Support local vendors at the open-air Ripe Market. Photo: Franzie Allen
Support local vendors at the open-air Ripe Market. Photo: Franzie Allen
Support local vendors at the open-air Ripe Market. Photo: Franzie Allen
Support local vendors at the open-air Ripe Market. Photo: Franzie Allen

Opening in Dubai this winter: New markets, parks, beach clubs and rooftops to visit


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The UAE is ushering in its winter season, as evidenced by the number of al fresco venues opening or reopening their doors from this month.

New restaurants (many with terraces) aside, family destinations such as Dubai Miracle Garden, Dubai Safari Park, Ripe Market and Global Village, which were all closed during the hot summer months, have announced their grand comebacks.

Here are some to check out.

Ripe Market

The open-air Ripe Market will reopen at the gates of Dubai Police Academy Park on October 14.

The market has been organising pop-ups inside malls across the UAE while its permanent location in Dubai closed during the summer.

Visitors can look forward to familiar staples such as a farmer's market, home-grown businesses selling everything from fashion to home decor, as well as food trucks and live entertainment.

Opens October 14; Saturday, 9am-9pm; Sunday, 9am-7pm; Al Barsha; ripeevents.com/ripe-market

Nature Park at Green Planet

The outdoor playground at The Green Planet. Pawan Singh / The National
The outdoor playground at The Green Planet. Pawan Singh / The National

The rainforest-inspired biodome at CityWalk has opened an outdoor playground.

Nature Park features a treehouse with nine viewing platforms, adventure trails, hanging bridges and slides, plus larger-than-life animatronics of various insect species, from butterflies and wasps to spiders and scorpions.

The edutainment arena also has various botanical sections replete with plants such as bamboo, sago palm Philippine tea tree and orchids.

Daily, 10am-6pm; from Dh69; CityWalk; thegreenplanetdubai.com

Dubai Safari Park

There are daily shows and workshops at Dubai Safari Park. Photo: Dubai Safari Park
There are daily shows and workshops at Dubai Safari Park. Photo: Dubai Safari Park

The wildlife park is reopening its doors on October 5.

Aside from an immersive zoo experience with more than 3,000 animals, the family destination also holds daily recreational and educational shows, such as the Bird Kingdom show at Explorer Village Theatre.

A range of workshops are also scheduled throughout the season, covering topics such as climate change and the life cycle of different animals.

Open daily, 9am-5pm; from Dh20 per child, Dh50 per adult; Al Warqa 5, Dubai; dubaisafari.ae

Dubai Miracle Garden

Dubai Miracle Garden is now open. Photo: Dubai Miracle Garden
Dubai Miracle Garden is now open. Photo: Dubai Miracle Garden

The world's biggest natural flower garden has reopened for its 12th season.

The family-friendly destination is home to gigantic flower sculptures, from cartoon characters to an Emirates A380 aircraft. The venue also has a sprawling sunflower field, an umbrella tunnel and a lake park, among other themed areas.

More than 30 food and drink shops are available on site, and this season also marks the return of activities such as a flower parade and yoga at the park.

Open weekdays, 9am-9pm; weekends and public holidays, 9am-11pm; from Dh65; Al Barsha South; dubaimiraclegarden.com

Lola Taberna Espanola

The terrace of the charming Spanish restaurant at the Tryp by Wyndham Hotel in Barsha Heights has reopened.

The venue will host energetic flamenco shows everyday from Tuesday to Sunday, as well as a fiesta-style brunch every Saturday. Chef Daniel Perez heads the kitchen, serving an array of authentic tapas and paellas – the sea bass tiradito is a must-try.

Open daily, 1pm-1am; Barsha Heights; 04 247 6688

Treehouse

Treehouse rooftop lounge is located at Taj Dubai in Business Bay. Photo: Treehouse
Treehouse rooftop lounge is located at Taj Dubai in Business Bay. Photo: Treehouse

The rooftop venue at Taj Dubai Hotel has started welcoming guests after a summer break of renovations.

It has expanded to include two decks, each with its own bar, as well as a cozy green lounge with serene water features. The menu is inspired by Asian and Mediterranean cuisines.

On Wednesdays, ladies get free-flowing drinks from 7pm to 9pm, while Thursdays are AfroBeat Nights. Entertainment comes courtesy of a resident DJ and a percussionist.

Open Sunday to Thursday, 6pm-2am; Friday to Saturday, 6pm-3pm; Business Bay; 058 827 2763

Areia Beach Bar and Grill

The pool bar beside the Jumeirah Beach Residence boardwalk is relaunching on October 15.

The venue channels the laid-back vibes of southern California, with its Los Angeles-inspired semi-Olympic pool and garden area. There's also a space dedicated to little ones.

Ladies can head to the venue every Thursdays for three drinks, as well as discounts on food and spa services, for Dh99. There's a pool party every Friday night with two hours of unlimited beverages for Dh199. Guests can also opt for a beach and pool pass that starts at Dh200 per adult.

Open Sunday to Wednesday, 11am-midnight; Thursday to Saturday, 11am-2am; DoubleTree by Hilton Dubai, JBR; 055 166 8092

Terra Cabins

Glamping season is also back, as JA Hatta Fort Hotel announces the return of its Terra Cabins.

The chalet-style cabins enjoy the charm of the Hajar mountains with the rooms designed to catch plenty of light and blend in with the serene environment, while maintaining a luxury hotel-like experience. Cabin amenities include a minibar, walk-in rain shower, on-demand multimedia projector, wardrobe and alcove seating area.

Two cabin options are available to book, and all guests can use the amenities at the JA Hatta Fort Hotel.

More information is available at jaresortshotels.com

Shimmers

Shimmers, the beachside restaurant at Jumeirah Mina A'Salam, is back for its 20th year. Photo: Shimmers
Shimmers, the beachside restaurant at Jumeirah Mina A'Salam, is back for its 20th year. Photo: Shimmers

The beachside restaurant at Jumeirah Mina A'Salam is now accepting guests.

Doubling as an al fresco lounge, the venue has Burj Al Arab views, and serves Mediterranean-inspired dishes such as tzatziki, baked sea bass, grilled chicken souvlaki and a host of other seafood items.

It is celebrating its 20th anniversary with a special offer: Dh200 for a three-course menu, which is available to book until September 30.

Open daily, 4pm-1am; Madinat Jumeirah; 800 323232

Aventura Parks

The zip line park and obstacle course playground is back for another season.

Designed for thrill-seekers, the theme park is home to 80 obstacle courses, 24 ziplines and other activities designed to promote movement and problem-solving skills. There are trampolines and swings, as well as restaurants all nestled around a tranquil ghaf forest.

This season, the park offers a special experience for children aged five to eight, which encourages them to disconnect from technology and spend time outdoors. It is priced at Dh149 per child for a three-hour programme.

Open daily, 2pm-8pm; from Dh35 for a general entrance ticket; Mushrif Park; aventuraparks.com

Global Village

Global Village is a favourite with residents and tourists. Ruel Pableo / The National
Global Village is a favourite with residents and tourists. Ruel Pableo / The National

Popular attraction Global Village will return on October 18.

This year marks the family destination's 28th season, which is starting one week earlier than usual due to popular demand. Details have yet to be announced, but visitors can expect the country pavilions, an array of food and drink options, live performances and other al fresco fun.

More information is available at globalvillage.ae

Hatta Resorts and Hatta Wadi Hub

Hatta season six has begun. Photo: Dubai Holdings
Hatta season six has begun. Photo: Dubai Holdings

Hatta Resorts and the Hatta Wadi Hub have reopened for their sixth season. Perched on the Hajar mountains, Hatta is a popular adventure activity spot for residents and tourists.

Activities in the area include kayaking, hiking, ziplining and the Hatta drop-in waterslide. But this year also marks the opening of the Aerial Adventure Park, which is spread over 39 platforms with 66 elements to conquer.

These include a high-ropes course, a giant swing, zip line belay and the Leap of Faith. Each park experience lasts between 90 minutes and two hours, and it can hold up to 75 visitors at a time.

The park also has a ground-level area that caters for up to 10 children aged three to six at a time. Experiences there last 30 to 45 minutes.

More information is available at visithatta.com

Nikki Beach

The beach club is reopening on Friday. Photo: Nikki Beach
The beach club is reopening on Friday. Photo: Nikki Beach

The popular beach club in Dubai is reopening with a winter season of outdoor parties.

DJs Mademoiselle Sabah, Alexis Nohra and Tom Noize will perform while guests can lounge under the sun.

Open Tuesday to Sunday, 11am-8pm; Nikki Beach Resort & Spa, Pearl Jumeirah; dubai-bc.nikkibeach.com

Nuska Beach

The beachfront restaurant has plenty of seafood on its menu. Photo: Nuska Beach
The beachfront restaurant has plenty of seafood on its menu. Photo: Nuska Beach

The beachside venue at Jumeirah Beach Hotel is back, with lunch and dinner offerings, as well as a Saturday brunch.

On the menu are small bites such as fried whitebait fish and machego cheese croquettes; plus mains with a focus on seafood, such as lobster linguini, seafood rice stew, baked lamb meatballs, Wagyu burger and rib-eye steak.

A la carte menu aside, the venue offers a set three-course lunch (Dh295) from Sunday to Friday, plus Saturday brunch (Dh395), both with live entertainment.

Open daily, 12.30pm-1am; Jumeirah Beach Hotel; 800 323 232

Four Seasons Hotel DIFC

Luna Dubai offers Burj Khalifa views. Photo: Four Seasons Hotel DIFC
Luna Dubai offers Burj Khalifa views. Photo: Four Seasons Hotel DIFC

Three of the hotel's terrace venues are reopening with renovated looks: Luna, Churchill Club and Penrose Lounge.

True to its name, Luna evokes a galactic vibe with its decor. Think speckled lights and a glowing moon backdrop behind the bar. The venue serves an Asian-inspired menu, with dishes such as chicken gyoza, bao bun shrimps and crispy Korean chicken.

Above Luna is the Churchill Club that serves cigars and aged beverages. The Penrose Lounge, meanwhile, has been given a botanical-inspired transformation, and is ideal for intimate soirees and afternoon tea.

Open daily, 5pm-3am; Dubai International Financial Centre; 04 506 0000

L’Amo Bistro del Mare

The restaurant has a fresh fish display bar. Photo: L’Amo Bistro del Mare
The restaurant has a fresh fish display bar. Photo: L’Amo Bistro del Mare

The Italian restaurant at Dubai Harbour has reopened its outdoor Terrazza Di L'Amo, with views of Ain Dubai.

Seafood is the star of the menu, with dishes such as spaghetti mancini with sea urchins, pecorino cheese and black pepper, as well as spaghetti with clams, squid and mullet roe. The terrace has its own bar, plus low-lying lounge tables.

The a la carte menu aside, diners can opt for Pranzo Veloce, available every Monday to Thursday from noon to 2pm. Priced at Dh139 per person, the set menu includes Galician amberjack sashimi, panzanella salad and Sicilian red prawn with caviar, as well as tuna with capers mayo and crouton.

Daily, noon-11.30pm; Dubai Harbour Yacht Club, Dubai Marina; 04 278 4800

Flamingo Room by tashas

Flamingo Room by tashas has a picturesque outdoor arena. Photo: Flamingo Room by tashas
Flamingo Room by tashas has a picturesque outdoor arena. Photo: Flamingo Room by tashas

Arguably one of the most popular spots in prolific restaurateur Natasha Sideris' portfolio, Flamingo Room by tashas has reopened its outdoor dining section, located in Jumeirah Al Naseem's turtle lagoon.

On the menu are classics with a South African twist, including prawn arancini, calamari Mozambique and lobster pasta, plus seared foie gras, beef carpaccio, baked Alaska and a pavlova bomb cracked open tableside.

Daily, noon-4pm and 7pm-1am; Jumeirah Al Naseem, Madinat Jumeirah; flamingoroombytashas.com

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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

ETFs explained

Exhchange traded funds are bought and sold like shares, but operate as index-tracking funds, passively following their chosen indices, such as the S&P 500, FTSE 100 and the FTSE All World, plus a vast range of smaller exchanges and commodities, such as gold, silver, copper sugar, coffee and oil.

ETFs have zero upfront fees and annual charges as low as 0.07 per cent a year, which means you get to keep more of your returns, as actively managed funds can charge as much as 1.5 per cent a year.

There are thousands to choose from, with the five biggest providers BlackRock’s iShares range, Vanguard, State Street Global Advisors SPDR ETFs, Deutsche Bank AWM X-trackers and Invesco PowerShares.

UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Volvo ES90 Specs

Engine: Electric single motor (96kW), twin motor (106kW) and twin motor performance (106kW)

Power: 333hp, 449hp, 680hp

Torque: 480Nm, 670Nm, 870Nm

On sale: Later in 2025 or early 2026, depending on region

Price: Exact regional pricing TBA

The Gentlemen

Director: Guy Ritchie

Stars: Colin Farrell, Hugh Grant 

Three out of five stars

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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The specs
  • Engine: 3.9-litre twin-turbo V8
  • Power: 640hp
  • Torque: 760nm
  • On sale: 2026
  • Price: Not announced yet
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Results:

6.30pm: Maiden Dh 165,000 1,400m.
Winner: Walking Thunder, Connor Beasley (jockey), Ahmad bin Harmash (trainer).

7.05pm: Handicap (rated 72-87) Dh 165,000 1,600m.
Winner: Syncopation, George Buckell, Doug Watson.

7.40pm: Maiden Dh 165,000 1,400m.
Winner: Big Brown Bear, Pat Dobbs, Doug Watson.

8.15pm: Handicap (75-95) Dh 190,000 1,200m.
Winner: Stunned, Pat Dobbs, Doug Watson.

8.50pm: Handicap (85-105) Dh 210,000 2,000m.
Winner: New Trails, Connor Beasley, Ahmad bin Harmash.

9.25pm: Handicap (75-95) Dh 190,000 1,600m.
Winner: Pillar Of Society, Pat Dobbs, Doug Watson.

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
BMW M5 specs

Engine: 4.4-litre twin-turbo V-8 petrol enging with additional electric motor

Power: 727hp

Torque: 1,000Nm

Transmission: 8-speed auto

Fuel consumption: 10.6L/100km

On sale: Now

Price: From Dh650,000

UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Health Valley

Founded in 2002 and set up as a foundation in 2006, Health Valley has been an innovation in healthcare for more than 10 years in Nijmegen, the Netherlands.
It serves as a place where companies, businesses, universities, healthcare providers and government agencies can collaborate, offering a platform where they can connect and work together on healthcare innovation.
Its partners work on technological innovation, new forms of diagnostics and other methods to make a difference in healthcare.
Its agency consists of eight people, four innovation managers and office managers, two communication advisers and one director. It gives innovation support to businesses and other parties in its network like a broker, connecting people with the right organisation to help them further

UAE v Gibraltar

What: International friendly

When: 7pm kick off

Where: Rugby Park, Dubai Sports City

Admission: Free

Online: The match will be broadcast live on Dubai Exiles’ Facebook page

UAE squad: Lucas Waddington (Dubai Exiles), Gio Fourie (Exiles), Craig Nutt (Abu Dhabi Harlequins), Phil Brady (Harlequins), Daniel Perry (Dubai Hurricanes), Esekaia Dranibota (Harlequins), Matt Mills (Exiles), Jaen Botes (Exiles), Kristian Stinson (Exiles), Murray Reason (Abu Dhabi Saracens), Dave Knight (Hurricanes), Ross Samson (Jebel Ali Dragons), DuRandt Gerber (Exiles), Saki Naisau (Dragons), Andrew Powell (Hurricanes), Emosi Vacanau (Harlequins), Niko Volavola (Dragons), Matt Richards (Dragons), Luke Stevenson (Harlequins), Josh Ives (Dubai Sports City Eagles), Sean Stevens (Saracens), Thinus Steyn (Exiles)

THE BIO

Favourite holiday destination: Whenever I have any free time I always go back to see my family in Caltra, Galway, it’s the only place I can properly relax.

Favourite film: The Way, starring Martin Sheen. It’s about the Camino de Santiago walk from France to Spain.

Personal motto: If something’s meant for you it won’t pass you by.

How much do leading UAE’s UK curriculum schools charge for Year 6?
  1. Nord Anglia International School (Dubai) – Dh85,032
  2. Kings School Al Barsha (Dubai) – Dh71,905
  3. Brighton College Abu Dhabi - Dh68,560
  4. Jumeirah English Speaking School (Dubai) – Dh59,728
  5. Gems Wellington International School – Dubai Branch – Dh58,488
  6. The British School Al Khubairat (Abu Dhabi) - Dh54,170
  7. Dubai English Speaking School – Dh51,269

*Annual tuition fees covering the 2024/2025 academic year

ESSENTIALS

The flights

Emirates flies from Dubai to Phnom Penh via Yangon from Dh2,700 return including taxes. Cambodia Bayon Airlines and Cambodia Angkor Air offer return flights from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap from Dh250 return including taxes. The flight takes about 45 minutes.

The hotels

Rooms at the Raffles Le Royal in Phnom Penh cost from $225 (Dh826) per night including taxes. Rooms at the Grand Hotel d'Angkor cost from $261 (Dh960) per night including taxes.

The tours

A cyclo architecture tour of Phnom Penh costs from $20 (Dh75) per person for about three hours, with Khmer Architecture Tours. Tailor-made tours of all of Cambodia, or sites like Angkor alone, can be arranged by About Asia Travel. Emirates Holidays also offers packages. 

Ticket prices
  • Golden circle - Dh995
  • Floor Standing - Dh495
  • Lower Bowl Platinum - Dh95
  • Lower Bowl premium - Dh795
  • Lower Bowl Plus - Dh695
  • Lower Bowl Standard- Dh595
  • Upper Bowl Premium - Dh395
  • Upper Bowl standard - Dh295
RESULTS

6.30pm: Handicap (rated 95-108) US$125,000 2000m (Dirt).
Winner: Don’t Give Up, Gerald Mosse (jockey), Saeed bin Suroor (trainer).

7.05pm: Handicap (95 ) $160,000 2810m (Turf).
Winner: Los Barbados, Adrie de Vries, Fawzi Nass.

7.40pm: Handicap (80-89) $60,000 1600m (D).
Winner: Claim The Roses, Mickael Barzalona, Salem bin Ghadayer.

8.15pm: UAE 2000 Guineas Trial (Div-1) Conditions $100,000 1,400m (D)
Winner: Gold Town, William Buick, Charlie Appleby.

8.50pm: Cape Verdi Group 2 $200,000 1600m (T).
Winner: Promising Run, Patrick Cosgrave, Saeed bin Suroor.

9.25pm: UAE 2000 Guineas Conditions $100,000 1,400m (D).
Winner: El Chapo, Luke Morris, Fawzi Nass.

The specs

AT4 Ultimate, as tested

Engine: 6.2-litre V8

Power: 420hp

Torque: 623Nm

Transmission: 10-speed automatic

Price: From Dh330,800 (Elevation: Dh236,400; AT4: Dh286,800; Denali: Dh345,800)

On sale: Now

Most wanted allegations
  • Benjamin Macann, 32: involvement in cocaine smuggling gang.
  • Jack Mayle, 30: sold drugs from a phone line called the Flavour Quest.
  • Callum Halpin, 27: over the 2018 murder of a rival drug dealer. 
  • Asim Naveed, 29: accused of being the leader of a gang that imported cocaine.
  • Calvin Parris, 32: accused of buying cocaine from Naveed and selling it on.
  • John James Jones, 31: allegedly stabbed two people causing serious injuries.
  • Callum Michael Allan, 23: alleged drug dealing and assaulting an emergency worker.
  • Dean Garforth, 29: part of a crime gang that sold drugs and guns.
  • Joshua Dillon Hendry, 30: accused of trafficking heroin and crack cocain. 
  • Mark Francis Roberts, 28: grievous bodily harm after a bungled attempt to steal a £60,000 watch.
  • James ‘Jamie’ Stevenson, 56: for arson and over the seizure of a tonne of cocaine.
  • Nana Oppong, 41: shot a man eight times in a suspected gangland reprisal attack. 
More from Armen Sarkissian

Simran

Director Hansal Mehta

Stars: Kangana Ranaut, Soham Shah, Esha Tiwari Pandey

Three stars

MOTHER%20OF%20STRANGERS
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Ipaf in numbers

Established: 2008

Prize money:  $50,000 (Dh183,650) for winners and $10,000 for those on the shortlist.

Winning novels: 13

Shortlisted novels: 66

Longlisted novels: 111

Total number of novels submitted: 1,780

Novels translated internationally: 66

The Settlers

Director: Louis Theroux

Starring: Daniella Weiss, Ari Abramowitz

Rating: 5/5

Pox that threatens the Middle East's native species

Camelpox

Caused by a virus related to the one that causes human smallpox, camelpox typically causes fever, swelling of lymph nodes and skin lesions in camels aged over three, but the animal usually recovers after a month or so. Younger animals may develop a more acute form that causes internal lesions and diarrhoea, and is often fatal, especially when secondary infections result. It is found across the Middle East as well as in parts of Asia, Africa, Russia and India.

Falconpox

Falconpox can cause a variety of types of lesions, which can affect, for example, the eyelids, feet and the areas above and below the beak. It is a problem among captive falcons and is one of many types of avian pox or avipox diseases that together affect dozens of bird species across the world. Among the other forms are pigeonpox, turkeypox, starlingpox and canarypox. Avipox viruses are spread by mosquitoes and direct bird-to-bird contact.

Houbarapox

Houbarapox is, like falconpox, one of the many forms of avipox diseases. It exists in various forms, with a type that causes skin lesions being least likely to result in death. Other forms cause more severe lesions, including internal lesions, and are more likely to kill the bird, often because secondary infections develop. This summer the CVRL reported an outbreak of pox in houbaras after rains in spring led to an increase in mosquito numbers.

BAD%20BOYS%3A%20RIDE%20OR%20DIE
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EDirector%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Adil%20El%20Arbi%20and%20Bilall%20Fallah%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EStarring%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EWill%20Smith%2C%20Martin%20Lawrence%2C%20Joe%20Pantoliano%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ERating%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%203.5%2F5%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Racecard
%3Cp%3E6pm%3A%20The%20Madjani%20Stakes%20%E2%80%93%20Group%202%20(PA)%20Dh97%2C500%20(Dirt)%201%2C900m%3Cbr%3E6.35pm%3A%20Graduate%20Stakes%20%E2%80%93%20Conditions%20(TB)%20Dh100%2C000%20(D)%201%2C400m%3Cbr%3E7.10pm%3A%20Longines%20Dolcevita%20Collection%20%E2%80%93%20Maiden%20(TB)%20Dh82%2C500%20(D)%201%2C400m%3Cbr%3E7.45pm%3A%20Longines%20Legend%20Driver%20Collection%20%E2%80%93%20Maiden%20(TB)%20Dh82%2C500%20(D)%201%2C600m%3Cbr%3E8.20pm%3A%20Longines%20Master%20Collection%20%E2%80%93%20Handicap%20(TB)%20Dh105%2C000%20(D)%201%2C200m%3Cbr%3E8.55pm%3A%20Longines%20Record%20Collection%20%E2%80%93%20Handicap%20(TB)%20Dh87%2C500%20(D)%202%2C200m%3Cbr%3E9.30pm%3A%20Longines%20Spirit%20Collection%20%E2%80%93%20Handicap%20(TB)%20Dh87%2C500%20(D)%201%2C600m%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
MATCH INFO

Uefa Champions League quarter-final (first-leg score):

Juventus (1) v Ajax (1), Tuesday, 11pm UAE

Match will be shown on BeIN Sports

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

Updated: October 11, 2023, 7:00 AM`