Swiss watchmaker Audemars Piguet has redefined its approach to timepieces with the release of a new collection designed specifically for the Middle East, made in collaboration with UAE collectors. This series, born out of a 2022 “Create the Extraordinary” workshop held in Dubai, marks a milestone as the first time the brand has engaged directly with collectors from the region to influence its designs.
The three pieces, engraved with “Special Edition” and “Create the Extraordinary”, are an example of Audemars Piguet’s dedication to collaborative luxury. By partnering with local collectors, the watchmaker has crafted a collection that stands as a tribute to both the brand’s heritage and the interests of its Middle Eastern clients.
The Royal Oak Perpetual Calendar Ultra-Thin in this series, constructed with a titanium case and bracelet and incorporating Bulk Metallic Glass for the bezel, caseback and bracelet studs, is notable for both its technical sophistication and aesthetic appeal. BMG, a palladium-based material known for its resilience and remarkable sheen, offers high resistance to wear, adding to the durability and lustrous finish of the piece.
The vertically brushed ivory dial, marked with Hindu-Arabic numerals, is complemented by rhodium-plated subdials and luminescent white gold hands. The moon-phase indicator at 12 o’clock harmonises with the overall aesthetic, enhancing the visual symmetry and cultural resonance of the watch.
Inside, the piece is powered by the Calibre 5133, an ultra-thin, self-winding movement first introduced in 2018. At only 2.9 mm thick, this patented movement integrates all perpetual calendar functions in a single plane rather than the traditional three, representing a significant achievement in micro-mechanics. The sapphire crystal caseback provides a view of the rhodium-toned oscillating weight adorned with an intricate arabesque motif inspired by Middle Eastern design.
Another piece in the series, the Royal Oak Double Balance Wheel Openworked in white ceramic, is the first Royal Oak to feature both a case and bracelet crafted entirely from the sturdy material. This choice not only imparts a sleek, monochromatic look, but also gives the piece remarkable durability. White ceramic is highly resistant to scratches, making it a practical for a collector who values both aesthetics and longevity.
A blue aventurine inner bezel adds a striking contrast, evoking the clear, star-filled night skies over the region’s desert landscapes. This deep blue hue, framed by the ceramic, gives the watch a serene and powerful presence. The dial side features luminescent white gold hour-markers and blackened Royal Oak hands, optimising visibility while maintaining a balanced look.
The timepiece is powered by the Calibre 3132, featuring Audemars Piguet’s patented double balance wheel mechanism. Introduced in 2016, this innovation places two balance wheels on the same axis, enhancing precision and stability by reducing the effects of gravitational pull. The openworked design showcases this intricate mechanism, providing an unobstructed view into the watch’s inner workings while maintaining a sense of minimalism.
Rounding out this special collection is the Code 11.59 by Audemars Piguet Selfwinding Flying Tourbillon, which sits on the sportier end of the spectrum, in a blend of black ceramic and stainless steel. The dial, crafted from meteorite, showcases a unique, stratified pattern that ensures each piece is visually distinct. Pink-gold Hindu-Arabic numerals add warmth against the grey inner bezel, giving the design depth and character.
This model is driven by the Calibre 2950, Audemars Piguet’s first self-winding movement to pair a central rotor with a flying tourbillon. Positioned at 6 o’clock, the tourbillon minimises the effect of gravity on timekeeping accuracy, representing a blend of traditional craftsmanship and modern engineering. A grey rubber-coated strap completes the look, underscoring the piece’s sporty edge and making it an ideal choice for collectors who appreciate both refinement and functionality.
Audemars Piguet’s Middle East special-edition series marks a significant moment in the brand’s evolution, reflecting a shift towards more personal and culturally informed luxury. While the result is technically and aesthetically ambitious, it might be the business acumen it shows that is most impressive of all. Catering directly to one of the most dynamic watch markets in the world is a win for everyone involved.
Company profile
Date started: 2015
Founder: John Tsioris and Ioanna Angelidaki
Based: Dubai
Sector: Online grocery delivery
Staff: 200
Funding: Undisclosed, but investors include the Jabbar Internet Group and Venture Friends
Desert Warrior
Starring: Anthony Mackie, Aiysha Hart, Ben Kingsley
Director: Rupert Wyatt
Rating: 3/5
Jetour T1 specs
Engine: 2-litre turbocharged
Power: 254hp
Torque: 390Nm
Price: From Dh126,000
Available: Now
Classification of skills
A worker is categorised as skilled by the MOHRE based on nine levels given in the International Standard Classification of Occupations (ISCO) issued by the International Labour Organisation.
A skilled worker would be someone at a professional level (levels 1 – 5) which includes managers, professionals, technicians and associate professionals, clerical support workers, and service and sales workers.
The worker must also have an attested educational certificate higher than secondary or an equivalent certification, and earn a monthly salary of at least Dh4,000.
GAC GS8 Specs
Engine: 2.0-litre 4cyl turbo
Power: 248hp at 5,200rpm
Torque: 400Nm at 1,750-4,000rpm
Transmission: 8-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 9.1L/100km
On sale: Now
Price: From Dh149,900
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The specs
Engine: 2.0-litre 4-cylturbo
Transmission: seven-speed DSG automatic
Power: 242bhp
Torque: 370Nm
Price: Dh136,814
Trump v Khan
2016: Feud begins after Khan criticised Trump’s proposed Muslim travel ban to US
2017: Trump criticises Khan’s ‘no reason to be alarmed’ response to London Bridge terror attacks
2019: Trump calls Khan a “stone cold loser” before first state visit
2019: Trump tweets about “Khan’s Londonistan”, calling him “a national disgrace”
2022: Khan’s office attributes rise in Islamophobic abuse against the major to hostility stoked during Trump’s presidency
July 2025 During a golfing trip to Scotland, Trump calls Khan “a nasty person”
Sept 2025 Trump blames Khan for London’s “stabbings and the dirt and the filth”.
Dec 2025 Trump suggests migrants got Khan elected, calls him a “horrible, vicious, disgusting mayor”
Boulder shooting victims
• Denny Strong, 20
• Neven Stanisic, 23
• Rikki Olds, 25
• Tralona Bartkowiak, 49
• Suzanne Fountain, 59
• Teri Leiker, 51
• Eric Talley, 51
• Kevin Mahoney, 61
• Lynn Murray, 62
• Jody Waters, 65
The biog
Name: Mariam Ketait
Emirate: Dubai
Hobbies: I enjoy travelling, experiencing new things, painting, reading, flying, and the French language
Favourite quote: "Be the change you wish to see" - unknown
Favourite activity: Connecting with different cultures
COMPANY PROFILE
Founders: Sebastian Stefan, Sebastian Morar and Claudia Pacurar
Based: Dubai, UAE
Founded: 2014
Number of employees: 36
Sector: Logistics
Raised: $2.5 million
Investors: DP World, Prime Venture Partners and family offices in Saudi Arabia and the UAE
The bio
Studied up to grade 12 in Vatanappally, a village in India’s southern Thrissur district
Was a middle distance state athletics champion in school
Enjoys driving to Fujairah and Ras Al Khaimah with family
His dream is to continue working as a social worker and help people
Has seven diaries in which he has jotted down notes about his work and money he earned
Keeps the diaries in his car to remember his journey in the Emirates
Honeymoonish
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A timeline of the Historical Dictionary of the Arabic Language
- 2018: Formal work begins
- November 2021: First 17 volumes launched
- November 2022: Additional 19 volumes released
- October 2023: Another 31 volumes released
- November 2024: All 127 volumes completed
PROFILE OF HALAN
Started: November 2017
Founders: Mounir Nakhla, Ahmed Mohsen and Mohamed Aboulnaga
Based: Cairo, Egypt
Sector: transport and logistics
Size: 150 employees
Investment: approximately $8 million
Investors include: Singapore’s Battery Road Digital Holdings, Egypt’s Algebra Ventures, Uber co-founder and former CTO Oscar Salazar
New UK refugee system
- A new “core protection” for refugees moving from permanent to a more basic, temporary protection
- Shortened leave to remain - refugees will receive 30 months instead of five years
- A longer path to settlement with no indefinite settled status until a refugee has spent 20 years in Britain
- To encourage refugees to integrate the government will encourage them to out of the core protection route wherever possible.
- Under core protection there will be no automatic right to family reunion
- Refugees will have a reduced right to public funds
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I Care A Lot
Directed by: J Blakeson
Starring: Rosamund Pike, Peter Dinklage
3/5 stars
The biog
Name: Samar Frost
Born: Abu Dhabi
Hobbies: Singing, music and socialising with friends
Favourite singer: Adele
The five pillars of Islam
1. Fasting
2. Prayer
3. Hajj
4. Shahada
5. Zakat
hall of shame
SUNDERLAND 2002-03
No one has ended a Premier League season quite like Sunderland. They lost each of their final 15 games, taking no points after January. They ended up with 19 in total, sacking managers Peter Reid and Howard Wilkinson and losing 3-1 to Charlton when they scored three own goals in eight minutes.
SUNDERLAND 2005-06
Until Derby came along, Sunderland’s total of 15 points was the Premier League’s record low. They made it until May and their final home game before winning at the Stadium of Light while they lost a joint record 29 of their 38 league games.
HUDDERSFIELD 2018-19
Joined Derby as the only team to be relegated in March. No striker scored until January, while only two players got more assists than goalkeeper Jonas Lossl. The mid-season appointment Jan Siewert was to end his time as Huddersfield manager with a 5.3 per cent win rate.
ASTON VILLA 2015-16
Perhaps the most inexplicably bad season, considering they signed Idrissa Gueye and Adama Traore and still only got 17 points. Villa won their first league game, but none of the next 19. They ended an abominable campaign by taking one point from the last 39 available.
FULHAM 2018-19
Terrible in different ways. Fulham’s total of 26 points is not among the lowest ever but they contrived to get relegated after spending over £100 million (Dh457m) in the transfer market. Much of it went on defenders but they only kept two clean sheets in their first 33 games.
LA LIGA: Sporting Gijon, 13 points in 1997-98.
BUNDESLIGA: Tasmania Berlin, 10 points in 1965-66
Tamkeen's offering
- Option 1: 70% in year 1, 50% in year 2, 30% in year 3
- Option 2: 50% across three years
- Option 3: 30% across five years
Mercedes V250 Avantgarde specs
Engine: 2.0-litre in-line four-cylinder turbo
Gearbox: 7-speed automatic
Power: 211hp at 5,500rpm
Torque: 350Nm
Fuel economy, combined: 6.0 l/100 km
Price: Dh235,000
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Timeline
2012-2015
The company offers payments/bribes to win key contracts in the Middle East
May 2017
The UK SFO officially opens investigation into Petrofac’s use of agents, corruption, and potential bribery to secure contracts
September 2021
Petrofac pleads guilty to seven counts of failing to prevent bribery under the UK Bribery Act
October 2021
Court fines Petrofac £77 million for bribery. Former executive receives a two-year suspended sentence
December 2024
Petrofac enters into comprehensive restructuring to strengthen the financial position of the group
May 2025
The High Court of England and Wales approves the company’s restructuring plan
July 2025
The Court of Appeal issues a judgment challenging parts of the restructuring plan
August 2025
Petrofac issues a business update to execute the restructuring and confirms it will appeal the Court of Appeal decision
October 2025
Petrofac loses a major TenneT offshore wind contract worth €13 billion. Holding company files for administration in the UK. Petrofac delisted from the London Stock Exchange
November 2025
180 Petrofac employees laid off in the UAE
