It's never too early to discuss one of Dubai's most extravagant occasions – Burj Khalifa's world-famous fireworks display and laser show. Several restaurants, hotels and other viewing spots around Downtown Dubai, Business Bay and the DIFC are already open for early-bird bookings, with prices ranging from Dh580 for a ticketed event at Burj Park to Dh10,000 for the Viewing Deck at the Palace Downtown hotel.
Burj Park
This week, Emaar announced its New Year's Eve gala at Burj Park, which arguably has the best uninterrupted views of Burj Khalifa's fireworks display. This option is relatively cheap compared to most others in the vicinity, with tickets costing Dh580 per adult (up from Dh300 last year) and Dh370 for children aged five to 12.
Visitors can access about 10 food and beverage stalls, as well as enjoy live entertainment and children's activities. The tickets include a Dh60 dining voucher for adults, and a Dh30 dining voucher for little ones. The open-air venue will be dotted with picnic tables and bean bags.
Tickers are on sale now, with the mandatory badge collection at Dubai Mall, Dubai Hills Mall and Dubai Marina Mall from December 26 to 30. Road closures are typical during New Year's Eve, so check updates from the RTA for the best way to commute to the venue. Guests are encouraged to arrive by 5pm.
More details are available on mydubainewyear.emaar.com
The Restaurant
If booking a table for dinner is more your style, hotels around Burj Khalifa have several New Year's Eve packages at their restaurants – though most are pricier than Burj Park. The Restaurant at Address Dubai Mall is offering a buffet spread with international cuisine options, from 6.30pm to 1.30am.
Those who want to sit indoors will pay from Dh2,700 per person, inclusive of soft beverages, while terrace seating starts at Dh3,800. The pool deck is also accepting reservations, starting at Dh6,800 per person. Guests aged five to 12 get a 50 per cent discount.
The dinner is complemented with a live three-piece band, as well as a DJ spinning tracks later in the evening.
Reservations can be made on 04 428 7961
Al Bayt
Dinner at Al Bayt restaurant in Palace Downtown will start at 7pm and run until 2am. With a Middle Eastern sharing-style menu, the restaurant is ideal for families who prefer a laid-back meal with clear views of the show. Indoor pricing starts at Dh2,750 per person, while the terrace is reserved for a group of up to 15 people, and priced at Dh27,000.
Reservations can be made on 04 428 7961
Thiptara
Also at Palace Downtown, this restaurant is ideal for those looking for an Asian meal alongside the fireworks show. A five-course menu featuring Thai classics is on the cards, with dinner served from 7pm to 2am. Indoor seating starts at Dh2,700 for adults, inclusive of soft beverages, and Dh1,350 for children aged six to 11. For guests who want prime viewing spots outdoors, it's Dh4,700 for adults and Dh2,350 for the little ones.
Reservations can be made on 04 428 7961
Viewing Deck
With awe-inspiring vistas of Burj Khalifa and panoramic sights of the Dubai Fountain and Downtown Dubai at large, this spot is one of the most expensive for those willing to end the year on an extravagant note. The deck at Palace Downtown will offer a lavish dinner buffet plus live music to set the mood. Dinner will be served from 7pm to 2am, priced at Dh10,000 per person, inclusive of all-you-can-eat food and free-flowing drinks.
Reservations can be made on 04 428 7961
The Garden
The restaurant lounge in the lobby of Address Downtown offers Burj Khalifa views from both its indoor and outdoor seating areas. The venue will be adorned with festive decor, complete with a buffet and cooking stations, plus live performers. Indoor seating starts at Dh4,500 per person, inclusive of soft beverages, while the outdoor option costs up to Dh7,000. The party begins at 7pm and ends in the early hours.
Reservations can be made on 04 436 8888
Carluccio's
While the majority of stand-alone restaurants dotted around the Dubai Mall promenade have yet to finalise their New Year's Eve rates, this Italian restaurant is already taking bookings. Packages are divided into four categories, starting with bronze at Dh2,100 per person for a four-course set menu on an indoor table with partial views of Dubai Fountain and Burj Khalifa. It goes up to Dh4,200 for platinum seats, along the promenade with front-row seats to the fountain show and clear views of the fireworks and laser show.
On the menu will be Italian classics such as risotto funghi, chicken cacciatore and burrata gnocchi topped with gold leaf.
Reservations can be made on 04 330 5990
Time Out Market Dubai
This year's theme is Great Gatsby and guests are encouraged to dress up in chic 1920s fashion. The venue will be decked in elegant black and gold, filled with roaming entertainment such as stilt workers. Expect plenty of feathers, pearls and masks, plus special food and drinks menus from the multiple kiosks on site.
The main event is the Burj Khalifa spectacle directly across the terrace, offering guests front-row views of the display. Ticket prices range from Dh1,000 per person for indoor seating to Dh4,500 per person for terrace slots.
Reservations can be made on 054 375 2421
Kata
Located in the Dubai Mall promenade area, Japanese restaurant Kata will serve a five-course meal. Several seating options are available, including its most premium offer at Dh3,000 per person. This package includes tables on the promenade, so guests will have full views of the Burj Khalifa show. Terrace seats, with partial views of the fireworks, have a minimum spend of Dh1,000. Indoor seats are available with a Dh500 minimum spend.
Reservations can be made on 04 273 3800
Five Guys
The Dubai Mall branch of this popular burger chain offers stunning views of the fountain and Burj Khalifa. The package, starting at Dh1,750, includes unlimited food such as burgers fries and shakes. For those seeking something extra, a VIP experience is also available, featuring secured prime seating in the restaurant's outdoor area.
Reservations can be made on 04 380 4117
Nando's
The South African chicken chain will serve a set menu for New Year's Eve, coupled with front-row views of the Burj Khalifa fireworks. Four packages are available, differing only by seat location. Guests paying Dh4,000 per head will be seated on Dubai Mall's promenade. The cheapest package, at Dh2,500, offers terrace seating with still-decent views of the pyrotechnics. The menu includes restaurant signatures, such as a choice of flame-grilled meat towers and gourmet burgers.
Reservations can be made on 600 542525
99 Sushi Bar and Restaurant
A 14-course menu will be served at this Japanese spot, featuring premium ingredients such as oysters, caviar, truffle, uni and Kobe beef. Drinks will be free-flowing, and there will be an after-party until 2am, complete with a live DJ set to end the party on a high note.
Seats in the outdoor 99 Lounge are priced at Dh9,000 per guest, while terrace seating is Dh7,000 per person. The main dining room is also available to book at Dh5,000 per guest or those who spend the same amount via the a la carte menu. It is Dh1,900 for diners under right.
Reservations can be made on 04 547 2241
Ce La Vi
Although set a bit further away from the world's tallest building, Ce La Vi in Business Bay sits on the 54th level of Address Sky View Hotel, which still has stunning views of the New Year's Eve display. This is reflected in the price, which stands at Dh5,000 minimum spend per person. British swing group Jack Pack will provide entertainment during the countdown party, and guests can order from the a la carte menu, with predominantly Asian classics such as braised beef bao buns, duck salad and a variety of sashimi, nigiri and maki.
Reservations can be made on 04 582 6111
Bull & Bear
Also in neighbouring Business Bay, the venue offers decent views of the Burj Khalifa spectacle. A three-course set menu will be served, with dishes such as warm potato scones and barbecue lobster. Live entertainment will be on hand and guests can indulge in a special gold dessert to cap the year on a sweet note. The service costs a minimum spend of Dh1,200 per person.
Reservations can be made on 04 515 9888
Tatel
Partial views of the fireworks can be seen at Tatel. The restaurant at Hotel Boulevard, Autograph Collection will host a party with a theme inspired by Studio 54, the nightclub that defined New York in the 1970s. A set menu will be served with dishes such as hot seafood cream with crab, shrimp and lobster; and grilled red snapper fillet served with a silky fennel puree; as well as wagyu rib-eye served with a non-alcoholic red wine reduction and more.
The main dining room is available to book starting at Dh1,500 per person. For terrace seats with partial Burj Khalifa views, prices start at Dh1,750 per guest.
Reservations can be made on 04 215 2121
Roberto's
The Italian restaurant in the DIFC still has good views of Burj Khalifa from its terrace. It will host a full-on party, complete with live DJ sets and dazzling dancers. The a la carte menu will have dishes including Wagyu beef carpaccio with truffle and homemade fettuccine with Canadian lobster. Prices start at Dh1,950 per person for a space at the bar and go up to Dh4,950 for the outdoor patio seating.
Reservations can be made on 04 386 0066
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Tamkeen's offering
- Option 1: 70% in year 1, 50% in year 2, 30% in year 3
- Option 2: 50% across three years
- Option 3: 30% across five years
Our legal columnist
Name: Yousef Al Bahar
Advocate at Al Bahar & Associate Advocates and Legal Consultants, established in 1994
Education: Mr Al Bahar was born in 1979 and graduated in 2008 from the Judicial Institute. He took after his father, who was one of the first Emirati lawyers
Company Profile:
Name: The Protein Bakeshop
Date of start: 2013
Founders: Rashi Chowdhary and Saad Umerani
Based: Dubai
Size, number of employees: 12
Funding/investors: $400,000 (2018)
Griselda
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MATCH INFO
Uefa Champions League final:
Who: Real Madrid v Liverpool
Where: NSC Olimpiyskiy Stadium, Kiev, Ukraine
When: Saturday, May 26, 10.45pm (UAE)
TV: Match on BeIN Sports
The specs
Engine: 2.0-litre 4-cyl turbo
Power: 201hp at 5,200rpm
Torque: 320Nm at 1,750-4,000rpm
Transmission: 6-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 8.7L/100km
Price: Dh133,900
On sale: now
The Greatest Royal Rumble card
50-man Royal Rumble - names entered so far include Braun Strowman, Daniel Bryan, Kurt Angle, Big Show, Kane, Chris Jericho, The New Day and Elias
Universal Championship Brock Lesnar (champion) v Roman Reigns in a steel cage match
WWE World Heavyweight ChampionshipAJ Styles (champion) v Shinsuke Nakamura
Intercontinental Championship Seth Rollins (champion) v The Miz v Finn Balor v Samoa Joe
United States Championship Jeff Hardy (champion) v Jinder Mahal
SmackDown Tag Team Championship The Bludgeon Brothers (champions) v The Usos
Raw Tag Team Championship (currently vacant) Cesaro and Sheamus v Matt Hardy and Bray Wyatt
Casket match The Undertaker v Rusev
Singles match John Cena v Triple H
Cruiserweight Championship Cedric Alexander v Kalisto
THE SPECS
Engine: Four-cylinder 2.5-litre
Transmission: Seven-speed auto
Power: 165hp
Torque: 241Nm
Price: Dh99,900 to Dh134,000
On sale: now
Straightforward ways to reduce sugar in your family's diet
- Ban fruit juice and sodas
- Eat a hearty breakfast that contains fats and wholegrains, such as peanut butter on multigrain toast or full-fat plain yoghurt with whole fruit and nuts, to avoid the need for a 10am snack
- Give young children plain yoghurt with whole fruits mashed into it
- Reduce the number of cakes, biscuits and sweets. Reserve them for a treat
- Don’t eat dessert every day
- Make your own smoothies. Always use the whole fruit to maintain the benefit of its fibre content and don’t add any sweeteners
- Always go for natural whole foods over processed, packaged foods. Ask yourself would your grandmother have eaten it?
- Read food labels if you really do feel the need to buy processed food
- Eat everything in moderation
Specs
Engine: Dual-motor all-wheel-drive electric
Range: Up to 610km
Power: 905hp
Torque: 985Nm
Price: From Dh439,000
Available: Now
The specs
Engine: 2.0-litre 4cyl turbo
Power: 261hp at 5,500rpm
Torque: 405Nm at 1,750-3,500rpm
Transmission: 9-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 6.9L/100km
On sale: Now
Price: From Dh117,059
More on Quran memorisation:
KILLING OF QASSEM SULEIMANI
Cinco in numbers
Dh3.7 million
The estimated cost of Victoria Swarovski’s gem-encrusted Michael Cinco wedding gown
46
The number, in kilograms, that Swarovski’s wedding gown weighed.
1,000
The hours it took to create Cinco’s vermillion petal gown, as seen in his atelier [note, is the one he’s playing with in the corner of a room]
50
How many looks Cinco has created in a new collection to celebrate Ballet Philippines’ 50th birthday
3,000
The hours needed to create the butterfly gown worn by Aishwarya Rai to the 2018 Cannes Film Festival.
1.1 million
The number of followers that Michael Cinco’s Instagram account has garnered.
Our family matters legal consultant
Name: Hassan Mohsen Elhais
Position: legal consultant with Al Rowaad Advocates and Legal Consultants.
The Vile
Starring: Bdoor Mohammad, Jasem Alkharraz, Iman Tarik, Sarah Taibah
Director: Majid Al Ansari
Rating: 4/5
The five pillars of Islam
1. Fasting
2. Prayer
3. Hajj
4. Shahada
5. Zakat
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.”
Essentials
The flights
Emirates, Etihad and Malaysia Airlines all fly direct from the UAE to Kuala Lumpur and on to Penang from about Dh2,300 return, including taxes.
Where to stay
In Kuala Lumpur, Element is a recently opened, futuristic hotel high up in a Norman Foster-designed skyscraper. Rooms cost from Dh400 per night, including taxes. Hotel Stripes, also in KL, is a great value design hotel, with an infinity rooftop pool. Rooms cost from Dh310, including taxes.
In Penang, Ren i Tang is a boutique b&b in what was once an ancient Chinese Medicine Hall in the centre of Little India. Rooms cost from Dh220, including taxes.
23 Love Lane in Penang is a luxury boutique heritage hotel in a converted mansion, with private tropical gardens. Rooms cost from Dh400, including taxes.
In Langkawi, Temple Tree is a unique architectural villa hotel consisting of antique houses from all across Malaysia. Rooms cost from Dh350, including taxes.
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How it works
A $10 hand-powered LED light and battery bank
Device is operated by hand cranking it at any time during the day or night
The charge is stored inside a battery
The ratio is that for every minute you crank, it provides 10 minutes light on the brightest mode
A full hand wound charge is of 16.5minutes
This gives 1.1 hours of light on high mode or 2.5 hours of light on low mode
When more light is needed, it can be recharged by winding again
The larger version costs between $18-20 and generates more than 15 hours of light with a 45-minute charge
No limit on how many times you can charge
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The specs
Engine: 3.8-litre V6
Power: 295hp at 6,000rpm
Torque: 355Nm at 5,200rpm
Transmission: 8-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 10.7L/100km
Price: Dh179,999-plus
On sale: now
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What the law says
Micro-retirement is not a recognised concept or employment status under Federal Decree Law No. 33 of 2021 on the Regulation of Labour Relations (as amended) (UAE Labour Law). As such, it reflects a voluntary work-life balance practice, rather than a recognised legal employment category, according to Dilini Loku, senior associate for law firm Gateley Middle East.
“Some companies may offer formal sabbatical policies or career break programmes; however, beyond such arrangements, there is no automatic right or statutory entitlement to extended breaks,” she explains.
“Any leave taken beyond statutory entitlements, such as annual leave, is typically regarded as unpaid leave in accordance with Article 33 of the UAE Labour Law. While employees may legally take unpaid leave, such requests are subject to the employer’s discretion and require approval.”
If an employee resigns to pursue micro-retirement, the employment contract is terminated, and the employer is under no legal obligation to rehire the employee in the future unless specific contractual agreements are in place (such as return-to-work arrangements), which are generally uncommon, Ms Loku adds.
Winners
Best Men's Player of the Year: Kylian Mbappe (PSG)
Maradona Award for Best Goal Scorer of the Year: Robert Lewandowski (Bayern Munich)
TikTok Fans’ Player of the Year: Robert Lewandowski
Top Goal Scorer of All Time: Cristiano Ronaldo (Manchester United)
Best Women's Player of the Year: Alexia Putellas (Barcelona)
Best Men's Club of the Year: Chelsea
Best Women's Club of the Year: Barcelona
Best Defender of the Year: Leonardo Bonucci (Juventus/Italy)
Best Goalkeeper of the Year: Gianluigi Donnarumma (PSG/Italy)
Best Coach of the Year: Roberto Mancini (Italy)
Best National Team of the Year: Italy
Best Agent of the Year: Federico Pastorello
Best Sporting Director of the Year: Txiki Begiristain (Manchester City)
Player Career Award: Ronaldinho
Director: Laxman Utekar
Cast: Vicky Kaushal, Akshaye Khanna, Diana Penty, Vineet Kumar Singh, Rashmika Mandanna
Rating: 1/5
RACECARD
6pm Emaar Dubai Sprint – Conditions (TB) $60,000 (Turf) 1,200m
6.35pm Graduate Stakes – Conditions (TB) $100,000 (Dirt) 1,600m
7.10pm Al Khail Trophy – Listed (TB) $100,000 (T) 2,810m
7.45pm UAE 1000 Guineas – Listed (TB) $150,000 (D) 1,600m
8.20pm Zabeel Turf – Listed (TB) $100,000 (T) 2,000m
8.55pm Downtown Dubai Cup – Rated Conditions (TB) $80,000 (D) 1,400m
9.30pm Zabeel Mile – Group 2 (TB) $180,000 (T) 1,600m
10.05pm Dubai Sprint – Listed (TB) $100,000 (T) 1,200m
Directed by: Craig Gillespie
Starring: Emma Stone, Emma Thompson, Joel Fry
4/5
