Swiss watchmaker Audemars Piguet has redefined its approach to timepieces with the release of a new collection designed specifically for the Middle East, made in collaboration with UAE collectors. This series, born out of a 2022 “Create the Extraordinary” workshop held in Dubai, marks a milestone as the first time the brand has engaged directly with collectors from the region to influence its designs.
The three pieces, engraved with “Special Edition” and “Create the Extraordinary”, are an example of Audemars Piguet’s dedication to collaborative luxury. By partnering with local collectors, the watchmaker has crafted a collection that stands as a tribute to both the brand’s heritage and the interests of its Middle Eastern clients.
The Royal Oak Perpetual Calendar Ultra-Thin in this series, constructed with a titanium case and bracelet and incorporating Bulk Metallic Glass for the bezel, caseback and bracelet studs, is notable for both its technical sophistication and aesthetic appeal. BMG, a palladium-based material known for its resilience and remarkable sheen, offers high resistance to wear, adding to the durability and lustrous finish of the piece.
The vertically brushed ivory dial, marked with Hindu-Arabic numerals, is complemented by rhodium-plated subdials and luminescent white gold hands. The moon-phase indicator at 12 o’clock harmonises with the overall aesthetic, enhancing the visual symmetry and cultural resonance of the watch.
Inside, the piece is powered by the Calibre 5133, an ultra-thin, self-winding movement first introduced in 2018. At only 2.9 mm thick, this patented movement integrates all perpetual calendar functions in a single plane rather than the traditional three, representing a significant achievement in micro-mechanics. The sapphire crystal caseback provides a view of the rhodium-toned oscillating weight adorned with an intricate arabesque motif inspired by Middle Eastern design.
Another piece in the series, the Royal Oak Double Balance Wheel Openworked in white ceramic, is the first Royal Oak to feature both a case and bracelet crafted entirely from the sturdy material. This choice not only imparts a sleek, monochromatic look, but also gives the piece remarkable durability. White ceramic is highly resistant to scratches, making it a practical for a collector who values both aesthetics and longevity.
A blue aventurine inner bezel adds a striking contrast, evoking the clear, star-filled night skies over the region’s desert landscapes. This deep blue hue, framed by the ceramic, gives the watch a serene and powerful presence. The dial side features luminescent white gold hour-markers and blackened Royal Oak hands, optimising visibility while maintaining a balanced look.
The timepiece is powered by the Calibre 3132, featuring Audemars Piguet’s patented double balance wheel mechanism. Introduced in 2016, this innovation places two balance wheels on the same axis, enhancing precision and stability by reducing the effects of gravitational pull. The openworked design showcases this intricate mechanism, providing an unobstructed view into the watch’s inner workings while maintaining a sense of minimalism.
Rounding out this special collection is the Code 11.59 by Audemars Piguet Selfwinding Flying Tourbillon, which sits on the sportier end of the spectrum, in a blend of black ceramic and stainless steel. The dial, crafted from meteorite, showcases a unique, stratified pattern that ensures each piece is visually distinct. Pink-gold Hindu-Arabic numerals add warmth against the grey inner bezel, giving the design depth and character.
This model is driven by the Calibre 2950, Audemars Piguet’s first self-winding movement to pair a central rotor with a flying tourbillon. Positioned at 6 o’clock, the tourbillon minimises the effect of gravity on timekeeping accuracy, representing a blend of traditional craftsmanship and modern engineering. A grey rubber-coated strap completes the look, underscoring the piece’s sporty edge and making it an ideal choice for collectors who appreciate both refinement and functionality.
Audemars Piguet’s Middle East special-edition series marks a significant moment in the brand’s evolution, reflecting a shift towards more personal and culturally informed luxury. While the result is technically and aesthetically ambitious, it might be the business acumen it shows that is most impressive of all. Catering directly to one of the most dynamic watch markets in the world is a win for everyone involved.
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.”
The specs
Engine: 4.0-litre V8 twin-turbocharged and three electric motors
Power: Combined output 920hp
Torque: 730Nm at 4,000-7,000rpm
Transmission: 8-speed dual-clutch automatic
Fuel consumption: 11.2L/100km
On sale: Now, deliveries expected later in 2025
Price: expected to start at Dh1,432,000
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
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Email sent to Uber team from chief executive Dara Khosrowshahi
From: Dara
To: Team@
Date: March 25, 2019 at 11:45pm PT
Subj: Accelerating in the Middle East
Five years ago, Uber launched in the Middle East. It was the start of an incredible journey, with millions of riders and drivers finding new ways to move and work in a dynamic region that’s become so important to Uber. Now Pakistan is one of our fastest-growing markets in the world, women are driving with Uber across Saudi Arabia, and we chose Cairo to launch our first Uber Bus product late last year.
Today we are taking the next step in this journey—well, it’s more like a leap, and a big one: in a few minutes, we’ll announce that we’ve agreed to acquire Careem. Importantly, we intend to operate Careem independently, under the leadership of co-founder and current CEO Mudassir Sheikha. I’ve gotten to know both co-founders, Mudassir and Magnus Olsson, and what they have built is truly extraordinary. They are first-class entrepreneurs who share our platform vision and, like us, have launched a wide range of products—from digital payments to food delivery—to serve consumers.
I expect many of you will ask how we arrived at this structure, meaning allowing Careem to maintain an independent brand and operate separately. After careful consideration, we decided that this framework has the advantage of letting us build new products and try new ideas across not one, but two, strong brands, with strong operators within each. Over time, by integrating parts of our networks, we can operate more efficiently, achieve even lower wait times, expand new products like high-capacity vehicles and payments, and quicken the already remarkable pace of innovation in the region.
This acquisition is subject to regulatory approval in various countries, which we don’t expect before Q1 2020. Until then, nothing changes. And since both companies will continue to largely operate separately after the acquisition, very little will change in either teams’ day-to-day operations post-close. Today’s news is a testament to the incredible business our team has worked so hard to build.
It’s a great day for the Middle East, for the region’s thriving tech sector, for Careem, and for Uber.
Uber on,
Dara
The specs
Engine: 6.2-litre V8
Transmission: ten-speed
Power: 420bhp
Torque: 624Nm
Price: Dh325,125
On sale: Now
Know your Camel lingo
The bairaq is a competition for the best herd of 50 camels, named for the banner its winner takes home
Namoos - a word of congratulations reserved for falconry competitions, camel races and camel pageants. It best translates as 'the pride of victory' - and for competitors, it is priceless
Asayel camels - sleek, short-haired hound-like racers
Majahim - chocolate-brown camels that can grow to weigh two tonnes. They were only valued for milk until camel pageantry took off in the 1990s
Millions Street - the thoroughfare where camels are led and where white 4x4s throng throughout the festival
PROFILE OF SWVL
Started: April 2017
Founders: Mostafa Kandil, Ahmed Sabbah and Mahmoud Nouh
Based: Cairo, Egypt
Sector: transport
Size: 450 employees
Investment: approximately $80 million
Investors include: Dubai’s Beco Capital, US’s Endeavor Catalyst, China’s MSA, Egypt’s Sawari Ventures, Sweden’s Vostok New Ventures, Property Finder CEO Michael Lahyani
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COMPANY%20PROFILE
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TO%20CATCH%20A%20KILLER
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The National Archives, Abu Dhabi
Founded over 50 years ago, the National Archives collects valuable historical material relating to the UAE, and is the oldest and richest archive relating to the Arabian Gulf.
Much of the material can be viewed on line at the Arabian Gulf Digital Archive - https://www.agda.ae/en
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.
What can victims do?
Always use only regulated platforms
Stop all transactions and communication on suspicion
Save all evidence (screenshots, chat logs, transaction IDs)
Report to local authorities
Warn others to prevent further harm
Courtesy: Crystal Intelligence
How to wear a kandura
Dos
- Wear the right fabric for the right season and occasion
- Always ask for the dress code if you don’t know
- Wear a white kandura, white ghutra / shemagh (headwear) and black shoes for work
- Wear 100 per cent cotton under the kandura as most fabrics are polyester
Don’ts
- Wear hamdania for work, always wear a ghutra and agal
- Buy a kandura only based on how it feels; ask questions about the fabric and understand what you are buying
How to help
Call the hotline on 0502955999 or send "thenational" to the following numbers:
2289 - Dh10
2252 - Dh50
6025 - Dh20
6027 - Dh100
6026 - Dh200
