• Dubai attracted 16.73 million tourists in 2019, before the pandemic. Reuters
    Dubai attracted 16.73 million tourists in 2019, before the pandemic. Reuters
  • Hatta is an exclave of Dubai high in the Hajar Mountains. Tourism in the area is being developed, with a focus on outdoor activities such as canoeing on the Hatta Dam.
    Hatta is an exclave of Dubai high in the Hajar Mountains. Tourism in the area is being developed, with a focus on outdoor activities such as canoeing on the Hatta Dam.
  • Ras Al Khaimah has positioned itself as the adventure emirate in the UAE and is home to the world's longest zipline.
    Ras Al Khaimah has positioned itself as the adventure emirate in the UAE and is home to the world's longest zipline.
  • Flyboard demonstrations at the Abu Dhabi International Boat Show. Christopher Pike / The National
    Flyboard demonstrations at the Abu Dhabi International Boat Show. Christopher Pike / The National
  • Sand dunes in the empty quarter area of the Rub al Khali desert in Abu Dhabi. Getty
    Sand dunes in the empty quarter area of the Rub al Khali desert in Abu Dhabi. Getty
  • Views of the famous Dubai skyline at sunset. AP Photo / Kamran Jebreili
    Views of the famous Dubai skyline at sunset. AP Photo / Kamran Jebreili
  • Sunset at Al Majaz waterfront in Sharjah. Reem Mohammed / The National
    Sunset at Al Majaz waterfront in Sharjah. Reem Mohammed / The National
  • An aerial view of the mountains of Hatta in Dubai. Photo: Moadh Bukhash
    An aerial view of the mountains of Hatta in Dubai. Photo: Moadh Bukhash
  • Dubai was ranked the most liveable city in the Middle East and North Africa in 2019. Getty
    Dubai was ranked the most liveable city in the Middle East and North Africa in 2019. Getty
  • A sandy beach in Fujairah. Getty Images
    A sandy beach in Fujairah. Getty Images
  • Water taxis on Dubai Creek take people from Bur Dubai to Deira and back again at sunset. Chris Whiteoak / The National
    Water taxis on Dubai Creek take people from Bur Dubai to Deira and back again at sunset. Chris Whiteoak / The National
  • The Burj Khalifa skyscraper (centre left) stands above the city skyline seen through the Dubai Frame architectural landmark in Dubai. Christopher Pike / Bloomberg
    The Burj Khalifa skyscraper (centre left) stands above the city skyline seen through the Dubai Frame architectural landmark in Dubai. Christopher Pike / Bloomberg

The UAE is officially the best travel destination in the world


Panna Munyal
  • English
  • Arabic

It seems like the UAE is forever breaking records, winning awards, and claiming titles that begin with biggest (frame) and best (spa), among other superlatives. Consequently, when UK online travel agency LoveHolidays compiled a list of about 3,000 “destination awards” given over the past five years, the UAE topped the list in the travel, hospitality, business and entertainment categories.

The country won a total of 282 awards overall across all six categories, followed by the United States at 188 and South Africa at 113. Among these, the UAE collected 35 awards in travel; notably, LovehHolidays reports that the Abu Dhabi Falcon Hospital has collected the World Travel Awards' Middle East's Responsible Tourism Award every year between 2015 and 2019. The Emirates were followed by Jamaica and the United States, which each got 26 and 24 awards within the travel segment.

The UAE also scored high in the hospitality category – winning 182 awards in five years, compared to 88 won by the United States, the second-place-holder and 78 by Thailand in position 3. A contributing factor here, notes the travel agency, is the fact that Burj Al Arab has won the Leading All Suite Hotel award every year between 2015 and 2019.

With its 25 awards, UAE also topped the business category for its conference destinations, club lounges and convention centres. Finally, the country came first in the entertainment sector, thanks in part to Warner Bros World in Abu Dhabi being named the Middle East's Leading Tourist Attraction by the World Travel Awards.

Warner Bros World theme park on Yas Island. Antonie Robertson / The National
Warner Bros World theme park on Yas Island. Antonie Robertson / The National

Coming in at second place in the destination category (for hotels, resorts and retreats), the UAE claimed 23 award compared to the 38 won by the United States.

The final category, conservation, was dominated by African and European countries in the top 10 spots, including Kenya, Spain and South Africa.

________

What to see and do in the Emirate of Ras Al Khaimah:

  • The region’s first commercial Via Ferrata and UAE's largest outdoor zip line opened in RAK in 2016. Photo Credit Action PR Group
    The region’s first commercial Via Ferrata and UAE's largest outdoor zip line opened in RAK in 2016. Photo Credit Action PR Group
  • Haitham Mattar, and Emirati adventurers Huda Zowayed and Hamad Al Mazrouey were the first to try out the trail. Photo Credit Action PR Group
    Haitham Mattar, and Emirati adventurers Huda Zowayed and Hamad Al Mazrouey were the first to try out the trail. Photo Credit Action PR Group
  • The new waterfront in RAK opened in 2011.
    The new waterfront in RAK opened in 2011.
  • Ras Al Khaimah announces the launch of the world's longest and highest zip line near the summit of Jebel Jais. Courtesy RAK Tourism Development Authority
    Ras Al Khaimah announces the launch of the world's longest and highest zip line near the summit of Jebel Jais. Courtesy RAK Tourism Development Authority
  • Ras Al Khaimah announces the launch of the world's longest and highest zip line near the summit of Jebel Jais. Courtesy RAK Tourism Development Authority
    Ras Al Khaimah announces the launch of the world's longest and highest zip line near the summit of Jebel Jais. Courtesy RAK Tourism Development Authority
  • RAK is known for its big New Year's Eve fireworks displays. Courtesy Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority
    RAK is known for its big New Year's Eve fireworks displays. Courtesy Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority
  • RAK is known for its big New Year's Eve fireworks displays. Courtesy Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority
    RAK is known for its big New Year's Eve fireworks displays. Courtesy Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority
  • RAK is known for its big New Year's Eve fireworks displays. Courtesy Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority
    RAK is known for its big New Year's Eve fireworks displays. Courtesy Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority
  • Ras Al Khaimah offers some beautiful sunsets over the Arabian Gulf. Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority
    Ras Al Khaimah offers some beautiful sunsets over the Arabian Gulf. Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority
  • The Ibn Majid Museum in Ras Al Khaimah. RAK Tourism
    The Ibn Majid Museum in Ras Al Khaimah. RAK Tourism
  • The Ibn Majid Museum in Ras Al Khaimah. RAK Tourism
    The Ibn Majid Museum in Ras Al Khaimah. RAK Tourism
  • The Ibn Majid Museum in Ras Al Khaimah. RAK Tourism
    The Ibn Majid Museum in Ras Al Khaimah. RAK Tourism
  • The RAK shuttle service takes tourist from DXB to RAK. Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority
    The RAK shuttle service takes tourist from DXB to RAK. Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority
  • Ras Al Khaimah boasts 64km of coastline, a unique desert landscape and the UAE’s highest mountain. Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority
    Ras Al Khaimah boasts 64km of coastline, a unique desert landscape and the UAE’s highest mountain. Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority

Profile of MoneyFellows

Founder: Ahmed Wadi

Launched: 2016

Employees: 76

Financing stage: Series A ($4 million)

Investors: Partech, Sawari Ventures, 500 Startups, Dubai Angel Investors, Phoenician Fund

Tips to avoid getting scammed

1) Beware of cheques presented late on Thursday

2) Visit an RTA centre to change registration only after receiving payment

3) Be aware of people asking to test drive the car alone

4) Try not to close the sale at night

5) Don't be rushed into a sale 

6) Call 901 if you see any suspicious behaviour

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”.

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
The specs

Engine: Four electric motors, one at each wheel

Power: 579hp

Torque: 859Nm

Transmission: Single-speed automatic

Price: From Dh825,900

On sale: Now

Avatar: Fire and Ash

Director: James Cameron

Starring: Sam Worthington, Sigourney Weaver, Zoe Saldana

Rating: 4.5/5

MATCH INFO

Fixture: Ukraine v Portugal, Monday, 10.45pm (UAE)

TV: BeIN Sports

How%20champions%20are%20made
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Who's who in Yemen conflict

Houthis: Iran-backed rebels who occupy Sanaa and run unrecognised government

Yemeni government: Exiled government in Aden led by eight-member Presidential Leadership Council

Southern Transitional Council: Faction in Yemeni government that seeks autonomy for the south

Habrish 'rebels': Tribal-backed forces feuding with STC over control of oil in government territory

UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
The Brutalist

Director: Brady Corbet

Stars: Adrien Brody, Felicity Jones, Guy Pearce, Joe Alwyn

Rating: 3.5/5

COMPANY PROFILE
Name: Kumulus Water
 
Started: 2021
 
Founders: Iheb Triki and Mohamed Ali Abid
 
Based: Tunisia 
 
Sector: Water technology 
 
Number of staff: 22 
 
Investment raised: $4 million 

Miguel Cotto world titles:

WBO Light Welterweight champion - 2004-06
WBA Welterweight champion – 2006-08
WBO Welterweight champion – Feb 2009-Nov 2009
WBA Light Middleweight champion – 2010-12
WBC Middleweight champion – 2014-15
WBO Light Middleweight champion – Aug 2017-Dec 2017

RESULTS

5pm: Rated Conditions (PA) Dh85,000 (Turf) 1,600m
Winner: AF Mouthirah, Tadhg O’Shea (jockey), Ernst Oertel (trainer)

5.30pm: Maiden (PA) Dh80,000 (T) 1,400m
Winner: AF Alajaj, Tadhg O’Shea, Ernst Oertel

6pm: Wathba Stallions Cup Handicap (PA) Dh70,000 (T) 1,400m
Winner: Hawafez, Connor Beasley, Abubakar Daud

6.30pm: Maiden (PA) Dh80,000 (T) 2,200m
Winner: Tair, Fabrice Veron, Eric Lemartinel

7pm: Handicap (PA) Dh80,000 (T) 2,200m
Winner: Wakeel W’Rsan, Richard Mullen, Jaci Wickham

7.30pm: Handicap (PA) Dh100,000 (T) 2,400m
Winner: Son Of Normandy, Fernando Jara, Ahmad bin Harmash

The biog

Age: 32

Qualifications: Diploma in engineering from TSI Technical Institute, bachelor’s degree in accounting from Dubai’s Al Ghurair University, master’s degree in human resources from Abu Dhabi University, currently third years PHD in strategy of human resources.

Favourite mountain range: The Himalayas

Favourite experience: Two months trekking in Alaska

Springtime in a Broken Mirror,
Mario Benedetti, Penguin Modern Classics

 

Company%20profile
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Wenger's Arsenal reign in numbers

1,228 - games at the helm, ahead of Sunday's Premier League fixture against West Ham United.
704 - wins to date as Arsenal manager.
3 - Premier League title wins, the last during an unbeaten Invincibles campaign of 2003/04.
1,549 - goals scored in Premier League matches by Wenger's teams.
10 - major trophies won.
473 - Premier League victories.
7 - FA Cup triumphs, with three of those having come the last four seasons.
151 - Premier League losses.
21 - full seasons in charge.
49 - games unbeaten in the Premier League from May 2003 to October 2004.

The specs

Engine: 3.8-litre twin-turbo flat-six

Power: 650hp at 6,750rpm

Torque: 800Nm from 2,500-4,000rpm

Transmission: 8-speed dual-clutch auto

Fuel consumption: 11.12L/100km

Price: From Dh796,600

On sale: now

Ferrari 12Cilindri specs

Engine: naturally aspirated 6.5-liter V12

Power: 819hp

Torque: 678Nm at 7,250rpm

Price: From Dh1,700,000

Available: Now

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE FIXTURES

All kick-off times 10.45pm UAE ( 4 GMT) unless stated

Tuesday
Sevilla v Maribor
Spartak Moscow v Liverpool
Manchester City v Shakhtar Donetsk
Napoli v Feyenoord
Besiktas v RB Leipzig
Monaco v Porto
Apoel Nicosia v Tottenham Hotspur
Borussia Dortmund v Real Madrid

Wednesday
Basel v Benfica
CSKA Moscow Manchester United
Paris Saint-Germain v Bayern Munich
Anderlecht v Celtic
Qarabag v Roma (8pm)
Atletico Madrid v Chelsea
Juventus v Olympiakos
Sporting Lisbon v Barcelona

PRISCILLA
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Kanye%20West
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