In a plush cafe in Ras Al Khor, a mechanic carefully assembles a bicycle. He attaches the seat post to the frame, fixes the groupset and runs the cabling. The process of putting the parts together, which takes roughly two days, transpires behind glass walls, giving visitors the chance to see a custom bike being assembled as they sip on smoothies.
Pedal Cycling & Coffee, a bespoke bike shop and cafe that opened in Dubai last year, offers diners healthy beverages, locally roasted coffee, and gourmet dishes by Malenya Evans, previously the sous chef at Common Grounds. On the menu are items such as chilli scrambled eggs, smoked salmon sandwiches and iced Spanish lattes. Yet, it is the bicycles that steal the show.
Other than the repair services provided, Pedal houses bikes from some of the biggest cycling brands in the industry, as well as putting together custom machines, with prices starting at about Dh40,000 and going up to Dh75,000.
The appeal of custom bicycles
For those wondering what warrants that price tag, Pedal manager and bike fitter Edward Ross explains that custom-built bicycles are designed to fit the cyclist’s frame and riding style, instead of the other way around, and are then personalised to also suit aesthetic tastes.
“If you buy a standard bike from a shop, you may get one that’s according to your height, but it will never be perfect, there will always be areas of compromise, areas that stretch you out,” says Ross.
“But when you get a custom bicycle made, you have to consult with professional bike fitters who take your measurements. They also analyse your riding position – not necessarily the most efficient position, but the most comfortable position. These measurements are then sent to a manufacturer who uses the information to build the frame of the bike around them.”
Comfort is key here. Ross says no matter how expensive a bike is, if it is not comfortable, a cyclist will not be able to ride it as fast as it can go, or spend too many hours on it. The materials that go into the bikes also factor into the quality of the ride. While carbon fibre – hailed for its durability and lightness – is the material of choice for premium bicycles, stainless steel is also having something of a revival, says Ross. “In the old days, all bikes were made out of steel, and the material is coming back because modern steel is quite lightweight.
"There are also bikes made using a combination of materials, putting state-of-the-art technology on to a classic-looking frame.”
Pedal deals with four brands to create custom cycles: Bastion from Australia, Sarto and Stelbel from Italy and Czech manufacturer Festka. Each has its unique selling points, says Ross. “Take Bastion, for example. It uses 3D-printed titanium lugs and filament-wound carbon tubes to create a bike that essentially feels and rides exactly the way you want. You can tell them that you like the form of a certain cycle and the engineers there will create the bike with the same stiffness or flexibility, so it doesn’t look like the other bike, but feels like it.”
Meanwhile, Sarto and Festka specialise in carbon fibre bikes and Stelbel creates both carbon fibre and steel designs.
Piecing the bike together
Although the final process of putting together the different components only takes a day or two, the entire affair takes months, in what Ross describes as a “very interactive process”.
It begins with a consultation with Ross regarding the use of the bike. Depending on whether it is for general exercise, gravel biking or speed racing, the aesthetic, weight and shape of the bike will vary.
Once the cycle, based on brand, budget and use of bike, is selected, Ross refers the clients to professional bike fitters at Ingruppetto in Al Barsha, where they are measured both standing and seated on a cycle.
The information is passed on to the manufacturer, when Pedal also blocks a production date – which is usually about eight weeks away. The customer still has time to discuss personalisation – paint schemes, for example. "One of our customers had a poem by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid [Vice President and Ruler of Dubai] written on the bars of the bike in intricate Arabic calligraphy, which I think is pretty amazing and looks unique," says Ross.
Once the parts have been shipped to the UAE, the experts at Pedal do quality control checks on them and assemble the bike in the workshop. “Some people like to have videos of the final assembly of their bike being done, so we have to film the process for them,” says Ross.
Other than custom bikes, Pedal retails sought-after brands such as 3T, which is exclusive to the UAE workshop, and BMC. While these are also built to specification, standard frames are used.
Part of UAE’s cycling scene
Like all food and beverage establishments, Pedal was closed for a few months starting in March. However, Ross says that since reopening “people have come flooding back”.
He credits the renewed interest in the sport to numerous factors. For starters, cycling is a pandemic-friendly activity: it can be done solo and takes place out in the open. There has also been a general drive towards more active lifestyles over the past few years. Ross also credits the growth of interest to the UAE government, which has been investing in cycling infrastructure around the country.
“Building linked cycling tracks ensures people can get out there and bike without having to worry about traffic. It’s [become] a safe sport,” says Ross.
There has been a large cycling community in the UAE for a long time and it continues to grow. Mountain biking in Hatta and Ras Al Khaimah is also becoming popular.
It is the UAE’s potential to become a cycling hub that led Khalifa Almarri, Humaid Alkhallafi and Faisal Bin Fares to start Pedal in the first place. The three Emirati school friends are avid cyclists themselves, having rediscovered the sport in 2007.
“When my friends and I started riding in 2007, it was around Nad Al Sheba, and there weren’t the tracks how you see them today,” says Almarri. “We rode between communities, on the main roads, and simply raced as friends.
“It was this notion of endurance sports that came from horse riding for hours, and the togetherness from a coffee culture that made cycling so relevant to us. As time went on, Sheikh Hamdan [Crown Prince of Dubai] led the infrastructure and sports community, so it grew our desire for Pedal’s concept.
“Ultimately, what we wanted was a place you could walk into and feel like you know everyone without knowing anyone because you have a common passion and it gives you a sense of belonging,” says Almarri. “Adding coffee and food to the concept is Emirati in virtue of the fact that it's how we gather.”
Why are asylum seekers being housed in hotels?
The number of asylum applications in the UK has reached a new record high, driven by those illegally entering the country in small boats crossing the English Channel.
A total of 111,084 people applied for asylum in the UK in the year to June 2025, the highest number for any 12-month period since current records began in 2001.
Asylum seekers and their families can be housed in temporary accommodation while their claim is assessed.
The Home Office provides the accommodation, meaning asylum seekers cannot choose where they live.
When there is not enough housing, the Home Office can move people to hotels or large sites like former military bases.
Benefits of first-time home buyers' scheme
- Priority access to new homes from participating developers
- Discounts on sales price of off-plan units
- Flexible payment plans from developers
- Mortgages with better interest rates, faster approval times and reduced fees
- DLD registration fee can be paid through banks or credit cards at zero interest rates
COMPANY%20PROFILE
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COMPANY%20PROFILE
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ECompany%20name%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Revibe%20%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EStarted%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%202022%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EFounders%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Hamza%20Iraqui%20and%20Abdessamad%20Ben%20Zakour%20%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EBased%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20UAE%20%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EIndustry%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Refurbished%20electronics%20%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EFunds%20raised%20so%20far%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20%2410m%20%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EInvestors%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EFlat6Labs%2C%20Resonance%20and%20various%20others%0D%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Red flags
- Promises of high, fixed or 'guaranteed' returns.
- Unregulated structured products or complex investments often used to bypass traditional safeguards.
- Lack of clear information, vague language, no access to audited financials.
- Overseas companies targeting investors in other jurisdictions - this can make legal recovery difficult.
- Hard-selling tactics - creating urgency, offering 'exclusive' deals.
Courtesy: Carol Glynn, founder of Conscious Finance Coaching
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
Pharaoh's curse
British aristocrat Lord Carnarvon, who funded the expedition to find the Tutankhamun tomb, died in a Cairo hotel four months after the crypt was opened.
He had been in poor health for many years after a car crash, and a mosquito bite made worse by a shaving cut led to blood poisoning and pneumonia.
Reports at the time said Lord Carnarvon suffered from “pain as the inflammation affected the nasal passages and eyes”.
Decades later, scientists contended he had died of aspergillosis after inhaling spores of the fungus aspergillus in the tomb, which can lie dormant for months. The fact several others who entered were also found dead withiin a short time led to the myth of the curse.
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.
The specs
- Engine: 3.9-litre twin-turbo V8
- Power: 640hp
- Torque: 760nm
- On sale: 2026
- Price: Not announced yet
Specs
Engine: Dual-motor all-wheel-drive electric
Range: Up to 610km
Power: 905hp
Torque: 985Nm
Price: From Dh439,000
Available: Now
The biog
Name: Shamsa Hassan Safar
Nationality: Emirati
Education: Degree in emergency medical services at Higher Colleges of Technology
Favourite book: Between two hearts- Arabic novels
Favourite music: Mohammed Abdu and modern Arabic songs
Favourite way to spend time off: Family visits and spending time with friends
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)
Profile
Company: Justmop.com
Date started: December 2015
Founders: Kerem Kuyucu and Cagatay Ozcan
Sector: Technology and home services
Based: Jumeirah Lake Towers, Dubai
Size: 55 employees and 100,000 cleaning requests a month
Funding: The company’s investors include Collective Spark, Faith Capital Holding, Oak Capital, VentureFriends, and 500 Startups.
Results
6.30pm: Al Maktoum Challenge Round-2 Group 1 (PA) US$75,000 (Dirt) 1,900m
Winner: Ziyadd, Richard Mullen (jockey), Jean de Roualle (trainer).
7.05pm: Al Rashidiya Group 2 (TB) $250,000 (Turf) 1,800m
Winner: Barney Roy, William Buick, Charlie Appleby.
7.40pm: Meydan Cup Listed Handicap (TB) $175,000 (T) 2,810m
Winner: Secret Advisor, Tadhg O’Shea, Charlie Appleby.
8.15pm: Handicap (TB) $175,000 (D) 1,600m
Winner: Plata O Plomo, Carlos Lopez, Susanne Berneklint.
8.50pm: Handicap (TB) $135,000 (T) 1,600m
Winner: Salute The Soldier, Adrie de Vries, Fawzi Nass.
9.25pm: Al Shindagha Sprint Group 3 (TB) $200,000 (D) 1,200m
Winner: Gladiator King, Mickael Barzalona, Satish Seemar.
COMPANY PROFILE
Initial investment: Undisclosed
Investment stage: Series A
Investors: Core42
Current number of staff: 47
WWE TLC results
Asuka won the SmackDown Women's title in a TLC triple threat with Becky Lynch and Charlotte Flair
Dean Ambrose won the Intercontinental title against Seth Rollins
Daniel Bryan retained the WWE World Heavyweight Championship against AJ Styles
Ronda Rousey retained the Raw Women's Championship against Nia Jax
Rey Mysterio beat Randy Orton in a chairs match
Finn Balor defeated Drew McIntyre
Natalya beat Ruby Riott in a tables match
Braun Strowman beat Baron Corbin in a TLC match
Sheamus and Cesaro retained the SmackDown Tag Titles against The Usos and New Day
R-Truth and Carmella won the Mixed Match Challenge by beating Jinder Mahal and Alicia Fox
What sanctions would be reimposed?
Under ‘snapback’, measures imposed on Iran by the UN Security Council in six resolutions would be restored, including:
- An arms embargo
- A ban on uranium enrichment and reprocessing
- A ban on launches and other activities with ballistic missiles capable of delivering nuclear weapons, as well as ballistic missile technology transfer and technical assistance
- A targeted global asset freeze and travel ban on Iranian individuals and entities
- Authorisation for countries to inspect Iran Air Cargo and Islamic Republic of Iran Shipping Lines cargoes for banned goods
The%20specs
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Killing of Qassem Suleimani
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Labour dispute
The insured employee may still file an ILOE claim even if a labour dispute is ongoing post termination, but the insurer may suspend or reject payment, until the courts resolve the dispute, especially if the reason for termination is contested. The outcome of the labour court proceedings can directly affect eligibility.
- Abdullah Ishnaneh, Partner, BSA Law
Director: Laxman Utekar
Cast: Vicky Kaushal, Akshaye Khanna, Diana Penty, Vineet Kumar Singh, Rashmika Mandanna
Rating: 1/5
The specs
Engine: 4.0-litre V8 twin-turbocharged and three electric motors
Power: Combined output 920hp
Torque: 730Nm at 4,000-7,000rpm
Transmission: 8-speed dual-clutch automatic
Fuel consumption: 11.2L/100km
On sale: Now, deliveries expected later in 2025
Price: expected to start at Dh1,432,000
BIGGEST CYBER SECURITY INCIDENTS IN RECENT TIMES
SolarWinds supply chain attack: Came to light in December 2020 but had taken root for several months, compromising major tech companies, governments and its entities
Microsoft Exchange server exploitation: March 2021; attackers used a vulnerability to steal emails
Kaseya attack: July 2021; ransomware hit perpetrated REvil, resulting in severe downtime for more than 1,000 companies
Log4j breach: December 2021; attackers exploited the Java-written code to inflitrate businesses and governments
Ireland v Denmark: The last two years
Denmark 1-1 Ireland
7/06/19, Euro 2020 qualifier
Denmark 0-0 Ireland
19/11/2018, Nations League
Ireland 0-0 Denmark
13/10/2018, Nations League
Ireland 1 Denmark 5
14/11/2017, World Cup qualifier
Denmark 0-0 Ireland
11/11/2017, World Cup qualifier
Moving%20Out%202
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Key findings of Jenkins report
- Founder of the Muslim Brotherhood, Hassan al Banna, "accepted the political utility of violence"
- Views of key Muslim Brotherhood ideologue, Sayyid Qutb, have “consistently been understood” as permitting “the use of extreme violence in the pursuit of the perfect Islamic society” and “never been institutionally disowned” by the movement.
- Muslim Brotherhood at all levels has repeatedly defended Hamas attacks against Israel, including the use of suicide bombers and the killing of civilians.
- Laying out the report in the House of Commons, David Cameron told MPs: "The main findings of the review support the conclusion that membership of, association with, or influence by the Muslim Brotherhood should be considered as a possible indicator of extremism."
if you go
The flights
Etihad, Emirates and Singapore Airlines fly direct from the UAE to Singapore from Dh2,265 return including taxes. The flight takes about 7 hours.
The hotel
Rooms at the M Social Singapore cost from SG $179 (Dh488) per night including taxes.
The tour
Makan Makan Walking group tours costs from SG $90 (Dh245) per person for about three hours. Tailor-made tours can be arranged. For details go to www.woknstroll.com.sg
Lexus LX700h specs
Engine: 3.4-litre twin-turbo V6 plus supplementary electric motor
Power: 464hp at 5,200rpm
Torque: 790Nm from 2,000-3,600rpm
Transmission: 10-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 11.7L/100km
On sale: Now
Price: From Dh590,000
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Simran
Director Hansal Mehta
Stars: Kangana Ranaut, Soham Shah, Esha Tiwari Pandey
Three stars
The specs
Engine: Dual 180kW and 300kW front and rear motors
Power: 480kW
Torque: 850Nm
Transmission: Single-speed automatic
Price: From Dh359,900 ($98,000)
On sale: Now
Copa del Rey
Semi-final, first leg
Barcelona 1 (Malcom 57')
Real Madrid (Vazquez 6')
Second leg, February 27
Specs
Engine: 51.5kW electric motor
Range: 400km
Power: 134bhp
Torque: 175Nm
Price: From Dh98,800
Available: Now
BMW M5 specs
Engine: 4.4-litre twin-turbo V-8 petrol enging with additional electric motor
Power: 727hp
Torque: 1,000Nm
Transmission: 8-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 10.6L/100km
On sale: Now
Price: From Dh650,000
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BUNDESLIGA FIXTURES
Saturday, May 16 (kick-offs UAE time)
Borussia Dortmund v Schalke (4.30pm)
RB Leipzig v Freiburg (4.30pm)
Hoffenheim v Hertha Berlin (4.30pm)
Fortuna Dusseldorf v Paderborn (4.30pm)
Augsburg v Wolfsburg (4.30pm)
Eintracht Frankfurt v Borussia Monchengladbach (7.30pm)
Sunday, May 17
Cologne v Mainz (4.30pm),
Union Berlin v Bayern Munich (7pm)
Monday, May 18
Werder Bremen v Bayer Leverkusen (9.30pm)
