The first Abu Dhabi Collectors’ Week is under way, bringing an array of covetable creations to the capital.
Running until October 16 and organised by Retail Abu Dhabi, an arm of the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi, the 10-day festival is a celebration of collectors and collectibles in the retail, design, entertainment and culinary spheres. It involves a calendar of citywide events, offering access to bespoke, exclusive products and experiences. It also features appearances from leading international collectors, designers and entertainers, including Mark Ronson and Refik Anadol.
At The Collective, a series of four immersive experiences, visitors are able to explore NFT collections, a trainers exhibition and a cars emporium. Meanwhile, a series of immersive Abu Dhabi-wide pop-ups are offering brand retrospectives and new product drops, supported by in-store collection launches at 15 malls and complemented by culinary activations at key locations across the capital.
“Abu Dhabi Collectors’ Week is designed to create a true celebration of the world’s creative landscape right here in Abu Dhabi, through the curation of new and exciting collectors’ experiences across the retail, creative and culinary sectors,” says Ali Hassan Al Shaiba, executive director of tourism and marketing at DCT Abu Dhabi.
“We are confident this exciting new addition to Abu Dhabi’s increasingly diverse events calendar will elevate the emirate’s local and international tourism offering, and underline Abu Dhabi’s steering role as a beacon of innovation for the regional design and creative industries.”
The event is anchored by Semi Permanent Middle East, a global design and creativity festival being hosted at Manarat Al Saadiyat from Thursday to Saturday, October 14 to 16. The three-day programme will include talks, performances, dining experiences, art installations and screenings aimed at offering a fresh perspective on our post-pandemic world. From art and music to architecture and fashion design, Semi Permanent’s programme will place a spotlight on the shifting nature of creativity in the 21st century. Participants include architect Oana Stanescu, musician Dana Hourani and fashion designer Bunyamin Aydin of Les Benjamins.
“We’ve brought together some 30 incredible talents, from here in the UAE, as well the United States, Australia, Germany, the United Kingdom and beyond, and while they vary greatly in what they create, what they have in common is that they’re leaders in their field and define trends,” says Semi Permanent creative director and curator of the Semi Permanent Middle East festival, Mitchell Oakley Smith.
Here are six ways to enjoy Abu Dhabi Collectors' Week:
Mark Ronson
Mark Ronson will perform a DJ set at W Abu Dhabi on Thursday, October 14, at a party celebrating the inauguration of the first Semi Permanent Middle East festival. The Grammy and Oscar-winning record producer and songwriter, best known for his collaborations with artists such as Lady Gaga, Miley Cyrus, Stevie Wonder and the late Amy Winehouse, will be performing from 9.30pm. He will also be delivering a talk at 12.30pm as part of the event's opening session. Day passes for Semi Permanent Middle East cost Dh700 and are available at www.semipermanent.com
The Flower Shop
The famed Flower Shop from New York City is hosting a pop-up at Semi Permanent Middle East, bringing its Lower East Side vibe to Saadiyat Island. The hot spot is known for its eccentric interiors and refined but accessible menu, which includes delicacies such as pink moon oysters and wakame seafood salad, alongside classics including fried buttermilk chicken and fish and chips.
Breitling pop-up
To coincide with Collectors’ Week, luxury watch brand Breitling has unveiled its new Superocean Heritage 57 Pastel Paradise capsule collection for women – a colourful take on an old classic that has the timepiece reimagined in shades of summer white, aquamarine, mint green, iced latte and rainbow tangerine. To capture the summery feel of the new line, Breitling has created a surfing-inspired pop-up, complete with a bar, vintage fridge, surfboards and colorful neon lights, in its Yas Mall store.
50 Objects
Abu Dhabi Collectors’ Week will include the city’s first exhibition of rare objects from the personal collections of selected Emirati collectors, including handbags, watches, jewellery and clothing. The exclusive display will be hosted at Manarat Al Saadiyat until Saturday, October 16, and will be complemented by the launch of a dedicated coffee-table book that shares the stories behind many of the items featured.
Dolce & Gabbana exclusives
Visitors to Dolce & Gabbana’s stores in The Galleria Al Maryah Island will have access to the brand’s new Sicily Foulard bag, which was released in the UAE ahead of its global launch on October 8. The bag comes in two colour variations, a light dusky pink and a soft mint green, and in small and medium sizes. Fans of the brand will also get a first look at the autumn/winter 2021 runway collection.
The Collective
Taking place on Al Hudayriyat Island until Saturday, October 16, The Collective includes the Sneaker Lab, created in partnership with Puma, and a first-of-its-kind NFT exhibition. Influencer Mo Vlogs will also be showcasing his supercar collection, while the Immersive Collectors' Room, which explores the stories and motions behind the art of collecting, will run alongside the event at Manarat Al Saadiyat.
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
ICC men's cricketer of the year
2004 - Rahul Dravid (IND) ; 2005 - Jacques Kallis (SA) and Andrew Flintoff (ENG); 2006 - Ricky Ponting (AUS); 2007 - Ricky Ponting; 2008 - Shivnarine Chanderpaul (WI); 2009 - Mitchell Johnson (AUS); 2010 - Sachin Tendulkar (IND); 2011 - Jonathan Trott (ENG); 2012 - Kumar Sangakkara (SL); 2013 - Michael Clarke (AUS); 2014 - Mitchell Johnson; 2015 - Steve Smith (AUS); 2016 - Ravichandran Ashwin (IND); 2017 - Virat Kohli (IND); 2018 - Virat Kohli; 2019 - Ben Stokes (ENG); 2021 - Shaheen Afridi
Specs
Engine: Duel electric motors
Power: 659hp
Torque: 1075Nm
On sale: Available for pre-order now
Price: On request
SPEC%20SHEET%3A%20APPLE%20M3%20MACBOOK%20AIR%20(13%22)
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Who is Allegra Stratton?
- Previously worked at The Guardian, BBC’s Newsnight programme and ITV News
- Took up a public relations role for Chancellor Rishi Sunak in April 2020
- In October 2020 she was hired to lead No 10’s planned daily televised press briefings
- The idea was later scrapped and she was appointed spokeswoman for Cop26
- Ms Stratton, 41, is married to James Forsyth, the political editor of The Spectator
- She has strong connections to the Conservative establishment
- Mr Sunak served as best man at her 2011 wedding to Mr Forsyth
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.
Company%20profile
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Match info:
Real Betis v Sevilla, 10.45pm (UAE)
UPI facts
More than 2.2 million Indian tourists arrived in UAE in 2023
More than 3.5 million Indians reside in UAE
Indian tourists can make purchases in UAE using rupee accounts in India through QR-code-based UPI real-time payment systems
Indian residents in UAE can use their non-resident NRO and NRE accounts held in Indian banks linked to a UAE mobile number for UPI transactions
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Timeline
2012-2015
The company offers payments/bribes to win key contracts in the Middle East
May 2017
The UK SFO officially opens investigation into Petrofac’s use of agents, corruption, and potential bribery to secure contracts
September 2021
Petrofac pleads guilty to seven counts of failing to prevent bribery under the UK Bribery Act
October 2021
Court fines Petrofac £77 million for bribery. Former executive receives a two-year suspended sentence
December 2024
Petrofac enters into comprehensive restructuring to strengthen the financial position of the group
May 2025
The High Court of England and Wales approves the company’s restructuring plan
July 2025
The Court of Appeal issues a judgment challenging parts of the restructuring plan
August 2025
Petrofac issues a business update to execute the restructuring and confirms it will appeal the Court of Appeal decision
October 2025
Petrofac loses a major TenneT offshore wind contract worth €13 billion. Holding company files for administration in the UK. Petrofac delisted from the London Stock Exchange
November 2025
180 Petrofac employees laid off in the UAE
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
The President's Cake
Director: Hasan Hadi
Starring: Baneen Ahmad Nayyef, Waheed Thabet Khreibat, Sajad Mohamad Qasem
Rating: 4/5
Mobile phone packages comparison
The Equaliser 2
Director Antoine Fuqua
Starring: Denzel Washington, Bill Pullman, Melissa Leo, Ashton Sanders
Three stars
UAE%20medallists%20at%20Asian%20Games%202023
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COMPANY PROFILE
Name: HyperSpace
Started: 2020
Founders: Alexander Heller, Rama Allen and Desi Gonzalez
Based: Dubai, UAE
Sector: Entertainment
Number of staff: 210
Investment raised: $75 million from investors including Galaxy Interactive, Riyadh Season, Sega Ventures and Apis Venture Partners
Terror attacks in Paris, November 13, 2015
- At 9.16pm, three suicide attackers killed one person outside the Atade de France during a foootball match between France and Germany
- At 9.25pm, three attackers opened fire on restaurants and cafes over 20 minutes, killing 39 people
- Shortly after 9.40pm, three other attackers launched a three-hour raid on the Bataclan, in which 1,500 people had gathered to watch a rock concert. In total, 90 people were killed
- Salah Abdeslam, the only survivor of the terrorists, did not directly participate in the attacks, thought to be due to a technical glitch in his suicide vest
- He fled to Belgium and was involved in attacks on Brussels in March 2016. He is serving a life sentence in France
Countries recognising Palestine
France, UK, Canada, Australia, Portugal, Belgium, Malta, Luxembourg, San Marino and Andorra
Top%2010%20most%20competitive%20economies
%3Cp%3E1.%20Singapore%0D%3Cbr%3E2.%20Switzerland%0D%3Cbr%3E3.%20Denmark%0D%3Cbr%3E4.%20Ireland%0D%3Cbr%3E5.%20Hong%20Kong%0D%3Cbr%3E6.%20Sweden%0D%3Cbr%3E7.%20UAE%0D%3Cbr%3E8.%20Taiwan%0D%3Cbr%3E9.%20Netherlands%0D%3Cbr%3E10.%20Norway%0D%3Cbr%3E%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
The%20specs
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The essentials
What: Emirates Airline Festival of Literature
When: Friday until March 9
Where: All main sessions are held in the InterContinental Dubai Festival City
Price: Sessions range from free entry to Dh125 tickets, with the exception of special events.
Hot Tip: If waiting for your book to be signed looks like it will be timeconsuming, ask the festival’s bookstore if they have pre-signed copies of the book you’re looking for. They should have a bunch from some of the festival’s biggest guest authors.
Information: www.emirateslitfest.com
Singham Again
Director: Rohit Shetty
Stars: Ajay Devgn, Kareena Kapoor Khan, Ranveer Singh, Akshay Kumar, Tiger Shroff, Deepika Padukone
Rating: 3/5
COMPANY PROFILE
Name: Kumulus Water
Started: 2021
Founders: Iheb Triki and Mohamed Ali Abid
Based: Tunisia
Sector: Water technology
Number of staff: 22
Investment raised: $4 million
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
