The most cherished month of the year is almost here and Abu Dhabi Retail has arranged something suitably special for all shoppers to experience.
Friday sees the launch of Layali Ramadan 2024 across the emirate - the fourth edition of the vibrant annual campaign - running until April 14.
Abu Dhabi Retail is bringing at least 10 first-in-the-region immersive experiences, exclusive capsule collections, limited-edition pieces, and many retail offers - available to UAE residents and visitors alike throughout the Holy Month.
At the heart of this feast of “unmissable” programming and activations are some of the world’s best-known brands.
Valentino and Erth Restaurant
And among those highlights is a unique collaboration between Valentino and Erth Restaurant - Abu Dhabi’s Michelin-starred Emirati fusion dining concept - to create the perfect place to meet friends and family daily for suhoor.
From March 15 until April 12, guests will be invited into the brand “universe” to indulge in a menu specially curated by Erth Restaurant at Qasr Al Hosn, alongside Valentino, to create a unique culinary experience.
Michael Kors
More engaging moments designed to blend tradition with innovation will come courtesy of Michael Kors, the global fashion name collaborating with sophisticated Al Bateen Harbour venue No. FiftySeven Boutique Cafe to curate a full brand takeover.
Between March 16 and 31, Michael Kors is unveiling a Ramadan capsule collection featuring the latest handbags, ready-to-wear items and accessories, many of which are in styles or colours exclusive to the Middle East.
Customers and guests can “journey” through the world of Michael Kors as they adorn favourite henna designs and paint on Ramadan-themed gratitude cards to create a memorable and personalised experience.
Abu Dhabi Retail says during this Layali Ramadan, shoppers will experience “an array of unique brand moments and collaborations” as the city comes alive during the Holy Month.
Ramadan Night Market
And over the first weekend of Ramadan (March 15-18), it is partnering with homegrown pop-up concept Mirbad to host the annual Ramadan Night Market at Manarat Al Saadiyat.
With more than 100 vendors, including the likes of Karen Wazen Eyewear, OFA and Toby’s Estate, visitors will have a rare opportunity to discover some of the region’s most coveted labels, as well as up-and-coming talent.
MAC Cosmetics
Talking of exclusive takeovers, the latest MAC Teddy Forever collection is in the spotlight as MAC Cosmetics arrives at capital favourite, Saddle Cafe, in Al Bateen.
A place where "culture and innovation come together", the entire space is to be “reimagined” between March 16 and April 7 by MAC Cosmetics to celebrate the brand’s iconic Velvet Teddy pink hue.
This immersive pop-up will be accompanied by games, art and a custom F&B menu.
Jimmy Choo
Keeping other fan-favourite brands at the forefront, the Layali Ramadan schedule will see Jimmy Choo’s global ‘The Flower Series’ capsule collection roadshow arrive.
It has travelled from Paris to Tokyo and - from March 19 to 29 - finds itself in the UAE capital for the unveiling of the latest addition, inspired by Abu Dhabi itself.
Abu Dhabi Retail says the capsule collection, created in partnership with Parisian couture embroidery house Les Ateliers Vermont, features 11 limited edition BON BON handbags and matching shoes, each of which draws inspiration from iconic cities worldwide.
It will be displayed at Origami Sushi Abu Dhabi, Marsa Al Bateen, for a limited time.
Benefit Cosmetics Majlis
Meanwhile, Instagram accounts are sure to be buzzing from March 21 to April 4 when ladies get the opportunity to immerse themselves in the Benefit Cosmetics Majlis.
Hosted at Ritual Café & Studio, on Reem Island, visitors will discover the brand’s eye-catching visual identity and icons, as well as enjoying a curated suhoor menu, plus custom workshops such as mirror and flower painting, with friends or family.
L’Occitane Village
Many of these Ramadan special features combine the power of global and homegrown brands - and the L’Occitane Village is another prime example.
Hosted at Chapter Cafe by Ribbonaira, in Al Bateen, on March 21 through to April 4, the combination is described as “a place of discovery, gathering and care”.
Visitors will be serenaded by the traditional sound of a live oud player as they stroll through a space that enables them to rediscover L’Occitane’s bestsellers, and personalise their own bouquet of fresh flowers.
Tryano Majlis
Starting on March 21 (and running until April 7), the “essence of Ramadan” will be evident when the Tryano Majlis happens at Fil Florist & Café, also in Al Bateen.
Abu Dhabi’s destination department store will be unveiling an exclusive, carefully-curated Ramadan edit of collections from local and regional designers across a range of apparel for women, men and kids.
During the collaboration, guests can discover Tryano’s extensive beauty offering with exclusive beauty masterclasses, partake in styling sessions, and enjoy bespoke experiences throughout a curated café takeover that brings together community, fashion and beauty.
Louboutin Hotel Suite
One of the most sought-after names in footwear adds an iconic angle to this Ramadan retail season on March 21-23, in the shape of the Louboutin Hotel Suite.
Inspired by generous traditions and meaningful connections made in the comfort of an inviting home, Christian Louboutin will welcome guests to an exclusive Loubi Suite at Jumeirah Saadiyat resort.
Once there, they can discover the global brand’s latest Ramadan Collection amid “a poetic tribute” where cherished memories intertwine with the essence of generosity, blending fashion, culture and heritage during “the joyous season”.
Layali Ramadan
More broadly, 3,500-plus stores across 27 malls will be participating in this latest edition of Layali Ramadan, giving shoppers exclusive showcases of limited-edition capsule collections and pieces from the international fashion and beauty brands already mentioned.
Abu Dhabi Retail continues to make retail waves on a global scale with its expansive Layali Ramadan programming, delivering exciting experiences in partnership with regional and international names to further solidify the emirate’s position as a premier shopping destination.
As part of the citywide campaign, there is a chance enjoy unique experiences at prime retail centres, such as Marina Mall Abu Dhabi - it is hosting “Hekayat Al Marina” storytelling sessions, traditional games and entertainment to create a memorable Ramadan experience for all.
Additionally, the popular shopping address will offer a month-long traditional souq, showcasing traditional and cultural products.
On Yas Island, Yas Mall’s Fawazeer competitions will give participants a chance to win big during the first two weeks of Ramadan.
There are many more family-friendly Ramadan activities taking place across all of the emirate’s 27 malls - visit www.abudhabiretail.ae for further details of Layali Ramadan 2024 programming and highlights.
Key changes
Commission caps
For life insurance products with a savings component, Peter Hodgins of Clyde & Co said different caps apply to the saving and protection elements:
• For the saving component, a cap of 4.5 per cent of the annualised premium per year (which may not exceed 90 per cent of the annualised premium over the policy term).
• On the protection component, there is a cap of 10 per cent of the annualised premium per year (which may not exceed 160 per cent of the annualised premium over the policy term).
• Indemnity commission, the amount of commission that can be advanced to a product salesperson, can be 50 per cent of the annualised premium for the first year or 50 per cent of the total commissions on the policy calculated.
• The remaining commission after deduction of the indemnity commission is paid equally over the premium payment term.
• For pure protection products, which only offer a life insurance component, the maximum commission will be 10 per cent of the annualised premium multiplied by the length of the policy in years.
Disclosure
Customers must now be provided with a full illustration of the product they are buying to ensure they understand the potential returns on savings products as well as the effects of any charges. There is also a “free-look” period of 30 days, where insurers must provide a full refund if the buyer wishes to cancel the policy.
“The illustration should provide for at least two scenarios to illustrate the performance of the product,” said Mr Hodgins. “All illustrations are required to be signed by the customer.”
Another illustration must outline surrender charges to ensure they understand the costs of exiting a fixed-term product early.
Illustrations must also be kept updatedand insurers must provide information on the top five investment funds available annually, including at least five years' performance data.
“This may be segregated based on the risk appetite of the customer (in which case, the top five funds for each segment must be provided),” said Mr Hodgins.
Product providers must also disclose the ratio of protection benefit to savings benefits. If a protection benefit ratio is less than 10 per cent "the product must carry a warning stating that it has limited or no protection benefit" Mr Hodgins added.
Key facilities
- Olympic-size swimming pool with a split bulkhead for multi-use configurations, including water polo and 50m/25m training lanes
- Premier League-standard football pitch
- 400m Olympic running track
- NBA-spec basketball court with auditorium
- 600-seat auditorium
- Spaces for historical and cultural exploration
- An elevated football field that doubles as a helipad
- Specialist robotics and science laboratories
- AR and VR-enabled learning centres
- Disruption Lab and Research Centre for developing entrepreneurial skills
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Dhadak
Director: Shashank Khaitan
Starring: Janhvi Kapoor, Ishaan Khattar, Ashutosh Rana
Stars: 3
Kat Wightman's tips on how to create zones in large spaces
- Area carpets or rugs are the easiest way to segregate spaces while also unifying them.
- Lighting can help define areas. Try pendant lighting over dining tables, and side and floor lamps in living areas.
- Keep the colour palette the same in a room, but combine different tones and textures in different zone. A common accent colour dotted throughout the space brings it together.
- Don’t be afraid to use furniture to break up the space. For example, if you have a sofa placed in the middle of the room, a console unit behind it will give good punctuation.
- Use a considered collection of prints and artworks that work together to form a cohesive journey.
The specs
Engine: 2.0-litre 4-cyl turbo
Power: 201hp at 5,200rpm
Torque: 320Nm at 1,750-4,000rpm
Transmission: 6-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 8.7L/100km
Price: Dh133,900
On sale: now
Who was Alfred Nobel?
The Nobel Prize was created by wealthy Swedish chemist and entrepreneur Alfred Nobel.
- In his will he dictated that the bulk of his estate should be used to fund "prizes to those who, during the preceding year, have conferred the greatest benefit to humankind".
- Nobel is best known as the inventor of dynamite, but also wrote poetry and drama and could speak Russian, French, English and German by the age of 17. The five original prize categories reflect the interests closest to his heart.
- Nobel died in 1896 but it took until 1901, following a legal battle over his will, before the first prizes were awarded.
Global Fungi Facts
• Scientists estimate there could be as many as 3 million fungal species globally
• Only about 160,000 have been officially described leaving around 90% undiscovered
• Fungi account for roughly 90% of Earth's unknown biodiversity
• Forest fungi help tackle climate change, absorbing up to 36% of global fossil fuel emissions annually and storing around 5 billion tonnes of carbon in the planet's topsoil
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Specs
Engine: 51.5kW electric motor
Range: 400km
Power: 134bhp
Torque: 175Nm
Price: From Dh98,800
Available: Now
Specs
Engine: Electric motor generating 54.2kWh (Cooper SE and Aceman SE), 64.6kW (Countryman All4 SE)
Power: 218hp (Cooper and Aceman), 313hp (Countryman)
Torque: 330Nm (Cooper and Aceman), 494Nm (Countryman)
On sale: Now
Price: From Dh158,000 (Cooper), Dh168,000 (Aceman), Dh190,000 (Countryman)
Dark Souls: Remastered
Developer: From Software (remaster by QLOC)
Publisher: Namco Bandai
Price: Dh199
All the Money in the World
Director: Ridley Scott
Starring: Charlie Plummer, Mark Wahlberg, Michelle Williams, Christopher Plummer
Four stars
The Norwegian Nobel Committee, which awards the prestigious peace prize, held its final meeting on Monday, the Nobel Institute said Thursday, a day ahead of the announcement of the 2025 laureate.
This means a decision was made about the laureate or laureates before the conclusion of an agreement between Israel and Hamas, which included a ceasefire and the release of hostages.
President Donald Trump pushed for the ceasefire as part of a 20-point plan to resolve the Gaza war.
Kanye%20West
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It Was Just an Accident
Director: Jafar Panahi
Stars: Vahid Mobasseri, Mariam Afshari, Ebrahim Azizi, Hadis Pakbaten, Majid Panahi, Mohamad Ali Elyasmehr
Rating: 4/5
French business
France has organised a delegation of leading businesses to travel to Syria. The group was led by French shipping giant CMA CGM, which struck a 30-year contract in May with the Syrian government to develop and run Latakia port. Also present were water and waste management company Suez, defence multinational Thales, and Ellipse Group, which is currently looking into rehabilitating Syrian hospitals.
Selected fixtures
All times UAE
Wednesday
Poland v Portugal 10.45pm
Russia v Sweden 10.45pm
Friday
Belgium v Switzerland 10.45pm
Croatia v England 10.45pm
Saturday
Netherlands v Germany 10.45pm
Rep of Ireland v Denmark 10.45pm
Sunday
Poland v Italy 10.45pm
Monday
Spain v England 10.45pm
Tuesday
France v Germany 10.45pm
Rep of Ireland v Wales 10.45pm
