It has taken a global pandemic for many of us to understand the real meaning behind the adage that value is more important than price. Over the past nine months, companies and governments around the world have had to shift their focus from quarterly results, stock market performance and balancing budgets, to activities centred on business continuity, sustainability and emergency relief.
This year, perhaps more than any other in living memory, has highlighted that the fates of people and businesses around the world are tightly intertwined. Problems at such a scale require global solutions. And this awakening has led to a shared and much-needed reimagining of our priorities.
While many companies will have reconsidered their investment strategies as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic, conscious investing – an investment strategy that seeks to consider financial return while also bringing about social change – is by no means a new phenomenon. In fact, according to a recent survey by UBS Global Wealth Management, 75 per cent of investors in the UAE believe that it will be the norm by 2030. Previous generations may have considered return on investment the primary indicator of success; however, 93 per cent of UAE investors surveyed in the report now believe that choosing sustainable options will not compromise performance.
Such findings indicate bright futures for start-ups which can demonstrate their unique value, not just in terms of investment performance, but more importantly, in their contributions to society. Previously the domain of philanthropists, charities, NGOs and governments, conscious investing is being adopted by more and more business leaders and organisations who are committed to making profits that bring more than just financial gain.
The Middle East is a natural environment for conscious investing as Islamic finance shares many of the former's aspirations. Despite this, just two to five per cent of impact investments worldwide are currently placed in the MENA region. While nations such as the UAE have been proactive in developing strategies in this space, the region needs to increase support to the start-ups driving this change. In addition, more needs to be done to raise awareness among investors about the many benefits of including conscious investments in their portfolios.
It is disheartening to note that according to the US Bureau of Labour Statistics, the global failure rate for start-ups is around 90 per cent. We cannot predict the impact that their technologies or products could have had on our world. It is also saddening to think that we will never know of their potentially revolutionary ideas. The business community has a shared responsibility to find ways to support promising firms, whether that is through product development, financing or even marketing and branding.
Investors are being encouraged to support start-ups focused on social and environmental causes. The National
93 per cent of UAE investors surveyed in the report now believe that choosing a sustainable investment will not compromise performance
The UAE is fast emerging as a preferred destination for burgeoning start-ups in the region and globally. With a growing economy, supportive regulatory framework, young pool of talent and a number of government initiatives aimed at boosting the sector, there are significant opportunities for the UAE to play a notable role in this field, by leveraging its growing start-up sector. Government agencies and investors enabling seamless access to early stage funding is key to success.
One such vehicle for achieving this is Angel Rising, an annual symposium held in Abu Dhabi which brings together global and local thought leaders to develop a better understanding of the myriad opportunities that exist for investors interested in social change. Its participants are among the most credible venture investors around the world, who explore global best practices and refining the developing regional investor base. The goal is to help catalyse regional investors and global start-ups to bring transformative products and services to market. The programme also provides a crucial platform for discussing the most pressing challenges facing the sector and how to find the best solutions. This year’s programme highlighted the fact that today’s global challenges are rarely confined to a certain territory. Instead, their effects are being felt extremely widely. If the challenges we face today are global in nature, then collaboration must be central.
Start-ups participating at events such as Angel Rising have the potential to make major contributions to our world for the benefit of all people. They can do this by helping to address environmental and climate challenges, promoting healthier living, improving social inclusion and even safeguarding jobs and communities.
Forums like these play an important role in the Middle East, giving the region’s entrepreneurs the support they need to find the right investors to accelerate their growth. They also give a public platform to debut these promising companies and provide a better understanding of the role that they play in advancing humanity. As a result, many more investors might consider how to integrate conscious portfolios into their financial strategies in the long term, and the benefits of doing so in terms of innovation, profit and social good. This will flow not only into the UAE economy, but to all corners of the region.
Ramesh Jagannathan is Vice Provost for Entrepreneurship at NYUAD, and Managing Director of startAD
If you’re going to go grey, a great style, well-cared for hair (in a sleek, classy style, like a bob), and a young spirit and attitude go a long way, says Maria Dowling, founder of the Maria Dowling Salon in Dubai.
It’s easier to go grey from a lighter colour, so you may want to do that first. And this is the time to try a shorter style, she advises. Then a stylist can introduce highlights, start lightening up the roots, and let it fade out. Once it’s entirely grey, a purple shampoo will prevent yellowing.
“Get professional help – there’s no other way to go around it,” she says. “And don’t just let it grow out because that looks really bad. Put effort into it: properly condition, straighten, get regular trims, make sure it’s glossy.”
As per the document, there are six filing options, including choosing to report on a realisation basis and transitional rules for pre-tax period gains or losses.
SMEs with revenue below Dh3 million per annum can opt for transitional relief until 2026, treating them as having no taxable income.
Larger entities have specific provisions for asset and liability movements, business restructuring, and handling foreign permanent establishments.
EA Sports FC 26
Publisher: EA Sports
Consoles: PC, PlayStation 4/5, Xbox Series X/S
Rating: 3/5
ENGLAND TEAM
England (15-1)
George Furbank; Jonny May, Manu Tuilagi, Owen Farrell (capt), Elliot Daly; George Ford, Ben Youngs; Tom Curry, Sam Underhill, Courtney Lawes; Charlie Ewels, Maro Itoje; Kyle Sinckler, Jamie George, Joe Marler Replacements: Luke Cowan-Dickie, Ellis Genge, Will Stuart, George Kruis, Lewis Ludlam, Willi Heinz, Ollie Devoto, Jonathan Joseph
The insured employee may still file an ILOE claim even if a labour dispute is ongoing post termination, but the insurer may suspend or reject payment, until the courts resolve the dispute, especially if the reason for termination is contested. The outcome of the labour court proceedings can directly affect eligibility.
- Abdullah Ishnaneh, Partner, BSA Law
The specs
Engine: 4.0-litre V8 twin-turbocharged and three electric motors
Power: Combined output 920hp
Torque: 730Nm at 4,000-7,000rpm
Transmission: 8-speed dual-clutch automatic
Fuel consumption: 11.2L/100km
On sale: Now, deliveries expected later in 2025
Price: expected to start at Dh1,432,000
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
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
The National Archives, Abu Dhabi
Founded over 50 years ago, the National Archives collects valuable historical material relating to the UAE, and is the oldest and richest archive relating to the Arabian Gulf.
Much of the material can be viewed on line at the Arabian Gulf Digital Archive - https://www.agda.ae/en
This article is part of a guide on where to live in the UAE. Our reporters will profile some of the country’s most desirable districts, provide an estimate of rental prices and introduce you to some of the residents who call each area home.
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.
No one has ended a Premier League season quite like Sunderland. They lost each of their final 15 games, taking no points after January. They ended up with 19 in total, sacking managers Peter Reid and Howard Wilkinson and losing 3-1 to Charlton when they scored three own goals in eight minutes.
SUNDERLAND 2005-06
Until Derby came along, Sunderland’s total of 15 points was the Premier League’s record low. They made it until May and their final home game before winning at the Stadium of Light while they lost a joint record 29 of their 38 league games.
HUDDERSFIELD 2018-19
Joined Derby as the only team to be relegated in March. No striker scored until January, while only two players got more assists than goalkeeper Jonas Lossl. The mid-season appointment Jan Siewert was to end his time as Huddersfield manager with a 5.3 per cent win rate.
ASTON VILLA 2015-16
Perhaps the most inexplicably bad season, considering they signed Idrissa Gueye and Adama Traore and still only got 17 points. Villa won their first league game, but none of the next 19. They ended an abominable campaign by taking one point from the last 39 available.
FULHAM 2018-19
Terrible in different ways. Fulham’s total of 26 points is not among the lowest ever but they contrived to get relegated after spending over £100 million (Dh457m) in the transfer market. Much of it went on defenders but they only kept two clean sheets in their first 33 games.
Total cost: €440.4m (€620.4m if Mbappe makes permanent move)
Syria squad
Goalkeepers: Ibrahim Alma, Mahmoud Al Youssef, Ahmad Madania. Defenders: Ahmad Al Salih, Moayad Ajan, Jehad Al Baour, Omar Midani, Amro Jenyat, Hussein Jwayed, Nadim Sabagh, Abdul Malek Anezan. Midfielders: Mahmoud Al Mawas, Mohammed Osman, Osama Omari, Tamer Haj Mohamad, Ahmad Ashkar, Youssef Kalfa, Zaher Midani, Khaled Al Mobayed, Fahd Youssef. Forwards: Omar Khribin, Omar Al Somah, Mardik Mardikian.
Sector/About: Entrupy is a hardware-enabled SaaS company whose mission is to protect businesses, borders and consumers from transactions involving counterfeit goods.
Initial investment/Investors: Entrupy secured a $2.6m Series A funding round in 2017. The round was led by Tokyo-based Digital Garage and Daiwa Securities Group's jointly established venture arm, DG Lab Fund I Investment Limited Partnership, along with Zach Coelius.
Total customers: Entrupy’s customers include hundreds of secondary resellers, marketplaces and other retail organisations around the world. They are also testing with shipping companies as well as customs agencies to stop fake items from reaching the market in the first place.
