Latest news with #AlHabtoor
The National
25-05-2025
- Automotive
- The National
Tips for buying a second-hand car: Mileage, maintenance and more
The difference in price point between showroom-fresh and second-hand cars is significant. Yet, everyone has heard stories from friends and family about used-vehicle purchases that have ended in, at best, severe inconvenience and, at worst, complete disaster. Don't let that put you off, however, as simply knowing the basic rules for buying a second-hand car can leave you confident in your purchase. 'Buyers are advised to closely examine the vehicle's service history, mileage and overall condition – both mechanical and cosmetic,' says Karim Maksoud, managing director of Al Habtoor Motors, which deals in both new and used vehicles. 'It is equally important to verify that the car is free from any accident damage and has undergone a thorough, professional inspection,' Maksoud adds. There are two options when looking for a used car – going through dealerships or sourcing a model directly from the previous owner. In the main, you're likely to pay a little more to a dealership, but they invariably offer perks of one sort or another, and these can be highly attractive when it comes to having peace of mind when making your purchase. Al Habtoor, for example, offers a 14-day exchange guarantee and a five-year top-up warranty, while Al Futtaim has roadside assistance and comprehensive inspections included with its Toyota and Lexus packages. Carlos Montenegro, managing director of fleet strategy at Al Futtaim Automotive, another key player in the UAE used-car market, says transparency and trust are key, especially when buying from an individual owner. 'The most obvious red flags include inconsistent service history, signs of accident damage, unusually low pricing and unclear vehicle ownership or importation history,' he says. Once you find a car you fancy, one of the first things to do is track down its vehicle identification number. VIN is a unique, 17-character alphanumeric code assigned to every car that will help ascertain its legitimacy. The digits show the motor's country of origin, manufacturer, vehicle type and attributes, the year it was built and the plant in which it was assembled. This code allows interested parties to assess the vehicle's registration, insurance status and, crucially, any history of accidents or theft. There are multiple online options for checking the VIN, the easiest being the websites for Emirates Vehicle Gate, Ministry of Interior, Dubai's Roads and Traffic Authority, Abu Dhabi Police or Tamm. When checking the code's validity, Maksoud says: 'It is essential to verify that the VIN matches all official paperwork.' Both Maksoud and Montenegro stress the relation between a car's mileage and its overall condition. Distance-wise, figures suggest drivers average about 19,000-24,000km a year, so you can tell if a vehicle is above or below what you might expect by multiplying how old the car is by those digits. Looking for dents, scratches or rust is a given, but it's also worth thoroughly examining the panels up close to look for inconsistencies in paintwork. These could be an indicator that the car has had a DIY patch-up after being scraped. If the car is low to the floor, getting down on your back is not strictly necessary. Instead, run your fingers along the underside to see if there is any scratching not visible from an upright position. It is, however, worth getting down on your hands and knees to check for any pools on the tarmac under the car while it is stationary, though – leaks of any kind are never a good sign. Tyres are another area to check for wear and tear, with tread length being the key issue. You can test by inserting a Dh1 coin into the grooves at various points. In general, if you can twist the coin, the tyre is worn and needs replacing. Montenegro also recommends asking for certifications such as a 99-point or 145-point inspection, as these are often provided by dealers. Inside the car, make sure you press every button there is to check each is doing what it's supposed to. It's also worth tapping the dashboard in a few places to ascertain that it's still solid – things can become loose with age. Also check the seating – it isn't just about whether it's comfortable or not, but also how worn the material is and whether it might need replacing. Air conditioning is a key area of concern in this region, so start the engine and sit there for a few minutes to check all is in working order. If the chilling isn't thrilling, it could just be a case of topping up the refrigerant, but you should also look out for odd noises, such as squealing or rattling, and be cautious of mouldy smells. Any aircon servicing outlet should be able to cure this, but you should consider how much you might have to spend when it comes to what you're finally paying for the vehicle. You can get a refrigerant top-up for as little as Dh100, for example, but an overhaul will be significantly more. Both experts agree that a test drive is essential. It's difficult to assess problems from the engine's sound alone, but you should be able to tell if it sounds clunky or lacking in power. All cars lose grunt as they age, but it's worth checking out the specs of a particular vehicle to give you an idea of what it was capable of when it was fresh off the production line. All this aside, if you want to be really thorough, it's worth seeking the services of a qualified mechanic to give the car a once-over. A good technician will not only be able to assess any potential problems, but also tell you how much it might cost to put them right and what impact that will have on price negotiation. Maksoud says: 'After-sales support and credibility of the seller play a key role in a safe and satisfactory purchase.' Montenegro concludes: 'A well-maintained used car should come with a verified service history, low to moderate mileage relative to its age, and a clean body and interior.'
Gulf Today
12-05-2025
- General
- Gulf Today
Arabic Language Initiative winners honoured
Khalaf Ahmad Al Habtoor, Founder and Patron of the Arabic Language Initiative, honoured a distinguished group of students from Emirates International School – Jumeirah and Meadows campuses, who were the winners of the initiative's first edition. The ceremony took place at the Al Habtoor Group head office in the presence of parents, the judging panel, and representatives from both campuses of Emirates International School. This initiative was launched in collaboration between the Al Farooq Omar Bin Al Khattab Mosque & Centre and Emirates International School. It is an extension of the competition introduced by Khalaf Al Habtoor in September 2024 during the annual celebration of the Al Habtoor Research Centre in Cairo. The initiative aims to promote the Arabic language among younger generations, encouraging them to embrace their identity and take pride in their cultural and religious heritage. During his speech at the ceremony, Al Habtoor spoke about the initiative, describing it as a reflection of his deep and ongoing commitment to education and the Arabic language. 'Arabic is the foundation of who we are,' he said. 'It's a precious part of our heritage that we must pass on to our children with pride and respect. Teaching them the Holy Quran, the Sunnah, and the Arabic literature is key to raising a generation that cherishes its roots and holds firmly to its values.' The initiative included three main categories: the Holy Qur'an, the Sunnah, and Arabic Literature. The entries were judged by a panel comprising Sheikh Dr Fares Al Mustafa (Chair), Sheikh Abdulrahman Darwish Al Marzouqi (Member), and Rashid Rafei (Secretary). Abdul Salam Mahmoud Al Marzouqi, General Manager of the Al Farooq Omar bin Al Khattab Mosque & Centre, praised Khalaf Al Habtoor's vision in supporting the Arabic language, stating: 'This initiative was born from a renewed vision and Al Habtoor's unwavering commitment to making Arabic a central pillar in shaping the character of our children. What was once an idea has now become a living reality, bearing fruit in the form of promising student talents.' In turn, Sheikh Dr Fares Al Mustafa expressed his deep appreciation for Khalaf Al Habtoor's continuous support for education and values, highlighting the initiative's powerful impact in reinforcing the Arabic language in the hearts of future generations.
Zawya
28-04-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Dubai National Insurance's general assembly raises cash dividends for 2024
Dubai – Dubai National Insurance announced that the general assembly approved a 15% cash dividend to shareholders amounting to AED 17.32 million, according to a press release. Khalaf Al Habtoor, Chairman of Dubai National Insurance, commented: "DNI's insurance revenue rose to AED 469.10 million in 2024, up from AED 448.30 million in 2023, an increase of 5%.' 'DNI reported strong profitability for 2024, achieving a full-year (post tax) net profit of AED 53.50 million, an increase of 13.60% over the previous year,' Al Habtoor mentioned. He noted: 'As a result, we have increased the dividend from AED 11.55 million to AED 17.32 million, reinforcing our commitment to delivering shareholder value. This strong financial performance was a result of prudent underwriting strategies and strong investment income and are particularly commendable given the unprecedented challenges faced by the UAE insurance industry due to the April floods.' Source: Mubasher
Khaleej Times
27-03-2025
- Business
- Khaleej Times
Divorces in UAE: Rising costs, daily pressures cannot be the reasons, says Dubai billionaire
Rising costs, lack of appreciation, and the pressures of daily life may be reasons for divorce; still, they are not sufficient justifications, said Emirati Dubai billionaire Khalaf Ahmad Al Habtoor, the Founder and Chairman of Al Habtoor Group. Family lawyers have observed increased divorce filings as the process has become easier, allowing individuals to preserve their dignity while navigating challenging relationships. "These days, I regret to see that divorce is no longer an exceptional case but rather a phenomenon that portends the disintegration of the family structure," Al Habtoor stated on X. "Therefore, it is imperative that we approach this issue with awareness, not emotion." Al Habtoor emphasised that the foundation for resolving marital issues begins not in the courtroom but at home through proper upbringing and a deep understanding of marital responsibilities. "Marriage is not a material contract but a partnership that requires patience, containment, and ongoing dialogue," he explained. The rise of divorce among newlywed couples has been particularly noticeable in the courts and among legal professionals. "The way couples approach marriage and divorce in the UAE has changed significantly in recent years," noted Byron James, a partner at Expatriate Law and an international family law expert. "With a wider range of legal frameworks now in place — including the streamlined civil family law court in Abu Dhabi — we are gaining clearer insights into why many marriages are ending early, and how people are using the law to redefine their relationships." James described the primary legal avenues available for divorce in the UAE. He explained that the civil family law in Abu Dhabi facilitates no-fault divorces without mandatory counseling, allowing the entire process to be completed in less than 30 days. While foreign law exists, it's seldom used due to conflicts with local regulations. Additionally, the Muslim personal status law necessitates counseling and is based on Islamic principles, whereas the Non-Muslim Personal Status Law also permits no-fault divorces without requiring counseling. "The ability to file quickly and with minimal procedure has made separation more accessible," James explained. "This trend reflects broader societal changes, as many now view marriage as a partnership that must continuously align with personal growth, emotional wellbeing, and mutual respect." He continued, "When that alignment isn't there, people are quicker to move on." Even in no-fault divorce systems, common patterns tend to emerge, according to legal experts. "Some couples marry too quickly, often driven by external pressures," James noted. "Once the wedding is over, real life sets in, revealing communication gaps and mismatched priorities." Noura Al Mansouri, a Dubai-based family lawyer, echoed these sentiments, emphasising that societal factors play a crucial role in the rise of divorces. "With evolving norms, people are increasingly willing to prioritize their emotional wellbeing," she said. Al Mansouri noted that as cultural attitudes shift, many individuals now view marriage through a different lens, recognizing it as a partnership that requires ongoing effort and understanding. She pointed out that the influence of social media and modern communication has also changed how couples perceive relationships. "In today's digital age, people are exposed to various relationship models and ideals, which can lead to unrealistic comparisons," she explained. This constant exposure may contribute to dissatisfaction when real-life relationships fail to match these idealized versions. Sangeeta Manglani, a relationship coach and psychologist, highlighted the emotional dynamics at play in early divorces. "Most early divorces arise from unresolved personal issues or deep-rooted conditioning," she noted. "Many struggle with conflict resolution due to a lack of emotional connection with themselves and their partners." Effective communication, she emphasized, is the cornerstone of a healthy marriage. "Couples often assume their partner should just understand their needs, which leads to misunderstandings and frustration," Manglani explained. When partners avoid difficult conversations or communicate from a place of blame rather than understanding, it creates emotional distance that can erode the relationship. Sangeeta advised couples that pre-marital counseling is a vital resource for those preparing for marriage. She emphasized that it provides valuable insights into important areas such as communication styles, conflict resolution, financial expectations, intimacy, and family dynamics. "By discussing these topics prior to marriage, couples can build a solid foundation and ensure their values are aligned," she noted.
Ya Libnan
31-01-2025
- Business
- Ya Libnan
Dubai billionaire is afraid to set foot in Lebanon because of Hezbollah
United Arab Emirates billionaire Khalaf Ahmad Al Habtoor, who this week scrapped his investments in Lebanon, said the country was still not safe and that he had been threatened with being 'slaughtered and killed' last year. Al Habtoor has not visited Lebanon – a thriving banking hub dubbed the Switzerland of the Middle East before its ruinous civil war erupted in 1975 – in almost two decades, and told Reuters a threat to his life had caused him to abandon plans to launch a media venture in Beirut in 2024. 'I have been threatened, not threatened only with a slap or something. If that was the case it doesn't matter, but I was threatened to be slaughtered and killed,' he said, speaking by Zoom from a hotel he owns in Budapest. The threat, made via social media by an anonymous individual, led Al Habtoor to file a lawsuit, which he won in a Lebanese court, he said. Al Habtoor had previously expressed optimism that a new government being formed could chart a fresh course for Lebanon, which has been battered since 2019 by a deep economic crisis and became a battleground between Israel and Hezbollah in 2024. But this week he said he was pulling out, citing instability and the continued overbearing influence of Hezbollah, the Iran-backed Shi'ite Muslim group that has in recent years been a dominant political force. The United Arab Emirates and other Sunni Gulf states had spurned the country for years because of the Iranian influence, although Al Habtoor had held on to his investments. The UAE reopened its embassy in Lebanon this year, more than three years after shutting it. However, Al Habtoor said the Gulf state had not yet given the green light for its citizens to visit the country. Lebanon faces what the World Bank says is one of the world's worst economic crises since the mid-19th century, after decades of corruption, waste and unsustainable financial policies. That has been compounded by the destruction caused by the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah, though a U.S.-brokered ceasefire, initially set to end this month, has been extended to Feb. 18. Asked whether he would reconsider his decision on further investment in the country, where talks on forming a new government are under way, Al Habtoor said if it could offer safety and protection, then 'definitely I will go back'. 'Not one penny can be invested unless there is security and safety,' he said. Reuters/ Yahoo
