if you’re doing the cooking
For the vegetables
The Ripe market's festive veggie box comes filled with all the vegetables you need to whip up traditional side orders. Think red cabbage for braising, parsnips, potatoes and carrots for roasting, celery for the stuffing and rosemary for seasoning. For more information or to place an order, email info@ripeme.com or call 043806902.
For something a bit special
The gourmet food delivery site Chez Charles (www.chezcharles.ae) has a section dedicated to Christmas goodies. If you're looking for an extra-special centrepiece for the meal, you may find what you need here. As well as traditional turkey from France, it's selling partridge, pheasant, goose, capon, venison and roe deer. Orders must be placed at least 24 hours in advance.
Brush up on your skills beforehand
Being in charge of cooking the Christmas meal is a big responsibility. If you're worried about overcooked turkey and soggy roasties, help is at hand. APi CAE Gourmet in Abu Dhabi is holding an Italian Christmas cooking class on Thursday at 7.30pm (Dh250 per person). Call 02 666 8909 or visit www.apicae.com for more information. In Dubai, meanwhile, Top Chef Cooking Studio (www.topchefdubai.com) is running a range of cooking classes that will help you to entertain with ease and prepare the perfect Bûche de Nöel.
A little extra
If you've undertaken the task of preparing the main meal yourself, it's useful to have a few ready-prepared bits and pieces on standby. The Lime Tree Cafe & Kitchen's gourmet cheeseboard comes with chutneys, flatbreads, fruit, crackers and homemade rolls and would finish the dinner off nicely. For a relaxed starter, its antipasti platter contains various cheeses, sun-dried tomatoes and roasted artichokes and garlic, pickled shallots, olives, tomatoes and cured meats, which would make for rather nice nibbles. Lime Tree also sells gourmet hampers, all manner of festive sweet treats and offers a catering service. To place an order, email catering@limetreecafe.ae, visit www.thelimetreecafe.com or call 04 325 6325.
Christmas pudding isn't the most loved of all desserts. For a cute alternative that will no doubt appeal to children, the Abu Dhabi-based bakery Maison Sucre has created a range of colourful festive cupcakes featuring Santa Claus, snowmen, candy canes, stars and Christmas trees. Customers can also place special orders, if they would like a bespoke holiday design on a cupcake, cookie or cake ball. As well as the main Khalidiya store, Maison Sucre's cupcakes are also sold at Caboodle Cafe in The Dubai Mall. For enquires call 02 6396622 or visit www.maisonsucreuae.com.
An extravagant, stress-free option
He's already been booked for the 25th, but the private chef Tomas Reger still has dates available around that time, if you fancy hiring him to cook a gourmet Christmas meal at your home. It's up to you whether you opt for a traditional turkey roast or plump for a more extravagant tasting menu. Either way, chef Tomas will turn up on the day with ingredients, crockery and equipment in tow. He'll then cook up a storm and ensure that when he leaves, your kitchen looks just the way he found it. Book a home dining experience with chef Tomas Reger exclusively through Lime & Tonic (www.limeandtonic.com).
Ordering in
If you want to order your Christmas meal from Jones the Grocer then hurry – today is the last day to do so. A 6kg sage-and-onion-stuffed bird (serves 8-10) costs Dh390 or Dh560 with trimmings, which include roast potatoes, carrots, shallots, broccoli gratin, chestnuts, pumpkin, peas and rosemary gravy. Jones is also selling mince pies, plum puddings, Christmas cakes, festive sandwiches and gingerbread cookies. Call 800 56 637 or email events@jonesthegrocer.com. Baker & Spice in Dubai does Christmas catering well, offering all the classics with a signature twist. Give Baker & Spice 48 hours notice and you can have items such as roast chicken with chestnuts and leeks, fillet of beef en croute, apple and cranberry relish, bread sauce and roast potatoes with fresh zaatar and cumin butter delivered to your door. To place an order, call 04 427 9856 or email almanzil@bakerandspiceme.com or info@bakerandspiceme.com.
For out-and-out extravagance, the Take Away Treats option from Reflets Par Pierre Gagnaire should keep refined palates happy. Begin the day with oysters Tsarskaya, making sure that you leave room for a main course of French goose stuffed with foie gras. Finish the meal off with Gagnaire's special festive log, macaroons and orangettes (candied orange dipped in dark chocolate). Orders must be placed at least four days in advance. Call 04 701 1127/28, email restaurant.reservation@ichdfc.ae or visit www.diningdfc.com for more information.
Eating out
If you fancy eating out, but aren't fussed (or are even actively avoiding) traditional turkey, both the Fishmarket at the InterContinental Abu Dhabi and Chamas are sticking with their usual fare, with Chamas serving a meat feast churrasco special on the 25th. The Belgian Cafe, meanwhile, is offering a set Christmas menu. Call 800 IC DINE (800 423 463) or email dine.icabudhabi@ihg.com or book online at www.dining-intercontinental-ad.ae.
The brunch out on the lawns at the Al Badia Golf Club in Dubai is a really lovely one and perfect for families. For a relaxed Christmas meal that takes full advantage of the weather, pick up an old-fashioned wicker basket filled with treats, spread out your blanket and sample dishes from the live cooking stations on the 25th. For more information visit www.diningdfc.com, call 04 701 1127 or email restaurant.reservation@ichdfc.ae.
Eastern Mangroves Hotel & Spa by Anantara has plenty going on over the next week or so, including a special Thai-inspired set menu at Pachaylen on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day brunch at Ingredients restaurant, with traditional dishes sitting alongside mezze items, a sushi bar and cheese wall. Call 02 656 1000 or email easternmangroves@anantara.com.
For a Christmas meal with a view, a table outside at Riva Ristorante on Palm Jumeirah is a good choice: the atmosphere is relaxed, with a beach-chic feel and there's an al fresco terrace and stretch of private beach. Chef Aurelien's Italian-inspired menu sounds good, too, with items such as grilled sea bass as well as fully garnished turkey on offer. Riva is also hosting a children's party tomorrow, with a magic show, face painting, balloon modelling, a visit from Father Christmas and even snow. Call 04 430 9466 or email reservations@riva-beach.com. For more information email info@riva-beach.com.
eshardlow@thenational.ae
Ferrari 12Cilindri specs
Engine: naturally aspirated 6.5-liter V12
Power: 819hp
Torque: 678Nm at 7,250rpm
Price: From Dh1,700,000
Available: Now
Paatal Lok season two
Directors: Avinash Arun, Prosit Roy
Stars: Jaideep Ahlawat, Ishwak Singh, Lc Sekhose, Merenla Imsong
Rating: 4.5/5
Dust and sand storms compared
Sand storm
- Particle size: Larger, heavier sand grains
- Visibility: Often dramatic with thick "walls" of sand
- Duration: Short-lived, typically localised
- Travel distance: Limited
- Source: Open desert areas with strong winds
Dust storm
- Particle size: Much finer, lightweight particles
- Visibility: Hazy skies but less intense
- Duration: Can linger for days
- Travel distance: Long-range, up to thousands of kilometres
- Source: Can be carried from distant regions
Tearful appearance
Chancellor Rachel Reeves set markets on edge as she appeared visibly distraught in parliament on Wednesday.
Legislative setbacks for the government have blown a new hole in the budgetary calculations at a time when the deficit is stubbornly large and the economy is struggling to grow.
She appeared with Keir Starmer on Thursday and the pair embraced, but he had failed to give her his backing as she cried a day earlier.
A spokesman said her upset demeanour was due to a personal matter.
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match info
Chelsea 2
Willian (13'), Ross Barkley (64')
Liverpool 0
Key recommendations
- Fewer criminals put behind bars and more to serve sentences in the community, with short sentences scrapped and many inmates released earlier.
- Greater use of curfews and exclusion zones to deliver tougher supervision than ever on criminals.
- Explore wider powers for judges to punish offenders by blocking them from attending football matches, banning them from driving or travelling abroad through an expansion of ‘ancillary orders’.
- More Intensive Supervision Courts to tackle the root causes of crime such as alcohol and drug abuse – forcing repeat offenders to take part in tough treatment programmes or face prison.
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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
Super Saturday results
4pm: Mahab Al Shimaal Group 3 | US$350,000 | (Dirt) | 1,200m
Winner: Drafted, Pat Dobbs (jockey), Doug Watson (trainer).
4.35pm: Al Bastakiya Listed | $300,000 | (D) | 1,900m
Winner: Divine Image, Brett Doyle, Charlie Appleby.
5.10pm: Nad Al Sheba Turf Group 3 | $350,000 | (Turf) | 1,200m
Winner: Blue Point, William Buick, Charlie Appleby.
5.45pm: Burj Nahaar Group 3 | $350,000 | (D) | 1,600m
Winner: Muntazah, Jim Crowley, Doug Watson.
6.20pm: Dubai City of Gold Group 2 | $300,000 | (T) | 2,410m
Winner: Old Persian, William Buick, Charlie Appleby.
6.55pm: Al Maktoum Challenge Round 3 Group 1 | $600,000 | (D) | 2,000m
Winner: Capezzano, Mickael Barzalona, Salem bin Ghadayer.
7.30pm: Jebel Hatta Group 1 | $400,000 | (T) | 1,800m
Winner: Dream Castle, Christophe Soumillon, Saeed bin Suroor.
'HIJRAH%3A%20IN%20THE%20FOOTSTEPS%20OF%20THE%20PROPHET'
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GAC GS8 Specs
Engine: 2.0-litre 4cyl turbo
Power: 248hp at 5,200rpm
Torque: 400Nm at 1,750-4,000rpm
Transmission: 8-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 9.1L/100km
On sale: Now
Price: From Dh149,900
The specs: 2018 Volkswagen Teramont
Price, base / as tested Dh137,000 / Dh189,950
Engine 3.6-litre V6
Gearbox Eight-speed automatic
Power 280hp @ 6,200rpm
Torque 360Nm @ 2,750rpm
Fuel economy, combined 11.7L / 100km
Specs
Engine: Duel electric motors
Power: 659hp
Torque: 1075Nm
On sale: Available for pre-order now
Price: On request
Spec%20sheet
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SPECS
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EEngine%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Dual%20electric%20motors%20with%20102kW%20battery%20pack%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EPower%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E570hp%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ETorque%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20890Nm%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ERange%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Up%20to%20428km%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EOn%20sale%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Now%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EPrice%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EFrom%20Dh1%2C700%2C000%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
MATCH INFO
Uefa Champions League semi-final, first leg
Bayern Munich v Real Madrid
When: April 25, 10.45pm kick-off (UAE)
Where: Allianz Arena, Munich
Live: BeIN Sports HD
Second leg: May 1, Santiago Bernabeu, Madrid
Tori Amos
Native Invader
Decca
Global state-owned investor ranking by size
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United States
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China
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UAE
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Japan
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5
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Norway
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Canada
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Singapore
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Australia
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Saudi Arabia
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South Korea
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Results
United States beat UAE by three wickets
United States beat Scotland by 35 runs
UAE v Scotland – no result
United States beat UAE by 98 runs
Scotland beat United States by four wickets
Fixtures
Sunday, 10am, ICC Academy, Dubai - UAE v Scotland
Admission is free
How to watch Ireland v Pakistan in UAE
When: The one-off Test starts on Friday, May 11
What time: Each day’s play is scheduled to start at 2pm UAE time.
TV: The match will be broadcast on OSN Sports Cricket HD. Subscribers to the channel can also stream the action live on OSN Play.
The specs
- Engine: 3.9-litre twin-turbo V8
- Power: 640hp
- Torque: 760nm
- On sale: 2026
- Price: Not announced yet
In numbers: PKK’s money network in Europe
Germany: PKK collectors typically bring in $18 million in cash a year – amount has trebled since 2010
Revolutionary tax: Investigators say about $2 million a year raised from ‘tax collection’ around Marseille
Extortion: Gunman convicted in 2023 of demanding $10,000 from Kurdish businessman in Stockholm
Drug trade: PKK income claimed by Turkish anti-drugs force in 2024 to be as high as $500 million a year
Denmark: PKK one of two terrorist groups along with Iranian separatists ASMLA to raise “two-digit million amounts”
Contributions: Hundreds of euros expected from typical Kurdish families and thousands from business owners
TV channel: Kurdish Roj TV accounts frozen and went bankrupt after Denmark fined it more than $1 million over PKK links in 2013
In Search of Mary Shelley: The Girl Who Wrote Frankenstein
By Fiona Sampson
Profile
APPLE IPAD MINI (A17 PRO)
Display: 21cm Liquid Retina Display, 2266 x 1488, 326ppi, 500 nits
Chip: Apple A17 Pro, 6-core CPU, 5-core GPU, 16-core Neural Engine
Storage: 128/256/512GB
Main camera: 12MP wide, f/1.8, digital zoom up to 5x, Smart HDR 4
Front camera: 12MP ultra-wide, f/2.4, Smart HDR 4, full-HD @ 25/30/60fps
Biometrics: Touch ID, Face ID
Colours: Blue, purple, space grey, starlight
In the box: iPad mini, USB-C cable, 20W USB-C power adapter
Price: From Dh2,099
Specs
Engine: Dual-motor all-wheel-drive electric
Range: Up to 610km
Power: 905hp
Torque: 985Nm
Price: From Dh439,000
Available: Now
The specs
Engine: 1.5-litre 4-cylinder petrol
Power: 154bhp
Torque: 250Nm
Transmission: 7-speed automatic with 8-speed sports option
Price: From Dh79,600
On sale: Now
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
