Under the myopic mismanagement of Chrysler, Jeep has suffered huge financial problems. The group's split from Daimler in 2007 was rapidly followed by a disastrous relationship with Cerberus Capital Management, resulting in Chapter 11 bankruptcy that could have spelled the end for the 70-year-old Jeep brand.
A rescue package from Fiat last year proved to be the outreached hand to help pull Chrysler from its financial swamp. But the group is far from out of danger, even with an aggressive and hugely optimistic five-year plan laid out for its survival.
And against this constant barrage of money woes, Jeep has produced possibly the best statement of intent for the future of the brand. Having driven the 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee on tarmac and rutted dust trails at the Hollister Hills proving grounds outside San Francisco, there is no doubt that this fourth generation of Jeep's bestseller (and Chrysler's second bestseller across its entire group range) is the 4x4 car maker's securest bet for survival.
Phil Jansen, the chief engineer of the Grand Cherokee, says research showed people wanted the company to find the "sweet spot" between sophisticated on-road people-lugger and competent "go-anywhere" off-roader. Well, the R&D money has been extremely well spent.
The new Grand Cherokee is a more unified design than the model it replaces. Exterior lines are smoother and more dynamic while still retaining classic cues such as the hexagonal wheel arches and the seven-slatted chrome grille. Gone are the double circular headlight clusters, which have been replaced by slim, compact trapezoid bi-xenon units.
In profile, the longer wheelbase with reduced front and rear overhangs, as well as the gradually rising shoulderline and declining roofline, present a solid, poised stance, while harsh edges - which were a common feature to all Jeep models - have been smoothed out. Rugged masculinity is not completely absent: in certain lights the swage line along the Grand Cherokee's sides resembles a chiselled male jawline.
The muscle of the exterior is echoed by the two competent engine choices that will be available when the Jeep arrives later this year: an all-new 3.6L Pentastar V6 and a 5.7L V8.
On blacktop, the 286hp V6 has sufficient, if not jaw-dropping, grunt and, thanks to variable valve timing, has smooth power delivery across the rev range, as well as plenty of torque (347Nm). Combined with independent suspension all-round, a 146 per cent stiffer steel uniframe body, stability control with Electronic Roll Mitigation, and full-time Quadra-Drive II all-wheel drive, the result is a surprisingly well-balanced and pleasantly responsive ride around corners for an SUV weighing 2,191kg.
The standard five-speed automatic gearbox is well behaved and suitably ranged to make the most of the torque in general driving conditions. While the changes in manual mode are not instantaneous, they still don't feel laborious.
But a Jeep wouldn't warrant the moniker if it wasn't amply capable in the wilderness. And a quick switchover to the 352hp V8 variant soon clarified that this particular vehicle is still a deserving torchbearer for the brand. Across the range, the Grand Cherokee features both updated versions of its Quadra-Drive and Quadra-Trac technologies: the first of which features an electronic limited-slip differential (ELSD). This is the standard four-wheel-drive system for all-around on- and off-road handling, capable enough in most low traction situations.
The Quadra-Trak is for going further into unknown territory. It has a two-speed transfer case that controls the low-range gearing and the amount of power delivery to each axle through numerous sensors, and can, if necessary, deliver 100 per cent of its torque to the axle with the most traction. Add to this Jeep's new Quadra-Lift air suspension system with five height settings that can raise the body by 105mm, and a 45° dusty, rutted and twisting incline proves to be a walk in the park.
To control these systems, Jeep has now also incorporated Selec-Terrain. Similar to Land Rover's Terrain Response, it's a "Dummies' Guide to Off-Roading", if you like. Mounted on the centre console behind the gearshift, a rotating knob lets you choose between five modes: Sport, Snow, Auto, Sand/Mud, and Rock. Upon selection, the system adjusts engine mapping, suspension, traction control leniency and power and torque delivery depending on the feedback it receives from traction sensors at each wheel.
As much as you try to catch out the Grand Cherokee off-road, assuming that at some point you will find its breaking point, all the power and gizmology ensures that it never happens. And it's equally as composed on loose downhill terrain thanks to a variable Hill Descent control.
You'd hope that any Jeep would at least be capable off-road - and it is. But past Jeeps have frequently fallen short on the interior design and quality of materials. Here it would seem that Fiat's influence at the Jefferson North Assembly Plant in Detroit has paid dividends.
Mike Manley, the president and CEO of Jeep, says that under the Italian car maker, master gauges to check tolerances and fit and finish have been introduced for the first time - and the difference is remarkable. Surfaces are tactile quality leather and cloth, the steering wheel is rugged yet sophisticated with a metallic double spoke at the base and quality leather grip, while the switchgear feels decisive and sturdy. The only cheap feeling plastics are the roof-mounted light and sunroof controls and the small holders forward of the electric window controls.
The list of standard features even on the Laredo would be deemed as impressive on most premium cars, and it's packed with more than 45 safety and security features. Meanwhile, the Grand Cherokee's longer wheelbase offers plenty of legroom in the rear as well as an 11 per cent increase in cargo volume.
In a recent interview on his concerns about how the Grand Cherokee would sell, Manley told The Associated Press: "I'm not concerned about it at all. Having lived with this vehicle as the head of Jeep for almost a year, we have a winner. Absolutely."
It certainly looks like it.
The Jeep Grand Cherokee will appear in UAE showrooms in November; pricing has yet to be determined.
NO OTHER LAND
Director: Basel Adra, Yuval Abraham, Rachel Szor, Hamdan Ballal
Stars: Basel Adra, Yuval Abraham
Rating: 3.5/5
Duterte Harry: Fire and Fury in the Philippines
Jonathan Miller, Scribe Publications
Youth YouTuber Programme
The programme will be presented over two weeks and will cover the following topics:
- Learning, scripting, storytelling and basic shots
- Master on-camera presence and advanced script writing
- Beating the algorithm and reaching your core audience
Rankings
ATP: 1. Novak Djokovic (SRB) 10,955 pts; 2. Rafael Nadal (ESP) 8,320; 3. Alexander Zverev (GER) 6,475 ( 1); 5. Juan Martin Del Potro (ARG) 5,060 ( 1); 6. Kevin Anderson (RSA) 4,845 ( 1); 6. Roger Federer (SUI) 4,600 (-3); 7. Kei Nishikori (JPN) 4,110 ( 2); 8. Dominic Thiem (AUT) 3,960; 9. John Isner (USA) 3,155 ( 1); 10. Marin Cilic (CRO) 3,140 (-3)
WTA: 1. Naomi Osaka (JPN) 7,030 pts ( 3); 2. Petra Kvitova (CZE) 6,290 ( 4); 3. Simona Halep (ROM) 5,582 (-2); 4. Sloane Stephens (USA) 5,307 ( 1); 5. Karolina Pliskova (CZE) 5,100 ( 3); 6. Angelique Kerber (GER) 4,965 (-4); 7. Elina Svitolina (UKR) 4,940; 8. Kiki Bertens (NED) 4,430 ( 1); 9. Caroline Wozniacki (DEN) 3,566 (-6); 10. Aryna Sabalenka (BLR) 3,485 ( 1)
Easter%20Sunday
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The White Lotus: Season three
Creator: Mike White
Starring: Walton Goggins, Jason Isaacs, Natasha Rothwell
Rating: 4.5/5
A MINECRAFT MOVIE
Director: Jared Hess
Starring: Jack Black, Jennifer Coolidge, Jason Momoa
Rating: 3/5
THE BIO
Occupation: Specialised chief medical laboratory technologist
Age: 78
Favourite destination: Always Al Ain “Dar Al Zain”
Hobbies: his work - “ the thing which I am most passionate for and which occupied all my time in the morning and evening from 1963 to 2019”
Other hobbies: football
Favorite football club: Al Ain Sports Club
The specs
Engine: Four electric motors, one at each wheel
Power: 579hp
Torque: 859Nm
Transmission: Single-speed automatic
Price: From Dh825,900
On sale: Now
Warlight,
Michael Ondaatje, Knopf
RESULTS
6pm: Mazrat Al Ruwayah – Group 2 (PA) $40,000 (Dirt) 1,600m
Winner: AF Alajaj, Tadhg O’Shea (jockey), Ernst Oertel (trainer)
6.35pm: Race of Future – Handicap (TB) $80,000 (Turf) 2,410m
Winner: Global Storm, William Buick, Charlie Appleby
7.10pm: UAE 2000 Guineas – Group 3 (TB) $150,000 (D) 1,600m
Winner: Azure Coast, Antonio Fresu, Pavel Vashchenko
7.45pm: Business Bay Challenge – Listed (TB) $100,000 (T) 1,400m
Winner: Storm Damage, Patrick Cosgrave, Saeed bin Suroor
20.20pm: Curlin Stakes – Listed (TB) $100,000 (D) 2,000m
Winner: Appreciated, Fernando Jara, Doug O’Neill
8.55pm: Singspiel Stakes – Group 2 (TB) $180,000 (T) 1,800m
Winner: Lord Glitters, Daniel Tudhope, David O'Meara
9.30pm: Al Shindagha Sprint – Group 3 (TB) $150,000 (D) 1,200m
Winner: Meraas, Antonio Fresu, Musabah Al Muhairi
Specs
Engine: Dual-motor all-wheel-drive electric
Range: Up to 610km
Power: 905hp
Torque: 985Nm
Price: From Dh439,000
Available: Now
The rules on fostering in the UAE
A foster couple or family must:
- be Muslim, Emirati and be residing in the UAE
- not be younger than 25 years old
- not have been convicted of offences or crimes involving moral turpitude
- be free of infectious diseases or psychological and mental disorders
- have the ability to support its members and the foster child financially
- undertake to treat and raise the child in a proper manner and take care of his or her health and well-being
- A single, divorced or widowed Muslim Emirati female, residing in the UAE may apply to foster a child if she is at least 30 years old and able to support the child financially
The%20specs
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Fixtures and results:
Wed, Aug 29:
- Malaysia bt Hong Kong by 3 wickets
- Oman bt Nepal by 7 wickets
- UAE bt Singapore by 215 runs
Thu, Aug 30: UAE v Nepal; Hong Kong v Singapore; Malaysia v Oman
Sat, Sep 1: UAE v Hong Kong; Oman v Singapore; Malaysia v Nepal
Sun, Sep 2: Hong Kong v Oman; Malaysia v UAE; Nepal v Singapore
Tue, Sep 4: Malaysia v Singapore; UAE v Oman; Nepal v Hong Kong
Thu, Sep 6: Final
In numbers: China in Dubai
The number of Chinese people living in Dubai: An estimated 200,000
Number of Chinese people in International City: Almost 50,000
Daily visitors to Dragon Mart in 2018/19: 120,000
Daily visitors to Dragon Mart in 2010: 20,000
Percentage increase in visitors in eight years: 500 per cent
Real estate tokenisation project
Dubai launched the pilot phase of its real estate tokenisation project last month.
The initiative focuses on converting real estate assets into digital tokens recorded on blockchain technology and helps in streamlining the process of buying, selling and investing, the Dubai Land Department said.
Dubai’s real estate tokenisation market is projected to reach Dh60 billion ($16.33 billion) by 2033, representing 7 per cent of the emirate’s total property transactions, according to the DLD.
Company%20profile
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EName%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Yabi%20by%20Souqalmal%C2%A0%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EStarted%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EMay%202022%2C%20launched%20June%202023%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EFounder%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EAmbareen%20Musa%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EBased%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EDubai%C2%A0%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ESector%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EFinTech%C2%A0%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EInitial%20investment%3A%20u%3C%2Fstrong%3Endisclosed%20but%20soon%20to%20be%20announced%C2%A0%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ENumber%20of%20staff%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E12%C2%A0%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EInvestment%20stage%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3Eseed%C2%A0%C2%A0%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EInvestors%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EShuaa%20Capital%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
The specs
Engine: 3.5-litre twin-turbo V6
Power: 380hp at 5,800rpm
Torque: 530Nm at 1,300-4,500rpm
Transmission: Eight-speed auto
Price: From Dh299,000 ($81,415)
On sale: Now
The smuggler
Eldarir had arrived at JFK in January 2020 with three suitcases, containing goods he valued at $300, when he was directed to a search area.
Officers found 41 gold artefacts among the bags, including amulets from a funerary set which prepared the deceased for the afterlife.
Also found was a cartouche of a Ptolemaic king on a relief that was originally part of a royal building or temple.
The largest single group of items found in Eldarir’s cases were 400 shabtis, or figurines.
Khouli conviction
Khouli smuggled items into the US by making false declarations to customs about the country of origin and value of the items.
According to Immigration and Customs Enforcement, he provided “false provenances which stated that [two] Egyptian antiquities were part of a collection assembled by Khouli's father in Israel in the 1960s” when in fact “Khouli acquired the Egyptian antiquities from other dealers”.
He was sentenced to one year of probation, six months of home confinement and 200 hours of community service in 2012 after admitting buying and smuggling Egyptian antiquities, including coffins, funerary boats and limestone figures.
For sale
A number of other items said to come from the collection of Ezeldeen Taha Eldarir are currently or recently for sale.
Their provenance is described in near identical terms as the British Museum shabti: bought from Salahaddin Sirmali, "authenticated and appraised" by Hossen Rashed, then imported to the US in 1948.
- An Egyptian Mummy mask dating from 700BC-30BC, is on offer for £11,807 ($15,275) online by a seller in Mexico
- A coffin lid dating back to 664BC-332BC was offered for sale by a Colorado-based art dealer, with a starting price of $65,000
- A shabti that was on sale through a Chicago-based coin dealer, dating from 1567BC-1085BC, is up for $1,950
Dr Afridi's warning signs of digital addiction
Spending an excessive amount of time on the phone.
Neglecting personal, social, or academic responsibilities.
Losing interest in other activities or hobbies that were once enjoyed.
Having withdrawal symptoms like feeling anxious, restless, or upset when the technology is not available.
Experiencing sleep disturbances or changes in sleep patterns.
What are the guidelines?
Under 18 months: Avoid screen time altogether, except for video chatting with family.
Aged 18-24 months: If screens are introduced, it should be high-quality content watched with a caregiver to help the child understand what they are seeing.
Aged 2-5 years: Limit to one-hour per day of high-quality programming, with co-viewing whenever possible.
Aged 6-12 years: Set consistent limits on screen time to ensure it does not interfere with sleep, physical activity, or social interactions.
Teenagers: Encourage a balanced approach – screens should not replace sleep, exercise, or face-to-face socialisation.
Source: American Paediatric Association
Tree of Hell
Starring: Raed Zeno, Hadi Awada, Dr Mohammad Abdalla
Director: Raed Zeno
Rating: 4/5
