• A flooded residential area in Pakistan's Balochistan province. The country's death toll from monsoon flooding since June has reached 1,136. AFP
    A flooded residential area in Pakistan's Balochistan province. The country's death toll from monsoon flooding since June has reached 1,136. AFP
  • Vehicles move along a flooded road in Mehar, Pakistan. Reuters
    Vehicles move along a flooded road in Mehar, Pakistan. Reuters
  • Soldiers load relief goods on to an army helicopter during a relief operation in Sawat, Pakistan. Reuters
    Soldiers load relief goods on to an army helicopter during a relief operation in Sawat, Pakistan. Reuters
  • Displaced people wait to receive food aid in the flood-hit Dera Ghazi Khan district of Punjab province. AFP
    Displaced people wait to receive food aid in the flood-hit Dera Ghazi Khan district of Punjab province. AFP
  • A cook prepares food for displaced people at a centre run by charity Saylani Welfare in Sukkur, Sindh province. AFP
    A cook prepares food for displaced people at a centre run by charity Saylani Welfare in Sukkur, Sindh province. AFP
  • Displaced people eat food provided by Saylani Welfare in Sukkur. AFP
    Displaced people eat food provided by Saylani Welfare in Sukkur. AFP
  • A baby sleeps in a hammock as its parents wait for assistance along a road in Mehar, Pakistan. Reuters
    A baby sleeps in a hammock as its parents wait for assistance along a road in Mehar, Pakistan. Reuters
  • Displaced women show their national identity cards at a government office in Sukkur as they wait to receive 25,000 Pakistani rupees ($112) in compensation for their damaged houses. AFP
    Displaced women show their national identity cards at a government office in Sukkur as they wait to receive 25,000 Pakistani rupees ($112) in compensation for their damaged houses. AFP
  • Rescue workers use a boat to drop children back home after school in Dera Ghazi Khan district. AFP
    Rescue workers use a boat to drop children back home after school in Dera Ghazi Khan district. AFP
  • Smiling through the hardship, people who fled their homes with their belongings wade through a flooded street in the Sohbatpur area of Jaffarabad district in Balochistan. AFP
    Smiling through the hardship, people who fled their homes with their belongings wade through a flooded street in the Sohbatpur area of Jaffarabad district in Balochistan. AFP
  • Flood waters at Panjal Shaikh village on the outskirts of Sukkur in Sindh province, Pakistan. AFP
    Flood waters at Panjal Shaikh village on the outskirts of Sukkur in Sindh province, Pakistan. AFP
  • Newborn Yasmeem asleep on a cot at her flood-damaged house on the outskirts of Sukkur, Sindh province. AFP
    Newborn Yasmeem asleep on a cot at her flood-damaged house on the outskirts of Sukkur, Sindh province. AFP
  • Ghulam Rasool wades through his flood-damaged mud house in Sukkur, Sindh province. AFP
    Ghulam Rasool wades through his flood-damaged mud house in Sukkur, Sindh province. AFP
  • Residents of Karachi receive food aid distributed by the Nikhil Foundation. EPA
    Residents of Karachi receive food aid distributed by the Nikhil Foundation. EPA
  • Workers from the Nikhil Foundation sort water bottles to be distributed among the people recovering from floods in Karachi, Pakistan. EPA
    Workers from the Nikhil Foundation sort water bottles to be distributed among the people recovering from floods in Karachi, Pakistan. EPA
  • A chicken is slaughtered to feed a family who fled heavy monsoon rains in the Sohbatpur area of Jaffarabad district in Balochistan province. AFP
    A chicken is slaughtered to feed a family who fled heavy monsoon rains in the Sohbatpur area of Jaffarabad district in Balochistan province. AFP
  • Pakistan Army soldiers in Shikarpur, Sindh province, distribute relief food bags to people who escaped the floods. AFP
    Pakistan Army soldiers in Shikarpur, Sindh province, distribute relief food bags to people who escaped the floods. AFP
  • Flood damage to a road on the outskirts of Peshawar, Pakistan. AP
    Flood damage to a road on the outskirts of Peshawar, Pakistan. AP
  • People who escaped the floods dry their belongings at a camp in the Sanghar district of Sindh province in Pakistan. EPA
    People who escaped the floods dry their belongings at a camp in the Sanghar district of Sindh province in Pakistan. EPA
  • A householder sweeps muddy water out of his home in Charsadda district, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. EPA
    A householder sweeps muddy water out of his home in Charsadda district, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. EPA
  • A displaced man wades through a flooded area after fleeing his home on the outskirts of Peshawar, Pakistan. AP
    A displaced man wades through a flooded area after fleeing his home on the outskirts of Peshawar, Pakistan. AP
  • People wade through a flooded area following heavy rains in Charsadda District, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, Pakistan. EPA
    People wade through a flooded area following heavy rains in Charsadda District, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, Pakistan. EPA
  • Heavy rains brought waist-deep flood water to parts of Charsadda district in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. EPA
    Heavy rains brought waist-deep flood water to parts of Charsadda district in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. EPA

UAE opens air bridge to send humanitarian aid to Pakistan


  • English
  • Arabic

The UAE has begun operating an air bridge to transport humanitarian aid to those affected by the monsoon flooding in Pakistan.

The death toll has reached 1,061 since June, the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) said on Monday, with 28 more people having died in the past 24 hours.

The crisis has forced the government to declare a state of emergency, mobilise the army for relief efforts and call for international assistance.

Villages with weak infrastructure from the Sindh province to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province have been affected so far, with rescue teams struggling to access many areas.

The UAE's Ministry of Defence, represented by the Joint Operations Command, is overseeing the delivery of relief aid from the Emirates, which includes shelter materials, humanitarian needs, food and medical parcels.

Hamad Obaid Al Zaabi, the UAE's ambassador to Pakistan, said the first Emirati relief aid plane flew on Monday morning to Pakistan and will be followed by several more in the coming days to provide support.

The aid is being delivered following directives issued by President Sheikh Mohamed to provide all forms of support to Pakistan.

Mr Al Zaabi said the provision of aid underlines the strength of relations between the two countries.

On Saturday, Sheikh Mohamed ordered 3,000 tonnes of food supplies and other humanitarian aid to be delivered to Pakistan.

The UAE aid includes about 3,000 tonnes of food supplies, medical and pharmaceutical items, and tents and shelter materials.

Teams from the UAE will also provide humanitarian support.

The death toll is likely to rise because hundreds of villages in the mountainous north have been cut off by flood-swollen rivers washing away roads and bridges, AFP reported.

The annual monsoon is essential for irrigating crops and replenishing lakes and dams across the Indian subcontinent but it also brings destruction.

Officials say this year's flooding has affected more than 33 million people — one in seven Pakistanis — destroying or badly damaging nearly a million homes.

The NDMA said more than two million acres of cultivated crops had been wiped out, with 3,457 kilometres of roads destroyed and 157 bridges washed away.

Pakistan flood's death toll rises — in pictures

  • A man clears mud off his property in the aftermath of floods in Charsadda District, Pakistan. EPA
    A man clears mud off his property in the aftermath of floods in Charsadda District, Pakistan. EPA
  • A man wades through floodwater carrying his granddaughter on his back in Charsadda. Reuters
    A man wades through floodwater carrying his granddaughter on his back in Charsadda. Reuters
  • People affected by floods wait to receive food in Charsadda District. EPA
    People affected by floods wait to receive food in Charsadda District. EPA
  • A man holding a baby wades through a flooded area in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. EPA
    A man holding a baby wades through a flooded area in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. EPA
  • People wade through water in Sanghar District. EPA
    People wade through water in Sanghar District. EPA
  • A displaced boy peeks through a hole in a plastic shelter after fleeing his flood-hit home on the outskirts of Peshawar. AP Photo
    A displaced boy peeks through a hole in a plastic shelter after fleeing his flood-hit home on the outskirts of Peshawar. AP Photo
  • A displaced boy who fled his flood-hit home carries food rations as he wades through water. AP Photo
    A displaced boy who fled his flood-hit home carries food rations as he wades through water. AP Photo
  • Personnel from the Pakistan Navy rescue people from the floods in the Dadu district of Farid Abad village in Sindh province. EPA
    Personnel from the Pakistan Navy rescue people from the floods in the Dadu district of Farid Abad village in Sindh province. EPA
  • A man carries his sick daughter along a road damaged by flood waters following heavy monsoon rains in the Madian area of Pakistan's northern Swat Valley. AFP
    A man carries his sick daughter along a road damaged by flood waters following heavy monsoon rains in the Madian area of Pakistan's northern Swat Valley. AFP
  • People forced from their homes gather at a road damaged by flood waters following monsoon rains in the Madian area of Pakistan's northern Swat Valley. AFP
    People forced from their homes gather at a road damaged by flood waters following monsoon rains in the Madian area of Pakistan's northern Swat Valley. AFP
  • Tents set along a road provide temporary shelter during monsoon rains in Sukkur, Sindh province. AFP
    Tents set along a road provide temporary shelter during monsoon rains in Sukkur, Sindh province. AFP
  • A man is given food by the Pakistan Army during relief operations in the Rajanpur district of Punjab. AP
    A man is given food by the Pakistan Army during relief operations in the Rajanpur district of Punjab. AP
  • People are moved away from a flood-hit area of the Rajanpur district of Punjab by soliders. AP
    People are moved away from a flood-hit area of the Rajanpur district of Punjab by soliders. AP
  • Troops distribute food and other essentials to the displaced people of flood-hit Rajanpur district in Punjab. AP
    Troops distribute food and other essentials to the displaced people of flood-hit Rajanpur district in Punjab. AP
  • People affected by floods triggered by heavy rains survey their damaged houses on the outskirts of Quetta, Balochistan province, Pakistan. EPA
    People affected by floods triggered by heavy rains survey their damaged houses on the outskirts of Quetta, Balochistan province, Pakistan. EPA
  • Thousands of people living near flood-swollen rivers in Pakistan's north have been ordered to leave their homes as the death toll from devastating monsoon rains approaches 1,000. AFP
    Thousands of people living near flood-swollen rivers in Pakistan's north have been ordered to leave their homes as the death toll from devastating monsoon rains approaches 1,000. AFP
  • A woman goes through her belongings next to the ruins of her house after heavy monsoon rains in Rajanpur district, Punjab province. AFP
    A woman goes through her belongings next to the ruins of her house after heavy monsoon rains in Rajanpur district, Punjab province. AFP
  • Soldiers distribute food to people affected by floods, near a makeshift camp in Rajanpur. AFP
    Soldiers distribute food to people affected by floods, near a makeshift camp in Rajanpur. AFP
  • Rescue workers evacuate people from flood-hit homes in the district. AFP
    Rescue workers evacuate people from flood-hit homes in the district. AFP
  • A doctor checks a child at a makeshift medical camp in Sanghar District, Sindh Province. EPA
    A doctor checks a child at a makeshift medical camp in Sanghar District, Sindh Province. EPA
  • A villager uses cots to save usable items salvaged from his flood-hit home, in Jaffarabad district, Balochistan province. AP
    A villager uses cots to save usable items salvaged from his flood-hit home, in Jaffarabad district, Balochistan province. AP
  • People take refuge by a highway after fleeing from their homes in Charsadda district, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. AFP
    People take refuge by a highway after fleeing from their homes in Charsadda district, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. AFP
  • The heavy rains are expected to continue, bringing more hardship for those displaced. AFP
    The heavy rains are expected to continue, bringing more hardship for those displaced. AFP
  • Partially submerged houses in Charsadda district. AFP
    Partially submerged houses in Charsadda district. AFP
  • Volunteers from the Chhipa Welfare Association carry goods for distribution to flood victims following heavy rains, in Karachi. EPA
    Volunteers from the Chhipa Welfare Association carry goods for distribution to flood victims following heavy rains, in Karachi. EPA
  • A damaged bridge in Quetta. EPA
    A damaged bridge in Quetta. EPA
  • A partially damaged homestead in Jaffarabad. AP
    A partially damaged homestead in Jaffarabad. AP
  • Pakistan's government has appealed for relief assistance from the international community. AP
    Pakistan's government has appealed for relief assistance from the international community. AP
  • A damaged road in Quetta. AFP
    A damaged road in Quetta. AFP
  • A satellite dish is used to move children across a flooded area in Jaffarabad district. AFP
    A satellite dish is used to move children across a flooded area in Jaffarabad district. AFP
What can victims do?

Always use only regulated platforms

Stop all transactions and communication on suspicion

Save all evidence (screenshots, chat logs, transaction IDs)

Report to local authorities

Warn others to prevent further harm

Courtesy: Crystal Intelligence

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

SPEC%20SHEET%3A%20APPLE%20M3%20MACBOOK%20AIR%20(13%22)
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EProcessor%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Apple%20M3%2C%208-core%20CPU%2C%20up%20to%2010-core%20CPU%2C%2016-core%20Neural%20Engine%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EDisplay%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%2013.6-inch%20Liquid%20Retina%2C%202560%20x%201664%2C%20224ppi%2C%20500%20nits%2C%20True%20Tone%2C%20wide%20colour%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EMemory%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%208%2F16%2F24GB%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EStorage%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20256%2F512GB%20%2F%201%2F2TB%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EI%2FO%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Thunderbolt%203%2FUSB-4%20(2)%2C%203.5mm%20audio%2C%20Touch%20ID%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EConnectivity%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Wi-Fi%206E%2C%20Bluetooth%205.3%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EBattery%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%2052.6Wh%20lithium-polymer%2C%20up%20to%2018%20hours%2C%20MagSafe%20charging%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ECamera%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%201080p%20FaceTime%20HD%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EVideo%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Support%20for%20Apple%20ProRes%2C%20HDR%20with%20Dolby%20Vision%2C%20HDR10%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EAudio%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%204-speaker%20system%2C%20wide%20stereo%2C%20support%20for%20Dolby%20Atmos%2C%20Spatial%20Audio%20and%20dynamic%20head%20tracking%20(with%20AirPods)%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EColours%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Midnight%2C%20silver%2C%20space%20grey%2C%20starlight%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EIn%20the%20box%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20MacBook%20Air%2C%2030W%2F35W%20dual-port%2F70w%20power%20adapter%2C%20USB-C-to-MagSafe%20cable%2C%202%20Apple%20stickers%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EPrice%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20From%20Dh4%2C599%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
The specs

Price, base / as tested Dh1,470,000 (est)
Engine 6.9-litre twin-turbo W12
Gearbox eight-speed automatic
Power 626bhp @ 6,000rpm
Torque: 900Nm @ 1,350rpm
Fuel economy, combined 14.0L / 100km

SERIES INFO

Afghanistan v Zimbabwe, Abu Dhabi Sunshine Series

All matches at the Zayed Cricket Stadium, Abu Dhabi

Test series

1st Test: Zimbabwe beat Afghanistan by 10 wickets
2nd Test: Wednesday, 10 March – Sunday, 14 March

Play starts at 9.30am

T20 series

1st T20I: Wednesday, 17 March
2nd T20I: Friday, 19 March
3rd T20I: Saturday, 20 March

TV
Supporters in the UAE can watch the matches on the Rabbithole channel on YouTube

Fund-raising tips for start-ups

Develop an innovative business concept

Have the ability to differentiate yourself from competitors

Put in place a business continuity plan after Covid-19

Prepare for the worst-case scenario (further lockdowns, long wait for a vaccine, etc.) 

Have enough cash to stay afloat for the next 12 to 18 months

Be creative and innovative to reduce expenses

Be prepared to use Covid-19 as an opportunity for your business

* Tips from Jassim Al Marzooqi and Walid Hanna

COMPANY PROFILE
Name: Kumulus Water
 
Started: 2021
 
Founders: Iheb Triki and Mohamed Ali Abid
 
Based: Tunisia 
 
Sector: Water technology 
 
Number of staff: 22 
 
Investment raised: $4 million 
Tamkeen's offering
  • Option 1: 70% in year 1, 50% in year 2, 30% in year 3
  • Option 2: 50% across three years
  • Option 3: 30% across five years 
All%20The%20Light%20We%20Cannot%20See%20
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ECreator%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3ESteven%20Knight%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EStars%3A%C2%A0%3C%2Fstrong%3EMark%20Ruffalo%2C%20Hugh%20Laurie%2C%20Aria%20Mia%20Loberti%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ERating%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E1%2F5%C2%A0%3C%2Fp%3E%0A

Various Artists 
Habibi Funk: An Eclectic Selection Of Music From The Arab World (Habibi Funk)
​​​​​​​

Racecard
%3Cp%3E1.45pm%3A%20Bin%20Dasmal%20Contracting%20Cup%20%E2%80%93%20Maiden%20(PA)%20Dh50%2C000%20(Dirt)%201%2C200m%3Cbr%3E2.15pm%3A%20Al%20Shafar%20Investment%20Cup%20%E2%80%93%20Maiden%20(TB)%20Dh60%2C000%20(D)%201%2C200m%3Cbr%3E2.45pm%3A%202023%20Cup%20by%20Emirates%20sprint%20series%20%E2%80%93%20Handicap%20(TB)%20Dh84%2C000%20(D)%201%2C200m%3Cbr%3E3.15pm%3A%20HIVE%20Cup%20%E2%80%93%20Handicap%20(TB)%20Dh68%2C000%20(D)%201%2C400m%3Cbr%3E3.45pm%3A%20Jebel%20Ali%20Mile%20Prep%20by%20Shadwell%20%E2%80%93%20Conditions%20(TB)%20Dh100%2C000%20(D)%201%2C600m%3Cbr%3E4.15pm%3A%20JARC%20Cup%20%E2%80%93%20Maiden%20(TB)%20Dh60%2C000%20(D)%201%2C600m%3Cbr%3E4.45pm%3A%20Deira%20Cup%20by%20Emirates%20Sprint%20series%20%E2%80%93%20Handicap%20(TB)%20Dh76%2C000%20(D)%201%2C950m%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
What is dialysis?

Dialysis is a way of cleaning your blood when your kidneys fail and can no longer do the job.

It gets rid of your body's wastes, extra salt and water, and helps to control your blood pressure. The main cause of kidney failure is diabetes and hypertension.

There are two kinds of dialysis — haemodialysis and peritoneal.

In haemodialysis, blood is pumped out of your body to an artificial kidney machine that filter your blood and returns it to your body by tubes.

In peritoneal dialysis, the inside lining of your own belly acts as a natural filter. Wastes are taken out by means of a cleansing fluid which is washed in and out of your belly in cycles.

It isn’t an option for everyone but if eligible, can be done at home by the patient or caregiver. This, as opposed to home haemodialysis, is covered by insurance in the UAE.

ASIAN%20RUGBY%20CHAMPIONSHIP%202024
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EResults%3C%2Fstrong%3E%3Cbr%3EHong%20Kong%2052-5%20UAE%3Cbr%3ESouth%20Korea%2055-5%20Malaysia%3Cbr%3EMalaysia%206-70%20Hong%20Kong%3Cbr%3EUAE%2036-32%20South%20Korea%3Cbr%3E%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EFixtures%3C%2Fstrong%3E%3Cbr%3EFriday%2C%20June%2021%2C%207.30pm%20kick-off%3A%20UAE%20v%20Malaysia%3Cbr%3EAt%20The%20Sevens%2C%20Dubai%20(admission%20is%20free).%3Cbr%3ESaturday%3A%20Hong%20Kong%20v%20South%20Korea%3Cbr%3E%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Full Party in the Park line-up

2pm – Andreah

3pm – Supernovas

4.30pm – The Boxtones

5.30pm – Lighthouse Family

7pm – Step On DJs

8pm – Richard Ashcroft

9.30pm – Chris Wright

10pm – Fatboy Slim

11pm – Hollaphonic

 

Dr Afridi's warning signs of digital addiction

Spending an excessive amount of time on the phone.

Neglecting personal, social, or academic responsibilities.

Losing interest in other activities or hobbies that were once enjoyed.

Having withdrawal symptoms like feeling anxious, restless, or upset when the technology is not available.

Experiencing sleep disturbances or changes in sleep patterns.

What are the guidelines?

Under 18 months: Avoid screen time altogether, except for video chatting with family.

Aged 18-24 months: If screens are introduced, it should be high-quality content watched with a caregiver to help the child understand what they are seeing.

Aged 2-5 years: Limit to one-hour per day of high-quality programming, with co-viewing whenever possible.

Aged 6-12 years: Set consistent limits on screen time to ensure it does not interfere with sleep, physical activity, or social interactions.

Teenagers: Encourage a balanced approach – screens should not replace sleep, exercise, or face-to-face socialisation.

Source: American Paediatric Association
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

UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Lexus LX700h specs

Engine: 3.4-litre twin-turbo V6 plus supplementary electric motor

Power: 464hp at 5,200rpm

Torque: 790Nm from 2,000-3,600rpm

Transmission: 10-speed auto

Fuel consumption: 11.7L/100km

On sale: Now

Price: From Dh590,000

Name: Peter Dicce

Title: Assistant dean of students and director of athletics

Favourite sport: soccer

Favourite team: Bayern Munich

Favourite player: Franz Beckenbauer

Favourite activity in Abu Dhabi: scuba diving in the Northern Emirates 

 

Essentials

The flights
Emirates, Etihad and Malaysia Airlines all fly direct from the UAE to Kuala Lumpur and on to Penang from about Dh2,300 return, including taxes. 
 

Where to stay
In Kuala Lumpur, Element is a recently opened, futuristic hotel high up in a Norman Foster-designed skyscraper. Rooms cost from Dh400 per night, including taxes. Hotel Stripes, also in KL, is a great value design hotel, with an infinity rooftop pool. Rooms cost from Dh310, including taxes. 


In Penang, Ren i Tang is a boutique b&b in what was once an ancient Chinese Medicine Hall in the centre of Little India. Rooms cost from Dh220, including taxes.
23 Love Lane in Penang is a luxury boutique heritage hotel in a converted mansion, with private tropical gardens. Rooms cost from Dh400, including taxes. 
In Langkawi, Temple Tree is a unique architectural villa hotel consisting of antique houses from all across Malaysia. Rooms cost from Dh350, including taxes.

Desert Warrior

Starring: Anthony Mackie, Aiysha Hart, Ben Kingsley

Director: Rupert Wyatt

Rating: 3/5

A Long Way Home by Peter Carey
Faber & Faber

Fixtures

Friday Leganes v Alaves, 10.15pm; Valencia v Las Palmas, 12.15am

Saturday Celta Vigo v Real Sociedad, 8.15pm; Girona v Atletico Madrid, 10.15pm; Sevilla v Espanyol, 12.15am

Sunday Athletic Bilbao v Getafe, 8.15am; Barcelona v Real Betis, 10.15pm; Deportivo v Real Madrid, 12.15am

Monday Levante v Villarreal, 10.15pm; Malaga v Eibar, midnight

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.”

WOMAN AND CHILD

Director: Saeed Roustaee

Starring: Parinaz Izadyar, Payman Maadi

Rating: 4/5

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BUNDESLIGA FIXTURES

Friday (all kick-offs UAE time)

Hertha Berlin v Union Berlin (10.30pm)

Saturday

Freiburg v Werder Bremen (5.30pm)

Paderborn v Hoffenheim (5.30pm)

Wolfsburg v Borussia Dortmund (5.30pm)

Borussia Monchengladbach v Bayer Leverkusen (5.30pm)

Bayern Munich v Eintracht Frankfurt (5.30pm)

Sunday

Schalke v Augsburg (3.30pm)

Mainz v RB Leipzig (5.30pm)

Cologne v Fortuna Dusseldorf (8pm)

 

 

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Dates for the diary

To mark Bodytree’s 10th anniversary, the coming season will be filled with celebratory activities:

  • September 21 Anyone interested in becoming a certified yoga instructor can sign up for a 250-hour course in Yoga Teacher Training with Jacquelene Sadek. It begins on September 21 and will take place over the course of six weekends.
  • October 18 to 21 International yoga instructor, Yogi Nora, will be visiting Bodytree and offering classes.
  • October 26 to November 4 International pilates instructor Courtney Miller will be on hand at the studio, offering classes.
  • November 9 Bodytree is hosting a party to celebrate turning 10, and everyone is invited. Expect a day full of free classes on the grounds of the studio.
  • December 11 Yogeswari, an advanced certified Jivamukti teacher, will be visiting the studio.
  • February 2, 2018 Bodytree will host its 4th annual yoga market.
MATCH INFO

Serie A

Juventus v Fiorentina, Saturday, 8pm (UAE)

Match is on BeIN Sports

Springsteen: Deliver Me from Nowhere

Director: Scott Cooper

Starring: Jeremy Allen White, Odessa Young, Jeremy Strong

Rating: 4/5

Race card

1.30pm: Handicap (PA) Dh 50,000 (Dirt) 1,400m

2pm: Handicap (TB) Dh 84,000 (D) 1,400m

2.30pm: Maiden (TB) Dh 60,000 (D) 1,200m

3pm: Conditions (TB) Dh 100,000 (D) 1.950m

3.30pm: Handicap (TB) Dh 76,000 (D) 1,800m

4pm: Maiden (TB) Dh 60,000 (D) 1,600m

4.30pm: Handicap (TB) Dh 68,000 (D) 1,000m

Updated: August 29, 2022, 11:35 AM