A new year and yet another sky-busting tower in Dubai.
This time it's Uptown Tower, which is sandwiched between the southern end of Jumeirah Lakes Towers and the Jumeirah Park community.
The skyscraper reached 329 metres last week when the concrete was poured for the roof of the 79th level. It will eventually reach 340m when a steel crown is placed on top.
The Uptown Dubai District is set to offer 10 million square feet of residential and business space, with 200 shops and restaurants.
But where does Uptown Tower rank in terms of the world's tallest buildings?
Of course, it is some way below the 828m Burj Khalifa, and doesn't even make Dubai's top 10, but, as anyone who has stood near it will affirm, it's still huge.
And, to answer the question, it will be the world's 80th tallest building, according to data from Emporis, unless one of the 13 soon-to-be-finished buildings is higher.
World's tallest towers
Where does Uptown Tower rank among the UAE's tallest buildings?
Quite highly, but it doesn't make the top 10. Dubai has almost 20 per cent of the world’s tallest completed buildings, according to The Skyscraper Centre of the Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat.
But not all of the UAE's high rises are in Dubai, with Abu Dhabi having some of the tallest, as well.
Uptown Tower is the 14th tallest in the UAE, just behind Adnoc Tower on Abu Dhabi's Corniche (342m); The Torch in Dubai Marina (352m), Emirates Tower 1 (354m) and the JW Marriott Marquis (355m).
You can see the tallest in the Middle East in the slideshow below:
What else is coming up on the horizon?
There are a few big projects in the pipeline in Dubai.
Construction of Ciel Tower in Dubai Marina is under way and will eventually reach 360m, according to developer The First Group.
It will have 1,209 luxury hotel suites and serviced residences spread over 82 levels, plus a glass observation deck with 360-degree views.
One Zabeel, meanwhile, is a pair of towers located next to Dubai's Trade Centre, connected by a 7,700-tonne bridge.
Tower A measures 304 metres and topped out in April 2021, while the 241m Tower B topped out earlier.
In Saudi Arabia, work on Jeddah Tower – slated to be the world's tallest once complete – is ongoing, although progress has been slow since construction started in 2011.
Meanwhile, in Downtown Kuala Lumpur, what will be the world's second-tallest skyscraper reached its final height in December.
Merdeka 118 is 678.9m, taller than the current second-tallest building, Shanghai Tower.
Designed by Australian firm Fender Katsalidis, Merdeka, 118 is scheduled to be completed later this year.
In Egypt, Africa’s tallest skyscraper has risen in the desert. The concrete, 385-metre Iconic Tower was completed in June last year and is set to open its doors in the first quarter of this year.
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
The specs: Audi e-tron
Price, base: From Dh325,000 (estimate)
Engine: Twin electric motors and 95kWh battery pack
Transmission: Single-speed auto
Power: 408hp
Torque: 664Nm
Range: 400 kilometres
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Labour dispute
The insured employee may still file an ILOE claim even if a labour dispute is ongoing post termination, but the insurer may suspend or reject payment, until the courts resolve the dispute, especially if the reason for termination is contested. The outcome of the labour court proceedings can directly affect eligibility.
- Abdullah Ishnaneh, Partner, BSA Law
Top investing tips for UAE residents in 2021
Build an emergency fund: Make sure you have enough cash to cover six months of expenses as a buffer against unexpected problems before you begin investing, advises Steve Cronin, the founder of DeadSimpleSaving.com.
Think long-term: When you invest, you need to have a long-term mindset, so don’t worry about momentary ups and downs in the stock market.
Invest worldwide: Diversify your investments globally, ideally by way of a global stock index fund.
Is your money tied up: Avoid anything where you cannot get your money back in full within a month at any time without any penalty.
Skip past the promises: “If an investment product is offering more than 10 per cent return per year, it is either extremely risky or a scam,” Mr Cronin says.
Choose plans with low fees: Make sure that any funds you buy do not charge more than 1 per cent in fees, Mr Cronin says. “If you invest by yourself, you can easily stay below this figure.” Managed funds and commissionable investments often come with higher fees.
Be sceptical about recommendations: If someone suggests an investment to you, ask if they stand to gain, advises Mr Cronin. “If they are receiving commission, they are unlikely to recommend an investment that’s best for you.”
Get financially independent: Mr Cronin advises UAE residents to pursue financial independence. Start with a Google search and improve your knowledge via expat investing websites or Facebook groups such as SimplyFI.
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The five pillars of Islam
1. Fasting
2. Prayer
3. Hajj
4. Shahada
5. Zakat
Haircare resolutions 2021
From Beirut and Amman to London and now Dubai, hairstylist George Massoud has seen the same mistakes made by customers all over the world. In the chair or at-home hair care, here are the resolutions he wishes his customers would make for the year ahead.
1. 'I will seek consultation from professionals'
You may know what you want, but are you sure it’s going to suit you? Haircare professionals can tell you what will work best with your skin tone, hair texture and lifestyle.
2. 'I will tell my hairdresser when I’m not happy'
Massoud says it’s better to offer constructive criticism to work on in the future. Your hairdresser will learn, and you may discover how to communicate exactly what you want more effectively the next time.
3. ‘I will treat my hair better out of the chair’
Damage control is a big part of most hairstylists’ work right now, but it can be avoided. Steer clear of over-colouring at home, try and pursue one hair brand at a time and never, ever use a straightener on still drying hair, pleads Massoud.
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UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Ashes 2019 schedule
August 1-5: First Test, Edgbaston
August 14-18: Second Test, Lord's
August 22-26: Third Test, Headingley
September 4-8: Fourth Test, Old Trafford
September 12-16: Fifth Test, Oval
UK's plans to cut net migration
Under the UK government’s proposals, migrants will have to spend 10 years in the UK before being able to apply for citizenship.
Skilled worker visas will require a university degree, and there will be tighter restrictions on recruitment for jobs with skills shortages.
But what are described as "high-contributing" individuals such as doctors and nurses could be fast-tracked through the system.
Language requirements will be increased for all immigration routes to ensure a higher level of English.
Rules will also be laid out for adult dependants, meaning they will have to demonstrate a basic understanding of the language.
The plans also call for stricter tests for colleges and universities offering places to foreign students and a reduction in the time graduates can remain in the UK after their studies from two years to 18 months.
