The finale of the 72nd Miss Universe is taking place on Saturday in El Salvador, which means fans in the UAE can tune in on Sunday morning.
The show is scheduled to run from 7pm to 10pm Central Standard Time (CST), which is 10 hours behind Gulf Standard Time, meaning fans in the UAE can watch the live broadcast from 5am on Sunday.
What is the format of Miss Universe?
The global competition, which is one of the longest-running and most-watched pageants in the world, has already put 84 contestants through the swimwear, evening gown and national costume rounds over the past two days.
On Saturday, the finale will begin with the announcement of the top 20, based on their performance during the preliminary rounds. By the end of the evening, reigning winner Miss Universe USA R'Bonney Gabriel will crown her successor.
How to watch the Miss Universe final
Miss Universe will stream live on Telemundo in the US, which can also be accessed through Roku Channel. Many international TV networks in different countries have bought the rights to stream it.
For viewers in the UAE, the finale will be available on the official Miss Universe YouTube account. The preliminary rounds are already available on the account.
This year's contest packs many historic firsts, led by the organisation's new owner, Thai mogul Anne Jakrajutatip.
Which contestants are in the 2023 final?
For the first time in the pageant's decades-long history, married women and mothers have been allowed to join. Maria Camila Avella Montanez of Colombia and Michelle Cohn of Guatemala are the first Miss Universe contestants in these categories.
Another first is the debut of Pakistan in the pageant, with Erica Robin representing the country, while Egypt marks its return in the contest via Mohra Tantawy.
Miss Universe Nepal Jane Dipika Garrett, who was a crowd favourite during the preliminary rounds, also made headlines as the first plus-size contestant in the pageant.
Other fan favourites after the preliminary rounds include Michelle Dee from the Philippines, Sheynnis Palacios from Nicaragua and Anntonia Porsild from Thailand.
Miss Universe Bahrain Lujane Yacoub also caught the attention of online viewers for her flamboyant walk during the swimwear round.
Chef Nobu's advice for eating sushi
“One mistake people always make is adding extra wasabi. There is no need for this, because it should already be there between the rice and the fish.
“When eating nigiri, you must dip the fish – not the rice – in soy sauce, otherwise the rice will collapse. Also, don’t use too much soy sauce or it will make you thirsty. For sushi rolls, dip a little of the rice-covered roll lightly in soy sauce and eat in one bite.
“Chopsticks are acceptable, but really, I recommend using your fingers for sushi. Do use chopsticks for sashimi, though.
“The ginger should be eaten separately as a palette cleanser and used to clear the mouth when switching between different pieces of fish.”
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Company%20Profile
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Fighter profiles
Gabrieli Pessanha (Brazil)
Reigning Abu Dhabi World Pro champion in the 95kg division, virtually unbeatable in her weight class. Known for her pressure game but also dangerous with her back on the mat.
Nathiely de Jesus, 23, (Brazil)
Two-time World Pro champion renowned for her aggressive game. She is tall and most feared by her opponents for both her triangles and arm-bar attacks.
Thamara Ferreira, 24, (Brazil)
Since her brown belt days, Ferreira has been dominating the 70kg, in both the World Pro and the Grand Slams. With a very aggressive game.
Samantha Cook, 32, (Britain)
One of the biggest talents coming out of Europe in recent times. She is known for a highly technical game and bringing her A game to the table as always.
Kendall Reusing, 22, (USA)
Another young gun ready to explode in the big leagues. The Californian resident is a powerhouse in the -95kg division. Her duels with Pessanha have been highlights in the Grand Slams.
Martina Gramenius, 32, (Sweden)
Already a two-time Grand Slam champion in the current season. Gramenius won golds in the 70kg, in both in Moscow and Tokyo, to earn a spot in the inaugural Queen of Mats.
What the law says
Micro-retirement is not a recognised concept or employment status under Federal Decree Law No. 33 of 2021 on the Regulation of Labour Relations (as amended) (UAE Labour Law). As such, it reflects a voluntary work-life balance practice, rather than a recognised legal employment category, according to Dilini Loku, senior associate for law firm Gateley Middle East.
“Some companies may offer formal sabbatical policies or career break programmes; however, beyond such arrangements, there is no automatic right or statutory entitlement to extended breaks,” she explains.
“Any leave taken beyond statutory entitlements, such as annual leave, is typically regarded as unpaid leave in accordance with Article 33 of the UAE Labour Law. While employees may legally take unpaid leave, such requests are subject to the employer’s discretion and require approval.”
If an employee resigns to pursue micro-retirement, the employment contract is terminated, and the employer is under no legal obligation to rehire the employee in the future unless specific contractual agreements are in place (such as return-to-work arrangements), which are generally uncommon, Ms Loku adds.
MATCH INFO
Asian Champions League, last 16, first leg:
Al Jazira 3 Persepolis 2
Second leg:
Monday, Azizi Stadium, Tehran. Kick off 7pm
The specs
Engine: 2.0-litre 4cyl turbo
Power: 261hp at 5,500rpm
Torque: 405Nm at 1,750-3,500rpm
Transmission: 9-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 6.9L/100km
On sale: Now
Price: From Dh117,059
The bio
Studied up to grade 12 in Vatanappally, a village in India’s southern Thrissur district
Was a middle distance state athletics champion in school
Enjoys driving to Fujairah and Ras Al Khaimah with family
His dream is to continue working as a social worker and help people
Has seven diaries in which he has jotted down notes about his work and money he earned
Keeps the diaries in his car to remember his journey in the Emirates
