Andrew Martin's Library wallpaper.
Andrew Martin's Library wallpaper.
Andrew Martin's Library wallpaper.
Andrew Martin's Library wallpaper.

M is all about: literary wallpaper


  • English
  • Arabic

Wall art

The new year is fast approaching so our mantra is out with the old and in with the new. And what could be more refreshing than revamping your home? We love Andrew Martin's contemporary designs, and this literary-looking wallpaper is bound to breathe new life into any interior wall.

The Library wallpaper, Dh520 per 10 metre roll available at Andrew Martin, DIFC, Gate 7, 04 323 1388 or log on at www.andrewmartin.ae

Gem stones

Give an understated look a dash of attitude with these Alexis Bittar pave accented gunmetal gem clustered earrings. Perfect with both fine knits and cocktail dresses.

Dh1,750 available at Boom & Mellow, Mall of the Emirates, 04 341 3993; Mirdif City Centre, 04 284 0609

Amazing Ava

Film buffs will want to make a feature of this sultry close-up of actress Ava Gardner. One of Hollywood's leading ladies in the 1950s, the star who appeared in Show Boat and The Killers was considered one of the most beautiful women of her day. She'll certainly add a splash of colour and character to your cream sofa.

Dh211 available at www.stylechapel.com

Conscious consumerism

Glide through the Christmas shopping crowds with this gorgeous limited edition envelope style clutch. Not only is it picture perfect and handmade in Uganda, but also for every bag bought, 10 per cent of profits will be donated to The Global Fund - an organisation committed to fighting Aids. The rest of the profits will be reinvested into ethical muse, a social enterprise and part of the Cathy Liebman foundation, which helps create sustainable industries for women and artisans in emerging countries. So now, not only will you look fabulous with your new arm candy, but also you'll be helping many people in need at the same time. However, you had better grab one quick as only 50 pieces of this Koko clutch were made for the collection.

The Koko clutch, Dh1,565 available from www.ethicalmuse.com or call 050 106 1983

Bunny ears

We love kitschy accessories, full stop. Yes, they may be a waste of money and we will probably get bored of wearing them after six months, but that doesn't stop us. What's great about this finger ring from Juko is that this time we're sure we won't tire of it too soon. Why? Because it's not trying to make a statement, nor is it overdesigned. Great for all ages and occasions, this reasonably priced piece is coming everywhere with us.

Dh95, Bloomingdale's, Dubai Mall, 04 350 5333

Gourmet gifts

Stylish goodies are the new candles when it comes to hostess gifts, and what could be more fabulous than these festive treats from the Lime Tree Cafe? Here at M we've had an exclusive peek at their new seasonal range and the sight alone gave us a sugar rush. Choose from traditional fudge, handmade biscotti, macaroons, truffles and iced cookies. Plus, if you are looking for the perfect foodie gift, you can't go wrong with their hampers, which are filled to the brim with gourmet delights. And the best thing, you can choose from a wide range of deluxe hampers online or contact the catering team to design your own.

The Lime Tree Cafe & Kitchen, 04 325 6325 www.thelimetreecafe.com

Wedge of wonder

What happens when you combine a knee-high boot with a wedge heel? You get one of the most stable and comfortable shoes for this winter. California-born, Paris-based designer Rick Owens is known for his futuristic shapes, expert draping and understated palette. These boots are going to be our choice from his A/W 2011-2012 collection, and like most of his pieces we're sure they won't fall out of fashion anytime soon. Wear with tights and chunky leg warmers if you're travelling to cooler climates or with bare legs and denim cut-offs for the city.

Approximately Dh5,025, www.net-a-porter.com

Aayan%E2%80%99s%20records
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War 2

Director: Ayan Mukerji

Stars: Hrithik Roshan, NTR, Kiara Advani, Ashutosh Rana

Rating: 2/5

The President's Cake

Director: Hasan Hadi

Starring: Baneen Ahmad Nayyef, Waheed Thabet Khreibat, Sajad Mohamad Qasem 

Rating: 4/5

TO%20CATCH%20A%20KILLER
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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.”

Who's who in Yemen conflict

Houthis: Iran-backed rebels who occupy Sanaa and run unrecognised government

Yemeni government: Exiled government in Aden led by eight-member Presidential Leadership Council

Southern Transitional Council: Faction in Yemeni government that seeks autonomy for the south

Habrish 'rebels': Tribal-backed forces feuding with STC over control of oil in government territory

Results

6pm: Dubai Trophy – Conditions (TB) $100,000 (Turf) 1,200m 

Winner: Silent Speech, William Buick (jockey), Charlie Appleby
(trainer) 

6.35pm: Jumeirah Derby Trial – Conditions (TB) $60,000 (T)
1,800m 

Winner: Island Falcon, Frankie Dettori, Saeed bin Suroor 

7.10pm: UAE 2000 Guineas Trial – Conditions (TB) $60,000 (Dirt)
1,400m 

Winner: Rawy, Mickael Barzalona, Salem bin Ghadayer 

7.45pm: Al Rashidiya – Group 2 (TB) $180,000 (T) 1,800m 

Winner: Desert Fire, Hector Crouch, Saeed bin Suroor 

8.20pm: Al Fahidi Fort – Group 2 (TB) $180,000 (T) 1,400m 

Winner: Naval Crown, William Buick, Charlie Appleby 

8.55pm: Dubawi Stakes – Group 3 (TB) $150,000 (D) 1,200m 

Winner: Al Tariq, Pat Dobbs, Doug Watsons 

9.30pm: Aliyah – Rated Conditions (TB) $80,000 (D) 2,000m 

Winner: Dubai Icon, Patrick Cosgrave, Saeed bin Suroor  

NATIONAL%20SELECTIONS
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Zodi%20%26%20Tehu%3A%20Princes%20Of%20The%20Desert
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Mobile phone packages comparison
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
COMPANY%20PROFILE
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COMPANY PROFILE
Name: Airev
Started: September 2023
Founder: Muhammad Khalid
Based: Abu Dhabi
Sector: Generative AI
Initial investment: Undisclosed
Investment stage: Series A
Investors: Core42
Current number of staff: 47
 
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