• There will be several national pavilions at Expo 2020 that will have space-themed displays. Pictured is a replica of a Falcon 9 booster rocket at the USA Pavilion. Courtesy: USA pavilion
    There will be several national pavilions at Expo 2020 that will have space-themed displays. Pictured is a replica of a Falcon 9 booster rocket at the USA Pavilion. Courtesy: USA pavilion
  • The replica is 43 metres-tall and is placed at the entrance of the pavilion. Reem Mohammed / The National
    The replica is 43 metres-tall and is placed at the entrance of the pavilion. Reem Mohammed / The National
  • The US pavilion will also display Moon rock samples at Expo 2020. In 1970, the US displayed a 3.2 billion-year-old Moon rock brought back from the Apollo 12 mission at the Osaka Expo. Courtesy: Nasa
    The US pavilion will also display Moon rock samples at Expo 2020. In 1970, the US displayed a 3.2 billion-year-old Moon rock brought back from the Apollo 12 mission at the Osaka Expo. Courtesy: Nasa
  • A chess set that was carried to space on the Soyuz 3 and Soyuz 4 spacecraft from 1968 and 1969 will be on show at the expo. Reem Mohammed / The National
    A chess set that was carried to space on the Soyuz 3 and Soyuz 4 spacecraft from 1968 and 1969 will be on show at the expo. Reem Mohammed / The National
  • To celebrate Emirati achievements in space, a Mars corridor in the Mobility Pavilion will display the journey of the Hope probe to the Red Planet. Pictured is an image taken by Hope. Courtesy: Emirates Mars Mission
    To celebrate Emirati achievements in space, a Mars corridor in the Mobility Pavilion will display the journey of the Hope probe to the Red Planet. Pictured is an image taken by Hope. Courtesy: Emirates Mars Mission
  • The US pavilion will also display a replica of one of its Mars rovers, although it is not yet known which one exactly. Nasa landed its most advanced and expensive Mars mission, Perseverance (pictured), on the surface of the planet this year. Nasa
    The US pavilion will also display a replica of one of its Mars rovers, although it is not yet known which one exactly. Nasa landed its most advanced and expensive Mars mission, Perseverance (pictured), on the surface of the planet this year. Nasa
  • The Russian pavilion will also celebrate the country’s space history. There will be a display of a replica of the first satellite in space, Sputnik, launched by the former Soviet Union. Courtesy: Roscosmos
    The Russian pavilion will also celebrate the country’s space history. There will be a display of a replica of the first satellite in space, Sputnik, launched by the former Soviet Union. Courtesy: Roscosmos
  • A 'space drill' that will dig through the Martian soil will be on display at the Italian pavilion. Manufactured by Italian aerospace firm Leonardo, the drill will be launched in 2022 on board the Rosalind Franklin rover. Courtesy: Leonardo
    A 'space drill' that will dig through the Martian soil will be on display at the Italian pavilion. Manufactured by Italian aerospace firm Leonardo, the drill will be launched in 2022 on board the Rosalind Franklin rover. Courtesy: Leonardo
  • The world’s largest 360° projection screen at the expo site, Al Wasl Dome, will feature a space-themed show. Courtesy: Dubai Expo 2020
    The world’s largest 360° projection screen at the expo site, Al Wasl Dome, will feature a space-themed show. Courtesy: Dubai Expo 2020
  • There will be a week dedicated to space during the expo from October 5 to October 6. It will be one of the 10 thematic weeks to take place. The virtual space event will highlight some of the brightest stars in space exploration. AFP
    There will be a week dedicated to space during the expo from October 5 to October 6. It will be one of the 10 thematic weeks to take place. The virtual space event will highlight some of the brightest stars in space exploration. AFP
  • Emirati astronauts will be visiting the expo site. Pictured are Mohammed Al Mulla (left), Nora Al Matrooshi (right), Hazza Al Mansouri (second to right) and Sultan Al Neyadi. Courtesy: Mbrsc
    Emirati astronauts will be visiting the expo site. Pictured are Mohammed Al Mulla (left), Nora Al Matrooshi (right), Hazza Al Mansouri (second to right) and Sultan Al Neyadi. Courtesy: Mbrsc

Ancient Moon rock and Mars meteorite part of Expo 2020 Dubai's stunning space show


Sarwat Nasir
  • English
  • Arabic

Follow the latest updates on Expo 2020 Dubai here

Visitors who boldly go to the international pavilions at Expo 2020 Dubai will see fascinating space objects such as Moon rocks and Martian meteorites.

As a new era of space exploration gathers momentum, many countries will use the global platform of the world's fair to highlight their stellar achievements.

France, the US, Russia and host nation the UAE are among the participants sharing a treasure trove of items brought back to Earth.

The six-month extravaganza will get under way on October 1, with millions of visitors expected from all around the world.

The National highlights some of the most interesting space shows visitors can experience during the world fair.

Marvel at the Moon at US pavilion

One of the largest Moon rock samples collected during the Apollo missions is going on display.

The mare basalt is estimated to be about 3.75 billion years old and is older than nearly all Earth surface rocks.

“Visitors will get up close to an actual lunar sample. American astronaut Jack Schmitt collected it near the lunar module landing site on Apollo 17. It is one of the largest samples brought back from the Moon,” Matthew Asada, deputy commissioner general for the USA Pavilion, told The National.

“The USA Pavilion’s theme ‘Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of the Future’ is strongly linked to US achievements in space.

“One of the exhibition’s star attractions is an eight-minute immersive media show which explores the future of America’s technological advances in the current century and beyond.

“This experience touches on the biggest and boldest ideas that the United States has to offer and presents the cutting edge of what’s possible – from the democratisation of space to quantum computing and more.”

A Martian meteorite sample found during the 2012-2013 season in Antarctica will also be on display.

  • An exact replica of the SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket welcomed guests into the US pavilion at the Dubai Expo. All photos by Reem Mohammed / The National
    An exact replica of the SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket welcomed guests into the US pavilion at the Dubai Expo. All photos by Reem Mohammed / The National
  • Organisers with the US pavilion are trying to find a new home in the UAE for the Falcon 9 booster model.
    Organisers with the US pavilion are trying to find a new home in the UAE for the Falcon 9 booster model.
  • Space and technology was a major focus at the pavilion.
    Space and technology was a major focus at the pavilion.
  • John Rakolta Jr, US ambassador to the UAE, during the handover ceremony of the pavilion, where he said Moon rock samples and a Mars rover replica would be on display during the world's fair.
    John Rakolta Jr, US ambassador to the UAE, during the handover ceremony of the pavilion, where he said Moon rock samples and a Mars rover replica would be on display during the world's fair.
  • Mr Rakolta said historic artefacts like US founding father Thomas Jefferson's Quran, which dates back 200 years, would be shown, as well.
    Mr Rakolta said historic artefacts like US founding father Thomas Jefferson's Quran, which dates back 200 years, would be shown, as well.
  • The pavilion has a star-covered facade
    The pavilion has a star-covered facade

Other highlights include a model of the Mars Opportunity Rover, which landed on the planet on 2004 and “died” in 2018 because of a dust storm.

Visitors will also be able to see a live feed transmitted from the Mars Perseverance rover – one of Nasa’s most expensive and ambitious Mars missions to date.

“And finally, as visitors exit the Pavilion, they will be greeted by the tallest structure on the Expo 2020 site by an international participant – a 43-metre SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket,” Mr Asada said.

“Standing tall as an example of sustainability in action, Falcon 9 is the world’s first orbital-class reusable rocket, allowing the most expensive parts to be re-employed, bringing down the cost of space travel considerably.”

The US has a history of celebrating its achievements in space during world's fairs.

The Seattle Space Needle in the US state of Washington was built for the 1962 expo, which had ‘The Age of Space’ theme.

At the 1964 world's fair in New York City, the United States Space Park featured rockets and spacecraft.

French astronaut calls in from space

French astronaut Thomas Pesquet will speak to visitors at the Al Wasl Plaza in October during a live call from the International Space Station.

Mr Pesquet flew to the space station on April 23 aboard a SpaceX Crew Dragon and became the first French commander of the ISS.

He has gathered a large following on social media with his remarkable images of Earth.

Erik Linquier, commissioner general for France at Expo 2020 Dubai, told The National that the astronaut will visit the event in person in 2022.

“He’s at the ISS right now but he will be present in the pavilion, probably in January or February,” he said.

A ‘travel to Mars’ feature will be part of the French Pavilion’s main exhibition, where visitors will be transported virtually to the Red Planet through interactive displays.

From October 20-23, visitors will be able to observe colourful galaxies and nebulae with an advanced telescope made available at the French Pavilion by Unistellar.

“Space is really important because for us it's clearly linked with the main theme of Expo, when you talk about smart and sustainable cities,” Mr Linquier said.

“A large part of information and actions that will be used to reach the Sustainable Development Goals go through space, whether it is meteorological, geographical or geological information, geographical or geological information.”

Russia's star showing

The trailer of a commercial Russian movie being filmed on the ISS from October 5 to October 17 will be revealed at the Russian pavilion.

The film, titled The Challenge, follows the story of a Russian doctor who is sent to the space station to save the life of a cosmonaut.

Russian actress Yulia Peresild and award-winning director Klim Shipenko will fly into space for the movie.

“They have been preparing since May, undertaking intensive training and preparing for the flight,” Yekaterina Pribytkova, director of international communications at the Russian Pavilion, told The National.

“The movie, in my opinion, represents both characters’ story, as well as the challenges the actress would possibly face while filming in space.

“And, most importantly, it shows Russia’s innovations in space.”

The former Soviet Union has a long history of presenting its space achievements during expos, around the same time when the first space era took off.

At the 1958 expo in Brussels, the USSR displayed models of two satellites that were launched two months before the world fair.

A special display celebrating Yuri Gagarin, the first man to fly into space, was shown at the 1961 expo in Turin, Italy.

UAE celebrates historic exploits

  • Hazza Al Mansouri, shortly after arriving back on Earth. Photo: MBRSC
    Hazza Al Mansouri, shortly after arriving back on Earth. Photo: MBRSC
  • Hazza Al Mansouri wears an Emirati kandura on board the International Space Station. Photo: Dubai Media Office
    Hazza Al Mansouri wears an Emirati kandura on board the International Space Station. Photo: Dubai Media Office
  • Emirati astronaut Hazza Al Mansouri takes live Q&A from space and gives a tour of ISS. Screengrab via Youtube Live
    Emirati astronaut Hazza Al Mansouri takes live Q&A from space and gives a tour of ISS. Screengrab via Youtube Live
  • Sheikh Mohamed Bin Rashid talks with Emirati astronaut, Hazza Al Mansouri, during a live satellite feed from the International Space Station. Photo: Dubai Media Office
    Sheikh Mohamed Bin Rashid talks with Emirati astronaut, Hazza Al Mansouri, during a live satellite feed from the International Space Station. Photo: Dubai Media Office
  • Hazza Al Mansouri answers questions from Emirati students studying in Japan during a live session on Monday. Photo: Jaxa
    Hazza Al Mansouri answers questions from Emirati students studying in Japan during a live session on Monday. Photo: Jaxa
  • One of the pictures Hazza Al Mansouri took while onboard the International Space Station. Photo: Hazza Al Mansouri
    One of the pictures Hazza Al Mansouri took while onboard the International Space Station. Photo: Hazza Al Mansouri
  • Hazza Al Mansouri having breakfast aboard the International Space Station. The UAE's first astronaut received the Nasa Distinguished Public Service Medal in recognition of his service. Photo: Mohammed bin Rashid Space Centre
    Hazza Al Mansouri having breakfast aboard the International Space Station. The UAE's first astronaut received the Nasa Distinguished Public Service Medal in recognition of his service. Photo: Mohammed bin Rashid Space Centre
  • Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, welcomes Hazza Al Mansouri to Abu Dhabi. Wam
    Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, welcomes Hazza Al Mansouri to Abu Dhabi. Wam
  • Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed bin Zayed, Chairman of Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Court, presents a certificate to Astronaut Major Hazza Al Mansouri at Khalifa University Graduation Ceremony at Emirates Palace in 2019. Hamad Al Kaabi / Ministry of Presidential Affairs
    Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed bin Zayed, Chairman of Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Court, presents a certificate to Astronaut Major Hazza Al Mansouri at Khalifa University Graduation Ceremony at Emirates Palace in 2019. Hamad Al Kaabi / Ministry of Presidential Affairs
  • UAE astronauts Hazza Al Mansouri and Sultan Al Neyadi tell of their experiences on the UAE space mission during a press conference in Dubai on Tuesday. Pawan Singh / The National
    UAE astronauts Hazza Al Mansouri and Sultan Al Neyadi tell of their experiences on the UAE space mission during a press conference in Dubai on Tuesday. Pawan Singh / The National
  • Maj Hazza Al Mansouri with Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed. Courtesy: Dubai Media Office
    Maj Hazza Al Mansouri with Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed. Courtesy: Dubai Media Office
  • UAE's first astronaut Hazza Al Mansouri inside the Kibo lab on the International Space Station. Courtesy: Jaxa
    UAE's first astronaut Hazza Al Mansouri inside the Kibo lab on the International Space Station. Courtesy: Jaxa
  • Hazza Al Mansouri was the first person from the United Arab Emirates to go into space. National Geographic
    Hazza Al Mansouri was the first person from the United Arab Emirates to go into space. National Geographic
  • Hazza Al Mansouri (left) and Sultan Al Neyadi carried the hopes of a nation as they prepared to venture into space. Courtesy: Mohammed bin Rashid Space Centre
    Hazza Al Mansouri (left) and Sultan Al Neyadi carried the hopes of a nation as they prepared to venture into space. Courtesy: Mohammed bin Rashid Space Centre
  • Hazza Al Mansouri arrives at the Presidential Terminal at Abu Dhabi International Airport on Saturday. Wam
    Hazza Al Mansouri arrives at the Presidential Terminal at Abu Dhabi International Airport on Saturday. Wam
  • Hazza Al Mansouri is tended to by ground crews. Nasa / Youtube screengrab
    Hazza Al Mansouri is tended to by ground crews. Nasa / Youtube screengrab
  • Hazza Al Mansouri posted the image of the Soyuz to his Twitter page.
    Hazza Al Mansouri posted the image of the Soyuz to his Twitter page.

Some of the UAE’s greatest achievements in space will be celebrated at the national pavilion.

These include sending the first Emirati astronaut, Hazza Al Mansouri, to the ISS, launching the first Arab mission to Mars, building the first lunar rover and selection of the first Arab female astronaut.

A space-themed show at the Al Wasl Dome will highlight UAE’s progress in space in colourful projections.

Space Week at Expo 2020

Space will be one of the thematic weeks at the expo.

From October 17-23, astronauts, policymakers, scientists and other leaders in space will gather to discuss progress being made in the field.

The event will take place before the International Astronautical Congress – the world’s largest space conference – at the World Trade Centre from October 25-29.

Sarah Al Amiri, the Minister of State for Advanced Technology and Chairperson of the UAE Space Agency, will attend the space week. Shelli Brunswick, chief operating officer of the Space Foundation, will also be speaking.

Behind-the-scenes of Expo 2020 Dubai's opening ceremony - in pictures

  • Opening Ceremony dress rehearsal - behind the scenes, Expo 2020 Dubai. Photo by Walaa Ahmed/Expo 2020 Dubai
    Opening Ceremony dress rehearsal - behind the scenes, Expo 2020 Dubai. Photo by Walaa Ahmed/Expo 2020 Dubai
  • Opening Ceremony dress rehearsal - behind the scenes, Expo 2020 Dubai. Photo by Walaa Ahmed/Expo 2020 Dubai
    Opening Ceremony dress rehearsal - behind the scenes, Expo 2020 Dubai. Photo by Walaa Ahmed/Expo 2020 Dubai
  • Opening Ceremony dress rehearsal - behind the scenes, Expo 2020 Dubai. Photo by Mahmoud Khaled/Expo 2020 Dubai
    Opening Ceremony dress rehearsal - behind the scenes, Expo 2020 Dubai. Photo by Mahmoud Khaled/Expo 2020 Dubai
  • Opening Ceremony dress rehearsal - behind the scenes, Expo 2020 Dubai. Photo by Walaa Ahmed/Expo 2020 Dubai
    Opening Ceremony dress rehearsal - behind the scenes, Expo 2020 Dubai. Photo by Walaa Ahmed/Expo 2020 Dubai
  • Opening Ceremony dress rehearsal - behind the scenes, Expo 2020 Dubai. Photo by Mahmoud Khaled/Expo 2020 Dubai
    Opening Ceremony dress rehearsal - behind the scenes, Expo 2020 Dubai. Photo by Mahmoud Khaled/Expo 2020 Dubai
  • Opening Ceremony dress rehearsal - behind the scenes, Expo 2020 Dubai. Photo by Walaa Ahmed/Expo 2020 Dubai
    Opening Ceremony dress rehearsal - behind the scenes, Expo 2020 Dubai. Photo by Walaa Ahmed/Expo 2020 Dubai
  • Opening Ceremony dress rehearsal - behind the scenes, Expo 2020 Dubai. Photo by Walaa Ahmed/Expo 2020 Dubai
    Opening Ceremony dress rehearsal - behind the scenes, Expo 2020 Dubai. Photo by Walaa Ahmed/Expo 2020 Dubai
  • Opening Ceremony dress rehearsal - behind the scenes, Expo 2020 Dubai. Photo by Walaa Ahmed/Expo 2020 Dubai
    Opening Ceremony dress rehearsal - behind the scenes, Expo 2020 Dubai. Photo by Walaa Ahmed/Expo 2020 Dubai
  • Opening Ceremony dress rehearsal - behind the scenes, Expo 2020 Dubai. Photo by Walaa Ahmed/Expo 2020 Dubai
    Opening Ceremony dress rehearsal - behind the scenes, Expo 2020 Dubai. Photo by Walaa Ahmed/Expo 2020 Dubai
  • Opening Ceremony dress rehearsal - behind the scenes, Expo 2020 Dubai. Photo by Walaa Ahmed/Expo 2020 Dubai
    Opening Ceremony dress rehearsal - behind the scenes, Expo 2020 Dubai. Photo by Walaa Ahmed/Expo 2020 Dubai
  • Opening Ceremony dress rehearsal - behind the scenes, Expo 2020 Dubai. Photo by Walaa Ahmed/Expo 2020 Dubai
    Opening Ceremony dress rehearsal - behind the scenes, Expo 2020 Dubai. Photo by Walaa Ahmed/Expo 2020 Dubai
  • Ceremony dress rehearsal - behind the scenes, Expo 2020 Dubai. Photo by Walaa Ahmed/Expo 2020 Dubai
    Ceremony dress rehearsal - behind the scenes, Expo 2020 Dubai. Photo by Walaa Ahmed/Expo 2020 Dubai
  • Opening Ceremony dress rehearsal - behind the scenes, Expo 2020 Dubai. Photo by Walaa Ahmed/Expo 2020 Dubai
    Opening Ceremony dress rehearsal - behind the scenes, Expo 2020 Dubai. Photo by Walaa Ahmed/Expo 2020 Dubai
  • Opening Ceremony dress rehearsal - behind the scenes, Expo 2020 Dubai. Photo by Walaa Ahmed/Expo 2020 Dubai
    Opening Ceremony dress rehearsal - behind the scenes, Expo 2020 Dubai. Photo by Walaa Ahmed/Expo 2020 Dubai

I Feel Pretty
Dir: Abby Kohn/Mark Silverstein
Starring: Amy Schumer, Michelle Williams, Emily Ratajkowski, Rory Scovel
 

Brief scoreline:

Tottenham 1

Son 78'

Manchester City 0

Match info

What: Fifa Club World Cup play-off
Who: Al Ain v Team Wellington
Where: Hazza bin Zayed Stadium, Al Ain
When: Wednesday, kick off 7.30pm

MATCH INFO

Liverpool 0

Stoke City 0

Man of the Match: Erik Pieters (Stoke)

Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD)

What is THAAD?

It is considered to be the US' most superior missile defence system.

Production:

It was first created in 2008.

Speed:

THAAD missiles can travel at over Mach 8, so fast that it is hypersonic.

Abilities:

THAAD is designed to take out projectiles, namely ballistic missiles, as they are on their downward trajectory towards their target, otherwise known as the "terminal phase".

Purpose:

To protect high-value strategic sites, such as airfields or population centres.

Range:

THAAD can target projectiles both inside and outside of the Earth's atmosphere, at an altitude of 93 miles above the Earth's surface.

Creators:

Lockheed Martin was originally granted the contract to develop the system in 1992. Defence company Raytheon sub-contracts to develop other major parts of the system, such as ground-based radar.

UAE and THAAD:

In 2011, the UAE became the first country outside of the US to buy two THAAD missile defence systems. It then deployed them in 2016, becoming the first Gulf country to do so.

GAC GS8 Specs

Engine: 2.0-litre 4cyl turbo

Power: 248hp at 5,200rpm

Torque: 400Nm at 1,750-4,000rpm

Transmission: 8-speed auto

Fuel consumption: 9.1L/100km

On sale: Now

Price: From Dh149,900

Where to donate in the UAE

The Emirates Charity Portal

You can donate to several registered charities through a “donation catalogue”. The use of the donation is quite specific, such as buying a fan for a poor family in Niger for Dh130.

The General Authority of Islamic Affairs & Endowments

The site has an e-donation service accepting debit card, credit card or e-Dirham, an electronic payment tool developed by the Ministry of Finance and First Abu Dhabi Bank.

Al Noor Special Needs Centre

You can donate online or order Smiles n’ Stuff products handcrafted by Al Noor students. The centre publishes a wish list of extras needed, starting at Dh500.

Beit Al Khair Society

Beit Al Khair Society has the motto “From – and to – the UAE,” with donations going towards the neediest in the country. Its website has a list of physical donation sites, but people can also contribute money by SMS, bank transfer and through the hotline 800-22554.

Dar Al Ber Society

Dar Al Ber Society, which has charity projects in 39 countries, accept cash payments, money transfers or SMS donations. Its donation hotline is 800-79.

Dubai Cares

Dubai Cares provides several options for individuals and companies to donate, including online, through banks, at retail outlets, via phone and by purchasing Dubai Cares branded merchandise. It is currently running a campaign called Bookings 2030, which allows people to help change the future of six underprivileged children and young people.

Emirates Airline Foundation

Those who travel on Emirates have undoubtedly seen the little donation envelopes in the seat pockets. But the foundation also accepts donations online and in the form of Skywards Miles. Donated miles are used to sponsor travel for doctors, surgeons, engineers and other professionals volunteering on humanitarian missions around the world.

Emirates Red Crescent

On the Emirates Red Crescent website you can choose between 35 different purposes for your donation, such as providing food for fasters, supporting debtors and contributing to a refugee women fund. It also has a list of bank accounts for each donation type.

Gulf for Good

Gulf for Good raises funds for partner charity projects through challenges, like climbing Kilimanjaro and cycling through Thailand. This year’s projects are in partnership with Street Child Nepal, Larchfield Kids, the Foundation for African Empowerment and SOS Children's Villages. Since 2001, the organisation has raised more than $3.5 million (Dh12.8m) in support of over 50 children’s charities.

Noor Dubai Foundation

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum launched the Noor Dubai Foundation a decade ago with the aim of eliminating all forms of preventable blindness globally. You can donate Dh50 to support mobile eye camps by texting the word “Noor” to 4565 (Etisalat) or 4849 (du).

If you go

The flights

Emirates flies from Dubai to Seattle from Dh5,555 return, including taxes. Portland is a 260 km drive from Seattle and Emirates offers codeshare flights to Portland with its partner Alaska Airlines.

The car

Hertz (www.hertz.ae) offers compact car rental from about $300 per week, including taxes. Emirates Skywards members can earn points on their car hire through Hertz.

Parks and accommodation

For information on Crater Lake National Park, visit www.nps.gov/crla/index.htm . Because of the altitude, large parts of the park are closed in winter due to snow. While the park’s summer season is May 22-October 31, typically, the full loop of the Rim Drive is only possible from late July until the end of October. Entry costs $25 per car for a day. For accommodation, see www.travelcraterlake.com. For information on Umpqua Hot Springs, see www.fs.usda.gov and https://soakoregon.com/umpqua-hot-springs/. For Bend, see https://www.visitbend.com/.

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.”

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%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EDirector%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Chad%20Stahelski%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EStars%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Keanu%20Reeves%2C%20Laurence%20Fishburne%2C%20George%20Georgiou%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ERating%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E4%2F5%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Avatar: Fire and Ash

Director: James Cameron

Starring: Sam Worthington, Sigourney Weaver, Zoe Saldana

Rating: 4.5/5

How to wear a kandura

Dos

  • Wear the right fabric for the right season and occasion 
  • Always ask for the dress code if you don’t know
  • Wear a white kandura, white ghutra / shemagh (headwear) and black shoes for work 
  • Wear 100 per cent cotton under the kandura as most fabrics are polyester

Don’ts 

  • Wear hamdania for work, always wear a ghutra and agal 
  • Buy a kandura only based on how it feels; ask questions about the fabric and understand what you are buying
It Was Just an Accident

Director: Jafar Panahi

Stars: Vahid Mobasseri, Mariam Afshari, Ebrahim Azizi, Hadis Pakbaten, Majid Panahi, Mohamad Ali Elyasmehr

Rating: 4/5

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%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EEnablers%20of%20digital%20services%3C%2Fstrong%3E%3Cbr%3E%E2%80%A2%20Blockchain%20and%20cryptocurrency%3Cbr%3E%E2%80%A2%20Crowdfunding%3Cbr%3E%E2%80%A2%20Banking-as-a-service%3Cbr%3E%E2%80%A2%20Banking%20identification%20number%20sponsors%3Cbr%3E%E2%80%A2%20Issuers%2Fprocessors%3Cbr%3E%E2%80%A2%20Programme%20managers%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EDigital%20issuance%3C%2Fstrong%3E%3Cbr%3E%E2%80%A2%20Blockchain%20and%20cryptocurrency%3Cbr%3E%E2%80%A2%20Alternative%20lending%3Cbr%3E%E2%80%A2%20Personal%20financial%20management%3Cbr%3E%E2%80%A2%20Money%20transfer%20and%20remittance%3Cbr%3E%E2%80%A2%20Digital%20banking%20(neo%20banks)%3Cbr%3E%E2%80%A2%20Digital%20wallets%2C%20peer-to-peer%20and%20transfers%3Cbr%3E%E2%80%A2%20Employee%20benefits%3Cbr%3E%E2%80%A2%20Payables%3Cbr%3E%E2%80%A2%20Corporate%20cards%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EValue-add%20for%20merchants%2Fconsumers%3C%2Fstrong%3E%3Cbr%3E%E2%80%A2%20Data%20and%20analytics%3Cbr%3E%E2%80%A2%20ID%2C%20authentication%20and%20security%3Cbr%3E%E2%80%A2%20Insurance%20technology%3Cbr%3E%E2%80%A2%20Loyalty%3Cbr%3E%E2%80%A2%20Merchant%20services%20and%20tools%3Cbr%3E%E2%80%A2%20Process%20and%20payment%20infrastructure%3Cbr%3E%E2%80%A2%20Retail%20technology%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ESME%20recovery%3C%2Fstrong%3E%3Cbr%3E%E2%80%A2%20Money%20movement%3Cbr%3E%E2%80%A2%20Acceptance%3Cbr%3E%E2%80%A2%20Risk%20management%3Cbr%3E%E2%80%A2%20Brand%20management%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ENew%20categories%20for%202023%3C%2Fstrong%3E%3Cbr%3E%E2%80%A2%20Sustainable%20FinTechs%3Cbr%3E%E2%80%A2%20Risk%3Cbr%3E%E2%80%A2%20Urban%20mobility%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Three trading apps to try

Sharad Nair recommends three investment apps for UAE residents:

  • For beginners or people who want to start investing with limited capital, Mr Nair suggests eToro. “The low fees and low minimum balance requirements make the platform more accessible,” he says. “The user interface is straightforward to understand and operate, while its social element may help ease beginners into the idea of investing money by looking to a virtual community.”
  • If you’re an experienced investor, and have $10,000 or more to invest, consider Saxo Bank. “Saxo Bank offers a more comprehensive trading platform with advanced features and insight for more experienced users. It offers a more personalised approach to opening and operating an account on their platform,” he says.
  • Finally, StashAway could work for those who want a hands-off approach to their investing. “It removes one of the biggest challenges for novice traders: picking the securities in their portfolio,” Mr Nair says. “A goal-based approach or view towards investing can help motivate residents who may usually shy away from investment platforms.”
BMW M5 specs

Engine: 4.4-litre twin-turbo V-8 petrol enging with additional electric motor

Power: 727hp

Torque: 1,000Nm

Transmission: 8-speed auto

Fuel consumption: 10.6L/100km

On sale: Now

Price: From Dh650,000

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The specs

Engine: 1.5-litre turbo

Power: 181hp

Torque: 230Nm

Transmission: 6-speed automatic

Starting price: Dh79,000

On sale: Now

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Turkish Ladies

Various artists, Sony Music Turkey 

'Texas Chainsaw Massacre'

Rating: 1 out of 4

Running time: 81 minutes

Director: David Blue Garcia

Starring: Sarah Yarkin, Elsie Fisher, Mark Burnham

LA LIGA FIXTURES

Friday Athletic Bilbao v Celta Vigo (Kick-off midnight UAE)

Saturday Levante v Getafe (5pm), Sevilla v Real Madrid (7.15pm), Atletico Madrid v Real Valladolid (9.30pm), Cadiz v Barcelona (midnight)

Sunday Granada v Huesca (5pm), Osasuna v Real Betis (7.15pm), Villarreal v Elche (9.30pm), Alaves v Real Sociedad (midnight)

Monday Eibar v Valencia (midnight)

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AIDA%20RETURNS
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10 tips for entry-level job seekers
  • Have an up-to-date, professional LinkedIn profile. If you don’t have a LinkedIn account, set one up today. Avoid poor-quality profile pictures with distracting backgrounds. Include a professional summary and begin to grow your network.
  • Keep track of the job trends in your sector through the news. Apply for job alerts at your dream organisations and the types of jobs you want – LinkedIn uses AI to share similar relevant jobs based on your selections.
  • Double check that you’ve highlighted relevant skills on your resume and LinkedIn profile.
  • For most entry-level jobs, your resume will first be filtered by an applicant tracking system for keywords. Look closely at the description of the job you are applying for and mirror the language as much as possible (while being honest and accurate about your skills and experience).
  • Keep your CV professional and in a simple format – make sure you tailor your cover letter and application to the company and role.
  • Go online and look for details on job specifications for your target position. Make a list of skills required and set yourself some learning goals to tick off all the necessary skills one by one.
  • Don’t be afraid to reach outside your immediate friends and family to other acquaintances and let them know you are looking for new opportunities.
  • Make sure you’ve set your LinkedIn profile to signal that you are “open to opportunities”. Also be sure to use LinkedIn to search for people who are still actively hiring by searching for those that have the headline “I’m hiring” or “We’re hiring” in their profile.
  • Prepare for online interviews using mock interview tools. Even before landing interviews, it can be useful to start practising.
  • Be professional and patient. Always be professional with whoever you are interacting with throughout your search process, this will be remembered. You need to be patient, dedicated and not give up on your search. Candidates need to make sure they are following up appropriately for roles they have applied.

Arda Atalay, head of Mena private sector at LinkedIn Talent Solutions, Rudy Bier, managing partner of Kinetic Business Solutions and Ben Kinerman Daltrey, co-founder of KinFitz

BIG SPENDERS

Premier League clubs spent £230 million (Dh1.15 billion) on January transfers, the second-highest total for the mid-season window, the Sports Business Group at Deloitte said in a report.

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Mubadala World Tennis Championship 2018 schedule

Thursday December 27

Men's quarter-finals

Kevin Anderson v Hyeon Chung 4pm

Dominic Thiem v Karen Khachanov 6pm

Women's exhibition

Serena Williams v Venus Williams 8pm

Friday December 28

5th place play-off 3pm

Men's semi-finals

Rafael Nadal v Anderson/Chung 5pm

Novak Djokovic v Thiem/Khachanov 7pm

Saturday December 29

3rd place play-off 5pm

Men's final 7pm

If you go...

Flying
There is no simple way to get to Punta Arenas from the UAE, with flights from Dubai and Abu Dhabi requiring at least two connections to reach this part of Patagonia. Flights start from about Dh6,250.

Touring
Chile Nativo offers the amended Los Dientes trek with expert guides and porters who are met in Puerto Williams on Isla Navarino. The trip starts and ends in Punta Arenas and lasts for six days in total. Prices start from Dh8,795.

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THE SIXTH SENSE

Starring: Bruce Willis, Toni Collette, Hayley Joel Osment

Director: M. Night Shyamalan

Rating: 5/5

PREMIER LEAGUE FIXTURES

Saturday (UAE kick-off times)

Watford v Leicester City (3.30pm)

Brighton v Arsenal (6pm)

West Ham v Wolves (8.30pm)

Bournemouth v Crystal Palace (10.45pm)

Sunday

Newcastle United v Sheffield United (5pm)

Aston Villa v Chelsea (7.15pm)

Everton v Liverpool (10pm)

Monday

Manchester City v Burnley (11pm)

Jetour T1 specs

Engine: 2-litre turbocharged

Power: 254hp

Torque: 390Nm

Price: From Dh126,000

Available: Now

Islamophobia definition

A widely accepted definition was made by the All Party Parliamentary Group on British Muslims in 2019: “Islamophobia is rooted in racism and is a type of racism that targets expressions of Muslimness or perceived Muslimness.” It further defines it as “inciting hatred or violence against Muslims”.

The specs

Engine: 4.0-litre V8 twin-turbocharged and three electric motors

Power: Combined output 920hp

Torque: 730Nm at 4,000-7,000rpm

Transmission: 8-speed dual-clutch automatic

Fuel consumption: 11.2L/100km

On sale: Now, deliveries expected later in 2025

Price: expected to start at Dh1,432,000

Updated: September 20, 2021, 8:08 AM