• Miss India Harnaaz Sandhu, left, is crowned Miss Universe 2021 by Miss Universe 2020 Andrea Meza from Mexico during the Miss Universe 2021 pageant in Eilat, Israel. Contestants from 80 countries and territories competed in the Miss Universe 2021 pageant. EPA
    Miss India Harnaaz Sandhu, left, is crowned Miss Universe 2021 by Miss Universe 2020 Andrea Meza from Mexico during the Miss Universe 2021 pageant in Eilat, Israel. Contestants from 80 countries and territories competed in the Miss Universe 2021 pageant. EPA
  • Miss India Harnaaz Sandhu reacts as the Miss Universe crown is placed on her head by the outgoing Miss Universe Andrea Meza of Mexico, at the Red Sea resort of Eilat in Israel. Reuters
    Miss India Harnaaz Sandhu reacts as the Miss Universe crown is placed on her head by the outgoing Miss Universe Andrea Meza of Mexico, at the Red Sea resort of Eilat in Israel. Reuters
  • Contestants congratulate Miss Universe 2021 winner Harnaaz Sandhu. Reuters
    Contestants congratulate Miss Universe 2021 winner Harnaaz Sandhu. Reuters
  • Miss Universe contestants congratulate Harnaaz Sandhu as she is crowned Miss Universe during the 70th Miss Universe beauty pageant. AFP
    Miss Universe contestants congratulate Harnaaz Sandhu as she is crowned Miss Universe during the 70th Miss Universe beauty pageant. AFP
  • Miss India Harnaaz Sandhu walks on the stage among celebrations after being crowned Miss Universe 2021. EPA
    Miss India Harnaaz Sandhu walks on the stage among celebrations after being crowned Miss Universe 2021. EPA
  • Miss Universe 2021 Harnaaz Sandhu from India speaks to reporters after winning the 70th Miss Universe beauty pageant. AFP
    Miss Universe 2021 Harnaaz Sandhu from India speaks to reporters after winning the 70th Miss Universe beauty pageant. AFP
  • Miss Universe second runner-up Lalela Mswane from South Africa reacts during the 70th Miss Universe beauty pageant. AFP
    Miss Universe second runner-up Lalela Mswane from South Africa reacts during the 70th Miss Universe beauty pageant. AFP
  • The final three Miss Universe contestants, left to right, Miss South Africa, Lalela Mswane; Miss India, Harnaaz Sandhu; and Miss Paraguay, Nadia Ferreira, pose on stage during the pageant. AFP
    The final three Miss Universe contestants, left to right, Miss South Africa, Lalela Mswane; Miss India, Harnaaz Sandhu; and Miss Paraguay, Nadia Ferreira, pose on stage during the pageant. AFP
  • US singer JoJo performs on stage during the 70th Miss Universe beauty pageant. AFP
    US singer JoJo performs on stage during the 70th Miss Universe beauty pageant. AFP
  • Miss India Harnaaz Sandhu during the swimsuit round of the 70th Miss Universe beauty pageant. AFP
    Miss India Harnaaz Sandhu during the swimsuit round of the 70th Miss Universe beauty pageant. AFP
  • Miss South Africa Lalela Mswane poses in the evening gown competition during the pageant. AFP
    Miss South Africa Lalela Mswane poses in the evening gown competition during the pageant. AFP
  • US television host Steve Harvey asks Miss India Harnaaz Sandhu the final question during the 70th Miss Universe pageant. AFP
    US television host Steve Harvey asks Miss India Harnaaz Sandhu the final question during the 70th Miss Universe pageant. AFP
  • Miss Universe 2021 contestants pose during the pageant. Reuters
    Miss Universe 2021 contestants pose during the pageant. Reuters
  • Miss Universe 2020 Andrea Meza appears during the 70th Miss Universe pageant. AP Photo
    Miss Universe 2020 Andrea Meza appears during the 70th Miss Universe pageant. AP Photo
  • Outgoing Miss Universe Andrea Meza of Mexico poses during the event. Reuters
    Outgoing Miss Universe Andrea Meza of Mexico poses during the event. Reuters
  • Miss France Clemence Botino poses during the swimsuit round at the Miss Universe 2021 pageant. EPA
    Miss France Clemence Botino poses during the swimsuit round at the Miss Universe 2021 pageant. EPA
  • Miss Puerto Rico Michelle Colon poses during the Miss Universe 2021 pageant. EPA
    Miss Puerto Rico Michelle Colon poses during the Miss Universe 2021 pageant. EPA
  • Miss Colombia Valeria Ayos poses during the Miss Universe 2021 pageant. EPA
    Miss Colombia Valeria Ayos poses during the Miss Universe 2021 pageant. EPA
  • Miss USA Elle Smith poses during the Miss Universe pageant. Reuters
    Miss USA Elle Smith poses during the Miss Universe pageant. Reuters
  • Miss India Harnaaz Sandhu and at the pageant. AFP
    Miss India Harnaaz Sandhu and at the pageant. AFP
  • Paraguay's Nadia Ferreira poses during the final round of the 70th Miss Universe pageant. AP Photo
    Paraguay's Nadia Ferreira poses during the final round of the 70th Miss Universe pageant. AP Photo
  • Miss Universe semifinalists pose on stage during the swimsuit competition of the 70th Miss Universe beauty pageant in Israel's southern Red Sea coastal city of Eilat. AFP
    Miss Universe semifinalists pose on stage during the swimsuit competition of the 70th Miss Universe beauty pageant in Israel's southern Red Sea coastal city of Eilat. AFP
  • US television host Steve Harvey hosts the 70th Miss Universe beauty pageant. AFP
    US television host Steve Harvey hosts the 70th Miss Universe beauty pageant. AFP
  • Judges Adriana Lima, left, and Lori Harvey at the 70th Miss Universe pageant. AP Photo
    Judges Adriana Lima, left, and Lori Harvey at the 70th Miss Universe pageant. AP Photo

Miss Universe 2022 postponed to next year


  • English
  • Arabic

There will be no Miss Universe pageant this year, with the 2022 winner likely to be crowned in the first half of next year, sources have confirmed to The National. An official announcement is set to be made soon.

While no reason has been given for the postponement, it is probable that two Miss Universe pageants will be held next year, with the 2023 winner being crowned later in the year.

An internal memo sent to national directors and seen by Puerto Rican daily El Vocero de Puerto Rico simply reads: "We are going to hold the Miss Universe event in the first quarter of 2023, we will announce it soon."

The news effectively extends the reign of Harnaaz Sandhu from India, who was crowned Miss Universe 2021 in December last year. But the longest-reigning Miss Universe is Zozibini Tunzi of South Africa, who won the tile in 2019.

Tunzi reigned for 525 days after the 2020 pageant was cancelled owing to the Covid-19 pandemic. She crowned her successor Andrea Meza from Mexico in May 2021, in turn making Meza's the shortest reign in history. Meza passed on her crown to Sandhu at a pageant in Israel in December last year after 211 days.

More than 50 countries, from the UK to Ukraine and Guatemala to Ghana, have named their representatives for the 71st Miss Universe, the location for which is yet to revealed. In the region, Miss Universe Bahrain will be named on September 11, according to organisers.

Last week, architect and model Divita Rai was crowned as Miss Universe India, better known as Miss Diva, with Sandhu on hand to name her Indian successor.

Scroll through the gallery below for pictures of Miss Universe 2022 contestants who have already been crowned, from India to Lebanon

  • Miss Universe Turkey 2022 is Aleyana Sirin. Photo: Instagram / Aleyanasirinn
    Miss Universe Turkey 2022 is Aleyana Sirin. Photo: Instagram / Aleyanasirinn
  • Miss Universe Italy 2022 is Virginia Stablum. Photo: / Instagram / Virginia.Stablum
    Miss Universe Italy 2022 is Virginia Stablum. Photo: / Instagram / Virginia.Stablum
  • Miss Universe Kyrgyzstan 2022 is Altynai Botoyarova. Photo: Instagram / botoyarova_altynai
    Miss Universe Kyrgyzstan 2022 is Altynai Botoyarova. Photo: Instagram / botoyarova_altynai
  • Evlin Khalifa, 24, is the second Miss Universe Bahrain. Photo: Miss Universe Bahrain
    Evlin Khalifa, 24, is the second Miss Universe Bahrain. Photo: Miss Universe Bahrain
  • Miss Universe Spain, Alicia Faubel, comes from Alicante and has lived in Dubai and the Philippines. Photo: Instagram / alicia.aliccia
    Miss Universe Spain, Alicia Faubel, comes from Alicante and has lived in Dubai and the Philippines. Photo: Instagram / alicia.aliccia
  • Divita Rai, 23, winner of India's Miss Diva Universe 2022. Photo: Miss Diva
    Divita Rai, 23, winner of India's Miss Diva Universe 2022. Photo: Miss Diva
  • Sophiya Bhujel was crowned Oriflame Miss Universe Nepal 2022. Photo: Miss Universe Nepal
    Sophiya Bhujel was crowned Oriflame Miss Universe Nepal 2022. Photo: Miss Universe Nepal
  • Ndavi Nokeri, winner of Miss Universe South Africa 2022. Photo: Miss South Africa
    Ndavi Nokeri, winner of Miss Universe South Africa 2022. Photo: Miss South Africa
  • Anna Sueangam-iam was named Miss Universe Thailand 2022. Photo: Miss Universe
    Anna Sueangam-iam was named Miss Universe Thailand 2022. Photo: Miss Universe
  • Balsam Hussein when she was declared Miss Iraq 2022. Azhar Al-Rubaie for The National
    Balsam Hussein when she was declared Miss Iraq 2022. Azhar Al-Rubaie for The National
  • Yasmina Zaytoun after being crowned Miss Lebanon 2022 at Forum De Beirut. EPA
    Yasmina Zaytoun after being crowned Miss Lebanon 2022 at Forum De Beirut. EPA
  • Noky Simbani was crowned Miss Universe Great Britain 2022. Photo: Instagram / Miss Universe Great Britain
    Noky Simbani was crowned Miss Universe Great Britain 2022. Photo: Instagram / Miss Universe Great Britain
  • Miss Ukraine 2022 is Viktoria Apanasenko, first runner-up from last year's contest. There was no pageant held this year owing to the war in the country. Photo: Instagram / Viktoria Apanasenko
    Miss Ukraine 2022 is Viktoria Apanasenko, first runner-up from last year's contest. There was no pageant held this year owing to the war in the country. Photo: Instagram / Viktoria Apanasenko
  • Nguyen Thi Ngoc Chau has been named Miss Universe Vietnam 2022. Photo: Facebook / Nguyen Thi Ngoc Chau
    Nguyen Thi Ngoc Chau has been named Miss Universe Vietnam 2022. Photo: Facebook / Nguyen Thi Ngoc Chau
  • Filipino-Italian beauty queen Celeste Cortesi was crowned Miss Universe Philippines 2022 in Manila. EPA-EFE
    Filipino-Italian beauty queen Celeste Cortesi was crowned Miss Universe Philippines 2022 in Manila. EPA-EFE
  • Bhutan is marking its pageant debut this year and Tashi Choden is the country's first beauty queen. Photo: Tashi Choden
    Bhutan is marking its pageant debut this year and Tashi Choden is the country's first beauty queen. Photo: Tashi Choden
  • Laksmi Suardana took the Puteri Indonesia 2022 crown, becoming the first contestant from Bali to enter Miss Universe. Photo: Laksmi Shari De Neefe Suardana
    Laksmi Suardana took the Puteri Indonesia 2022 crown, becoming the first contestant from Bali to enter Miss Universe. Photo: Laksmi Shari De Neefe Suardana
  • Miss Universe Ghana 2022 Engracia Afua K Mofuman was one of the first women to be crowned in 2022, in order to compete in the 71st Miss Universe pageant. Photo: Engracia Mofuman
    Miss Universe Ghana 2022 Engracia Afua K Mofuman was one of the first women to be crowned in 2022, in order to compete in the 71st Miss Universe pageant. Photo: Engracia Mofuman
  • Hanna Kim, from Seoul, will represent South Korea in the next Miss Universe pageant. Photo: Hanna Ming
    Hanna Kim, from Seoul, will represent South Korea in the next Miss Universe pageant. Photo: Hanna Ming
  • The first and last time the Seychelles competed in Miss Universe was 1995 and so, after that 27-year hiatus, Gabriella Gonthier, from Mahe, will be representing her home country. Photo: Gabriella Gonthier/ Miss University Africa
    The first and last time the Seychelles competed in Miss Universe was 1995 and so, after that 27-year hiatus, Gabriella Gonthier, from Mahe, will be representing her home country. Photo: Gabriella Gonthier/ Miss University Africa
  • Amelia Tu, from Vancouver, winner of Miss Universe Canada 2022. Photo: Miss Universe Canada
    Amelia Tu, from Vancouver, winner of Miss Universe Canada 2022. Photo: Miss Universe Canada
  • Miss Universe Jamaica 2022, Toshami Calvin, 26, is the cousin of Miss World 2019 Toni-Ann Singh. Photo: Instagram / officialmissuniversejamaica
    Miss Universe Jamaica 2022, Toshami Calvin, 26, is the cousin of Miss World 2019 Toni-Ann Singh. Photo: Instagram / officialmissuniversejamaica

Early in August, the Miss Universe Organisation made history by introducing a major rule change for eligibility. Starting with the 72nd pageant, the annual competition will accept married women and mothers.

In an internal memo seen by The National, the organisation says it has always strived to evolve with the times and the latest decision was the natural next step.

"We all believe that women should have agency over their lives and that a human's personal decisions should not be a barrier to their success," the memo said.

Previously, only single women aged between 18 and 28, who have never been married or had children, were allowed to apply.

The contest has been changing with the times. Last year, Miss Universe Bahrain made history by choosing to walk the swimsuit round in fully-covered sportswear.

The Miss Universe Organisation, which operates out of New York, also owns the Miss USA and Miss Teen USA pageants, besides the global Miss Universe pageant.

How Lebanon's Mouawad became the Miss Universe crown jeweller — in pictures

  • Miss Universe 2021, Harnaaz Sandhu of India, wearing the Power of Unity crown crafted by Lebanese jeweller Mouawad. EPA
    Miss Universe 2021, Harnaaz Sandhu of India, wearing the Power of Unity crown crafted by Lebanese jeweller Mouawad. EPA
  • Featuring interwoven petals, leaves and vines all crafted in 18-karat gold and set with white diamonds, the highlight of the Power of Unity crown is a 62.83 carat canary diamond placed in the centre. Photo: Mouawad
    Featuring interwoven petals, leaves and vines all crafted in 18-karat gold and set with white diamonds, the highlight of the Power of Unity crown is a 62.83 carat canary diamond placed in the centre. Photo: Mouawad
  • The Miss Universe Power of Unity crown is valued at between $4 million and $5 million. Photo: Mouawad
    The Miss Universe Power of Unity crown is valued at between $4 million and $5 million. Photo: Mouawad
  • Fred Mouawad is the co-guardian of Mouawad, in partnership with his brothers Alain and Pascal. Photo: Mouawad
    Fred Mouawad is the co-guardian of Mouawad, in partnership with his brothers Alain and Pascal. Photo: Mouawad
  • Mouawad also designs the crown for Miss Universe Thailand. For 2022, its creation is named the Power of Resilience crown. Photo: Mouawad
    Mouawad also designs the crown for Miss Universe Thailand. For 2022, its creation is named the Power of Resilience crown. Photo: Mouawad
  • Fred Mouawad at the unveiling of the Power of Resilience crown for Miss Universe Thailand. Photo: Mouawad
    Fred Mouawad at the unveiling of the Power of Resilience crown for Miss Universe Thailand. Photo: Mouawad
  • Miss Universe Thailand 2022, Anna Sueangam-iam, wearing the Power of Resilience crown. Photo: Miss Universe
    Miss Universe Thailand 2022, Anna Sueangam-iam, wearing the Power of Resilience crown. Photo: Miss Universe
  • Miss Universe 2020, Andrea Meza, right, crowns India's Harnaaz Sandhu as Miss Universe 2021 during the 70th Miss Universe pageant in December. AP
    Miss Universe 2020, Andrea Meza, right, crowns India's Harnaaz Sandhu as Miss Universe 2021 during the 70th Miss Universe pageant in December. AP
  • Andrea Meza winning the Miss Universe 2020 crown at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino on May 16, 2021 in Hollywood, Florida. Getty Images
    Andrea Meza winning the Miss Universe 2020 crown at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino on May 16, 2021 in Hollywood, Florida. Getty Images
  • Miss Universe 2020, Andrea Meza of Mexico, at the Empire State Building in New York May 2021. AP
    Miss Universe 2020, Andrea Meza of Mexico, at the Empire State Building in New York May 2021. AP
  • Miss Universe 2019, Zozibini Tunzi from South Africa, was the first to wear the Mouawad Power of Unity crown. Photo: Miss Universe
    Miss Universe 2019, Zozibini Tunzi from South Africa, was the first to wear the Mouawad Power of Unity crown. Photo: Miss Universe
  • Miss Universe 2019 Zozibini Tunzi with the Power of Unity crown. Photo: Mouawad
    Miss Universe 2019 Zozibini Tunzi with the Power of Unity crown. Photo: Mouawad
Other simple ideas for sushi rice dishes

Cheat’s nigiri 
This is easier to make than sushi rolls. With damp hands, form the cooled rice into small tablet shapes. Place slices of fresh, raw salmon, mackerel or trout (or smoked salmon) lightly touched with wasabi, then press, wasabi side-down, onto the rice. Serve with soy sauce and pickled ginger.

Easy omurice
This fusion dish combines Asian fried rice with a western omelette. To make, fry cooked and cooled sushi rice with chopped vegetables such as carrot and onion and lashings of sweet-tangy ketchup, then wrap in a soft egg omelette.

Deconstructed sushi salad platter 
This makes a great, fuss-free sharing meal. Arrange sushi rice on a platter or board, then fill the space with all your favourite sushi ingredients (edamame beans, cooked prawns or tuna, tempura veggies, pickled ginger and chilli tofu), with a dressing or dipping sauce on the side.

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Match info:

Real Betis v Sevilla, 10.45pm (UAE)

Pakistan squad

Sarfraz (c), Zaman, Imam, Masood, Azam, Malik, Asif, Sohail, Shadab, Nawaz, Ashraf, Hasan, Amir, Junaid, Shinwari and Afridi

How to help

Call the hotline on 0502955999 or send "thenational" to the following numbers:

2289 - Dh10

2252 - Dh50

6025 - Dh20

6027 - Dh100

6026 - Dh200

Benefits of first-time home buyers' scheme
  • Priority access to new homes from participating developers
  • Discounts on sales price of off-plan units
  • Flexible payment plans from developers
  • Mortgages with better interest rates, faster approval times and reduced fees
  • DLD registration fee can be paid through banks or credit cards at zero interest rates
WWE Super ShowDown results

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Finn Balor defeated Andrade to stay WWE Intercontinental Championship

Shane McMahon defeated Roman Reigns

Lars Sullivan won by disqualification against Lucha House Party

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Braun Strowman beats Bobby Lashley

Kofi Kingston wins against Dolph Zigggler to retain the WWE World Heavyweight Championship

Mansoor Al Shehail won the 50-man Battle Royal

The Undertaker beat Goldberg

 

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.”

The specs

  Engine: 2-litre or 3-litre 4Motion all-wheel-drive Power: 250Nm (2-litre); 340 (3-litre) Torque: 450Nm Transmission: 8-speed automatic Starting price: From Dh212,000 On sale: Now

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88 Video's most popular rentals

Avengers 3: Infinity War: an American superhero film released in 2018 and based on the Marvel Comics story.  

Sholay: a 1975 Indian action-adventure film. It follows the adventures of two criminals hired by police to catch a vagabond. The film was panned on release but is now considered a classic.

Lucifer: is a 2019 Malayalam-language action film. It dives into the gritty world of Kerala’s politics and has become one of the highest-grossing Malayalam films of all time.

BMW M5 specs

Engine: 4.4-litre twin-turbo V-8 petrol enging with additional electric motor

Power: 727hp

Torque: 1,000Nm

Transmission: 8-speed auto

Fuel consumption: 10.6L/100km

On sale: Now

Price: From Dh650,000

Evacuations to France hit by controversy
  • Over 500 Gazans have been evacuated to France since November 2023
  • Evacuations were paused after a student already in France posted anti-Semitic content and was subsequently expelled to Qatar
  • The Foreign Ministry launched a review to determine how authorities failed to detect the posts before her entry
  • Artists and researchers fall under a programme called Pause that began in 2017
  • It has benefited more than 700 people from 44 countries, including Syria, Turkey, Iran, and Sudan
  • Since the start of the Gaza war, it has also included 45 Gazan beneficiaries
  • Unlike students, they are allowed to bring their families to France
Thanksgiving meals to try

World Cut Steakhouse, Habtoor Palace Hotel, Dubai. On Thursday evening, head chef Diego Solis will be serving a high-end sounding four-course meal that features chestnut veloute with smoked duck breast, turkey roulade accompanied by winter vegetables and foie gras and pecan pie, cranberry compote and popcorn ice cream.

Jones the Grocer, various locations across the UAE. Jones’s take-home holiday menu delivers on the favourites: whole roast turkeys, an array of accompaniments (duck fat roast potatoes, sausages wrapped in beef bacon, honey-glazed parsnips and carrots) and more, as  well as festive food platters, canapes and both apple and pumpkin pies.

Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse, The Address Hotel, Dubai. This New Orleans-style restaurant is keen to take the stress out of entertaining, so until December 25 you can order a full seasonal meal from its Takeaway Turkey Feast menu, which features turkey, homemade gravy and a selection of sides – think green beans with almond flakes, roasted Brussels sprouts, sweet potato casserole and bread stuffing – to pick up and eat at home.

The Mattar Farm Kitchen, Dubai. From now until Christmas, Hattem Mattar and his team will be producing game- changing smoked turkeys that you can enjoy at home over the festive period.

Nolu’s, The Galleria Mall, Maryah Island Abu Dhabi. With much of the menu focused on a California inspired “farm to table” approach (with Afghani influence), it only seems right that Nolu’s will be serving their take on the Thanksgiving spread, with a brunch at the Downtown location from 12pm to 4pm on Friday.

BUNDESLIGA FIXTURES

(All games 4-3pm kick UAE time) Bayern Munich v Augsburg, Borussia Dortmund v Bayer Leverkusen, Hoffenheim v Hertha Berlin, Wolfsburg v Mainz , Eintracht Frankfurt v Freiburg, Union Berlin v RB Leipzig, Cologne v Schalke , Werder Bremen v Borussia Monchengladbach, Stuttgart v Arminia Bielefeld

Need to know

The flights: Flydubai flies from Dubai to Kilimanjaro airport via Dar es Salaam from Dh1,619 return including taxes. The trip takes 8 hours. 

The trek: Make sure that whatever tour company you select to climb Kilimanjaro, that it is a reputable one. The way to climb successfully would be with experienced guides and porters, from a company committed to quality, safety and an ethical approach to the mountain and its staff. Sonia Nazareth booked a VIP package through Safari Africa. The tour works out to $4,775 (Dh17,538) per person, based on a 4-person booking scheme, for 9 nights on the mountain (including one night before and after the trek at Arusha). The price includes all meals, a head guide, an assistant guide for every 2 trekkers, porters to carry the luggage, a cook and kitchen staff, a dining and mess tent, a sleeping tent set up for 2 persons, a chemical toilet and park entrance fees. The tiny ration of heated water provided for our bath in our makeshift private bathroom stall was the greatest luxury. A standard package, also based on a 4-person booking, works out to $3,050 (Dh11,202) per person.

When to go: You can climb Kili at any time of year, but the best months to ascend  are  January-February and September-October.  Also good are July and August, if you’re tolerant of the colder weather that winter brings.

Do not underestimate the importance of kit. Even if you’re travelling at a relatively pleasant time, be geared up for the cold and the rain.

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The six points:

1. Ministers should be in the field, instead of always at conferences

2. Foreign diplomacy must be left to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation

3. Emiratisation is a top priority that will have a renewed push behind it

4. The UAE's economy must continue to thrive and grow

5. Complaints from the public must be addressed, not avoided

6. Have hope for the future, what is yet to come is bigger and better than before

Lewis Hamilton in 2018

Australia 2nd; Bahrain 3rd; China 4th; Azerbaijan 1st; Spain 1st; Monaco 3rd; Canada 5th; France 1st; Austria DNF; Britain 2nd; Germany 1st; Hungary 1st; Belgium 2nd; Italy 1st; Singapore 1st; Russia 1st; Japan 1st; United States 3rd; Mexico 4th

PROFILE OF SWVL

Started: April 2017

Founders: Mostafa Kandil, Ahmed Sabbah and Mahmoud Nouh

Based: Cairo, Egypt

Sector: transport

Size: 450 employees

Investment: approximately $80 million

Investors include: Dubai’s Beco Capital, US’s Endeavor Catalyst, China’s MSA, Egypt’s Sawari Ventures, Sweden’s Vostok New Ventures, Property Finder CEO Michael Lahyani

GAC GS8 Specs

Engine: 2.0-litre 4cyl turbo

Power: 248hp at 5,200rpm

Torque: 400Nm at 1,750-4,000rpm

Transmission: 8-speed auto

Fuel consumption: 9.1L/100km

On sale: Now

Price: From Dh149,900

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Dhadak

Director: Shashank Khaitan

Starring: Janhvi Kapoor, Ishaan Khattar, Ashutosh Rana

Stars: 3

How to join and use Abu Dhabi’s public libraries

• There are six libraries in Abu Dhabi emirate run by the Department of Culture and Tourism, including one in Al Ain and Al Dhafra.

• Libraries are free to visit and visitors can consult books, use online resources and study there. Most are open from 8am to 8pm on weekdays, closed on Fridays and have variable hours on Saturdays, except for Qasr Al Watan which is open from 10am to 8pm every day.

• In order to borrow books, visitors must join the service by providing a passport photograph, Emirates ID and a refundable deposit of Dh400. Members can borrow five books for three weeks, all of which are renewable up to two times online.

• If users do not wish to pay the fee, they can still use the library’s electronic resources for free by simply registering on the website. Once registered, a username and password is provided, allowing remote access.

• For more information visit the library network's website.

'How To Build A Boat'
Jonathan Gornall, Simon & Schuster

The Brutalist

Director: Brady Corbet

Stars: Adrien Brody, Felicity Jones, Guy Pearce, Joe Alwyn

Rating: 3.5/5

War 2

Director: Ayan Mukerji

Stars: Hrithik Roshan, NTR, Kiara Advani, Ashutosh Rana

Rating: 2/5

Profile

Co-founders of the company: Vilhelm Hedberg and Ravi Bhusari

Launch year: In 2016 ekar launched and signed an agreement with Etihad Airways in Abu Dhabi. In January 2017 ekar launched in Dubai in a partnership with the RTA.

Number of employees: Over 50

Financing stage: Series B currently being finalised

Investors: Series A - Audacia Capital 

Sector of operation: Transport

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Key findings of Jenkins report
  • Founder of the Muslim Brotherhood, Hassan al Banna, "accepted the political utility of violence"
  • Views of key Muslim Brotherhood ideologue, Sayyid Qutb, have “consistently been understood” as permitting “the use of extreme violence in the pursuit of the perfect Islamic society” and “never been institutionally disowned” by the movement.
  • Muslim Brotherhood at all levels has repeatedly defended Hamas attacks against Israel, including the use of suicide bombers and the killing of civilians.
  • Laying out the report in the House of Commons, David Cameron told MPs: "The main findings of the review support the conclusion that membership of, association with, or influence by the Muslim Brotherhood should be considered as a possible indicator of extremism."
Updated: September 05, 2022, 12:30 PM