Shadi's take on the talks between Iran and the US
4.35pm: Tilal Al Khalediah
5.10pm: Continous
5.45pm: Raging Torrent
6.20pm: West Acre
7pm: Flood Zone
7.40pm: Straight No Chaser
8.15pm: Romantic Warrior
8.50pm: Calandogan
9.30pm: Forever Young
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.'
1. Fasting
2. Prayer
3. Hajj
4. Shahada
5. Zakat
Saturday, October 26: 'The Time That Remains' (2009) by Elia Suleiman
Saturday, November 2: 'Beginners' (2010) by Mike Mills
Saturday, November 16: 'Finding Vivian Maier' (2013) by John Maloof and Charlie Siskel
Tuesday, November 26: 'All the President's Men' (1976) by Alan J Pakula
Saturday, December 7: 'Timbuktu' (2014) by Abderrahmane Sissako
Saturday, December 21: 'Rams' (2015) by Grimur Hakonarson
Engine: Duel electric motors
Power: 659hp
Torque: 1075Nm
On sale: Available for pre-order now
Price: On request Engine: Electric motor generating 54.2kWh (Cooper SE and Aceman SE), 64.6kW (Countryman All4 SE) Power: 218hp (Cooper and Aceman), 313hp (Countryman) Torque: 330Nm (Cooper and Aceman), 494Nm (Countryman) Price: From Dh158,000 (Cooper), Dh168,000 (Aceman), Dh190,000 (Countryman)
Cheat's nigiri
This is easier to make than sushi rolls. With damp hands, form the cooled rice into small tablet shapes. Place slices of fresh, raw salmon, mackerel or trout (or smoked salmon) lightly touched with wasabi, then press, wasabi side-down, onto the rice. Serve with soy sauce and pickled ginger.
Easy omurice
This fusion dish combines Asian fried rice with a western omelette. To make, fry cooked and cooled sushi rice with chopped vegetables such as carrot and onion and lashings of sweet-tangy ketchup, then wrap in a soft egg omelette.
Deconstructed sushi salad platter
This makes a great, fuss-free sharing meal. Arrange sushi rice on a platter or board, then fill the space with all your favourite sushi ingredients (edamame beans, cooked prawns or tuna, tempura veggies, pickled ginger and chilli tofu), with a dressing or dipping sauce on the side.
SPECS
Mini John Cooper Works Clubman and Mini John Cooper Works Countryman
Engine: two-litre 4-cylinder turbo
Transmission: nine-speed automatic
Power: 306hp
Torque: 450Nm
Price: JCW Clubman, Dh220,500; JCW Countryman, Dh225,500
Creator: Mike White
Starring: Walton Goggins, Jason Isaacs, Natasha Rothwell
Rating: 4.5/5
• Goals
• Penalty decisions
• Direct red-card incidents
• Mistaken identity %3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EDirectors%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Chris%20Buck%2C%20Fawn%20Veerasunthorn%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EStars%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Ariana%20DeBose%2C%20Chris%20Pine%2C%20Alan%20Tudyk%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ERating%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%203.5%2F5%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Khaleej Times
an hour ago
- Khaleej Times
Hotspots, key trends underpin Dubai real estate boom
Three standout trends, including a big uptick in branded residences, a shift to the suburbs, and luxury villa demand surge are driving Dubai's property market buoyancy as the emirate's economy sustains a boom with foreign direct investment climbing 15 per cent year-on-year in early 2025. Branded residences, currently commanding a 30 to 40 per cent premium over non-branded luxury units, are booming. New launches like Chelsea Residences by Damac, Trump International Hotel & Tower, and Bugatti Residences by Binghatti fuelled a 23 per cent inventory rise in 2024. Yet demand — led by over 60 per cent overseas investors and second-home buyers — outstrips supply in prime areas, a report by Oia Properties said. Foreign buyers, making up over 45 per cent of real estate transactions this year, and a 30 per cent rise in new foreign-owned real estate firms from 2024 to 2025, signal increasing global appetite for Dubai's success story. Second, a shift to the suburbs reflects buyers seeking value as urban prices peaked in 2024. Suburban areas like Dubailand and Dubai South saw a 35 per cent spike in transaction volume in early 2025, with price appreciation of 10 to 15 per cent and rental yields of 6 to 7 per cent, outpacing the 4 to 5 per cent in urban centers, according to Oia Properties' latest outlook report. Third, luxury villa demand, sparked during Covid, continues strong, with prices up 20 to 25 per cent from 2022 to early 2025. Villas now comprise 28 per cent of residential sales, up from 18 per cent in 2022, though a 12 to 15 per cent supply increase over the next year may temper prices by five to 10 per cent into 2026. The report unveils the hottest spots and key trends shaping Dubai's property landscape for the second half of 2025, promising golden opportunities for savvy investors. It pinpoints key investment hotspots for H2 2025. Jumeirah Village Circle (JVC) offers apartments at an average Dh880,000, targeting young professionals and small families. Despite an 8.3 per cent price dip year-on-year, strong rental yields and transaction volumes signal resilience and recovery potential, earning a 6/10 growth projection. Business Bay, with apartments averaging Dh1.9 million, appeals to urban professionals near Downtown Dubai, posting a 5.9 per cent price rise and a 7/10 growth score. Dubai South, at Dh954 per square foot for apartments, draws investors and professionals tied to Expo City and Al Maktoum Airport, boasting a top 10/10 growth outlook amid major infrastructure projects. Dubai Marina, a waterfront gem, sees apartments at Dh2.3 million with a 7.8 per cent price increase, earning an 8/10 projection for affluent residents and investors. Additional hotspots include Dubai Hills Estate, with villas at Dh10 million, targets affluent families, projecting 9.1 per cent annual appreciation and a 9/10 growth score, buoyed by premium facilities and golf course views. Arabian Ranches, offering villas at Dh1.9 million, caters to families, with prices up 13 per cent in Q3 2024 and a 9/10 outlook. Palm Jumeirah, an ultra-luxury haven, lists villas at Dh25 million, with a 7.7 per cent appreciation rate and an 8/10 projection, driven by limited supply and global appeal. Downtown Dubai, with apartments at Dh2.5 million, sees a steady 2.9 per cent rise, earning a 6/10 score for high-income buyers near iconic landmarks. The outlook for Dubai's real estate sector in H2 2025 is upbeat, experts say. The Dubai Land Department reports 2024 transaction values hit Dh200 billion, a 20 per cent year-on-year leap, and 2025 is on track to sustain this momentum. Off-plan sales, up 25 per cent in early 2025, reflect developer confidence, while rental growth of 5 to 7 per cent in key areas signals strong returns. Population growth, projected at 3.0 per cent annually by the Dubai Statistics Center, and infrastructure like Al Maktoum Airport's expansion, set to handle 260 million passengers yearly, bolster demand. Property market pundits highlight GDP growth tracking at 5 to 6 per cent for 2025, fuelling investor confidence alongside Dubai's successful pivot to non-oil sectors, which now account for over 70 per cent of GDP. Tourism, a powerhouse, welcomed 19 million visitors in 2024, a 12 per cent year-on-year surge, boosting the economy. This buoyancy propelled Dubai's main stock index to a 17-year high in May 2025, soaring over 25 per cent since early 2024. 'With a dynamic blend of economic strength, bold diversification, and surging demand for luxury and suburban living, Dubai shines as a trusted safe haven amid global geopolitical uncertainty,' market experts said.
Khaleej Times
an hour ago
- Khaleej Times
Sharjah Islamic Bank lists $500m sukuk on Nasdaq Dubai
Sharjah Islamic Bank on Tuesday listed a $500 million Additional Tier 1 (AT1) sukuk on Nasdaq Dubai. This latest transaction brings the Bank's total outstanding on Nasdaq Dubai to $2.5 billion across five listings. With this listing, the total value of Sukuk listed on Nasdaq Dubai has reached $95.7 billion, underlining its status as one of the world's largest venues for Islamic fixed-income securities. Nasdaq Dubai's broader debt capital market has now surpassed $136 billion across 160 listings, reflecting growing international confidence in Dubai as a gateway for capital flows between the Middle East and the world. The perpetual, non-call six-year AT1 Capital Certificates were issued by SIB Tier 1 Sukuk IIND Ltd and are compliant with Basel III regulations. The issuance attracted strong interest from both regional and international investors, providing Sharjah Islamic Bank with additional capital to fuel its long-term growth plans. To mark the occasion, Ahmed Saad, DCEO of Sharjah Islamic Bank rang the market opening bell at Nasdaq Dubai in the presence of Hamed Ali, CEO of Nasdaq Dubai and Dubai Financial Market (DFM). Saad said: 'The successful listing of our $500 million perpetual Additional Tier 1 Sukuk on Nasdaq Dubai marks a significant milestone in Sharjah Islamic Bank's strategic growth journey. This issuance reflects our strong fundamentals, robust investor confidence, and commitment to maintaining a solid capital base in line with Basel III requirements. We are proud to deepen our relationship with Nasdaq Dubai, a platform that continues to champion innovation and global best practices in Islamic finance. As we expand our presence in international markets, we remain committed to contributing to the sustainable development of the UAE's financial sector and the broader Islamic capital market ecosystem.' Ali said: 'This listing is part of a broader shift as regional institutions like Sharjah Islamic Bank lead the deepening of local debt markets. As demand for diversified, Shariah-compliant instruments continues to grow, Nasdaq Dubai is proud to serve as a trusted platform for innovation in Islamic finance. The momentum we are seeing in Sukuk issuances signals a maturing financial ecosystem where local ambition meets global capital flows. SIB's continued engagement underscores the strategic role financial institutions play in building resilient, forward-looking capital markets across the UAE and beyond.'
Khaleej Times
an hour ago
- Khaleej Times
Platable turns surplus into sustainability — and Dubai is eating it up
In a city that never stops innovating, one home-grown start-up is quietly transforming how Dubai eats — and how little it wastes. Platable, the sustainability-focused app that turns surplus meals into steep discounts, has already rescued over 1.5 tonnes of perfectly edible food in its first few months. With 30 000 users onboarded in just four months, the platform is riding a wave of eco-conscious momentum: diners snag meals at up to 60 % off, while restaurants and grocers turn would-be waste into fresh revenue. 'We built Platable because we watched great food get binned while people hunted for affordable, quality meals,' says founder Salmaan Mohammed. 'We want sustainability to be effortless — and rewarding — for everyone.' So far, the impact is tangible: ● 1.5 tonnes food diverted from landfill has prevented ≈ 6.6 tonnes CO₂-e emissions. ● Because 64 % of orders are pick-ups (no motorcycles, no fuel), an additional ≈ 1.35 tonnes CO₂ has been spared. A movement backed by brands More than 200 outlets — including Dunkin', Krispy Kreme, Grandiose and Common Grounds — now list their surplus on Platable, with over 80 brands active every day. Affordability meets purpose Every discounted box chips away at the UAE's multi-billion-dirham food-waste bill while putting quality meals within reach of more people. Aligned with the UAE's sustainability vision Platable's mission dovetails with the UAE's Food Loss and Waste Reduction Strategy to cut waste 50 % by 2030. The team is already in dialogue with Ne'ma, the national food-waste coalition, and looks forward to collaborating closely to amplify impact across the country. What's next? ● Expansion – rolling out to Sharjah and Abu Dhabi in Q3. ● Deeper impact reporting – real-time dashboards for partners and users. ● Rewards & education – in-app challenges that teach, nudge, and celebrate sustainable eating. In a city famous for thinking big, Platable proves that small daily choices — like what's on your plate — can drive lasting, systemic change.
