Liverpool
Roy Hodgson, the Liverpool manager, is confident that the club's appointment of Damien Comolli will allow him to devote more time to team affairs. The former Tottenham sporting director has been appointed into a similar role at Anfield by the club's new owners, New England Sports Ventures (NESV). "It is a strategy which I think makes sense, especially for our club at this moment in time because we are in a period of transition with new owners. He will certainly take a lot of the minor things that you have to deal with, allowing me to concentrate on the team management and he will help us bring the team forward."
Manchester City
James Milner has blamed the press for creating rumours of a rift in the City dressing room and said "when the whole world is against you, that is when you pull together". Roberto Mancini's men have lost their previous two league games, against Arsenal and Wolves, which has sparked some infighting - most notably between Milner and Yaya Toure. But the former Aston Villa midfielder said he would be more concerned if that was not the case. "Having on-field disagreements says we're very hungry to win football matches. We'd be worried if there wasn't that hunger because we're desperate to win trophies."
Manchester United
United players are urging Gabriel Obertan, the French winger, to start fulfilling his potential after a man-of-the-match-winning performance midweek against Bursaspor in the Champions League. With Nani expected to miss tomorrow's fixture with Wolves through injury, Obertan will be given a chance to shine. Compatriot Patrice Evra said he must take his opportunity: "Now is the time to show that he has the potential to play for United." Meanwhile, Wayne Rooney is set to go up in flames tonight as Edenbridge Bonfire Society celebrate Guy Fawke's Night with a massive effigy of the troubled striker.
Newcastle United
The Magpies go to Arsenal this weekend hoping to maintain the kind of form that saw them demolish local rivals Sunderland 5-1 on Sunday. However, Newcastle lost 4-0 at home to a young Gunners side last week in the Carling Cup so know the task in hand is enviable. Steven Taylor is returning from long-term injury and Sol Campbell has regained the fitness required to play at this level, so coach Chris Hughton has options at the back for what is sure to be a demanding afternoon at the Emirates Stadium. And Joey Barton said this week he has one eye on an England recall, so he will be keen to impress, too.
Stoke City
Tony Pulis has revealed he does not expect Eidur Gudjohnsen to start a game for Stoke until at least December after the Icelandic forward, a summer signing, arrived out of shape and carrying too much weight. The Potters travel to Sunderland tomorrow looking for their first win since October 2. With Ricardo Fuller facing a late fitness test, Pulis would have benefited from Gudjohnsen's involvement, but said it is impossible to use the versatile striker, who can also play in midfield, at the moment. "His weight is still a bit up on what it needs to be. Hopefully sometime in December we should have him up and running."
Sunderland
Sunderland are still reeling from last week's dismal display against north east rivals Newcastle, but Steve Bruce, the manager, is hoping record signing Asamoah Gyan can banish the bad memories of their horror show at St James' Park. The Ghanaian forward joined on deadline day, but has yet to start a Premier League game. Bruce, however, knows the Black Cats need a big performance this weekend at home to Stoke City, and plans to play Gyan for the full 90 minutes. "He will start. We've let him gently bed in and get used to being here, and it's about time we unleashed him and see what he's got," Bruce said.
Tottenham Hotspur
The name on everyone's lips this week at Tottenham has been Gareth Bale. Following his sublime performance in Spurs' 3-1 win over European Champions Inter Milan, the Welshman has been likened to Lionel Messi and linked to a move to Real Madrid in the next transfer window. But Bale is staying grounded and says he hopes to see out his four-year deal at White Hart Lane. Tottenham host Bolton tomorrow and having failed to collect three points from either of their previous two games, they need a victory if they are to maintain their involvement in the Champions League and ensure this season is not just a cameo appearance.
West Bromwich Albion
Pablo Ibanez's appeal to the FA following his dismissal against Blackpool on Monday has led to his suspension being rescinded. The Baggies lost 2-1 to Ian Holloway's men after seeing Ibanez sent off in the 11th minute and Gonzalo Jara joining him some 20 minutes later. Ibanez will now be available for selection when Roberto Di Matteo picks his team to face Manchester City on Sunday, but attacking trio Peter Odemwingie, James Morrison and Jonas Olsson are all carrying knocks. West Brom could leap frog City if they were to win by three goals, and having beaten them in the Carling Cup will relish their chances.
West Ham United
Christmas could be a depressing time of year for Hammers fans if their team do not start scoring goals. That is the view of Matthew Upson, the defender, who has warned his strikers to be more precise if the side are to lift themselves off the foot of the Premier League. "'It's all about results, so we have to turn them around and possibly be more clinical. [If] you hit Christmas and you are still in that kind of scenario you have a real dogfight on your hands. We need to improve, we need to get results and we need to do it quick." West Ham travel to Birmingham tomorrow.
Wigan Athletic
As Roberto Martinez chases Claudio Yacob, the Argentine midfielder, his most important task appears to be retaining the services of Charles N'Zogbia. The Frenchman came close to leaving in the summer, but has since returned to the Wigan fold to help their survival push. His performances have reportedly led Liverpool and Juventus to ponder offers. Meanwhile, Scottish youngster James McCarthy has undergone surgery to the ankle ligaments he damaged in the match with Bolton last month and is expected to miss up to three months.
Wolves
Mick McCarthy, despite watching his side record a memorable win over Manchester City last week, said the top teams do not offer his side their toughest tests. Wolves face Manchester United this weekend, but Wolves' Irish coach has his eyes focused on future matches. "We've got United and Arsenal around the corner but the bigger test is to play against Bolton, Blackburn, Sunderland, Wigan - all the teams that will be around us," he said. "They are all coming up and they are the ones that we have to play well in, and graft in, and put good performances in."
THE SPECS
Engine: 6.75-litre twin-turbocharged V12 petrol engine
Power: 420kW
Torque: 780Nm
Transmission: 8-speed automatic
Price: From Dh1,350,000
On sale: Available for preorder now
J%20Street%20Polling%20Results
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THE BIO
Favourite book: ‘Purpose Driven Life’ by Rick Warren
Favourite travel destination: Switzerland
Hobbies: Travelling and following motivational speeches and speakers
Favourite place in UAE: Dubai Museum
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.”
PROFILE OF HALAN
Started: November 2017
Founders: Mounir Nakhla, Ahmed Mohsen and Mohamed Aboulnaga
Based: Cairo, Egypt
Sector: transport and logistics
Size: 150 employees
Investment: approximately $8 million
Investors include: Singapore’s Battery Road Digital Holdings, Egypt’s Algebra Ventures, Uber co-founder and former CTO Oscar Salazar
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
Real estate tokenisation project
Dubai launched the pilot phase of its real estate tokenisation project last month.
The initiative focuses on converting real estate assets into digital tokens recorded on blockchain technology and helps in streamlining the process of buying, selling and investing, the Dubai Land Department said.
Dubai’s real estate tokenisation market is projected to reach Dh60 billion ($16.33 billion) by 2033, representing 7 per cent of the emirate’s total property transactions, according to the DLD.
The National's picks
4.35pm: Tilal Al Khalediah
5.10pm: Continous
5.45pm: Raging Torrent
6.20pm: West Acre
7pm: Flood Zone
7.40pm: Straight No Chaser
8.15pm: Romantic Warrior
8.50pm: Calandogan
9.30pm: Forever Young
A MINECRAFT MOVIE
Director: Jared Hess
Starring: Jack Black, Jennifer Coolidge, Jason Momoa
Rating: 3/5
LA LIGA FIXTURES
Saturday (UAE kick-off times)
Leganes v Getafe (12am)
Levante v Alaves (4pm)
Real Madrid v Sevilla (7pm)
Osasuna v Valladolid (9.30pm)
Sunday
Eibar v Atletico Madrid (12am)
Mallorca v Valencia (3pm)
Real Betis v Real Sociedad (5pm)
Villarreal v Espanyol (7pm)
Athletic Bilbao v Celta Vigo (9.30pm)
Monday
Barcelona v Granada (12am)
THE BIO: Martin Van Almsick
Hometown: Cologne, Germany
Family: Wife Hanan Ahmed and their three children, Marrah (23), Tibijan (19), Amon (13)
Favourite dessert: Umm Ali with dark camel milk chocolate flakes
Favourite hobby: Football
Breakfast routine: a tall glass of camel milk
THE NEW BATCH'S FOCUS SECTORS
AiFlux – renewables, oil and gas
DevisionX – manufacturing
Event Gates – security and manufacturing
Farmdar – agriculture
Farmin – smart cities
Greener Crop – agriculture
Ipera.ai – space digitisation
Lune Technologies – fibre-optics
Monak – delivery
NutzenTech – environment
Nybl – machine learning
Occicor – shelf management
Olymon Solutions – smart automation
Pivony – user-generated data
PowerDev – energy big data
Sav – finance
Searover – renewables
Swftbox – delivery
Trade Capital Partners – FinTech
Valorafutbol – sports and entertainment
Workfam – employee engagement
England v South Africa schedule:
- First Test: At Lord's, England won by 219 runs
- Second Test: July 14-18, Trent Bridge, Nottingham, 2pm
- Third Test: The Oval, London, July 27-31, 2pm
- Fourth Test: Old Trafford, Manchester, August 4-8
COMPANY PROFILE
Name: Kumulus Water
Started: 2021
Founders: Iheb Triki and Mohamed Ali Abid
Based: Tunisia
Sector: Water technology
Number of staff: 22
Investment raised: $4 million
What is a Ponzi scheme?
A fraudulent investment operation where the scammer provides fake reports and generates returns for old investors through money paid by new investors, rather than through ligitimate business activities.
Our legal consultant
Name: Hassan Mohsen Elhais
Position: legal consultant with Al Rowaad Advocates and Legal Consultants
The specs
Engine: 4.0-litre flat-six
Torque: 450Nm at 6,100rpm
Transmission: 7-speed PDK auto or 6-speed manual
Fuel economy, combined: 13.8L/100km
On sale: Available to order now
THE BIO
Born: Mukalla, Yemen, 1979
Education: UAE University, Al Ain
Family: Married with two daughters: Asayel, 7, and Sara, 6
Favourite piece of music: Horse Dance by Naseer Shamma
Favourite book: Science and geology
Favourite place to travel to: Washington DC
Best advice you’ve ever been given: If you have a dream, you have to believe it, then you will see it.
FIGHT%20CARD
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High profile Al Shabab attacks
- 2010: A restaurant attack in Kampala Uganda kills 74 people watching a Fifa World Cup final football match.
- 2013: The Westgate shopping mall attack, 62 civilians, five Kenyan soldiers and four gunmen are killed.
- 2014: A series of bombings and shootings across Kenya sees scores of civilians killed.
- 2015: Four gunmen attack Garissa University College in northeastern Kenya and take over 700 students hostage, killing those who identified as Christian; 148 die and 79 more are injured.
- 2016: An attack on a Kenyan military base in El Adde Somalia kills 180 soldiers.
- 2017: A suicide truck bombing outside the Safari Hotel in Mogadishu kills 587 people and destroys several city blocks, making it the deadliest attack by the group and the worst in Somalia’s history.
Abramovich London
A Kensington Palace Gardens house with 15 bedrooms is valued at more than £150 million.
A three-storey penthouse at Chelsea Waterfront bought for £22 million.
Steel company Evraz drops more than 10 per cent in trading after UK officials said it was potentially supplying the Russian military.
Sale of Chelsea Football Club is now impossible.
From Europe to the Middle East, economic success brings wealth - and lifestyle diseases
A rise in obesity figures and the need for more public spending is a familiar trend in the developing world as western lifestyles are adopted.
One in five deaths around the world is now caused by bad diet, with obesity the fastest growing global risk. A high body mass index is also the top cause of metabolic diseases relating to death and disability in Kuwait, Qatar and Oman – and second on the list in Bahrain.
In Britain, heart disease, lung cancer and Alzheimer’s remain among the leading causes of death, and people there are spending more time suffering from health problems.
The UK is expected to spend $421.4 billion on healthcare by 2040, up from $239.3 billion in 2014.
And development assistance for health is talking about the financial aid given to governments to support social, environmental development of developing countries.
Last 10 winners of African Footballer of the Year
2006: Didier Drogba (Chelsea and Ivory Coast)
2007: Frederic Kanoute (Sevilla and Mali)
2008: Emmanuel Adebayor (Arsenal and Togo)
2009: Didier Drogba (Chelsea and Ivory Coast)
2010: Samuel Eto’o (Inter Milan and Cameroon)
2011: Yaya Toure (Manchester City and Ivory Coast)
2012: Yaya Toure (Manchester City and Ivory Coast)
2013: Yaya Toure (Manchester City and Ivory Coast)
2014: Yaya Toure (Manchester City and Ivory Coast)
2015: Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (Borussia Dortmund and Gabon)
2016: Riyad Mahrez (Leicester City and Algeria)
THE SPECS
Engine: 1.5-litre
Transmission: 6-speed automatic
Power: 110 horsepower
Torque: 147Nm
Price: From Dh59,700
On sale: now
The%20specs
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UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
