• Natalie Portman, in Dior, at the 92nd annual Academy Awards at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, California, on February 9, 2020. EPA
    Natalie Portman, in Dior, at the 92nd annual Academy Awards at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, California, on February 9, 2020. EPA
  • Janelle Monae, in Ralph Lauren, at the 92nd annual Academy Awards at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, California, on February 9, 2020. EPA
    Janelle Monae, in Ralph Lauren, at the 92nd annual Academy Awards at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, California, on February 9, 2020. EPA
  • Jennifer Lopez, in Valentino, at the Film Independent Spirit Awards in Santa Monica, California, on February 8, 2020. EPA
    Jennifer Lopez, in Valentino, at the Film Independent Spirit Awards in Santa Monica, California, on February 8, 2020. EPA
  • Rooney Mara, in Givenchy, at the 73rd annual Baftas at the Royal Albert Hall in London, UK, on February 2, 2020. EPA
    Rooney Mara, in Givenchy, at the 73rd annual Baftas at the Royal Albert Hall in London, UK, on February 2, 2020. EPA
  • Zoe Kravitz, in Saint Laurent, at the 73rd annual Baftas at the Royal Albert Hall in London, UK, on February 2, 2020. EPA
    Zoe Kravitz, in Saint Laurent, at the 73rd annual Baftas at the Royal Albert Hall in London, UK, on February 2, 2020. EPA
  • Ariana Grande, in Giambattista Valli, at the 62nd annual Grammy Awards at the Staples Centre in Los Angeles, California, on January 26, 2020. EPA
    Ariana Grande, in Giambattista Valli, at the 62nd annual Grammy Awards at the Staples Centre in Los Angeles, California, on January 26, 2020. EPA
  • Scarlett Johansson, in Armani Prive, at the 26th annual Screen Actors Guild Awards at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles, California, on January 19, 2020. EPA
    Scarlett Johansson, in Armani Prive, at the 26th annual Screen Actors Guild Awards at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles, California, on January 19, 2020. EPA
  • Kylie Jenner, in Ralph & Russo, at the Vanity Fair Oscar Party following the 92nd annual Academy Awards in Beverly Hills, California, on February 9, 2020. EPA
    Kylie Jenner, in Ralph & Russo, at the Vanity Fair Oscar Party following the 92nd annual Academy Awards in Beverly Hills, California, on February 9, 2020. EPA
  • Vanessa Kirby, in Valentino, at the 77th annual Venice International Film Festival, in Venice, Italy, on September 5, 2020. EPA
    Vanessa Kirby, in Valentino, at the 77th annual Venice International Film Festival, in Venice, Italy, on September 5, 2020. EPA
  • Kerry Washington, in Zuhair Murad, at the Vanity Fair Oscar Party following the 92nd annual Academy Awards in Beverly Hills, California, on February 9, 2020. EPA
    Kerry Washington, in Zuhair Murad, at the Vanity Fair Oscar Party following the 92nd annual Academy Awards in Beverly Hills, California, on February 9, 2020. EPA
  • Renee Zellweger, in Dior, at the Film Independent Spirit Awards in Santa Monica, California, on February 8, 2020. EPA
    Renee Zellweger, in Dior, at the Film Independent Spirit Awards in Santa Monica, California, on February 8, 2020. EPA
  • Caitriona Balfe, in The Vampire's Wife, at the Vanity Fair and Lancome Women in Hollywood Celebration at Soho House in Hollywood, California, on February 6, 2020. EPA
    Caitriona Balfe, in The Vampire's Wife, at the Vanity Fair and Lancome Women in Hollywood Celebration at Soho House in Hollywood, California, on February 6, 2020. EPA
  • Charlize Theron, in Dior, at the 73rd annual Baftas at the Royal Albert Hall in London, UK, on February 2, 2020. EPA
    Charlize Theron, in Dior, at the 73rd annual Baftas at the Royal Albert Hall in London, UK, on February 2, 2020. EPA
  • Zoey Deutch, in Fendi, at the 77th annual Golden Globe Awards at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Beverly Hills, California, on January 5, 2020. EPA
    Zoey Deutch, in Fendi, at the 77th annual Golden Globe Awards at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Beverly Hills, California, on January 5, 2020. EPA
  • Renee Zellweger, in Prada, at the 73rd annual Baftas at the Royal Albert Hall in London, UK, on February 2, 2020. EPA
    Renee Zellweger, in Prada, at the 73rd annual Baftas at the Royal Albert Hall in London, UK, on February 2, 2020. EPA
  • Chrissy Teigen, in Yanina Couture, at the 62nd annual Grammy Awards at the Staples Centre in Los Angeles, California, on January 26, 2020. EPA
    Chrissy Teigen, in Yanina Couture, at the 62nd annual Grammy Awards at the Staples Centre in Los Angeles, California, on January 26, 2020. EPA
  • Lizzo, in Atelier Versace, at the 62nd annual Grammy Awards at the Staples Centre in Los Angeles, California, on January 26, 2020. EPA
    Lizzo, in Atelier Versace, at the 62nd annual Grammy Awards at the Staples Centre in Los Angeles, California, on January 26, 2020. EPA
  • Florence Pugh, in Prada, at the 25th Critics' Choice Awards in Santa Monica, California, on January 12, 2020. EPA
    Florence Pugh, in Prada, at the 25th Critics' Choice Awards in Santa Monica, California, on January 12, 2020. EPA
  • Anne Hathaway, in Atelier Versace, at the 25th Critics' Choice Awards in Santa Monica, California, on January 12, 2020. EPA
    Anne Hathaway, in Atelier Versace, at the 25th Critics' Choice Awards in Santa Monica, California, on January 12, 2020. EPA
  • Beanie Feldstein, in Miu Miu, at the 92nd annual Academy Awards at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, California, on February 9, 2020. EPA
    Beanie Feldstein, in Miu Miu, at the 92nd annual Academy Awards at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, California, on February 9, 2020. EPA
  • Sandra Oh, in Cong Tri, at the Vanity Fair Oscar Party following the 92nd annual Academy Awards in Beverly Hills, California, on February 9, 2020. EPA
    Sandra Oh, in Cong Tri, at the Vanity Fair Oscar Party following the 92nd annual Academy Awards in Beverly Hills, California, on February 9, 2020. EPA
  • Tracee Ellis Ross, in Zuhair Murad, at the Vanity Fair Oscar Party following the 92nd annual Academy Awards in Beverly Hills, California, on February 9, 2020. EPA
    Tracee Ellis Ross, in Zuhair Murad, at the Vanity Fair Oscar Party following the 92nd annual Academy Awards in Beverly Hills, California, on February 9, 2020. EPA
  • Elle Fanning, in Armani Prive, at the 70th annual Berlin International Film Festival in Berlin, Germany, on February 26, 2020. EPA
    Elle Fanning, in Armani Prive, at the 70th annual Berlin International Film Festival in Berlin, Germany, on February 26, 2020. EPA
  • Gia Coppola, in Gucci, at the 77th annual Venice International Film Festival, in Venice, Italy, on September 5, 2020. EPA
    Gia Coppola, in Gucci, at the 77th annual Venice International Film Festival, in Venice, Italy, on September 5, 2020. EPA
  • Cynthia Erivo, in Schiaparelli, at the 26th annual Screen Actors Guild Awards at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles, California, on January 19, 2020. EPA
    Cynthia Erivo, in Schiaparelli, at the 26th annual Screen Actors Guild Awards at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles, California, on January 19, 2020. EPA
  • Jennifer Aniston, in Dior, at the 26th annual Screen Actors Guild Awards at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles, California, on January 19, 2020. EPA
    Jennifer Aniston, in Dior, at the 26th annual Screen Actors Guild Awards at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles, California, on January 19, 2020. EPA
  • Zoey Deutch, in Oscar de la Renta, at the Producers Guild Awards in Hollywood, California, on January 18, 2020. EPA
    Zoey Deutch, in Oscar de la Renta, at the Producers Guild Awards in Hollywood, California, on January 18, 2020. EPA
  • Laura Dern, in Emilia Wickstead, at the 25th Critics' Choice Awards in Santa Monica, California, on January 12, 2020. EPA
    Laura Dern, in Emilia Wickstead, at the 25th Critics' Choice Awards in Santa Monica, California, on January 12, 2020. EPA
  • Hildur Gudnadottir, in a fringed gown, at the 73rd annual Baftas at the Royal Albert Hall in London, UK, on February 2, 2020. EPA
    Hildur Gudnadottir, in a fringed gown, at the 73rd annual Baftas at the Royal Albert Hall in London, UK, on February 2, 2020. EPA
  • Priyanka Chopra, in Cristina Ottaviano, at the 77th annual Golden Globe Awards at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Beverly Hills, California, on January 5, 2020. EPA
    Priyanka Chopra, in Cristina Ottaviano, at the 77th annual Golden Globe Awards at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Beverly Hills, California, on January 5, 2020. EPA
  • Taylor Swift, in Etro, at the 77th annual Golden Globe Awards at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Beverly Hills, California, on January 5, 2020. EPA
    Taylor Swift, in Etro, at the 77th annual Golden Globe Awards at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Beverly Hills, California, on January 5, 2020. EPA
  • Jodie Turner-Smith, in Gucci, at the 73rd annual Baftas at the Royal Albert Hall in London, UK, on February 2, 2020. EPA
    Jodie Turner-Smith, in Gucci, at the 73rd annual Baftas at the Royal Albert Hall in London, UK, on February 2, 2020. EPA
  • Eiza Gonzalez, in Galvan, at the Vanity Fair Oscar Party following the 92nd annual Academy Awards in Beverly Hills, California, on February 9, 2020. EPA
    Eiza Gonzalez, in Galvan, at the Vanity Fair Oscar Party following the 92nd annual Academy Awards in Beverly Hills, California, on February 9, 2020. EPA
  • Lucy Boynton, in Miu Miu, at the Vanity Fair Oscar Party following the 92nd annual Academy Awards in Beverly Hills, California, on February 9, 2020. EPA
    Lucy Boynton, in Miu Miu, at the Vanity Fair Oscar Party following the 92nd annual Academy Awards in Beverly Hills, California, on February 9, 2020. EPA
  • Cynthia Erivo, in Versace, at the 92nd annual Academy Awards at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, California, on February 9, 2020. EPA
    Cynthia Erivo, in Versace, at the 92nd annual Academy Awards at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, California, on February 9, 2020. EPA
  • Hailee Steinfeld, in Fendi, at the Brit Awards at the O2 Arena in London, UK, on February 18, 2020. EPA
    Hailee Steinfeld, in Fendi, at the Brit Awards at the O2 Arena in London, UK, on February 18, 2020. EPA
  • Liu Yifei, in Elie Saab, at the premiere of the 'Mulan' at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles, California, on March 9, 2020. EPA
    Liu Yifei, in Elie Saab, at the premiere of the 'Mulan' at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles, California, on March 9, 2020. EPA
  • Katherine Waterston, in Prada, at the 77th annual Venice International Film Festival, in Venice, Italy, on September 6, 2020. EPA
    Katherine Waterston, in Prada, at the 77th annual Venice International Film Festival, in Venice, Italy, on September 6, 2020. EPA
  • Kate Beckinsale, in Georges Chakra, at the Monte-Carlo Gala for Planetary Health in Monaco on September 24, 2020. EPA
    Kate Beckinsale, in Georges Chakra, at the Monte-Carlo Gala for Planetary Health in Monaco on September 24, 2020. EPA
  • Cate Blanchett, in Armani Prive, at the 77th annual Venice International Film Festival, in Venice, Italy, on September 12, 2020. EPA
    Cate Blanchett, in Armani Prive, at the 77th annual Venice International Film Festival, in Venice, Italy, on September 12, 2020. EPA
  • Jameela Jamil, in Georges Chakra, at the 62nd annual Grammy Awards at the Staples Centre in Los Angeles, California, on January 26, 2020. EPA
    Jameela Jamil, in Georges Chakra, at the 62nd annual Grammy Awards at the Staples Centre in Los Angeles, California, on January 26, 2020. EPA
  • Millie Bobby Brown, in Louis Vuitton, at the 26th annual Screen Actors Guild Awards at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles, California, on January 19, 2020. EPA
    Millie Bobby Brown, in Louis Vuitton, at the 26th annual Screen Actors Guild Awards at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles, California, on January 19, 2020. EPA
  • Danai Gurira, in Mugler, at the 26th annual Screen Actors Guild Awards at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles, California, on January 19, 2020. EPA
    Danai Gurira, in Mugler, at the 26th annual Screen Actors Guild Awards at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles, California, on January 19, 2020. EPA
  • Helen Mirren, in Dior, at the 77th annual Golden Globe Awards at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Beverly Hills, California, on January 5, 2020. EPA
    Helen Mirren, in Dior, at the 77th annual Golden Globe Awards at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Beverly Hills, California, on January 5, 2020. EPA
  • Mindy Kaling, in Dolce & Gabbana, at the 92nd annual Academy Awards at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, California, on February 9, 2020. EPA
    Mindy Kaling, in Dolce & Gabbana, at the 92nd annual Academy Awards at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, California, on February 9, 2020. EPA
  • Brie Larson, in Celine, at the 92nd annual Academy Awards at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, California, on February 9, 2020. EPA
    Brie Larson, in Celine, at the 92nd annual Academy Awards at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, California, on February 9, 2020. EPA
  • Kaitlyn Dever, in Valentino, at the Film Independent Spirit Awards in Santa Monica, California, on February 8, 2020. EPA
    Kaitlyn Dever, in Valentino, at the Film Independent Spirit Awards in Santa Monica, California, on February 8, 2020. EPA
  • Youssra, in Zuhair Murad, at the 92nd annual Academy Awards at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, California, on February 9, 2020. EPA
    Youssra, in Zuhair Murad, at the 92nd annual Academy Awards at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, California, on February 9, 2020. EPA
  • Gwendoline Christie, in Dior, at the 25th Critics' Choice Awards in Santa Monica, California, on January 12, 2020. EPA
    Gwendoline Christie, in Dior, at the 25th Critics' Choice Awards in Santa Monica, California, on January 12, 2020. EPA
  • Zendaya, in Tom Ford, at the 25th Critics' Choice Awards in Santa Monica, California, on January 12, 2020. EPA
    Zendaya, in Tom Ford, at the 25th Critics' Choice Awards in Santa Monica, California, on January 12, 2020. EPA
  • Jennifer Lopez, in Georges Hobeika, at the 25th Critics' Choice Awards in Santa Monica, California, on January 12, 2020. EPA
    Jennifer Lopez, in Georges Hobeika, at the 25th Critics' Choice Awards in Santa Monica, California, on January 12, 2020. EPA
  • Renee Zellweger, in Giorgio Armani, at the 77th annual Golden Globe Awards at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Beverly Hills, California, on January 5, 2020. EPA
    Renee Zellweger, in Giorgio Armani, at the 77th annual Golden Globe Awards at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Beverly Hills, California, on January 5, 2020. EPA
  • Naomi Watts, in Armani Prive, at the 77th annual Golden Globe Awards at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Beverly Hills, California, on January 5, 2020. EPA
    Naomi Watts, in Armani Prive, at the 77th annual Golden Globe Awards at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Beverly Hills, California, on January 5, 2020. EPA
  • Dorra Zarrouk, in Rami Kadi, at the 42nd Cairo International Film Festival in Cairo, Egypt, on December 2, 2020. EPA
    Dorra Zarrouk, in Rami Kadi, at the 42nd Cairo International Film Festival in Cairo, Egypt, on December 2, 2020. EPA

Fashion

The 54 best red carpet looks of 2020: From Priyanka Chopra and Cate Blanchett to Kylie Jenner and Charlize Theron

Premieres and parties may be far and few between, but the first few months of the year still delivered plenty of glitz and glamour

Emma Day
Emma Day

December 20, 2020

  • English
  • Arabic

This year has been full of lots of things; baking banana bread, Zoom quizzes and hand sanitiser, for example.

One thing it's been lacking, however, is the usual lashing of glitz and glamour.

The global pandemic struck a blow to red carpets across the world, with traditionally A-list affairs either taking place virtually – such as the Emmys – or cancelled entirely – including the Met Gala – as the coronavirus took hold.

However, it hasn't been an entirely quiet year, with events such as the Oscars and Golden Globes taking place before restrictions were introduced around the globe.

While we may not have as many premieres and awards bashes to pluck breathtaking gowns from in 2020, stars including Jennifer Lopez, Scarlett Johansson, Priyanka Chopra and Janelle Monae gave us plenty of sartorial inspiration before lockdowns struck.

Bold, block colours in minimal silhouettes, ethereal creations emblazoned with shimmering sequins and avant-garde approaches to eveningwear all impressed throughout the year, with labels such as Versace, Dior and Valentino dressing many a celebrity.

Regional labels including Georges Chakra and Zuhair Murad also stole spots on numerous best-dressed lists, worn by the likes of Kerry Washington and Youssra.

Scroll through the gallery above to see our selection of the best dressed stars of 2020.

The specs: Fenyr SuperSport

Price, base: Dh5.1 million

Engine: 3.8-litre twin-turbo flat-six

Transmission: Seven-speed automatic

Power: 800hp @ 7,100pm

Torque: 980Nm @ 4,000rpm

Fuel economy, combined: 13.5L / 100km

Founder: Ayman Badawi

Date started: Test product September 2016, paid launch January 2017

Based: Dubai, UAE

Sector: Software

Size: Seven employees

Funding: $170,000 in angel investment

Funders: friends

The burning issue

The internal combustion engine is facing a watershed moment – major manufacturer Volvo is to stop producing petroleum-powered vehicles by 2021 and countries in Europe, including the UK, have vowed to ban their sale before 2040. The National takes a look at the story of one of the most successful technologies of the last 100 years and how it has impacted life in the UAE. 

Read part four: an affection for classic cars lives on

Read part three: the age of the electric vehicle begins

Read part two: how climate change drove the race for an alternative 

Sri Lanka-India Test series schedule
  • 1st Test India won by 304 runs at Galle
  • 2nd Test India won by innings and 53 runs at Colombo
  • 3rd Test August 12-16 at Pallekele
If%20you%20go
%3Cp%3EThere%20are%20regular%20flights%20from%20Dubai%20to%20Kathmandu.%20Fares%20with%20Air%20Arabia%20and%20flydubai%20start%20at%20Dh1%2C265.%3Cbr%3EIn%20Kathmandu%2C%20rooms%20at%20the%20Oasis%20Kathmandu%20Hotel%20start%20at%20Dh195%20and%20Dh120%20at%20Hotel%20Ganesh%20Himal.%3Cbr%3EThird%20Rock%20Adventures%20offers%20professionally%20run%20group%20and%20individual%20treks%20and%20tours%20using%20highly%20experienced%20guides%20throughout%20Nepal%2C%20Bhutan%20and%20other%20parts%20of%20the%20Himalayas.%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
UK’s AI plan
  • AI ambassadors such as MIT economist Simon Johnson, Monzo cofounder Tom Blomfield and Google DeepMind’s Raia Hadsell
  • £10bn AI growth zone in South Wales to create 5,000 jobs
  • £100m of government support for startups building AI hardware products
  • £250m to train new AI models
Eyasses squad

Charlie Preston (captain) – goal shooter/ goalkeeper (Dubai College)

Arushi Holt (vice-captain) – wing defence / centre (Jumeriah English Speaking School)  

Olivia Petricola (vice-captain) – centre / wing attack (Dubai English Speaking College)

Isabel Affley – goalkeeper / goal defence (Dubai English Speaking College)

Jemma Eley – goal attack / wing attack (Dubai College)

Alana Farrell-Morton – centre / wing / defence / wing attack (Nord Anglia International School)

Molly Fuller – goal attack / wing attack (Dubai College)

Caitlin Gowdy – goal defence / wing defence (Dubai English Speaking College)

Noorulain Hussain – goal defence / wing defence (Dubai College)

Zahra Hussain-Gillani – goal defence / goalkeeper (British School Al Khubairat)

Claire Janssen – goal shooter / goal attack (Jumeriah English Speaking School)         

Eliza Petricola – wing attack / centre (Dubai English Speaking College)

The specs: 2018 Renault Megane

Price, base / as tested Dh52,900 / Dh59,200

Engine 1.6L in-line four-cylinder

Transmission Continuously variable transmission

Power 115hp @ 5,500rpm

Torque 156Nm @ 4,000rpm

Fuel economy, combined 6.6L / 100km

While you're here
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 

The biog

Favourite books: 'Ruth Bader Ginsburg: A Life' by Jane D. Mathews and ‘The Moment of Lift’ by Melinda Gates

Favourite travel destination: Greece, a blend of ancient history and captivating nature. It always has given me a sense of joy, endless possibilities, positive energy and wonderful people that make you feel at home.

Favourite pastime: travelling and experiencing different cultures across the globe.

Favourite quote: “In the future, there will be no female leaders. There will just be leaders” - Sheryl Sandberg, COO of Facebook.

Favourite Movie: Mona Lisa Smile 

Favourite Author: Kahlil Gibran

Favourite Artist: Meryl Streep

The specs
  • Engine: 3.9-litre twin-turbo V8
  • Power: 640hp
  • Torque: 760nm
  • On sale: 2026
  • Price: Not announced yet
Tamkeen's offering
  • Option 1: 70% in year 1, 50% in year 2, 30% in year 3
  • Option 2: 50% across three years
  • Option 3: 30% across five years 
MATCH INFO

Euro 2020 qualifier

Norway v Spain, Saturday, 10.45pm, UAE

While you're here

The Florida Project

Director: Sean Baker

Starring: Bria Vinaite, Brooklynn Prince, Willem Dafoe

Four stars

What can you do?

Document everything immediately; including dates, times, locations and witnesses

Seek professional advice from a legal expert

You can report an incident to HR or an immediate supervisor

You can use the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation’s dedicated hotline

In criminal cases, you can contact the police for additional support

Read more from Aya Iskandarani
The biog

From: Upper Egypt

Age: 78

Family: a daughter in Egypt; a son in Dubai and his wife, Nabila

Favourite Abu Dhabi activity: walking near to Emirates Palace

Favourite building in Abu Dhabi: Emirates Palace

The%20Boy%20and%20the%20Heron
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EDirector%3A%C2%A0%3C%2Fstrong%3EHayao%20Miyazaki%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EStarring%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%C2%A0Soma%20Santoki%2C%20Masaki%20Suda%2C%20Ko%20Shibasaki%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ERating%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E5%2F5%3C%2Fp%3E%0A

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.”

T20 SQUADS

Australia: Aaron Finch (c), Mitchell Marsh, Alex Carey, Ashton Agar, Nathan Coulter-Nile, Chris Lynn, Nathan Lyon, Glenn Maxwell, Ben McDermott, D’Arcy Short, Billy Stanlake, Mitchell Starc, Andrew Tye, Adam Zampa.

Pakistan: Sarfraz Ahmed (c), Fakhar Zaman, Mohammad Hafeez, Sahibzada Farhan, Babar Azam, Shoaib Malik, Asif Ali, Hussain Talat, Shadab Khan, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Usman Khan Shinwari, Hassan Ali, Imad Wasim, Waqas Maqsood, Faheem Ashraf.

Jetour T1 specs

Engine: 2-litre turbocharged

Power: 254hp

Torque: 390Nm

Price: From Dh126,000

Available: Now

Specs

Engine: Dual-motor all-wheel-drive electric

Range: Up to 610km

Power: 905hp

Torque: 985Nm

Price: From Dh439,000

Available: Now

Fashion