• 3 Fils, Dubai, UAE. Photo: 3 Fils
    3 Fils, Dubai, UAE. Photo: 3 Fils
  • Zuma, Dubai, UAE. Photo: Zuma
    Zuma, Dubai, UAE. Photo: Zuma
  • OCD Restaurant, Tel Aviv, Israel. Photo: OCD
    OCD Restaurant, Tel Aviv, Israel. Photo: OCD
  • Tresind Studio, Dubai, UAE. Photo: Tresind Studio
    Tresind Studio, Dubai, UAE. Photo: Tresind Studio
  • Sachi, Cairo, Egypt. Photo: Sachi
    Sachi, Cairo, Egypt. Photo: Sachi
  • Orfali Bros, Dubai, UAE. Photo: Orfali Bros
    Orfali Bros, Dubai, UAE. Photo: Orfali Bros
  • Fakhreldin, Amman, Jordan. Photo: Fakhreldin
    Fakhreldin, Amman, Jordan. Photo: Fakhreldin
  • LPM Restaurant & Bar, Dubai, UAE. Photo: LPM Restaurant & Bar
    LPM Restaurant & Bar, Dubai, UAE. Photo: LPM Restaurant & Bar
  • George & John, Tel Aviv, Israel. Photo: George & John
    George & John, Tel Aviv, Israel. Photo: George & John
  • Gaia, Dubai, UAE. Photo: Gaia
    Gaia, Dubai, UAE. Photo: Gaia
  • Il Borro Tuscan Bistro, Dubai, UAE. Photo: Il Borro Tuscan Bistro
    Il Borro Tuscan Bistro, Dubai, UAE. Photo: Il Borro Tuscan Bistro
  • Baron, Beirut, Lebanon. Photo: Baron
    Baron, Beirut, Lebanon. Photo: Baron
  • Coya, Dubai, UAE. Photo: Coya
    Coya, Dubai, UAE. Photo: Coya
  • HaBasta, Tel Aviv, Israel. Photo: HaBasta
    HaBasta, Tel Aviv, Israel. Photo: HaBasta
  • Myazu, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Photo: Myazu
    Myazu, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Photo: Myazu
  • Reif Kushiyaki, Dubai, UAE. Photo: Reif Kushiyaki
    Reif Kushiyaki, Dubai, UAE. Photo: Reif Kushiyaki
  • Animar, Tel Aviv, Israel. Photo: Animar
    Animar, Tel Aviv, Israel. Photo: Animar
  • Tresind, Dubai, UAE. Photo: Tresind
    Tresind, Dubai, UAE. Photo: Tresind
  • Kazoku, Cairo, Egypt. Photo: Kazoku
    Kazoku, Cairo, Egypt. Photo: Kazoku
  • Mimi Kakushi, Dubai, UAE. Photo: Mimi Kakushi
    Mimi Kakushi, Dubai, UAE. Photo: Mimi Kakushi
  • Liza, Beirut, Lebanon. Photo: Liza
    Liza, Beirut, Lebanon. Photo: Liza
  • Em Sherif, Beirut, Lebanon. Photo: Em Sherif
    Em Sherif, Beirut, Lebanon. Photo: Em Sherif
  • Lowe, Dubai, UAE. Photo: Lowe
    Lowe, Dubai, UAE. Photo: Lowe
  • Pescado, Ashdod, Israel. Photo: Pescado
    Pescado, Ashdod, Israel. Photo: Pescado
  • Hakkasan, Abu Dhabi, UAE. Photo: Hakkasan
    Hakkasan, Abu Dhabi, UAE. Photo: Hakkasan
  • La Grande Table Marocaine, Marrakesh, Morocco. Photo: Royal Mansour
    La Grande Table Marocaine, Marrakesh, Morocco. Photo: Royal Mansour
  • 13C Bar in the Back, Amman, Jordan. Photo: 13C Bar in the Back
    13C Bar in the Back, Amman, Jordan. Photo: 13C Bar in the Back
  • Tawlet Mar Mikhael, Beirut, Lebanon. Photo: Tawlet Mar Mikhael
    Tawlet Mar Mikhael, Beirut, Lebanon. Photo: Tawlet Mar Mikhael
  • Amazonico, Dubai, UAE. Photo: Amazonico
    Amazonico, Dubai, UAE. Photo: Amazonico
  • Marble, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Photo: Marble
    Marble, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Photo: Marble
  • Mirai, Manama, Bahrain. Photo: Mirai
    Mirai, Manama, Bahrain. Photo: Mirai
  • Iloli, Casablanca, Morocco. Photo: Iloli
    Iloli, Casablanca, Morocco. Photo: Iloli
  • BB Social Dining, Dubai, UAE. Photo: BB Social Dining
    BB Social Dining, Dubai, UAE. Photo: BB Social Dining
  • Coya, Abu Dhabi, UAE. Photo: Coya
    Coya, Abu Dhabi, UAE. Photo: Coya
  • Indochine, Dubai, UAE. Photo: Indochine
    Indochine, Dubai, UAE. Photo: Indochine
  • Cut by Wolfgang Puck, Doha, Qatar. Photo: Cut by Wolfgang Puck
    Cut by Wolfgang Puck, Doha, Qatar. Photo: Cut by Wolfgang Puck
  • Porterhouse, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Photo: Porterhouse
    Porterhouse, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Photo: Porterhouse
  • Zooba, Cairo, Egypt. Photo: Zooba
    Zooba, Cairo, Egypt. Photo: Zooba
  • Fusions by Tala, Manama, Bahrain. Photo: Fusions by Tala
    Fusions by Tala, Manama, Bahrain. Photo: Fusions by Tala
  • Milgo Milbar, Tel Aviv, Israel. Photo: Milgo Milbar
    Milgo Milbar, Tel Aviv, Israel. Photo: Milgo Milbar
  • Sufra, Amman, Jordan. Photo: Sufra
    Sufra, Amman, Jordan. Photo: Sufra
  • LPM Restaurant & Cafe, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Photo: LPM Restaurant & Cafe
    LPM Restaurant & Cafe, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Photo: LPM Restaurant & Cafe
  • White Robata, Kuwait City, Kuwait. Photo: White Robata
    White Robata, Kuwait City, Kuwait. Photo: White Robata
  • Hoseki, Dubai, UAE. Photo: Hoseki
    Hoseki, Dubai, UAE. Photo: Hoseki
  • Izakaya, Cairo, Egypt. Photo: Izakaya
    Izakaya, Cairo, Egypt. Photo: Izakaya
  • La Closerie, La Marsa, Tunisia. Photo: La Closerie
    La Closerie, La Marsa, Tunisia. Photo: La Closerie
  • Clap, Beirut, Lebanon. Photo: Clap
    Clap, Beirut, Lebanon. Photo: Clap
  • Butcher & Still, Abu Dhabi, UAE. Photo: Four Seasons
    Butcher & Still, Abu Dhabi, UAE. Photo: Four Seasons
  • Plus61, Marrakesh, Morocco. Photo: Plus61
    Plus61, Marrakesh, Morocco. Photo: Plus61
  • Tokyo, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Photo: Tokyo
    Tokyo, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Photo: Tokyo

World's 50 Best reveals Mena's 50 Best Restaurants list in Abu Dhabi


Janice Rodrigues
  • English
  • Arabic

Red carpet. Chefs dressed in customary scarlet scarves. An event deemed more of a “celebration than a competition”. Welcome to the first Mena's 50 Best Restaurants awards ceremony.

On Monday, culinary stars from around the world descended on Abu Dhabi for the gala event by the World's 50 Best Restaurants group, which unveiled the top contenders from across the Middle East and North Africa.

Scroll through the gallery above for the 50 restaurants that made it to the first Mena's 50 Best Restaurants list.

The evening, hosted by Samar Breitem, had world-famous chefs, restaurateurs, food critics and other culinary experts raising a glass to the best in the business at a glittering event in Conrad Abu Dhabi Etihad Towers.

After much speculation and anticipation, Dubai's 3 Fils was named the No 1 restaurant in the Mena region.

  • 3 Fils has been named the No 1 restaurant in on the Mena's 50 Best Restaurants list. Photo: 3 Fils
    3 Fils has been named the No 1 restaurant in on the Mena's 50 Best Restaurants list. Photo: 3 Fils
  • It is a home-grown 30-seater eatery in Dubai, which serves a Japanese-inspired menu. Photo: 3 Fils
    It is a home-grown 30-seater eatery in Dubai, which serves a Japanese-inspired menu. Photo: 3 Fils
  • The restaurant is located in Jumeirah Fishing Harbour, which could almost be described as a hidden gem. Photo: 3 Fils
    The restaurant is located in Jumeirah Fishing Harbour, which could almost be described as a hidden gem. Photo: 3 Fils
  • 3 Fils is popular with Dubai royalty and VIPs. Photo: 3 Fils
    3 Fils is popular with Dubai royalty and VIPs. Photo: 3 Fils
  • The bluefin tuna is among 3 Fils's standout dishes. Photo: 3 Fils
    The bluefin tuna is among 3 Fils's standout dishes. Photo: 3 Fils
  • The beef carpaccio is another popular dish. Photo: 3 Fils
    The beef carpaccio is another popular dish. Photo: 3 Fils
  • There are two burger options on the menu, a Waguy beef cheeseburger and a second with the addition of shaved truffle. Photo: 3 Fils
    There are two burger options on the menu, a Waguy beef cheeseburger and a second with the addition of shaved truffle. Photo: 3 Fils
  • The dragon sushi role is filled with shrimp tempura, gochujang (red chilli paste) and pickled onions . Photo: 3 Fils
    The dragon sushi role is filled with shrimp tempura, gochujang (red chilli paste) and pickled onions . Photo: 3 Fils
  • The emo fries are an off menu favourite among loyal 3 Fils fans, with blue fin tuna slices and topped with black truffle. Photo: 3 Fils
    The emo fries are an off menu favourite among loyal 3 Fils fans, with blue fin tuna slices and topped with black truffle. Photo: 3 Fils
  • 3 Fils has been named the No 1 restaurant in on the Mena's 50 Best Restaurants list. Photo: 3 Fils
    3 Fils has been named the No 1 restaurant in on the Mena's 50 Best Restaurants list. Photo: 3 Fils

Singaporean-born chef Akmal Anuar started the venture as a labour of love. He has since moved on to 11 Woodfire, but when the team accepted the award, co-founder Ahmed Abdulhakim gave him a shout-out. The name was meant to be a play on the three original owners each giving their "two cents' worth".

On the menu are Asian-inspired dishes such as seaweed salad, salmon carpaccio, beef chorizo indomie, crispy eel and Hokkaido scallops, plus various types of maki and tempura.

Zuma in Dubai, OCD Restaurant in Israel, Tresind Studio in Dubai and Sachi in Egypt took up the next four positions.

Scroll through the gallery for pictures from the Mena's 50 Best Restaurants awards ceremony in Abu Dhabi:

  • The first Middle East and North Africa’s 50 Best Restaurants Awards were held at Conrad Abu Dhabi Etihad Towers. All photos: Victor Besa / The National
    The first Middle East and North Africa’s 50 Best Restaurants Awards were held at Conrad Abu Dhabi Etihad Towers. All photos: Victor Besa / The National
  • Dubai restaurant 3 Fils was named the top restaurant in the Mena region.
    Dubai restaurant 3 Fils was named the top restaurant in the Mena region.
  • The Best Restaurant in Egypt went to Sachi in Cairo.
    The Best Restaurant in Egypt went to Sachi in Cairo.
  • Reif Othman, of Dubai restaurant Reif Japanese Kushiyaki, won the Chef's Choice Award.
    Reif Othman, of Dubai restaurant Reif Japanese Kushiyaki, won the Chef's Choice Award.
  • The Art of Hospitality Award went to Tresind Studio in Dubai.
    The Art of Hospitality Award went to Tresind Studio in Dubai.
  • Riyadh restaurant Myazu was named Best Restaurant in Saudi Arabia.
    Riyadh restaurant Myazu was named Best Restaurant in Saudi Arabia.
  • The Foodics Icon Award went to Kamal Mouzawak from Beirut.
    The Foodics Icon Award went to Kamal Mouzawak from Beirut.
  • Beirut establishment Baron was named Best Restaurant in Lebanon.
    Beirut establishment Baron was named Best Restaurant in Lebanon.
  • The team from Dubai's Zuma at the event. The izakaya-style Japanese restaurant came second on the Mena list.
    The team from Dubai's Zuma at the event. The izakaya-style Japanese restaurant came second on the Mena list.
  • The event was the unveiling of the first Mena list by the World's 50 Best Restaurants group.
    The event was the unveiling of the first Mena list by the World's 50 Best Restaurants group.
  • The Best Restaurant in Bahrain and 31st overall went to Mirai.
    The Best Restaurant in Bahrain and 31st overall went to Mirai.
  • Tala Bashmi of Bahrain's Fusions by Tala was named Best Female Chef.
    Tala Bashmi of Bahrain's Fusions by Tala was named Best Female Chef.
  • The team from 3 Fils, the Dubai restaurant that topped the list, accept their award.
    The team from 3 Fils, the Dubai restaurant that topped the list, accept their award.

Of the 50 restaurants, 19 are in the UAE, while six are in Israel, five each are in Saudi Arabia and Lebanon, four are in Egypt, three each are in Morocco and Jordan, two are in Bahrain, and there's one each in Kuwait, Tunisia and Qatar.

See the full list below.

Elsewhere, Emirati chef Sahar Al Awadhi was named Mena's Best Pastry Chef, and Reif Othman of Reif Japanese Kushiyaki fame won the Chef's Choice Award.

Chef Reif Othman won the Chef's Choice Award
Chef Reif Othman won the Chef's Choice Award

The regional list is one of the most anticipated releases of the year, since the event was announced in August 2021. After all, the World’s 50 Best Restaurants is an acclaimed ranking in the food and beverage industry.

An annual global list aside, the organisation puts together names for Latin America’s 50 Best Restaurants and 50 Best Asian Restaurants.

But as William Drew, director of content for the World’s 50 Best put it, the Middle East was not properly represented.

“For some time now, we’ve wanted to extend and shine a spotlight on this part of the world because it was under-represented," Drew says. "We think it has an amazing, diverse food scene, with global influence, but also local heritage and tradition.

"It has home-grown players as well as those from around the world. It’s an interesting mixture – but it hasn’t received the attention it deserves.

“We hope by creating an annual list, we can bring attention to the region and also encourage food-loving travellers from around the world to visit and understand the cuisines a bit better.”

Abu Dhabi was chosen as the location for the first event as it is “fast-changing and fast-rising, and also because the food scene is fast-developing”, Drew says.

Hakkasan Abu Dhabi placed at number 25 on the list
Hakkasan Abu Dhabi placed at number 25 on the list

“There has been an appetite within the government to develop food-based tourism with Abu Dhabi Culinary. The infrastructure and facilities are wonderful, and it has been very welcoming.”

Abu Dhabi will continue to be the city hosting the awards ceremony for the next few years, as Mena's 50 Best Restaurants “establishes itself”, Drew says.

Under the event’s format, the ceremony will then be held in other cities around the region.

How were the winners of Mena’s 50 Best Restaurants chosen?

A dish from Tresind. The restaurant made it into the top 50 list. Photo: Tresind
A dish from Tresind. The restaurant made it into the top 50 list. Photo: Tresind

The 50 restaurants that made the cut were chosen by a panel of 250 anonymous voters, with each sharing their seven top picks.

These, in turn, were recruited by six academy chairs, who were appointed for their knowledge and connections in the restaurant world.

“We check to ensure there is no conflict of interest and the voting system is confidential," Drew says.

"About 25 per cent of the voters change every year, so there’s a refresh. The list that we create is only as credible as the voting system and the voters. There’s no score sheet or what they need to look forward to. Voters simply have to name their seven best restaurant experiences in order of preference.

"A certain number of nominations should be from outside the country. In this year’s ceremony that has been reduced to only one out of seven due to the current global scenario.”

In addition to shining a light on local cuisine and guiding food-loving tourists to the best places to eat, the list also gives talented chefs and beloved restaurants the appreciation and attention they deserve.

“We’re looking forward to learning more about the region through this list,” Drew says.

Mena’s 50 Best Restaurants 2022

1. 3 Fils, Dubai, UAE

2. Zuma, Dubai, UAE

3. OCD Restaurant, Tel Aviv, Israel

4. Tresind Studio, Dubai, UAE (also won Art of Hospitality Award)

5. Sachi, Cairo, Egypt

6. Orfali Bros, Dubai, UAE

7. Fakhreldin, Amman, Jordan

8. LPM Restaurant & Bar, Dubai, UAE

9. George & John, Tel Aviv, Israel

10. Gaia, Dubai, UAE

11. Il Borro Tuscan Bistro, Dubai, UAE

12. Baron, Beirut, Lebanon

13. Coya, Dubai, UAE

14. HaBasta, Tel Aviv, Israel

15. Myazu, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

16. Reif Kushiyaki, Dubai, UAE

17. Animar, Tel Aviv, Israel

18. Tresind, Dubai, UAE

19. Kazoku, Cairo, Egypt

20. Mimi Kakushi, Dubai, UAE

21. Liza, Beirut, Lebanon

22. Em Sherif, Beirut, Lebanon

23. Lowe, Dubai, UAE (also won the Sustainable Restaurant Award)

24. Pescado, Ashdod, Israel

25. Hakkasan, Abu Dhabi, UAE

26. La Grande Table Marocaine, Marrakesh, Morocco

27. 13C Bar in the Back, Amman, Jordan

28. Tawlet Mar Mikhael, Beirut, Lebanon

29. Amazonico, Dubai, UAE

30. Marble, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

31. Mirai, Manama, Bahrain

32. Iloli, Casablanca, Morocco

33. BB Social Dining, Dubai, UAE

34. Coya, Abu Dhabi, UAE

35. Indochine, Dubai, UAE

36. Cut by Wolfgang Puck, Doha, Qatar

37. Porterhouse, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

38. Zooba, Cairo, Egypt

39. Fusions by Tala, Manama, Bahrain

40. Milgo Milbar, Tel Aviv, Israel

41. Sufra, Amman, Jordan

42. LPM Restaurant & Cafe, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

43. White Robata, Kuwait City, Kuwait

44. Hoseki, Dubai, UAE

45. Izakaya, Cairo, Egypt

46. La Closerie, La Marsa, Tunisia

47. Clap, Beirut, Lebanon

48. Butcher & Still, Abu Dhabi, UAE

49. Plus61, Marrakesh, Morocco

50. Tokyo, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

– This article was first published on February 7, 2022

Cinco in numbers

Dh3.7 million

The estimated cost of Victoria Swarovski’s gem-encrusted Michael Cinco wedding gown

46

The number, in kilograms, that Swarovski’s wedding gown weighed.

1,000

The hours it took to create Cinco’s vermillion petal gown, as seen in his atelier [note, is the one he’s playing with in the corner of a room]

50

How many looks Cinco has created in a new collection to celebrate Ballet Philippines’ 50th birthday

3,000

The hours needed to create the butterfly gown worn by Aishwarya Rai to the 2018 Cannes Film Festival.

1.1 million

The number of followers that Michael Cinco’s Instagram account has garnered.

The biog

Name: Samar Frost

Born: Abu Dhabi

Hobbies: Singing, music and socialising with friends

Favourite singer: Adele

Company%20profile
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ECompany%20name%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Ogram%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EStarted%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E2017%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EFounders%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Karim%20Kouatly%20and%20Shafiq%20Khartabil%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EBased%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EDubai%2C%20UAE%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EIndustry%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20On-demand%20staffing%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ENumber%20of%20employees%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%2050%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EFunding%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EMore%20than%20%244%20million%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EFunding%20round%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Series%20A%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EInvestors%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EGlobal%20Ventures%2C%20Aditum%20and%20Oraseya%20Capital%3Cbr%3E%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
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 
Company%20profile
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ECompany%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EPOPC%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EStarted%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E2022%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EFounders%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EAmna%20Aijaz%2C%20Haroon%20Tahir%20and%20Arafat%20Ali%20Khan%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EBased%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Dubai%2C%20UAE%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EIndustry%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3Eart%20and%20e-commerce%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EFunds%20raised%3A%20u%3C%2Fstrong%3Endisclosed%20amount%20raised%20through%20Waverider%20Entertainment%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Living in...

This article is part of a guide on where to live in the UAE. Our reporters will profile some of the country’s most desirable districts, provide an estimate of rental prices and introduce you to some of the residents who call each area home.

Nancy 9 (Hassa Beek)

Nancy Ajram

(In2Musica)

Classification of skills

A worker is categorised as skilled by the MOHRE based on nine levels given in the International Standard Classification of Occupations (ISCO) issued by the International Labour Organisation. 

A skilled worker would be someone at a professional level (levels 1 – 5) which includes managers, professionals, technicians and associate professionals, clerical support workers, and service and sales workers.

The worker must also have an attested educational certificate higher than secondary or an equivalent certification, and earn a monthly salary of at least Dh4,000. 

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

MIDWAY

Produced: Lionsgate Films, Shanghai Ryui Entertainment, Street Light Entertainment
Directed: Roland Emmerich
Cast: Ed Skrein, Woody Harrelson, Dennis Quaid, Aaron Eckhart, Luke Evans, Nick Jonas, Mandy Moore, Darren Criss
Rating: 3.5/5 stars

At a glance

Fixtures All matches start at 9.30am, at ICC Academy, Dubai. Admission is free

Thursday UAE v Ireland; Saturday UAE v Ireland; Jan 21 UAE v Scotland; Jan 23 UAE v Scotland

UAE squad Rohan Mustafa (c), Ashfaq Ahmed, Ghulam Shabber, Rameez Shahzad, Mohammed Boota, Mohammed Usman, Adnan Mufti, Shaiman Anwar, Ahmed Raza, Imran Haider, Qadeer Ahmed, Mohammed Naveed, Amir Hayat, Zahoor Khan

The specs

Price, base: Dh228,000 / Dh232,000 (est)
Engine: 5.7-litre Hemi V8
Transmission: Eight-speed automatic
Power: 395hp @ 5,600rpm
Torque: 552Nm
Fuel economy, combined: 12.5L / 100km

About RuPay

A homegrown card payment scheme launched by the National Payments Corporation of India and backed by the Reserve Bank of India, the country’s central bank

RuPay process payments between banks and merchants for purchases made with credit or debit cards

It has grown rapidly in India and competes with global payment network firms like MasterCard and Visa.

In India, it can be used at ATMs, for online payments and variations of the card can be used to pay for bus, metro charges, road toll payments

The name blends two words rupee and payment

Some advantages of the network include lower processing fees and transaction costs

MO
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The Dark Blue Winter Overcoat & Other Stories From the North
Edited and Introduced by Sjón and Ted Hodgkinson
Pushkin Press 

Our legal consultant

Name: Hassan Mohsen Elhais

Position: legal consultant with Al Rowaad Advocates and Legal Consultants.

Why it pays to compare

A comparison of sending Dh20,000 from the UAE using two different routes at the same time - the first direct from a UAE bank to a bank in Germany, and the second from the same UAE bank via an online platform to Germany - found key differences in cost and speed. The transfers were both initiated on January 30.

Route 1: bank transfer

The UAE bank charged Dh152.25 for the Dh20,000 transfer. On top of that, their exchange rate margin added a difference of around Dh415, compared with the mid-market rate.

Total cost: Dh567.25 - around 2.9 per cent of the total amount

Total received: €4,670.30 

Route 2: online platform

The UAE bank’s charge for sending Dh20,000 to a UK dirham-denominated account was Dh2.10. The exchange rate margin cost was Dh60, plus a Dh12 fee.

Total cost: Dh74.10, around 0.4 per cent of the transaction

Total received: €4,756

The UAE bank transfer was far quicker – around two to three working days, while the online platform took around four to five days, but was considerably cheaper. In the online platform transfer, the funds were also exposed to currency risk during the period it took for them to arrive.

McIlroy's struggles in 2016/17

European Tour: 6 events, 16 rounds, 5 cuts, 0 wins, 3 top-10s, 4 top-25s, 72,5567 points, ranked 16th

PGA Tour: 8 events, 26 rounds, 6 cuts, 0 wins, 4 top-10s, 5 top-25s, 526 points, ranked 71st

Company profile

Name: Fruitful Day

Founders: Marie-Christine Luijckx, Lyla Dalal AlRawi, Lindsey Fournie

Based: Dubai, UAE

Founded: 2015

Number of employees: 30

Sector: F&B

Funding so far: Dh3 million

Future funding plans: None at present

Future markets: Saudi Arabia, potentially Kuwait and other GCC countries

Timeline

2012-2015

The company offers payments/bribes to win key contracts in the Middle East

May 2017

The UK SFO officially opens investigation into Petrofac’s use of agents, corruption, and potential bribery to secure contracts

September 2021

Petrofac pleads guilty to seven counts of failing to prevent bribery under the UK Bribery Act

October 2021

Court fines Petrofac £77 million for bribery. Former executive receives a two-year suspended sentence 

December 2024

Petrofac enters into comprehensive restructuring to strengthen the financial position of the group

May 2025

The High Court of England and Wales approves the company’s restructuring plan

July 2025

The Court of Appeal issues a judgment challenging parts of the restructuring plan

August 2025

Petrofac issues a business update to execute the restructuring and confirms it will appeal the Court of Appeal decision

October 2025

Petrofac loses a major TenneT offshore wind contract worth €13 billion. Holding company files for administration in the UK. Petrofac delisted from the London Stock Exchange

November 2025

180 Petrofac employees laid off in the UAE

Brief scores:

Everton 0

Leicester City 1

Vardy 58'

MATCH INFO

Liverpool 2 (Van Dijk 18', 24')

Brighton 1 (Dunk 79')

Red card: Alisson (Liverpool)

Five expert hiking tips
    Always check the weather forecast before setting off Make sure you have plenty of water Set off early to avoid sudden weather changes in the afternoon Wear appropriate clothing and footwear Take your litter home with you
Ant-Man%20and%20the%20Wasp%3A%20Quantumania
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Tips for taking the metro

- set out well ahead of time

- make sure you have at least Dh15 on you Nol card, as there could be big queues for top-up machines

- enter the right cabin. The train may be too busy to move between carriages once you're on

- don't carry too much luggage and tuck it under a seat to make room for fellow passengers

The specs: McLaren 600LT

Price, base: Dh914,000

Engine: 3.8-litre twin-turbo V8

Transmission: Seven-speed automatic

Power: 600hp @ 7,500rpm

Torque: 620Nm @ 5,500rpm

Fuel economy 12.2.L / 100km

What is graphene?

Graphene is extracted from graphite and is made up of pure carbon.

It is 200 times more resistant than steel and five times lighter than aluminum.

It conducts electricity better than any other material at room temperature.

It is thought that graphene could boost the useful life of batteries by 10 per cent.

Graphene can also detect cancer cells in the early stages of the disease.

The material was first discovered when Andre Geim and Konstantin Novoselov were 'playing' with graphite at the University of Manchester in 2004.

Book%20Details
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UFC%20FIGHT%20NIGHT%3A%20SAUDI%20ARABIA%20RESULTS
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SERIES SCHEDULE

First Test, Galle International Stadium
July 26-30
Second Test, Sinhalese Sports Club Ground
August 3-7
Third Test, Pallekele International Stadium
August 12-16
First ODI, Rangiri Dambulla Stadium
August 20
Second ODI, Pallekele International Stadium
August 24
Third ODI, Pallekele International Stadium
August 27
Fourth ODI, R Premadasa Stadium
August 31
Fifth ODI, R Premadasa Stadium
September 3
T20, R Premadasa Stadium
September 6

ASSASSIN'S%20CREED%20MIRAGE
%3Cp%3E%0DDeveloper%3A%20Ubisoft%20Bordeaux%0D%3Cbr%3EPublisher%3A%20Ubisoft%0D%3Cbr%3EConsoles%3A%20PlayStation%204%26amp%3B5%2C%20PC%20and%20Xbox%20Series%20S%26amp%3BX%0D%3Cbr%3ERating%3A%203.5%2F5%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
What is Reform?

Reform is a right-wing, populist party led by Nigel Farage, a former MEP who won a seat in the House of Commons last year at his eighth attempt and a prominent figure in the campaign for the UK to leave the European Union.

It was founded in 2018 and originally called the Brexit Party.

Many of its members previously belonged to UKIP or the mainstream Conservatives.

After Brexit took place, the party focused on the reformation of British democracy.

Former Tory deputy chairman Lee Anderson became its first MP after defecting in March 2024.

The party gained support from Elon Musk, and had hoped the tech billionaire would make a £100m donation. However, Mr Musk changed his mind and called for Mr Farage to step down as leader in a row involving the US tycoon's support for far-right figurehead Tommy Robinson who is in prison for contempt of court.

THE SPECS

Jaguar F-Pace SVR

Engine: 5-litre supercharged V8​​​​​​​

Transmission: 8-speed automatic

Power: 542bhp​​​​​​​

Torque: 680Nm​​​​​​​

Price: Dh465,071

Results:

CSIL 2-star 145cm One Round with Jump-Off

1.           Alice Debany Clero (USA) on Amareusa S 38.83 seconds

2.           Anikka Sande (NOR) For Cash 2 39.09

3.           Georgia Tame (GBR) Cash Up 39.42

4.           Nadia Taryam (UAE) Askaria 3 39.63

5.           Miriam Schneider (GER) Fidelius G 47.74

UAE v Gibraltar

What: International friendly

When: 7pm kick off

Where: Rugby Park, Dubai Sports City

Admission: Free

Online: The match will be broadcast live on Dubai Exiles’ Facebook page

UAE squad: Lucas Waddington (Dubai Exiles), Gio Fourie (Exiles), Craig Nutt (Abu Dhabi Harlequins), Phil Brady (Harlequins), Daniel Perry (Dubai Hurricanes), Esekaia Dranibota (Harlequins), Matt Mills (Exiles), Jaen Botes (Exiles), Kristian Stinson (Exiles), Murray Reason (Abu Dhabi Saracens), Dave Knight (Hurricanes), Ross Samson (Jebel Ali Dragons), DuRandt Gerber (Exiles), Saki Naisau (Dragons), Andrew Powell (Hurricanes), Emosi Vacanau (Harlequins), Niko Volavola (Dragons), Matt Richards (Dragons), Luke Stevenson (Harlequins), Josh Ives (Dubai Sports City Eagles), Sean Stevens (Saracens), Thinus Steyn (Exiles)

Updated: February 10, 2022, 11:59 AM