New travel restrictions were imposed in Dubai this week as the country works to tackle a rising number of coronavirus cases.
They will significantly reduce the number of people leaving home at any one time.
Any Dubai resident leaving their home for any reason would first need a permit from Dubai Police. This includes for essential shopping in a supermarket or pharmacy.
Permits must be obtained whether shoppers are pedestrians, drivers or taking a taxi. The application can be made here.
“Extensive testing” of densely populated communities will also begin soon, the Supreme Committee of Crisis and Disaster Management said.
As of Monday, there were 2,076 confirmed cases in UAE, almost four times the figure it was seven days ago.
Here’s what we know so far:
What has changed?
Only one member of a household can now leave home for essential shopping in supermarkets and pharmacies.
The only other journeys that are allowed are to hospital or a doctor’s appointment.
You must wear a mask and gloves at all times once outside, not only when you arrive at the shop.
That person must apply for a permit before leaving the home. Police will send a one-time-use text message with which you can log in.
You must fill out a form on the Dubai Police website stating where you are going, at what time and when you will return home.
If you are stopped by a police officer, they can check your journey was permitted.
Officials gave the sternest warning yet that anyone found outside without good reason would be fined or even prosecuted in court.
“Extensive testing” will be rolled out in densely populated areas to identify cases of Covid-19.
Can I walk or jog outside?
No, and nothing has changed in this regard. If you left the house in the past two weeks, it should have been for essential shopping at a supermarket, pharmacy or for a medical appointment.
But the authorities have clearly given residents leeway until now, given the number of joggers and walkers on the streets.
That seems likely to change.
Police also told local media they will use street security cameras to check on people who are out of their homes for no reason.
Can I still go shopping?
Yes, but only one member of your household can go, and with the permit.
That would mean children should not be taken to the supermarket and anyone in a group should expect to be stopped and penalised.
There should only be one person in each vehicle.
“These measures have been put in place to ensure people undertake trips outside the home in a planned and organised way,” Dubai Media Office said on Saturday.
Do I need a permit to leave the house?
Yes. Permits were originally in place for people who had to leave during the original 8pm-6am travel ban, during which streets and public places were cleaned.
That system was suspended last week but reintroduced on Sunday.
Cars used at night were flashed by speed cameras if on the roads after 8pm and that appears likely to continue.
The permit is for pedestrians, cyclists, people taking a taxi or those driving their own car.
How can I get around Dubai?
Private vehicles can be used for essential journeys but only one person should be in the car.
Dubai shut both Metro lines on Saturday along with the tram line in the Marina.
But public buses continue to run and are free, and the publicly owned taxi fleet cut fares by 50 per cent.
If you work in an essential industry – there is a list here – you can use the options above to get to work.
Many hospitals and supermarkets are already taking their own staff to and from work each day.
Where can I find a mask and gloves?
Some pharmacies and supermarkets still have supplies of masks, mostly thin surgical ones that are made to be used once.
A box of 50 masks is usually about Dh100 and a packet of gloves about Dh45.
Masks that block tiny particles and germs – such as N95 and the FFP2 “duckbill” – are more difficult to find locally and in many countries.
Masks are still available online but delivery times vary considerably. Here is a round-up of what we could find from local online retailers.
Officials said they were aware of shortages and urged residents to make homemade cotton masks if necessary.
Basic Japanese-style “pitta” dust masks and so-called fashion masks offer extremely limited protection, but could at least limit the distance of a sneeze.
Dr Farida Al Hosani, the government’s health spokeswoman, said something was better than nothing.
“Use home-made masks made of cotton or mixed cotton, making sure to rewash them,” Dr Al Hosani said.
“When I wear a mask I’m protecting you and when you wear it, you’re protecting me.”
Can I still order food online?
Yes. Food outlets and restaurants can still prepare food for home deliveries round the clock. Delivery drivers are on the list of essential workers who can move around the city.
Drivers for apps such as Careem and Deliveroo can leave food outside a customer’s door to minimise contact between the two.
Read our interview with delivery drivers, who have continued to work diligently throughout the crisis.
What happens next?
For most of the population work will continue from home where possible and schools will press ahead with e-learning.
For pupils leaving school this year, coursework is now more crucial given that it may be judged in university applications in place of cancelled exams.
Last week, Abu Dhabi began using drive-through labs to test people and this will be extended across the country.
Initially this was for elderly residents and people who were unwell but had not been tested.
Officials fully expect case numbers to rise before a decline, Dr Al Hosani said, as a result of “early, intensive tests on a big scale to identify cases and who they were in contact with”.
There has been no suggestion that isolation such as that in Al Ras in Deira, one of the most densely populated areas, would be introduced more widely.
What is the situation in Abu Dhabi?
Much the same. Residents should only leave home for essential shopping and you should be ready to be stopped and asked where you are going.
Police have patrolled the streets in recent weeks and will order anyone who is not travelling to or from a supermarket to return home immediately.
What is the situation in the Northern Emirates?
Residents cannot leave their homes from 8pm to 6am as street cleaning continues, but that could change at any time.
Federal authorities have already told residents they should leave home only for essentials.
Private hospital groups were brought in to test about 200,000 labourers last week.
Key ports remain open and crucial industries such as fishing continue operate to bring fresh food into local markets.
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Directors: Madeline Sharafian, Domee Shi, Adrian Molina
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5 of the most-popular Airbnb locations in Dubai
Bobby Grudziecki, chief operating officer of Frank Porter, identifies the five most popular areas in Dubai for those looking to make the most out of their properties and the rates owners can secure:
• Dubai Marina
The Marina and Jumeirah Beach Residence are popular locations, says Mr Grudziecki, due to their closeness to the beach, restaurants and hotels.
Frank Porter’s average Airbnb rent:
One bedroom: Dh482 to Dh739
Two bedroom: Dh627 to Dh960
Three bedroom: Dh721 to Dh1,104
• Downtown
Within walking distance of the Dubai Mall, Burj Khalifa and the famous fountains, this location combines business and leisure. “Sure it’s for tourists,” says Mr Grudziecki. “Though Downtown [still caters to business people] because it’s close to Dubai International Financial Centre."
Frank Porter’s average Airbnb rent:
One bedroom: Dh497 to Dh772
Two bedroom: Dh646 to Dh1,003
Three bedroom: Dh743 to Dh1,154
• City Walk
The rising star of the Dubai property market, this area is lined with pristine sidewalks, boutiques and cafes and close to the new entertainment venue Coca Cola Arena. “Downtown and Marina are pretty much the same prices,” Mr Grudziecki says, “but City Walk is higher.”
Frank Porter’s average Airbnb rent:
One bedroom: Dh524 to Dh809
Two bedroom: Dh682 to Dh1,052
Three bedroom: Dh784 to Dh1,210
• Jumeirah Lake Towers
Dubai Marina’s little brother JLT resides on the other side of Sheikh Zayed road but is still close enough to beachside outlets and attractions. The big selling point for Airbnb renters, however, is that “it’s cheaper than Dubai Marina”, Mr Grudziecki says.
Frank Porter’s average Airbnb rent:
One bedroom: Dh422 to Dh629
Two bedroom: Dh549 to Dh818
Three bedroom: Dh631 to Dh941
• Palm Jumeirah
Palm Jumeirah's proximity to luxury resorts is attractive, especially for big families, says Mr Grudziecki, as Airbnb renters can secure competitive rates on one of the world’s most famous tourist destinations.
Frank Porter’s average Airbnb rent:
One bedroom: Dh503 to Dh770
Two bedroom: Dh654 to Dh1,002
Three bedroom: Dh752 to Dh1,152
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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: 2018 Audi RS5
Price, base: Dh359,200
Engine: 2.9L twin-turbo V6
Transmission: Eight-speed automatic
Power: 450hp at 5,700rpm
Torque: 600Nm at 1,900rpm
Fuel economy, combined: 8.7L / 100km
The Ashes
Results
First Test, Brisbane: Australia won by 10 wickets
Second Test, Adelaide: Australia won by 120 runs
Third Test, Perth: Australia won by an innings and 41 runs
Fourth Test: Melbourne: Drawn
Fifth Test: Australia won by an innings and 123 runs
Company%C2%A0profile
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If you go
The flights
Emirates and Etihad fly direct to Nairobi, with fares starting from Dh1,695. The resort can be reached from Nairobi via a 35-minute flight from Wilson Airport or Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, or by road, which takes at least three hours.
The rooms
Rooms at Fairmont Mount Kenya range from Dh1,870 per night for a deluxe room to Dh11,000 per night for the William Holden Cottage.
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Some of Darwish's last words
"They see their tomorrows slipping out of their reach. And though it seems to them that everything outside this reality is heaven, yet they do not want to go to that heaven. They stay, because they are afflicted with hope." - Mahmoud Darwish, to attendees of the Palestine Festival of Literature, 2008
His life in brief: Born in a village near Galilee, he lived in exile for most of his life and started writing poetry after high school. He was arrested several times by Israel for what were deemed to be inciteful poems. Most of his work focused on the love and yearning for his homeland, and he was regarded the Palestinian poet of resistance. Over the course of his life, he published more than 30 poetry collections and books of prose, with his work translated into more than 20 languages. Many of his poems were set to music by Arab composers, most significantly Marcel Khalife. Darwish died on August 9, 2008 after undergoing heart surgery in the United States. He was later buried in Ramallah where a shrine was erected in his honour.
The biog
Favourite food: Tabbouleh, greek salad and sushi
Favourite TV show: That 70s Show
Favourite animal: Ferrets, they are smart, sensitive, playful and loving
Favourite holiday destination: Seychelles, my resolution for 2020 is to visit as many spiritual retreats and animal shelters across the world as I can
Name of first pet: Eddy, a Persian cat that showed up at our home
Favourite dog breed: I love them all - if I had to pick Yorkshire terrier for small dogs and St Bernard's for big
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.”
Zayed Sustainability Prize
MATCH INFO
Rugby World Cup (all times UAE)
Final: England v South Africa, Saturday, 1pm
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Rating:**
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MATCH INFO
Inter Milan v Juventus
Saturday, 10.45pm (UAE)
Watch the match on BeIN Sports
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UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
The biog
Birthday: February 22, 1956
Born: Madahha near Chittagong, Bangladesh
Arrived in UAE: 1978
Exercise: At least one hour a day on the Corniche, from 5.30-6am and 7pm to 8pm.
Favourite place in Abu Dhabi? “Everywhere. Wherever you go, you can relax.”
