With the year coming to a close, UAE residents can look forward to 2021 in truly dazzling style.
The UAE is already known for its extravagant and record-breaking New Year's Eve firework displays as last year Ras Al Khaimah broke two Guinness World records for the "Most Unmanned Aerial Vehicles for launching Fireworks Simultaneously" and "The Longest Firework Waterfall". Back in 2014, Dubai ushered in the New Year by breaking the Guinness record at the time for "Largest Firework Display", with a pyrotechnics extravaganza of almost 500,000 fireworks, mostly along the Palm Jumeirah and The World Islands.
This year, a number of prime attractions in the country are gearing up to send off the year in spectacular fashion. The Burj Khalifa has announced there will be fireworks on the world's tallest building, while Atlantis, The Palm is promising the "largest-ever pyro display".
Nakheel has confirmed there will not be fireworks this year at any of its mall destinations, which includes Club Vista Mare and The Pointe on Palm Jumeirah.
Here’s a look at some of the firework displays that have officially been confirmed.
Fireworks in Dubai
Burj Khalifa
The world’s tallest building will be celebrating New Year’s Eve with a “grand masterpiece of fireworks and lights and laser show”. While not too many details have been disclosed about the theme of the display, Mohamed Alabbar, founder of Emaar, the developer of the Burj Khalifa, has said the attraction will be delivering “an even bigger gala event” this year.
Downtown Dubai will be adorned with decorations, and the fireworks and laser and light show will be synchronised to The Dubai Fountain show for an impressive display.
To ensure public health and safety for all visitors, Emaar will be implementing several preventive measures, including thermal cameras, social distancing, contactless payments and frequent deep cleaning and disinfection, in line with Dubai Government guidelines and directives.
Burj Al Arab
Jumeirah Group has confirmed the luxury hotel will be having a fireworks display this year. Whether you choose to take in the pyrotechnics from any of the restaurants at Souk Madinat Jumeirah or Kite Beach, it's bound to be a fantastic way to see in the New Year.
Global Village
Families looking for a space to watch the skies light up can always head to Global Village which will be bringing back its "around the world" New Year's Eve fireworks. That means that guests at the multicultural venue will be treated to hourly fireworks, starting at 8pm, that coincide with the clock striking midnight in different countries around the world.
Dubai Frame
According to the organisers of Dubai Shopping Festival, the World’s Largest Frame will be having fireworks again this year for New Year's Eve.
Town Square Dubai by Nshama
The area will have a six-minute-long firework display to ring in the New Year. Celebrations at the area will start at 6pm, with entry complimentary for residents and members of the public alike. There will be entertainment, food stalls, an inflatable play area, children’s train and Splash Pad waterpark to keep the little ones entertained.
Town Square Dubai by Nshama will be implementing social distancing and sanitisation procedures in line with government guidelines.
Atlantis, The Palm
The resort on The Palm Jumeirah is going all out for New Year's Eve with a concert by Kiss, which the US rock band has dubbed their "biggest concert ever". Guests staying in the resort can watch the show via a vertical concert format while those in a Palm View Hotel Room will be able to see the main stage. The event promises to be coupled with "the world's largest pyrotechnic fireworks".
Guests wanting to spend New Year's Eve at Atlantis, The Palm, must book a stay at the hotel. A three-night room package starts at Dh19,630 per room, excluding taxes – based on a minimum of two people sharing, staying a minimum of three nights. Packages include a New Year's Eve dinner according to tier type, with food and beverages from 6pm to 9pm, followed by front-row balcony seats to the Kiss 2020 Goodbye concert inclusive of in-room beverage and snack packages.
Al Seef
The popular waterfront promenade will be hosting a three-minute fireworks display. Visitors can head there to take in panoramic views of old Dubai and watch the skies light up at midnight. The destination also promises a range of entertainment and dining options.
Bluewaters
The island destination, which is home to Ain Dubai, has confirmed that it will be having fireworks when the clock strikes midnight. There are numerous dining venues – from The London Project to Brass Money – for front-row seats to the show. Guests can also head there on Friday, January 1 as there will be fireworks again at 8pm.
The Beach, JBR
The dining, shopping and entertainment destination has promised dazzling fireworks that light up the sky at midnight. In addition, UAE residents heading to the destination a little earlier on New Year's Eve can catch 300 drones launching into the night sky to create 3D shapes choreographed to popular tunes at 8pm and 10pm. Visitors can view the celebrations from the al fresco setting or reserve a table at any of the restaurants including Eat Greek Kouzina, Aprons & Hammers, Catch22, The Cheesecake Factory, PF Chang’s and more.
La Mer
Visitors can expect a celebratory firework display at the beachfront destination at midnight. There will be another one taking place on Friday, January 1, at 9.30pm.
Dubai Festival City Mall
The mall will hold two firework displays – one at 9pm and another at midnight – accompanied by the venue's Imagine musical fountain and laser shows. To enjoy the displays, visitors are required to pre-book a meal at selected restaurants at the waterfront destination. There are plenty of options to choose from, including Joe’s Crab Shack, Chili's, Texas Roadhouse, Famous Dave’s, Nandos, Five Guys, Semsom and Turkish Village. There will be two seating options available: a family-friendly slot from 7pm to 9.30pm and another one between 10pm and 12.30am.
Customers can pre-book via dubaifestivalcitymall.com and only those with email confirmation will be allowed to access Festival Bay.
Fireworks in Abu Dhabi
The Corniche
As with previous years, residents in the capital can expect the skies above the Corniche to light up on New Year's Eve. The Department of Culture and Tourism Abu Dhabi has announced there will be a five-minute show at midnight that extends a distance of 1.2km. Residents and visitors can also watch the fireworks on Abu Dhabi TV, Emarat TV and UAE_BARQ’s official Instagram page.
Al Wathba
Organisers behind Sheikh Zayed Festival have announced the event will host a fireworks show that spans more than 35 minutes in an attempt to break two Guinness World Records on Thursday, December 31.
The display will include the “world’s first-ever Girandola fireworks show”, according to a tweet shared by the festival. Girandola is the Italian word for pinwheel, so spectators can expect a spinning, sparkling display.
The second Guinness World Record organisers are looking to set is for the largest straight-line fireworks display. Besides the fireworks, there will be special fountain and laser shows, performances by local and international bands, and children's activities taking at the Sheikh Zayed Festival to mark the end of 2020.
Al Maryah Island
Guests can head to Al Maryah Island promenade for a dazzling firework display organised by Mubadala Investment Company. There are a number of dining options, from Coya to Loca, offering views of the fireworks. Meanwhile Rosewood Abu Dhabi has also unveiled packages for the occasion, from a cosy feast at Wood & Fire restaurant for Dh655 per person, to tables and cabanas at rooftop lounge Glo, starting from Dh900.
Anantara Eastern Mangroves
The five-star hotel has announced that it will be having a sparkling NYE bash, with fireworks displayed over the mangroves and Abu Dhabi skyline when the clock strikes midnight. Guests at the hotel can get up close to the pyrotechnics with any of the hotel's four celebratory NYE events. There will be a countdown by the pool, a party at the rooftop venue Up-Hi, and gala dinners taking place at Pachaylen and Ingredients restaurants.
Shangri-La Hotel and Traders Hotel, Qaryat Al Beri
Shangri-La Hotel and Traders Hotel, Qaryat Al Beri, will be having its annual fireworks over the Grand Canal. Residents of the capital will be guaranteed a front-row seat to the sparkling show by booking any of the packages offered within the hotel's restaurants.
Yas Island
As with previous years, the skies over Yas Island are set to burst into colour to see in the New Year. However, this year, those keen to watch the New Year's Eve fireworks will either have to view them via a livestream event, or will have to book dining options at one of Yas Marina's restaurants. Several venues - including Aquarium, Mr. Miyagi's, Casa de Cuba and Cipriani - have launched New Year's Eve packages for diners looking for front-row seats to the sparkling show.
Fireworks in Ajman
Ajman Corniche
Ajman Tourism Development Department has announced there will be two firework displays taking place at midnight in the emirate. In the first, spectators can look forward to a spectacular five-minute display at Ajman Corniche, opposite Ajman Saray, when the clock strikes 12.
Oberoi Beach Resort at Al Zorah
There will also be another five-minute display taking place next to the resort managed by Al Zorah Development Company. The general public can view the Al Zorah fireworks at Marina 1, which will also make an ideal spot to take pictures.
Fireworks in Ras Al Khaimah
The emirate that broke two world records last year is set to light up the skies once more. This year, it will have fireworks in various shapes and themes rising above the sea near Al Marjan Island. Exploding over a 4km stretch, the display will be in tune with special musical arrangements for a total of 10 minutes to welcome the New Year.
There will be no public activities or viewing areas to ensure the safety of the public. Only hotel guests, residents, ticket holders of special events, and diners of surrounding restaurants – such as those in the hotels in Al Hamra Village and Al Marjan – will have access to these areas. Those wanting to catch the celebrations from the safety of their homes can also watch it live on television networks, social media channels and at rasalkhaimahnye.com.
Fireworks in Sharjah
Al Majaz Waterfront will be welcoming 2021 with a 10-minute display. Restaurant bookings are required to access the area.
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Read More:
How to share your wishes for 2021 on Burj Khalifa this New Year's Eve
Fireworks, concerts and sales: What to expect from the 2020-21 Dubai Shopping Festival
Christmas 2020: Festive brunches and dining deals you can now book in Abu Dhabi
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Stuck in a job without a pay rise? Here's what to do
Chris Greaves, the managing director of Hays Gulf Region, says those without a pay rise for an extended period must start asking questions – both of themselves and their employer.
“First, are they happy with that or do they want more?” he says. “Job-seeking is a time-consuming, frustrating and long-winded affair so are they prepared to put themselves through that rigmarole? Before they consider that, they must ask their employer what is happening.”
Most employees bring up pay rise queries at their annual performance appraisal and find out what the company has in store for them from a career perspective.
Those with no formal appraisal system, Mr Greaves says, should ask HR or their line manager for an assessment.
“You want to find out how they value your contribution and where your job could go,” he says. “You’ve got to be brave enough to ask some questions and if you don’t like the answers then you have to develop a strategy or change jobs if you are prepared to go through the job-seeking process.”
For those that do reach the salary negotiation with their current employer, Mr Greaves says there is no point in asking for less than 5 per cent.
“However, this can only really have any chance of success if you can identify where you add value to the business (preferably you can put a monetary value on it), or you can point to a sustained contribution above the call of duty or to other achievements you think your employer will value.”
Avatar: Fire and Ash
Director: James Cameron
Starring: Sam Worthington, Sigourney Weaver, Zoe Saldana
Rating: 4.5/5
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
The burning issue
The internal combustion engine is facing a watershed moment – major manufacturer Volvo is to stop producing petroleum-powered vehicles by 2021 and countries in Europe, including the UK, have vowed to ban their sale before 2040. The National takes a look at the story of one of the most successful technologies of the last 100 years and how it has impacted life in the UAE.
Read part four: an affection for classic cars lives on
Read part three: the age of the electric vehicle begins
Read part one: how cars came to the UAE
Mohammed bin Zayed Majlis
More on Quran memorisation:
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.”
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Price, base / as tested Dh137,000 / Dh189,950
Engine 3.6-litre V6
Gearbox Eight-speed automatic
Power 280hp @ 6,200rpm
Torque 360Nm @ 2,750rpm
Fuel economy, combined 11.7L / 100km
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GAC GS8 Specs
Engine: 2.0-litre 4cyl turbo
Power: 248hp at 5,200rpm
Torque: 400Nm at 1,750-4,000rpm
Transmission: 8-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 9.1L/100km
On sale: Now
Price: From Dh149,900
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
Citizenship-by-investment programmes
United Kingdom
The UK offers three programmes for residency. The UK Overseas Business Representative Visa lets you open an overseas branch office of your existing company in the country at no extra investment. For the UK Tier 1 Innovator Visa, you are required to invest £50,000 (Dh238,000) into a business. You can also get a UK Tier 1 Investor Visa if you invest £2 million, £5m or £10m (the higher the investment, the sooner you obtain your permanent residency).
All UK residency visas get approved in 90 to 120 days and are valid for 3 years. After 3 years, the applicant can apply for extension of another 2 years. Once they have lived in the UK for a minimum of 6 months every year, they are eligible to apply for permanent residency (called Indefinite Leave to Remain). After one year of ILR, the applicant can apply for UK passport.
The Caribbean
Depending on the country, the investment amount starts from $100,000 (Dh367,250) and can go up to $400,000 in real estate. From the date of purchase, it will take between four to five months to receive a passport.
Portugal
The investment amount ranges from €350,000 to €500,000 (Dh1.5m to Dh2.16m) in real estate. From the date of purchase, it will take a maximum of six months to receive a Golden Visa. Applicants can apply for permanent residency after five years and Portuguese citizenship after six years.
“Among European countries with residency programmes, Portugal has been the most popular because it offers the most cost-effective programme to eventually acquire citizenship of the European Union without ever residing in Portugal,” states Veronica Cotdemiey of Citizenship Invest.
Greece
The real estate investment threshold to acquire residency for Greece is €250,000, making it the cheapest real estate residency visa scheme in Europe. You can apply for residency in four months and citizenship after seven years.
Spain
The real estate investment threshold to acquire residency for Spain is €500,000. You can apply for permanent residency after five years and citizenship after 10 years. It is not necessary to live in Spain to retain and renew the residency visa permit.
Cyprus
Cyprus offers the quickest route to citizenship of a European country in only six months. An investment of €2m in real estate is required, making it the highest priced programme in Europe.
Malta
The Malta citizenship by investment programme is lengthy and investors are required to contribute sums as donations to the Maltese government. The applicant must either contribute at least €650,000 to the National Development & Social Fund. Spouses and children are required to contribute €25,000; unmarried children between 18 and 25 and dependent parents must contribute €50,000 each.
The second step is to make an investment in property of at least €350,000 or enter a property rental contract for at least €16,000 per annum for five years. The third step is to invest at least €150,000 in bonds or shares approved by the Maltese government to be kept for at least five years.
Candidates must commit to a minimum physical presence in Malta before citizenship is granted. While you get residency in two months, you can apply for citizenship after a year.
Egypt
A one-year residency permit can be bought if you purchase property in Egypt worth $100,000. A three-year residency is available for those who invest $200,000 in property, and five years for those who purchase property worth $400,000.
Source: Citizenship Invest and Aqua Properties
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
German intelligence warnings
- 2002: "Hezbollah supporters feared becoming a target of security services because of the effects of [9/11] ... discussions on Hezbollah policy moved from mosques into smaller circles in private homes." Supporters in Germany: 800
- 2013: "Financial and logistical support from Germany for Hezbollah in Lebanon supports the armed struggle against Israel ... Hezbollah supporters in Germany hold back from actions that would gain publicity." Supporters in Germany: 950
- 2023: "It must be reckoned with that Hezbollah will continue to plan terrorist actions outside the Middle East against Israel or Israeli interests." Supporters in Germany: 1,250
Source: Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution
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
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Company Profile
Company name: OneOrder
Started: October 2021
Founders: Tamer Amer and Karim Maurice
Based: Cairo, Egypt
Industry: technology, logistics
Investors: A15 and self-funded
Key facilities
- Olympic-size swimming pool with a split bulkhead for multi-use configurations, including water polo and 50m/25m training lanes
- Premier League-standard football pitch
- 400m Olympic running track
- NBA-spec basketball court with auditorium
- 600-seat auditorium
- Spaces for historical and cultural exploration
- An elevated football field that doubles as a helipad
- Specialist robotics and science laboratories
- AR and VR-enabled learning centres
- Disruption Lab and Research Centre for developing entrepreneurial skills
Key findings of Jenkins report
- Founder of the Muslim Brotherhood, Hassan al Banna, "accepted the political utility of violence"
- Views of key Muslim Brotherhood ideologue, Sayyid Qutb, have “consistently been understood” as permitting “the use of extreme violence in the pursuit of the perfect Islamic society” and “never been institutionally disowned” by the movement.
- Muslim Brotherhood at all levels has repeatedly defended Hamas attacks against Israel, including the use of suicide bombers and the killing of civilians.
- Laying out the report in the House of Commons, David Cameron told MPs: "The main findings of the review support the conclusion that membership of, association with, or influence by the Muslim Brotherhood should be considered as a possible indicator of extremism."
Points Classification
1. Marcel Kittel (Germany / Quick-Step) 63
2. Arnaud Demare (France / FDJ) 38
3. Andre Greipel (Germany / Lotto) 25
4. Sonny Colbrelli (Italy / Bahrain) 24
5. Mark Cavendish (Britain / Dimension Data) 22
6. Taylor Phinney (U.S. / Cannondale) 21
7. Geraint Thomas (Britain / Team Sky) 20
8. Thomas Boudat (France / Direct Energie) 20
9. Stefan Kueng (Switzerland / BMC Racing) 17
10. Michael Matthews (Australia / Sunweb) 17
The President's Cake
Director: Hasan Hadi
Starring: Baneen Ahmad Nayyef, Waheed Thabet Khreibat, Sajad Mohamad Qasem
Rating: 4/5
