The new year in technology will begin with the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas this month. Product launches and future technologies and gadgets will be unveiled in what is the world’s largest consumer technology event. Sony, Samsung and Microsoft are set to announce new products but all eyes will be on BlackBerry in the new year as the company’s future will be decided. Whether BlackBerry will survive on its own or will need to be taken over remains to be seen. So far its board has committed to streamlining its operations to survive by laying off 4,500 members of staff and rebuilding the brand with the appointment of the new chief executive John Chen. It will also focus on growing its messaging platform, BlackBerry Messenger (BBM). Analysts believe there will be further consolidation in the tech sector, as struggling older players that have failed to adapt to the mobile age seek buyers. – Triska Hamid
Aviation
The country’s aviation sector is expected to continue its double-digit growth in 2014, outpacing other regions of the world. Both of the country’s big carriers will continue to grow their fleets with Emirates Airline taking delivery of additional Airbus A380 super jumbos and Boeing 777-300ER aircraft, while Etihad Airways will get the first of many Boeing 787s. There will be disruption at Dubai International Airport (DXB) from May 1 when both runways will be closed consecutively for total period of almost three months. This presents a real opportunity for Dubai World Central (DWC) Al Maktoum International Airport to steal a march on DXB, said Saj Ahmad, the chief analyst at StrategicAero Research.com, an aviation consultancy. “DWC can lure airlines with the promise of new flights, no disruption and the ability to pick and choose slots of their liking.” – Lianne Gutcher
Malls
Abu Dhabi expects to get its largest mall in Yas Mall, spread over 235,000 square metres, in March. Also in the pipeline scheduled to open this year in the city are Danet Mall, the Capital Mall and The Galleria at Nation Towers, said Mohammed Faheem, the senior research analyst at CBRE Middle East. The capital is also promised a 168,000 square-metre luxury mall on Saadiyat Island, due to open in 2017, and the 200,000 square-metre Reem Mall on Reem Island. Al Ain expects to open Al Yahar Mall and Barari Outlet Mall, Mr Faheem said, while Fujairah would get its Fujairah Mall. In Dubai, the big ticket retail properties include The Avenue by developers Meeras Holding on Al Wasl Road. In the pipeline are the Palm Mall and The Pointe on Palm Jumeirah, the Mall of the World in Mohammad Bin Rashid City, a mall on Jumeirah Beach Residence area in Dubai Marina, Dubai Pearl Mall, community malls in Jumeirah Park and Discovery Gardens, and Phoenix Mall in International City. Madinat Jumeirah, Ibn Battuta Mall, Dubai Outlet Mall and Dragon Mart all have expansion plans. The Sharjah City Center mall is also putting in an additional 13,500 square metres. – Sananda Sahoo
Gold
Gold is expected to have another tough year in 2014, with inflation under control and the Fed in the United States expected to gradually exit the bond market. Analysts at Barclays Capital expect gold to end 2014 at US$1,270 an ounce, about 5 per cent higher than where it is today. – Associated Press
Banks
Global banks will be entering 2014 with an eye on how rules that are being devised to prevent them from making the kind of bets that led to the financial crisis of 2008 will be enforced. Lenders are anxiously anticipating how industry regulations such as Basel III and America’s Volker Rule will limit their ability to generate the sort of outsized profits they made before the crash. They will also be watching to see if the US Federal Reserve will continue to taper its monthly bond purchases as the US economy improves. It cut the amount of bonds it buys every month to $75 bln from $85bn in December. Banks and other financial institutions will also likely continue to dispose of non-core assets amid tightening oversight by industry watchdogs. AIG, the insurance firm that had to be bailed out in 2008, sold its aircraft leasing unit in December to AerCap, a Netherlands-based company, in a deal valued at more than $5bn. Abu Dhabi’s Waha Capital, the biggest single shareholder in AerCap, owns a 26 per cent stake in the New York-listed company. – Mahmoud Kassem
UAE stocks
Stockbrokers and investors are cautious about local equity markets in the new year after a 107.6 per cent rise in Dubai and a 63 per cent rise in Abu Dhabi in 2013. “Valuations are now broadly in line with the rest of the GCC,” said Amin El Kholy, the managing director at Arqaam Capital’s asset management division. As Abu Dhabi and Dubai listed shares get incorporated into international compiler MSCI’s emerging markets index, the main risk this year “could be an over-extension in the markets and a subsequent correction”, Mr Kholy said. The overhang fears of an American-led strike against Iran have receded over recent months and the residual political risk concerns are now longer-term in nature, he added. Other brokers have a more optimistic view. “The difference between 2013 and 2014, is that we don’t have a major event that performs as a catalyst,” said Fathi Ben Grira, the chief executive at Menacorp, an investment company in Abu Dhabi. “ But we might have some good initial public offerings. Overall I’m quite positive without being overly bullish,” Mr Ben Grira said. – Hadeel Al Sayegh
World stocks
Several stock market strategists in the United States believe international stocks will be the place to be. Asian and European stocks did not perform as well as US stocks in 2013, with the notable exception of Japan, where the Nikkei 225 index soared 56 per cent. Europe is particularly attractive, the strategists say. The European Union came out of a two-year recession last year, and the debt crisis that plagued most of the region has abated. Some strategists say that Europe is a couple of years behind the US in its economic recovery, and stocks could be cheap in comparison. – Associated Press
India
The focus of 2014 for the subcontinent will be the general elections, which are expected by May. The outcome will be critical for business and investment. In early November, Goldman Sachs controversially upgraded its rating on Indian stocks, citing anticipation among investors that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) would come to power. It would take over from the ruling Congress party, which has been mired in corruption allegations and criticised for delays to economic reforms and infrastructure investment. Goldman Sachs said that investors viewed “the BJP as business-friendly, and the BJP’s prime ministerial candidate Narendra Modi as an agent of change”, with Mr Modi widely credited with Gujarat’s economic development in his role as chief minister of the state. A secondary focus for the economy in 2014 will be the US Federal Reserve’s expected winding down of its stimulus programme. Anticipation of the tapering happening in 2013 led to investors pulling funds out of emerging markets and caused the rupee to plunge to historic lows. – Rebecca Bundhun
Hotels
The UAE’s hotels expect healthy growth following Dubai winning the right to hold Expo 2020. Among the new hotels expected this year are The Ajman Palace, a Luxury Collection Hotel from the Starwood Group, with 207 rooms in the first quarter of the year followed by Sheraton Dubai Sheikh Zayed Road with 480 rooms in the third quarter. The InterContinental Hotels Group has four openings planned for the year, two each in Dubai Marina and Ras Al Khaimah. Hawthorn Suites by Wyndham will officially open in the first quarter in the Jumeirah Beach Residence area of Dubai. It is the first property of the Hawthorn Suites brand in the Middle East. Abu Dhabi’s Bin Ham Group will open its first luxury hotel Royal Rose Hotel, fashioned after a 17th century French palace, in the city in the first quarter. The 355-room property will be managed by City Seasons Hotel Group. The French Accor Group has seven properties under development in the UAE – in Dubai and Fujairah – and all expected this year. Marriott International has five properties scheduled, including the 195-room Courtyard by Marriott Abu Dhabi Central Market. It also expects to open the second tower at JW Marriott Marquis with 804 rooms this year. – Sananda Sahoo
Events
The Dubai Shopping Festival began yesterday and ends on February 2. The first big conference of the year, the World Future Energy Summit, will be held at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre from January 20-22. Abu Dhabi Air Expo 2014 will take over Al Bateen Executive Airport in the capital from February 25-27. Expo 2020 is only six years away.
business@thenational.ae
What are the influencer academy modules?
- Mastery of audio-visual content creation.
- Cinematography, shots and movement.
- All aspects of post-production.
- Emerging technologies and VFX with AI and CGI.
- Understanding of marketing objectives and audience engagement.
- Tourism industry knowledge.
- Professional ethics.
Company profile
Name: Fruitful Day
Founders: Marie-Christine Luijckx, Lyla Dalal AlRawi, Lindsey Fournie
Based: Dubai, UAE
Founded: 2015
Number of employees: 30
Sector: F&B
Funding so far: Dh3 million
Future funding plans: None at present
Future markets: Saudi Arabia, potentially Kuwait and other GCC countries
Sunday's fixtures
- Bournemouth v Southampton, 5.30pm
- Manchester City v West Ham United, 8pm
The candidates
Dr Ayham Ammora, scientist and business executive
Ali Azeem, business leader
Tony Booth, professor of education
Lord Browne, former BP chief executive
Dr Mohamed El-Erian, economist
Professor Wyn Evans, astrophysicist
Dr Mark Mann, scientist
Gina MIller, anti-Brexit campaigner
Lord Smith, former Cabinet minister
Sandi Toksvig, broadcaster
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
If you go
Flights
Emirates flies from Dubai to Phnom Penh with a stop in Yangon from Dh3,075, and Etihad flies from Abu Dhabi to Phnom Penh with its partner Bangkok Airlines from Dh2,763. These trips take about nine hours each and both include taxes. From there, a road transfer takes at least four hours; airlines including KC Airlines (www.kcairlines.com) offer quick connecting flights from Phnom Penh to Sihanoukville from about $100 (Dh367) return including taxes. Air Asia, Malindo Air and Malaysian Airlines fly direct from Kuala Lumpur to Sihanoukville from $54 each way. Next year, direct flights are due to launch between Bangkok and Sihanoukville, which will cut the journey time by a third.
The stay
Rooms at Alila Villas Koh Russey (www.alilahotels.com/ kohrussey) cost from $385 per night including taxes.
SPEC%20SHEET
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Key facilities
- Olympic-size swimming pool with a split bulkhead for multi-use configurations, including water polo and 50m/25m training lanes
- Premier League-standard football pitch
- 400m Olympic running track
- NBA-spec basketball court with auditorium
- 600-seat auditorium
- Spaces for historical and cultural exploration
- An elevated football field that doubles as a helipad
- Specialist robotics and science laboratories
- AR and VR-enabled learning centres
- Disruption Lab and Research Centre for developing entrepreneurial skills
MATCH INFO
Uefa Champions League final:
Who: Real Madrid v Liverpool
Where: NSC Olimpiyskiy Stadium, Kiev, Ukraine
When: Saturday, May 26, 10.45pm (UAE)
TV: Match on BeIN Sports
What are NFTs?
Are non-fungible tokens a currency, asset, or a licensing instrument? Arnab Das, global market strategist EMEA at Invesco, says they are mix of all of three.
You can buy, hold and use NFTs just like US dollars and Bitcoins. “They can appreciate in value and even produce cash flows.”
However, while money is fungible, NFTs are not. “One Bitcoin, dollar, euro or dirham is largely indistinguishable from the next. Nothing ties a dollar bill to a particular owner, for example. Nor does it tie you to to any goods, services or assets you bought with that currency. In contrast, NFTs confer specific ownership,” Mr Das says.
This makes NFTs closer to a piece of intellectual property such as a work of art or licence, as you can claim royalties or profit by exchanging it at a higher value later, Mr Das says. “They could provide a sustainable income stream.”
This income will depend on future demand and use, which makes NFTs difficult to value. “However, there is a credible use case for many forms of intellectual property, notably art, songs, videos,” Mr Das says.
AL%20BOOM
%3Cp%20style%3D%22text-align%3Ajustify%3B%22%3E%26nbsp%3B%26nbsp%3B%26nbsp%3BDirector%3AAssad%20Al%20Waslati%26nbsp%3B%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%20style%3D%22text-align%3Ajustify%3B%22%3E%0DStarring%3A%20Omar%20Al%20Mulla%2C%20Badr%20Hakami%20and%20Rehab%20Al%20Attar%0D%3Cbr%3E%0D%3Cbr%3EStreaming%20on%3A%20ADtv%0D%3Cbr%3E%0D%3Cbr%3ERating%3A%203.5%2F5%0D%3Cbr%3E%0D%3Cbr%3E%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
How it works
Each player begins with one of the great empires of history, from Julius Caesar's Rome to Ramses of Egypt, spread over Europe and the Middle East.
Round by round, the player expands their empire. The more land they have, the more money they can take from their coffers for each go.
As unruled land and soldiers are acquired, players must feed them. When a player comes up against land held by another army, they can choose to battle for supremacy.
A dice-based battle system is used and players can get the edge on their enemy with by deploying a renowned hero on the battlefield.
Players that lose battles and land will find their coffers dwindle and troops go hungry. The end goal? Global domination of course.
THE CLOWN OF GAZA
Director: Abdulrahman Sabbah
Starring: Alaa Meqdad
Rating: 4/5
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Tips to stay safe during hot weather
- Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids, especially water. Avoid alcohol and caffeine, which can increase dehydration.
- Seek cool environments: Use air conditioning, fans, or visit community spaces with climate control.
- Limit outdoor activities: Avoid strenuous activity during peak heat. If outside, seek shade and wear a wide-brimmed hat.
- Dress appropriately: Wear lightweight, loose and light-coloured clothing to facilitate heat loss.
- Check on vulnerable people: Regularly check in on elderly neighbours, young children and those with health conditions.
- Home adaptations: Use blinds or curtains to block sunlight, avoid using ovens or stoves, and ventilate living spaces during cooler hours.
- Recognise heat illness: Learn the signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke (dizziness, confusion, rapid pulse, nausea), and seek medical attention if symptoms occur.
IF YOU GO
The flights: FlyDubai offers direct flights to Catania Airport from Dubai International Terminal 2 daily with return fares starting from Dh1,895.
The details: Access to the 2,900-metre elevation point at Mount Etna by cable car and 4x4 transport vehicle cost around €57.50 (Dh248) per adult. Entry into Teatro Greco costs €10 (Dh43). For more go to www.visitsicily.info
Where to stay: Hilton Giardini Naxos offers beachfront access and accessible to Taormina and Mount Etna. Rooms start from around €130 (Dh561) per night, including taxes.
BOSH!'s pantry essentials
Nutritional yeast
This is Firth's pick and an ingredient he says, "gives you an instant cheesy flavour". He advises making your own cream cheese with it or simply using it to whip up a mac and cheese or wholesome lasagne. It's available in organic and specialist grocery stores across the UAE.
Seeds
"We've got a big jar of mixed seeds in our kitchen," Theasby explains. "That's what you use to make a bolognese or pie or salad: just grab a handful of seeds and sprinkle them over the top. It's a really good way to make sure you're getting your omegas."
Umami flavours
"I could say soya sauce, but I'll say all umami-makers and have them in the same batch," says Firth. He suggests having items such as Marmite, balsamic vinegar and other general, dark, umami-tasting products in your cupboard "to make your bolognese a little bit more 'umptious'".
Onions and garlic
"If you've got them, you can cook basically anything from that base," says Theasby. "These ingredients are so prevalent in every world cuisine and if you've got them in your cupboard, then you know you've got the foundation of a really nice meal."
Your grain of choice
Whether rice, quinoa, pasta or buckwheat, Firth advises always having a stock of your favourite grains in the cupboard. "That you, you have an instant meal and all you have to do is just chuck a bit of veg in."
MATCH INFO
Euro 2020 qualifier
Norway v Spain, Saturday, 10.45pm, UAE
Aggro%20Dr1ft
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More coverage from the Future Forum
Women%E2%80%99s%20T20%20World%20Cup%20Qualifier
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Global state-owned investor ranking by size
1.
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United States
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2.
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China
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3.
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UAE
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4.
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Japan
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5
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Norway
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6.
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Canada
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7.
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Singapore
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8.
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Australia
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9.
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Saudi Arabia
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10.
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South Korea
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MOST%20POLLUTED%20COUNTRIES%20IN%20THE%20WORLD
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Need to know
Unlike other mobile wallets and payment apps, a unique feature of eWallet is that there is no need to have a bank account, credit or debit card to do digital payments.
Customers only need a valid Emirates ID and a working UAE mobile number to register for eWallet account.
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UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
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Iraq negotiating over Iran sanctions impact
- US sanctions on Iran’s energy industry and exports took effect on Monday, November 5.
- Washington issued formal waivers to eight buyers of Iranian oil, allowing them to continue limited imports. Iraq did not receive a waiver.
- Iraq’s government is cooperating with the US to contain Iranian influence in the country, and increased Iraqi oil production is helping to make up for Iranian crude that sanctions are blocking from markets, US officials say.
- Iraq, the second-biggest producer in the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries, pumped last month at a record 4.78 million barrels a day, former Oil Minister Jabbar Al-Luaibi said on Oct. 20. Iraq exported 3.83 million barrels a day last month, according to tanker tracking and data from port agents.
- Iraq has been working to restore production at its northern Kirkuk oil field. Kirkuk could add 200,000 barrels a day of oil to Iraq’s total output, Hook said.
- The country stopped trucking Kirkuk oil to Iran about three weeks ago, in line with U.S. sanctions, according to four people with knowledge of the matter who asked not to be identified because they aren’t allowed to speak to media.
- Oil exports from Iran, OPEC’s third-largest supplier, have slumped since President Donald Trump announced in May that he’d reimpose sanctions. Iran shipped about 1.76 million barrels a day in October out of 3.42 million in total production, data compiled by Bloomberg show.
- Benchmark Brent crude fell 47 cents to $72.70 a barrel in London trading at 7:26 a.m. local time. U.S. West Texas Intermediate was 25 cents lower at $62.85 a barrel in New York. WTI held near the lowest level in seven months as concerns of a tightening market eased after the U.S. granted its waivers to buyers of Iranian crude.
How the bonus system works
The two riders are among several riders in the UAE to receive the top payment of £10,000 under the Thank You Fund of £16 million (Dh80m), which was announced in conjunction with Deliveroo's £8 billion (Dh40bn) stock market listing earlier this year.
The £10,000 (Dh50,000) payment is made to those riders who have completed the highest number of orders in each market.
There are also riders who will receive payments of £1,000 (Dh5,000) and £500 (Dh2,500).
All riders who have worked with Deliveroo for at least one year and completed 2,000 orders will receive £200 (Dh1,000), the company said when it announced the scheme.
SCHEDULE
6.30pm Maiden Dh165,000 (Dirt) 1,400m
7.05pm: Handicap Dh170,000 (D) 1,600m
7.40pm: Maiden Dh165,000 (D) 1,600m
8.15pm: Handicap Dh210,000 (D) 1,200m
8.50pm: Handicap Dh210,000 (D) 2,000m
9.25pm:Handicap Dh185,000 (D) 1,400m
Amith's predicted winners:
6.30pm: Down On Da Bayou
7.05pm: Etisalat
7.40pm: Mulfit
8.15pm: Pennsylvania Dutch
8.50pm: Mudallel
9.25pm: Midnight Sands
Palestine and Israel - live updates
Getting there
The flights
Flydubai operates up to seven flights a week to Helsinki. Return fares to Helsinki from Dubai start from Dh1,545 in Economy and Dh7,560 in Business Class.
The stay
Golden Crown Igloos in Levi offer stays from Dh1,215 per person per night for a superior igloo; www.leviniglut.net
Panorama Hotel in Levi is conveniently located at the top of Levi fell, a short walk from the gondola. Stays start from Dh292 per night based on two people sharing; www. golevi.fi/en/accommodation/hotel-levi-panorama
Arctic Treehouse Hotel in Rovaniemi offers stays from Dh1,379 per night based on two people sharing; www.arctictreehousehotel.com
Biog
Age: 50
Known as the UAE’s strongest man
Favourite dish: “Everything and sea food”
Hobbies: Drawing, basketball and poetry
Favourite car: Any classic car
Favourite superhero: The Hulk original