While the spectre of new Covid-19 variants is ever-present, the coming year is still shaping up as one dampened by fewer restrictions and greater optimism.
The auto industry also brings its fair share of good cheer, thanks to the prospect of some tantalising new models.
Here are our top 11 new cars to look forward to in 2022.
BMW M240i xDrive
Reprising the spirit of BMW’s 02 Series built and sold from 1966 to 1977, the latest-gen 2 Series coupe is longer, wider and lower than its predecessor, which means it has a beefier stance and offers more cabin space.
The range-topping (until the M2 arrives) M240i xDrive pairs a potent 374 horsepower/500Nm six-cylinder turbo motor with an eight-speed auto and is underpinned by a well-sorted all-wheel-drive chassis.
A 0 to 100 kilometres per hour dash is rapid at 4.3 seconds, and the electronically limited top speed of 250kph is achieved with ease.
The M240i xDrive goes on sale in January, priced from Dh285,000 ($77,603).
Chevrolet Corvette Z06
We reviewed the latest-gen (C8) Corvette Stingray last January and were blown away by how dynamically capable the new mid-engined sportster is. The good news is that an even hotter Ferrari/Lambo-rivalling Z06 version is now only six months away.
Powered by a naturally aspirated 5.5-litre V8, the Z06 revs to a dizzying 9,000 revolutions per minute and kicks out gargantuan outputs of 670hp and 623Nm.
Keeping this muscle in check, the Z06 scores upgraded suspension, a beefier wheel-tyre combo and a serious aero kit to boost downforce at high speeds.
The Z06 lands in June or July, with pricing around Dh500,000.
GMC Hummer EV
GM is going big on electrification, and leading the charge is the futuristic GMC Hummer EV. The flagship version is propelled by three electric motors that belt out a monstrous 1,000hp, enabling the big all-terrainer to bolt from standstill to 100kph in just over three seconds. Yet, GM boasts a touring range of 600km on a full charge.
The Hummer EV is loaded with cool features, including removeable roof panels, an optional adjustable air suspension and a four-wheel steering that enables it to crawl diagonally in off-road settings.
The Hummer EV is due towards the end of 2022 (initially only in range-topping Edition 1 form) and should be priced close to Dh500,000.
Ineos Grenadier
Although looking like a clone of the previous-generation Land Rover Defender, the go-anywhere Grenadier has no connection to the Landy and was conceived from scratch.
That said, the Grenadier’s core philosophy is largely as per the old Defender playbook as it features rugged steel ladder-frame construction and solid axles front and rear, which make for generous levels of wheel articulation (vital in tough off-road conditions).
Propulsion for the workhorse comes from a BMW-sourced 3.0-litre turbo engine, and drive is sent to all four wheels via an eight-speed auto.
Due here in September, the Grenadier is to be priced from just under Dh300,000.
Jeep Wagoneer/Grand Wagoneer
Reviving a venerable Jeep nameplate that ran from 1963 to 1991, the new Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer are flagship models positioned above the latest Grand Cherokee.
Whereas the Grand Cherokee uses a car-based monocoque platform, the Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer are built on the tough Ram DT body-on-frame chassis, endowing the vehicles with a 4.5-tonne towing capacity and greater off-road ruggedness.
Even so, the Wagoneer/Grand Wagoneer are supremely opulent, as they’re stuffed with more “wood, leather and metal” than imaginable, claims Jeep.
Both vehicles are due in the first half of 2022; pricing should start at about Dh300,000.
Lexus LX600
The Lexus LX has long been a UAE favourite, and the new LX600 looks set to continue that trend. Underpinned by a new ladder-frame platform and clothed in edgy bodywork, the latest LX is powered by a 3.4-litre twin-turbo V6 in lieu of the old 5.7-litre V8.
There are two fewer cylinders, yet both power and torque are up to 409hp and 650Nm respectively.
Interestingly, there’s a new “Ultra Luxury” version with a four-seat set-up with two opulent chairs in the rear that recline up to 48 degrees and offer a footrest.
The new LX is expected in the early part of 2022, and will be priced from about Dh450,000.
Mercedes-AMG SL
An all-new Mercedes SL roadster only arrives once in a decade, and what makes the latest (R232) generation even more intriguing is that, for the first time, it will be offered solely as a high-performance AMG model. In addition, it ditches a folding metal roof in lieu of a traditional fabric top to lower the centre of gravity and make for more elegant packaging.
The all-new chassis architecture is fabricated from materials that include aluminium, magnesium, carbon-fibre composites and steel to optimise rigidity.
Propulsion for the range-topping SL 63 4MATIC+ comes from a 585hp twin-turbo V8.
It’s due in the fourth quarter of the year and will be priced around Dh750,000.
Nissan Pathfinder
Nissan’s fifth-gen Pathfinder ushers in revamped styling. Although based on a carry-over platform, the newbie is longer, wider, and taller than before.
Visually, the latest model has nothing in common with the oldie as it looks distinctly chunkier and more truck-like. As before, motive power for the Pathfinder comes from a 284hp 3.5-litre V6, but the good news is that the oldie’s lacklustre CVT (continuously variable transmission) has been ditched in lieu of a nine-speed automatic.
The cabin layout is also all-new, with much better materials used throughout.
The new Pathfinder lands in January, priced from about Dh130,000.
Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 RS
Even “regular” versions of the Porsche’s 718 Cayman are a delight to drive, so the coming GT4 RS flagship promises to be truly otherworldly.
Festooned with a large rear wing, aggressive front spoiler-splitter and other aero-enhancing addenda, the GT4 RS sports the same 4.0-litre flat-six engine as the hallowed 911 GT3. This unit revs to a dizzying 9,000rpm and ekes out 500hp and 450Nm, propelling the RS from 0 to 100kph in 3.4 seconds.
Weight-saving measures include a carbon-fibre-reinforced plastic (CFRP) bonnet, plus lightweight carpets, lightweight glass rear windows and lightweight door panels.
The GT4 RS lands in the second quarter, priced from Dh530,300.
Range Rover
A new-generation Range Rover is big news as these only come along once in a decade. The latest fifth-gen model is built on a light yet stiff new aluminium platform, while the old 5.0-litre supercharged V8 makes way for a BMW-sourced twin-turbo unit with 530hp and 750Nm.
Four-wheel steering is standard in the newcomer, and also on offer is active roll-stabilisation to quell body roll under hard cornering.
Its maker says the newbie can wade through 900 millimetres of water and drive at angles of up to 45 degrees. For the first time, the Range Rover will be available in a seven-seat configuration.
It’s due in the second half of 2022, priced from Dh579,000.
Volkswagen Golf R
The Golf GTI and Golf R are the default hot hatches in our region, and that’s because they nail the dual demands of everyday usability and go-faster performance. The latest Mk8 GTI arrived a few months ago, but still to come is the more upscale Golf R.
The latest model should be an electrifying performer, thanks to robust outputs of 320hp and 420Nm. As with the GTI, a seven-speed dual-clutch auto is standard, but the “R” sends power to all four wheels, making it more sure-footed in slippery conditions.
Befitting its range-topping status, the Golf R also gets a more premium cabin. It’s due in the first half of the year, priced from approximately Dh190,000.
BORDERLANDS
Starring: Cate Blanchett, Kevin Hart, Jamie Lee Curtis
Director: Eli Roth
Rating: 0/5
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.”
Islamophobia definition
A widely accepted definition was made by the All Party Parliamentary Group on British Muslims in 2019: “Islamophobia is rooted in racism and is a type of racism that targets expressions of Muslimness or perceived Muslimness.” It further defines it as “inciting hatred or violence against Muslims”.
The specs
Engine: 2.9-litre, V6 twin-turbo
Transmission: seven-speed PDK dual clutch automatic
Power: 375bhp
Torque: 520Nm
Price: Dh332,800
On sale: now
What is safeguarding?
“Safeguarding, not just in sport, but in all walks of life, is making sure that policies are put in place that make sure your child is safe; when they attend a football club, a tennis club, that there are welfare officers at clubs who are qualified to a standard to make sure your child is safe in that environment,” Derek Bell explains.
FIXTURES
All times UAE ( 4 GMT)
Friday
Saint-Etienne v Montpellier (10.45pm)
Saturday
Monaco v Caen (7pm)
Amiens v Bordeaux (10pm)
Angers v Toulouse (10pm)
Metz v Dijon (10pm)
Nantes v Guingamp (10pm)
Rennes v Lille (10pm)
Sunday
Nice v Strasbourg (5pm)
Troyes v Lyon (7pm)
Marseille v Paris Saint-Germain (11pm)
Miss Granny
Director: Joyce Bernal
Starring: Sarah Geronimo, James Reid, Xian Lim, Nova Villa
3/5
(Tagalog with Eng/Ar subtitles)
Q&A with Dash Berlin
Welcome back. What was it like to return to RAK and to play for fans out here again?
It’s an amazing feeling to be back in the passionate UAE again. Seeing the fans having a great time that is what it’s all about.
You're currently touring the globe as part of your Legends of the Feels Tour. How important is it to you to include the Middle East in the schedule?
The tour is doing really well and is extensive and intensive at the same time travelling all over the globe. My Middle Eastern fans are very dear to me, it’s good to be back.
You mix tracks that people know and love, but you also have a visually impressive set too (graphics etc). Is that the secret recipe to Dash Berlin's live gigs?
People enjoying the combination of the music and visuals are the key factor in the success of the Legends Of The Feel tour 2018.
Have you had some time to explore Ras al Khaimah too? If so, what have you been up to?
Coming fresh out of Las Vegas where I continue my 7th annual year DJ residency at Marquee, I decided it was a perfect moment to catch some sun rays and enjoy the warm hospitality of Bab Al Bahr.
Skoda Superb Specs
Engine: 2-litre TSI petrol
Power: 190hp
Torque: 320Nm
Price: From Dh147,000
Available: Now
The%20Last%20White%20Man
%3Cp%3EAuthor%3A%20Mohsin%20Hamid%C2%A0%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E192%20pages%C2%A0%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3EPublished%20by%3A%20Hamish%20Hamilton%20(UK)%2C%20Riverhead%20Books%20(US)%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3ERelease%20date%3A%20out%20now%20in%20the%20US%2C%20August%2011%20(UK)%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Avatar: Fire and Ash
Director: James Cameron
Starring: Sam Worthington, Sigourney Weaver, Zoe Saldana
Rating: 4.5/5
The White Lotus: Season three
Creator: Mike White
Starring: Walton Goggins, Jason Isaacs, Natasha Rothwell
Rating: 4.5/5
Seemar’s top six for the Dubai World Cup Carnival:
1. Reynaldothewizard
2. North America
3. Raven’s Corner
4. Hawkesbury
5. New Maharajah
6. Secret Ambition
Company%20profile
%3Cp%3EName%3A%20Tabby%3Cbr%3EFounded%3A%20August%202019%3B%20platform%20went%20live%20in%20February%202020%3Cbr%3EFounder%2FCEO%3A%20Hosam%20Arab%2C%20co-founder%3A%20Daniil%20Barkalov%3Cbr%3EBased%3A%20Dubai%2C%20UAE%3Cbr%3ESector%3A%20Payments%3Cbr%3ESize%3A%2040-50%20employees%3Cbr%3EStage%3A%20Series%20A%3Cbr%3EInvestors%3A%20Arbor%20Ventures%2C%20Mubadala%20Capital%2C%20Wamda%20Capital%2C%20STV%2C%20Raed%20Ventures%2C%20Global%20Founders%20Capital%2C%20JIMCO%2C%20Global%20Ventures%2C%20Venture%20Souq%2C%20Outliers%20VC%2C%20MSA%20Capital%2C%20HOF%20and%20AB%20Accelerator.%3Cbr%3E%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Name: Peter Dicce
Title: Assistant dean of students and director of athletics
Favourite sport: soccer
Favourite team: Bayern Munich
Favourite player: Franz Beckenbauer
Favourite activity in Abu Dhabi: scuba diving in the Northern Emirates
HIV on the rise in the region
A 2019 United Nations special analysis on Aids reveals 37 per cent of new HIV infections in the Mena region are from people injecting drugs.
New HIV infections have also risen by 29 per cent in western Europe and Asia, and by 7 per cent in Latin America, but declined elsewhere.
Egypt has shown the highest increase in recorded cases of HIV since 2010, up by 196 per cent.
Access to HIV testing, treatment and care in the region is well below the global average.
Few statistics have been published on the number of cases in the UAE, although a UNAIDS report said 1.5 per cent of the prison population has the virus.
Benefits of first-time home buyers' scheme
- Priority access to new homes from participating developers
- Discounts on sales price of off-plan units
- Flexible payment plans from developers
- Mortgages with better interest rates, faster approval times and reduced fees
- DLD registration fee can be paid through banks or credit cards at zero interest rates
Mohammed bin Zayed Majlis
MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE – FINAL RECKONING
Director: Christopher McQuarrie
Starring: Tom Cruise, Hayley Atwell, Simon Pegg
Rating: 4/5
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
The five pillars of Islam
Intercontinental Cup
Namibia v UAE Saturday Sep 16-Tuesday Sep 19
Table 1 Ireland, 89 points; 2 Afghanistan, 81; 3 Netherlands, 52; 4 Papua New Guinea, 40; 5 Hong Kong, 39; 6 Scotland, 37; 7 UAE, 27; 8 Namibia, 27
