For some, rainy days call for one thing only: curling up on the sofa with Netflix's finest.
However, for those who don't fancy being relegated to the inside of their apartments, this weekend isn't a total wash-out.
Read: Weekend rainstorm brings chaos to Dubai and Abu Dhabi roads
While the weather has forced the postponement of some scheduled events, including Mohammed Assaf and Omar Al Abdallat's gig at Al Majaz Amphitheatre and Al Shindagha Days, a 10-day cultural festival in Dubai that will resume later this week, there's still plenty to do around town.
Sure, sunbathing and an afternoon by the pool might be out of the question, but below, we have 10 ideas to get you out (if not outside) and about in Abu Dhabi and Dubai.
Head to the cinema
No, it's not exactly an inventive suggestion, but this weekend is a particularly good time to hit the movies. Sam Mendes's First World War epic 1917 landed in cinemas on Thursday, and it looks set to be a shoo-in when the Academy Award nominations are announced on Monday, January 13. Also still in cinemas this weekend are the Golden Globe-nominated whodunnit Knives Out, Ford vs Ferrari and Nicole Kidman's Bombshell, based on sexual harassment allegations at Fox News.
Get a discounted bite to eat
With delivery services seeing a halt or delay in food orders thanks to the inclement weather, venture out for dinner – without breaking the bank. Restaurant Month Abu Dhabi, which launched earlier this month, gives residents living in the capital the chance to dine at their favourite eateries at discounted prices, with participating restaurants offering three-course meals, as part of a special menu, for Dh175. For those of you in Dubai, head down to JLT where a number of restaurants are offering one main course dish for only Dh10 per portion (plus VAT) as part of the #Ten4JLT dining promotion.
Shop 'til you drop
Again, not the most surprising suggestion, but this weekend's downfall handily coincides with the ongoing Dubai Shopping Festival, which is currently in its 25th year and runs until Saturday, February 1, There will be sales across the city throughout the month, in destinations including The Dubai and Mall of the Emirates, as well as daily raffles and prizes, with everything from a Nissan Patrol 2020 to Dh200,000 up for grabs. Shoppers in Abu Dhabi will also find plenty of post-Christmas deals at stores across the city, so now's the perfect time to snap up a new wardrobe or replace your outdated TV.
www.visitdubai.com
Hit the gym
It's not for everyone, granted, but you could kick those New Year's resolutions up a gear for an hour or so. Whether you pound the treadmill in your building or visit your local gym, some cardio, weights or a spot of yoga will make you feel a little better about spending the rest of the day on the sofa. For those of you in Dubai, this weekend also marks the opening of StudioRepublik on Sheikh Zayed Road, near Dubai Garden Centre. The 65,000-square-foot fitness and wellness destination is putting on a range of complimentary classes this weekend, from yoga and Pilates to bootcamp-style workouts and drama sessions for kids.
StudioRepublik, daily, 5.30am-11pm; Eiffel 1, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai; www.studio-republik.com
Find an adrenalin rush
Elsewhere in the world, theme parks tend to be an outdoorsy affair, with excursions called off when the clouds come rolling in. The same is not true of the UAE. Both Warner Bros World in Abu Dhabi and IMG Worlds of Adventure in Dubai are expansive indoor theme parks, with rides and entertainment to thrill every member of the family.
Tickets for Warner Bros World, Abu Dhabi, start at Dh230 for kids and Dh295 for adults, www.wbworldabudhabi.com, and IMG Worlds of Adventure, Dubai, start at Dh299 for adults, www.imgworlds.com
Treat yourself to a spa day
Make sure you're fully rested and relaxed before another working week kicks off. Whether you opt for a mani-pedi, a facial or a full-body massage, indulge in a little me-time at salons and spas around the UAE. For those looking for something ultra-luxe, Melia Desert Palm Dubai is offer one-day recharge package which includes a 30-minute mini facial, lunch, a personal training session or horse riding, yoga and then a 90-minute full body treatment. In Abu Dhabi, meanwhile, visitors to the Rixos Premium Saadiyat Island's Anjana Spa will get a free upgrade to a 90-minute massage when they book any 60-minute body treatment.
Sunday, January 1 until Friday, January 31; 9am-9pm; from Dh1,520 per person; Dubai Melia Desert Palm Dubai, Al Awir Road; 04 323 8888 www.melia.com; Anjana Spa, daily, 8am-10pm; Rixos Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi; 0850 755 1 797, www.saadiyatisland.rixos.com
Challenge yourself at an escape room
Hit up an escape room for the day, and there are plenty around the UAE. In Abu Dhabi try Sharda at Dalma Mall. Sharda (an Emirati word for escape) offers challenges that will see you get kidnapped, washed up on a desert island and more. You have 60 minutes to try and crack the code. In Dubai, head to TEPfactor in Jumeirah Beach Residence, which offers a variety of different physical and mental challenges. Thrill seekers should go to Phobia, which has two locations in Dubai's Jumeirah Lakes Towers. The Dark Room, in the Red Diamond Building, is said to be a particularly terrifying experience.
Sharda, Dalma Mall, Abu Dhabi, open daily from 10am, from Dh90 per person, www.sharda.ae; TEPfactor, Bahar Plaza, Jumeirah Beach Residence, Dubai, open daily from 10am, from Dh79 for kids and Dh99 for adults, www.tepfactor.ae; Phobia, X1 Tower and Red Diamond Building, Jumeirah Lakes Towers, Dubai, open daily from 11am, from Dh115, www.phobia.ae
Head to a museum
When was the last time you brushed up on local history? The Dubai Museum gives visitors an insight into traditional Bedouin life; Louvre Abu Dhabi has some of the world's most valuable pieces of art on display; the Dubai Moving Images Museum in Barsha Heights displays a private collection of photography artefacts; Emirates National Auto Museum in Al Gharbia, Abu Dhabi, is a must-visit for car buffs; the interactive Sharjah Science Museum is a great place to brush up on all things scientific; and the Sharjah Art Foundation is a great place to check out guest exhibitions.
Get building
Visit the Lego Festival at Dubai Festive City Mall. The event is for kids and adults alike, offering a host of activities and a Lego Ninjago-themed Imagine Show. There will also be seven Lego-themed zones at the festival, located across the mall in both indoor and outdoor venues. The sections are to dedicated to Lego City, Lego Friends, Lego Duplo, Lego Ninjago, Lego Technic, Lego Architecture, Lego Shadow Runner and Lego Jungle. With more than one million Lego bricks, guests will be able to try their hands at building sculptures of trains, fire engines or even a Burj Khalifa model.
Until Saturday, March 14; Sunday to Wednesday, 2pm-10pm, Thursday to Saturday, 2pm-midnight; Dh30; Lego Festival, Dubai Festival City Mall; Crescent Road, Dubai; 800 332; www.dubaifestivalcitymall.com
Take a selfie
Arguably this can be done at any time, but you can now upgrade your typical portrait at the “first ever dedicated selfie museum" in Dubai. The Selfie Kingdom in Motor City features 15 pop-up rooms filled with backdrops and props, so you can get something a bit different for the 'Gram.
The Selfie Kingdom, 11am-8pm, Sunday to Saturday, Dh55 per adult, per hour for general admission, Daytona House, Office 101, Motor City, Dubai, www.theselfiekingdom.com
Red Joan
Director: Trevor Nunn
Starring: Judi Dench, Sophie Cookson, Tereza Srbova
Rating: 3/5 stars
How the bonus system works
The two riders are among several riders in the UAE to receive the top payment of £10,000 under the Thank You Fund of £16 million (Dh80m), which was announced in conjunction with Deliveroo's £8 billion (Dh40bn) stock market listing earlier this year.
The £10,000 (Dh50,000) payment is made to those riders who have completed the highest number of orders in each market.
There are also riders who will receive payments of £1,000 (Dh5,000) and £500 (Dh2,500).
All riders who have worked with Deliveroo for at least one year and completed 2,000 orders will receive £200 (Dh1,000), the company said when it announced the scheme.
KILLING OF QASSEM SULEIMANI
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Arabian Gulf Cup FINAL
Al Nasr 2
(Negredo 1, Tozo 50)
Shabab Al Ahli 1
(Jaber 13)
SPECS
Nissan 370z Nismo
Engine: 3.7-litre V6
Transmission: seven-speed automatic
Power: 363hp
Torque: 560Nm
Price: Dh184,500
The specs
Engine: 6.2-litre V8
Power: 502hp at 7,600rpm
Torque: 637Nm at 5,150rpm
Transmission: 8-speed dual-clutch auto
Price: from Dh317,671
On sale: now
VEZEETA PROFILE
Date started: 2012
Founder: Amir Barsoum
Based: Dubai, UAE
Sector: HealthTech / MedTech
Size: 300 employees
Funding: $22.6 million (as of September 2018)
Investors: Technology Development Fund, Silicon Badia, Beco Capital, Vostok New Ventures, Endeavour Catalyst, Crescent Enterprises’ CE-Ventures, Saudi Technology Ventures and IFC
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%3Cp%3EEncourage%20innovation%20in%20the%20metaverse%20field%20and%20boost%20economic%20contribution%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3EDevelop%20outstanding%20talents%20through%20education%20and%20training%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3EDevelop%20applications%20and%20the%20way%20they%20are%20used%20in%20Dubai's%20government%20institutions%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3EAdopt%2C%20expand%20and%20promote%20secure%20platforms%20globally%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3EDevelop%20the%20infrastructure%20and%20regulations%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
TEACHERS' PAY - WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
Pay varies significantly depending on the school, its rating and the curriculum. Here's a rough guide as of January 2021:
- top end schools tend to pay Dh16,000-17,000 a month - plus a monthly housing allowance of up to Dh6,000. These tend to be British curriculum schools rated 'outstanding' or 'very good', followed by American schools
- average salary across curriculums and skill levels is about Dh10,000, recruiters say
- it is becoming more common for schools to provide accommodation, sometimes in an apartment block with other teachers, rather than hand teachers a cash housing allowance
- some strong performing schools have cut back on salaries since the pandemic began, sometimes offering Dh16,000 including the housing allowance, which reflects the slump in rental costs, and sheer demand for jobs
- maths and science teachers are most in demand and some schools will pay up to Dh3,000 more than other teachers in recognition of their technical skills
- at the other end of the market, teachers in some Indian schools, where fees are lower and competition among applicants is intense, can be paid as low as Dh3,000 per month
- in Indian schools, it has also become common for teachers to share residential accommodation, living in a block with colleagues
if you go
The flights
Etihad flies direct from Abu Dhabi to San Francisco from Dh5,760 return including taxes.
The car
Etihad Guest members get a 10 per cent worldwide discount when booking with Hertz, as well as earning miles on their rentals (more at www.hertz.com/etihad). A week's car hire costs from Dh1,500 including taxes.
The hotels
Along the route, Motel 6 (www.motel6.com) offers good value and comfort, with rooms from $55 (Dh202) per night including taxes. In Portland, the Jupiter Hotel (https://jupiterhotel.com/) has rooms from $165 (Dh606) per night including taxes. The Society Hotel https://thesocietyhotel.com/ has rooms from $130 (Dh478) per night including taxes.
More info
To keep up with constant developments in Portland, visit www.travelportland.com
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.”
Racecard
6.30pm: Mazrat Al Ruwayah Group Two (PA) US$55,000 (Dirt) 1,600m
7.05pm: Meydan Trophy (TB) $100,000 (Turf) 1,900m
7.40pm: Handicap (TB) $135,000 (D) 1,200m
8.15pm: Balanchine Group Two (TB) $250,000 (T) 1,800m
8.50pm: Handicap (TB) $135,000 (T) 1,000m
9.25pm: Firebreak Stakes Group Three (TB) $200,000 (D) 1,600m
10pm: Handicap (TB) $175,000 (T) 2,410m
The National selections: 6.30pm: RM Lam Tara, 7.05pm: Al Mukhtar Star, 7.40pm: Bochart, 8.15pm: Magic Lily, 8.50pm: Roulston Scar, 9.25pm: Quip, 10pm: Jalmoud
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”.
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
