There will come a point where Volkswagen surely cannot cram any more power into its star performer, but not today.
The fifth-generation Golf R has been a match-winner since it arrived in the UAE in 2011 to replace the German marque's wildly popular R32, and every version since has pushed the envelope.
You have to remember that its predecessor came with a 3.2 litre V6. It was good, but front-heavy and therefore not the best handling machine considering its size. Then Volkswagen figured out the perfect 2.0L four-cylinder engine, put one inside the Golf and have been refining it ever since.
The first model that arrived in the GCC was tuned down to a mere 255 horsepower. The latest gives 320 horsepower and the agility of all-wheel drive.
This will be the first Golf with VW's 4Motion system coupled with R-Performance Torque Vectoring and selective wheel torque control on the rear axle.
It promises drivers precise and neutral handling, optimum traction characteristics and exceptional agility. Or, in other words: “maximum driving pleasure".
“The Golf R is Volkswagen’s top performance model and the elite member of the R-Brand,” says Victor Dalmau, managing director of Volkswagen Middle East.
“This latest edition unites speed, precision and power, achieving a driving experience like never before. The Middle East has long shown a keen appetite for performance models, so we are particularly excited about launching this car in the region.”
So other than power, agility and the promised comfort from its sports-tuned suspension, what else will give you a grin?
Well, it's great to look at, too. The Golf R has had subtle changes over the years and remains one the prettiest little things on the road.
This one, available in Lapiz Blue Metallic, Pure White or Deep Black Pearl Effect, has the typical styling that includes a lower ride height, matt chrome mirrors, and R logo floor projection when the car door is opened and closed.
An optional Performance Package is available, equipped with 19-inch Estoril-style alloy wheels, progressive variable-ratio steering and a drift mode. And for those wanting to push the boat out further, VW is offering an Akrapovic titanium exhaust system for the first time in the Middle East. That knocks off an extra seven kilogrammes of weight if it is not already nimble enough.
Updates inside include customised and enhanced premium sports seats, a new, specially designed ergonomic direct-shift gearbox and an R button that allows quick access to different driving modes.
As usual, the Golf R is on the top end of the price list in its class — this one starts at about Dh182,000 ($49,709) — but a pre-booking offer before May 31 includes seven years of service.
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)
Auron Mein Kahan Dum Tha
Starring: Ajay Devgn, Tabu, Shantanu Maheshwari, Jimmy Shergill, Saiee Manjrekar
Director: Neeraj Pandey
Rating: 2.5/5
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."
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
COMPANY PROFILE
Name: Lamsa
Founder: Badr Ward
Launched: 2014
Employees: 60
Based: Abu Dhabi
Sector: EdTech
Funding to date: $15 million
Cricket World Cup League Two
Oman, UAE, Namibia
Al Amerat, Muscat
Results
Oman beat UAE by five wickets
UAE beat Namibia by eight runs
Fixtures
Wednesday January 8 –Oman v Namibia
Thursday January 9 – Oman v UAE
Saturday January 11 – UAE v Namibia
Sunday January 12 – Oman v Namibia
Disclaimer
Director: Alfonso Cuaron
Stars: Cate Blanchett, Kevin Kline, Lesley Manville
Rating: 4/5
Gothia Cup 2025
4,872 matches
1,942 teams
116 pitches
76 nations
26 UAE teams
15 Lebanese teams
2 Kuwaiti teams
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: 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
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.
From Zero
Artist: Linkin Park
Label: Warner Records
Number of tracks: 11
Rating: 4/5
How to protect yourself when air quality drops
Install an air filter in your home.
Close your windows and turn on the AC.
Shower or bath after being outside.
Wear a face mask.
Stay indoors when conditions are particularly poor.
If driving, turn your engine off when stationary.
Electoral College Victory
Trump has so far secured 295 Electoral College votes, according to the Associated Press, exceeding the 270 needed to win. Only Nevada and Arizona remain to be called, and both swing states are leaning Republican. Trump swept all five remaining swing states, North Carolina, Georgia, Pennsylvania, Michigan and Wisconsin, sealing his path to victory and giving him a strong mandate.
Popular Vote Tally
The count is ongoing, but Trump currently leads with nearly 51 per cent of the popular vote to Harris’s 47.6 per cent. Trump has over 72.2 million votes, while Harris trails with approximately 67.4 million.
