Alvarez Rug. Courtesy Crate & Barrel
Alvarez Rug. Courtesy Crate & Barrel
Alvarez Rug. Courtesy Crate & Barrel
Alvarez Rug. Courtesy Crate & Barrel

The hot list: Relax already


Selina Denman
  • English
  • Arabic

It’s time to unwind – use soft colours, sumptuous materials and unassuming accessories to create a space that’s all about your comfort.

1 Magic carpet ride

The soft patterning on the ­Alvarez Rug promises to complement your space without overwhelming the eye. Master craftsmen use a mix of handspun natural wool, Argentinian semi-twist wool and viscose yarns to create the rug, which comes in various sizes and is extremely resilient.

Alvarez Rug (6x9), Dh2,800, Crate & Barrel, Mall of the Emirates and Mirdif City Centre

2 Stand and stare

Printed on 13mm-thick birch plywood, this pretty illustration by the Danish artist Kristina Krogh will look as good hanging on a wall as it will sitting on a shelf. Mix and match with other pieces from the same range.

Butterfly illustration, Dh495, www.fermliving.com

3 Slack off

We love Muji’s no-fuss, no-frills approach to design and with the Japanese company having just opened its second store in Dubai, in Mirdif City Centre, its “no label ­quality goods” are easier than ever to get your hands on. This low-lying ­reclining sofa and matching footrest are designed for one thing and one thing only: comfortable lounging. So get to it.

Reclining Sofa, Dh4,100 (for the two-seater), Muji, The Dubai Mall and Mirdif City Centre

4 Free bird

Keep accessories minimal and low-key. This simple ceramic bird from Crate & Barrel will look lovely perched on a light wood shelf or coffee table.

White Bird, Dh45 (for the large version), Crate & Barrel

5 Sit pretty

Sit on it, lie on it or use it as a footrest – the choice is yours. Muji’s baby-pink beads sofa is made from stretch-resistant knit cloth filled with micro plastic beads that will ­adjust to the shape of your body.

Beads Sofa, Dh950 (or Dh1,500 for two), Muji

Follow us @LifeNationalUAE

Follow us on Facebook for discussions, entertainment, reviews, wellness and news.

THE SPECS

Engine: 6.75-litre twin-turbocharged V12 petrol engine 

Power: 420kW

Torque: 780Nm

Transmission: 8-speed automatic

Price: From Dh1,350,000

On sale: Available for preorder now

SERIES SCHEDULE

First Test, Galle International Stadium
July 26-30
Second Test, Sinhalese Sports Club Ground
August 3-7
Third Test, Pallekele International Cricket Stadium
August 12-16
First ODI, Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium
August 20
Second ODI, Pallekele International Cricket Stadium
August 24
Third ODI, Pallekele International Cricket Stadium
August 27
Fourth ODI, R Premadasa Stadium
August 31
Fifth ODI, R Premadasa Stadium
September 3
T20, R Premadasa Stadium
September 6

AI traffic lights to ease congestion at seven points to Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Street

The seven points are:

Shakhbout bin Sultan Street

Dhafeer Street

Hadbat Al Ghubainah Street (outbound)

Salama bint Butti Street

Al Dhafra Street

Rabdan Street

Umm Yifina Street exit (inbound)

The specs
  • Engine: 3.9-litre twin-turbo V8
  • Power: 640hp
  • Torque: 760nm
  • On sale: 2026
  • Price: Not announced yet
Volvo ES90 Specs

Engine: Electric single motor (96kW), twin motor (106kW) and twin motor performance (106kW)

Power: 333hp, 449hp, 680hp

Torque: 480Nm, 670Nm, 870Nm

On sale: Later in 2025 or early 2026, depending on region

Price: Exact regional pricing TBA

Specs

Engine: 51.5kW electric motor

Range: 400km

Power: 134bhp

Torque: 175Nm

Price: From Dh98,800

Available: Now

The specs
Engine: 4.0-litre flat-six
Power: 510hp at 9,000rpm
Torque: 450Nm at 6,100rpm
Transmission: 7-speed PDK auto or 6-speed manual
Fuel economy, combined: 13.8L/100km
On sale: Available to order now
Price: From Dh801,800
From Zero

Artist: Linkin Park

Label: Warner Records

Number of tracks: 11

Rating: 4/5

Global state-owned investor ranking by size

1.

United States

2.

China

3.

UAE

4.

Japan

5

Norway

6.

Canada

7.

Singapore

8.

Australia

9.

Saudi Arabia

10.

South Korea