Dog owners know all too well the guilt involved with checking your fur baby into a kennel to head off on a staycation.
Thankfully, several hotels across the UAE understand just how difficult it can be to say goodbye to your pooch and are doing something about it.
From an upscale, five-star stay on Palm Jumeirah, Dubai, to Bedouin-style glamping in Ras Al Khaimah, each of these properties allows guests to bring their dogs along.
Pups on Palm Jumeirah with a stay at Wyndham Residences
One of the newest hotels to open in the popular Dubai neighbourhood is welcoming four-legged guests. Wyndham Residences The Palm is located on the west crescent of the man-made island and offers views of the Arabian Gulf, Dubai Marina and city skyline.
Take your pick from a studio apartment, or go for more space in a one, two or three-bedroom unit, most of which feature large balconies or terraces. Bring the whole family along as children under 12 stay for free and the hotel has designed its ground floor units as pet-friendly options. You can stay with a dog, cat, bird or other "common household pets" but dogs will need to be small to holiday here, as only animals up to 10 kilograms are accepted for stays.
You can also expect to hand over a Dh500 cleaning fee per stay, plus a Dh1,000 additional deposit required at check-in, although this is refundable upon check-out, as long as your pup hasn't caused any damage.
With a temperature-controlled swimming pool, an expansive private beach and a children's pool and club, the luxury hotel also has a fully equipped gym and an all-day-dining outlet, 20Four. A premium beach club, pool bar and more restaurants will open at the hotel later this year.
Rooms from Dh385, plus Dh500 cleaning fee per stay and a Dh1,000 refundable deposit; wyndhamhotels.com
A boho break at Banan Beach Resort, Ras Al Khaimah
Head north to Ras Al Khaimah for a rustic night at Banan Beach Resort. Having relocated from its popular home in Jebel Ali a few years ago, this beach escape near Marjan Island offers camping and shoreline stays with a side of boho-cool. Even better, it's entirely welcoming to dogs and cats, and there are no size or weight restrictions.
There are various types of accommodation to choose from including three-bedroom chalets, which come with a private pool, and split level loft tents with sea views, with reserved pet-friendly accommodation across each category. Once checked in, you can enjoy the private shoreline, infinity pool, a bar and restaurant, a self-cooking barbecue area and plenty of great music.
Rates from Dh657.30 for two people in a pet-friendly tent; bananbeach.com
A paw-some city stay at ME Dubai, Dubai
In-the-know pet owners can book a dog-friendly stay at ME Dubai, the only hotel designed both inside and out by the late starchitect Dame Zaha Hadid. Located in Dubai's Burj Khalifa district, the hotel's new dog-friendly packages include everything your furry friend needs for a comfortable stay.
Dogs get their own bed, blankets and doggy bowl, while owners will get a stash of bags for cleaning up any mess. The Pooch by ME package also has an optional dog-friendly menu, designed by ME Dubai’s executive chef James Knight-Pacheco. Expect canine-themed dishes such as pup-arrazzi poached chicken and the notorious DOG.
All of the hotel's suites and rooms are open for doggy stays, with prices for bringing along your pooch set at an additional Dh200 per dog, per night.
Rates from Dh1,650, plus Dh200 per dog per night; melia.com
Access all areas at Radisson RED Hotel Dubai Silicon Oasis, Dubai
Dogs are entirely welcome at the Radisson RED Hotel Dubai Silicon Oasis, so much so that the reception staff are likely to greet your pup before you.
Check-in involves filling in an extra form ensuring that you'll clean up after your dog and keep them on a lead when required. Rooms come with dog beds, food bowls and a water dish, plus a welcome Petsecco beverage for your pooch.
The lobby and corridors are dog-friendly as is the hotel's main restaurant OUIBar + Terrace, where four-legged guests get their own water bowls, and can order ice cream and other snacks from the doggy menu.
Staff are all very enthusiastic about dogs, and you can let your pups roam around the terrace freely as it's properly enclosed. There are plenty of walking spots around the hotel and handy dog drinking points and clean-up stations in the immediate vicinity. The only place dogs are not allowed to go is the rooftop pool area.
Rates from Dh369, including dogs; radissonhotels.com
Reconnect with nature at Rahal Ranch, Abu Dhabi
If you fancy something a little bit different, head out to Rahal Ranch in Al Wathba desert. Chalets are available for overnight stays and the entire place is dog-friendly — you'll even meet some of the dogs that stay on the ranch full-time.
While accommodation is basic, it's entirely fit for purpose and even the small chalets have a double bed, large kitchenette and a dining area. There are power showers in the bathroom and plastic seats outside each chalet, ideal for evening barbecues.
You can also head up to the viewing platform to get some amazing desert views or take a walk across to the working ranch where horses, goats and sheep can be found. Don't forget to visit Harry, the live-in camel.
Rates from Dh250, including dogs; rahalranch.com
Take a stylish city-stay at Hotel Indigo Dubai Downtown, Dubai
Within walking distance to the Burj Khalifa and with views across the city, Hotel Indigo Dubai Downtown is perhaps the most stylish pet-friendly place on this list.
The art-inspired hotel has gorgeous interiors with bold colour choices and carefully curated rooms with bathrooms that feel as if they have been lifted right out of a luxury spa. Dark corridors are peppered with unique artworks and laid out with some of the plushest carpets in the country — perfect for dogs to run on.
As stylish as it is, dogs are entirely welcome and are given their own bed and toys. They're also welcome to accompany guests in the lobby, at the terrace of Open Sesame restaurant on the ground floor and Orange Feels Bar & Shisha Lounge. You can even bring them to the pool deck, so long as you make sure they stay out of the water.
The hotel has a great location and, once you navigate the busy road or sand-covered stretch of ground surrounding it — you can walk to The Dubai Mall, the Boulevard or Dubai Canal with your pup in tow.
Room rates from Dh299, with Dh200 fee per dog; ihg.com
Room-only access at W Dubai — The Palm, Dubai
If you want to spend the night on Dubai's Palm Jumeirah, W Dubai —The Palm is a dog-friendly option in the area.
The funky upmarket hotel welcomes pups that weigh up to 20 kilograms and gives all four-legged guests a dog bed, food and water bowls, toys, waste bags and some tasty treats. There's also a doggy hanger to put on the room's door handle, so that staff know there is an animal staying there. The Paw menu has pet cookies, mini bones and main courses such as beef tenderloin and red snapper.
Some of the rooms have longer balconies with artificial grass, ideal if you've got a doggy in tow. If you want to explore the hotel, you'll have to book the hotel's dog-sitting services as dogs cannot be left alone in the rooms nor are animals allowed in public areas, other than the lobby. That said, the in-room dining menu for humans is also excellent and balconies have amazing views of the city if you simply want to stay in and chill.
Rates from Dh1,127 with a Dh650 fee per dog; marriott.com
Beachside at BM Beach Resort, Ras Al Khaimah
For a back-to-basics stay by the seaside, BM Beach Resort in Ras Al Khaimah allows dogs. A block of chalets on one side of this resort has been reserved for dog owners and there's also a makeshift bar area and stretch of beach for dogs and their owners.
Dogs get a large selection of in-room toys and there are some communal outdoor toys in the courtyard. The beach is lovely, but it isn't fenced off so if your dog doesn't come on command, you'll have to keep them on a lead to stop them wandering into the other part of the resort, which is a strict no-no.
All of the hotel's restaurants are off-limits to dogs and you can't leave your pup in the hotel room alone, so meals are all via room service. It's also worth noting that the staff are a tad wary of dogs and you can't bring pups into reception, so you may struggle if checking in alone. Getting to your room involves a speedy transfer on a golf buggy where you'll have to hang on tight to your dog to keep him or her safe.
Rooms from Dh399, with Dh100 fee per dog, per night; binmajid.com
Golf course views at Vida Emirates Hills, Dubai
Small dogs are welcome to check-in at Vida Emirates Hills. The contemporary hotel in the leafy Dubai neighbourhood offers rooms with sweeping golf course views where humans are welcome to spend the night with their four-legged friends.
There are specified dog-friendly rooms on certain floors, so you know you're likely to be staying around other dog-lovers. There's also a doggy food menu if you want to spoil your fur baby, and pet owners can request food or water bowls and dog toys.
Head to the Junipers bar for fun in the doggy playground where there are ropes, balls, tunnels and more.
Rooms from Dh399, plus Dh150 fee per dog per stay, plus Dh50 per day per pet cleaning fee; vidahotels.com
Bedouin-style stays at RAK Glamping, Ras Al Khaimah
Animal owners headings to Ras Al Khaimah will want to consider RAK Glamping. Owned by dog lovers, this rustic glamping site is situated in nine acres of desert in Al Duhaisah area of the emirate.
Entirely dog-friendly, there's a fenced perimeter, plenty of trees for bathroom breaks and complimentary water balls, tennis balls and dog ice cream. There's also an on-site pet store if you've forgotten any of your pup's essentials.
The on-site Doggy Day Care is ideal if you want to explore the emirate or you can simply relax at the Bedouin-style campsite, taking long walks, getting to know the live-in furries and letting pups plunge into the koi pond.
Dogs are welcome inside the traditional Bedouin tents where guests bed-down. Each comes with air-conditioning, a bathroom, television and a mini-fridge for storing drinks, snacks and pet food. Pet owners need to make sure animals are vaccinated, toilet-trained and cleaned up after.
Rates from Dh395 per night, including dogs; rakglamping.com
A home from home at Amwaj by Al Hamra, Ras Al Khaimah
For a change of scenery in Ras Al Khaimah, Amwaj by Al Hamra is a nice pick for a home-away-from-home experience.
Located in Al Hamra Village and Bab Al Bahr, the spacious villas are rentable by the week and are dog-friendly, as is the surrounding neighbourhood. There are lots of places to walk dogs and plenty of greenery around. Pups are also welcome at Al Hamra Beach so long as they remain on their lead.
For a bite to eat, check out Al Hamra Marina & Yacht Club where there's a cluster of restaurants, cafes and more; dogs are welcome in any of the outdoor spaces. Guests staying at Amwaj by Al Hamra will get a discount card that can be used at various restaurants in the complex.
Rates from Dh2,000 per week, including dogs; alhamra.ae
Rustic charm in Hatta at the JA Hatta Fort Hotel, Dubai
If you're planning a trip to the Dubai exclave, you can now bring your four-legged friend along to stay at the JA Hatta Fort Hotel.
Set in 32 hectares of grounds, the mountainside hotel has plenty of grassy lawns where visitors and their dogs can enjoy fantastic views of the surrounding mountains and the Hatta Hollywood-esque sign.
Doggy staycations at the hotel are available for pooches of any size and weight, although there may be some restrictions on how many large dogs are allowed in each room.
When it comes to dining, options for guests holidaying with their dogs include ordering room service and enjoying it in your chalet, or dining outside at the picnic tables set across the shaded area of the hotel's Palm Tree Garden.
There are also occasional dog-friendly events such as picnics and barbecues where dogs and their owners can mingle and dine alfresco. You'll have to keep Fido on a lead in most areas of the hotel, both for their own safety and that of other guests. This is also to ensure that the other wildlife at the resort — ponies, deer, goats, peacocks and tortoises — stay safe.
Rooms from Dh878 per night, including breakfast, taxes and fees for dogs; jaresortshotels.com
Capital delights at W Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi
W Abu Dhabi — Yas Island has a pet-friendly policy, which welcomes animals to check-in at the five-star property.
The resort on Yas Island is the first luxury hotel in the capital to allow guests to bring their pets for a staycation. And, it's not only dogs that are welcome as the policy also includes cats and even goldfish.
Pets weighing up to a maximum of 18 kilograms can stay with their owners. Animals are also allowed in the hotel's lobby and inside the suites.
All pets will get their own bed, bowls for food and water and a complimentary snack. Dog owners will be provided with waste bags and can take their pet for a walk in the on-site Palm Garden. Meanwhile, those with cats will be provided with an in-room litter tray.
There's also a pet-friendly menu filled with meals, snacks and toys, which can be ordered from room service.
However, it should be noted it's not access all areas, pets are not allowed at the pool or in any of the hotel restaurants or bars. Dog-sitting services are available for guests who want to leave their rooms. These services need to be pre-booked in advance for an additional cost.
Stays from Dh735, plus taxes and an additional fee per pet; marriott.com
A coastal retreat at Vida Beach Resort Umm Al Quwain, Umm Al Quwain
Vida Beach Resort Umm Al Quwain is located in the least populated emirate, less than 10 minutes from the city's thriving coastal mangroves. The beachfront hotel is family-friendly, pet-friendly and has a host of water sports on offer.
Travellers can soak in the sunshine at the private beach or refresh at the large infinity pool. By the shore, there's a wide range of water sports and a children's club with an outdoor playground and pool.
But perhaps best of all is that four-legged friends are also welcome. Animal lovers can bring their pets along as the resort has designated pet-friendly rooms and specific areas throughout where dogs are welcome.
Stays from Dh261 plus Dh150 per stay and Dh50 cleaning fee per day, per pet; vidahotels.com
City escapes for miniature pups at Doubletree by Hilton Dubai Al Jaddaf, Dubai
This pet-friendly hotel offers easy access to Downtown Dubai and Old Dubai.
Dogs will need to be little as there is a maximum 10kg weight limit for pups. Four-legged friends can enjoy a dedicated pet sitting experience, as their owners go enjoy dinner, take a dip in the outdoor pool or have a drink at the bar.
It doesn't come cheap though, with a Dh300 non-refundable charge for each dog you want to bring along.
Stays from Dh175, with a Dh300 fee for pets sleeping over; hilton.com
Elegant escapades at 25hours Hotel Dubai One Central, Dubai
Billed as an exploration of the modern nomadic lifestyle, the first 25hours property outside of Europe is located right beside the Dubai International Financial Centre, overlooking the Museum of the Future.
It has 434 rooms and suites, designed by Australian interior design company Woods Bagot, and a select number of them are pet-friendly. Dogs will get their own comfortable beds to sleep in and a snack bowl for happy munching, but check with the hotel as dogs are only allowed up to a certain size and weight.
One of the best elements of this hotel's pet policy is that furry friends are welcomed into the restaurants, so pups that don't do well alone never need to be left hanging.
Stays from Dh450, with a daily additional fee for dogs checking in; 25hours-hotels.com
Sustainable stays at Ink Hotel, Dubai
Ink Hotel Dubai is a four-star boutique hotel with an impressive sustainable slant that's also pet-friendly. Located in Al Jaddaf Waterfront community, the hotel has 63 rooms, all with large floor-to-ceiling windows, free Wi-Fi and plenty of space for four-legged guests.
Dogs get their own bed to sleep in, and a dog-nappy to prevent accidents. There's also a designed area just for pets while humans can enjoy a rooftop swimming pool with views of the Dubai Creek and the hotel's pop-up fitness space.
Stays from Dh206; and a Dh500 refundable deposit required for pet stays; inkhotel.me
Maestro
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EDirector%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EBradley%20Cooper%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EStarring%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EBradley%20Cooper%2C%20Carey%20Mulligan%2C%20Maya%20Hawke%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ERating%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%203%2F5%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Nancy 9 (Hassa Beek)
Nancy Ajram
(In2Musica)
THE LIGHT
Director: Tom Tykwer
Starring: Tala Al Deen, Nicolette Krebitz, Lars Eidinger
Rating: 3/5
Red flags
- Promises of high, fixed or 'guaranteed' returns.
- Unregulated structured products or complex investments often used to bypass traditional safeguards.
- Lack of clear information, vague language, no access to audited financials.
- Overseas companies targeting investors in other jurisdictions - this can make legal recovery difficult.
- Hard-selling tactics - creating urgency, offering 'exclusive' deals.
Courtesy: Carol Glynn, founder of Conscious Finance Coaching
Women%E2%80%99s%20T20%20World%20Cup%20Qualifier
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EUAE%20fixtures%3C%2Fstrong%3E%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E25%20April%20%E2%80%93%20Ireland%20v%20UAE*%3Cbr%3E27%20April%20%E2%80%93%20UAE%20v%20Zimbabwe**%3Cbr%3E29%20April%20%E2%80%93%20Netherlands%20v%20UAE*%3Cbr%3E3%20May%20%E2%80%93%20UAE%20v%20Vanuatu*%3Cbr%3E5%20May%20%E2%80%93%20Semi-finals%3Cbr%3E7%20May%20%E2%80%93%20Final%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EUAE%20squad%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EEsha%20Oza%20(captain)%2C%20Al%20Maseera%20Jahangir%2C%20Avanee%20Patel%2C%20Heena%20Hotchandani%2C%20Indhuja%20Nandakumar%2C%20Kavisha%20Kumari%2C%20Khushi%20Sharma%2C%20Lavanya%20Keny%2C%20Mehak%20Thakur%2C%20Rinitha%20Rajith%2C%20Samaira%20Dharnidharka%2C%20Siya%20Gokhale%2C%20Suraksha%20Kotte%2C%20Theertha%20Satish%2C%20Vaishnave%20Mahesh.%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E*Zayed%20Cricket%20Stadium%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E**Tolerance%20Oval%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
RESULTS
2pm: Handicap (PA) Dh40,000 (Dirt) 1,000m
Winner: AF Mozhell, Saif Al Balushi (jockey), Khalifa Al Neyadi (trainer)
2.30pm: Maiden (PA) Dh40,000 (D) 2,000m
Winner: Majdi, Szczepan Mazur, Abdallah Al Hammadi.
3pm: Handicap (PA) Dh40,000 (D) 1,700m
Winner: AF Athabeh, Tadhg O’Shea, Ernst Oertel.
3.30pm: Handicap (PA) Dh40,000 (D) 1,700m
Winner: AF Eshaar, Bernardo Pinheiro, Khalifa Al Neyadi
4pm: Gulf Cup presented by Longines Prestige (PA) Dh150,000 (D) 1,700m
Winner: Al Roba’a Al Khali, Al Moatasem Al Balushi, Younis Al Kalbani
4.30pm: Handicap (TB) Dh40,000 (D) 1,200m
Winner: Apolo Kid, Antonio Fresu, Musabah Al Muahiri
Dhadak 2
Director: Shazia Iqbal
Starring: Siddhant Chaturvedi, Triptii Dimri
Rating: 1/5
More from Neighbourhood Watch
Company%20profile
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ECompany%20name%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EXare%C2%A0%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EStarted%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EJanuary%2018%2C%202021%C2%A0%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EFounders%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EPadmini%20Gupta%2C%20Milind%20Singh%2C%20Mandeep%20Singh%C2%A0%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EBased%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EDubai%C2%A0%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ESector%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EFinTech%C2%A0%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EFunds%20Raised%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E%2410%20million%C2%A0%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ECurrent%20number%20of%20staff%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E28%C2%A0%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EInvestment%20stage%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3Eundisclosed%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EInvestors%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EMS%26amp%3BAD%20Ventures%2C%20Middle%20East%20Venture%20Partners%2C%20Astra%20Amco%2C%20the%20Dubai%20International%20Financial%20Centre%2C%20Fintech%20Fund%2C%20500%20Startups%2C%20Khwarizmi%20Ventures%2C%20and%20Phoenician%20Funds%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
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.
Ten tax points to be aware of in 2026
1. Domestic VAT refund amendments: request your refund within five years
If a business does not apply for the refund on time, they lose their credit.
2. E-invoicing in the UAE
Businesses should continue preparing for the implementation of e-invoicing in the UAE, with 2026 a preparation and transition period ahead of phased mandatory adoption.
3. More tax audits
Tax authorities are increasingly using data already available across multiple filings to identify audit risks.
4. More beneficial VAT and excise tax penalty regime
Tax disputes are expected to become more frequent and more structured, with clearer administrative objection and appeal processes. The UAE has adopted a new penalty regime for VAT and excise disputes, which now mirrors the penalty regime for corporate tax.
5. Greater emphasis on statutory audit
There is a greater need for the accuracy of financial statements. The International Financial Reporting Standards standards need to be strictly adhered to and, as a result, the quality of the audits will need to increase.
6. Further transfer pricing enforcement
Transfer pricing enforcement, which refers to the practice of establishing prices for internal transactions between related entities, is expected to broaden in scope. The UAE will shortly open the possibility to negotiate advance pricing agreements, or essentially rulings for transfer pricing purposes.
7. Limited time periods for audits
Recent amendments also introduce a default five-year limitation period for tax audits and assessments, subject to specific statutory exceptions. While the standard audit and assessment period is five years, this may be extended to up to 15 years in cases involving fraud or tax evasion.
8. Pillar 2 implementation
Many multinational groups will begin to feel the practical effect of the Domestic Minimum Top-Up Tax (DMTT), the UAE's implementation of the OECD’s global minimum tax under Pillar 2. While the rules apply for financial years starting on or after January 1, 2025, it is 2026 that marks the transition to an operational phase.
9. Reduced compliance obligations for imported goods and services
Businesses that apply the reverse-charge mechanism for VAT purposes in the UAE may benefit from reduced compliance obligations.
10. Substance and CbC reporting focus
Tax authorities are expected to continue strengthening the enforcement of economic substance and Country-by-Country (CbC) reporting frameworks. In the UAE, these regimes are increasingly being used as risk-assessment tools, providing tax authorities with a comprehensive view of multinational groups’ global footprints and enabling them to assess whether profits are aligned with real economic activity.
Contributed by Thomas Vanhee and Hend Rashwan, Aurifer
The specs
Engine: 2.0-litre 4cyl turbo
Power: 261hp at 5,500rpm
Torque: 405Nm at 1,750-3,500rpm
Transmission: 9-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 6.9L/100km
On sale: Now
Price: From Dh117,059
Disposing of non-recycleable masks
Use your ‘black bag’ bin at home
Do not put them in a recycling bin
Take them home with you if there is no litter bin
- No need to bag the mask
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.”
RIVER%20SPIRIT
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EAuthor%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3ELeila%20Aboulela%C2%A0%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EPublisher%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Saqi%20Books%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EPages%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20320%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EAvailable%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Now%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Zayed Sustainability Prize
What are NFTs?
Are non-fungible tokens a currency, asset, or a licensing instrument? Arnab Das, global market strategist EMEA at Invesco, says they are mix of all of three.
You can buy, hold and use NFTs just like US dollars and Bitcoins. “They can appreciate in value and even produce cash flows.”
However, while money is fungible, NFTs are not. “One Bitcoin, dollar, euro or dirham is largely indistinguishable from the next. Nothing ties a dollar bill to a particular owner, for example. Nor does it tie you to to any goods, services or assets you bought with that currency. In contrast, NFTs confer specific ownership,” Mr Das says.
This makes NFTs closer to a piece of intellectual property such as a work of art or licence, as you can claim royalties or profit by exchanging it at a higher value later, Mr Das says. “They could provide a sustainable income stream.”
This income will depend on future demand and use, which makes NFTs difficult to value. “However, there is a credible use case for many forms of intellectual property, notably art, songs, videos,” Mr Das says.
Benefits of first-time home buyers' scheme
- Priority access to new homes from participating developers
- Discounts on sales price of off-plan units
- Flexible payment plans from developers
- Mortgages with better interest rates, faster approval times and reduced fees
- DLD registration fee can be paid through banks or credit cards at zero interest rates
The biog
Name: Abeer Al Shahi
Emirate: Sharjah – Khor Fakkan
Education: Master’s degree in special education, preparing for a PhD in philosophy.
Favourite activities: Bungee jumping
Favourite quote: “My people and I will not settle for anything less than first place” – Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid.
Kanguva
Director: Siva
Stars: Suriya, Bobby Deol, Disha Patani, Yogi Babu, Redin Kingsley
Diriyah%20project%20at%20a%20glance
%3Cp%3E-%20Diriyah%E2%80%99s%201.9km%20King%20Salman%20Boulevard%2C%20a%20Parisian%20Champs-Elysees-inspired%20avenue%2C%20is%20scheduled%20for%20completion%20in%202028%0D%3Cbr%3E-%20The%20Royal%20Diriyah%20Opera%20House%20is%20expected%20to%20be%20completed%20in%20four%20years%0D%3Cbr%3E-%20Diriyah%E2%80%99s%20first%20of%2042%20hotels%2C%20the%20Bab%20Samhan%20hotel%2C%20will%20open%20in%20the%20first%20quarter%20of%202024%0D%3Cbr%3E-%20On%20completion%20in%202030%2C%20the%20Diriyah%20project%20is%20forecast%20to%20accommodate%20more%20than%20100%2C000%20people%0D%3Cbr%3E-%20The%20%2463.2%20billion%20Diriyah%20project%20will%20contribute%20%247.2%20billion%20to%20the%20kingdom%E2%80%99s%20GDP%0D%3Cbr%3E-%20It%20will%20create%20more%20than%20178%2C000%20jobs%20and%20aims%20to%20attract%20more%20than%2050%20million%20visits%20a%20year%0D%3Cbr%3E-%20About%202%2C000%20people%20work%20for%20the%20Diriyah%20Company%2C%20with%20more%20than%2086%20per%20cent%20being%20Saudi%20citizens%0D%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
The rules of the road keeping cyclists safe
Cyclists must wear a helmet, arm and knee pads
Have a white front-light and a back red-light on their bike
They must place a number plate with reflective light to the back of the bike to alert road-users
Avoid carrying weights that could cause the bike to lose balance
They must cycle on designated lanes and areas and ride safe on pavements to avoid bumping into pedestrians
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)
Learn more about Qasr Al Hosn
In 2013, The National's History Project went beyond the walls to see what life was like living in Abu Dhabi's fabled fort:
The specs
Engine: 3.0-litre twin-turbo flat-six
Power: 480hp at 6,500rpm
Torque: 570Nm from 2,300-5,000rpm
Transmission: 8-speed dual-clutch auto
Fuel consumption: 10.4L/100km
Price: from Dh547,600
On sale: now
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
Earth under attack: Cosmic impacts throughout history
- 4.5 billion years ago: Mars-sized object smashes into the newly-formed Earth, creating debris that coalesces to form the Moon
- 66 million years ago: 10km-wide asteroid crashes into the Gulf of Mexico, wiping out over 70 per cent of living species – including the dinosaurs.
- 50,000 years ago: 50m-wide iron meteor crashes in Arizona with the violence of 10 megatonne hydrogen bomb, creating the famous 1.2km-wide Barringer Crater
- 1490: Meteor storm over Shansi Province, north-east China when large stones “fell like rain”, reportedly leading to thousands of deaths.
- 1908: 100-metre meteor from the Taurid Complex explodes near the Tunguska river in Siberia with the force of 1,000 Hiroshima-type bombs, devastating 2,000 square kilometres of forest.
- 1998: Comet Shoemaker-Levy 9 breaks apart and crashes into Jupiter in series of impacts that would have annihilated life on Earth.
-2013: 10,000-tonne meteor burns up over the southern Urals region of Russia, releasing a pressure blast and flash that left over 1600 people injured.
Living in...
This article is part of a guide on where to live in the UAE. Our reporters will profile some of the country’s most desirable districts, provide an estimate of rental prices and introduce you to some of the residents who call each area home.
Gulf Under 19s final
Dubai College A 50-12 Dubai College B
MATCH INFO
What: 2006 World Cup quarter-final
When: July 1
Where: Gelsenkirchen Stadium, Gelsenkirchen, Germany
Result:
England 0 Portugal 0
(Portugal win 3-1 on penalties)
Women’s T20 World Cup Asia Qualifier
ICC Academy, November 22-28
UAE fixtures
Nov 22, v Malaysia
Nov 23, v Hong Kong
Nov 25, v Bhutan
Nov 26, v Kuwait
Nov 28, v Nepal
ICC T20I rankings
14. Nepal
17. UAE
25. Hong Kong
34. Kuwait
35. Malaysia
44. Bhutan
UAE squad
Chaya Mughal (captain), Natasha Cherriath, Samaira Dharnidharka, Kavisha Egodage, Mahika Gaur, Priyanjali Jain, Suraksha Kotte, Vaishnave Mahesh, Judit Peter, Esha Rohit, Theertha Satish, Chamani Seneviratne, Khushi Sharma, Subha Venkataraman
The five pillars of Islam
