At the Phuket Elephant Sanctuary, the vegetation is so lush that the sound of cicadas almost drowns out any human conversation. After not having seen visitors for more than a year owing to the coronavirus pandemic, nature has reclaimed much of this 12-hectare plot, which sits on the border of the Khao Phra Thaeo National Park.
That’s both a blessing and a curse for the centre’s 11 main residents, who are either sick, injured or old, and were rescued from Thailand’s logging and tourism industries. A blessing, because these giants get to freely roam the sanctuary to their hearts content and live out their final years in absolute bliss. And a curse because it's the visitors and regular donors who keep the centre running, help to pay for its staff and for food and medicine for the elephants, bills for which can run up to thousands of bahts a week.
“We used to get 20 to 30 people a day before Covid-19, but now it’s down to 10 to 15,” our guide tells us as we watched Sri Nual, 44, blissfully chomping on pineapple leaves, occasionally using her food to swat insects off her back.
It’s a similar picture in Phuket, which became tourist-reliant Thailand’s first destination to reopen its borders to international visitors on July 1 last year via the Phuket Sandbox initiative, allowing fully vaccinated tourists unfettered entry.
Phuket’s initiative has been hailed as a successful experiment, allowing a trickle of visitors who can stay on the island for 14 days before being allowed to travel further afield. Even after Thailand reimposed mandatory coronavirus quarantine measures for foreign arrivals on December 22 amid rising cases of the Omicron variant, the Phuket Sandbox programme remained operational.
Earlier this month, authorities announced the sandbox programme would now include five other provinces – Krabi, Phang-Nga, Koh Samui, Ko Pha-ngan and Ko Tao.
As one of the country's big tourism destinations, the province typically accounts for more than 20 per cent of Thailand’s total tourism revenue, according to its Ministry of Tourism.
Witoon Chanchumrat, who runs a company that organises experiential activities around Phuket, from yacht parties to themed nights, says things have been slowly picking up since the July reopening.
“I’d get about 20 bookings a month before Covid, which went down to just three a month after the country was shut from visitors,” says the entrepreneur, who started his own fashion label, Toon Collections, earlier this year to help sustain his business.
“Now, I am starting to get enquiries again but no bookings yet. But I am confident they will come back. Things are picking up. We will be back.”
Chanchumrat’s optimism is shared by his friend, Atiporn Kongphet, who left her graphic design career after two years to open her own bar, Beach & Bubbles, last year on Layan Beach.
“I’ve always wanted to have my own business and the pandemic seemed like a good time,” she says. “Even when there were no tourists the locals filled our bar and supported our business.”
Kongphet's bar was buzzing on the afternoon we visited, with most of the spots on the beach, all spaced as per local restrictions, filled in time for sunset.
She says she’d get around 30 to 40 customers a day before the reopening, and now serves anywhere between 50 to 100 a day.
A 20-minute car ride from Beach & Bubbles in Cherngtalay, is the expansive Amanpuri. The flagship property of luxury hotel operator Aman Resorts, the 26.8-hectare resort sits on its own peninsula, providing guests with the ultimate privacy.
It’s a favourite with celebrities, including Beyonce and Jay-Z, as well as Leonardo DiCaprio and Bill Gates, with room rates ranging from $890 to $25,520 a night. Patrick Gauthier, Amanpuri’s regional director of sales and marketing for Asia Pacific, says the property has been doing roaring business since Phuket’s reopening.
Sureesa Jallabert, the co-founder of chic brasserie Maison Napoleon in Cherngtalay says business has been challenging the past year, but is also optimistic about the future.
“There’s been a lot of regulations be it time limitation or alcoholic beverage bans. However, we were able to survive through it with loyal local clients,” she says. “Now that we can see a rise in tourist numbers, we are looking forward to a new normal.
“Thailand is a beautiful country and our people are ready to cater to the world coming to visit us.”
What are the latest restrictions on travel to Thailand?
While the Phuket Sandbox, which allows visitors to move around on the island while undergoing PCR tests, will remain operational, Thailand reimposed mandatory coronavirus quarantine measures for foreign arrivals, in a bid to control the spread of the Omicron variant.
The country, which reopened to fully vaccinated travellers from more than 60 countries in November, suspended its Test and Go scheme for arrivals from December 22, with international visitors having to undergo hotel quarantine for 10 days if they are vaccinated and 14 days if they are unvaccinated.
As of January 20, the Test and Go programme is back, with applications accepted from February 1. Officials have added several new requirements, including proof of prepayment for two separate nights of accommodation at government-approved hotels on day one and day five. According to the Tourism Authority of Thailand, travellers can book two different hotels for the accommodation on day one and five. However, on both days they must stay within the room as they await the results of their mandatory RT-PCR tests.
The Phuket Sandbox, however, remains operational, along with five other provinces added from February 1.
What do I need before I fly to Thailand?
Travellers heading to Thailand's Sandbox destinations must apply for a Thailand Pass before travelling. This will generate a QR code that will be required for entering the country.
To get the pass, visitors must provide proof of vaccination and an approved hotel booking for the first night in Thailand. Travellers also need to confirm they've booked an on-arrival PCR test.
In addition, tourists will also need to show a negative Covid-19 test result taken no more than 72 hours before travel and proof of health insurance covering a minimum of $50,000.
Starting February 1, those travelling to the rest of Thailand can do so under the Test and Go programme. Under the scheme, travellers must fulfil all pre-travel requirements similar to the Sandbox programme. Additionally, they must submit proof of prepayment for two separate nights of accommodation at government-approved hotels on day one and five, and the expenses for the two RT-PCR tests. The prepayment for day one must include an accommodation, a test and a prearranged transfer from the airport to the hotel.
Travellers can book two different hotels for the accommodation on day one and five. However, on both those days, they must stay within the room for the RT-PCR test result. If your stay in the country is less than five days, then prepayment for day five is not required.
At Phuket International Airport
Arriving in Phuket, we were immediately lined up as soon as we exited the aircraft as airport staff in PPE suits checked that all our documents, including the Thailand Pass, were in place. Passengers were then sent to an immigration booth while travellers who needed to pay for their visa on arrival were sent to another section, before being moved to immigration.
It's all very well-planned and smoothly executed. Once passengers have collected their baggage, there is another stop, this time to check your on-arrival PCR test receipt. Make sure to book this before you travel as the wait for payment can be long. Then, it's on to the PCR test booths, and everything is done in less than 15 minutes, before you exit the airport.
What vaccines are recognised for travel to Thailand?
Thai authorities recognise all the major Covid-19 vaccinations, in line with the latest guidelines of the government. This includes Pfizer-BioNTech, Oxford-AstraZeneca, Covishield (Serum Institute of India), Johnson & Johnson, Sinovac, SK Bioscience-AstraZeneca, Moderna and Sinopharm.
Which airlines are flying from the UAE to Thailand?
Etihad Airways and Emirates are both flying to Thailand from the UAE, with a journey time of about six hours. You can fly from Abu Dhabi to Phuket with Etihad in economy class from Dh1,800 ($490).
From Dubai, Emirates fares to Phuket start from Dh1,985 in economy class. Thai Airways also operates from Bangkok to Dubai.
What is Folia?
Prince Khaled bin Alwaleed bin Talal's new plant-based menu will launch at Four Seasons hotels in Dubai this November. A desire to cater to people looking for clean, healthy meals beyond green salad is what inspired Prince Khaled and American celebrity chef Matthew Kenney to create Folia. The word means "from the leaves" in Latin, and the exclusive menu offers fine plant-based cuisine across Four Seasons properties in Los Angeles, Bahrain and, soon, Dubai.
Kenney specialises in vegan cuisine and is the founder of Plant Food Wine and 20 other restaurants worldwide. "I’ve always appreciated Matthew’s work," says the Saudi royal. "He has a singular culinary talent and his approach to plant-based dining is prescient and unrivalled. I was a fan of his long before we established our professional relationship."
Folia first launched at The Four Seasons Hotel Los Angeles at Beverly Hills in July 2018. It is available at the poolside Cabana Restaurant and for in-room dining across the property, as well as in its private event space. The food is vibrant and colourful, full of fresh dishes such as the hearts of palm ceviche with California fruit, vegetables and edible flowers; green hearb tacos filled with roasted squash and king oyster barbacoa; and a savoury coconut cream pie with macadamia crust.
In March 2019, the Folia menu reached Gulf shores, as it was introduced at the Four Seasons Hotel Bahrain Bay, where it is served at the Bay View Lounge. Next, on Tuesday, November 1 – also known as World Vegan Day – it will come to the UAE, to the Four Seasons Resort Dubai at Jumeirah Beach and the Four Seasons DIFC, both properties Prince Khaled has spent "considerable time at and love".
There are also plans to take Folia to several more locations throughout the Middle East and Europe.
While health-conscious diners will be attracted to the concept, Prince Khaled is careful to stress Folia is "not meant for a specific subset of customers. It is meant for everyone who wants a culinary experience without the negative impact that eating out so often comes with."
Jetour T1 specs
Engine: 2-litre turbocharged
Power: 254hp
Torque: 390Nm
Price: From Dh126,000
Available: Now
MATCH INFO
Serie A
Juventus v Fiorentina, Saturday, 8pm (UAE)
Match is on BeIN Sports
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
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%3Cp%3EAuthor%3A%20Shalash%3Cbr%3ETranslator%3A%20Luke%20Leafgren%3Cbr%3EPages%3A%20352%3Cbr%3EPublisher%3A%20And%20Other%20Stories%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Directed: Smeep Kang
Produced: Soham Rockstar Entertainment; SKE Production
Cast: Rishi Kapoor, Jimmy Sheirgill, Sunny Singh, Omkar Kapoor, Rajesh Sharma
Rating: Two out of five stars
How to play the stock market recovery in 2021?
If you are looking to build your long-term wealth in 2021 and beyond, the stock market is still the best place to do it as equities powered on despite the pandemic.
Investing in individual stocks is not for everyone and most private investors should stick to mutual funds and ETFs, but there are some thrilling opportunities for those who understand the risks.
Peter Garnry, head of equity strategy at Saxo Bank, says the 20 best-performing US and European stocks have delivered an average return year-to-date of 148 per cent, measured in local currency terms.
Online marketplace Etsy was the best performer with a return of 330.6 per cent, followed by communications software company Sinch (315.4 per cent), online supermarket HelloFresh (232.8 per cent) and fuel cells specialist NEL (191.7 per cent).
Mr Garnry says digital companies benefited from the lockdown, while green energy firms flew as efforts to combat climate change were ramped up, helped in part by the European Union’s green deal.
Electric car company Tesla would be on the list if it had been part of the S&P 500 Index, but it only joined on December 21. “Tesla has become one of the most valuable companies in the world this year as demand for electric vehicles has grown dramatically,” Mr Garnry says.
By contrast, the 20 worst-performing European stocks fell 54 per cent on average, with European banks hit by the economic fallout from the pandemic, while cruise liners and airline stocks suffered due to travel restrictions.
As demand for energy fell, the oil and gas industry had a tough year, too.
Mr Garnry says the biggest story this year was the “absolute crunch” in so-called value stocks, companies that trade at low valuations compared to their earnings and growth potential.
He says they are “heavily tilted towards financials, miners, energy, utilities and industrials, which have all been hit hard by the Covid-19 pandemic”. “The last year saw these cheap stocks become cheaper and expensive stocks have become more expensive.”
This has triggered excited talk about the “great value rotation” but Mr Garnry remains sceptical. “We need to see a breakout of interest rates combined with higher inflation before we join the crowd.”
Always remember that past performance is not a guarantee of future returns. Last year’s winners often turn out to be this year’s losers, and vice-versa.
City's slump
L - Juventus, 2-0
D - C Palace, 2-2
W - N Forest, 3-0
L - Liverpool, 2-0
D - Feyenoord, 3-3
L - Tottenham, 4-0
L - Brighton, 2-1
L - Sporting, 4-1
L - Bournemouth, 2-1
L - Tottenham, 2-1
The five pillars of Islam
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.”
THE SPECS
Engine: Four-cylinder 2.5-litre
Transmission: Seven-speed auto
Power: 165hp
Torque: 241Nm
Price: Dh99,900 to Dh134,000
On sale: now
Traits of Chinese zodiac animals
Tiger:independent, successful, volatile
Rat:witty, creative, charming
Ox:diligent, perseverent, conservative
Rabbit:gracious, considerate, sensitive
Dragon:prosperous, brave, rash
Snake:calm, thoughtful, stubborn
Horse:faithful, energetic, carefree
Sheep:easy-going, peacemaker, curious
Monkey:family-orientated, clever, playful
Rooster:honest, confident, pompous
Dog:loyal, kind, perfectionist
Boar:loving, tolerant, indulgent
The specs
Engine: Long-range single or dual motor with 200kW or 400kW battery
Transmission: Single-speed automatic
Max touring range: 620km / 590km
Price: From Dh250,000 (estimated)
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The five pillars of Islam
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VEZEETA PROFILE
Date started: 2012
Founder: Amir Barsoum
Based: Dubai, UAE
Sector: HealthTech / MedTech
Size: 300 employees
Funding: $22.6 million (as of September 2018)
Investors: Technology Development Fund, Silicon Badia, Beco Capital, Vostok New Ventures, Endeavour Catalyst, Crescent Enterprises’ CE-Ventures, Saudi Technology Ventures and IFC
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Tips for newlyweds to better manage finances
All couples are unique and have to create a financial blueprint that is most suitable for their relationship, says Vijay Valecha, chief investment officer at Century Financial. He offers his top five tips for couples to better manage their finances.
Discuss your assets and debts: When married, it’s important to understand each other’s personal financial situation. It’s necessary to know upfront what each party brings to the table, as debts and assets affect spending habits and joint loan qualifications. Discussing all aspects of their finances as a couple prevents anyone from being blindsided later.
Decide on the financial/saving goals: Spouses should independently list their top goals and share their lists with one another to shape a joint plan. Writing down clear goals will help them determine how much to save each month, how much to put aside for short-term goals, and how they will reach their long-term financial goals.
Set a budget: A budget can keep the couple be mindful of their income and expenses. With a monthly budget, couples will know exactly how much they can spend in a category each month, how much they have to work with and what spending areas need to be evaluated.
Decide who manages what: When it comes to handling finances, it’s a good idea to decide who manages what. For example, one person might take on the day-to-day bills, while the other tackles long-term investments and retirement plans.
Money date nights: Talking about money should be a healthy, ongoing conversation and couples should not wait for something to go wrong. They should set time aside every month to talk about future financial decisions and see the progress they’ve made together towards accomplishing their goals.
THE%20SPECS
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Mina Cup winners
Under 12 – Minerva Academy
Under 14 – Unam Pumas
Under 16 – Fursan Hispania
Under 18 – Madenat
THE BIO
Favourite place to go to in the UAE: The desert sand dunes, just after some rain
Who inspires you: Anybody with new and smart ideas, challenging questions, an open mind and a positive attitude
Where would you like to retire: Most probably in my home country, Hungary, but with frequent returns to the UAE
Favorite book: A book by Transilvanian author, Albert Wass, entitled ‘Sword and Reap’ (Kard es Kasza) - not really known internationally
Favourite subjects in school: Mathematics and science
UPI facts
More than 2.2 million Indian tourists arrived in UAE in 2023
More than 3.5 million Indians reside in UAE
Indian tourists can make purchases in UAE using rupee accounts in India through QR-code-based UPI real-time payment systems
Indian residents in UAE can use their non-resident NRO and NRE accounts held in Indian banks linked to a UAE mobile number for UPI transactions
England's Ashes squad
Joe Root (captain), Moeen Ali, Jimmy Anderson, Jofra Archer, Jonny Bairstow, Stuart Broad, Rory Burns, Jos Buttler, Sam Curran, Joe Denly, Jason Roy, Ben Stokes, Olly Stone, Chris Woakes.
LIKELY TEAMS
South Africa
Faf du Plessis (captain), Dean Elgar, Aiden Markram, Hashim Amla, AB de Villiers, Quinton de Kock (wkt), Vernon Philander, Keshav Maharaj, Kagiso Rabada, Morne Morkel, Lungi Ngidi.
India (from)
Virat Kohli (captain), Murali Vijay, Lokesh Rahul, Cheteshwar Pujara, Rohit Sharma, Ajinkya Rahane, Hardik Pandya, Dinesh Karthik (wkt), Ravichandran Ashwin, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Ishant Sharma, Mohammad Shami, Jasprit Bumrah.
Essentials
The flights
Etihad and Emirates fly direct from the UAE to Delhi from about Dh950 return including taxes.
The hotels
Double rooms at Tijara Fort-Palace cost from 6,670 rupees (Dh377), including breakfast.
Doubles at Fort Bishangarh cost from 29,030 rupees (Dh1,641), including breakfast. Doubles at Narendra Bhawan cost from 15,360 rupees (Dh869). Doubles at Chanoud Garh cost from 19,840 rupees (Dh1,122), full board. Doubles at Fort Begu cost from 10,000 rupees (Dh565), including breakfast.
The tours
Amar Grover travelled with Wild Frontiers. A tailor-made, nine-day itinerary via New Delhi, with one night in Tijara and two nights in each of the remaining properties, including car/driver, costs from £1,445 (Dh6,968) per person.
COMPANY PROFILE
Founders: Alhaan Ahmed, Alyina Ahmed and Maximo Tettamanzi
Total funding: Self funded
