Celebrating Christmas in Dubai can easily break the bank, with lavish meals and parties often costing thousands. But budget-conscious residents and tourists can still celebrate with ease as many establishments will have cheaper offerings – from a meal at Burj Khalifa to an opulent affair at The Guild.
Here are the top picks for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day meals in Dubai that cost under Dh500 per person.
Christmas Eve
Fi'lia
Visit this popular Italian spot in Business Bay for a five-course meal on Christmas Eve. Dishes will include a trolley of Gillardeau oysters and a hearty seafood casserole. The venue will be adorned with Christmas decor, including a festive tree and lights, and each table will receive a box of homemade Italian cookies. A live singer will be on-site to provide entertainment.
December 24; 6.30pm-11.30pm; from Dh395; SLS Dubai Hotel & Residences; 04 607 0770
Tatel
A sharing-style menu will be on offer at this Spanish restaurant in Downtown Dubai. Dishes will include crispy potatoes, tuna tartare and cecina cured meat; a hearty dish of homemade cannelloni filled with mushrooms and black truffle; Wagyu tenderloin topped with foie gras and a rich meat reduction infused with red fruits; as well as grilled turbot served with black garlic aioli. A children's menu will also be available on request.
The meal will end with a cheesecake and dark chocolate truffles.
December 24; 7pm-midnight; from Dh495 per person; Hotel Boulevard, Autograph Collection; 04 215 2121
L’Olivo Ristorante
Italian restaurant L'Olivo will serve a traditional turkey for Christmas Eve. Live carving stations featuring the bird and all its trimmings will be on hand, and guests can also choose from a set menu. A band of musicians – from pianists to cellists – will be on site to fill the venue with festive warmth, as well as a visit from Father Christmas, complete with gifts for children.
December 24; 6.30pm-11pm; from Dh440 per person; Rixos The Palm Hotel and Suites; 04 457 5454
Luciano's
If you're not the buffet type, this Al Habtoor Grand Resort, Autograph Collection spot will serve a four-course menu on Christmas Eve, featuring oysters, caviar and truffles. Guests can sit in the garden area for an al fresco experience under the stars.
December 24; 6pm-11pm; from Dh500 for two people; Al Habtoor Grand Resort, Autograph Collection; 04 399 5000
The Guild
This opulent dining spot at ICD Brookfield will serve a four-course menu for Christmas Eve. The feast will begin with king crab legs with brown butter or foie gras parfait alongside fig, chutney, pistachio and vintage balsamic. Next will be raviolis de royan with Comte cheese and black pepper or scallop skewers. For mains, guests can choose between a classic beef Wellington or slow-cooked turkey breast.
The dinner will end with crepe brulee with a vanilla custard filling, topped with orange caramel and pecan nuts; or a strawberry basil vacherin, made of vanilla chantilly, Greek yoghurt, strawberry olive oil compote and buttermilk meringue. Guests with children can check out a special menu for the little ones.
December 24; 6.30pm-11pm; from Dh450 per person; ICD Brookfield, Dubai International Financial Centre; 04 321 9142
Armani/Caffe
The stylish Italian restaurant at Dubai Mall's Fashion Avenue has curated an a la carte menu for Christmas Eve with no minimum spend. Dishes include seafood-packed mezzi rigatoni allo scoglio (Dh125), a decadent pizza with Oscietra caviar (Dh690), and a succulent black cod with crispy bread crust and Beluga lentils (Dh190). End the meal with torta strudel (Dh70), pacchetto regalo (Dh90) and pallina di natale (Dh90).
December 24; noon onwards; a la carte menu with no minimum spend; Dubai Mall; 04 362 7888
Miss Lily's
Located at Sheraton Grand Hotel, this Jamaican restaurant will serve a Christmas Eve set menu, with dishes such as roasted pumpkin soup, either jerk turkey served with mixed potatoes and green beans or beef tenderloin alongside jumbo prawns with charred Brussels sprouts. The main course is served with sharing sides of traditional stuffing and creamy cauliflower au-gratin. To finish, cinnamon apple crumble will be served.
December 24; 7pm-2am; Dh265 per person; Sheraton Grand Hotel; 04 356 2900
Trader Vic’s JBR
A Hawaiian-themed buffet is how this Jumeirah Beach Residence spot will celebrate Christmas this year, complete with unlimited drinks for three hours. It's a popular spot among groups of friends, couples and families throughout the year, who often groove to the tunes of a live Latino band.
December 24; 1pm-4pm; from Dh350 per person; Hilton Dubai Jumeirah; 04 318 2319
Skafos
With waterfront views of Dubai Creek, this restaurant is set to host a lively Christmas Eve brunch with live cooking stations, a DJ setting the festive mood and a special appearance from Santa Claus for some added cheer for the little ones. The buffet will feature Mediterranean-inspired dishes, paired with Christmas-themed beverages.
December 24; 7pm-11pm; from Dh250 per person; Canopy by Hilton Dubai Al Seef; 058 200 5850
Carine
An a la carte menu will be on offer at Carine on Christmas Eve, with no minimum spend. Dishes include snails with parsley butter and anchovies (Dh118), tuna tartare with truffle dressing (Dh186), and lobster linguine with fresh cherry tomato sauce (Dh233). Watch out for special Christmas-themed dishes too.
December 24; 7pm-11.30pm; a la carte with no minimum spend; Emirates Golf Club; 04 417 9885
Christmas Day
The Byron Bathers Club
The Australian-inspired bistro and beach bar at Palm Jumeirah is hosting a festive brunch, which begins with a spread of sharing starters, including a seafood platter with poached prawns, clams, mussels and lobster. For mains, diners can indulge in turkey breast with truffle butter, citrus breadcrumbs and chicken truffle jus; roasted lamb with garlic, rosemary and breadcrumbs; and barbecued Canadian lobster. Desserts include Christmas pudding with clotted cream and mixed berry pavlova.
December 25; noon-4pm; from Dh425 per person; Palm Jumeirah; 04 323 7378
Level 52
Enjoy a Christmas Day meal with a view on the 52nd floor of Dubai Marriott Harbour Hotel and Suites. The venue will be decked with festive decor and the sharing-style menu will be filled with Christmas classics, from roasted turkey and beef to lavish plates of truffle chicken roulade, herb-crusted lamb chops and more.
A starter of seafood and sushi trolley will be on the cards, too, as well as a dessert board of cakes and ice cream to end the meal. Live entertainment will add to the festive mood, with a visit from Santa.
December 25; 1pm-4pm; from Dh465 per person; Dubai Marriott Harbour Hotel and Suites; 04 319 4000
Bussola, Jumeirah Golf Estates
An Italian-style Brunch di Natale will be on the cards at this Jumeirah Golf Estates restaurant. The afternoon will start with a welcome drink, before diving into a festive sharing menu with dishes such as burrata and tomato salad, herd-roasted beef, turkey and seafood cannelloni. A variety of sweets will also be available to complete the meal.
December 25; 1pm-4pm; from Dh395 per person; Jumeirah Golf Estates; 04 586 7760
Alici
Christmas celebrations at this Bluewaters Island spot will be in full swing with a festive brunch on December 25. Guests can indulge in fresh oysters, caviar and other seafood dishes, as well as traditional Italian Christmas desserts, such as a handmade panettone. Live music will set the mood.
December 25; 1pm-4pm; from Dh395 per person; Bluewaters Island; 04 275 2577
Pela
If you're not a fan of the heights and enjoy some seaside experience instead, check out Pela's Christmas Day brunch. The lavish spread will include dishes such as whole black leg chicken stuffed with foie gas, creamy potato tartiflette and seafood paella with fresh catch. Live entertainment will set the festive ambience, and guests can stay longer for the brunch-after party.
December 25; 1pm-5pm; from Dh375; Bch: Clb, Palm Jumeirah; 04 834 3803
Ella's Eatery
A festive menu awaits diners at this Palm View East restaurant, with dishes such as goat’s cheese croquettes, smoked salmon with dill sauce on dark rye bread and a classic prawn cocktail with avocado and rose sauce for starters.
For mains, guests can choose between roast turkey breast, lamb shank or plant-based meatloaf. All roasts will be served with seasonal sides such as carrots, parsnips, beans, Yorkshire pudding and rosemary potatoes. Diners can indulge in a basque burnt cheesecake with cinnamon caramel sauce or a Christmas Eton mess for a sweet finale. The three-hour meal will be available from noon onwards.
December 25; noon-11pm; from Dh220 per person; Palm Jumeirah; 04 557 0984
Eat & Meat Restaurant
The restaurant at H Dubai hotel will get a full holiday village makeover for its Christmas Day brunch, with plenty of activities for families, especially those with children. Live cooking stations will be on-site, plus an array of sweet treats.
A supervised children's corner will be available, and at some point will be visited by Santa. Guests can also browse through a charming festive market featuring local vendors, with a portion of the proceeds going to support autism awareness.
December 25; 1pm-4pm; from Dh390 per person; The H Dubai; 04 501 8630
The Terrace
A Christmas Day brunch with ample views of golfing greenery will be on offer at this Emirates Golf Club venue. Families with small children will be welcome, with a magician, as well as performances from carollers and Dubai-based singer Sean Lipsey expected. A visit from Santa is also on the cards.
December 25; 12.30pm-4pm; from Dh495 per person; Emirates Golf Club; 04 417 9999
Seafield Mediterranean Eatery
The Mediterranean restaurant at Jumeirah Beach Residence will be hosting breakfast with Santa Claus on the morning of December 25, featuring an array of treats. Families with small children are welcome.
December 25; 9am-11am; from Dh139 per person; Jumeirah Beach Residence; 04 315 3838
The Black Sheep
The British gastropub at Pullman Hotel Jumeirah Lakes Towers is serving a two-course menu on Christmas Day, where guests can choose among roasted turkey, roasted leg of lamb, chestnut and wild mushroom pie as well as honey glazed salmon. Dessert options include homemade Christmas pudding, caramel apple crumble, peppermint chocolate cake as well as vanilla ice cream with gingerbread crumble and hot chocolate. Children are welcome to join too.
December 25; noon-2am; Dh165 per person; Pullman Hotel Jumeirah Lakes Towers; 058 599 5664
Beefbar
This Jumeirah Al Naseem restaurant is serving an a la carte menu with no minimum spend on Christmas Day, with dishes such as Wagyu Bolognese (Dh145), beefy cordon bleu (Dh280) and wok-fried pepper beef (Dh195). Fish and chicken options are also available, as well as a few plant-based items. A guest appearance of Santa Claus is on the cards, distributing small gifts to diners. Tables will be decked with gingerbread cookies in Christmas stockings to hone in on the occasion.
December 25; noon onwards; a la carte, no minimum spend; Jumeirah Al Naseem; 04 423 2238
J'adore
The dinner-show restaurant at Hilton, Habtoor City is hosting Le Film de Noel brunch on Christmas Day, which will include appearances from characters such as Grinch, Santa Claus and the Sugar Plum Fairy. Dishes on the brunch menu include tuna tartare cones, Greek sea bass, spicy beef, plus a selection of maki rolls and nigiri. A festive after-party is also on the cards for those who want to stay past midnight.
December 25; 8.30pm-midnight; from Dh 350 per person; Hilton, Habtoor City; 054 465 5515
Chic Nonna
An a la carte menu with Italian festive classics will be served at this Dubai International Financial Centre spot. Dishes include tortellini in brodo, truffle tagliolini and 12-hour slow-cooked lamb shoulder. Guests can also purchase freshly made pasta, panettone and chocolates for their own celebrations at home.
December 25; noon-11.45pm; a la carte with no minimum spend; DIFC; 04 605 2000
Ronin
If you're in the mood for Japanese, head to this Five Luxe restaurant, which is serving a sharing-style set menu with more than 10 chef's specials. Guests can expect dishes such as Wagyu short ribs, miso doughnuts and a selection of sushi.
December 25; 6pm-2am; Dh499 per person; Jumeirah Beach Residence
CREW
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EDirector%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3ERajesh%20A%20Krishnan%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EStarring%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3ETabu%2C%20Kareena%20Kapoor%20Khan%2C%20Kriti%20Sanon%26nbsp%3B%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ERating%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%203.5%2F5%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
More from Rashmee Roshan Lall
The%20specs
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EEngine%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Twin%20electric%20motors%20and%20105kWh%20battery%20pack%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EPower%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E619hp%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ETorque%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E1%2C015Nm%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ETransmission%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3ESingle-speed%20auto%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ETouring%20range%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EUp%20to%20561km%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EOn%20sale%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EQ3%20or%20Q4%202022%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EPrice%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EFrom%20Dh635%2C000%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
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
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
Company%20Profile
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ECompany%20name%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Cargoz%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EDate%20started%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20January%202022%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EFounders%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Premlal%20Pullisserry%20and%20Lijo%20Antony%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EBased%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Dubai%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ENumber%20of%20staff%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%2030%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EInvestment%20stage%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Seed%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
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
The specs
Engine: 4.0-litre V8
Power: 503hp at 6,000rpm
Torque: 685Nm at 2,000rpm
Transmission: 8-speed auto
Price: from Dh850,000
On sale: now
Company profile
Company: Rent Your Wardrobe
Date started: May 2021
Founder: Mamta Arora
Based: Dubai
Sector: Clothes rental subscription
Stage: Bootstrapped, self-funded
Specs
Engine: Dual-motor all-wheel-drive electric
Range: Up to 610km
Power: 905hp
Torque: 985Nm
Price: From Dh439,000
Available: Now
Conflict, drought, famine
Estimates of the number of deaths caused by the famine range from 400,000 to 1 million, according to a document prepared for the UK House of Lords in 2024.
It has been claimed that the policies of the Ethiopian government, which took control after deposing Emperor Haile Selassie in a military-led revolution in 1974, contributed to the scale of the famine.
Dr Miriam Bradley, senior lecturer in humanitarian studies at the University of Manchester, has argued that, by the early 1980s, “several government policies combined to cause, rather than prevent, a famine which lasted from 1983 to 1985. Mengistu’s government imposed Stalinist-model agricultural policies involving forced collectivisation and villagisation [relocation of communities into planned villages].
The West became aware of the catastrophe through a series of BBC News reports by journalist Michael Buerk in October 1984 describing a “biblical famine” and containing graphic images of thousands of people, including children, facing starvation.
Band Aid
Bob Geldof, singer with the Irish rock group The Boomtown Rats, formed Band Aid in response to the horrific images shown in the news broadcasts.
With Midge Ure of the band Ultravox, he wrote the hit charity single Do They Know it’s Christmas in December 1984, featuring a string of high-profile musicians.
Following the single’s success, the idea to stage a rock concert evolved.
Live Aid was a series of simultaneous concerts that took place at Wembley Stadium in London, John F Kennedy Stadium in Philadelphia, the US, and at various other venues across the world.
The combined event was broadcast to an estimated worldwide audience of 1.5 billion.
Match info
Uefa Champions League Group H
Manchester United v Young Boys, Tuesday, midnight (UAE)
The specs
Engine: 3.8-litre twin-turbo V8
Power: 611bhp
Torque: 620Nm
Transmission: seven-speed automatic
Price: upon application
On sale: now
Profile
Company: Justmop.com
Date started: December 2015
Founders: Kerem Kuyucu and Cagatay Ozcan
Sector: Technology and home services
Based: Jumeirah Lake Towers, Dubai
Size: 55 employees and 100,000 cleaning requests a month
Funding: The company’s investors include Collective Spark, Faith Capital Holding, Oak Capital, VentureFriends, and 500 Startups.
Result
6.30pm: Al Maktoum Challenge Round-3 – Group 1 (PA) $65,000 (Dirt) 2,000m; Winner: Brraq, Ryan Curatolo (jockey), Jean-Claude Pecout (trainer)
7.05pm: Handicap (TB) $65,000 (Turf) 1,800m; Winner: Bright Melody, James Doyle, Charlie Appleby
7.40pm: Meydan Classic – Listed (TB) $88,000 (T) 1,600m; Winner: Naval Crown, Mickael Barzalona, Charlie Appleby
8.15pm: Nad Al Sheba Trophy – Group 3 (TB) $195,000 (T) 2,810m; Winner: Volcanic Sky, Frankie Dettori, Saeed bin Suroor
8.50pm: Dubai Millennium Stakes – Group 3 (TB) $130,000 (T) 2,000m; Winner: Star Safari, William Buick, Charlie Appleby
9.25pm: Meydan Challenge – Listed Handicap (TB) $88,000 (T) 1,400m; Winner: Zainhom, Dane O’Neill, Musabah Al Muhairi
Zayed Sustainability Prize
Director: Laxman Utekar
Cast: Vicky Kaushal, Akshaye Khanna, Diana Penty, Vineet Kumar Singh, Rashmika Mandanna
Rating: 1/5
McLaren GT specs
Engine: 4-litre twin-turbo V8
Transmission: seven-speed
Power: 620bhp
Torque: 630Nm
Price: Dh875,000
On sale: now
The specs: 2018 Bentley Bentayga V8
Price, base: Dh853,226
Engine: 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8
Transmission: Eight-speed automatic
Power: 550hp @ 6,000pm
Torque: 770Nm @ 1,960rpm
Fuel economy, combined: 11.4L / 100km
The years Ramadan fell in May
First Person
Richard Flanagan
Chatto & Windus
MATCH INFO
Burnley 1 (Brady 89')
Manchester City 4 (Jesus 24', 50', Rodri 68', Mahrez 87')
The specs
Engine: 2.0-litre 4cyl turbo
Power: 261hp at 5,500rpm
Torque: 405Nm at 1,750-3,500rpm
Transmission: 9-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 6.9L/100km
On sale: Now
Price: From Dh117,059
Engine: 80 kWh four-wheel-drive
Transmission: eight-speed automatic
Power: 402bhp
Torque: 760Nm
Price: From Dh280,000
57%20Seconds
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EDirector%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Rusty%20Cundieff%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EStars%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EJosh%20Hutcherson%2C%20Morgan%20Freeman%2C%20Greg%20Germann%2C%20Lovie%20Simone%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ERating%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E2%2F5%0D%3Cbr%3E%0D%3Cbr%3E%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Small Victories: The True Story of Faith No More by Adrian Harte
Jawbone Press
Jetour T1 specs
Engine: 2-litre turbocharged
Power: 254hp
Torque: 390Nm
Price: From Dh126,000
Available: Now
Citizenship-by-investment programmes
United Kingdom
The UK offers three programmes for residency. The UK Overseas Business Representative Visa lets you open an overseas branch office of your existing company in the country at no extra investment. For the UK Tier 1 Innovator Visa, you are required to invest £50,000 (Dh238,000) into a business. You can also get a UK Tier 1 Investor Visa if you invest £2 million, £5m or £10m (the higher the investment, the sooner you obtain your permanent residency).
All UK residency visas get approved in 90 to 120 days and are valid for 3 years. After 3 years, the applicant can apply for extension of another 2 years. Once they have lived in the UK for a minimum of 6 months every year, they are eligible to apply for permanent residency (called Indefinite Leave to Remain). After one year of ILR, the applicant can apply for UK passport.
The Caribbean
Depending on the country, the investment amount starts from $100,000 (Dh367,250) and can go up to $400,000 in real estate. From the date of purchase, it will take between four to five months to receive a passport.
Portugal
The investment amount ranges from €350,000 to €500,000 (Dh1.5m to Dh2.16m) in real estate. From the date of purchase, it will take a maximum of six months to receive a Golden Visa. Applicants can apply for permanent residency after five years and Portuguese citizenship after six years.
“Among European countries with residency programmes, Portugal has been the most popular because it offers the most cost-effective programme to eventually acquire citizenship of the European Union without ever residing in Portugal,” states Veronica Cotdemiey of Citizenship Invest.
Greece
The real estate investment threshold to acquire residency for Greece is €250,000, making it the cheapest real estate residency visa scheme in Europe. You can apply for residency in four months and citizenship after seven years.
Spain
The real estate investment threshold to acquire residency for Spain is €500,000. You can apply for permanent residency after five years and citizenship after 10 years. It is not necessary to live in Spain to retain and renew the residency visa permit.
Cyprus
Cyprus offers the quickest route to citizenship of a European country in only six months. An investment of €2m in real estate is required, making it the highest priced programme in Europe.
Malta
The Malta citizenship by investment programme is lengthy and investors are required to contribute sums as donations to the Maltese government. The applicant must either contribute at least €650,000 to the National Development & Social Fund. Spouses and children are required to contribute €25,000; unmarried children between 18 and 25 and dependent parents must contribute €50,000 each.
The second step is to make an investment in property of at least €350,000 or enter a property rental contract for at least €16,000 per annum for five years. The third step is to invest at least €150,000 in bonds or shares approved by the Maltese government to be kept for at least five years.
Candidates must commit to a minimum physical presence in Malta before citizenship is granted. While you get residency in two months, you can apply for citizenship after a year.
Egypt
A one-year residency permit can be bought if you purchase property in Egypt worth $100,000. A three-year residency is available for those who invest $200,000 in property, and five years for those who purchase property worth $400,000.
Source: Citizenship Invest and Aqua Properties
2025 Fifa Club World Cup groups
Group A: Palmeiras, Porto, Al Ahly, Inter Miami.
Group B: Paris Saint-Germain, Atletico Madrid, Botafogo, Seattle.
Group C: Bayern Munich, Auckland City, Boca Juniors, Benfica.
Group D: Flamengo, ES Tunis, Chelsea, Leon.
Group E: River Plate, Urawa, Monterrey, Inter Milan.
Group F: Fluminense, Borussia Dortmund, Ulsan, Mamelodi Sundowns.
Group G: Manchester City, Wydad, Al Ain, Juventus.
Group H: Real Madrid, Al Hilal, Pachuca, Salzburg.
GAC GS8 Specs
Engine: 2.0-litre 4cyl turbo
Power: 248hp at 5,200rpm
Torque: 400Nm at 1,750-4,000rpm
Transmission: 8-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 9.1L/100km
On sale: Now
Price: From Dh149,900
ABU%20DHABI'S%20KEY%20TOURISM%20GOALS%3A%20BY%20THE%20NUMBERS
%3Cp%3EBy%202030%2C%20Abu%20Dhabi%20aims%20to%20achieve%3A%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3E%E2%80%A2%2039.3%20million%20visitors%2C%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20nearly%2064%25%20up%20from%202023%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3E%E2%80%A2%20Dh90%20billion%20contribution%20to%20GDP%2C%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20about%2084%25%20more%20than%20Dh49%20billion%20in%202023%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3E%E2%80%A2%20178%2C000%20new%20jobs%2C%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20bringing%20the%20total%20to%20about%20366%2C000%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3E%E2%80%A2%2052%2C000%20hotel%20rooms%2C%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20up%2053%25%20from%2034%2C000%20in%202023%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3E%E2%80%A2%207.2%20million%20international%20visitors%2C%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20almost%2090%25%20higher%20compared%20to%202023's%203.8%20million%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3E%E2%80%A2%203.9%20international%20overnight%20hotel%20stays%2C%3C%2Fstrong%3E%2022%25%20more%20from%203.2%20nights%20in%202023%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
MATCH INFO
Champions League quarter-final, first leg
Ajax v Juventus, Wednesday, 11pm (UAE)
Match on BeIN Sports
The specs
Engine: 2.0-litre 4-cyl turbo
Power: 201hp at 5,200rpm
Torque: 320Nm at 1,750-4,000rpm
Transmission: 6-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 8.7L/100km
Price: Dh133,900
On sale: now
The Details
Article 15
Produced by: Carnival Cinemas, Zee Studios
Directed by: Anubhav Sinha
Starring: Ayushmann Khurrana, Kumud Mishra, Manoj Pahwa, Sayani Gupta, Zeeshan Ayyub
Our rating: 4/5
The specs
Engine: four-litre V6 and 3.5-litre V6 twin-turbo
Transmission: six-speed and 10-speed
Power: 271 and 409 horsepower
Torque: 385 and 650Nm
Price: from Dh229,900 to Dh355,000
THE BIO
Bio Box
Role Model: Sheikh Zayed, God bless his soul
Favorite book: Zayed Biography of the leader
Favorite quote: To be or not to be, that is the question, from William Shakespeare's Hamlet
Favorite food: seafood
Favorite place to travel: Lebanon
Favorite movie: Braveheart
Pad Man
Dir: R Balki
Starring: Akshay Kumar, Sonam Kapoor, Radhika Apte
Three-and-a-half stars
Key products and UAE prices
iPhone XS
With a 5.8-inch screen, it will be an advance version of the iPhone X. It will be dual sim and comes with better battery life, a faster processor and better camera. A new gold colour will be available.
Price: Dh4,229
iPhone XS Max
It is expected to be a grander version of the iPhone X with a 6.5-inch screen; an inch bigger than the screen of the iPhone 8 Plus.
Price: Dh4,649
iPhone XR
A low-cost version of the iPhone X with a 6.1-inch screen, it is expected to attract mass attention. According to industry experts, it is likely to have aluminium edges instead of stainless steel.
Price: Dh3,179
Apple Watch Series 4
More comprehensive health device with edge-to-edge displays that are more than 30 per cent bigger than displays on current models.
BMW M5 specs
Engine: 4.4-litre twin-turbo V-8 petrol enging with additional electric motor
Power: 727hp
Torque: 1,000Nm
Transmission: 8-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 10.6L/100km
On sale: Now
Price: From Dh650,000
Our legal consultant
Name: Dr Hassan Mohsen Elhais
Position: legal consultant with Al Rowaad Advocates and Legal Consultants.
It Was Just an Accident
Director: Jafar Panahi
Stars: Vahid Mobasseri, Mariam Afshari, Ebrahim Azizi, Hadis Pakbaten, Majid Panahi, Mohamad Ali Elyasmehr
Rating: 4/5
The specs
- Engine: 3.9-litre twin-turbo V8
- Power: 640hp
- Torque: 760nm
- On sale: 2026
- Price: Not announced yet
