• The Uncommon is one of the latest desert dining pop-ups in the UAE. Pawan Singh / The National
    The Uncommon is one of the latest desert dining pop-ups in the UAE. Pawan Singh / The National
  • The Uncommon features a stunning mirror kitchen that reflects the desert backdrop. Pawan Singh / The National
    The Uncommon features a stunning mirror kitchen that reflects the desert backdrop. Pawan Singh / The National
  • The Uncommon coffee shop is located on Mahafiz-Al Fayah Road in Sharjah. Pawan Singh / The National
    The Uncommon coffee shop is located on Mahafiz-Al Fayah Road in Sharjah. Pawan Singh / The National
  • A blue sky iced latte at The Uncommon in Sharjah. Pawan Singh / The National
    A blue sky iced latte at The Uncommon in Sharjah. Pawan Singh / The National
  • The Uncommon offers speciality coffee and baked goods. Pawan Singh / The National
    The Uncommon offers speciality coffee and baked goods. Pawan Singh / The National
  • For a luxury experience, Sonara Camp offers a stunning dining experience on the dunes. Photo: Sonara Camp
    For a luxury experience, Sonara Camp offers a stunning dining experience on the dunes. Photo: Sonara Camp
  • After finding success in Dubai, Sonara Camp has expanded to Ras Al Khaimah. Photo: Sonara Camp
    After finding success in Dubai, Sonara Camp has expanded to Ras Al Khaimah. Photo: Sonara Camp
  • Sonara Camp Al Wadi is a restaurant concept located on the dunes of Al Wadi Nature Reserve. Photo: Sonara Camp
    Sonara Camp Al Wadi is a restaurant concept located on the dunes of Al Wadi Nature Reserve. Photo: Sonara Camp
  • Sonara Camp has live entertainment including a fire-breathing show. Photo: Sonara Camp
    Sonara Camp has live entertainment including a fire-breathing show. Photo: Sonara Camp
  • Sonara Camp Al Wadi is home to local wildlife species including Arabian oryxes, gazelles and red foxes. Photo: Sonara Camp
    Sonara Camp Al Wadi is home to local wildlife species including Arabian oryxes, gazelles and red foxes. Photo: Sonara Camp
  • Not a Space is a cool pop-up location in the Al Faya Desert of Sharjah. Antonie Robertson / The National
    Not a Space is a cool pop-up location in the Al Faya Desert of Sharjah. Antonie Robertson / The National
  • Guests can enjoy a coffee and a bite to eat at Not a Space. Antonie Robertson / The National
    Guests can enjoy a coffee and a bite to eat at Not a Space. Antonie Robertson / The National
  • Comfy bean bags at Not a Space. Antonie Robertson / The National
    Comfy bean bags at Not a Space. Antonie Robertson / The National
  • Not a Space also has activities and workshops. Antonie Robertson / The National
    Not a Space also has activities and workshops. Antonie Robertson / The National
  • Not a Space in Al Faya desert is known for its sunset views. Photo: Not a Space
    Not a Space in Al Faya desert is known for its sunset views. Photo: Not a Space
  • One Degree Cafe's winter pop-up is located on the Dubai-Sharjah border. Ruel Pableo for The National
    One Degree Cafe's winter pop-up is located on the Dubai-Sharjah border. Ruel Pableo for The National
  • Drinks available at One Degree Cafe's winter pop-up, along with hot dogs, burgers and more. Ruel Pableo for The National
    Drinks available at One Degree Cafe's winter pop-up, along with hot dogs, burgers and more. Ruel Pableo for The National
  • One Degree Cafe offers daily entertainment. Ruel Pableo for The National
    One Degree Cafe offers daily entertainment. Ruel Pableo for The National
  • Most desert dining venues are only open during the winter. Ruel Pableo for The National
    Most desert dining venues are only open during the winter. Ruel Pableo for The National
  • Link by mara is another new desert restaurant to open in Sharjah. Antonie Robertson / The National
    Link by mara is another new desert restaurant to open in Sharjah. Antonie Robertson / The National
  • The venue has sunken booths. Antonie Robertson / The National
    The venue has sunken booths. Antonie Robertson / The National
  • The booths contain firepits for those who want to grill their own meat. Antonie Robertson / The National
    The booths contain firepits for those who want to grill their own meat. Antonie Robertson / The National
  • Link by mara also has an international menu, with pizzas, pastas and fusion street food. Antonie Robertson / The National
    Link by mara also has an international menu, with pizzas, pastas and fusion street food. Antonie Robertson / The National

Lifestyle

Food

Seven cool and quirky desert pop-ups to try in the UAE: Not a Space to Klock

Open only during the UAE’s winter season, these Instagrammable venues are perfect for those who fancy dining in the dunes

Janice Rodrigues
Janice Rodrigues

January 16, 2022

  • English
  • Arabic

It started with the odd pop-up or two and now, desert dining has become one of the most popular trends of the year. We can see why, too – these picturesque venues take diners far away from bustling city life and into a serene environment.

As well as showcasing the UAE’s natural beauty, many of these pop-ups also offer a variety of unique food, beverages and entertainment. And the lure of a road trip is an added incentive to visit.

Here’s a look at some spectacular desert dining venues that have popped up and are currently open. Most of these are only open during the cooler months, so you might want to hurry if you’re planning to go.

Although you might want to wait until it stops raining.

Not a Space

  • Not A Space is a cool pop-up location in Sharjah's Al Faya Desert. Antonie Robertson / The National
    Not A Space is a cool pop-up location in Sharjah's Al Faya Desert. Antonie Robertson / The National
  • Surrounded by mountain views, it's the ideal remote spot to enjoy sunrise or sunset. Antonie Robertson / The National
    Surrounded by mountain views, it's the ideal remote spot to enjoy sunrise or sunset. Antonie Robertson / The National
  • Tables, beanbags and picnic chairs are dotted around the site and there's no need to pre-book before you go. Antonie Robertson / The National
    Tables, beanbags and picnic chairs are dotted around the site and there's no need to pre-book before you go. Antonie Robertson / The National
  • Not A Space Al Faya is modelled on a food-truck-style cafe. Antonie Robertson / The National
    Not A Space Al Faya is modelled on a food-truck-style cafe. Antonie Robertson / The National
  • The Not A Space cafe serves coffees, pastries, sandwiches and more. Antonie Robertson / The National
    The Not A Space cafe serves coffees, pastries, sandwiches and more. Antonie Robertson / The National
  • Visitors can place their order electronically before arriving at Not A Space so there's no waiting around when they get there. Antonie Robertson / The National
    Visitors can place their order electronically before arriving at Not A Space so there's no waiting around when they get there. Antonie Robertson / The National
  • Outdoor cycling, meditation, yoga and other events take place at Not A Space Al Faya. Antonie Robertson / The National
    Outdoor cycling, meditation, yoga and other events take place at Not A Space Al Faya. Antonie Robertson / The National
  • The site has been billed as a 'community space fostering connection and happy vibes'. Antonie Robertson / The National
    The site has been billed as a 'community space fostering connection and happy vibes'. Antonie Robertson / The National
  • The Not a Space food truck serves a selection of Insta-worthy drinks, desserts and light bites. Antonie Robertson / The National
    The Not a Space food truck serves a selection of Insta-worthy drinks, desserts and light bites. Antonie Robertson / The National
  • About an hour from Dubai, the campsite-like space is open daily from 6am until 2am. Antonie Robertson / The National
    About an hour from Dubai, the campsite-like space is open daily from 6am until 2am. Antonie Robertson / The National
  • The space is set around a circular stage. Antonie Robertson / The National
    The space is set around a circular stage. Antonie Robertson / The National
  • The location is in Al Faya Desert. Antonie Robertson / The National
    The location is in Al Faya Desert. Antonie Robertson / The National

One of the original desert dining pop-ups, Not a Space quickly gained a cult following when pictures of it emerged on social media. Located at Al Faya, Sharjah, the moon-themed spot features comfy bean bags, beverages and light bites (think cinnamon rolls) out in the desert.

There’s live entertainment in the evenings, and it offers activities from yoga sessions to moon painting workshops. Another bonus? It’s pet friendly.

Open daily, during winter; 6am-1am; Al Faya; https://linktr.ee/Notaspace

One Degree Cafe

  • One Degree Cafe's winter pop-up has just re-opened to the public with a new look. All photos: Ruel Pableo for The National
    One Degree Cafe's winter pop-up has just re-opened to the public with a new look. All photos: Ruel Pableo for The National
  • The venue only opens during the cooler season. It's opening in the evenings, from 5pm onwards.
    The venue only opens during the cooler season. It's opening in the evenings, from 5pm onwards.
  • The venue is known for its sunset views.
    The venue is known for its sunset views.
  • It is located on the Dubai-Sharjah border, a 40-minute drive from Downtown Dubai.
    It is located on the Dubai-Sharjah border, a 40-minute drive from Downtown Dubai.
  • This year, it has been revamped, to include more traditional elements.
    This year, it has been revamped, to include more traditional elements.
  • This includes a Bedouin-style tent set-up.
    This includes a Bedouin-style tent set-up.
  • A giant heart with the backdrop of the desert at One Degree Cafe's winter pop-up
    A giant heart with the backdrop of the desert at One Degree Cafe's winter pop-up
  • The space will have live entertainment daily.
    The space will have live entertainment daily.
  • For the first time, the pop-up as opened a kitchen at the desert location.
    For the first time, the pop-up as opened a kitchen at the desert location.
  • Burgers, hotdogs and fries will be available at One Degree Cafe
    Burgers, hotdogs and fries will be available at One Degree Cafe
  • The space is known for its coffee drinks
    The space is known for its coffee drinks
  • It also serves a range of signature shakes and cold drinks.
    It also serves a range of signature shakes and cold drinks.
  • One Degree rose to popularity since it opened on January 2021.
    One Degree rose to popularity since it opened on January 2021.
  • The location is also an eight-minute drive away from the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve.
    The location is also an eight-minute drive away from the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve.

Come winter, One Degree opens its pop-up experience, located on the Dubai-Sharjah border, about a 40-minute drive from Downtown Dubai.

The venue has garnered a cult following since it first opened in January 2021. The reason for its popularity is its location in the middle of the desert, offering guests some of the best mountain and dune views they can get, all from the comfort of the eclectic seating options – think cushions on the sand and plush sofas.

One Degree has live entertainment such as fire breathers every evening, and has also expanded its food offerings, serving items as varied as Spanish lattes and acai bowls to burgers and hot dogs.

Open daily, 4pm-1am; Dubai-Sharjah border; www.onedegree.ae

The Uncommon

  • The Uncommon is a new desert pop-up cafe which has opened on Mahafiz-Al Fayah road in Sharjah. All photos: Pawan Singh / The National
    The Uncommon is a new desert pop-up cafe which has opened on Mahafiz-Al Fayah road in Sharjah. All photos: Pawan Singh / The National
  • The Uncommon is easily accessible by vehicle.
    The Uncommon is easily accessible by vehicle.
  • The design for The Uncommon features an all-mirror exterior.
    The design for The Uncommon features an all-mirror exterior.
  • The glass kitchen has been designed to pay tribute to the natural beauty of the UAE.
    The glass kitchen has been designed to pay tribute to the natural beauty of the UAE.
  • Visitors can interact with and take pictures of the mirrored kitchen.
    Visitors can interact with and take pictures of the mirrored kitchen.
  • The kitchen has been designed in such a way that operations do not obstruct the natural beauty of the place.
    The kitchen has been designed in such a way that operations do not obstruct the natural beauty of the place.
  • There are plenty of seating areas at The Uncommon.
    There are plenty of seating areas at The Uncommon.
  • The Uncommon has light bites and baked goods on the menu.
    The Uncommon has light bites and baked goods on the menu.
  • Customers enjoy the natural beauty of Sharjah at The Uncommon's winter pop-up.
    Customers enjoy the natural beauty of Sharjah at The Uncommon's winter pop-up.
  • Guests take photos of the mirrored kitchen.
    Guests take photos of the mirrored kitchen.
  • Tiramisu is one of the desserts available on The Uncommon menu.
    Tiramisu is one of the desserts available on The Uncommon menu.
  • A red velvet latte for those with a sweet tooth.
    A red velvet latte for those with a sweet tooth.
  • Mirrors make up an integral part of the design at The Uncommon.
    Mirrors make up an integral part of the design at The Uncommon.
  • The inspiration for the design came from The Invisible House in California.
    The inspiration for the design came from The Invisible House in California.
  • The Uncommon is open daily from 4pm to 1am.
    The Uncommon is open daily from 4pm to 1am.
  • The Uncommon will only stay in its location for the winter.
    The Uncommon will only stay in its location for the winter.

New kid-on-the-block The Uncommon only popped up a few weeks ago, but has already taken the desert dining scene by storm. What’s cool about the space is its unique set-up, which features a lot of mirrors. Even the kitchen area is done up in a cool mirror exterior, ensuring the focus is very much on the beauty of its backdrop.

The menu features mostly beverages, with light bites such as pastries and croissants thrown in.

Open daily, 4pm-1am; Sharjah; Instagram: @theuncommon.ae

Link by mara

  • New desert dining venue Link by mara has opened in Sharjah. All photos: Antonie Robertson / The National
    New desert dining venue Link by mara has opened in Sharjah. All photos: Antonie Robertson / The National
  • It offers a number of unique seating options, including sunken booths, set right in the ground.
    It offers a number of unique seating options, including sunken booths, set right in the ground.
  • Priority for such booths is given to bigger groups.
    Priority for such booths is given to bigger groups.
  • Booths at Link by mara also come with firepits in case customers want to grill their own meat.
    Booths at Link by mara also come with firepits in case customers want to grill their own meat.
  • The venue features 13 booths in total.
    The venue features 13 booths in total.
  • There are other seating arrangements also available.
    There are other seating arrangements also available.
  • A portable kitchen prepares a wide variety of international street food.
    A portable kitchen prepares a wide variety of international street food.
  • On the menu are pizzas, pastas and burgers, along with dishes such as spiced edamame and Korean chicken pops.
    On the menu are pizzas, pastas and burgers, along with dishes such as spiced edamame and Korean chicken pops.
  • Link by mara is from the same group behind concepts such as Mara Lounge in Al Zahia, Sharjah, and Mara Restaurant and Lounge in Wasl 51.
    Link by mara is from the same group behind concepts such as Mara Lounge in Al Zahia, Sharjah, and Mara Restaurant and Lounge in Wasl 51.
  • Link by mara is open from 4pm onwards, making it a popular sunset spot.
    Link by mara is open from 4pm onwards, making it a popular sunset spot.
  • Customers line up for coffee and food at Link by Mara in Sharjah.
    Customers line up for coffee and food at Link by Mara in Sharjah.
  • There are big plans for the future, including placing classic cars around to add to the ambiance.
    There are big plans for the future, including placing classic cars around to add to the ambiance.
  • There is a creative menu of hot drinks available at Link by mara.
    There is a creative menu of hot drinks available at Link by mara.

Another new desert pop-up, Link by mara is currently in its soft opening launch phase. There’s still plenty to love about the space, which has been inspired by AlUla in Saudi Arabia – especially its excavated cushioned booths.

The venue offers fusion street food, from spiced edamame and mini beef tacos to shakshuka bruschetta. Even better, there is an option to buy meat at the venue and barbecue it yourself over your booth’s firepit. There are only a handful of big dining booths and seating is on a first-come first-serve basis, so get there early.

Open daily, 4pm-3am; Sharjah; Instagram: @linkbymara

Klock

A clock-themed winter pop-up has opened up in Dubai. The pop-up is located on the Dubai-Hatta Road, about a half-hour drive from Downtown Dubai, but offers desert vistas that take you far away from the bustle of city life. Expect comfy bean bags, big Instagrammable installations that light up at night, and speciality coffee. The menu is limited to beverages and sweet treats for now.

Open daily; 4pm-midnight; until March 31; Dubai-Hatta Road; Instagram: @klock_cafe

Coffee House

Another new spot offering coffee with a desert backdrop is Coffee House, located in Sharjah, off the Sharjah-Kalba Road. A number of hot and cold beverages, desserts and baked treats can be picked up from a food truck, and enjoyed in the space that features rattan chairs, gazebos with white curtains swinging in the wind and lit-up trees.

Open daily; 3pm onwards; off the Sharjah-Kalba Road, Mahafiz, Sharjah; Instagram: @coffeehouseae

Sonara Camp

  • After finding success in Dubai, Sonara Camp has expanded to Ras Al Khaimah. All photos: Sonara Camp
    After finding success in Dubai, Sonara Camp has expanded to Ras Al Khaimah. All photos: Sonara Camp
  • Sonara Al Wadi is a restaurant concept located on the dunes of Al Wadi Nature Reserve.
    Sonara Al Wadi is a restaurant concept located on the dunes of Al Wadi Nature Reserve.
  • The luxe dining experience includes family-friendly activities.
    The luxe dining experience includes family-friendly activities.
  • Guests can expect the Instagrammable setting and fairy lights that Sonara Camp is famous for.
    Guests can expect the Instagrammable setting and fairy lights that Sonara Camp is famous for.
  • There are two experiences available: sunset and sunset with dinner
    There are two experiences available: sunset and sunset with dinner
  • Live entertainment - including a fire-breathing show - will entertain guests during dinner.
    Live entertainment - including a fire-breathing show - will entertain guests during dinner.
  • The Instagrammable destination is set on the grounds of The Ritz-Carlton Al Wadi.
    The Instagrammable destination is set on the grounds of The Ritz-Carlton Al Wadi.
  • The space is home to local wildlife species including Arabian oryx, gazelles and red foxes.
    The space is home to local wildlife species including Arabian oryx, gazelles and red foxes.

For those looking for a luxe version of desert dining, there’s always Sonara Camp, which has accrued quite a following over the years.

The family-friendly venue offers a fine-dining experience right on the dunes. There are activities such as sandboarding, volleyball, soft archery and an owl show, live entertainment and white tablecloth dining, with dishes such as slow-cooked pulled lamb and black Angus strip loin on the menu.

Sonara is set in the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve, a gorgeous place where you can spot the odd gazelle and oryx, and it’s recently opened a second location at Ras Al Khaimah’s Al Wadi Nature Reserve. Prior booking is required.

Open daily, 4pm onwards; Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve and Al Wadi Nature Reserve, Ras Al Khaimah; www.nara.ae/sonara/

Avatar: Fire and Ash

Director: James Cameron

Starring: Sam Worthington, Sigourney Weaver, Zoe Saldana

Rating: 4.5/5

RESULTS

1.30pm Handicap (PA) Dh 50,000 (Dirt) 1,400m

Winner AF Almomayaz, Hugo Lebouc (jockey), Ali Rashid Al Raihe (trainer)

2pm Handicap (TB) Dh 84,000 (D) 1,400m

Winner Karaginsky, Tadhg O’Shea, Satish Seemar.

2.30pm Maiden (TB) Dh 60,000 (D) 1,200m

Winner Sadeedd, Ryan Curatolo, Nicholas Bachalard.

3pm Conditions (TB) Dh 100,000 (D) 1,950m

Winner Blue Sovereign, Clement Lecoeuvre, Erwan Charpy.

3.30pm Handicap (TB) Dh 76,000 (D) 1,800m

Winner Tailor’s Row, Royston Ffrench, Salem bin Ghadayer.

4pm Maiden (TB) Dh 60,000 (D) 1,600m

Winner Bladesmith, Tadhg O’Shea, Satish Seemar.

4.30pm Handicap (TB) Dh 68,000 (D) 1,000m

Winner Shanaghai City, Fabrice Veron, Rashed Bouresly.

Total eligible population

About 57.5 million people
51.1 million received a jab
6.4 million have not

Where are the unvaccinated?

England 11%
Scotland 9%
Wales 10%
Northern Ireland 14% 

Tickets

Tickets for the 2019 Asian Cup are available online, via www.asiancup2019.com

The specs

A4 35 TFSI

Engine: 2.0-litre, four-cylinder

Transmission: seven-speed S-tronic automatic

Power: 150bhp

Torque: 270Nm

Price: Dh150,000 (estimate)

On sale: First Q 2020

A4 S4 TDI

Engine: 3.0-litre V6 turbo diesel

Transmission: eight-speed PDK automatic

Power: 350bhp

Torque: 700Nm

Price: Dh165,000 (estimate)

On sale: First Q 2020

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UPI facts

More than 2.2 million Indian tourists arrived in UAE in 2023
More than 3.5 million Indians reside in UAE
Indian tourists can make purchases in UAE using rupee accounts in India through QR-code-based UPI real-time payment systems
Indian residents in UAE can use their non-resident NRO and NRE accounts held in Indian banks linked to a UAE mobile number for UPI transactions

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If you go

The flights

Etihad and Emirates fly direct from the UAE to Chicago from Dh5,215 return including taxes.

The hotels

Recommended hotels include the Intercontinental Chicago Magnificent Mile, located in an iconic skyscraper complete with a 1929 Olympic-size swimming pool from US$299 (Dh1,100) per night including taxes, and the Omni Chicago Hotel, an excellent value downtown address with elegant art deco furnishings and an excellent in-house restaurant. Rooms from US$239 (Dh877) per night including taxes. 

%3Cp%3E%3Ca%20href%3D%22https%3A%2F%2Fwww.thenationalnews.com%2Fbusiness%2Feconomy%2Fislamic-economy-consumer-spending-to-increase-45-to-3-2tn-by-2024-1.936583%22%20target%3D%22_self%22%3EGlobal%20Islamic%20economy%20to%20grow%203.1%25%20to%20touch%20%242.4%20trillion%20by%202024%3C%2Fa%3E%26nbsp%3B%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Ca%20href%3D%22https%3A%2F%2Fwww.thenationalnews.com%2Fbusiness%2Feconomy%2Fuk-economy-plunges-into-worst-ever-recession-after-record-20-4-contraction-1.1062560%22%20target%3D%22_self%22%3EUK%20economy%20plunges%20into%20worst-ever%20recession%20after%20record%2020.4%25%20contraction%3C%2Fa%3E%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Ca%20href%3D%22https%3A%2F%2Fwww.thenationalnews.com%2Fbusiness%2Feconomy%2Fislamic-economy-consumer-spending-to-increase-45-to-3-2tn-by-2024-1.936583%22%20target%3D%22_self%22%3EIslamic%20economy%20consumer%20spending%20to%20increase%2045%25%20to%20%243.2tn%20by%202024%3C%2Fa%3E%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
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The Florida Project

Director: Sean Baker

Starring: Bria Vinaite, Brooklynn Prince, Willem Dafoe

Four stars

Retail gloom

Online grocer Ocado revealed retail sales fell 5.7 per cen in its first quarter as customers switched back to pre-pandemic shopping patterns.

It was a tough comparison from a year earlier, when the UK was in lockdown, but on a two-year basis its retail division, a joint venture with Marks&Spencer, rose 31.7 per cent over the quarter.

The group added that a 15 per cent drop in customer basket size offset an 11.6. per cent rise in the number of customer transactions.

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COMPANY PROFILE

Company name: Happy Tenant

Started: January 2019

Co-founders: Joe Moufarrej and Umar Rana

Based: Dubai

Sector: Technology, real-estate

Initial investment: Dh2.5 million

Investors: Self-funded

Total customers: 4,000

Race card

5.30pm: Maiden (TB) Dh82,500 (Turf) 1,400m

6.05pm: Handicap (TB) Dh87,500 (T) 1,400m

6.40pm: Handicap (TB) Dh105,000 (Dirt) 1,400m

7.15pm: Handicap (TB) Dh105,000 (T) 1,200m

7.50pm: Longines Stakes – Conditions (TB) Dh120,00 (D) 1,900m

8.25pm: Zabeel Trophy – Rated Conditions (TB) Dh120,000 (T) 1,600m

9pm: Handicap (TB) Dh105,000 (T) 2,410m

9.35pm: Handicap (TB) Dh92,500 (T) 2,000m

Islamophobia definition

A widely accepted definition was made by the All Party Parliamentary Group on British Muslims in 2019: “Islamophobia is rooted in racism and is a type of racism that targets expressions of Muslimness or perceived Muslimness.” It further defines it as “inciting hatred or violence against Muslims”.

Mohammed bin Zayed Majlis
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HOSTS

T20 WORLD CUP 

2024: US and West Indies; 2026: India and Sri Lanka; 2028: Australia and New Zealand; 2030: England, Ireland and Scotland 

ODI WORLD CUP 

2027: South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia; 2031: India and
Bangladesh 

CHAMPIONS TROPHY 

2025: Pakistan; 2029: India  

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Nick's journey in numbers

Countries so far: 85

Flights: 149

Steps: 3.78 million

Calories: 220,000

Floors climbed: 2,000

Donations: GPB37,300

Prostate checks: 5

Blisters: 15

Bumps on the head: 2

Dog bites: 1

UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
more from Janine di Giovanni
RedCrow Intelligence Company Profile

Started: 2016

Founders: Hussein Nasser Eddin, Laila Akel, Tayeb Akel 

Based: Ramallah, Palestine

Sector: Technology, Security

# of staff: 13

Investment: $745,000

Investors: Palestine’s Ibtikar Fund, Abu Dhabi’s Gothams and angel investors

Titanium Escrow profile

Started: December 2016
Founder: Ibrahim Kamalmaz
Based: UAE
Sector: Finance / legal
Size: 3 employees, pre-revenue  
Stage: Early stage
Investors: Founder's friends and Family

Related
What are NFTs?

Are non-fungible tokens a currency, asset, or a licensing instrument? Arnab Das, global market strategist EMEA at Invesco, says they are mix of all of three.

You can buy, hold and use NFTs just like US dollars and Bitcoins. “They can appreciate in value and even produce cash flows.”

However, while money is fungible, NFTs are not. “One Bitcoin, dollar, euro or dirham is largely indistinguishable from the next. Nothing ties a dollar bill to a particular owner, for example. Nor does it tie you to to any goods, services or assets you bought with that currency. In contrast, NFTs confer specific ownership,” Mr Das says.

This makes NFTs closer to a piece of intellectual property such as a work of art or licence, as you can claim royalties or profit by exchanging it at a higher value later, Mr Das says. “They could provide a sustainable income stream.”

This income will depend on future demand and use, which makes NFTs difficult to value. “However, there is a credible use case for many forms of intellectual property, notably art, songs, videos,” Mr Das says.

The more serious side of specialty coffee

While the taste of beans and freshness of roast is paramount to the specialty coffee scene, so is sustainability and workers’ rights.

The bulk of genuine specialty coffee companies aim to improve on these elements in every stage of production via direct relationships with farmers. For instance, Mokha 1450 on Al Wasl Road strives to work predominantly with women-owned and -operated coffee organisations, including female farmers in the Sabree mountains of Yemen.

Because, as the boutique’s owner, Garfield Kerr, points out: “women represent over 90 per cent of the coffee value chain, but are woefully underrepresented in less than 10 per cent of ownership and management throughout the global coffee industry.”

One of the UAE’s largest suppliers of green (meaning not-yet-roasted) beans, Raw Coffee, is a founding member of the Partnership of Gender Equity, which aims to empower female coffee farmers and harvesters.

Also, globally, many companies have found the perfect way to recycle old coffee grounds: they create the perfect fertile soil in which to grow mushrooms. 

 

 

While you're here
MATCH INFO

Uefa Champions League final:

Who: Real Madrid v Liverpool
Where: NSC Olimpiyskiy Stadium, Kiev, Ukraine
When: Saturday, May 26, 10.45pm (UAE)
TV: Match on BeIN Sports

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Top%2010%20most%20competitive%20economies
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Christopher Robin
Starring: Ewan McGregor, Haley Atwell, Jim Cummings, Peter Capaldi
Three stars

PROFILE BOX

Company name: Overwrite.ai

Founder: Ayman Alashkar

Started: Established in 2020

Based: Dubai International Financial Centre, Dubai

Sector: PropTech

Initial investment: Self-funded by founder

Funding stage: Seed funding, in talks with angel investors

While you're here
French business

France has organised a delegation of leading businesses to travel to Syria. The group was led by French shipping giant CMA CGM, which struck a 30-year contract in May with the Syrian government to develop and run Latakia port. Also present were water and waste management company Suez, defence multinational Thales, and Ellipse Group, which is currently looking into rehabilitating Syrian hospitals.

The Specs:

The Specs:

Engine: 2.9-litre, V6 twin-turbo

Transmission: 8-speed automatic

Power: 444bhp

Torque: 600Nm

Price: AED 356,580 incl VAT

On sale: now.

Important questions to consider

1. Where on the plane does my pet travel?

There are different types of travel available for pets:

  • Manifest cargo
  • Excess luggage in the hold
  • Excess luggage in the cabin

Each option is safe. The feasibility of each option is based on the size and breed of your pet, the airline they are traveling on and country they are travelling to.

 

2. What is the difference between my pet traveling as manifest cargo or as excess luggage?

If traveling as manifest cargo, your pet is traveling in the front hold of the plane and can travel with or without you being on the same plane. The cost of your pets travel is based on volumetric weight, in other words, the size of their travel crate.

If traveling as excess luggage, your pet will be in the rear hold of the plane and must be traveling under the ticket of a human passenger. The cost of your pets travel is based on the actual (combined) weight of your pet in their crate.

 

3. What happens when my pet arrives in the country they are traveling to?

As soon as the flight arrives, your pet will be taken from the plane straight to the airport terminal.

If your pet is traveling as excess luggage, they will taken to the oversized luggage area in the arrival hall. Once you clear passport control, you will be able to collect them at the same time as your normal luggage. As you exit the airport via the ‘something to declare’ customs channel you will be asked to present your pets travel paperwork to the customs official and / or the vet on duty. 

If your pet is traveling as manifest cargo, they will be taken to the Animal Reception Centre. There, their documentation will be reviewed by the staff of the ARC to ensure all is in order. At the same time, relevant customs formalities will be completed by staff based at the arriving airport. 

 

4. How long does the travel paperwork and other travel preparations take?

This depends entirely on the location that your pet is traveling to. Your pet relocation compnay will provide you with an accurate timeline of how long the relevant preparations will take and at what point in the process the various steps must be taken.

In some cases they can get your pet ‘travel ready’ in a few days. In others it can be up to six months or more.

 

5. What vaccinations does my pet need to travel?

Regardless of where your pet is traveling, they will need certain vaccinations. The exact vaccinations they need are entirely dependent on the location they are traveling to. The one vaccination that is mandatory for every country your pet may travel to is a rabies vaccination.

Other vaccinations may also be necessary. These will be advised to you as relevant. In every situation, it is essential to keep your vaccinations current and to not miss a due date, even by one day. To do so could severely hinder your pets travel plans.

Source: Pawsome Pets UAE

More from Janine di Giovanni
TERMINAL HIGH ALTITUDE AREA DEFENCE (THAAD)

What is THAAD?

It is considered to be the US's most superior missile defence system.

Production:

It was created in 2008.

Speed:

THAAD missiles can travel at over Mach 8, so fast that it is hypersonic.

Abilities:

THAAD is designed to take out  ballistic missiles as they are on their downward trajectory towards their target, otherwise known as the "terminal phase".

Purpose:

To protect high-value strategic sites, such as airfields or population centres.

Range:

THAAD can target projectiles inside and outside the Earth's atmosphere, at an altitude of 150 kilometres above the Earth's surface.

Creators:

Lockheed Martin was originally granted the contract to develop the system in 1992. Defence company Raytheon sub-contracts to develop other major parts of the system, such as ground-based radar.

UAE and THAAD:

In 2011, the UAE became the first country outside of the US to buy two THAAD missile defence systems. It then stationed them in 2016, becoming the first Gulf country to do so.

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.”

On Women's Day
THREE
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Sukuk

An Islamic bond structured in a way to generate returns without violating Sharia strictures on prohibition of interest.

Ticket prices

General admission Dh295 (under-three free)

Buy a four-person Family & Friends ticket and pay for only three tickets, so the fourth family member is free

Buy tickets at: wbworldabudhabi.com/en/tickets

Getting%20there%20
%3Cp%3E%3Ca%20href%3D%22https%3A%2F%2Fwww.thenationalnews.com%2Ftravel%2F2023%2F01%2F12%2Fwhat-does-it-take-to-be-cabin-crew-at-one-of-the-worlds-best-airlines-in-2023%2F%22%20target%3D%22_self%22%3EEtihad%20Airways%20%3C%2Fa%3Eflies%20daily%20to%20the%20Maldives%20from%20Abu%20Dhabi.%20The%20journey%20takes%20four%20hours%20and%20return%20fares%20start%20from%20Dh3%2C995.%20Opt%20for%20the%203am%20flight%20and%20you%E2%80%99ll%20land%20at%206am%2C%20giving%20you%20the%20entire%20day%20to%20adjust%20to%20island%20time.%20%C2%A0%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3ERound%20trip%20speedboat%20transfers%20to%20the%20resort%20are%20bookable%20via%20Anantara%20and%20cost%20%24265%20per%20person.%20%C2%A0%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Groom and Two Brides

Director: Elie Semaan

Starring: Abdullah Boushehri, Laila Abdallah, Lulwa Almulla

Rating: 3/5

Results:

6.30pm: Al Maktoum Challenge Round-2 (PA) | Group 1 US$75,000 (Dirt) | 2,200 metres

Winner: Goshawke, Fernando Jara (jockey), Ali Rashid Al Raihe (trainer)

7.05pm: UAE 1000 Guineas (TB) | Listed $250,000 (D) | 1,600m

Winner: Silva, Oisin Murphy, Pia Brendt

7.40pm: Meydan Classic Trial (TB) | Conditions $100,000 (Turf) | 1,400m

Winner: Golden Jaguar, Connor Beasley, Ahmad bin Harmash

8.15pm: Al Shindagha Sprint (TB) | Group 3 $200,000 (D) | 1,200m

Winner: Drafted, Pat Dobbs, Doug Watson

8.50pm: Handicap (TB) | $175,000 (D) | 1,600m

Winner: Capezzano, Mickael Barzalona, Sandeep Jadhav

9.25pm: Handicap (TB) | $175,000 (T) | 2,000m

Winner: Oasis Charm, William Buick, Charlie Appleby

10pm: Handicap (TB) | $135,000 (T) | 1,600m

Winner: Escalator, Christopher Hayes, Charlie Fellowes

Updated: May 30, 2023, 1:07 PM
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