 per cent in the UAE.

Thailand, Kenya and Malaysia were rated as nations with the lowest costs, about 90 per cent cheaper.

In the case of insulin, diabetic patients in the US paid five and a half times the global average, while in the UAE the costs are about 50 per cent higher than the median price of branded and generic drugs.

Some of the costliest drugs worldwide include Lipitor for high cholesterol. 

The study’s price index placed the US at an exorbitant 2,170 per cent higher for Lipitor than the average global price and the UAE at the eighth spot globally with costs 252 per cent higher.

High blood pressure medication Zestril was also more than 2,680 per cent higher in the US and the UAE price was 187 per cent higher than the global price.

On the menu

First course

▶ Emirati sea bass tartare Yuzu and labneh mayo, avocado, green herbs, fermented tomato water  

▶ The Tale of the Oyster Oyster tartare, Bahraini gum berry pickle

Second course

▶ Local mackerel Sourdough crouton, baharat oil, red radish, zaatar mayo

▶ One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest Quail, smoked freekeh, cinnamon cocoa

Third course

▶ Bahraini bouillabaisse Venus clams, local prawns, fishfarm seabream, farro

▶ Lamb 2 ways Braised lamb, crispy lamb chop, bulgur, physalis

Dessert

▶ Lumi Black lemon ice cream, pistachio, pomegranate

▶ Black chocolate bar Dark chocolate, dates, caramel, camel milk ice cream
 

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.”

'Saand Ki Aankh'

Produced by: Reliance Entertainment with Chalk and Cheese Films
Director: Tushar Hiranandani
Cast: Taapsee Pannu, Bhumi Pednekar, Prakash Jha, Vineet Singh
Rating: 3.5/5 stars

Updated: March 20, 2022, 8:02 AM