• UAE's biggest malls: The Dubai Mall has more than 1,200 retail units in addition to 200-plus food and beverage outlets. Chris Whiteoak / The National
    UAE's biggest malls: The Dubai Mall has more than 1,200 retail units in addition to 200-plus food and beverage outlets. Chris Whiteoak / The National
  • The Mall of the Emirates in Dubai has more than 630 retail units and 100-plus food and beverage outlets spread out across 233,467 square metres. Pawan Singh / The National
    The Mall of the Emirates in Dubai has more than 630 retail units and 100-plus food and beverage outlets spread out across 233,467 square metres. Pawan Singh / The National
  • The Dubai Hills Mall boasts 600 retail units plus 7,000 parking spaces. Photo: Emaar Malls Management
    The Dubai Hills Mall boasts 600 retail units plus 7,000 parking spaces. Photo: Emaar Malls Management
  • Sahara Centre is located on the Dubai-Sharjah Highway, covers almost 240,000 square metres and has 530 retail units. Victor Besa for The National
    Sahara Centre is located on the Dubai-Sharjah Highway, covers almost 240,000 square metres and has 530 retail units. Victor Besa for The National
  • Reem Mall on Abu Dhabi's Reem Island is set to open in 2022 and will feature 450 retail units plus 85 food and beverage outlets. The mall will cover an area of more than 260,000 square metres. Photo: Reem Mall
    Reem Mall on Abu Dhabi's Reem Island is set to open in 2022 and will feature 450 retail units plus 85 food and beverage outlets. The mall will cover an area of more than 260,000 square metres. Photo: Reem Mall
  • Dalma Mall in Abu Dhabi has over 450 retail units spread across more than 151,000 square metres. Rich-Joseph Facun / The National
    Dalma Mall in Abu Dhabi has over 450 retail units spread across more than 151,000 square metres. Rich-Joseph Facun / The National
  • The Galleria Al Maryah Island is one of Abu Dhabi's newest malls and features 400 retail units plus 100 food and beverage outlets. Photo: The Galleria Al Maryah Island
    The Galleria Al Maryah Island is one of Abu Dhabi's newest malls and features 400 retail units plus 100 food and beverage outlets. Photo: The Galleria Al Maryah Island
  • Abu Dhabi's Marina Mall has more than 400 retail units, covering an area of 122,000 square metres. Photo: Sammy Dallal
    Abu Dhabi's Marina Mall has more than 400 retail units, covering an area of 122,000 square metres. Photo: Sammy Dallal
  • Yas Mall on Abu Dhabi's Yas Island has more than 370 retail units and 68 food and beverage outlets spread out across 232,257 square metres. Victor Besa / The National
    Yas Mall on Abu Dhabi's Yas Island has more than 370 retail units and 68 food and beverage outlets spread out across 232,257 square metres. Victor Besa / The National

Dubai Hills Mall to open on February 17


Katy Gillett
  • English
  • Arabic

Residents near Dubai Hills Mall have patiently waited as they watch the expansive shopping centre near completion. Now that day is here, as it's been announced that the mall is opening today, Thursday February 17.

It is set to become one of the biggest malls in the UAE when it opens at 10am.

Scroll through the gallery above to see the country's biggest shopping centres.

There is plenty to see and do inside the two-storey mall, which features 600 retail outlets, including internationally renowned brands, plus a Roxy Cinemas outlet, an Adventure Park and an indoor roller coaster that's said to be the fastest of its kind in the world.

It's located in Dubai Hills Estate, the 1,093-hectare development from Emaar that forms part of Mohammed Bin Rashid City.

The mall, which will have 7,000 parking spaces, sits next to Dubai Hills Estate Park and is a short drive from other thriving residential communities such as Arabian Ranches, Town Square Dubai and Damac Hills, and is accessible via Umm Suqeim Street and Al Khail Road.

One of its main attractions is undoubtedly the world's fastest indoor roller coaster, which is called The Storm, and for youngsters, the Adventure Park play area where there are all manner of activities and attractions to keep them entertained, including a slide and trampolines.

On top of the retail stores and entertainment attractions, there are also several food and beverage outlets, as well as a Geant Hypermarket.

Dubai Hills Estate is also home to a water park, skate park and Dubai Hills Golf Club, as well as Kings College Hospital London and supermarkets such as Franprix, Geant and Urban Foods.

Dubai Hills Mall will be home to hundreds of retail stores. Photo: Emaar Malls Management
Dubai Hills Mall will be home to hundreds of retail stores. Photo: Emaar Malls Management

A Common Grounds cafe is also scheduled to open within the community soon.

At the mall, retail stores will be open from 10am to 10pm on Sunday to Thursday, with restaurants and cafes open until midnight and Geant Hypermarket open from 9am to midnight.

On Friday and Saturday, shop hours extend slightly until midnight.

See inside one of the largest properties in Dubai Hills Estate:

  • This custom-built mansion in Dubai Hills Estate is on the market for Dh115 million.
    This custom-built mansion in Dubai Hills Estate is on the market for Dh115 million.
  • Enter via a striking double-height central hub.
    Enter via a striking double-height central hub.
  • The property's expansive basement, complete with a bar and TV area.
    The property's expansive basement, complete with a bar and TV area.
  • One of seven spacious bedrooms.
    One of seven spacious bedrooms.
  • A wine cellar, to be filled at will by the owner.
    A wine cellar, to be filled at will by the owner.
  • A spacious private swimming pool.
    A spacious private swimming pool.
  • A snug and inviting formal living room.
    A snug and inviting formal living room.
  • The property comes fully furnished, with high-end pieces.
    The property comes fully furnished, with high-end pieces.
  • There are a number of areas to relax around the property.
    There are a number of areas to relax around the property.
  • Generously sized walk-in wardrobes.
    Generously sized walk-in wardrobes.
  • The design is inspired by the five elements: wood, fire, earth, metal and water.
    The design is inspired by the five elements: wood, fire, earth, metal and water.
  • Bright and airy design throughout the upper floors.
    Bright and airy design throughout the upper floors.
  • A spacious ensuite bathroom.
    A spacious ensuite bathroom.
  • Looking down on the central hub from the first floor.
    Looking down on the central hub from the first floor.
  • Italian marble and porcelain has been used in the bathrooms.
    Italian marble and porcelain has been used in the bathrooms.
  • Space to entertain in the basement.
    Space to entertain in the basement.
  • Wood is a key design material throughout the property.
    Wood is a key design material throughout the property.
  • A formal dining area.
    A formal dining area.
  • A plush living area.
    A plush living area.
  • A sleek home office.
    A sleek home office.
  • A view of the back of the property at night.
    A view of the back of the property at night.
  • The grand staircase connected to the central hub of the home.
    The grand staircase connected to the central hub of the home.
  • A design feature flowing down the stairs.
    A design feature flowing down the stairs.
  • A more relaxed dining area.
    A more relaxed dining area.
  • The back of the property by day.
    The back of the property by day.
  • A quiet corner to relax in.
    A quiet corner to relax in.
  • A view of the top landing.
    A view of the top landing.
  • Space to watch TV.
    Space to watch TV.

The Kites

Romain Gary

Penguin Modern Classics

Company%20profile
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EName%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20JustClean%3Cbr%3E%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EBased%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EDubai%20with%20offices%20in%20other%20GCC%20countries%3Cbr%3E%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ELaunch%20year%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%202016%3Cbr%3E%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ENumber%20of%20employees%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20160%2B%20with%2021%20nationalities%20in%20eight%20cities%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3E%3Cbr%3ESector%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20online%20laundry%20and%20cleaning%20services%3Cbr%3E%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EFunding%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E%2430m%20from%20Kuwait-based%20Faith%20Capital%20Holding%20and%20Gulf%20Investment%20Corporation%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Cryopreservation: A timeline
  1. Keyhole surgery under general anaesthetic
  2. Ovarian tissue surgically removed
  3. Tissue processed in a high-tech facility
  4. Tissue re-implanted at a time of the patient’s choosing
  5. Full hormone production regained within 4-6 months
Company Profile

Name: Thndr
Started: 2019
Co-founders: Ahmad Hammouda and Seif Amr
Sector: FinTech
Headquarters: Egypt
UAE base: Hub71, Abu Dhabi
Current number of staff: More than 150
Funds raised: $22 million

Avatar: Fire and Ash

Director: James Cameron

Starring: Sam Worthington, Sigourney Weaver, Zoe Saldana

Rating: 4.5/5

WHAT IS A BLACK HOLE?

1. Black holes are objects whose gravity is so strong not even light can escape their pull

2. They can be created when massive stars collapse under their own weight

3. Large black holes can also be formed when smaller ones collide and merge

4. The biggest black holes lurk at the centre of many galaxies, including our own

5. Astronomers believe that when the universe was very young, black holes affected how galaxies formed

Emirates Cricket Board Women’s T10

ECB Hawks v ECB Falcons

Monday, April 6, 7.30pm, Sharjah Cricket Stadium

The match will be broadcast live on the My Sports Eye Facebook page

 

Hawks

Coach: Chaitrali Kalgutkar

Squad: Chaya Mughal (captain), Archara Supriya, Chamani Senevirathne, Chathurika Anand, Geethika Jyothis, Indhuja Nandakumar, Kashish Loungani, Khushi Sharma, Khushi Tanwar, Rinitha Rajith, Siddhi Pagarani, Siya Gokhale, Subha Srinivasan, Suraksha Kotte, Theertha Satish

 

Falcons

Coach: Najeeb Amar

Squad: Kavisha Kumari (captain), Almaseera Jahangir, Annika Shivpuri, Archisha Mukherjee, Judit Cleetus, Ishani Senavirathne, Lavanya Keny, Mahika Gaur, Malavika Unnithan, Rishitha Rajith, Rithika Rajith, Samaira Dharnidharka, Shashini Kaluarachchi, Udeni Kuruppuarachchi, Vaishnave Mahesh

 

 

RESULTS

6pm: Al Maktoum Challenge Round-2 – Group 1 (PA) $55,000 (Dirt) 1,900m
Winner: Rajeh, Antonio Fresu (jockey), Musabah Al Muhairi (trainer)

6.35pm: Oud Metha Stakes – Rated Conditions (TB) $60,000 (D) 1,200m
Winner: Get Back Goldie, William Buick, Doug O’Neill

7.10pm: Jumeirah Classic – Listed (TB) $150,000 (Turf) 1,600m
Winner: Sovereign Prince, James Doyle, Charlie Appleby

7.45pm: Firebreak Stakes – Group 3 (TB) $150,000 (D) 1,600m
Winner: Hypothetical, Mickael Barzalona, Salem bin Ghadayer

8.20pm: Al Maktoum Challenge Round-2 – Group 2 (TB) $350,000 (D) 1,900m
Winner: Hot Rod Charlie, William Buick, Doug O’Neill

8.55pm: Al Bastakiya Trial – Conditions (TB) $60,000 (D) 1,900m
Winner: Withering, Adrie de Vries, Fawzi Nass

9.30pm: Balanchine – Group 2 (TB) $180,000 (T) 1,800m
Winner: Creative Flair, William Buick, Charlie Appleby

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.”

Classification of skills

A worker is categorised as skilled by the MOHRE based on nine levels given in the International Standard Classification of Occupations (ISCO) issued by the International Labour Organisation. 

A skilled worker would be someone at a professional level (levels 1 – 5) which includes managers, professionals, technicians and associate professionals, clerical support workers, and service and sales workers.

The worker must also have an attested educational certificate higher than secondary or an equivalent certification, and earn a monthly salary of at least Dh4,000. 

Updated: February 17, 2022, 4:53 AM