Denver Nuggets head coach Michael Malone will be relying once again on star Nikola Jokic in the new season. AFP
Denver Nuggets head coach Michael Malone will be relying once again on star Nikola Jokic in the new season. AFP
Denver Nuggets head coach Michael Malone will be relying once again on star Nikola Jokic in the new season. AFP
Denver Nuggets head coach Michael Malone will be relying once again on star Nikola Jokic in the new season. AFP

Denver Nuggets look to 'embrace the culture' as they target fresh start at NBA Abu Dhabi Games


Reem Abulleil
  • English
  • Arabic

With new additions to bolster the squad and the departure of a key starter, the Denver Nuggets will arrive in Abu Dhabi to tip off their preseason next month looking to rebuild a cohesive unit that can deliver a second NBA title in franchise history, to go with the one they secured in 2023.

Denver are scheduled to face reigning champions Boston Celtics in two preseason games at the Etihad Arena on October 4 and 6, and while head coach Michael Malone hopes to get his team in shape as soon as possible, he says there are also other priorities for them during their upcoming visit to the UAE capital.

“I think I speak for everybody in our travel party that we're excited to visit a part of the world that most of us have never been to, to meet many wonderful people and to try to embrace the culture,” Malone said in a Zoom call on Thursday.

Malone will be taking part in clinics for local coaches, and hopes to make a positive impact on the basketball community in the Emirates.

“What I hope that we can accomplish is when we come to Abu Dhabi and we do some clinics that we can maybe teach and help some young coaches over there learn some of the things that we do in the NBA as coaches,” he added.

“And I know that we have the best players in the world, but it's also about fundamentals and teaching young boys, young girls, the fundamentals of the game.

“Our hope is we come over there and we can help the coaches in Abu Dhabi become better coaches and learn a thing or two that will help them in their respective programs.”

This will be the third edition of the NBA Abu Dhabi Games and will pit the last two league champions against one another.

Nuggets superstar and three-time NBA MVP Nikola Jokic returns to the capital for the second time in three months, having taken part in a training camp with Serbia in Abu Dhabi ahead of the Olympics in July. But the majority of his teammates will be visiting the region for the first time and coach Malone believes there is a lot to look forward to.

“My mindset is to have a very open mindset. I love to travel. And the great thing about the game of basketball is that that ball has brought me all over the globe. And what unites people from different backgrounds, from different cultures, is a love for the game,” he said.

“This is the third iteration of the Abu Dhabi Games, which we're very, very proud to be a part of, and the goal is to go over there and just try to immerse yourself in the local culture. Be thankful for them hosting us in their country, in their city, in front of their fans and to put on a good show.

“We want everybody to walk away from these two games having learnt a little bit about the Denver Nuggets, having learnt a little bit about the Boston Celtics, and enjoying watching some of the best players in the world. So I go there with a very, very thankful mindset, open mindset, and being appreciative to be a small part of something special.”

Jokic and Jamal Murray have together formed a formidable partnership that brought Denver a first NBA title in the Nuggets’ 47-year history last year.

After a disappointing defeat to the Minnesota Timberwolves in the second round of the playoffs last season, Jokic and Murray are expected to get the Nuggets back on track. But they’ll be doing it without the help of starting shooting guard Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, who signed a three-year deal with Orlando Magic earlier this summer.

Some reinforcements were brought in to help cushion the blow of losing Caldwell-Pope and Malone feels he has all the ingredients to help guide the Nuggets to a second ring.

“One thing I know about the NBA is that things are always changing. Change is inevitable,” said Malone.

“And I mention that because last year’s team, we lost Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, who was our starting two guard, a big part of us winning a championship the year before. You sign a 17-year veteran in Russell Westbrook, who will be a first ballot Hall-of-Famer, we're so excited to add Russell Westbrook and his family to our family.

  • Jaden Hardy of Dallas takes on Jordan McLaughlin of Minnesota during the game between the Timberwolves and Dallas Mavericks in a pre-season NBA game as part of the Abu Dhabi Games 2023. Etihad Arena, Abu Dhabi. Chris Whiteoak / The National
    Jaden Hardy of Dallas takes on Jordan McLaughlin of Minnesota during the game between the Timberwolves and Dallas Mavericks in a pre-season NBA game as part of the Abu Dhabi Games 2023. Etihad Arena, Abu Dhabi. Chris Whiteoak / The National
  • Jordan Walker of Dallas takes on Trevor Keels of Minnesota during the game between the Minnesota Timberwolves and Dallas Mavericks in a pre-season NBA game as part of the Abu Dhabi Games 2023. Etihad Arena, Abu Dhabi. Chris Whiteoak / The National
    Jordan Walker of Dallas takes on Trevor Keels of Minnesota during the game between the Minnesota Timberwolves and Dallas Mavericks in a pre-season NBA game as part of the Abu Dhabi Games 2023. Etihad Arena, Abu Dhabi. Chris Whiteoak / The National
  • Karl-Anthony Towns of Minnesota scores during the game between the Minnesota Timberwolves and Dallas Mavericks in a pre-season NBA game as part of the Abu Dhabi Games 2023. Etihad Arena, Abu Dhabi. Chris Whiteoak / The National
    Karl-Anthony Towns of Minnesota scores during the game between the Minnesota Timberwolves and Dallas Mavericks in a pre-season NBA game as part of the Abu Dhabi Games 2023. Etihad Arena, Abu Dhabi. Chris Whiteoak / The National
  • NBA legend Sam Perkins. The Minnesota Timberwolves take on the Dallas Mavericks in a pre-season NBA game as part of the Abu Dhabi Games 2023. Etihad Arena, Abu Dhabi. Chris Whiteoak / The National
    NBA legend Sam Perkins. The Minnesota Timberwolves take on the Dallas Mavericks in a pre-season NBA game as part of the Abu Dhabi Games 2023. Etihad Arena, Abu Dhabi. Chris Whiteoak / The National
  • Dereck Lively II of Dallas takes on Rudy Gobert of Minnesota during the game between the Minnesota Timberwolves and Dallas Mavericks in a pre-season NBA game as part of the Abu Dhabi Games 2023. Etihad Arena, Abu Dhabi. Chris Whiteoak / The National
    Dereck Lively II of Dallas takes on Rudy Gobert of Minnesota during the game between the Minnesota Timberwolves and Dallas Mavericks in a pre-season NBA game as part of the Abu Dhabi Games 2023. Etihad Arena, Abu Dhabi. Chris Whiteoak / The National
  • NBA legend Ray Allen. The Minnesota Timberwolves take on the Dallas Mavericks in a pre-season NBA game as part of the Abu Dhabi Games 2023. Etihad Arena, Abu Dhabi. Chris Whiteoak / The National
    NBA legend Ray Allen. The Minnesota Timberwolves take on the Dallas Mavericks in a pre-season NBA game as part of the Abu Dhabi Games 2023. Etihad Arena, Abu Dhabi. Chris Whiteoak / The National
  • Josh Minott of Minnesota shoots during the game between the Minnesota Timberwolves and Dallas Mavericks in a pre-season NBA game as part of the Abu Dhabi Games 2023. Etihad Arena, Abu Dhabi. Chris Whiteoak / The National
    Josh Minott of Minnesota shoots during the game between the Minnesota Timberwolves and Dallas Mavericks in a pre-season NBA game as part of the Abu Dhabi Games 2023. Etihad Arena, Abu Dhabi. Chris Whiteoak / The National
  • Minnesota celebrate during the game between the Minnesota Timberwolves and Dallas Mavericks in a pre-season NBA game as part of the Abu Dhabi Games 2023. Etihad Arena, Abu Dhabi. Chris Whiteoak / The National
    Minnesota celebrate during the game between the Minnesota Timberwolves and Dallas Mavericks in a pre-season NBA game as part of the Abu Dhabi Games 2023. Etihad Arena, Abu Dhabi. Chris Whiteoak / The National
  • Timberwolves mascot Crunch the Wolf during the game between the Minnesota Timberwolves and Dallas Mavericks in a pre-season NBA game as part of the Abu Dhabi Games 2023. Etihad Arena, Abu Dhabi. Chris Whiteoak / The National
    Timberwolves mascot Crunch the Wolf during the game between the Minnesota Timberwolves and Dallas Mavericks in a pre-season NBA game as part of the Abu Dhabi Games 2023. Etihad Arena, Abu Dhabi. Chris Whiteoak / The National
  • Trick shot artists perform during the game between the Minnesota Timberwolves and Dallas Mavericks in a pre-season NBA game as part of the Abu Dhabi Games 2023. Etihad Arena, Abu Dhabi. Chris Whiteoak / The National
    Trick shot artists perform during the game between the Minnesota Timberwolves and Dallas Mavericks in a pre-season NBA game as part of the Abu Dhabi Games 2023. Etihad Arena, Abu Dhabi. Chris Whiteoak / The National
  • The Minnesota Timberwolves take on the Dallas Mavericks in a pre-season NBA game as part of the Abu Dhabi Games 2023. Etihad Arena, Abu Dhabi. Chris Whiteoak / The National
    The Minnesota Timberwolves take on the Dallas Mavericks in a pre-season NBA game as part of the Abu Dhabi Games 2023. Etihad Arena, Abu Dhabi. Chris Whiteoak / The National
  • Trick shot artists perform during the game between the Minnesota Timberwolves and Dallas Mavericks in a pre-season NBA game as part of the Abu Dhabi Games 2023. Etihad Arena, Abu Dhabi. Chris Whiteoak / The National
    Trick shot artists perform during the game between the Minnesota Timberwolves and Dallas Mavericks in a pre-season NBA game as part of the Abu Dhabi Games 2023. Etihad Arena, Abu Dhabi. Chris Whiteoak / The National
  • Emirati UFC fighter Mohammed Yahya speaks to former Dallas Mavericks forward Shawn Marion (L) during the game between the Minnesota Timberwolves and Dallas Mavericks in a pre-season NBA game as part of the Abu Dhabi Games 2023. Etihad Arena, Abu Dhabi. Chris Whiteoak / The National
    Emirati UFC fighter Mohammed Yahya speaks to former Dallas Mavericks forward Shawn Marion (L) during the game between the Minnesota Timberwolves and Dallas Mavericks in a pre-season NBA game as part of the Abu Dhabi Games 2023. Etihad Arena, Abu Dhabi. Chris Whiteoak / The National
  • The Minnesota Timberwolves take on the Dallas Mavericks in a pre-season NBA game as part of the Abu Dhabi Games 2023. Etihad Arena, Abu Dhabi. Chris Whiteoak / The National
    The Minnesota Timberwolves take on the Dallas Mavericks in a pre-season NBA game as part of the Abu Dhabi Games 2023. Etihad Arena, Abu Dhabi. Chris Whiteoak / The National
  • The Minnesota Timberwolves take on the Dallas Mavericks in a pre-season NBA game as part of the Abu Dhabi Games 2023. Etihad Arena, Abu Dhabi. Chris Whiteoak / The National
    The Minnesota Timberwolves take on the Dallas Mavericks in a pre-season NBA game as part of the Abu Dhabi Games 2023. Etihad Arena, Abu Dhabi. Chris Whiteoak / The National
  • Matt Ryan of Minnesota shoots during the game between the Minnesota Timberwolves and Dallas Mavericks in a pre-season NBA game as part of the Abu Dhabi Games 2023. Etihad Arena, Abu Dhabi. Chris Whiteoak / The National
    Matt Ryan of Minnesota shoots during the game between the Minnesota Timberwolves and Dallas Mavericks in a pre-season NBA game as part of the Abu Dhabi Games 2023. Etihad Arena, Abu Dhabi. Chris Whiteoak / The National
  • NBA legend Tim Hardaway Snr. The Minnesota Timberwolves take on the Dallas Mavericks in a pre-season NBA game as part of the Abu Dhabi Games 2023. Etihad Arena, Abu Dhabi. Chris Whiteoak / The National
    NBA legend Tim Hardaway Snr. The Minnesota Timberwolves take on the Dallas Mavericks in a pre-season NBA game as part of the Abu Dhabi Games 2023. Etihad Arena, Abu Dhabi. Chris Whiteoak / The National
  • Rapper DaBaby (L) takes to Steve Harvey during the game between the Minnesota Timberwolves and Dallas Mavericks in a pre-season NBA game as part of the Abu Dhabi Games 2023. Etihad Arena, Abu Dhabi. Chris Whiteoak / The National
    Rapper DaBaby (L) takes to Steve Harvey during the game between the Minnesota Timberwolves and Dallas Mavericks in a pre-season NBA game as part of the Abu Dhabi Games 2023. Etihad Arena, Abu Dhabi. Chris Whiteoak / The National
  • Luka Doncic of Dallas Mavericks shoots during the game against the Minnesota Timberwolves in a pre-season game as part of the NBA Abu Dhabi Games 2023 at Etihad Arena, Abu Dhabi. Minnesota won 104-96. Chris Whiteoak / The National
    Luka Doncic of Dallas Mavericks shoots during the game against the Minnesota Timberwolves in a pre-season game as part of the NBA Abu Dhabi Games 2023 at Etihad Arena, Abu Dhabi. Minnesota won 104-96. Chris Whiteoak / The National
  • Comedian Steve Harvey talks with former NBA player Gary Payton, right, during the game between the Minnesota Timberwolves and Dallas Mavericks at Etihad Arena, Abu Dhabi. Chris Whiteoak / The National
    Comedian Steve Harvey talks with former NBA player Gary Payton, right, during the game between the Minnesota Timberwolves and Dallas Mavericks at Etihad Arena, Abu Dhabi. Chris Whiteoak / The National
  • Karl-Anthony Towns of Minnesota gathers the ball. Chris Whiteoak / The National
    Karl-Anthony Towns of Minnesota gathers the ball. Chris Whiteoak / The National
  • The Minnesota Timberwolves take on the Dallas Mavericks in a pre-season game as part of the NBA Abu Dhabi Games 2023 on Saturday, October 7, 2023. Chris Whiteoak / The National
    The Minnesota Timberwolves take on the Dallas Mavericks in a pre-season game as part of the NBA Abu Dhabi Games 2023 on Saturday, October 7, 2023. Chris Whiteoak / The National
  • Troy Brown Jr of Minnesota shoots during the game against Dallas Mavericks. Chris Whiteoak / The National
    Troy Brown Jr of Minnesota shoots during the game against Dallas Mavericks. Chris Whiteoak / The National
  • Former Brazilian footballer Ronaldo watches from court side. Chris Whiteoak / The National
    Former Brazilian footballer Ronaldo watches from court side. Chris Whiteoak / The National
  • Luka Doncic of Dallas shoots during the game. Chris Whiteoak / The National
    Luka Doncic of Dallas shoots during the game. Chris Whiteoak / The National
  • Former France footballer Patrice Evra watches from court side. Chris Whiteoak / The National
    Former France footballer Patrice Evra watches from court side. Chris Whiteoak / The National
  • Maxi Kleber of Dallas takes on Naz Reid of Minnesota. Chris Whiteoak / The National
    Maxi Kleber of Dallas takes on Naz Reid of Minnesota. Chris Whiteoak / The National
  • Actor Michael B Jordan with Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, centre left, during the game. Chris Whiteoak / The National
    Actor Michael B Jordan with Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, centre left, during the game. Chris Whiteoak / The National
  • Seth Curry of Dallas takes on Mike Conley of Minnesota. Chris Whiteoak / The National
    Seth Curry of Dallas takes on Mike Conley of Minnesota. Chris Whiteoak / The National
  • A cheerleader hands out prizes during the game. Chris Whiteoak / The National
    A cheerleader hands out prizes during the game. Chris Whiteoak / The National
  • Troy Brown Jr of Minnesota heads to the basket. Chris Whiteoak / The National
    Troy Brown Jr of Minnesota heads to the basket. Chris Whiteoak / The National
  • Dallas head coach Jason Kidd, right, with Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak. Chris Whiteoak / The National
    Dallas head coach Jason Kidd, right, with Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak. Chris Whiteoak / The National
  • Greg Brown III of Dallas, left, takes on Luka Garza of Minnesota. Chris Whiteoak / The National
    Greg Brown III of Dallas, left, takes on Luka Garza of Minnesota. Chris Whiteoak / The National
  • Seth Curry of Dallas. Chris Whiteoak / The National
    Seth Curry of Dallas. Chris Whiteoak / The National
  • Former NBA player Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. Chris Whiteoak / The National
    Former NBA player Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. Chris Whiteoak / The National

“You add a player from Croatia, NBA veteran Dario Saric, who has been a part of some very good, talented teams, and we welcome Dario and his family.”

The Nuggets first-round draft pick DaRon Holmes tore his Achilles during the Summer League and will not play in this upcoming campaign but Malone is happy to have him on board, along with the other young players on the roster, which he insists is about more than just Jokic.

“Nikola is a great player, and for me as a coach, and what I learnt many years ago from my father, who was also a coach, is that great players make everyone around them better, and Nikola has done that year in and year out,” said Malone.

“We know that he's one of the greatest players to play the game, as proven by his three MVPs, but as we add players around Nikola, it's always about complementing his skill set, adding guys that can play with Nikola, thrive with Nikola and Jamal Murray, who we feel is one of the best players in the NBA as well at his position.

“Michael Porter Jr, Aaron Gordon, a lot of the guys that have been here for many years, and Nikola is great, but we also have a lot of other talented players, and now we have to find a way to speed the process up of bringing all these players and new players together to become a family and attack this upcoming season.”

Last season, the Nuggets were trying to become the first back-to-back NBA champions since Golden State Warriors won in 2017 and 2018.

“The toughest part about that was that if you don't win a second championship in a row, everybody thinks you failed. And you had 29 teams every night coming after us, as we had a bullseye on our back, we were the defending champs, and everybody wanted to dethrone us,” explained Malone.

“And now that torch is going to pass to the Boston Celtics, and they'll have to experience that. But I have to say, I give our players a lot of credit. Throughout the season, there were times that we had to remind ourselves of who we are and remind them of what we were trying to accomplish, in terms of being a back-to-back champions, and then ultimately, when we lost to Minnesota in the second round, that was devastating for all of us. But that also allows for you to take an opportunity to look within and find out how you can become better as a player, as a coach, as an organisation.

“Because once you've tasted that success of being a champion, everything motivates you to try to get back to that, to experience it once again. And as we open up the season with the Abu Dhabi Games, that's something that we hope to try to get back to.”

Company%20Profile
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ECompany%20name%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3ENamara%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EStarted%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EJune%202022%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EFounder%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EMohammed%20Alnamara%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EBased%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EDubai%20%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ESector%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EMicrofinance%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ECurrent%20number%20of%20staff%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E16%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EInvestment%20stage%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3ESeries%20A%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EInvestors%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EFamily%20offices%0D%3Cbr%3E%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Results

1. New Zealand Daniel Meech – Fine (name of horse), Richard Gardner – Calisto, Bruce Goodin - Backatorps Danny V, Samantha McIntosh – Check In. Team total First round: 200.22; Second round: 201.75 – Penalties 12 (jump-off 40.16 seconds) Prize €64,000

2. Ireland Cameron Hanley – Aiyetoro, David Simpson – Keoki, Paul Kennedy – Cartown Danger Mouse, Shane Breen – Laith. Team total 200.25/202.84 – P 12 (jump-off 51.79 – P17) Prize €40,000

3. Italy Luca Maria Moneta – Connery, Luca Coata – Crandessa, Simone Coata – Dardonge, Natale Chiaudani – Almero. Team total 130.82/198.-4 – P20. Prize €32,000

HOW%20TO%20ACTIVATE%20THE%20GEMINI%20SHORTCUT%20ON%20CHROME%20CANARY
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The%20US%20Congress%20explained
%3Cp%3E-%20Congress%20is%20one%20of%20three%20branches%20of%20the%20US%20government%2C%20and%20the%20one%20that%20creates%20the%20nation's%20federal%20laws%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E-%20Congress%20is%20divided%20into%20two%20chambers%3A%20The%20House%20of%20Representatives%20and%20the%20Senate%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E-%C2%A0The%20House%20is%20made%20up%20of%20435%20members%20based%20on%20a%20state's%20population.%20House%20members%20are%20up%20for%20election%20every%20two%20years%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E-%20A%20bill%20must%20be%20approved%20by%20both%20the%20House%20and%20Senate%20before%20it%20goes%20to%20the%20president's%20desk%20for%20signature%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E-%20A%20political%20party%20needs%20218%20seats%20to%20be%20in%20control%20of%20the%20House%20of%20Representatives%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E-%20The%20Senate%20is%20comprised%20of%20100%20members%2C%20with%20each%20state%20receiving%20two%20senators.%20Senate%20members%20serve%20six-year%20terms%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E-%20A%20political%20party%20needs%2051%20seats%20to%20control%20the%20Senate.%20In%20the%20case%20of%20a%2050-50%20tie%2C%20the%20party%20of%20the%20president%20controls%20the%20Senate%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Imperial%20Island%3A%20A%20History%20of%20Empire%20in%20Modern%20Britain
%3Cp%3EAuthor%3A%20Charlotte%20Lydia%20Riley%3Cbr%3EPublisher%3A%20Bodley%20Head%3Cbr%3EPages%3A%20384%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Company profile

Date started: 2015

Founder: John Tsioris and Ioanna Angelidaki

Based: Dubai

Sector: Online grocery delivery

Staff: 200

Funding: Undisclosed, but investors include the Jabbar Internet Group and Venture Friends

The specs: 2018 Audi RS5

Price, base: Dh359,200

Engine: 2.9L twin-turbo V6

Transmission: Eight-speed automatic

Power: 450hp at 5,700rpm

Torque: 600Nm at 1,900rpm

Fuel economy, combined: 8.7L / 100km

RESULTS
%3Cp%3E%0D5pm%3A%20Deerfields%20%E2%80%93%20Handicap%20(PA)%20Dh80%2C000%20(Turf)%202%2C200m%0D%3Cbr%3EWinner%3A%20Taajer%2C%20Richard%20Mullen%20(jockey)%2C%20Salem%20Al%20Ketbi%20(trainer)%0D%3Cbr%3E5.30pm%3A%20The%20Galleria%20%E2%80%93%20Handicap%20(PA)%20Dh80%2C000%20(T)%201%2C600m%0D%3Cbr%3EWinner%3A%20Zafaranah%2C%20Antonio%20Fresu%2C%20Musabah%20Al%20Muhairi%0D%3Cbr%3E6pm%3A%20Wathba%20Stallions%20Cup%20%E2%80%93%20Maiden%20(PA)%20Dh70%2C000%20(T)%201%2C200m%0D%3Cbr%3EWinner%3A%20Ifahat%20Du%20Loup%2C%20Abdul%20Aziz%20Al%20Balushi%2C%20Sulaiman%20Al%20Ghunaimi%0D%3Cbr%3E6.30pm%3A%20Mazyad%20%E2%80%93%20Handicap%20(PA)%20Dh80%2C000%20(T)%201%2C200m%0D%3Cbr%3EWinner%3A%20AF%20Majalis%2C%20Tadhg%20O%E2%80%99Shea%2C%20Ernst%20Oertel%0D%3Cbr%3E7pm%3A%20Dalma%20%E2%80%93%20Maiden%20(PA)%20Dh80%2C000%20(T)%201%2C400m%0D%3Cbr%3EWinner%3A%20Bassam%20Al%20Wathba%2C%20Bernardi%20Pinheiro%2C%20Majed%20Al%20Jahouri%0D%3Cbr%3E7.30pm%3A%20World%20Trade%20Centre%20%E2%80%93%20Handicap%20(TB)%20Dh80%2C000%20(T)%201%2C400m%0D%3Cbr%3EWinner%3A%20Fawaareq%2C%20Dane%20O%E2%80%99Neill%2C%20Doug%20Watson%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
The specs: Fenyr SuperSport

Price, base: Dh5.1 million

Engine: 3.8-litre twin-turbo flat-six

Transmission: Seven-speed automatic

Power: 800hp @ 7,100pm

Torque: 980Nm @ 4,000rpm

Fuel economy, combined: 13.5L / 100km

The specs: 2019 Subaru Forester

Price, base: Dh105,900 (Premium); Dh115,900 (Sport)

Engine: 2.5-litre four-cylinder

Transmission: Continuously variable transmission

Power: 182hp @ 5,800rpm

Torque: 239Nm @ 4,400rpm

Fuel economy, combined: 8.1L / 100km (estimated)

Ferrari 12Cilindri specs

Engine: naturally aspirated 6.5-liter V12

Power: 819hp

Torque: 678Nm at 7,250rpm

Price: From Dh1,700,000

Available: Now

Ultra processed foods

- Carbonated drinks, sweet or savoury packaged snacks, confectionery, mass-produced packaged breads and buns 

- margarines and spreads; cookies, biscuits, pastries, cakes, and cake mixes, breakfast cereals, cereal and energy bars;

- energy drinks, milk drinks, fruit yoghurts and fruit drinks, cocoa drinks, meat and chicken extracts and instant sauces

- infant formulas and follow-on milks, health and slimming products such as powdered or fortified meal and dish substitutes,

- many ready-to-heat products including pre-prepared pies and pasta and pizza dishes, poultry and fish nuggets and sticks, sausages, burgers, hot dogs, and other reconstituted meat products, powdered and packaged instant soups, noodles and desserts.

The%20specs
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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

RESULTS

Argentina 4 Haiti 0

Peru 2 Scotland 0

Panama 0 Northern Ireland 0

Groom and Two Brides

Director: Elie Semaan

Starring: Abdullah Boushehri, Laila Abdallah, Lulwa Almulla

Rating: 3/5

Our Time Has Come
Alyssa Ayres, Oxford University Press

Ms Yang's top tips for parents new to the UAE
  1. Join parent networks
  2. Look beyond school fees
  3. Keep an open mind

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.”

Skoda Superb Specs

Engine: 2-litre TSI petrol

Power: 190hp

Torque: 320Nm

Price: From Dh147,000

Available: Now

Like a Fading Shadow

Antonio Muñoz Molina

Translated from the Spanish by Camilo A. Ramirez

Tuskar Rock Press (pp. 310)

Most sought after workplace benefits in the UAE
  • Flexible work arrangements
  • Pension support
  • Mental well-being assistance
  • Insurance coverage for optical, dental, alternative medicine, cancer screening
  • Financial well-being incentives 
Where to donate in the UAE

The Emirates Charity Portal

You can donate to several registered charities through a “donation catalogue”. The use of the donation is quite specific, such as buying a fan for a poor family in Niger for Dh130.

The General Authority of Islamic Affairs & Endowments

The site has an e-donation service accepting debit card, credit card or e-Dirham, an electronic payment tool developed by the Ministry of Finance and First Abu Dhabi Bank.

Al Noor Special Needs Centre

You can donate online or order Smiles n’ Stuff products handcrafted by Al Noor students. The centre publishes a wish list of extras needed, starting at Dh500.

Beit Al Khair Society

Beit Al Khair Society has the motto “From – and to – the UAE,” with donations going towards the neediest in the country. Its website has a list of physical donation sites, but people can also contribute money by SMS, bank transfer and through the hotline 800-22554.

Dar Al Ber Society

Dar Al Ber Society, which has charity projects in 39 countries, accept cash payments, money transfers or SMS donations. Its donation hotline is 800-79.

Dubai Cares

Dubai Cares provides several options for individuals and companies to donate, including online, through banks, at retail outlets, via phone and by purchasing Dubai Cares branded merchandise. It is currently running a campaign called Bookings 2030, which allows people to help change the future of six underprivileged children and young people.

Emirates Airline Foundation

Those who travel on Emirates have undoubtedly seen the little donation envelopes in the seat pockets. But the foundation also accepts donations online and in the form of Skywards Miles. Donated miles are used to sponsor travel for doctors, surgeons, engineers and other professionals volunteering on humanitarian missions around the world.

Emirates Red Crescent

On the Emirates Red Crescent website you can choose between 35 different purposes for your donation, such as providing food for fasters, supporting debtors and contributing to a refugee women fund. It also has a list of bank accounts for each donation type.

Gulf for Good

Gulf for Good raises funds for partner charity projects through challenges, like climbing Kilimanjaro and cycling through Thailand. This year’s projects are in partnership with Street Child Nepal, Larchfield Kids, the Foundation for African Empowerment and SOS Children's Villages. Since 2001, the organisation has raised more than $3.5 million (Dh12.8m) in support of over 50 children’s charities.

Noor Dubai Foundation

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum launched the Noor Dubai Foundation a decade ago with the aim of eliminating all forms of preventable blindness globally. You can donate Dh50 to support mobile eye camps by texting the word “Noor” to 4565 (Etisalat) or 4849 (du).

HIV on the rise in the region

A 2019 United Nations special analysis on Aids reveals 37 per cent of new HIV infections in the Mena region are from people injecting drugs.

New HIV infections have also risen by 29 per cent in western Europe and Asia, and by 7 per cent in Latin America, but declined elsewhere.

Egypt has shown the highest increase in recorded cases of HIV since 2010, up by 196 per cent.

Access to HIV testing, treatment and care in the region is well below the global average.  

Few statistics have been published on the number of cases in the UAE, although a UNAIDS report said 1.5 per cent of the prison population has the virus.

Straightforward ways to reduce sugar in your family's diet
  • Ban fruit juice and sodas
  • Eat a hearty breakfast that contains fats and wholegrains, such as peanut butter on multigrain toast or full-fat plain yoghurt with whole fruit and nuts, to avoid the need for a 10am snack
  • Give young children plain yoghurt with whole fruits mashed into it
  • Reduce the number of cakes, biscuits and sweets. Reserve them for a treat
  • Don’t eat dessert every day 
  • Make your own smoothies. Always use the whole fruit to maintain the benefit of its fibre content and don’t add any sweeteners
  • Always go for natural whole foods over processed, packaged foods. Ask yourself would your grandmother have eaten it?
  • Read food labels if you really do feel the need to buy processed food
  • Eat everything in moderation

Student Of The Year 2

Director: Punit Malhotra

Stars: Tiger Shroff, Tara Sutaria, Ananya Pandey, Aditya Seal 

1.5 stars

TEACHERS' PAY - WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

Pay varies significantly depending on the school, its rating and the curriculum. Here's a rough guide as of January 2021:

- top end schools tend to pay Dh16,000-17,000 a month - plus a monthly housing allowance of up to Dh6,000. These tend to be British curriculum schools rated 'outstanding' or 'very good', followed by American schools

- average salary across curriculums and skill levels is about Dh10,000, recruiters say

- it is becoming more common for schools to provide accommodation, sometimes in an apartment block with other teachers, rather than hand teachers a cash housing allowance

- some strong performing schools have cut back on salaries since the pandemic began, sometimes offering Dh16,000 including the housing allowance, which reflects the slump in rental costs, and sheer demand for jobs

- maths and science teachers are most in demand and some schools will pay up to Dh3,000 more than other teachers in recognition of their technical skills

- at the other end of the market, teachers in some Indian schools, where fees are lower and competition among applicants is intense, can be paid as low as Dh3,000 per month

- in Indian schools, it has also become common for teachers to share residential accommodation, living in a block with colleagues

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

The schedule

December 5 - 23: Shooting competition, Al Dhafra Shooting Club

December 9 - 24: Handicrafts competition, from 4pm until 10pm, Heritage Souq

December 11 - 20: Dates competition, from 4pm

December 12 - 20: Sour milk competition

December 13: Falcon beauty competition

December 14 and 20: Saluki races

December 15: Arabian horse races, from 4pm

December 16 - 19: Falconry competition

December 18: Camel milk competition, from 7.30 - 9.30 am

December 20 and 21: Sheep beauty competition, from 10am

December 22: The best herd of 30 camels

A timeline of the Historical Dictionary of the Arabic Language
  • 2018: Formal work begins
  • November 2021: First 17 volumes launched 
  • November 2022: Additional 19 volumes released
  • October 2023: Another 31 volumes released
  • November 2024: All 127 volumes completed
Updated: September 21, 2024, 7:01 AM