From the world's tallest building to the world's fastest police car, Dubai holds hundreds of world records, and this week, it hopes to add another with the launch of the Palm Fountain.
Representatives from the Guinness Book of World Records will be on hand at The Pointe on Thursday evening to assess whether the two fountains, spanning a footprint of 14,000 square metres, will be big enough for the title when they fire up for the first time at 7pm. If it is successful, it will take the crown from the Dubai Fountain in Downtown Dubai, which currently holds the number one spot.
The Palm Fountain is split across the east and west wings of The Pointe, and features 128 super shooters, capable of firing water more than 100 metres in the air, as well as 3,000 led lights, which will change colour as the fountains dance to music.
“It's not just about water,” says Gail Sangster, asset director at Nakheel Malls. “It's a multicoloured show. So of course, the water is synchronised with music when they are dancing, but they will also light up.”
The fountain will launch with a 20-song catalogue, featuring a mixture of classic and contemporary tracks spanning Arabic, Indian, Russian, Chinese, English and American numbers. And, in a world first, the show will also feature Disney songs.
"We started off with literally thousands of songs," says Sangster. "Then we needed to look at what would actually work because you've got to look at the actual song's composition versus choreographing that to the fountain, so some songs just won't work. But we've got it down to a nice diverse range.
"There's something for everybody, there'll be something to ignite a memory and a happy moment. Of course, it's potluck because every night is a different night. So you've got to keep coming back to hear the whole 20."
The fountains have been in the works since 2019, months after The Pointe first opened at Dubai’s Palm Jumeirah. Since then, the destination has seen a number of restaurants and cafes open, as well as a pet-friendly beach.
“Whether it's a Dubai resident wanting to spend an evening taking in the views or tourists visiting, the fountain will add to the whole experience of coming down to The Pointe,” says Sangster.
The fountain has undergone rigorous testing to get ready for this week's launch. The shows and choreography have all been reviewed digitally before moving onto physical testing and getting tweaked, a process that has taken many months.
"It's lovely to see it finally finished and it's great to be able to share it with everybody and have it up and running every day," says Sangster. "I think a lot of people are excited, but if you missed out on registering for the launch event, everybody can come the next day and every day thereafter.
“We've got a lot of lovely restaurants with great views where people can enjoy the sunset, or stay on for dinner with the view of the fountains. There are a lot of different options across both the promenades.”
Following the official launch on Thursday, which will be attended by 5,000 people who have pre-registered for tickets and features a fireworks display, the fountains will operate 365 days a year, at half an hour intervals from sunset onwards.
During the launch event on Thursday, Nakheel will have special sanitisation crews on hand to ensure all public touch points are regularly disinfected and spectators adhere to social distancing guidelines. To celebrate the launch of the Palm Fountain, a swing has also been installed at the Pointe Beach, allowing people to swing through pouring water without getting wet, thanks to special sensors. The swing will be at The Pointe until Thursday, October 29.
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Four reasons global stock markets are falling right now
There are many factors worrying investors right now and triggering a rush out of stock markets. Here are four of the biggest:
1. Rising US interest rates
The US Federal Reserve has increased interest rates three times this year in a bid to prevent its buoyant economy from overheating. They now stand at between 2 and 2.25 per cent and markets are pencilling in three more rises next year.
Kim Catechis, manager of the Legg Mason Martin Currie Global Emerging Markets Fund, says US inflation is rising and the Fed will continue to raise rates in 2019. “With inflationary pressures growing, an increasing number of corporates are guiding profitability expectations downwards for 2018 and 2019, citing the negative impact of rising costs.”
At the same time as rates are rising, central bankers in the US and Europe have been ending quantitative easing, bringing the era of cheap money to an end.
2. Stronger dollar
High US rates have driven up the value of the dollar and bond yields, and this is putting pressure on emerging market countries that took advantage of low interest rates to run up trillions in dollar-denominated debt. They have also suffered capital outflows as international investors have switched to the US, driving markets lower. Omar Negyal, portfolio manager of the JP Morgan Global Emerging Markets Income Trust, says this looks like a buying opportunity. “Despite short-term volatility we remain positive about long-term prospects and profitability for emerging markets.”
3. Global trade war
Ritu Vohora, investment director at fund manager M&G, says markets fear that US President Donald Trump’s spat with China will escalate into a full-blown global trade war, with both sides suffering. “The US economy is robust enough to absorb higher input costs now, but this may not be the case as tariffs escalate. However, with a host of factors hitting investor sentiment, this is becoming a stock picker’s market.”
4. Eurozone uncertainty
Europe faces two challenges right now in the shape of Brexit and the new populist government in eurozone member Italy.
Chris Beauchamp, chief market analyst at IG, which has offices in Dubai, says the stand-off between between Rome and Brussels threatens to become much more serious. "As with Brexit, neither side appears willing to step back from the edge, threatening more trouble down the line.”
The European economy may also be slowing, Mr Beauchamp warns. “A four-year low in eurozone manufacturing confidence highlights the fact that producers see a bumpy road ahead, with US-EU trade talks remaining a major question-mark for exporters.”
'The worst thing you can eat'
Trans fat is typically found in fried and baked goods, but you may be consuming more than you think.
Powdered coffee creamer, microwave popcorn and virtually anything processed with a crust is likely to contain it, as this guide from Mayo Clinic outlines:
Baked goods - Most cakes, cookies, pie crusts and crackers contain shortening, which is usually made from partially hydrogenated vegetable oil. Ready-made frosting is another source of trans fat.
Snacks - Potato, corn and tortilla chips often contain trans fat. And while popcorn can be a healthy snack, many types of packaged or microwave popcorn use trans fat to help cook or flavour the popcorn.
Fried food - Foods that require deep frying — french fries, doughnuts and fried chicken — can contain trans fat from the oil used in the cooking process.
Refrigerator dough - Products such as canned biscuits and cinnamon rolls often contain trans fat, as do frozen pizza crusts.
Creamer and margarine - Nondairy coffee creamer and stick margarines also may contain partially hydrogenated vegetable oils.
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Company name: Nybl
Date started: November 2018
Founder: Noor Alnahhas, Michael LeTan, Hafsa Yazdni, Sufyaan Abdul Haseeb, Waleed Rifaat, Mohammed Shono
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Sector: Software Technology / Artificial Intelligence
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Funding round: Series B (raising $5m)
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Nutritional yeast
This is Firth's pick and an ingredient he says, "gives you an instant cheesy flavour". He advises making your own cream cheese with it or simply using it to whip up a mac and cheese or wholesome lasagne. It's available in organic and specialist grocery stores across the UAE.
Seeds
"We've got a big jar of mixed seeds in our kitchen," Theasby explains. "That's what you use to make a bolognese or pie or salad: just grab a handful of seeds and sprinkle them over the top. It's a really good way to make sure you're getting your omegas."
Umami flavours
"I could say soya sauce, but I'll say all umami-makers and have them in the same batch," says Firth. He suggests having items such as Marmite, balsamic vinegar and other general, dark, umami-tasting products in your cupboard "to make your bolognese a little bit more 'umptious'".
Onions and garlic
"If you've got them, you can cook basically anything from that base," says Theasby. "These ingredients are so prevalent in every world cuisine and if you've got them in your cupboard, then you know you've got the foundation of a really nice meal."
Your grain of choice
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Points to remember
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- Build the relationship and dialogue by seeking to find common ground
- Express passion for the issue but be aware of when you're losing control or when there's anger. If there is, pause and take some time out.
- Listen actively without interrupting
- Avoid assumptions, seek understanding, ask questions
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