Shoppers head to Mall of the Emirates in Dubai on the first day of the Eid holiday. Antonie Robertson / The National
Shoppers head to Mall of the Emirates in Dubai on the first day of the Eid holiday. Antonie Robertson / The National
Abu Dhabi residents practice social distancing at Mushrif Mall while shopping for Eid Al Fitr. Victor Besa /The National
Abu Dhabi residents practice social distancing at Mushrif Mall while shopping for Eid Al Fitr. Victor Besa /The National
A mall visitor buys some coffee at Starbucks, Mushrif Mall. Victor Besa / The National
A mall visitor buys some coffee at Starbucks, Mushrif Mall. Victor Besa / The National
Abu Dhabi shoppers headed to Mushrif Mall on the first day of Eid Al Fitr. Victor Besa / The National
Abu Dhabi shoppers headed to Mushrif Mall on the first day of Eid Al Fitr. Victor Besa / The National
Shoppers abide by social-distancing practices at Mushrif Mall. Victor Besa / The National
Shoppers abide by social-distancing practices at Mushrif Mall. Victor Besa / The National
Shopping centres such as Mushrif Mall are operating at 30 per cent capacity due to the coronavirus pandemic. Victor Besa / The National
Shopping centres such as Mushrif Mall are operating at 30 per cent capacity due to the coronavirus pandemic. Victor Besa / The National
A shopper at Mushrif Mall. Victor Besa / The National
A shopper at Mushrif Mall. Victor Besa / The National
Malls across the country are implementing safety regulations in order to remain operational during the pandemic. Victor Besa / The National
Malls across the country are implementing safety regulations in order to remain operational during the pandemic. Victor Besa / The National
Shoppers keep a safe distance at Mall of the Emirates in Al Barsha, Dubai. Antonie Robertson / The National
Shoppers keep a safe distance at Mall of the Emirates in Al Barsha, Dubai. Antonie Robertson / The National
While numbers were smaller than in previous years, many enjoyed the opportunity to shop safely on the first day of the Eid Al Fitr break. Antonie Robertson / The National
While numbers were smaller than in previous years, many enjoyed the opportunity to shop safely on the first day of the Eid Al Fitr break. Antonie Robertson / The National
Mall of the Emirates has enforced strict regulations to keep shoppers safe, such as installing thermal scanners at entrance points. Antonie Robertson / The National
Mall of the Emirates has enforced strict regulations to keep shoppers safe, such as installing thermal scanners at entrance points. Antonie Robertson / The National
The first day of Eid gave many an opportunity to leave their homes and escape from the pressures of life amid a pandemic. Antonie Robertson / The National
The first day of Eid gave many an opportunity to leave their homes and escape from the pressures of life amid a pandemic. Antonie Robertson / The National
Abu Dhabi residents at Al Wahda Mall on the first day of Eid Al Fitr. Victor Besa / The National
Abu Dhabi residents at Al Wahda Mall on the first day of Eid Al Fitr. Victor Besa / The National
A customer in a Muji shop at Al Wahda Mall on the first day of Eid Al Fitr. Victor Besa / The National
A customer in a Muji shop at Al Wahda Mall on the first day of Eid Al Fitr. Victor Besa / The National
Abu Dhabi residents at the Al Wahda Mall on the first day of Eid Al Fitr. Victor Besa / The National
Abu Dhabi residents at the Al Wahda Mall on the first day of Eid Al Fitr. Victor Besa / The National
Abu Dhabi residents at Al Wahda Mall on the first day of Eid Al Fitr. Tables are placed apart at the food court. Victor Besa / The National
Abu Dhabi residents at Al Wahda Mall on the first day of Eid Al Fitr. Tables are placed apart at the food court. Victor Besa / The National

UAE

UAE residents become frugal to be better prepared for emergencies

From cutting down on gym memberships and dining out, UAE residents say their spending habits have changed since the start of the pandemic

Sarwat Nasir
Sarwat Nasir
UAE

June 10, 2021

  • English
  • Arabic

Families in the UAE are spending less and saving more to be better prepared for emergencies.

Since the start of the pandemic, many people have lost jobs or faced salary cuts, a trend that has seen individuals become more financially responsible.

Residents who spoke to The National said they have cut back on travel, entertainment and unnecessary spending to build their savings.

Sonal Chhibber, an Indian freelancer in Dubai, said before the pandemic she went on expensive family holidays and shopping sprees with friends.

But now, she and her husband have scaled back their spending and are building an emergency fund.

Sonal Chhibber, left, with her husband and children, is now focused on saving. Courtesy: Sonal Chhibber
Sonal Chhibber, left, with her husband and children, is now focused on saving. Courtesy: Sonal Chhibber

“Working from home has resulted in saving big time on our commuting costs, clothing, business lunches and conferences,” said Ms Chhibber, who has been a UAE resident for 14 years.

“Time spent indoors, however, has made us spend more on home entertainment and groceries. However, we have cut down on all non-essential products and services.

“We have built a comprehensive family budget and have put our family’s financial and health records in order to keep them handy during an emergency.”

Ms Chhibber said her family decided to continue living in an apartment, instead of moving to a large villa.

Read More

What can we learn from our spending habits during Covid-19?

Covid-19 prompts people globally to reassess spending habits and focus on financial planning

Moving would have increased their monthly rent by Dh5,000 ($1,361) and utility bills by Dh1,500.

She moved her three children to a more affordable school, saving Dh3,500 per month.

They also save Dh2,000 a month by reducing the amount they dine out and spend on movie nights, fun days out, and shopping.

“The Covid-19 pandemic has drastically altered how and where we choose to spend our hard-earned cash,” Ms Chhibber said.

“As a family, we are trying to make sure to use this time at home to our advantage, so that we can make the post-pandemic period as stress-free and enjoyable as possible.”

Dedra Stevenson, an American-Emirati author in Sharjah, said she and her family are also focusing more on saving.

Dedra Stevenson, an American-Emirati in Sharjah, said she spent carelessly before the pandemic. Sammy Dallal / The National
Dedra Stevenson, an American-Emirati in Sharjah, said she spent carelessly before the pandemic. Sammy Dallal / The National

She said she has already made major cutbacks, including spending only Dh400 on fitness apps, instead of Dh4,000 a year on gym memberships.

Ms Stevenson also bought her own barista machine, so she does not need to spend Dh700 each month at cafes.

“Before, I also spent more on clothes and outings for myself and my children,” said Ms Stevenson, who has lived in the UAE for nearly 30 years.

“I spent more in malls than I should have. I was pretty careless and frivolous about my spending.”

Ms Stevenson said she has now become more financially responsible and keeps track of her spending.

She has stopped her regular outings and exercises at home.

Dedra Stevenson with her husband. The couple used to dine out a lot before the pandemic. Courtesy: Dedra Stevenson
Dedra Stevenson with her husband. The couple used to dine out a lot before the pandemic. Courtesy: Dedra Stevenson

“I think that families are fiercely aware of the fact that they need savings more than ever,” Ms Stevenson said.

“The whole world had the rug pulled from under their feet when the pandemic struck, so now people are much smarter about preparing something for emergencies.

“We’ve now witnessed a global disaster, so I suppose the older ones of us are tucking away some things for a rainy day in case it happens again in our lifetime.”

Shantelle Norman, a South African resident in Dubai, said her family has set a very tight budget.

She and her husband decided to homeschool their son, 5, as it was a more affordable option. They previously spent Dh31,800 a year on tuition fees.

“We have a very tight budget – schooling especially,” Ms Norman said.

“We budget down to the last dirham when purchasing groceries and my sons extracurricular activities because it’s beneficial to us.

“It's always important, especially now, to ensure you put money aside as a backup because you just never know what is going to happen from one day to the next. Financial responsibility is key to a happy and healthy outcome.”

She said they are saving about Dh2,000 per month on entertainment and dining out.

Seven ways to earn extra cash - in pictures

Salman Kaka at his promotions job at a mall, where he has been hired under a six-month contract. Pawan Singh / The National
Salman Kaka at his promotions job at a mall, where he has been hired under a six-month contract. Pawan Singh / The National
Promotion jobs are popular among university students and those on a dependent visa, as firms hiring for these roles offer temporary work permits. Depending on the hours and company, a promoter can earn between Dh3,000 to Dh15,000 per month. Pawan Singh / The National
Promotion jobs are popular among university students and those on a dependent visa, as firms hiring for these roles offer temporary work permits. Depending on the hours and company, a promoter can earn between Dh3,000 to Dh15,000 per month. Pawan Singh / The National
Tenants or home-owners can rent their villas or apartments. Pictured is Sonia Ngninkeu, who rents her one bedroom apartment in the Damac Park Towers on popular home-renting app Airbnb. Pawan Singh / The National
Tenants or home-owners can rent their villas or apartments. Pictured is Sonia Ngninkeu, who rents her one bedroom apartment in the Damac Park Towers on popular home-renting app Airbnb. Pawan Singh / The National
The option is available to Dubai and Ras Al Khaimah residents. A license from the economic and a permit from the tourism authority is required. Ms Ngninkeu said the money spent gets covered "very fast". Pawan Singh / The National
The option is available to Dubai and Ras Al Khaimah residents. A license from the economic and a permit from the tourism authority is required. Ms Ngninkeu said the money spent gets covered "very fast". Pawan Singh / The National
The Dubai Flea Market allows residents to sell old and unique items around their house without having to purchase a trade license. It costs Dh305 to book table. Courtesy: Dubai Flea Market
The Dubai Flea Market allows residents to sell old and unique items around their house without having to purchase a trade license. It costs Dh305 to book table. Courtesy: Dubai Flea Market
Freelancing also offers residents to earn a side income. A freelancing permit is required, with prices in Dubai starting Dh7,500. Professionals in the media, marketing, social media, graphic designing, copywriters, legal experts, IT or a range other fields can get short-term gigs. Alamy
Freelancing also offers residents to earn a side income. A freelancing permit is required, with prices in Dubai starting Dh7,500. Professionals in the media, marketing, social media, graphic designing, copywriters, legal experts, IT or a range other fields can get short-term gigs. Alamy
Some of the most popular ways of freelancing online are on fiverr, where you can work as a translator, writer or for a a range of other required services. Many freelancing jobs get listed on social media, as well. Reuters
Some of the most popular ways of freelancing online are on fiverr, where you can work as a translator, writer or for a a range of other required services. Many freelancing jobs get listed on social media, as well. Reuters
Residents in the UAE can also part-time jobs with a second employer, which is allowed by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation. A permit is required. Young people aged 15 to 18 can also take on part-time jobs, with contracts that must not exceed one year. Written approval from parents is required. Getty
Residents in the UAE can also part-time jobs with a second employer, which is allowed by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation. A permit is required. Young people aged 15 to 18 can also take on part-time jobs, with contracts that must not exceed one year. Written approval from parents is required. Getty
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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
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Race results:

1. Thani Al Qemzi (UAE) Team Abu Dhabi: 46.44 min

2. Peter Morin (FRA) CTIC F1 Shenzhen China Team: 0.91sec

3. Sami Selio (FIN) Mad-Croc Baba Racing Team: 31.43sec

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Dust and sand storms compared

Sand storm

  • Particle size: Larger, heavier sand grains
  • Visibility: Often dramatic with thick "walls" of sand
  • Duration: Short-lived, typically localised
  • Travel distance: Limited 
  • Source: Open desert areas with strong winds

Dust storm

  • Particle size: Much finer, lightweight particles
  • Visibility: Hazy skies but less intense
  • Duration: Can linger for days
  • Travel distance: Long-range, up to thousands of kilometres
  • Source: Can be carried from distant regions
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COMPANY PROFILE

Name: Lamsa

Founder: Badr Ward

Launched: 2014

Employees: 60

Based: Abu Dhabi

Sector: EdTech

Funding to date: $15 million

OIL PLEDGE

At the start of Russia's invasion, IEA member countries held 1.5 billion barrels in public reserves and about 575 million barrels under obligations with industry, according to the agency's website. The two collective actions of the IEA this year of 62.7 million barrels, which was agreed on March 1, and this week's 120 million barrels amount to 9 per cent of total emergency reserves, it added.

THE BIO:

Favourite holiday destination: Thailand. I go every year and I’m obsessed with the fitness camps there.

Favourite book: Born to Run by Christopher McDougall. It’s an amazing story about barefoot running.

Favourite film: A League of their Own. I used to love watching it in my granny’s house when I was seven.

Personal motto: Believe it and you can achieve it.

UAE currency
Which honey takes your fancy?

Al Ghaf Honey

The Al Ghaf tree is a local desert tree which bears the harsh summers with drought and high temperatures. From the rich flowers, bees that pollinate this tree can produce delicious red colour honey in June and July each year

Sidr Honey

The Sidr tree is an evergreen tree with long and strong forked branches. The blossom from this tree is called Yabyab, which provides rich food for bees to produce honey in October and November. This honey is the most expensive, but tastiest

Samar Honey

The Samar tree trunk, leaves and blossom contains Barm which is the secret of healing. You can enjoy the best types of honey from this tree every year in May and June. It is an historical witness to the life of the Emirati nation which represents the harsh desert and mountain environments

War and the virus
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

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.

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.

ANDROID%20VERSION%20NAMES%2C%20IN%20ORDER
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Specs

Engine: Duel electric motors
Power: 659hp
Torque: 1075Nm
On sale: Available for pre-order now
Price: On request

Overview

Cricket World Cup League Two: Nepal, Oman, United States tri-series, Tribhuvan University, Kathmandu

Fixtures
Wednesday February 5, Oman v Nepal
Thursday, February 6, Oman v United States
Saturday, February 8, United States v Nepal
Sunday, February 9, Oman v Nepal
Tuesday, February 11, Oman v United States
Wednesday, February 12, United States v Nepal

Tonight's Chat on The National

Tonight's Chat is a series of online conversations on The National. The series features a diverse range of celebrities, politicians and business leaders from around the Arab world.

Tonight’s Chat host Ricardo Karam is a renowned author and broadcaster who has previously interviewed Bill Gates, Carlos Ghosn, Andre Agassi and the late Zaha Hadid, among others.

Intellectually curious and thought-provoking, Tonight’s Chat moves the conversation forward.

Facebook | Our website | Instagram

 

RESULT

RS Leipzig 3 

Marcel Sabitzer 10', 21'

Emil Forsberg 87'

Tottenham 0

 

Results

5pm: Al Falah – Maiden (PA) Dh80,000 (Turf) 1,200m; Winner: Bshara, Richard Mullen (jockey), Salem Al Ketbi (trainer)

5.30pm: Wathba Stallions Cup – Handicap (PA) Dh70,000 (T) 1,400m; Winner: AF Musannef, Tadhg O’Shea, Ernst Oertel

6pm: Al Dhafra – Maiden (PA) Dh80,000 (T) 1,600m; Winner: AF Mualami, Antonio Fresu, Abubakar Daud

6.30pm: Al Khaleej Al Arabi – Handicap (PA) Dh80,000 (T) 1,600m; Winner: Hawafez, Adrie de Vries, Abubakar Daud

7pm: Al Mafraq – Handicap (PA) Dh80,000 (T) 1,600m; Winner: JAP Almahfuz, Royston Ffrench, Irfan Ellahi

7.30pm: Al Samha – Handicap (TB) Dh80,000 (T) 1,600m; Winner: Celestial Spheres, Patrick Cosgrave, Ismail Mohammed

ELIO

Starring: Yonas Kibreab, Zoe Saldana, Brad Garrett

Directors: Madeline Sharafian, Domee Shi, Adrian Molina

Rating: 4/5

THE SPECS

Engine: Four-cylinder 2.5-litre

Transmission: Seven-speed auto

Power: 165hp

Torque: 241Nm

Price: Dh99,900 to Dh134,000

On sale: now

UAE finals day

Friday, April 13
Rugby Park, Dubai Sports City

3pm, UAE Conference: Dubai Tigers v Sharjah Wanderers
6.30pm, UAE Premiership: Dubai Exiles v Abu Dhabi Harlequins

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
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The specs

Engine: 3.5-litre V6

Power: 272hp at 6,400rpm

Torque: 331Nm from 5,000rpm

Transmission: 8-speed auto

Fuel consumption: 9.7L/100km

On sale: now

Price: Dh149,000

 

Transgender report
Brief scoreline:

Manchester United 0

Manchester City 2

Bernardo Silva 54', Sane 66'

MATCH INFO

Uefa Champions League semi-final, first leg

Tottenham 0-1 Ajax, Tuesday

Second leg

Ajax v Tottenham, Wednesday, May 8, 11pm

Game is on BeIN Sports

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At a glance

Global events: Much of the UK’s economic woes were blamed on “increased global uncertainty”, which can be interpreted as the economic impact of the Ukraine war and the uncertainty over Donald Trump’s tariffs.

 

Growth forecasts: Cut for 2025 from 2 per cent to 1 per cent. The OBR watchdog also estimated inflation will average 3.2 per cent this year

 

Welfare: Universal credit health element cut by 50 per cent and frozen for new claimants, building on cuts to the disability and incapacity bill set out earlier this month

 

Spending cuts: Overall day-to day-spending across government cut by £6.1bn in 2029-30 

 

Tax evasion: Steps to crack down on tax evasion to raise “£6.5bn per year” for the public purse

 

Defence: New high-tech weaponry, upgrading HM Naval Base in Portsmouth

 

Housing: Housebuilding to reach its highest in 40 years, with planning reforms helping generate an extra £3.4bn for public finances

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Hajj 2019
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