Visit the pop-up at Chaps & Co. barber shop for a free touch-up during Movember. Jeffrey E Biteng / The National
Visit the pop-up at Chaps & Co. barber shop for a free touch-up during Movember. Jeffrey E Biteng / The National
Visit the pop-up at Chaps & Co. barber shop for a free touch-up during Movember. Jeffrey E Biteng / The National
Visit the pop-up at Chaps & Co. barber shop for a free touch-up during Movember. Jeffrey E Biteng / The National

Hit List: Picnic at the Palace, white party at Nikki Beach and more


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Picnic at the Palace the ideal way to spend a Saturday

Picture this, a piece of prime property with your name on it, complete with a blanket or bean bag, picnic basket packed with food and refreshments and activities for the kids. Sound too good to be true? It’s not. Emirates Palace is kicking off its palatial picnic offering tomorrow, and it’s scheduled for the first Saturday of every month until May. It runs from 2pm until 5pm on the lawns of the West Wing and costs Dh370 for adults and Dh185 for children 10-12 years (children under 10 eat free). Book the family in at restaurants@emiratespalace.ae

A free close shave

It’s officially Movember, and to most men that means growing a moustache to raise money for mens’ health. We’re loving that Vida Downtown is teaming up with Chaps & Co. this month to host a ‘barber in a box’ installation that recreates the traditional British barbershop and is offering tidying up and touch ups for free. The pop-up runs from Tuesdays to Saturdays. Call 04 428 6888 for details.

Visit the pop-up at Chaps & Co. barber shop for a free touch-up during Movember. Jeffrey E Biteng / The National
Visit the pop-up at Chaps & Co. barber shop for a free touch-up during Movember. Jeffrey E Biteng / The National

Taxis on right track, finally

We’ve notice that there appears to be a new batch of taxi drivers on the road in the capital lately, and the best bit is that the majority of the cabs are fitted out with GPS devices. This is quite the move forward and one that is welcomed by those who often find themselves directing the cab drivers themselves using their own GPS mobile apps.

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It’s all white at Nikki Beach

If you haven’t been to Nikki Beach Dubai yet and are keen on an exclusive night out, we’re excited to hear that the resort is hosting its own White Party tomorrow. The theme is ‘Circus Circus’, built around magic and illusion. There will be live performances, gourmet food and DJs to keep the vibe uptempo. You must reserve your spot though, the fun starts from noon and the dress code is strictly white. Email info.dubai@nikkibeach.com or call 04 376 6162 to book.

The White Party at Nikki Beach Dubai is an exclusive event. Nikki Beach Dubai
The White Party at Nikki Beach Dubai is an exclusive event. Nikki Beach Dubai

Yoga class ripe for picking

We’re so glad that with the cooler weather community yoga is back each Saturday at the Ripe Market in Abu Dhabi’s Umm Al Emarat Park. The outdoor flow class is taught by a teacher from the capital’s Bodytree Studio and is suitable for all levels. Completely free, with a limited number of mats provided, all you need to bring is yourself and some comfy clothes you can easily move around in – and possibly some spending money to treat yourself to something at the food trucks and stall afterwards. Well, why not? After an hour of yoga you definitely deserve it! On each Saturday from 5-6pm. Contact Bodytree Studio on 02 443 4448.

500 People from Gaza enter France

115 Special programme for artists

25   Evacuation of injured and sick

HIV on the rise in the region

A 2019 United Nations special analysis on Aids reveals 37 per cent of new HIV infections in the Mena region are from people injecting drugs.

New HIV infections have also risen by 29 per cent in western Europe and Asia, and by 7 per cent in Latin America, but declined elsewhere.

Egypt has shown the highest increase in recorded cases of HIV since 2010, up by 196 per cent.

Access to HIV testing, treatment and care in the region is well below the global average.  

Few statistics have been published on the number of cases in the UAE, although a UNAIDS report said 1.5 per cent of the prison population has the virus.

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: 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

MATCH INFO

Champions League quarter-final, first leg

Ajax v Juventus, Wednesday, 11pm (UAE)

Match on BeIN Sports

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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

F1 The Movie

Starring: Brad Pitt, Damson Idris, Kerry Condon, Javier Bardem

Director: Joseph Kosinski

Rating: 4/5

THE DETAILS

Kaala

Dir: Pa. Ranjith

Starring: Rajinikanth, Huma Qureshi, Easwari Rao, Nana Patekar  

Rating: 1.5/5 

The specs

Engine: 8.0-litre, quad-turbo 16-cylinder

Transmission: 7-speed auto

0-100kmh 2.3 seconds

0-200kmh 5.5 seconds

0-300kmh 11.6 seconds

Power: 1500hp

Torque: 1600Nm

Price: Dh13,400,000

On sale: now

Know before you go
  • Jebel Akhdar is a two-hour drive from Muscat airport or a six-hour drive from Dubai. It’s impossible to visit by car unless you have a 4x4. Phone ahead to the hotel to arrange a transfer.
  • If you’re driving, make sure your insurance covers Oman.
  • By air: Budget airlines Air Arabia, Flydubai and SalamAir offer direct routes to Muscat from the UAE.
  • Tourists from the Emirates (UAE nationals not included) must apply for an Omani visa online before arrival at evisa.rop.gov.om. The process typically takes several days.
  • Flash floods are probable due to the terrain and a lack of drainage. Always check the weather before venturing into any canyons or other remote areas and identify a plan of escape that includes high ground, shelter and parking where your car won’t be overtaken by sudden downpours.

 

Tips to keep your car cool
  • Place a sun reflector in your windshield when not driving
  • Park in shaded or covered areas
  • Add tint to windows
  • Wrap your car to change the exterior colour
  • Pick light interiors - choose colours such as beige and cream for seats and dashboard furniture
  • Avoid leather interiors as these absorb more heat
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