• Jimikand ka seekh, a vegan seekh kebab at Punjab Grill. All photos: Chris Whiteoak / The National
    Jimikand ka seekh, a vegan seekh kebab at Punjab Grill. All photos: Chris Whiteoak / The National
  • The main ingredient in the seekh kebab is elephant foot yam
    The main ingredient in the seekh kebab is elephant foot yam
  • Head chef Vikash Sah cooks the fluffy bread that accompanies the kebab
    Head chef Vikash Sah cooks the fluffy bread that accompanies the kebab
  • Plant-based taco at Bounty Beets, made from courgette taco shells, lentil and walnut meat, avocado, chipotle aioli and jalapeno
    Plant-based taco at Bounty Beets, made from courgette taco shells, lentil and walnut meat, avocado, chipotle aioli and jalapeno
  • Chef de cuisine Chandika Ratnayaka fries the lentil and walnut mixture for the tacos
    Chef de cuisine Chandika Ratnayaka fries the lentil and walnut mixture for the tacos
  • Chef Ratnayaka plates the tacos
    Chef Ratnayaka plates the tacos
  • Impossible meatloaf with onion gravy, green beans and sweet potato fries at The Strand
    Impossible meatloaf with onion gravy, green beans and sweet potato fries at The Strand
  • The green beans are fried for maximum flavour
    The green beans are fried for maximum flavour
  • Valerio fries the meatloaf
    Valerio fries the meatloaf
  • Vegan burger with crumbed sweet potato mash and chickpea patty at Drip Burgers in Arjan
    Vegan burger with crumbed sweet potato mash and chickpea patty at Drip Burgers in Arjan
  • Chef Dorathy Ayenyo adds homemade Drip sauce to the vegan bun
    Chef Dorathy Ayenyo adds homemade Drip sauce to the vegan bun
  • Ayenyo garnishes the burger
    Ayenyo garnishes the burger
  • Vegan pad Thai rice noodles with mixed veggies and tofu at Cafe Isan
    Vegan pad Thai rice noodles with mixed veggies and tofu at Cafe Isan
  • Head chef Keng cooks the rice noodles
    Head chef Keng cooks the rice noodles
  • Keng plates the dish, which is coated with sweet tamarind sauce
    Keng plates the dish, which is coated with sweet tamarind sauce
  • Pumpkin and mango cheesecake at Angel Cakes
    Pumpkin and mango cheesecake at Angel Cakes
  • Pistachio and raspberry cream tart at Angel Cakes
    Pistachio and raspberry cream tart at Angel Cakes
  • Vegan donut with peanut praline at Angel Cakes
    Vegan donut with peanut praline at Angel Cakes
  • Vegan chef and co-owner Alina Tutkova also offers tomato and avocado toast
    Vegan chef and co-owner Alina Tutkova also offers tomato and avocado toast

Creative dishes to try this Veganuary, from elephant foot yam to walnut 'meat'


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Restaurants across the UAE have unveiled limited-time plant-based menus in keeping with Veganuary.

Some follow the movement, which encourages people to stick to a vegan lifestyle for January, to improve their well-being. The Vegan Society reports benefits associated with veganism include lower blood pressure, cholesterol, heart disease and Type 2 diabetes.

Others opt in for environmental reasons. The production of beef has the most damaging carbon footprint among all meats, according to scientific online publication Our World in Data.

Still, others simply can't stomach the thought of slaughtering animals for human consumption.

For those joining Veganuary, here are some creative dishes to sample at six restaurants in Dubai.

Jimikand ka seekh by Punjab Grill

A seekh kebab made of elephant foot yam. Chris Whiteoak / The National
A seekh kebab made of elephant foot yam. Chris Whiteoak / The National

The vegan seekh kebab is made of elephant foot yam, a tropical plant native to South-East Asia. In Ayurvedic medicine, the tuber is known to treat inflammation, fatigue and dysmenorrhoea, among other ailments. The kebab is served on fluffy phulka tacos and dressed with green chilli and peanut chutney.

Open daily, 11.30am-11.30pm at Anantara Downtown Dubai; noon-midnight at The Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi, Grand Canal; punjabgrill.me

Plant-based tacos by Bounty Beets

Tacos made of courgette, lentils and walnuts. Chris Whiteoak / The National
Tacos made of courgette, lentils and walnuts. Chris Whiteoak / The National

A courgette taco shell is filled with vegan meat derived from lentils and walnuts. The filling also includes lettuce, avocado, chipotle aioli and jalapeno.

Daily, 8am-7pm; Le Meridien Mina Seyahi Beach Resort & Marina; 04 511 7373

Vegan pad Thai by Cafe Isan

Pad Thai noodles with tofu. Chris Whiteoak / The National
Pad Thai noodles with tofu. Chris Whiteoak / The National

The popular Thai dish by the JLT restaurant is made of rice noodles and mixed vegetables, while tofu is the protein of choice. It is tossed in a homemade sweet and sour tamarind sauce.

Sunday to Wednesday, noon-midnight; Thursday to Saturday, noon-2am; Armada Avenue Hotel, Cluster P, JLT; 058 529 1003

Impossible meatloaf by The Strand

Meatloaf with an Impossible patty. Chris Whiteoak / The National
Meatloaf with an Impossible patty. Chris Whiteoak / The National

The Impossible meatloaf is served with charred sweet potatoes and green beans, accompanied by an onion gravy. The vegan meat is courtesy of Impossible Foods, which sells plant-based burger patties, sausages and other meat alternatives.

Daily, 8am-11pm; Palm Views West, Palm Jumeirah; 04 430 2221

Vegan burger by Drip Burgers

Burger with sweet potato mash and chickpeas. Chris Whiteoak / The National
Burger with sweet potato mash and chickpeas. Chris Whiteoak / The National

The patty is homemade, comprising sweet potato mash and chickpeas. The burger also has lettuce and tomatoes, as well as tahini sauce and Drip Burgers sauce, served on a vegan bun.

Daily, noon-3am; Miracle Residence, Arjan; 056 544 2144

Vegan pumpkin and mango cheesecake by Angel Cakes

Cheesecake with tofu and pumpkin puree. Chris Whiteoak / The National
Cheesecake with tofu and pumpkin puree. Chris Whiteoak / The National

The sugar-free and gluten-free dessert is made of tofu cheesecake with pumpkin puree and fruit sauce. Angel Cakes is also offering a pistachio and raspberry cream tart; and a vegan doughnut with peanut praline.

Daily, 8am-midnight; Bluewaters Island; 058 583 6523

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What are the GCSE grade equivalents?
 
  • Grade 9 = above an A*
  • Grade 8 = between grades A* and A
  • Grade 7 = grade A
  • Grade 6 = just above a grade B
  • Grade 5 = between grades B and C
  • Grade 4 = grade C
  • Grade 3 = between grades D and E
  • Grade 2 = between grades E and F
  • Grade 1 = between grades F and G
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

Key findings of Jenkins report
  • Founder of the Muslim Brotherhood, Hassan al Banna, "accepted the political utility of violence"
  • Views of key Muslim Brotherhood ideologue, Sayyid Qutb, have “consistently been understood” as permitting “the use of extreme violence in the pursuit of the perfect Islamic society” and “never been institutionally disowned” by the movement.
  • Muslim Brotherhood at all levels has repeatedly defended Hamas attacks against Israel, including the use of suicide bombers and the killing of civilians.
  • Laying out the report in the House of Commons, David Cameron told MPs: "The main findings of the review support the conclusion that membership of, association with, or influence by the Muslim Brotherhood should be considered as a possible indicator of extremism."
VEZEETA PROFILE

Date started: 2012

Founder: Amir Barsoum

Based: Dubai, UAE

Sector: HealthTech / MedTech

Size: 300 employees

Funding: $22.6 million (as of September 2018)

Investors: Technology Development Fund, Silicon Badia, Beco Capital, Vostok New Ventures, Endeavour Catalyst, Crescent Enterprises’ CE-Ventures, Saudi Technology Ventures and IFC

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
Boulder shooting victims

• Denny Strong, 20
• Neven Stanisic, 23
• Rikki Olds, 25
• Tralona Bartkowiak, 49
• Suzanne Fountain, 59
• Teri Leiker, 51
• Eric Talley, 51
• Kevin Mahoney, 61
• Lynn Murray, 62
• Jody Waters, 65

The bio

Favourite vegetable: Broccoli

Favourite food: Seafood

Favourite thing to cook: Duck l'orange

Favourite book: Give and Take by Adam Grant, one of his professors at University of Pennsylvania

Favourite place to travel: Home in Kuwait.

Favourite place in the UAE: Al Qudra lakes

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Company Profile

Company name: NutriCal

Started: 2019

Founder: Soniya Ashar

Based: Dubai

Industry: Food Technology

Initial investment: Self-funded undisclosed amount

Future plan: Looking to raise fresh capital and expand in Saudi Arabia

Total Clients: Over 50

The specs: 2018 Renault Koleos

Price, base: From Dh77,900
Engine: 2.5L, in-line four-cylinder
Transmission: Continuously variable transmission
Power: 170hp @ 6,000rpm
Torque: 233Nm @ 4,000rpm
Fuel economy, combined: 8.3L / 100km

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THE SPECS

Engine: 4.4-litre V8

Transmission: Automatic

Power: 530bhp 

Torque: 750Nm 

Price: Dh535,000

On sale: Now

How much do leading UAE’s UK curriculum schools charge for Year 6?
  1. Nord Anglia International School (Dubai) – Dh85,032
  2. Kings School Al Barsha (Dubai) – Dh71,905
  3. Brighton College Abu Dhabi - Dh68,560
  4. Jumeirah English Speaking School (Dubai) – Dh59,728
  5. Gems Wellington International School – Dubai Branch – Dh58,488
  6. The British School Al Khubairat (Abu Dhabi) - Dh54,170
  7. Dubai English Speaking School – Dh51,269

*Annual tuition fees covering the 2024/2025 academic year

THE SPECS

Engine: 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder

Transmission: Constant Variable (CVT)

Power: 141bhp 

Torque: 250Nm 

Price: Dh64,500

On sale: Now

UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Global state-owned investor ranking by size

1.

United States

2.

China

3.

UAE

4.

Japan

5

Norway

6.

Canada

7.

Singapore

8.

Australia

9.

Saudi Arabia

10.

South Korea

The team

Videographer: Jear Velasquez 

Photography: Romeo Perez 

Fashion director: Sarah Maisey 

Make-up: Gulum Erzincan at Art Factory 

Models: Meti and Clinton at MMG 

Video assistant: Zanong Maget 

Social media: Fatima Al Mahmoud  

The five pillars of Islam

1. Fasting 

2. Prayer 

3. Hajj 

4. Shahada 

5. Zakat 

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Traits of Chinese zodiac animals

Tiger:independent, successful, volatile
Rat:witty, creative, charming
Ox:diligent, perseverent, conservative
Rabbit:gracious, considerate, sensitive
Dragon:prosperous, brave, rash
Snake:calm, thoughtful, stubborn
Horse:faithful, energetic, carefree
Sheep:easy-going, peacemaker, curious
Monkey:family-orientated, clever, playful
Rooster:honest, confident, pompous
Dog:loyal, kind, perfectionist
Boar:loving, tolerant, indulgent   

The specs: 2018 BMW X2 and X3

Price, as tested: Dh255,150 (X2); Dh383,250 (X3)

Engine: 2.0-litre turbocharged inline four-cylinder (X2); 3.0-litre twin-turbo inline six-cylinder (X3)

Power 192hp @ 5,000rpm (X2); 355hp @ 5,500rpm (X3)

Torque: 280Nm @ 1,350rpm (X2); 500Nm @ 1,520rpm (X3)

Transmission: Seven-speed automatic (X2); Eight-speed automatic (X3)

Fuel consumption, combined: 5.7L / 100km (X2); 8.3L / 100km (X3)

While you're here
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.

Sugary teas and iced coffees

The tax authority is yet to release a list of the taxed products, but it appears likely that sugary iced teas and cold coffees will be hit.

For instance, the non-fizzy drink AriZona Iced Tea contains 65 grams of sugar – about 16 teaspoons – per 680ml can. The average can costs about Dh6, which would rise to Dh9.

Cold coffee brands are likely to be hit too. Drinks such as Starbucks Bottled Mocha Frappuccino contain 31g of sugar in 270ml, while Nescafe Mocha in a can contains 15.6g of sugar in a 240ml can.

Who was Alfred Nobel?

The Nobel Prize was created by wealthy Swedish chemist and entrepreneur Alfred Nobel.

  • In his will he dictated that the bulk of his estate should be used to fund "prizes to those who, during the preceding year, have conferred the greatest benefit to humankind".
  • Nobel is best known as the inventor of dynamite, but also wrote poetry and drama and could speak Russian, French, English and German by the age of 17. The five original prize categories reflect the interests closest to his heart.
  • Nobel died in 1896 but it took until 1901, following a legal battle over his will, before the first prizes were awarded.
Volunteers offer workers a lifeline

Community volunteers have swung into action delivering food packages and toiletries to the men.

When provisions are distributed, the men line up in long queues for packets of rice, flour, sugar, salt, pulses, milk, biscuits, shaving kits, soap and telecom cards.

Volunteers from St Mary’s Catholic Church said some workers came to the church to pray for their families and ask for assistance.

Boxes packed with essential food items were distributed to workers in the Dubai Investments Park and Ras Al Khaimah camps last week. Workers at the Sonapur camp asked for Dh1,600 towards their gas bill.

“Especially in this year of tolerance we consider ourselves privileged to be able to lend a helping hand to our needy brothers in the Actco camp," Father Lennie Connully, parish priest of St Mary’s.

Workers spoke of their helplessness, seeing children’s marriages cancelled because of lack of money going home. Others told of their misery of being unable to return home when a parent died.

“More than daily food, they are worried about not sending money home for their family,” said Kusum Dutta, a volunteer who works with the Indian consulate.

Updated: January 17, 2024, 10:59 AM