Dubai Sustainable Tourism is encouraging visitors and residents to have a more eco-friendly lifestyle with the launch of a new initiative.
The Get into the Green Scene campaign is set to raise awareness about Dubai's sustainable attractions and show residents and people visiting the emirate how they can incorporate environmentally friendly practices into their lives.
Revolving around a calendar of globally recognised sustainability days, including International Mountain Day and World Animal Day, the campaign will share simple ways for people to get involved with the theme of each occasion.
This will include simple suggestions that promote Dubai's natural spaces and put a spotlight on local organisations working towards a more sustainable planet.
“We are very proud to launch Get into the Green Scene, which promotes the ease in which visitors and residents can embrace sustainability-minded behaviours," said Yousuf Lootah, vice chairman of Dubai Sustainable Tourism.
"It also highlights the breadth of work that is being done across Dubai by our partners and stakeholders to ensure a positive impact on our environment."
The initiative is designed to help highlight sustainability in Dubai, a key part of the Year of the 50th campaign taking place to commemorate the UAE's golden jubilee celebrations.
The initiative follows Dubai Tourism's announcement last week that hotels in the emirate have until July 1 to reach sustainability targets.
The dates in Dubai's Green Scene calendar
June 3: World Bicycle Day
Bicycles are an environmentally friendly mode of transportation, and this World Bicycle Day, Dubai Sustainable Tourism is urging residents to hop on the saddle and enjoy one of the city's best bike rides.
Whether you're a complete beginner or expert rider, so long as you can withstand the summer heat, there's a track waiting for you.
Bikes are also available to hire in several places around the city. Try taking to two wheels at the Al Qudra Cycle Track or Nad Al Sheba Park, or head out to Hatta to spin across mountain biking trails that cut across the Hajar Mountains.
July 3: International Plastic Bag Free Day
Every July 3, the world celebrates International Plastic Bag Free Day, when consumers are reminded to take reusable bags with them when shopping.
Dubai Sustainable Tourism is encouraging residents and visitors to say no to plastic bags whenever possible, but especially on July 3. It's also highlighting local eco-stores such as The Green Camel, which specialises in bamboo and beeswax products, or The Green Ecostore, which stocks a wide variety of plastic alternatives.
September 18: International Coastal Clean-Up Day
Located on the UAE's northern coastline, Dubai's beaches are among its big draws for tourists.
The diverse marine ecosystems found along these shorelines are also connected to the city's culture and identity, since Dubai was previously a pearl-diving coastal town.
On September 18, as the world celebrates International Coastal Clean-Up Day, Get into the Green Scene will encourage people to join the Emirates Environmental Group's annual Clean Up UAE campaign. The aim of this event is to remove waste and preserve beaches, desert and waterways across the country for future generations.
Last year, more than 5,000 people across Dubai and Abu Dhabi collected almost 13 tonnes of waste. This year, Dubai Sustainable Tourism is hoping to get even more people involved in the critical clean-up.
October 4: World Animal Day
To celebrate World Animal Day on October 4, Dubai Sustainable Tourism is inviting people to visit the city's natural surroundings and spot some of the wildlife that call the emirate home.
Head to Al Marmoom Desert Conservation Reserve, the UAE's first unfenced nature reserve, or take part in a wildlife tour at Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve, with more than 200 plant and animal species on site. Al Qudra Lakes is the place to go for budding ornithologists – it's home to more than 170 different types of birds.
December 11: International Mountain Day
On International Mountain Day, the world turns its attention to the risks that the planet's peaks face from climate change and overexploitation.
In Dubai, to celebrate the global day, people are encouraged to head to Hatta, where plenty of adventures await in Al Hajar Mountains. From hiking trails and bike rides to campsites and horse-riding, there are plenty of ways to make the most of Dubai's natural mountains, and show them the appreciation they deserve.
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.”
Dubai Rugby Sevens
November 30-December 2, at The Sevens, Dubai
Gulf Under 19
Pool A – Abu Dhabi Harlequins, Jumeirah College Tigers, Dubai English Speaking School 1, Gems World Academy
Pool B – British School Al Khubairat, Bahrain Colts, Jumeirah College Lions, Dubai English Speaking School 2
Pool C - Dubai College A, Dubai Sharks, Jumeirah English Speaking School, Al Yasmina
Pool D – Dubai Exiles, Dubai Hurricanes, Al Ain Amblers, Deira International School
Ant-Man and the Wasp
Director: Peyton Reed
Starring: Paul Rudd, Evangeline Lilly, Michael Douglas
Three stars
Ferrari 12Cilindri specs
Engine: naturally aspirated 6.5-liter V12
Power: 819hp
Torque: 678Nm at 7,250rpm
Price: From Dh1,700,000
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Last 10 NBA champions
2017: Golden State bt Cleveland 4-1
2016: Cleveland bt Golden State 4-3
2015: Golden State bt Cleveland 4-2
2014: San Antonio bt Miami 4-1
2013: Miami bt San Antonio 4-3
2012: Miami bt Oklahoma City 4-1
2011: Dallas bt Miami 4-2
2010: Los Angeles Lakers bt Boston 4-3
2009: Los Angeles Lakers bt Orlando 4-1
2008: Boston bt Los Angeles Lakers 4-2
Global state-owned investor ranking by size
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How to come clean about financial infidelity
- Be honest and transparent: It is always better to own up than be found out. Tell your partner everything they want to know. Show remorse. Inform them of the extent of the situation so they know what they are dealing with.
- Work on yourself: Be honest with yourself and your partner and figure out why you did it. Don’t be ashamed to ask for professional help.
- Give it time: Like any breach of trust, it requires time to rebuild. So be consistent, communicate often and be patient with your partner and yourself.
- Discuss your financial situation regularly: Ensure your spouse is involved in financial matters and decisions. Your ability to consistently follow through with what you say you are going to do when it comes to money can make all the difference in your partner’s willingness to trust you again.
- Work on a plan to resolve the problem together: If there is a lot of debt, for example, create a budget and financial plan together and ensure your partner is fully informed, involved and supported.
Carol Glynn, founder of Conscious Finance Coaching
UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE FIXTURES
All kick-off times 10.45pm UAE ( 4 GMT) unless stated
Tuesday
Sevilla v Maribor
Spartak Moscow v Liverpool
Manchester City v Shakhtar Donetsk
Napoli v Feyenoord
Besiktas v RB Leipzig
Monaco v Porto
Apoel Nicosia v Tottenham Hotspur
Borussia Dortmund v Real Madrid
Wednesday
Basel v Benfica
CSKA Moscow Manchester United
Paris Saint-Germain v Bayern Munich
Anderlecht v Celtic
Qarabag v Roma (8pm)
Atletico Madrid v Chelsea
Juventus v Olympiakos
Sporting Lisbon v Barcelona
IF YOU GO
The flights: FlyDubai offers direct flights to Catania Airport from Dubai International Terminal 2 daily with return fares starting from Dh1,895.
The details: Access to the 2,900-metre elevation point at Mount Etna by cable car and 4x4 transport vehicle cost around €57.50 (Dh248) per adult. Entry into Teatro Greco costs €10 (Dh43). For more go to www.visitsicily.info
Where to stay: Hilton Giardini Naxos offers beachfront access and accessible to Taormina and Mount Etna. Rooms start from around €130 (Dh561) per night, including taxes.
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
