If you’re headed to New York, you don’t actually need an itinerary because the city will come at you from every direction, pulling you in and throwing up surprises at every corner. And while that’s ideal if you’ve got plenty of time to explore, if you’re on a tight schedule, the never-ending action in the most populated city in the US can be overwhelming.
We've put together a concise plan of action for travellers looking to take in a bite-sized piece of the Big Apple, encompassing world-famous landmarks and a few less-visited gems.
Base yourself at The Mark Hotel, just off Madison Avenue. Dating back to 1927, it's one of the best luxury hotels in Manhattan and you'll instantly want to sink into the cloud-like bed in your suite. But that will have to wait — a quick freshen up is all there is time for, because the city that never sleeps is waiting to be discovered.
Get your bearings with a walk back towards Midtown Manhattan from your new base on the Upper East Side. Stroll along the outskirts of Central Park passing The Strand Central Park Kiosk — a concession store that’s part of The Strand Bookstore, New York’s largest and one of the most famous independent bookstores in the world.
The closer you get to Midtown, the higher the skyscrapers seem to stretch — don’t forget to look up as you go, to see sights such as the spire of the Bank of America or the tip of Mies van der Rohe’s towering Seagram Building.
Make a quick stop at the New York Public Library inside the Stephen A Schwarzman Building. Housed in a Beaux Arts-style building that is arguably one of the most beautiful in the city, it took 16 years to design, and a peek inside offers a glimpse of Astor Hall's white marble arches and grand staircase. The two lion sculptures that stand watch outside are as old as the library itself. One-hour free tours are also available if you want to delve deeper.
No visit to New York is complete without a street-side hot dog, so grab one from a vendor as you proceed towards one of America’s finest treasures. Ranked the number one attraction in the US by TripAdvisor this year, the Empire State Building is perhaps this city’s most famous skyscraper.
Having celebrated its 90th birthday in 2021, the 380-metre structure was the world’s tallest when it opened in 1931, a title that it retained for more than 40 years, the longest any building has held the record during the skyscraper era.
It’s entirely recognisable, even if you’ve never visited before, thanks to its leading role in pop culture. It is where Meg Ryan and Tom Hanks find each other in Sleepless in Seattle, with the building also surviving the rampage of King Kong and taking some direct hits in Superman II.
Interactive exhibits inside take guests back in time to 1920s New York and the building’s original manifestation as the Waldorf-Astoria Hotel, while the observatories on the 86th and 102nd floors offer breathtaking views of Manhattan and beyond. Pause for a moment and take in the vista.
The Statue of Liberty, one of the city's most popular landmarks, looks tiny from this height and you can see all the way to New Jersey, and as far as Pennsylvania and Connecticut on a clear day. Embrace the sense of smallness that comes from being perched so high above this ever-changing cityscape, and get used to it — it’s the first of several skyscraper viewpoints.
Dinner and a Broadway show
Sufficiently humbled, head back down to earth and hail a yellow cab to return to The Mark to freshen up for an evening of entertainment. A pre-theatre dinner is on the cards, and while it can prove tricky to find an authentic restaurant in the tourist-haven that is the theatre district, La Masseria has you covered.
Designed to mimic a rustic Puglian farmhouse, expect white tablecloths, hearty Italian dishes and some of New York’s finest service. From here, you’re a short walk to the entertainment epicentre that is home to New York's Broadway theatres.
Dinner and a show is as classic as a New York evening gets, and with nearly 40 venues to choose from, you’re spoiled for choice. As well as fan favourites such as Moulin Rouge and Chicago, there’s a whole schedule of new shows debuting on Broadway this month, including the first NY show from up-and-coming Polish-born playwright Martyna Majok, a revival of Arthur Miller’s Death of a Salesman at Hudson Theatre and The Piano Lesson starring rising star John David Washington, son of Hollywood hero Denzel.
Post-show, make a beeline for the Hard Rock Hotel New York. Located between the Theatre District and Radio City Music Hall, the recently opened hotel is a tribute to the city’s eclectic musical history. Storied memorabilia from the past and present pepper the halls — from a custom dress worn by Beyonce to Lady Gaga’s silver leather boots and John Lennon’s handwritten lyrics for his 1972 hit New York City. Take the elevator to the top floor where the Art Deco-inspired RT60 is the perfect rooftop lounge on which to raise a glass to the Broadway spectacle you’ve just been privy to.
End the evening with Time Square's Midnight Moment, the world's largest and longest-running digital public art programme where myriad electronic billboards glow with creative, cutting-edge artworks for three minutes each night.
Living on the edge
Breakfast at The Mark is a great way to start the next day. Curated by renowned chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten, the menu encompasses everything from French toast and buttermilk pancakes to Norwegian salmon bagels and Applewood smoked ham. Pavement-side dining comes with people-watching perks as you fuel up for an epic day of sightseeing.
Today’s first challenge is deciphering New York City’s subway system. While it can seem daunting, a good rule of thumb is to remember is that as the station numbers go down you’re heading downtown, and if the numbers are getting higher, you’re going uptown.
This morning, we're taking the train to Hudson Yards, New York City’s newest neighbourhood. With waterfront views, upscale shopping, public art and 14 acres of public gardens, this mixed-use area exists in a place that was previously a military fortification, a parking lot for unused trains and and offloading area for slaughterhouses. It’s now where visitors can find The Edge — the highest sky deck in the Western Hemisphere.
A triangular-shaped platform located on top of 30 Hudson Yards, the tourist attraction has a glass floor with views 100 storeys down. Thrill-seekers can opt to climb towards the tip of the tower, then step out over the ledge about 420 metres above New York City. Thanks to an entirely competent safety team and several equipment checks, it sounds scarier than it is, but is well worth doing if adventure pursuits or one-off views are your thing.
Dare-defying stunts complete, wind things down with a visit to one of the world’s most famous urban green spaces. Commanding about 340 hectares of Manhattan real estate, Central Park has been welcoming harried New Yorkers for more than 150 years.
Lunch in Central Park
Pick up a "citi" bike from one of the 1,500 stations across New York and head into the park in search of the carousel, Strawberry Fields, Belvedere Castle and Bethesda Fountain. If you prefer travelling by foot, there are 93 kilometres of green-lined paths snaking through the park.
You’ll likely recognise the Victorian-style Loeb Boathouse on the bank of Central Park Lake, which has featured in a slew of NYC films, including 27 Dresses, Enchanted and When Harry Met Sally. Having made a name for itself as a place for dining and drinking since 1953, the restaurant is sadly set to close for good in October this year, so if you’re in town before then, make sure you visit.
Otherwise stop for lunch at the laid-back Tavern on The Green. Originally built to house the sheep that grazed in Central Park's Sheep Meadow, this lively spot has been serving up rustic eats to visitors since 1934.
As the sun goes down, make your way to Greenwich Village. A poster child for New York city’s Bohemian dreams, the neighbourhood might not be the city’s coolest haunt any more, but it’s certainly worth spending an evening here given its rich history, impressive architecture and buzzy nightlife.
Start at Washington Square Park where NYU students lounge in the shadow of the marble arch, children and dogs play by the fountain, and locals set up chess tournaments on the parks’ perimeter. There’s always something going on — from people handing out free pizza and poems during our visit to the regularly scheduled salsa socials, art in the park and story time under the tree sessions.
Wander to Bedford Street where Friends fans can see the apartment building depicted in the opening credits of the hit 1990s sitcom. Stop to appreciate the original but little-known Empire State Building, which commanded six-stories of real estate on the corner of Bleecker Street and Broadway.
Of course, a trip to New York wouldn’t be complete without a slice of pizza and tonight you’re in the right place for it. Johns of Bleeker Street is an Italian-American family-owned and operated pizzeria that dates back to the turn of the century. With an old-school ambience courtesy of faded murals, original wooden booths and black-and-white Art Deco floors, it’s the place to go for perfect brick-oven baked crusts topped with zesty tomato sauce.
Post dinner, a musical extravaganza awaits. The jazz roots in Greenwich Village run deep and you can see the house of Charlie Parker, a prolific jazz saxophonist composer and a towering figure in American jazz, or visit Zinc, an underground club that sits in the historic space of the former Cinderella Club. Smalls on 183 West 10th Street is where you should end the evening with an abundance of soulful music. The basement space here dates back to 1994 and has carved a name for itself as a hotbed for New York’s jazz talent, hosting scores of musicians over the years.
Sunday service in Harlem
An early start today with a subway jaunt uptown to Harlem. The neighbourhood has come a long way since the start of the 2000s in lowering what were previously very high crime rates, and while some streets are better avoided at night, Central Harlem is well worth the train ride.
Known for its music scene and black heritage, the area is busiest with tourists on a Sunday morning when travellers line up around the blocks of myriad, often non-descript churches. While tourists are welcome to attend Baptist services, remember that you’re not there for a performance, but a religious celebration, so be respectful. Donations are encouraged.
Afterwards, make a beeline to the Red Rooster, where the celebrations continue. A comfort food menu celebrating the neighbourhood’s diverse culinary traditions features the likes of grits, cornbread and chicken and waffles alongside live music every Sunday.
Walk off lunch with a stroll to the storied Apollo Theatre where a Walk of Fame honours some of the great artists who have performed here. Golden plaques dedicated to Stevie Wonder, Little Richard, Patti LaBelle and Gladys Knight line the pavement. And you can’t leave Harlem without stopping at BLVD Bistro on Frederick Douglas Street. A favourite with those who live in the area, this soul food spot has an all-day brunch menu, home-made cakes and a DJ spinning hits every Sunday.
Bridges, buildings and a 1970s throwback
From Harlem, it’s a decent subway ride to Brooklyn, but it’s worth the jaunt to walk over one of the world’s most recognisable bridges. Once called the eighth wonder of the world, the Brooklyn Bridge has been an indelible part of the New York City skyline for almost 140 years. About 30,000 visitors cross what was the world’s first steel-wire suspension bridge every day and it’s a quintessential New York experience. As you cross, stop to look back for a perfect snapshot of Lower Manhattan.
On the other side you’ll find yourself in the Dumbo neighbourhood, where you can head to the Time Out Market New York to refuel. With 21 food outlets, you can find everything from spicy guava ice cream at Sugar Hill Creamery to fried chicken sandwiches at Tiki Chick. Post lunch, head to Brooklyn Bridge Park where a ride on the century-old Jane’s carousel comes with one of the best waterfront views in New York.
Your final night in New York City will hit all kinds of new highs. Book a sunset slot to visit Top of the Rock and then head back to midtown Manhattan to explore the Rockefeller Center. Spread over nine hectares flanked by Fifth and Sixth avenues, it's like a mini-city within the city. Commissioned by John D Rockefeller — America's first billionaire — it was constructed during the peak of the Great Depression, when it provided critical jobs for more than 40,000 New Yorkers.
The Art Deco buildings opened in 1939 and travellers can head to the top of the 70-floor Comcast Building for three levels of 360-degree viewing platforms. Watching the sun slide behind the Empire State Building from the Top of the Rock is magical, and the ideal place for your last New York City sunset.
When the show is over, descend to ground level and get your skates on. Until October, the famed ice-rink at the Rockefeller Centre — the same spot where Buddy and Jovie have their first date in Elf — has been transformed into Flippers Roller Boogie Palace. This open-air roller rink is a revival of the former Los Angeles institution that was frequented by celebrities, including Elton John and Cher. It channels all the drama of the 1970s — think retro skates, sparkly costumes, neon lights and funky tunes.
Unsteadily spinning across the rink surrounded by towering skyscrapers, television studios, Art Deco architecture and oversized public art wraps up a dizzying few days in one of the world’s most familiar yet endlessly intriguing cities.
Getting%20there%20and%20where%20to%20stay
%3Cp%3EFly%20with%20Etihad%20Airways%20from%20Abu%20Dhabi%20to%20New%20York%E2%80%99s%20JFK.%20There's%2011%20flights%20a%20week%20and%20economy%20fares%20start%20at%20around%20Dh5%2C000.%3Cbr%3EStay%20at%20The%20Mark%20Hotel%20on%20the%20city%E2%80%99s%20Upper%20East%20Side.%20Overnight%20stays%20start%20from%20%241395%20per%20night.%3Cbr%3EVisit%20NYC%20Go%2C%20the%20official%20destination%20resource%20for%20New%20York%20City%20for%20all%20the%20latest%20events%2C%20activites%20and%20openings.%3Cbr%3E%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Who's who in Yemen conflict
Houthis: Iran-backed rebels who occupy Sanaa and run unrecognised government
Yemeni government: Exiled government in Aden led by eight-member Presidential Leadership Council
Southern Transitional Council: Faction in Yemeni government that seeks autonomy for the south
Habrish 'rebels': Tribal-backed forces feuding with STC over control of oil in government territory
ALRAWABI%20SCHOOL%20FOR%20GIRLS
%3Cp%3ECreator%3A%20Tima%20Shomali%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3EStarring%3A%C2%A0Tara%20Abboud%2C%C2%A0Kira%20Yaghnam%2C%20Tara%20Atalla%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3ERating%3A%204%2F5%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Dr Amal Khalid Alias revealed a recent case of a woman with daughters, who specifically wanted a boy.
A semen analysis of the father showed abnormal sperm so the couple required IVF.
Out of 21 eggs collected, six were unused leaving 15 suitable for IVF.
A specific procedure was used, called intracytoplasmic sperm injection where a single sperm cell is inserted into the egg.
On day three of the process, 14 embryos were biopsied for gender selection.
The next day, a pre-implantation genetic report revealed four normal male embryos, three female and seven abnormal samples.
Day five of the treatment saw two male embryos transferred to the patient.
The woman recorded a positive pregnancy test two weeks later.
SPEC%20SHEET%3A%20APPLE%20IPHONE%2015%20PRO%20MAX
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EDisplay%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%206.7%22%20Super%20Retina%20XDR%20OLED%2C%202796%20x%201290%2C%20460ppi%2C%20120Hz%2C%202000%20nits%20max%2C%20HDR%2C%20True%20Tone%2C%20P3%2C%20always-on%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EProcessor%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20A17%20Pro%2C%206-core%20CPU%2C%206-core%20GPU%2C%2016-core%20Neural%20Engine%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EMemory%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%208GB%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ECapacity%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20256%2F512GB%20%2F%201TB%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EPlatform%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20iOS%2017%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EMain%20camera%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Triple%3A%2048MP%20main%20(f%2F1.78)%20%2B%2012MP%20ultra-wide%20(f%2F2.2)%20%2B%2012MP%205x%20telephoto%20(f%2F2.8)%3B%205x%20optical%20zoom%20in%2C%202x%20optical%20zoom%20out%3B%2010x%20optical%20zoom%20range%2C%20digital%20zoom%20up%20to%2025x%3B%20Photonic%20Engine%2C%20Deep%20Fusion%2C%20Smart%20HDR%204%2C%20Portrait%20Lighting%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EMain%20camera%20video%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%204K%20%40%2024%2F25%2F30%2F60fps%2C%20full-HD%20%40%2025%2F30%2F60fps%2C%20HD%20%40%2030fps%2C%20slo-mo%20%40%20120%2F240fps%2C%20ProRes%20(4K)%20%40%2060fps%3B%20night%2C%20time%20lapse%2C%20cinematic%2C%20action%20modes%3B%20Dolby%20Vision%2C%204K%20HDR%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EFront%20camera%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%2012MP%20TrueDepth%20(f%2F1.9)%2C%20Photonic%20Engine%2C%20Deep%20Fusion%2C%20Smart%20HDR%204%2C%20Portrait%20Lighting%3B%20Animoji%2C%20Memoji%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EFront%20camera%20video%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%204K%20%40%2024%2F25%2F30%2F60fps%2C%20full-HD%20%40%2025%2F30%2F60fps%2C%20slo-mo%20%40%20120%2F240fps%2C%20ProRes%20(4K)%20%40%2030fps%3B%20night%2C%20time%20lapse%2C%20cinematic%2C%20action%20modes%3B%20Dolby%20Vision%2C%204K%20HDR%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EBattery%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%204441mAh%2C%20up%20to%2029h%20video%2C%2025h%20streaming%20video%2C%2095h%20audio%3B%20fast%20charge%20to%2050%25%20in%2030min%20(with%20at%20least%2020W%20adaptor)%3B%20MagSafe%2C%20Qi%20wireless%20charging%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EConnectivity%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Wi-Fi%2C%20Bluetooth%205.3%2C%20NFC%20(Apple%20Pay)%2C%20second-generation%20Ultra%20Wideband%20chip%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EBiometrics%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Face%20ID%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EI%2FO%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20USB-C%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EDurability%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20IP68%2C%20water-resistant%20up%20to%206m%20up%20to%2030min%3B%20dust%2Fsplash-resistant%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ECards%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Dual%20eSIM%20%2F%20eSIM%20%2B%20eSIM%20(US%20models%20use%20eSIMs%20only)%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EColours%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Black%20titanium%2C%20blue%20titanium%2C%20natural%20titanium%2C%20white%20titanium%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EIn%20the%20box%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EiPhone%2015%20Pro%20Max%2C%20USB-C-to-USB-C%20woven%20cable%2C%20one%20Apple%20sticker%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EPrice%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Dh5%2C099%20%2F%20Dh5%2C949%20%2F%20Dh6%2C799%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Favourite things
Luxury: Enjoys window shopping for high-end bags and jewellery
Discount: She works in luxury retail, but is careful about spending, waits for sales, festivals and only buys on discount
University: The only person in her family to go to college, Jiang secured a bachelor’s degree in business management in China
Masters: Studying part-time for a master’s degree in international business marketing in Dubai
Vacation: Heads back home to see family in China
Community work: Member of the Chinese Business Women’s Association of the UAE to encourage other women entrepreneurs
In Search of Mary Shelley: The Girl Who Wrote Frankenstein
By Fiona Sampson
Profile
SECRET%20INVASION
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EDirector%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Ali%20Selim%20%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EStars%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Samuel%20L%20Jackson%2C%20Olivia%20Coleman%2C%20Kingsley%20Ben-Adir%2C%20Emilia%20Clarke%20%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ERating%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%203%2F5%26nbsp%3B%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
What the law says
Micro-retirement is not a recognised concept or employment status under Federal Decree Law No. 33 of 2021 on the Regulation of Labour Relations (as amended) (UAE Labour Law). As such, it reflects a voluntary work-life balance practice, rather than a recognised legal employment category, according to Dilini Loku, senior associate for law firm Gateley Middle East.
“Some companies may offer formal sabbatical policies or career break programmes; however, beyond such arrangements, there is no automatic right or statutory entitlement to extended breaks,” she explains.
“Any leave taken beyond statutory entitlements, such as annual leave, is typically regarded as unpaid leave in accordance with Article 33 of the UAE Labour Law. While employees may legally take unpaid leave, such requests are subject to the employer’s discretion and require approval.”
If an employee resigns to pursue micro-retirement, the employment contract is terminated, and the employer is under no legal obligation to rehire the employee in the future unless specific contractual agreements are in place (such as return-to-work arrangements), which are generally uncommon, Ms Loku adds.
Why seagrass matters
- Carbon sink: Seagrass sequesters carbon up to 35X faster than tropical rainforests
- Marine nursery: Crucial habitat for juvenile fish, crustations, and invertebrates
- Biodiversity: Support species like sea turtles, dugongs, and seabirds
- Coastal protection: Reduce erosion and improve water quality
MATCH INFO
Uefa Champions League semi-final, first leg
Bayern Munich 1
Kimmich (27')
Real Madrid 2
Marcelo (43'), Asensio (56')
Paatal Lok season two
Directors: Avinash Arun, Prosit Roy
Stars: Jaideep Ahlawat, Ishwak Singh, Lc Sekhose, Merenla Imsong
Rating: 4.5/5
The Bio
Ram Buxani earned a salary of 125 rupees per month in 1959
Indian currency was then legal tender in the Trucial States.
He received the wages plus food, accommodation, a haircut and cinema ticket twice a month and actuals for shaving and laundry expenses
Buxani followed in his father’s footsteps when he applied for a job overseas
His father Jivat Ram worked in general merchandize store in Gibraltar and the Canary Islands in the early 1930s
Buxani grew the UAE business over several sectors from retail to financial services but is attached to the original textile business
He talks in detail about natural fibres, the texture of cloth, mirrorwork and embroidery
Buxani lives by a simple philosophy – do good to all
Tu%20Jhoothi%20Main%20Makkaar%20
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EDirector%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3ELuv%20Ranjan%26nbsp%3B%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EStars%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3ERanbir%20Kapoor%2C%20Shraddha%20Kapoor%2C%20Anubhav%20Singh%20Bassi%20and%20Dimple%20Kapadia%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ERating%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%203%2F5%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
More from Rashmee Roshan Lall
Kandahar%20
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EDirector%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Ric%20Roman%20Waugh%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EStars%3A%C2%A0%3C%2Fstrong%3EGerard%20Butler%2C%20Navid%20Negahban%2C%20Ali%20Fazal%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ERating%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%202.5%2F5%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Our family matters legal consultant
Name: Hassan Mohsen Elhais
Position: legal consultant with Al Rowaad Advocates and Legal Consultants.
THE DEALS
Hamilton $60m x 2 = $120m
Vettel $45m x 2 = $90m
Ricciardo $35m x 2 = $70m
Verstappen $55m x 3 = $165m
Leclerc $20m x 2 = $40m
TOTAL $485m
ABU DHABI CARD
5pm: UAE Martyrs Cup (TB) Conditions; Dh90,000; 2,200m
5.30pm: Wathba Stallions Cup (PA) Handicap; Dh70,000; 1,400m
6pm: UAE Matyrs Trophy (PA) Maiden; Dh80,000; 1,600m
6.30pm: Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak (IFAHR) Apprentice Championship (PA) Prestige; Dh100,000; 1,600m
7pm: Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak (IFAHR) Ladies World Championship (PA) Prestige; Dh125,000; 1,600m
8pm: Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan Jewel Crown (PA) Group 1; Dh5,000,000; 1,600m
MATCH INFO
Al Jazira 3 (O Abdulrahman 43', Kenno 82', Mabkhout 90 4')
Al Ain 1 (Laba 39')
Red cards: Bandar Al Ahbabi (Al Ain)
Cinco in numbers
Dh3.7 million
The estimated cost of Victoria Swarovski’s gem-encrusted Michael Cinco wedding gown
46
The number, in kilograms, that Swarovski’s wedding gown weighed.
1,000
The hours it took to create Cinco’s vermillion petal gown, as seen in his atelier [note, is the one he’s playing with in the corner of a room]
50
How many looks Cinco has created in a new collection to celebrate Ballet Philippines’ 50th birthday
3,000
The hours needed to create the butterfly gown worn by Aishwarya Rai to the 2018 Cannes Film Festival.
1.1 million
The number of followers that Michael Cinco’s Instagram account has garnered.
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Key findings of Jenkins report
- Founder of the Muslim Brotherhood, Hassan al Banna, "accepted the political utility of violence"
- Views of key Muslim Brotherhood ideologue, Sayyid Qutb, have “consistently been understood” as permitting “the use of extreme violence in the pursuit of the perfect Islamic society” and “never been institutionally disowned” by the movement.
- Muslim Brotherhood at all levels has repeatedly defended Hamas attacks against Israel, including the use of suicide bombers and the killing of civilians.
- Laying out the report in the House of Commons, David Cameron told MPs: "The main findings of the review support the conclusion that membership of, association with, or influence by the Muslim Brotherhood should be considered as a possible indicator of extremism."
Infiniti QX80 specs
Engine: twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6
Power: 450hp
Torque: 700Nm
Price: From Dh450,000, Autograph model from Dh510,000
Available: Now
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%20HOLDOVERS
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EDirector%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EAlexander%20Payne%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EStarring%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Paul%20Giamatti%2C%20Da'Vine%20Joy%20Randolph%2C%20Dominic%20Sessa%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ERating%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%204.5%2F5%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Women & Power: A Manifesto
Mary Beard
Profile Books and London Review of Books
Getting%20there%20and%20where%20to%20stay
%3Cp%3EFly%20with%20Etihad%20Airways%20from%20Abu%20Dhabi%20to%20New%20York%E2%80%99s%20JFK.%20There's%2011%20flights%20a%20week%20and%20economy%20fares%20start%20at%20around%20Dh5%2C000.%3Cbr%3EStay%20at%20The%20Mark%20Hotel%20on%20the%20city%E2%80%99s%20Upper%20East%20Side.%20Overnight%20stays%20start%20from%20%241395%20per%20night.%3Cbr%3EVisit%20NYC%20Go%2C%20the%20official%20destination%20resource%20for%20New%20York%20City%20for%20all%20the%20latest%20events%2C%20activites%20and%20openings.%3Cbr%3E%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
