• Water flooding the streets due to recent rain in Sharjah. Pawan Singh / The National
    Water flooding the streets due to recent rain in Sharjah. Pawan Singh / The National
  • People wear warm clothes during a cold morning in Dubai. Pawan Singh / The National
    People wear warm clothes during a cold morning in Dubai. Pawan Singh / The National
  • Traffic during the rain on Al Khail Road in Dubai. Pawan Singh / The National
    Traffic during the rain on Al Khail Road in Dubai. Pawan Singh / The National
  • Water pumps installed to remove excess water near Ibn Battuta mall in Dubai. Pawan Singh / The National
    Water pumps installed to remove excess water near Ibn Battuta mall in Dubai. Pawan Singh / The National
  • Dark clouds over Emirates Palace, Abu Dhabi. Khushnum Bhandari / The National
    Dark clouds over Emirates Palace, Abu Dhabi. Khushnum Bhandari / The National
  • A rainy day in Dubai on January 27. Antonie Robertson / The National
    A rainy day in Dubai on January 27. Antonie Robertson / The National
  • Wet weather hits the Emirates. Antonie Robertson / The National
    Wet weather hits the Emirates. Antonie Robertson / The National
  • Surface water on the roads of Dubai. Antonie Robertson / The National
    Surface water on the roads of Dubai. Antonie Robertson / The National
  • Wet roads in the capital, Abu Dhabi. Khushnum Bhandari / The National
    Wet roads in the capital, Abu Dhabi. Khushnum Bhandari / The National
  • Safety signs for drivers in Abu Dhabi. Khushnum Bhandari / The National
    Safety signs for drivers in Abu Dhabi. Khushnum Bhandari / The National
  • The rain hammers down at the ILT20 cricket in Sharjah. Chris Whiteoak / The National
    The rain hammers down at the ILT20 cricket in Sharjah. Chris Whiteoak / The National
  • Dark skies loom over flooding in Sharjah. Chris Whiteoak / The National
    Dark skies loom over flooding in Sharjah. Chris Whiteoak / The National
  • Large parts of the country are braced for heavy downpours. Victor Besa / The National
    Large parts of the country are braced for heavy downpours. Victor Besa / The National
  • Pedestrians walk in strong winds in Khalifa City. Victor Besa / The National
    Pedestrians walk in strong winds in Khalifa City. Victor Besa / The National
  • Lifeguard watches over the Hudayriyat beach amid the chilled weather in Abu Dhabi. Talib Jariwala / The National
    Lifeguard watches over the Hudayriyat beach amid the chilled weather in Abu Dhabi. Talib Jariwala / The National
  • Delivery riders park up as rain falls in Dubai this week. Police urged drivers to be cautious in wet conditions. Antonie Robertson / The National
    Delivery riders park up as rain falls in Dubai this week. Police urged drivers to be cautious in wet conditions. Antonie Robertson / The National
  • A taxi stalls in the water in Al Quoz. Antonie Robertson / The National
    A taxi stalls in the water in Al Quoz. Antonie Robertson / The National
  • Heavy rain fell overnight on Wednesday and was expected to continue on Thursday and Friday. Antonie Robertson / The National
    Heavy rain fell overnight on Wednesday and was expected to continue on Thursday and Friday. Antonie Robertson / The National
  • Some schools moved to online learning because of the weather. Antonie Robertson / The National
    Some schools moved to online learning because of the weather. Antonie Robertson / The National
  • Flooding in Barsha Heights and The Greens. Antonie Robertson / The National
    Flooding in Barsha Heights and The Greens. Antonie Robertson / The National
  • Heavy rain fell throughout the night with more downpours on the way. Antonie Robertson / The National
    Heavy rain fell throughout the night with more downpours on the way. Antonie Robertson / The National
  • Most food delivery companies took their riders off the roads on Wednesday. Antonie Robertson / The National
    Most food delivery companies took their riders off the roads on Wednesday. Antonie Robertson / The National
  • Forecasts show Thursday and Friday will be wet throughout the day. Antonie Robertson / The National
    Forecasts show Thursday and Friday will be wet throughout the day. Antonie Robertson / The National
  • Disruption on the roads is expected, with drivers urged to be cautious. Antonie Robertson / The National
    Disruption on the roads is expected, with drivers urged to be cautious. Antonie Robertson / The National
  • Cars drive through the rain in Dubai. Antonie Robertson / The National
    Cars drive through the rain in Dubai. Antonie Robertson / The National
  • Cars drive through the rain in Dubai. Antonie Robertson / The National
    Cars drive through the rain in Dubai. Antonie Robertson / The National
  • A pedestrian walks through the rain in Dubai. Antonie Robertson / The National
    A pedestrian walks through the rain in Dubai. Antonie Robertson / The National
  • A flooded street in Dubai. Antonie Robertson / The National
    A flooded street in Dubai. Antonie Robertson / The National
  • A girl holding umbrella to shelter from a downpour in the Al Karama area of Dubai. Pawan Singh / The National
    A girl holding umbrella to shelter from a downpour in the Al Karama area of Dubai. Pawan Singh / The National
  • A taxi negotiates flooded roads in Al Karama, Dubai. Pawan Singh / The National
    A taxi negotiates flooded roads in Al Karama, Dubai. Pawan Singh / The National
  • Traffic builds up amid wet weather in Al Karama. Pawan Singh / The National
    Traffic builds up amid wet weather in Al Karama. Pawan Singh / The National
  • Rain batters off a windscreen. Pawan Singh / The National
    Rain batters off a windscreen. Pawan Singh / The National
  • A huge puddle in Al Quoz. Antonie Robertson / The National
    A huge puddle in Al Quoz. Antonie Robertson / The National
  • Rainclouds loom over Dubai. Antonie Robertson / The National
    Rainclouds loom over Dubai. Antonie Robertson / The National
  • Dubai saw a short, heavy shower on Wednesday afternoon. Chris Whiteoak / The National
    Dubai saw a short, heavy shower on Wednesday afternoon. Chris Whiteoak / The National
  • Thundery showers and some lightning are forecast in the coming days. Chris Whiteoak / The National
    Thundery showers and some lightning are forecast in the coming days. Chris Whiteoak / The National
  • January and February are the wettest months in the Emirates. Pawan Singh / The National
    January and February are the wettest months in the Emirates. Pawan Singh / The National

UAE weather: rain expected for most of the week


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UAE residents can expect a wet week ahead with rain forecast for most of the country until Friday.

Wednesday and Thursday will experience the brunt of the heavy downpour, with the majority predicted in the afternoon.

Much colder temperatures are also forecast for the end of the week, dropping as low as 9°C in Dubai on Friday night.

On Monday, Abu Dhabi and Dubai can expect temperatures go as low as 14°C and 16°C respectively, and as cold as 10°C further north.

Highs will range between 22°C in Fujairah and 25°C in Dubai. Abu Dhabi will be slightly cooler at 23°C.

Tuesday will feel slightly warmer in Abu Dhabi, reaching highs of 24°C. The capital will also experience some showers.

According to Windy.com, Wednesday is when most of the rainfall will hit the Emirates, especially in the afternoon around 3pm and continue into the evening.

Authorities have warned motorists to be careful on the roads during bad weather, advising people to avoid valleys and other areas that may flood as a result of the heavy rain.

After some respite overnight, more heavy rain is predicted at the same time on Thursday when temperatures will drop, reaching highs of only 20°C in Abu Dhabi and 21°C in Dubai, with lows of 14°C and 13°C respectively.

Friday could experience some lingering light showers, but it will feel much chillier at night, with a low of 9°C forecast in Dubai.

Some rain could spill over into Saturday but Sunday is expected to be dry and clear.

  • Buildings in Downtown Dubai loom from the gloom amid stormy skies and rain. Chris Whiteoak / The National
    Buildings in Downtown Dubai loom from the gloom amid stormy skies and rain. Chris Whiteoak / The National
  • Low cloud and rain in Downtown Dubai. Chris Whiteoak / The National
    Low cloud and rain in Downtown Dubai. Chris Whiteoak / The National
  • The rain comes down in Al Qudra, Dubai. Chris Whiteoak / The National
    The rain comes down in Al Qudra, Dubai. Chris Whiteoak / The National
  • Cars drive through puddles in Dubai. Antonie Robertson / The National
    Cars drive through puddles in Dubai. Antonie Robertson / The National
  • The heavy rain left standing water on some roads. Antonie Robertson / The National
    The heavy rain left standing water on some roads. Antonie Robertson / The National
  • Dark skies over Dubai. Antonie Robertson / The National
    Dark skies over Dubai. Antonie Robertson / The National
  • Rainy weather in Dubai. Antonie Robertson / The National
    Rainy weather in Dubai. Antonie Robertson / The National
  • A man takes shelter under an umbrella during rain in Al Quoz, Dubai. Chris Whiteoak / The National
    A man takes shelter under an umbrella during rain in Al Quoz, Dubai. Chris Whiteoak / The National
  • The rain comes down at the beach in Dubai. Chris Whiteoak / The National
    The rain comes down at the beach in Dubai. Chris Whiteoak / The National
  • More rainfall and cloudy weather is forecast for much of the country on Tuesday and Wednesday. Chris Whiteoak / The National
    More rainfall and cloudy weather is forecast for much of the country on Tuesday and Wednesday. Chris Whiteoak / The National
  • A road sign warning of the hazardous driving conditions. Antonie Robertson / The National
    A road sign warning of the hazardous driving conditions. Antonie Robertson / The National
  • Umbrella weather in Dubai. Antonie Robertson / The National
    Umbrella weather in Dubai. Antonie Robertson / The National
  • Drenched delivery drivers in Umm Suqeim, Dubai. Chris Whiteoak / The National
    Drenched delivery drivers in Umm Suqeim, Dubai. Chris Whiteoak / The National
  • Wet windscreens in Al Quoz. Chris Whiteoak / The National
    Wet windscreens in Al Quoz. Chris Whiteoak / The National
  • Wood sellers cover their stock to protect it from the rain in Al Qudra. Chris Whiteoak / The National
    Wood sellers cover their stock to protect it from the rain in Al Qudra. Chris Whiteoak / The National
  • Residents take impromptu shelter from the rain in Al Quoz, Dubai. Chris Whiteoak / The National
    Residents take impromptu shelter from the rain in Al Quoz, Dubai. Chris Whiteoak / The National
  • Studio City, Dubai. Chris Whiteoak / The National
    Studio City, Dubai. Chris Whiteoak / The National
  • Al Qudra, Dubai. Chris Whiteoak / The National
    Al Qudra, Dubai. Chris Whiteoak / The National
  • Rain on the 611 in Dubai. Chris Whiteoak / The National
    Rain on the 611 in Dubai. Chris Whiteoak / The National
  • The rain coming down in Studio City, Dubai. Chris Whiteoak / The National
    The rain coming down in Studio City, Dubai. Chris Whiteoak / The National
  • Al Qudra, Dubai. Chris Whiteoak / The National
    Al Qudra, Dubai. Chris Whiteoak / The National
  • People wait out a downpour in Al Quoz. Chris Whiteoak / The National
    People wait out a downpour in Al Quoz. Chris Whiteoak / The National
  • The rain slows traffic in Al Quoz. Chris Whiteoak / The National
    The rain slows traffic in Al Quoz. Chris Whiteoak / The National
  • Pedestrians getting wet in Al Quoz. Chris Whiteoak / The National
    Pedestrians getting wet in Al Quoz. Chris Whiteoak / The National
  • The wet streets of Dubai. Antonie Robertson / The National
    The wet streets of Dubai. Antonie Robertson / The National
  • Gloomy wet weather. Antonie Robertson / The National
    Gloomy wet weather. Antonie Robertson / The National
How%20to%20avoid%20getting%20scammed
%3Cul%3E%0A%3Cli%3ENever%20click%20on%20links%20provided%20via%20app%20or%20SMS%2C%20even%20if%20they%20seem%20to%20come%20from%20authorised%20senders%20at%20first%20glance%3C%2Fli%3E%0A%3Cli%3EAlways%20double-check%20the%20authenticity%20of%20websites%3C%2Fli%3E%0A%3Cli%3EEnable%20Two-Factor%20Authentication%20(2FA)%20for%20all%20your%20working%20and%20personal%20services%3C%2Fli%3E%0A%3Cli%3EOnly%20use%20official%20links%20published%20by%20the%20respective%20entity%3C%2Fli%3E%0A%3Cli%3EDouble-check%20the%20web%20addresses%20to%20reduce%20exposure%20to%20fake%20sites%20created%20with%20domain%20names%20containing%20spelling%20errors%3C%2Fli%3E%0A%3C%2Ful%3E%0A

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.”

Key recommendations
  • Fewer criminals put behind bars and more to serve sentences in the community, with short sentences scrapped and many inmates released earlier.
  • Greater use of curfews and exclusion zones to deliver tougher supervision than ever on criminals.
  • Explore wider powers for judges to punish offenders by blocking them from attending football matches, banning them from driving or travelling abroad through an expansion of ‘ancillary orders’.
  • More Intensive Supervision Courts to tackle the root causes of crime such as alcohol and drug abuse – forcing repeat offenders to take part in tough treatment programmes or face prison.
RESULTS

6.30pm: Handicap (rated 95-108) US$125,000 2000m (Dirt).
Winner: Don’t Give Up, Gerald Mosse (jockey), Saeed bin Suroor (trainer).

7.05pm: Handicap (95 ) $160,000 2810m (Turf).
Winner: Los Barbados, Adrie de Vries, Fawzi Nass.

7.40pm: Handicap (80-89) $60,000 1600m (D).
Winner: Claim The Roses, Mickael Barzalona, Salem bin Ghadayer.

8.15pm: UAE 2000 Guineas Trial (Div-1) Conditions $100,000 1,400m (D)
Winner: Gold Town, William Buick, Charlie Appleby.

8.50pm: Cape Verdi Group 2 $200,000 1600m (T).
Winner: Promising Run, Patrick Cosgrave, Saeed bin Suroor.

9.25pm: UAE 2000 Guineas Conditions $100,000 1,400m (D).
Winner: El Chapo, Luke Morris, Fawzi Nass.

Updated: January 23, 2023, 5:45 PM