Where do you begin when trying to summarise arguably the toughest UAE automotive market on record, with Covid-19 forcing the world’s car factories to close from mid-March to mid-May?
Not a single car was sold in the UAE in April as showrooms were forced to stay closed during lockdown, which was replicated in neighbouring countries such as India, as well as across most of Europe and Asia.
Yet globally, more than 350 new models, facelifts and derivatives were still launched during the 10 months that the industry was open, so here are the 20 from 2020 that stood out for being exciting, innovative, much anticipated and / or hinting to an electric future in a distorted year.
Aston Martin DBX
This is Aston's first off-roader, and what a car it is. Designed from a clean sheet of paper, it doesn't compromise on anything, so offers loads of interior space, bespoke levels of comfort and, of course, rapid performance from its 4.0 twin-turbo V8.
Audi E-Tron
Audi's first all-electric car was launched to the world in Abu Dhabi and went on sale this year. It delivers 355 brake horsepower and 561Nm of torque for a top speed of 200 kilometres per hour and zero to 100kph in 6.5 seconds. Select boost mode and for eight seconds you get 402bhp and 660Nm, which cuts the 100kph dash to 5.7 seconds.
Audi S6
A bit of a sleeper among the sometime brash Euro luxury sportsters, the S6's subtle lines hide its impressive performance. A twin-turbo, 2.9 V6 delivers the same 444bhp as the old 4.0 V8 it replaced, but with less fuel and emissions. This is the thinking person's exec-express.
Bentley Bentayga
A mid-life update of Bentley's class-leading SUV introduced more than 1,000 modifications to maintain leadership in an expanding sector. With 20,000 units sold globally, it's an unequivocal success and a Middle East favourite, while some visual concerns from the first model have been sorted with this stylish makeover.
Bentley Continental GT
It's been a big year for Bentley for its two biggest models, with the Continental GT getting its first complete overhaul in 15 years. The 2020 model is lighter, stronger and faster thanks to help from sister company Porsche and, together with an important endurance race win in February, has cemented its place as a high-performance tourer.
BMW 4-Series
The important BMWs have always been from the smaller end of the pool with the 3-Series and 4-Series, so a new model is always newsworthy. Despite its many engineering advances, however, all the talk remains centred around that controversial nose. Officially launched, though yet to be seen on our roads, it’s taking a while for people to warm to BMW’s design overhaul.
Bugatti Chiron Pur Sport
In a word, breathtaking, both in a metaphorical and literal sense. As if the quad-turbo, 1500bhp, 8-litre W12 hypercar couldn’t get any faster, Bugatti has trimmed 50 kilograms and shortened up the gear ratios to make its Chiron Pur Sport both lighter and faster in acceleration at the expense of top end. It now “only” does 350kph instead of 420, but gets from zero to 100 in just 2.3 seconds compared to 2.5.
Cadillac Escalade
It seems like the big Caddy has been around forever, but completely redesigned and packing new technology, this fifth-generation iteration includes Sport trim for the first time with black chrome and an all-new, first-class interior. On sale at the end of December, the order books are now open.
Chevrolet Corvette C8
They said it would never be done, but Chevrolet is challenging the Italians by making its latest Corvette mid-engined, giving it proportions and handling much closer to Ferrari with performance to match: 2.9 to 100kph from the Z51 makes this the quickest Stingray in history.
Ferrari F8 Spider
The F8 Spider continues a lineage that began with the 308GTS as a topless, mid-mounted, twin-turbo V8 which now produces a mind-bending 720bhp and hits 200kph in 8.2 seconds. It’s almost too fast for the road.
Ferrari Roma
A more elegant option if you want to carry passengers, the Roma uses a different version of the F8’s turbo V8. It harks back to Ferrari’s glory days of the 1960s with models such as the 250GT and is arguably nicest-looking Ferrari in 50 years.
Jeep Gladiator
Jeep doesn't do things by halves. The Gladiator looks like it ate a JL Wrangler and tacked it on the end. This beast is enormous and unbelievably capable off-road, as discovered first-hand in a flash flood where it powered through swollen rivers. It has a 620kg payload while a new five-link rear end lets it tow up to 2,720kg.
Land Rover Defender
Arguably the biggest launch of the year, the Defender is an emblem of UAE motoring, so replacing the 72-year-old original was never going to be easy. Fortunately, it handles the dunes better than any Land Rover to date and in more comfort than the previous model.
Maserati Ghibli Hybrid
The news is less about this specific model and more about Maserati's future as it heads down an electrified path starting with the Ghibli. Maserati's USP has been its V8 exhaust note, and that will go as EVs take hold. But for now, this Ghibli has a 48-volt alternator and electric supercharger to back its 2.0 turbo four-cylinder motor.
McLaren GT
Unlike the Ferrari Roma, McLaren's GT remains mid-engined with just two seats, so is it really a GT? Well, it has more luggage space than most GTs, provides better balance thanks to its engine being in the centre and was still comfortable after a long day's driving, so that's a yes.
Mercedes-Benz S-Class
A technological tour de force, the Mercedes-Benz S-Class looks like it will steamroll its competitors again as the benchmark luxury saloon. With its unrivalled comfort, chassis and performance, it adds the latest in connectivity and smart intelligence that will ensure it’s still relevant in 10 years.
Porsche Cayman and Boxster 4.0 GTS
This 4.0 GTS duo launched in February and keeps motoring fun with a six-speed manual and a beefy 395bhp, 4.0-litre, naturally aspirated, flat six-cylinder engine.
Porsche 911
Although revealed last year, the 992-gen 911 Carrera didn’t land until this year so it qualifies for this list. The 572bhp Turbo is now also with us, but we’ll stick with the entry Carrera that is still good for 282kph and 3.5 seconds to 100kph.
Porsche Taycan
Another Porsche, but this is the big one: the EV Taycan that has changed the game for luxury electric sports cars. Porsche says more than 50 per cent of its model range will be electrified by 2025.
Rolls-Royce Ghost
Like every Rolls-Royce, the new Ghost is big, comfortable and quiet except it's now also lighter, has four-wheel drive and rear-wheel steer. While the rest of the world changes, Rolls-Royce thankfully remains the same, albeit adjusting to a "post opulence" society.
SPEC%20SHEET%3A%20APPLE%20IPHONE%2014%20PRO%20MAX
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Brighton 1
Gross (50' pen)
Tottenham 1
Kane (48)
The specs
Engine: 1.5-litre 4-cylinder petrol
Power: 154bhp
Torque: 250Nm
Transmission: 7-speed automatic with 8-speed sports option
Price: From Dh79,600
On sale: Now
World record transfers
1. Kylian Mbappe - to Real Madrid in 2017/18 - €180 million (Dh770.4m - if a deal goes through)
2. Paul Pogba - to Manchester United in 2016/17 - €105m
3. Gareth Bale - to Real Madrid in 2013/14 - €101m
4. Cristiano Ronaldo - to Real Madrid in 2009/10 - €94m
5. Gonzalo Higuain - to Juventus in 2016/17 - €90m
6. Neymar - to Barcelona in 2013/14 - €88.2m
7. Romelu Lukaku - to Manchester United in 2017/18 - €84.7m
8. Luis Suarez - to Barcelona in 2014/15 - €81.72m
9. Angel di Maria - to Manchester United in 2014/15 - €75m
10. James Rodriguez - to Real Madrid in 2014/15 - €75m
Wonka
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EDirector%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%C2%A0Paul%20King%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EStarring%3A%C2%A0%3C%2Fstrong%3ETimothee%20Chalamet%2C%20Olivia%20Colman%2C%20Hugh%20Grant%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ERating%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%202%2F5%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
In-demand jobs and monthly salaries
- Technology expert in robotics and automation: Dh20,000 to Dh40,000
- Energy engineer: Dh25,000 to Dh30,000
- Production engineer: Dh30,000 to Dh40,000
- Data-driven supply chain management professional: Dh30,000 to Dh50,000
- HR leader: Dh40,000 to Dh60,000
- Engineering leader: Dh30,000 to Dh55,000
- Project manager: Dh55,000 to Dh65,000
- Senior reservoir engineer: Dh40,000 to Dh55,000
- Senior drilling engineer: Dh38,000 to Dh46,000
- Senior process engineer: Dh28,000 to Dh38,000
- Senior maintenance engineer: Dh22,000 to Dh34,000
- Field engineer: Dh6,500 to Dh7,500
- Field supervisor: Dh9,000 to Dh12,000
- Field operator: Dh5,000 to Dh7,000
RESULTS
5pm: Maiden (PA) Dh80,000 2,200m
Winner: Arjan, Fabrice Veron (jockey), Eric Lemartinel (trainer).
5.30pm: Maiden (PA) Dh80,000 1,400m
Winner: Jap Nazaa, Royston Ffrench, Irfan Ellahi.
6pm: Al Ruwais Group 3 (PA) Dh300,000 1,200m
Winner: RB Lam Tara, Fabrice Veron, Eric Lemartinal.
6.30pm: Shadwell Gold Cup Prestige Dh125,000 1,600m
Winner: AF Sanad, Bernardo Pinheiro, Khalifa Al Neyadi.
7pm: Shadwell Farm Stallions Handicap (PA) Dh70,000 1,600m
Winner: Jawal Al Reef, Patrick Cosgrave, Abdallah Al Hammadi.
7.30pm: Maiden (TB) Dh80,000 1,600m
Winner: Dubai Canal, Harry Bentley, Satish Seemar.
Blonde
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EDirector%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EAndrew%20Dominik%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EStars%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EAna%20de%20Armas%2C%20Adrien%20Brody%2C%20Bobby%20Cannavale%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ERating%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E3%2F5%3Cbr%3E%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
The Settlers
Director: Louis Theroux
Starring: Daniella Weiss, Ari Abramowitz
Rating: 5/5
Previous men's records
- 2:01:39: Eliud Kipchoge (KEN) on 16/9/19 in Berlin
- 2:02:57: Dennis Kimetto (KEN) on 28/09/2014 in Berlin
- 2:03:23: Wilson Kipsang (KEN) on 29/09/2013 in Berlin
- 2:03:38: Patrick Makau (KEN) on 25/09/2011 in Berlin
- 2:03:59: Haile Gebreselassie (ETH) on 28/09/2008 in Berlin
- 2:04:26: Haile Gebreselassie (ETH) on 30/09/2007 in Berlin
- 2:04:55: Paul Tergat (KEN) on 28/09/2003 in Berlin
- 2:05:38: Khalid Khannouchi (USA) 14/04/2002 in London
- 2:05:42: Khalid Khannouchi (USA) 24/10/1999 in Chicago
- 2:06:05: Ronaldo da Costa (BRA) 20/09/1998 in Berlin
Match info
Premier League
Manchester United 2 (Martial 30', Lingard 69')
Arsenal 2 (Mustafi 26', Rojo 68' OG)
EA Sports FC 26
Publisher: EA Sports
Consoles: PC, PlayStation 4/5, Xbox Series X/S
Rating: 3/5
New Zealand 21 British & Irish Lions 24
New Zealand
Penalties: Barrett (7)
British & Irish Lions
Tries: Faletau, Murray
Penalties: Farrell (4)
Conversions: Farrell
COMPANY%20PROFILE
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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
The President's Cake
Director: Hasan Hadi
Starring: Baneen Ahmad Nayyef, Waheed Thabet Khreibat, Sajad Mohamad Qasem
Rating: 4/5
EXPATS
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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
How to wear a kandura
Dos
- Wear the right fabric for the right season and occasion
- Always ask for the dress code if you don’t know
- Wear a white kandura, white ghutra / shemagh (headwear) and black shoes for work
- Wear 100 per cent cotton under the kandura as most fabrics are polyester
Don’ts
- Wear hamdania for work, always wear a ghutra and agal
- Buy a kandura only based on how it feels; ask questions about the fabric and understand what you are buying
Why it pays to compare
A comparison of sending Dh20,000 from the UAE using two different routes at the same time - the first direct from a UAE bank to a bank in Germany, and the second from the same UAE bank via an online platform to Germany - found key differences in cost and speed. The transfers were both initiated on January 30.
Route 1: bank transfer
The UAE bank charged Dh152.25 for the Dh20,000 transfer. On top of that, their exchange rate margin added a difference of around Dh415, compared with the mid-market rate.
Total cost: Dh567.25 - around 2.9 per cent of the total amount
Total received: €4,670.30
Route 2: online platform
The UAE bank’s charge for sending Dh20,000 to a UK dirham-denominated account was Dh2.10. The exchange rate margin cost was Dh60, plus a Dh12 fee.
Total cost: Dh74.10, around 0.4 per cent of the transaction
Total received: €4,756
The UAE bank transfer was far quicker – around two to three working days, while the online platform took around four to five days, but was considerably cheaper. In the online platform transfer, the funds were also exposed to currency risk during the period it took for them to arrive.
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
FINAL SCORES
Fujairah 130 for 8 in 20 overs
(Sandy Sandeep 29, Hamdan Tahir 26 no, Umair Ali 2-15)
Sharjah 131 for 8 in 19.3 overs
(Kashif Daud 51, Umair Ali 20, Rohan Mustafa 2-17, Sabir Rao 2-26)
HWJN
%3Cp%3EDirector%3A%20Yasir%20Alyasiri%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3EStarring%3A%20Baraa%20Alem%2C%20Nour%20Alkhadra%2C%20Alanoud%20Saud%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3ERating%3A%203%2F5%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
