As part of a new series of culinary guides to various areas in the UAE by The National, we start by exploring Dubai's Motor City, where diners will find neighbourhood-style cafes next to famous restaurant chains, whether home-grown or internationally renowned, and plenty of acai bowls.
While this is not all that the automotive-themed destination has to offer foodies, it's a selection of the best, newest and most popular.
Hyperama
Hyperama, the UAE's South African shop, has a new restaurant branch at Motor City's The Ribbon Mall, which only opened a few months ago, right next to Friends Avenue. Get your fill of boerewors, bunny chow and frikkadel, plus beloved desserts such as malva pudding, lamington and koeksisters, all within a space that boasts bold hues and bright neon signage, plus a retail area selling some of Hyperama's hard-to-find-elsewhere products.
Open Saturday-Wednesday, noon-10pm, Thursday-Saturday 10am-11pm; The Ribbon Mall, Motor City; 058 108 8786; hyperama.ae
Friends Avenue
Since first opening in 2015, Friends Avenue has garnered quite a reputation as a go-to neighbourhood hang-out and now has three branches across Dubai, including in Motor City.
Industrial-style decor in the fashion of exposed ceilings and concrete floors is softened by a natural earthiness in wooden tables and plants dotted about.
The food spans breakfast favourites such as avocado on toast and shakshouka, plus salads, sandwiches and heartier mains, including truffle mushroom pasta, spiced lamb and a golden vegan bowl.
Friends Avenue is also home to two other food brands – Acai & the Tribe, and Melt Burger Company – and you can order those dishes from the menu, too.
Open daily 7am-midnight; The Ribbon Mall, Motor City; 04 243 2866; friendsavenue.ae
Projeto Acai
Bowls made from acai berries from Brazil became all the rage in Dubai a few years ago, and one of the most popular spots to get one is Projeto Acai, which has four branches in the city.
It might be small with very limited seating, but the Motor City venue still offers frozen bowls full of flavour and with plenty of toppings, from berries to cacao and home-made granola. You can also find poke bowls, sandwiches, breakfast items and smoothies on the menu.
Open Sunday-Thursday 7.30am-1am, Friday 8am-2am, Saturday 7.30am-2am; First Avenue Mall, Motor City; 04 557 2682; projetoacai.com
Pickl
As far as burger joints go, Pickl’s domination has been fast and resolute. It only opened in 2019, and there are already six branches across the UAE, with a relatively new one in The Ribbon Mall, Motor City.
Its fresh ingredients and big flavours have won over the crowds, with its cheeseburgers, chicken sandos and those homemade pickles. There’s even a vegetarian option using Beyond Meat (it's not vegan).
Open Saturday-Wednesday 11am-1am, Thursday-Friday 11am-2am; Ribbon Mall, Motor City; 04 568 6882; eatpickl.com
The Cycle Bistro
Anyone who’s ever dabbled with the paleo diet or simply enjoys healthy food will know The Cycle Bistro, which is an extension of bicycle shop The Cycle Hub, and has two branches in Jumeirah and Motor City.
The menu appeals to a range of tastes: a pure chia pudding sits next to steak and eggs, while the vegan Godzilla salad sidles up against some baha fish tacos. Main dishes include sticky beef short ribs, tikka chicken breast and butternut gnocchi. Smoothies, shakes and “fitness cocktails” are also available. The produce is seasonal, so the selection changes every three months.
Open Sunday-Tuesday and Thursday 8am-7.30pm, Wednesday 8am-8.30pm, Friday-Saturday 8am-5.30pm; The Cycle Hub, Dubai Autodrome, Motor City; 04 425 3000; thecyclebistro.com
The Lime Tree Cafe
Home-grown favourite The Lime Tree Cafe & Kitchen has a relatively new branch next to Waitrose in Motor City. With indoor and outdoor seating, and an a la carte menu as well as daily specials, the venue always has a buzz about it. There’s also a retail section where you can pick up preserves, cookbooks and beautiful chopping boards.
While the breakfast and lunch selections are great, from pancakes to salads and pizza, it’s the cakes and bakery that really draw in the crowds; think carrot cake, a salted caramel and dark chocolate brownie, and vegan sticky toffee date cake.
Open daily 7.30am-9.30pm; Waitrose Community Mall, Motor City; 04 338 8345; thelimetreecafe.com
Bhoujan
Bhoujan is a go-to Indian eatery for people in the vicinity of Motor City, although people further afar can sample its spoils too, as it offers delivery via its own drivers or on various platforms.
The menu is vast, spanning street food, tandoori and grills, curries, biryanis, kathi kebab rolls, plus desserts and Indian sweets. There are also a few Indian-Chinese options, including paneer chilli, chicken lollipop and veg Manchurian dumplings. The chilli idli comes highly recommended.
This can all be enjoyed in the vibrant, cosy and colourful restaurant.
Open daily 11am-10.30pm; Main Boulevard, Motor City; 04 447 5360; bhoujan.com
SanSation
A self-described hidden gem, SanSation offers Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisine in a laid-back atmosphere with indoor and outdoor seating, all inspired by Santorini, Greece.
From foul medames to ka’aek and shakshouka for breakfast, through to grills, rice dishes and salads for mains, and plenty of mezze plates to choose from, the menu has the region covered. There is also an array of international options, including pasta, pizza and chicken cordon bleu. Desserts such as chocolate fondant and crepes are available, too.
Open daily 7.30am-1am; Green Community, Motor City; 04 456 7371; facebook.com/SanSationRest
Le Petit Belge
This is the only one of these venues on this list that’s located in a hotel, as, unlike many parts of Dubai, Motor City isn’t teeming with five-star properties. Le Petit Belge, which also has a branch in JLT, is a laid-back, unpretentious bar and restaurant with an inviting ambience, comfy seating and decent beverage deals.
The menu emphasises European flavours, from British fish and chips to Belgian-style mussels and Italian wild mushroom risotto. There’s also a selection of bar bites if you’re looking for something smaller, including the bierplankje, a platter of Gouda cheese, beef chorizo, gherkins and baby pickled onions, with mustard on the side.
Open Sunday-Thursday 4pm-1am, Friday-Saturday noon-1am; Park Inn by Radisson, Motor City; 04 521 5900; lepetitbelge.com
Pepe’s Piri Piri
Pepe’s Piri Piri opened in London in 2004 and has since become one of the fastest-growing food chains in the UK, with branches all over England and one in Northern Ireland. It expanded internationally, first to Pakistan and has one branch in the UAE.
It’s known for its chicken wings, classic tender strips and original Piri Piri chicken, all available in flavours such as mango and lime, mild and extra hot. There’s also a vegetarian-friendly menu with a paneer wrap, paneer rice and veggie burger. (If all this has you craving a Nando’s instead, there’s one of those in Motor City, too.)
Open Sunday-Wednesday 11am-midnight, Thursday-Saturday 11am-1am; R29, Fox Hill 5 Uptown, Motor City; 04 564 5778; pepes.ae
Operation: Falafel
The moist falafel bites this Dubai-born chain is famous for aren’t just beloved in the UAE, but now also in Saudi Arabia, Paris, New York and soon London.
It’s not only perfectly fried chickpea fritters on the table, but a whole host of Middle Eastern classics, including sambousek, shakshouka and the ubiquitous chicken shawarma, to name a few dishes from the expansive menu.
You can dine in the rather spacious Motor City branch, which has indoor and outdoor seating.
Open daily 8am-1am; Ribbon Mall, Motor City; 04 514 2805; operationfalafel.com
Wagamama
While there are several branches of this popular Japanese chain located across the UAE, it was a popular addition among Motor City residents when it opened next to Waitrose supermarket in 2020.
All the teppanyaki dishes, don buris and ramen bowls you’d expect are present on the menu, including Wagamama’s famous plant-based selection for vegan diners.
The venue is even has a large terrace for al fresco dining when the weather is cool enough.
Open daily noon-10pm; Waitrose Community Mall, Motor City; 04 575 5912; wagamama.ae
Read more
Luxury Italian restaurants Chic Nonna and L’Amo Bistro Del Mare to open in Dubai
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
COMPANY PROFILE
Name: Xpanceo
Started: 2018
Founders: Roman Axelrod, Valentyn Volkov
Based: Dubai, UAE
Industry: Smart contact lenses, augmented/virtual reality
Funding: $40 million
Investor: Opportunity Venture (Asia)
MATCH INFO
Uefa Champions League semi-final, first leg
Bayern Munich v Real Madrid
When: April 25, 10.45pm kick-off (UAE)
Where: Allianz Arena, Munich
Live: BeIN Sports HD
Second leg: May 1, Santiago Bernabeu, Madrid
SCHEDULE
Thursday, December 6
08.00-15.00 Technical scrutineering
15.00-17.00 Extra free practice
Friday, December 7
09.10-09.30 F4 free practice
09.40-10.00 F4 time trials
10.15-11.15 F1 free practice
14.00 F4 race 1
15.30 BRM F1 qualifying
Saturday, December 8
09.10-09.30 F4 free practice
09.40-10.00 F4 time trials
10.15-11.15 F1 free practice
14.00 F4 race 2
15.30 Grand Prix of Abu Dhabi
Ant-Man%20and%20the%20Wasp%3A%20Quantumania
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EDirector%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EPeyton%20Reed%3Cbr%3E%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EStars%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Paul%20Rudd%2C%20Evangeline%20Lilly%2C%20Jonathan%20Majors%3Cbr%3E%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ERating%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E2%2F5%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
The President's Cake
Director: Hasan Hadi
Starring: Baneen Ahmad Nayyef, Waheed Thabet Khreibat, Sajad Mohamad Qasem
Rating: 4/5
The%20Sandman
%3Cp%3ECreators%3A%20Neil%20Gaiman%2C%20David%20Goyer%2C%20Allan%20Heinberg%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3EStars%3A%20Tom%20Sturridge%2C%20Boyd%20Holbrook%2C%20Jenna%20Coleman%20and%20Gwendoline%20Christie%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3ERating%3A%204%2F5%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Company%20Profile
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ECompany%20name%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20myZoi%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EStarted%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%202021%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EFounders%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Syed%20Ali%2C%20Christian%20Buchholz%2C%20Shanawaz%20Rouf%2C%20Arsalan%20Siddiqui%2C%20Nabid%20Hassan%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EBased%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20UAE%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ENumber%20of%20staff%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%2037%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EInvestment%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Initial%20undisclosed%20funding%20from%20SC%20Ventures%3B%20second%20round%20of%20funding%20totalling%20%2414%20million%20from%20a%20consortium%20of%20SBI%2C%20a%20Japanese%20VC%20firm%2C%20and%20SC%20Venture%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Manikarnika: The Queen of Jhansi
Director: Kangana Ranaut, Krish Jagarlamudi
Producer: Zee Studios, Kamal Jain
Cast: Kangana Ranaut, Ankita Lokhande, Danny Denzongpa, Atul Kulkarni
Rating: 2.5/5
How to help
Donate towards food and a flight by transferring money to this registered charity's account.
Account name: Dar Al Ber Society
Account Number: 11 530 734
IBAN: AE 9805 000 000 000 11 530 734
Bank Name: Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank
To ensure that your contribution reaches these people, please send the copy of deposit/transfer receipt to: juhi.khan@daralber.ae
THE DETAILS
Director: Milan Jhaveri
Producer: Emmay Entertainment and T-Series
Cast: John Abraham, Manoj Bajpayee
Rating: 2/5
MATCH INFO
Red Star Belgrade v Tottenham Hotspur, midnight (Thursday), UAE
Mobile phone packages comparison
SPEC%20SHEET%3A%20SAMSUNG%20GALAXY%20S23%20ULTRA
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EDisplay%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%206.8%22%20edge%20quad-HD%2B%20dynamic%20Amoled%202X%2C%20Infinity-O%2C%203088%20x%201440%2C%20500ppi%2C%20HDR10%2B%2C%20120Hz%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EProcessor%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%204nm%20Qualcomm%20Snapdragon%208%20Gen%202%2C%2064-bit%20octa-core%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EMemory%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%208%2F12GB%20RAM%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EStorage%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20128%2F256%2F512GB%2F1TB%20(only%20128GB%20has%20an%208GB%20RAM%20option)%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EPlatform%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Android%2013%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EMain%20camera%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20quad%2012MP%20ultra-wide%20f%2F2.2%20%2B%20200MP%20wide%20f%2F1.7%20%2B%2010MP%20telephoto%20f%2F4.9%20%2B%2010MP%20telephoto%202.4%3B%203x%2F10x%20optical%20zoom%2C%20Space%20Zoom%20up%20to%20100x%3B%20auto%20HDR%2C%20expert%20RAW%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EVideo%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%208K%4024%2F30fps%2C%204K%4060fps%2C%20full-HD%4060fps%2C%20HD%4030fps%2C%20full-HD%20super%20slo-mo%40960fps%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EFront%20camera%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%2012MP%20f%2F2.2%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EBattery%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%205000mAh%2C%20fast%20wireless%20charging%202.0%2C%20Wireless%20PowerShare%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EConnectivity%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%205G%2C%20Wi-Fi%2C%20Bluetooth%205.2%2C%20NFC%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EI%2FO%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20USB-C%3B%20built-in%20Galaxy%20S%20Pen%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ESIM%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20single%20nano%20%2F%20nano%20%2B%20eSIM%20%2F%20nano%20%2B%20nano%20%2B%20eSIM%20%2F%20nano%20%2B%20nano%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EColours%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20cream%2C%20green%2C%20lavender%2C%20phantom%20black%3B%20online%20exclusives%3A%20graphite%2C%20lime%2C%20red%2C%20sky%20blue%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EPrice%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Dh4%2C949%20for%20256GB%2C%20Dh5%2C449%20for%20512GB%2C%20Dh6%2C449%20for%201TB%3B%20128GB%20unavailable%20in%20the%20UAE%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Napoleon
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EDirector%3C%2Fstrong%3E%3A%20Ridley%20Scott%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EStars%3C%2Fstrong%3E%3A%20Joaquin%20Phoenix%2C%20Vanessa%20Kirby%2C%20Tahar%20Rahim%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ERating%3C%2Fstrong%3E%3A%202%2F5%3Cbr%3E%3Cbr%3E%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
If you go
The flights
Etihad flies direct from Abu Dhabi to San Francisco from Dh5,760 return including taxes.
The car
Etihad Guest members get a 10 per cent worldwide discount when booking with Hertz, as well as earning miles on their rentals. A week's car hire costs from Dh1,500 including taxes.
The hotels
Along the route, Motel 6 (www.motel6.com) offers good value and comfort, with rooms from $55 (Dh202) per night including taxes. In Portland, the Jupiter Hotel (https://jupiterhotel.com/) has rooms from $165 (Dh606) per night including taxes. The Society Hotel https://thesocietyhotel.com/ has rooms from $130 (Dh478) per night including taxes.
More info
To keep up with constant developments in Portland, visit www.travelportland.com. Good guidebooks include the Lonely Planet guides to Northern California and Washington, Oregon & the Pacific Northwest.
The%20specs%20
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EEngine%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E2.0-litre%204cyl%20turbo%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EPower%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E261hp%20at%205%2C500rpm%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ETorque%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E400Nm%20at%201%2C750-4%2C000rpm%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ETransmission%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E7-speed%20dual-clutch%20auto%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EFuel%20consumption%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E10.5L%2F100km%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EOn%20sale%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3ENow%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EPrice%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EFrom%20Dh129%2C999%20(VX%20Luxury)%3B%20from%20Dh149%2C999%20(VX%20Black%20Gold)%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Liverpool’s fixtures until end of 2019
Saturday, November 30, Brighton (h)
Wednesday, December 4, Everton (h)
Saturday, December 7, Bournemouth (a)
Tuesday, December 10, Salzburg (a) CL
Saturday, December 14, Watford (h)
Tuesday, December 17, Aston Villa (a) League Cup
Wednesday, December 18, Club World Cup in Qatar
Saturday, December 21, Club World Cup in Qatar
Thursday, December 26, Leicester (a)
Sunday, December 29, Wolves (h)
PROFILE OF HALAN
Started: November 2017
Founders: Mounir Nakhla, Ahmed Mohsen and Mohamed Aboulnaga
Based: Cairo, Egypt
Sector: transport and logistics
Size: 150 employees
Investment: approximately $8 million
Investors include: Singapore’s Battery Road Digital Holdings, Egypt’s Algebra Ventures, Uber co-founder and former CTO Oscar Salazar
Mohammed bin Zayed Majlis
How to donate
Text the following numbers:
2289 - Dh10
6025 - Dh 20
2252 - Dh 50
2208 - Dh 100
6020 - Dh 200
*numbers work for both Etisalat and du
MATCH INFO
Manchester City 2 (Mahrez 04', Ake 84')
Leicester City 5 (Vardy 37' pen, 54', 58' pen, Maddison 77', Tielemans 88' pen)
Man of the match: Jamie Vardy (Leicester City)
How to apply for a drone permit
- Individuals must register on UAE Drone app or website using their UAE Pass
- Add all their personal details, including name, nationality, passport number, Emiratis ID, email and phone number
- Upload the training certificate from a centre accredited by the GCAA
- Submit their request
What are the regulations?
- Fly it within visual line of sight
- Never over populated areas
- Ensure maximum flying height of 400 feet (122 metres) above ground level is not crossed
- Users must avoid flying over restricted areas listed on the UAE Drone app
- Only fly the drone during the day, and never at night
- Should have a live feed of the drone flight
- Drones must weigh 5 kg or less
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
THE SPECS
Engine: 1.6-litre turbo
Transmission: six-speed automatic
Power: 165hp
Torque: 240Nm
Price: From Dh89,000 (Enjoy), Dh99,900 (Innovation)
On sale: Now
Andor
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WOMAN AND CHILD
Director: Saeed Roustaee
Starring: Parinaz Izadyar, Payman Maadi
Rating: 4/5
THE BIO: Mohammed Ashiq Ali
Proudest achievement: “I came to a new country and started this shop”
Favourite TV programme: the news
Favourite place in Dubai: Al Fahidi. “They started the metro in 2009 and I didn’t take it yet.”
Family: six sons in Dubai and a daughter in Faisalabad
The specs
Engine: 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo
Power: 268hp at 5,600rpm
Torque: 380Nm at 4,800rpm
Transmission: CVT auto
Fuel consumption: 9.5L/100km
On sale: now
Price: from Dh195,000
Red Sparrow
Dir: Francis Lawrence
Starring: Jennifer Lawrence, Joel Egerton, Charlotte Rampling, Jeremy Irons
Three stars
Mohammed bin Zayed Majlis
Company%20profile
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EName%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20JustClean%3Cbr%3E%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EBased%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EDubai%20with%20offices%20in%20other%20GCC%20countries%3Cbr%3E%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ELaunch%20year%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%202016%3Cbr%3E%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ENumber%20of%20employees%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20160%2B%20with%2021%20nationalities%20in%20eight%20cities%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3E%3Cbr%3ESector%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20online%20laundry%20and%20cleaning%20services%3Cbr%3E%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EFunding%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E%2430m%20from%20Kuwait-based%20Faith%20Capital%20Holding%20and%20Gulf%20Investment%20Corporation%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Key figures in the life of the fort
Sheikh Dhiyab bin Isa (ruled 1761-1793) Built Qasr Al Hosn as a watchtower to guard over the only freshwater well on Abu Dhabi island.
Sheikh Shakhbut bin Dhiyab (ruled 1793-1816) Expanded the tower into a small fort and transferred his ruling place of residence from Liwa Oasis to the fort on the island.
Sheikh Tahnoon bin Shakhbut (ruled 1818-1833) Expanded Qasr Al Hosn further as Abu Dhabi grew from a small village of palm huts to a town of more than 5,000 inhabitants.
Sheikh Khalifa bin Shakhbut (ruled 1833-1845) Repaired and fortified the fort.
Sheikh Saeed bin Tahnoon (ruled 1845-1855) Turned Qasr Al Hosn into a strong two-storied structure.
Sheikh Zayed bin Khalifa (ruled 1855-1909) Expanded Qasr Al Hosn further to reflect the emirate's increasing prominence.
Sheikh Shakhbut bin Sultan (ruled 1928-1966) Renovated and enlarged Qasr Al Hosn, adding a decorative arch and two new villas.
Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan (ruled 1966-2004) Moved the royal residence to Al Manhal palace and kept his diwan at Qasr Al Hosn.
Sources: Jayanti Maitra, www.adach.ae
