May 31
Multiple Sclerosis Fitness Class
This free fitness class on the last Tuesday of the month introduces the principles of Pilates and targets strength building, balance and coordination. Suited for people with multiple sclerosis, it is a gentle class that incorporates frequent breaks to avoid fatigue. The class is taught by Slavica Tolic, who has a background in physiotherapy and rehabilitation. Noon, Exhale Fitness Studio, JBR, Dubai, book by calling 04 424 3777; www.exhaledubai.com.
June 5 to August 27
Dubai Sports World
Enjoy your favourite sports indoors this summer. An air-conditioned arena will feature a variety of sports and fitness activities for all skill levels, including basketball, football, tennis and volleyball, plus summer camps and events. At Dubai World Trade Centre, Dubai. For timings and price details, visit www.dubaisportsworld.ae, or call 04 306 4000.
June 3
Talise Fitness Indoor Triathlon
The event, perfect for beginners as well as experienced triathletes looking to train indoors, consists of a 400-metre swim in the indoor pool, a 10-kilometre ride on a spin bike and a 2.5km treadmill run. From 6.30am to 2pm; Dh150 for Talise Fitness members, Dh200 for non-members, Dh100 for children; Madinat Jumeirah, Dubai, register at 04 366 6821, mjtalisefitnessreception@jumeirah.com.
June 5 to 26
Ramadan Detox & Cleanse Challenge
This four-session yoga challenge with Sasha Quince from Let's Go Yoga in Abu Dhabi will focus on getting rid of negative energy while stimulating the metabolism and digestive tract and is suitable for all skill levels. On Sundays, 7pm to 8pm, Dh250, Eastern Mangroves Hotel & Spa by Anantara, Abu Dhabi. To book, visit www.sashaquinceyoga.com or call 050 349 2336.
June 24
Jivamukti Yoga
Register to take part in a rigorous pop-up class led by Dina Ghandour. Jivamukti yoga is a form of hatha yoga. The class is open to all levels and features aspects of traditional yoga. From 9am to 10.30am, Dh95 includes Nectar juice, Bodytree Studio, Abu Dhabi, 02 443 4448, info@bodytreestudio.com.
July 3 to August 25
Gulf Star Summer Camp
Children ages 3-13 can enjoy multi-activity camps that include sports, team games, arts and crafts and martial arts. From 9am to 2.30pm, Sundays to Thursdays, from Dh800 per week (Dh650 if booked before June 16), Foremarke School, Dovecote Green Primary School, Hartland International School and Repton School, Dubai, info@gulfstarsports.com, 050 429 4860.
Weekly
StartYas, TrainYas, GoYas
Walk, jog, run or bike on the track at Yas Marina Circuit and stay fit throughout the summer. Daman ActiveLife offers weekly training at Sunday's StartYas and Tuesday's TrainYas (for families), with the full 5.55km course open to everyone. Wednesday's GoYas is for ladies only and features all-women staff, group classes and a shorter track, 3km. Yas Marina Circuit, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, 800 927. For timings and to register, visit www.yasmarinacircuit.com
efortini@thenational.ae
Company%20profile
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Scores
Rajasthan Royals 160-8 (20 ov)
Kolkata Knight Riders 163-3 (18.5 ov)
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Pearls on a Branch: Oral Tales
Najlaa Khoury, Archipelago Books
Porsche Macan T: The Specs
Engine: 2.0-litre 4-cyl turbo
Power: 265hp from 5,000-6,500rpm
Torque: 400Nm from 1,800-4,500rpm
Transmission: 7-speed dual-clutch auto
Speed: 0-100kph in 6.2sec
Top speed: 232kph
Fuel consumption: 10.7L/100km
On sale: May or June
Price: From Dh259,900
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.”
How to protect yourself when air quality drops
Install an air filter in your home.
Close your windows and turn on the AC.
Shower or bath after being outside.
Wear a face mask.
Stay indoors when conditions are particularly poor.
If driving, turn your engine off when stationary.
How to apply for a drone permit
- Individuals must register on UAE Drone app or website using their UAE Pass
- Add all their personal details, including name, nationality, passport number, Emiratis ID, email and phone number
- Upload the training certificate from a centre accredited by the GCAA
- Submit their request
What are the regulations?
- Fly it within visual line of sight
- Never over populated areas
- Ensure maximum flying height of 400 feet (122 metres) above ground level is not crossed
- Users must avoid flying over restricted areas listed on the UAE Drone app
- Only fly the drone during the day, and never at night
- Should have a live feed of the drone flight
- Drones must weigh 5 kg or less
Vidaamuyarchi
Director: Magizh Thirumeni
Stars: Ajith Kumar, Arjun Sarja, Trisha Krishnan, Regina Cassandra
Rating: 4/5
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Duterte Harry: Fire and Fury in the Philippines
Jonathan Miller, Scribe Publications
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'Champions'
Director: Manuel Calvo
Stars: Yassir Al Saggaf and Fatima Al Banawi
Rating: 2/5
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More from Rashmee Roshan Lall
Formula Middle East Calendar (Formula Regional and Formula 4)
Round 1: January 17-19, Yas Marina Circuit – Abu Dhabi
Round 2: January 22-23, Yas Marina Circuit – Abu Dhabi
Round 3: February 7-9, Dubai Autodrome – Dubai
Round 4: February 14-16, Yas Marina Circuit – Abu Dhabi
Round 5: February 25-27, Jeddah Corniche Circuit – Saudi Arabia
The specs
Engine: Four electric motors, one at each wheel
Power: 579hp
Torque: 859Nm
Transmission: Single-speed automatic
Price: From Dh825,900
On sale: Now
TRAP
Starring: Josh Hartnett, Saleka Shyamalan, Ariel Donaghue
Director: M Night Shyamalan
Rating: 3/5
The specs
AT4 Ultimate, as tested
Engine: 6.2-litre V8
Power: 420hp
Torque: 623Nm
Transmission: 10-speed automatic
Price: From Dh330,800 (Elevation: Dh236,400; AT4: Dh286,800; Denali: Dh345,800)
On sale: Now
Sting & Shaggy
44/876
(Interscope)
Other workplace saving schemes
- The UAE government announced a retirement savings plan for private and free zone sector employees in 2023.
- Dubai’s savings retirement scheme for foreign employees working in the emirate’s government and public sector came into effect in 2022.
- National Bonds unveiled a Golden Pension Scheme in 2022 to help private-sector foreign employees with their financial planning.
- In April 2021, Hayah Insurance unveiled a workplace savings plan to help UAE employees save for their retirement.
- Lunate, an Abu Dhabi-based investment manager, has launched a fund that will allow UAE private companies to offer employees investment returns on end-of-service benefits.
German intelligence warnings
- 2002: "Hezbollah supporters feared becoming a target of security services because of the effects of [9/11] ... discussions on Hezbollah policy moved from mosques into smaller circles in private homes." Supporters in Germany: 800
- 2013: "Financial and logistical support from Germany for Hezbollah in Lebanon supports the armed struggle against Israel ... Hezbollah supporters in Germany hold back from actions that would gain publicity." Supporters in Germany: 950
- 2023: "It must be reckoned with that Hezbollah will continue to plan terrorist actions outside the Middle East against Israel or Israeli interests." Supporters in Germany: 1,250
Source: Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution
