Dubai
Tasting session
Plan to celebrate International Chocolate Day at a chocolate-and-coffee pairing session hosted by Mirzam Chocolate and Encounter Coffee Roasters. The sensory journey includes an explanation of the chocolate-making process, origins, taste notes, smells and flavours of the Mirzam chocolate and Encounter Coffee varieties.
Friday, 9am; noon; 2pm, Dh140, Encounter Coffee Roasters, The Sum of Us, Burj Al Salam Building, Dubai, register at hello@encountercoffeeroasters.com
Abu Dhabi
4th of July
Celebrate American Independence Day today at Stars ‘N’ Bars with a US-themed party including a quiz, live band, fun games and a DJ spinning top American hits. Plus, tuck into steaks, burgers and foot-long hot dogs from the outdoor BBQ.
Today, live music from 10pm to 1am, Stars ‘N’ Bars, Yas Marina, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, 02 565 0101, www.starsnbars.ae
Abu Dhabi
Kids’ camp
Children can take part in the indoor summer camp at The Mall at World Trade Center Abu Dhabi, where they can enjoy a range of activities that promote physical and mental well-being, including sports and art classes presented by KoolKidz, Primal Gym and The Art Hub.
July 9 to August 17, 8.30am to 1.30pm; 8.30am to 5.30pm, from Dh125 per day; Dh520 per week, The Mall at World Trade Center, Abu Dhabi, www.facebook.com/wtcad
Abu Dhabi
Fitness venue
St Regis Saadiyat Island Resort offers a variety of fitness options and water-sport activities throughout the summer. Enjoy state-of-the-art facilities including a 3,500-square-metre gym, a 25-metre pool, three outdoor pools and squash and tennis courts. Group classes are available, as well as swimming and tennis lessons and access to a private beach. Activities include kayaking and paddle-boarding.
Open 8.30am to 11am and 6pm to 8pm for group classes; Dh65 per group class for members; Dh85 per group class for non-members, packages available at various prices for lessons and activities, St Regis Saadiyat Island Resort, Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi, 02 498 8777, athleticclub.saadiyat@stregis.com
Abu Dhabi
Art workshop
Take part in a free drop-in art session as part of the exhibition The Creative Act: Performance, Process, Presence that introduces participants to various media and ideas. The session focuses on building a community art space, taking inspiration from the work of the artists Ramin Haerizadeh, Rokni Haerizadeh and Hesam Rahmanian.
Friday, 2pm to 6pm, free, Manarat Al Saadiyat, Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi
Fitness lesson
Zayed Sports City is giving away free lessons with fitness packages this summer. Choose between private and semi-private tennis and ice skating lesson packages and get a bonus lesson.
Valid until August 31, from Dh640 for eight semi-private ice skating lessons and Dh1,500 for 10 semi-private tennis lessons, Zayed Sports City, Abu Dhabi, 02 403 4200, zscacademy@zsc.ae
Dubai
Sports venue
Stay fit this summer at the UAE's largest indoor summer sports venue, Dubai Sports World, and take part in a variety of sports, tournaments, academies and activites for fitness enthusiasts and beginners alike, including football, badminton, cricket, indoor cycling, running track, table tennis, volleyball, group fitness classes, basketball, tennis, rugby and a state-of-the-art Technogym.
Daily until September 2, free entry, Dubai Sports World, Dubai World Trade Centre, Dubai, www.dubaisportsworld.ae
Dubai
Performance
The documentary-style musical Jersey Boys tells the story of the 1960s rock group Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons, whose harmonies were unlike anything anyone had ever heard, while their off-stage relationships were anything but perfect.
October 11 to October 14, 8pm daily plus 3pm on October 13, from Dh250, Dubai Opera, Downtown Dubai, Dubai, www.dubaiopera.com
Dubai
Kids’ camp
Gulf Star Sports offers children aged 7 to 15 an adrenaline-fuelled summer of go-karting, laser tag, race-room simulators, billiards, video games, team games and competitions at the Kartdrome Summer Camp.
Runs until September 7, 9am to 1pm, Sundays to Thursdays, from Dh995 per week when booked two weeks in advance; regularly Dh1,150, Dubai Autodrome, Dubai, info@gulfstarsports.com, 050 429 4860
Dubai
Art exhibition
Still in Progress is an exhibition of photographs by the New York-based Moroccan artist Lalla Essaydi, whose works are the result of a complex, performance-based process comprising painting, calligraphy, interior design, costume design, stage directing and photography.
Daily until August 15, 10am to 7pm, Saturdays to Thursdays (closed Fridays), Leila Heller Gallery, I-87, Alserkal Avenue, Al Quoz, Dubai, 056 831 3520, www.leilahellergallery.com
The team
Videographer: Jear Velasquez
Photography: Romeo Perez
Fashion director: Sarah Maisey
Make-up: Gulum Erzincan at Art Factory
Models: Meti and Clinton at MMG
Video assistant: Zanong Maget
Social media: Fatima Al Mahmoud
Specs
Engine: Duel electric motors
Power: 659hp
Torque: 1075Nm
On sale: Available for pre-order now
Price: On request
What are NFTs?
Are non-fungible tokens a currency, asset, or a licensing instrument? Arnab Das, global market strategist EMEA at Invesco, says they are mix of all of three.
You can buy, hold and use NFTs just like US dollars and Bitcoins. “They can appreciate in value and even produce cash flows.”
However, while money is fungible, NFTs are not. “One Bitcoin, dollar, euro or dirham is largely indistinguishable from the next. Nothing ties a dollar bill to a particular owner, for example. Nor does it tie you to to any goods, services or assets you bought with that currency. In contrast, NFTs confer specific ownership,” Mr Das says.
This makes NFTs closer to a piece of intellectual property such as a work of art or licence, as you can claim royalties or profit by exchanging it at a higher value later, Mr Das says. “They could provide a sustainable income stream.”
This income will depend on future demand and use, which makes NFTs difficult to value. “However, there is a credible use case for many forms of intellectual property, notably art, songs, videos,” Mr Das says.
The bio
Studied up to grade 12 in Vatanappally, a village in India’s southern Thrissur district
Was a middle distance state athletics champion in school
Enjoys driving to Fujairah and Ras Al Khaimah with family
His dream is to continue working as a social worker and help people
Has seven diaries in which he has jotted down notes about his work and money he earned
Keeps the diaries in his car to remember his journey in the Emirates
Health Valley
Founded in 2002 and set up as a foundation in 2006, Health Valley has been an innovation in healthcare for more than 10 years in Nijmegen, the Netherlands.
It serves as a place where companies, businesses, universities, healthcare providers and government agencies can collaborate, offering a platform where they can connect and work together on healthcare innovation.
Its partners work on technological innovation, new forms of diagnostics and other methods to make a difference in healthcare.
Its agency consists of eight people, four innovation managers and office managers, two communication advisers and one director. It gives innovation support to businesses and other parties in its network like a broker, connecting people with the right organisation to help them further
How to apply for a drone permit
- Individuals must register on UAE Drone app or website using their UAE Pass
- Add all their personal details, including name, nationality, passport number, Emiratis ID, email and phone number
- Upload the training certificate from a centre accredited by the GCAA
- Submit their request
What are the regulations?
- Fly it within visual line of sight
- Never over populated areas
- Ensure maximum flying height of 400 feet (122 metres) above ground level is not crossed
- Users must avoid flying over restricted areas listed on the UAE Drone app
- Only fly the drone during the day, and never at night
- Should have a live feed of the drone flight
- Drones must weigh 5 kg or less
Company profile
Name: Thndr
Started: October 2020
Founders: Ahmad Hammouda and Seif Amr
Based: Cairo, Egypt
Sector: FinTech
Initial investment: pre-seed of $800,000
Funding stage: series A; $20 million
Investors: Tiger Global, Beco Capital, Prosus Ventures, Y Combinator, Global Ventures, Abdul Latif Jameel, Endure Capital, 4DX Ventures, Plus VC, Rabacap and MSA Capital
UAE Falcons
Carly Lewis (captain), Emily Fensome, Kelly Loy, Isabel Affley, Jessica Cronin, Jemma Eley, Jenna Guy, Kate Lewis, Megan Polley, Charlie Preston, Becki Quigley and Sophie Siffre. Deb Jones and Lucia Sdao – coach and assistant coach.
WORLD'S%2010%20HIGHEST%20MOUNTAINS
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Past winners of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix
2016 Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes-GP)
2015 Nico Rosberg (Mercedes-GP)
2014 Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes-GP)
2013 Sebastian Vettel (Red Bull Racing)
2012 Kimi Raikkonen (Lotus)
2011 Lewis Hamilton (McLaren)
2010 Sebastian Vettel (Red Bull Racing)
2009 Sebastian Vettel (Red Bull Racing)
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The White Lotus: Season three
Creator: Mike White
Starring: Walton Goggins, Jason Isaacs, Natasha Rothwell
Rating: 4.5/5
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'My Son'
Director: Christian Carion
Starring: James McAvoy, Claire Foy, Tom Cullen, Gary Lewis
Rating: 2/5
Ibrahim's play list
Completed an electrical diploma at the Adnoc Technical Institute
Works as a public relations officer with Adnoc
Apart from the piano, he plays the accordion, oud and guitar
His favourite composer is Johann Sebastian Bach
Also enjoys listening to Mozart
Likes all genres of music including Arabic music and jazz
Enjoys rock groups Scorpions and Metallica
Other musicians he likes are Syrian-American pianist Malek Jandali and Lebanese oud player Rabih Abou Khalil
Auron Mein Kahan Dum Tha
Starring: Ajay Devgn, Tabu, Shantanu Maheshwari, Jimmy Shergill, Saiee Manjrekar
Director: Neeraj Pandey
Rating: 2.5/5
New Zealand 57-0 South Africa
Tries: Rieko Ioane, Nehe Milner-Skudder (2), Scott Barrett, Brodie Retallick, Ofa Tu'ungfasi, Lima Sopoaga, Codie Taylor. Conversions: Beauden Barrett (7). Penalty: Beauden Barrett
If you go...
Etihad Airways flies from Abu Dhabi to Kuala Lumpur, from about Dh3,600. Air Asia currently flies from Kuala Lumpur to Terengganu, with Berjaya Hotels & Resorts planning to launch direct chartered flights to Redang Island in the near future. Rooms at The Taaras Beach and Spa Resort start from 680RM (Dh597).
Get inspired
Here are a couple of Valentine’s Day food products that may or may not go the distance (but have got the internet talking anyway).
Sourdough sentiments: Marks & Spencer in the United Kingdom has introduced a slow-baked sourdough loaf dusted with flour to spell out I (heart) you, at £2 (Dh9.5). While it’s not available in the UAE, there’s nothing to stop you taking the idea and creating your own message of love, stencilled on breakfast-inbed toast.
Crisps playing cupid: Crisp company Tyrells has added a spicy addition to its range for Valentine’s Day. The brand describes the new honey and chilli flavour on Twitter as: “A tenderly bracing duo of the tantalising tingle of chilli with sweet and sticky honey. A helping hand to get your heart racing.” Again, not on sale here, but if you’re tempted you could certainly fashion your own flavour mix (spicy Cheetos and caramel popcorn, anyone?).
Mohammed bin Zayed Majlis
KILLING OF QASSEM SULEIMANI
The President's Cake
Director: Hasan Hadi
Starring: Baneen Ahmad Nayyef, Waheed Thabet Khreibat, Sajad Mohamad Qasem
Rating: 4/5
The specs
- Engine: 3.9-litre twin-turbo V8
- Power: 640hp
- Torque: 760nm
- On sale: 2026
- Price: Not announced yet
RESULTS
1.45pm: Maiden Dh75,000 1,400m
Winner: Dirilis Ertugrul, Fabrice Veron (jockey), Ismail Mohammed (trainer)
2.15pm: Handicap Dh90,000 1,400m
Winner: Kidd Malibu, Sandro Paiva, Musabah Al Muhairi
2.45pm: Maiden Dh75,000 1,000m
Winner: Raakezz, Tadhg O’Shea, Nicholas Bachalard
3.15pm: Handicap Dh105,000 1,200m
Winner: Au Couer, Sean Kirrane, Satish Seemar
3.45pm: Maiden Dh75,000 1,600m
Winner: Rayig, Pat Dobbs, Doug Watson
4.15pm: Handicap Dh105,000 1,600m
Winner: Chiefdom, Royston Ffrench, Salem bin Ghadayer
4.45pm: Handicap Dh80,000 1,800m
Winner: King’s Shadow, Richard Mullen, Satish Seemar
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Killing of Qassem Suleimani
The five pillars of Islam
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Andor
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UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
UAE Tour 2020
Stage 1: The Pointe Palm Jumeirah - Dubai Silicon Oasis, 148km
Stage 2: Hatta - Hatta Dam, 168km
Stage 3: Al Qudra Cycle Track - Jebel Hafeet, 184km
Stage 4: Zabeel Park - Dubai City Walk, 173km
Stage 5: Al Ain - Jebel Hafeet, 162km
Stage 6: Al Ruwais - Al Mirfa, 158km
Stage 7: Al Maryah Island - Abu Dhabi Breakwater, 127km
Timeline
2012-2015
The company offers payments/bribes to win key contracts in the Middle East
May 2017
The UK SFO officially opens investigation into Petrofac’s use of agents, corruption, and potential bribery to secure contracts
September 2021
Petrofac pleads guilty to seven counts of failing to prevent bribery under the UK Bribery Act
October 2021
Court fines Petrofac £77 million for bribery. Former executive receives a two-year suspended sentence
December 2024
Petrofac enters into comprehensive restructuring to strengthen the financial position of the group
May 2025
The High Court of England and Wales approves the company’s restructuring plan
July 2025
The Court of Appeal issues a judgment challenging parts of the restructuring plan
August 2025
Petrofac issues a business update to execute the restructuring and confirms it will appeal the Court of Appeal decision
October 2025
Petrofac loses a major TenneT offshore wind contract worth €13 billion. Holding company files for administration in the UK. Petrofac delisted from the London Stock Exchange
November 2025
180 Petrofac employees laid off in the UAE
What vitamins do we know are beneficial for living in the UAE
Vitamin D: Highly relevant in the UAE due to limited sun exposure; supports bone health, immunity and mood.
Vitamin B12: Important for nerve health and energy production, especially for vegetarians, vegans and individuals with absorption issues.
Iron: Useful only when deficiency or anaemia is confirmed; helps reduce fatigue and support immunity.
Omega-3 (EPA/DHA): Supports heart health and reduces inflammation, especially for those who consume little fish.
Sholto Byrnes on Myanmar politics
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