• The Rolls-Royce Black Badge Ghost has arrived in the Middle East. All photos: Rolls-Royce
    The Rolls-Royce Black Badge Ghost has arrived in the Middle East. All photos: Rolls-Royce
  • Emerging from the shadows.
    Emerging from the shadows.
  • Catch it if you can.
    Catch it if you can.
  • The Ghost's night-time signature from the back.
    The Ghost's night-time signature from the back.
  • Into the night on the streets of Dubai.
    Into the night on the streets of Dubai.
  • Some of the new Ghost's speakers.
    Some of the new Ghost's speakers.
  • The Black Badge Ghost has all-wheel drive and four-wheel steering.
    The Black Badge Ghost has all-wheel drive and four-wheel steering.
  • The Ghost's uncluttered dashboard.
    The Ghost's uncluttered dashboard.
  • The design of the Black Badge Ghost adheres to Rolls-Royce's minimalist philosophy.
    The design of the Black Badge Ghost adheres to Rolls-Royce's minimalist philosophy.
  • A rear-light detail.
    A rear-light detail.
  • The black-and-blue interior of the car.
    The black-and-blue interior of the car.
  • The Black Badge Ghost and its shadowy Spirit of Ecstasy
    The Black Badge Ghost and its shadowy Spirit of Ecstasy
  • Looking at home in the Dubai night.
    Looking at home in the Dubai night.
  • A starry spectacle from inside.
    A starry spectacle from inside.
  • The Black Badge Ghost's sporty calipers.
    The Black Badge Ghost's sporty calipers.
  • Stars on the passenger fascia.
    Stars on the passenger fascia.
  • Nothing too digital here
    Nothing too digital here
  • Over the Meydan VIP Bridge.
    Over the Meydan VIP Bridge.
  • The Spirit of Ecstasy redux.
    The Spirit of Ecstasy redux.
  • The car comes in more than one colour.
    The car comes in more than one colour.

Rolls-Royce Black Badge Ghost makes dark debut in Middle East


Simon Wilgress-Pipe
  • English
  • Arabic

Anyone who watched BBC TV’s Inside Dubai: Playground of the Rich might be forgiven for thinking the city’s streets are awash with supercars.

The reality is that the likes of Nissan Sunnys, Toyota Camrys, and Mitsubishi Pajeros are considerably more common than anything on the flashier end of the spectrum (though we leave out Nissan Patrols and Toyota Land Cruisers from this list, as their presence is obvious to even the most casual observer).

Proof of this point is the appearance of the new Rolls-Royce Black Badge Ghost, which the manufacturer was keen to show off on the streets of Dubai when the model made its Middle East debut. A fleet of four cars drew glances from every angle as those behind the wheel travelled in a convoy during rush hour, with most of the drivers not being averse to the attention at all.

This is no great surprise, as any Rolls-Royce you’d care to mention in the nearly-120-year lifetime of the brand has ever been what you’d call unattractive. Some expressed doubts about the borderline Cadillac stylings of the 1970’s Camargue, but that remains a moot point.

Rolls-Royce describes the Black Badge Ghost as being bolder in performance and attitude, citing it as the “most potent manifestation of Rolls-Royce yet”.

Marketing vernacular is frequently a mystery to anyone residing outside the office from where the words first originated, but the manufacturer seems to have hit upon something here. The car is, indeed, notably different to any model that has come before it.

You still have the same build quality, of course, and the ride sensation that Rolls-Royce likens to travelling on a magic carpet, but the Black Badge Ghost feels... well, different. And it's a good different.

Despite its name, the Rolls-Royce Black Badge Ghost is not only available in black, but rather in 44,000 ready-to-wear colours. Photo: Rolls-Royce
Despite its name, the Rolls-Royce Black Badge Ghost is not only available in black, but rather in 44,000 ready-to-wear colours. Photo: Rolls-Royce

For a start, this vehicle is aimed at a younger crowd, which is unusual from the off.

Also, despite its name, the Black Badge Ghost is not only available in black but rather 44,000 ready-to-wear colours. The name is an indication that there is, for want of a better phrase, something of the night about the vehicle.

The Spirit of Ecstasy figurine has been finished in a dark-chrome electrolyte, which is as far from the traditional, shiny emblem as it’s possible to imagine.

Similarly, the carbon-alloy composite wheels, complete with that RR symbol at the centre that magically remains straight no matter how fast you’re going, are notable for now having brightly coloured calipers, which is more the sort of thing you’d expect from a heads-down-and-charge sports job.

The dark theme continues inside, with the starlight fascia and roof giving a more authentic sense of the night sky than on any previous model.

We did say it was different.

More common to the brand though is the 6.75-litre V12 engine, which you can pep up with what the manufacturer calls "low mode". This will speed up gear changes by 50 per cent and gives the car a definite sense of urgency.

The inside is, as usual, luxury personified. The centre console is easy to navigate and, unlike some modern cars, the entire dash is uncluttered.

Rolls-Royces have always been on the big side, but driving the Black Badge Ghost feels effortless. Larger vehicles generally have a serenity that smaller vehicles often lack, but this one dispenses with the drama altogether. It almost hovers.

This is what exemplifies the Black Badge Ghost, really — Rolls-Royce moving away from the idea that people who buy their cars employ chauffeurs, though that is something many will opt for. This is a car to drive, and something posh enough for others to find engaging. The whole dark thing will also offer plenty of appeal to those who still have an inclination towards the alternative side of life.

WIDE%20VIEW
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MOUNTAINHEAD REVIEW

Starring: Ramy Youssef, Steve Carell, Jason Schwartzman

Director: Jesse Armstrong

Rating: 3.5/5

Sun jukebox

Rufus Thomas, Bear Cat (The Answer to Hound Dog) (1953)

This rip-off of Leiber/Stoller’s early rock stomper brought a lawsuit against Phillips and necessitated Presley’s premature sale to RCA.

Elvis Presley, Mystery Train (1955)

The B-side of Presley’s final single for Sun bops with a drummer-less groove.

Johnny Cash and the Tennessee Two, Folsom Prison Blues (1955)

Originally recorded for Sun, Cash’s signature tune was performed for inmates of the titular prison 13 years later.

Carl Perkins, Blue Suede Shoes (1956)

Within a month of Sun’s February release Elvis had his version out on RCA.

Roy Orbison, Ooby Dooby (1956)

An essential piece of irreverent juvenilia from Orbison.

Jerry Lee Lewis, Great Balls of Fire (1957)

Lee’s trademark anthem is one of the era’s best-remembered – and best-selling – songs.

The specs: 2018 Nissan 370Z Nismo

The specs: 2018 Nissan 370Z Nismo
Price, base / as tested: Dh182,178
Engine: 3.7-litre V6
Power: 350hp @ 7,400rpm
Torque: 374Nm @ 5,200rpm
Transmission: Seven-speed automatic
​​​​​​​Fuel consumption, combined: 10.5L / 100km

MATCH INFO

What: 2006 World Cup quarter-final
When: July 1
Where: Gelsenkirchen Stadium, Gelsenkirchen, Germany

Result:
England 0 Portugal 0
(Portugal win 3-1 on penalties)

How to avoid crypto fraud
  • Use unique usernames and passwords while enabling multi-factor authentication.
  • Use an offline private key, a physical device that requires manual activation, whenever you access your wallet.
  • Avoid suspicious social media ads promoting fraudulent schemes.
  • Only invest in crypto projects that you fully understand.
  • Critically assess whether a project’s promises or returns seem too good to be true.
  • Only use reputable platforms that have a track record of strong regulatory compliance.
  • Store funds in hardware wallets as opposed to online exchanges.
Our legal advisor

Ahmad El Sayed is Senior Associate at Charles Russell Speechlys, a law firm headquartered in London with offices in the UK, Europe, the Middle East and Hong Kong.

Experience: Commercial litigator who has assisted clients with overseas judgments before UAE courts. His specialties are cases related to banking, real estate, shareholder disputes, company liquidations and criminal matters as well as employment related litigation. 

Education: Sagesse University, Beirut, Lebanon, in 2005.

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
UAE central contracts

Full time contracts

Rohan Mustafa, Ahmed Raza, Mohammed Usman, Chirag Suri, Mohammed Boota, Sultan Ahmed, Zahoor Khan, Junaid Siddique, Waheed Ahmed, Zawar Farid

Part time contracts

Aryan Lakra, Ansh Tandon, Karthik Meiyappan, Rahul Bhatia, Alishan Sharafu, CP Rizwaan, Basil Hameed, Matiullah, Fahad Nawaz, Sanchit Sharma

Fight card

1. Bantamweight: Victor Nunes (BRA) v Siyovush Gulmamadov (TJK)

2. Featherweight: Hussein Salim (IRQ) v Shakhriyor Juraev (UZB)

3. Catchweight 80kg: Rashed Dawood (UAE) v Khamza Yamadaev (RUS)

4. Lightweight: Ho Taek-oh (KOR) v Ronald Girones (CUB)

5. Lightweight: Arthur Zaynukov (RUS) v Damien Lapilus (FRA)

6. Bantamweight: Vinicius de Oliveira (BRA) v Furkatbek Yokubov (RUS)

7. Featherweight: Movlid Khaybulaev (RUS) v Zaka Fatullazade (AZE)

8. Flyweight: Shannon Ross (TUR) v Donovon Freelow (USA)

9. Lightweight: Mohammad Yahya (UAE) v Dan Collins (GBR)

10. Catchweight 73kg: Islam Mamedov (RUS) v Martun Mezhulmyan (ARM)

11. Bantamweight World title: Jaures Dea (CAM) v Xavier Alaoui (MAR)

12. Flyweight World title: Manon Fiorot (FRA) v Gabriela Campo (ARG)

SERIE A FIXTURES

Friday Sassuolo v Torino (Kick-off 10.45pm UAE)

Saturday Atalanta v Sampdoria (5pm),

Genoa v Inter Milan (8pm),

Lazio v Bologna (10.45pm)

Sunday Cagliari v Crotone (3.30pm) 

Benevento v Napoli (6pm) 

Parma v Spezia (6pm)

 Fiorentina v Udinese (9pm)

Juventus v Hellas Verona (11.45pm)

Monday AC Milan v AS Roma (11.45pm)

Tips for newlyweds to better manage finances

All couples are unique and have to create a financial blueprint that is most suitable for their relationship, says Vijay Valecha, chief investment officer at Century Financial. He offers his top five tips for couples to better manage their finances.

Discuss your assets and debts: When married, it’s important to understand each other’s personal financial situation. It’s necessary to know upfront what each party brings to the table, as debts and assets affect spending habits and joint loan qualifications. Discussing all aspects of their finances as a couple prevents anyone from being blindsided later.

Decide on the financial/saving goals: Spouses should independently list their top goals and share their lists with one another to shape a joint plan. Writing down clear goals will help them determine how much to save each month, how much to put aside for short-term goals, and how they will reach their long-term financial goals.

Set a budget: A budget can keep the couple be mindful of their income and expenses. With a monthly budget, couples will know exactly how much they can spend in a category each month, how much they have to work with and what spending areas need to be evaluated.

Decide who manages what: When it comes to handling finances, it’s a good idea to decide who manages what. For example, one person might take on the day-to-day bills, while the other tackles long-term investments and retirement plans.

Money date nights: Talking about money should be a healthy, ongoing conversation and couples should not wait for something to go wrong. They should set time aside every month to talk about future financial decisions and see the progress they’ve made together towards accomplishing their goals.

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 Birkin bag is made by Hermès. 
It is named after actress and singer Jane Birkin
Noone from Hermès will go on record to say how much a new Birkin costs, how long one would have to wait to get one, and how many bags are actually made each year.

UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
EA Sports FC 24
Company%20profile
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Last five meetings

2013: South Korea 0-2 Brazil

2002: South Korea 2-3 Brazil

1999: South Korea 1-0 Brazil

1997: South Korea 1-2 Brazil

1995: South Korea 0-1 Brazil

Note: All friendlies

Getting%20there%20and%20where%20to%20stay
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Gulf Under 19s final

Dubai College A 50-12 Dubai College B

Updated: February 25, 2022, 11:58 AM