The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix is traditionally a time of year when the eyes of the world are on the UAE and the Yas Marina becomes a riotous spectacle of glamour and culture.
This year was no different and I was lucky enough to have a ringside seat for the action, as we presented a special edition of Connect the World from the W Hotel, right in the heart of the celebrations as the Formula One circuit exploded into life with a stunning firework display.
But one thing occurred to me as I was welcoming a stream of guests onto our beautiful terrace set: this year, unusually, the climax of the F1 season was not the biggest international event here in the UAE. In fact, arguably, it wasn’t even the second biggest.
This was a year of almost unprecedented attention on my adopted home. The landmark visit of Pope Francis in February was an extraordinary, momentous occasion broadcast globally, with millions tuning in to see the historic event – many watching on CNN. Then, just a matter of weeks later, the Special Olympics rolled into town, with 7,500 athletes from 190 countries converging on Abu Dhabi to take part in another ground-breaking celebration.
These were events of global significance of course – both firsts in their own ways – but they also marked the culmination of quiet, steady progress of a remarkable kind here, too. The Papal visit was rightly praised for the way in which it strengthened the cultural bridge between the Christian and Muslim communities, and both sides played their part in making it a success. The UAE’s 1.2 million-strong Christian community was shown the world, alongside a Muslim majority that welcomed the Pope with moving sincerity.
The hosting of the Special Olympics was perhaps an even more marked indicator of progress. As a region, the Middle East has often lagged behind the rest of the world in recognising and catering to the needs of people of determination and providing them with opportunities. For the UAE to host an event of such scale, and for it to commit to the wider cause around it through the work of organisations such as the Zayed Higher Organisation, was to take a potentially game-changing leadership position and challenge the region to reframe its view of its most vulnerable citizens.
This year is also a special one for CNN. November marked a decade since we set up our regional hub here, and we are soon to expand our presence thanks to our partnership with TwoFour54. So much has changed in that time. A decade ago, would the idea of a Catholic Mass led by the Pope, and a global celebration of people with intellectual disabilities in the same year have seemed fanciful? I think perhaps it would; but after 2019, it feels like anything is possible.
Read More from Becky Anderson
For my own part, I was lucky enough to travel to this region many times before I came to live here six years ago. As a young traveller and holidaymaker, and then as a journalist, I thought I had a reasonably full idea of what the Middle East was about before I moved here. But I was wrong about many things.
Since setting up home here, I have been astonished by the UAE's focus on innovation, on technology, on leading-edge creative solutions to some of the greatest problems facing the world. I have also been endlessly impressed by the way women are taking leadership roles in society here, often in the most unexpected places. What better way to celebrate an F1 race than in the company of two young female Emirati racing drivers? And who, a decade ago, could have predicted such a thing?
Even in the days of global connectivity, 24-hour news coverage, wall-to-wall social media and unprecedented availability of information, the world’s image of this region remains somewhat one-dimensional. The Middle East can still often be viewed by outsiders through the prism of conflict and intolerance, of oil and extravagance.
It is important for us operating here in this region not to overlook the truths that underpin some of those prejudices, but I have been proud and delighted to play a role in bringing many of the stories that challenge these perceptions to the world.
Becky Anderson presents Connect the World on CNN International
The alternatives
• Founded in 2014, Telr is a payment aggregator and gateway with an office in Silicon Oasis. It’s e-commerce entry plan costs Dh349 monthly (plus VAT). QR codes direct customers to an online payment page and merchants can generate payments through messaging apps.
• Business Bay’s Pallapay claims 40,000-plus active merchants who can invoice customers and receive payment by card. Fees range from 1.99 per cent plus Dh1 per transaction depending on payment method and location, such as online or via UAE mobile.
• Tap started in May 2013 in Kuwait, allowing Middle East businesses to bill, accept, receive and make payments online “easier, faster and smoother” via goSell and goCollect. It supports more than 10,000 merchants. Monthly fees range from US$65-100, plus card charges of 2.75-3.75 per cent and Dh1.2 per sale.
• 2checkout’s “all-in-one payment gateway and merchant account” accepts payments in 200-plus markets for 2.4-3.9 per cent, plus a Dh1.2-Dh1.8 currency conversion charge. The US provider processes online shop and mobile transactions and has 17,000-plus active digital commerce users.
• PayPal is probably the best-known online goods payment method - usually used for eBay purchases - but can be used to receive funds, providing everyone’s signed up. Costs from 2.9 per cent plus Dh1.2 per transaction.
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
Scorecard
Scotland 220
K Coetzer 95, J Siddique 3-49, R Mustafa 3-35
UAE 224-3 in 43,5 overs
C Suri 67, B Hameed 63 not out
The specs: 2018 Nissan Altima
Price, base / as tested: Dh78,000 / Dh97,650
Engine: 2.5-litre in-line four-cylinder
Power: 182hp @ 6,000rpm
Torque: 244Nm @ 4,000rpm
Transmission: Continuously variable tranmission
Fuel consumption, combined: 7.6L / 100km
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HEADLINE HERE
- I would recommend writing out the text in the body
- And then copy into this box
- It can be as long as you link
- But I recommend you use the bullet point function (see red square)
- Or try to keep the word count down
- Be wary of other embeds lengthy fact boxes could crash into
- That's about it
Tips to stay safe during hot weather
- Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids, especially water. Avoid alcohol and caffeine, which can increase dehydration.
- Seek cool environments: Use air conditioning, fans, or visit community spaces with climate control.
- Limit outdoor activities: Avoid strenuous activity during peak heat. If outside, seek shade and wear a wide-brimmed hat.
- Dress appropriately: Wear lightweight, loose and light-coloured clothing to facilitate heat loss.
- Check on vulnerable people: Regularly check in on elderly neighbours, young children and those with health conditions.
- Home adaptations: Use blinds or curtains to block sunlight, avoid using ovens or stoves, and ventilate living spaces during cooler hours.
- Recognise heat illness: Learn the signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke (dizziness, confusion, rapid pulse, nausea), and seek medical attention if symptoms occur.
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
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UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
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
Aayan%E2%80%99s%20records
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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
Essentials
The flights
Etihad and Emirates fly direct from the UAE to Delhi from about Dh950 return including taxes.
The hotels
Double rooms at Tijara Fort-Palace cost from 6,670 rupees (Dh377), including breakfast.
Doubles at Fort Bishangarh cost from 29,030 rupees (Dh1,641), including breakfast. Doubles at Narendra Bhawan cost from 15,360 rupees (Dh869). Doubles at Chanoud Garh cost from 19,840 rupees (Dh1,122), full board. Doubles at Fort Begu cost from 10,000 rupees (Dh565), including breakfast.
The tours
Amar Grover travelled with Wild Frontiers. A tailor-made, nine-day itinerary via New Delhi, with one night in Tijara and two nights in each of the remaining properties, including car/driver, costs from £1,445 (Dh6,968) per person.
Profile of Bitex UAE
Date of launch: November 2018
Founder: Monark Modi
Based: Business Bay, Dubai
Sector: Financial services
Size: Eight employees
Investors: Self-funded to date with $1m of personal savings
Moon Music
Artist: Coldplay
Label: Parlophone/Atlantic
Number of tracks: 10
Rating: 3/5
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SPECS
Engine: Two-litre four-cylinder turbo
Power: 235hp
Torque: 350Nm
Transmission: Nine-speed automatic
Price: From Dh167,500 ($45,000)
On sale: Now
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