• UAE experienced largest single day of rainfall in 75 years
  • Volume of rain was highest since official records began in 1949
  • 254mm of rain fell in Al Ain - equivalent of two years' average rainfall
  • Many flights at DXB were cancelled, delayed or diverted
  • Severe traffic disruption as flooding affected many roads

Aftermath of Tuesday's storms in Abu Dhabi and Dubai

  • Persistent flooding along the D65 exit from Sheikh Zayed Road in April 16, 2024, leading into Al Quoz. Antonie Robertson / The National
    Persistent flooding along the D65 exit from Sheikh Zayed Road in April 16, 2024, leading into Al Quoz. Antonie Robertson / The National
  • Delays took place as work continued to clear roads of excess water. Antonie Robertson / The National
    Delays took place as work continued to clear roads of excess water. Antonie Robertson / The National
  • Many drivers had no choice but to abandon their waterlogged vehicles and take their chances on foot due to the record rainfall. Antonie Robertson / The National
    Many drivers had no choice but to abandon their waterlogged vehicles and take their chances on foot due to the record rainfall. Antonie Robertson / The National
  • The UAE was hit by unprecedented flooding on April 16, 2024, than it would expect to receive in more than a year, official figures revealed. Antonie Robertson / The National
    The UAE was hit by unprecedented flooding on April 16, 2024, than it would expect to receive in more than a year, official figures revealed. Antonie Robertson / The National
  • Standing water is removed in Dubai after a major storm. Antonie Robertson / The National
    Standing water is removed in Dubai after a major storm. Antonie Robertson / The National
  • Many cars were abandoned in Dubai due to the flooding. Antonie Robertson / The National
    Many cars were abandoned in Dubai due to the flooding. Antonie Robertson / The National
  • There was significant damage in parts of Dubai. Antonie Robertson / The National
    There was significant damage in parts of Dubai. Antonie Robertson / The National
  • The aftermath of heavy flooding in Dubai, with debris and abandoned cars on the street. Antonie Robertson / The National
    The aftermath of heavy flooding in Dubai, with debris and abandoned cars on the street. Antonie Robertson / The National
  • Some roads remained waterlogged in parts of Dubai after the storm. Antonie Robertson / The National
    Some roads remained waterlogged in parts of Dubai after the storm. Antonie Robertson / The National
  • Children play with their bicycles along a waterlogged street in Dubai's Al Furjan district. Pawan Singh / The National
    Children play with their bicycles along a waterlogged street in Dubai's Al Furjan district. Pawan Singh / The National
  • Workers cut a tree uprooted by heavy rains on Tuesday in Dubai. Pawan Singh / The National
    Workers cut a tree uprooted by heavy rains on Tuesday in Dubai. Pawan Singh / The National
  • Water is drained from a flooded road in Al Furjan after the storm. Pawan Singh / The National
    Water is drained from a flooded road in Al Furjan after the storm. Pawan Singh / The National
  • A flooded street in Khalifa City, Abu Dhabi, after the rain. Victor Besa / The National
    A flooded street in Khalifa City, Abu Dhabi, after the rain. Victor Besa / The National
  • Heavy rain in Dubai made parts of Sheikh Zayed Road impassable. Antonie Robertson/The National
    Heavy rain in Dubai made parts of Sheikh Zayed Road impassable. Antonie Robertson/The National
  • The storm left cars marooned on flooded streets. Antonie Robertson/ The National
    The storm left cars marooned on flooded streets. Antonie Robertson/ The National
  • Many areas became impassable due to the flooding. Antonie Robertson / The National
    Many areas became impassable due to the flooding. Antonie Robertson / The National
  • Drivers abandoned their cars at the side of roads amid high floodwaters. Antonie Robertson/ The National
    Drivers abandoned their cars at the side of roads amid high floodwaters. Antonie Robertson/ The National
  • People attempt to navigate the floodwaters in Dubai. Antonie Robertson/The National
    People attempt to navigate the floodwaters in Dubai. Antonie Robertson/The National
  • A flooded section of road near Sheikh Zayed motorway after heavy rain. Antonie Robertson / The National
    A flooded section of road near Sheikh Zayed motorway after heavy rain. Antonie Robertson / The National
  • People in Dubai walk from their cars after high floodwaters made the road impassable. Antonie Robertson / The National
    People in Dubai walk from their cars after high floodwaters made the road impassable. Antonie Robertson / The National
  • A partially submerged car following the heavy rain. Antonie Robertson/The National
    A partially submerged car following the heavy rain. Antonie Robertson/The National
  • Recovery work gets under way after the rain in central Abu Dhabi. Victor Besa / The National
    Recovery work gets under way after the rain in central Abu Dhabi. Victor Besa / The National
  • Large puddles and areas of water in Al Bandar in Abu Dhabi. Victor Besa / The National
    Large puddles and areas of water in Al Bandar in Abu Dhabi. Victor Besa / The National
  • Work begins after the rain in central Abu Dhabi. Victor Besa / The National
    Work begins after the rain in central Abu Dhabi. Victor Besa / The National
  • Recovery work gets under way in Khalifa City in Abu Dhabi. Victor Besa / The National
    Recovery work gets under way in Khalifa City in Abu Dhabi. Victor Besa / The National
  • Some minor damage in Khalifa City in Abu Dhabi. Victor Besa / The National
    Some minor damage in Khalifa City in Abu Dhabi. Victor Besa / The National
  • A man washes away debris after the rain in Khalifa City in Abu Dhabi. Victor Besa / The National
    A man washes away debris after the rain in Khalifa City in Abu Dhabi. Victor Besa / The National
  • Work gets under way after heavy rain hit Abu Dhabi. Victor Besa / The National
    Work gets under way after heavy rain hit Abu Dhabi. Victor Besa / The National
  • Passengers check flight information on screens at the Dubai International Airport. AFP
    Passengers check flight information on screens at the Dubai International Airport. AFP
  • A worker cuts through a downed tree with a chainsaw after a major storm in Dubai. AP
    A worker cuts through a downed tree with a chainsaw after a major storm in Dubai. AP
  • A car drives through floodwaters in Dubai. AP
    A car drives through floodwaters in Dubai. AP

Heavy rain hits Dubai and Abu Dhabi

  • Workers cut down a tree that was uprooted by the storm in Dubai. Pawan Singh / The National
    Workers cut down a tree that was uprooted by the storm in Dubai. Pawan Singh / The National
  • A vehicle submerged on a waterlogged road in Dubai. Pawan Singh / The National
    A vehicle submerged on a waterlogged road in Dubai. Pawan Singh / The National
  • A fence is blown over during the storm in Dubai. Chris Whiteoak / The National
    A fence is blown over during the storm in Dubai. Chris Whiteoak / The National
  • Vehicles splash through the Dubai – Abu Dhabi motorway during the heavy rain in Abu Dhabi. Pawan Singh / The National
    Vehicles splash through the Dubai – Abu Dhabi motorway during the heavy rain in Abu Dhabi. Pawan Singh / The National
  • A vehicle drives through a flooded road on a wet day in Dubai. Chris Whiteoak / The National
    A vehicle drives through a flooded road on a wet day in Dubai. Chris Whiteoak / The National
  • Two men navigate Dubai's flooded roads on a raft made from gas cylinders. Antonie Robertson / The National
    Two men navigate Dubai's flooded roads on a raft made from gas cylinders. Antonie Robertson / The National
  • Trying to keep flooding out of a business in Al Quoz, Dubai. According to some measurements, 158mm of rain fell in 24 hours. Antonie Robertson / The National
    Trying to keep flooding out of a business in Al Quoz, Dubai. According to some measurements, 158mm of rain fell in 24 hours. Antonie Robertson / The National
  • One pedestrian is still smiling despite the flooding, in Al Quoz, Dubai. Antonie Robertson / The National
    One pedestrian is still smiling despite the flooding, in Al Quoz, Dubai. Antonie Robertson / The National
  • Waves form in Dubai floodwaters. Nic Ridley/ The National
    Waves form in Dubai floodwaters. Nic Ridley/ The National
  • Dark clouds over Aldar headquarters in Al Raha, Abu Dhabi. Evelyn Lau / The National
    Dark clouds over Aldar headquarters in Al Raha, Abu Dhabi. Evelyn Lau / The National
  • Wrapped up for the elements in Dubai. Chris Whiteoak / The National
    Wrapped up for the elements in Dubai. Chris Whiteoak / The National
  • More storms are forecast for Dubai, with dark skies overhead. Nic Ridley/ The National
    More storms are forecast for Dubai, with dark skies overhead. Nic Ridley/ The National
  • A young boy goes for a walk on a rainy day in Dubai. Chris Whiteoak / The National
    A young boy goes for a walk on a rainy day in Dubai. Chris Whiteoak / The National
  • Heavy rain fell for several hours in Dubai on Tuesday morning, in what forecasters said was the first wave of stormy weather. Antonie Robertson / The National
    Heavy rain fell for several hours in Dubai on Tuesday morning, in what forecasters said was the first wave of stormy weather. Antonie Robertson / The National
  • Lightning strikes in Abu Dhabi on Monday. Roy Cooper/ The National
    Lightning strikes in Abu Dhabi on Monday. Roy Cooper/ The National
  • There were large puddles in Dubai after heavy rain overnight. Antonie Robertson/The National
    There were large puddles in Dubai after heavy rain overnight. Antonie Robertson/The National
  • A cyclist travels amid clean-up efforts in Dubai. Antonie Robertson/The National
    A cyclist travels amid clean-up efforts in Dubai. Antonie Robertson/The National
  • A motorist's car is stranded on a flooded Dubai road, following torrential rain. Antonie Robertson / The National
    A motorist's car is stranded on a flooded Dubai road, following torrential rain. Antonie Robertson / The National
  • Clean-up efforts are under way in Dubai after heavy rain. Antonie Robertson/The National
    Clean-up efforts are under way in Dubai after heavy rain. Antonie Robertson/The National
  • Dark clouds linger over Dubai with more adverse weather forecast. Antonie Robertson/The National
    Dark clouds linger over Dubai with more adverse weather forecast. Antonie Robertson/The National
  • Dark skies over Reem Island in Abu Dhabi. Zoya Thomas/ The National
    Dark skies over Reem Island in Abu Dhabi. Zoya Thomas/ The National
  • Forecasters warned of 'hazardous weather events' until Wednesday evening. Antonie Robertson/The National
    Forecasters warned of 'hazardous weather events' until Wednesday evening. Antonie Robertson/The National
  • Workers clear standing water in Dubai. Antonie Robertson/The National
    Workers clear standing water in Dubai. Antonie Robertson/The National
  • Drivers faced a difficult commute after heavy rain in Dubai. Antonie Robertson/The National
    Drivers faced a difficult commute after heavy rain in Dubai. Antonie Robertson/The National
  • Clean-up efforts began in Dubai after heavy rain. Antonie Robertson/The National
    Clean-up efforts began in Dubai after heavy rain. Antonie Robertson/The National
Desert Warrior

Starring: Anthony Mackie, Aiysha Hart, Ben Kingsley

Director: Rupert Wyatt

Rating: 3/5

Results

5pm: Maiden (PA) Dh80,000 (Turf) 2,200m; Winner: Gurm, Antonio Fresu (jockey), Eric Lemartinel (trainer)

5.30pm: Handicap (PA) Dh80,000 (T) 1,600m; Winner: Al Nafece, Al Muatasm Al Balushi, Mohammed Ramadan

6pm: Wathba Stallions Cup Handicap (PA) Dh70,000 (T) 1,200m; Winner: Ashton Tourettes, Adrie de Vries, Ibrahim Aseel

6.30pm: Arabian Triple Crown – Group 3 (PA) Dh300,000 (T) 2,200m; Winner: Ottoman, Adrie de Vries, Abdallah Al Hammadi

7pm: Liwa Oasis – Group 2 (PA) 300,000 (T) 1,400m; Winner: Hakeemat Muscat, Szczepan Mazur, Ibrahim Al Hadhrami

7.30pm: Handicap (TB) Dh80,000 (T) 1,600m; Winner: Ganbaru, Antonio Fresu, Musabah Al Muhairi

Vidaamuyarchi

Director: Magizh Thirumeni

Stars: Ajith Kumar, Arjun Sarja, Trisha Krishnan, Regina Cassandra

Rating: 4/5

 

The Case For Trump

By Victor Davis Hanson
 

UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Episode list:

Ep1: A recovery like no other- the unevenness of the economic recovery 

Ep2: PCR and jobs - the future of work - new trends and challenges 

Ep3: The recovery and global trade disruptions - globalisation post-pandemic 

Ep4: Inflation- services and goods - debt risks 

Ep5: Travel and tourism 

Avatar%20(2009)
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EDirector%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EJames%20Cameron%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EStars%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3ESam%20Worthington%2C%20Zoe%20Saldana%2C%20Sigourney%20Weaver%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ERating%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E3%2F5%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
The Brutalist

Director: Brady Corbet

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

Rating: 3.5/5

Milestones on the road to union

1970

October 26: Bahrain withdraws from a proposal to create a federation of nine with the seven Trucial States and Qatar. 

December: Ahmed Al Suwaidi visits New York to discuss potential UN membership.

1971

March 1:  Alex Douglas Hume, Conservative foreign secretary confirms that Britain will leave the Gulf and “strongly supports” the creation of a Union of Arab Emirates.

July 12: Historic meeting at which Sheikh Zayed and Sheikh Rashid make a binding agreement to create what will become the UAE.

July 18: It is announced that the UAE will be formed from six emirates, with a proposed constitution signed. RAK is not yet part of the agreement.

August 6:  The fifth anniversary of Sheikh Zayed becoming Ruler of Abu Dhabi, with official celebrations deferred until later in the year.

August 15: Bahrain becomes independent.

September 3: Qatar becomes independent.

November 23-25: Meeting with Sheikh Zayed and Sheikh Rashid and senior British officials to fix December 2 as date of creation of the UAE.

November 29:  At 5.30pm Iranian forces seize the Greater and Lesser Tunbs by force.

November 30: Despite  a power sharing agreement, Tehran takes full control of Abu Musa. 

November 31: UK officials visit all six participating Emirates to formally end the Trucial States treaties

December 2: 11am, Dubai. New Supreme Council formally elects Sheikh Zayed as President. Treaty of Friendship signed with the UK. 11.30am. Flag raising ceremony at Union House and Al Manhal Palace in Abu Dhabi witnessed by Sheikh Khalifa, then Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi.

December 6: Arab League formally admits the UAE. The first British Ambassador presents his credentials to Sheikh Zayed.

December 9: UAE joins the United Nations.

The Perfect Couple

Starring: Nicole Kidman, Liev Schreiber, Jack Reynor

Creator: Jenna Lamia

Rating: 3/5

F1 The Movie

Starring: Brad Pitt, Damson Idris, Kerry Condon, Javier Bardem

Director: Joseph Kosinski

Rating: 4/5

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

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.”

First Person
Richard Flanagan
Chatto & Windus 

Tonight's Chat on The National

Tonight's Chat is a series of online conversations on The National. The series features a diverse range of celebrities, politicians and business leaders from around the Arab world.

Tonight’s Chat host Ricardo Karam is a renowned author and broadcaster who has previously interviewed Bill Gates, Carlos Ghosn, Andre Agassi and the late Zaha Hadid, among others.

Intellectually curious and thought-provoking, Tonight’s Chat moves the conversation forward.

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Updated: August 08, 2024, 9:24 AM