Latest updates: Follow our full coverage on the US election
Across the US, voters among the estimated 3.7 million Arab Americans are set to play a crucial role in deciding the outcome of Tuesday’s presidential election.
Seven battleground states will ultimately decide whether Donald Trump or Kamala Harris takes the White House, with Pennsylvania, Arizona and Michigan – all of which were decided by fewer than 245,000 votes in the 2020 presidential election – among the most critical.
But what issues are motivating young Arab Americans in the battleground states to vote for Mr Trump or Ms Harris – or to stay at home?
Pennsylvania
2020 election result: Joe Biden won by 1.2 per cent or 80,000 votes.
Arab-American population: 126,000
For 25-year-old director and producer Zaina Yasmin Dana, who grew up in Hebron in the occupied West Bank, deciding who to vote for on Tuesday is nearly impossible.
“It’s the only election I’ve ever been undecided in. I’m in progressive circles and many of us, for the first time, are undecided,” she told The National. Four years ago, Ms Dana voted for President Joe Biden.
“A lot of Democrats have been pushing the idea that Trump would be the death of democracy, but a lot of Arab Americans [already] don’t believe that America was a democracy. Harris promoting Liz and Dick Cheney’s endorsements, who many in the Middle East would say are war criminals, is extremely unpopular.”
Ms Dana said Democrats do not seem to care that an endorsement from former Wyoming congresswoman Ms Cheney alienates Iraqi Americans who lost family members in the Iraq war pushed by her father when he served as vice president in the early 2000s. “It just feels extremely out of touch,” she added.
But the number one issue for her is ending the war in Gaza. “A lot of us are caught in this place that there needs to be some retribution for what [the Democrats] are doing [in Gaza],” she said, adding that Ms Harris has not made any significant effort to reach out to Arab Americans in Pennsylvania.
“We are seeing that our leadership is not listening to people’s calls for an arms embargo [on Israel] … If we are told to pick the lesser evil [Ms Harris over Mr Trump], how else are we supposed to be heard if we are not voting for her? It’s very tricky.”
Ms Dana, who said that every day she receives five to six text messages from Pennsylvania Democrats encouraging her to vote for party members, also highlighted how the progressive figure Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez’s Arabic-language campaign flyers, which were meant to appeal to Arab Americans, mangled the language, leading to mass mockery on social media.
“Is that supposed to encourage Arab Americans to go out and vote? That sort of condescension is reminiscent of Hillary Clinton’s campaign,” said Ms Dana.
Arizona
2020 election result: Mr Biden won by 0.3 per cent or 10,457 votes.
Arab-American population: 77,000
Palestinian American Jubran Bahbah, 34, lives in the Phoenix-Scottsdale area and works in the convenience store business. He says that while in 2020 he voted for Mr Biden, this year, he is backing Mr Trump.
“He has stated several times that he would end the war in Gaza and Lebanon, and he supports a two-state solution – that would be satisfactory to all parties involved,” he told The National. In April, however, Mr Trump told Time magazine that he thought a peaceful two-state solution seemed unlikely.
“As we’ve seen for the past three-and-a-half years, [Ms Harris] has been sitting on the sidelines, being more of an observer than an action-taker. She has pretty much deflected any discussion regarding the Middle East,” he said. “She seems very disinterested in it and hasn’t said anything compelling.”
Mr Bahbah spent six years in Jerusalem, a time he said deeply affected how he views the Israeli occupation of Palestinian lands.
“I was there for one of the wars. I’ve had to witness the atrocities that were taking place in person,” he said. One leading reason for him abandoning the Democratic Party is the convention in August, when Ms Harris invited family members of an Israeli-American kidnapped by Hamas to speak on stage, but did not include a Palestinian voice.
“It was a massive slap in the face,” he said. In terms of drawbacks of voting for Mr Trump – who has claimed to be Israel’s “best friend” – Mr Bahbah believes “you can’t do any worse than what’s currently happening, frankly”.
He said that he is not alone in Arizona’s Arab-American community. “To my surprise, there’s a lot more Arab American support [for Mr Trump] than there was in prior elections,” he said. “People are saying that he’s the best option at this point in time.”
Michigan
2020 election result: Mr Biden won by 2.8 per cent or 154,000 votes.
Arab-American population: 400,000
For Jenin Yaseen, a 29-year-old Palestinian American artist living in a state that is home to the country's largest Arab American population, there is no presidential candidate that is worth her vote on Tuesday. Instead, she is thinking about writing the name of Hind Rajab, the six-year-old Palestinian girl who was killed by Israeli soldiers in January along with her uncle’s family and two medics sent to save her.
“I’m disgusted by both of the parties. I feel like I’ve been told a lot of times that Michigan is a swing state, and we have a lot of power, but if that was true, I think the genocide would have stopped by now,” she told The National. The Dearborn resident said she is staying on top of what it happening in Gaza and Lebanon “almost every minute”.
Nor is Jill Stein, the Green Party’s presidential candidate, an option for her. Dr Stein was endorsed by the Abandon Harris campaign in Dearborn last month and is expected to secure a sizeable share of Dearborn’s vote on Tuesday due to many rejecting the two main candidates. That is likely to take important votes away from Ms Harris, since Mr Biden relied on more than 30,000 Dearborn votes to prevail in Michigan in 2020.
“I just don’t think she’s making enough effort to really talk to the community in a way that makes me feel confident to vote for her,” Ms Yaseen said. “I don’t think she makes enough effort to come to our events and protests.”
Ms Yaseen saves her greatest disdain for the party that Arab Americans have supported in previous elections.
“The Democratic Party has humiliated our community – that we are just a vassal for them to turn up to vote. They don’t consider us as a people or as a community,” she said. “In fact, I feel a little more disgusted by the Democrats than the GOP because there’s a clear hypocrisy.”
When Umm Kulthum performed in Abu Dhabi
Known as The Lady of Arabic Song, Umm Kulthum performed in Abu Dhabi on November 28, 1971, as part of celebrations for the fifth anniversary of the accession of Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan as Ruler of Abu Dhabi. A concert hall was constructed for the event on land that is now Al Nahyan Stadium, behind Al Wahda Mall. The audience were treated to many of Kulthum's most well-known songs as part of the sold-out show, including Aghadan Alqak and Enta Omri.
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Day 2, Abu Dhabi Test: At a glance
Moment of the day Dinesh Chandimal has inherited a challenging job, after being made Sri Lanka’s Test captain. He responded in perfect fashion, with an easy-natured century against Pakistan. He brought up three figures with a majestic cover drive, which he just stood and admired.
Stat of the day – 33 It took 33 balls for Dilruwan Perera to get off the mark. His time on zero was eventful enough. The Sri Lankan No 7 was given out LBW twice, but managed to have both decisions overturned on review. The TV replays showed both times that he had inside edged the ball onto his pad.
The verdict In the two previous times these two sides have met in Abu Dhabi, the Tests have been drawn. The docile nature of proceedings so far makes that the likely outcome again this time, but both sides will be harbouring thoughts that they can force their way into a winning position.
Four reasons global stock markets are falling right now
There are many factors worrying investors right now and triggering a rush out of stock markets. Here are four of the biggest:
1. Rising US interest rates
The US Federal Reserve has increased interest rates three times this year in a bid to prevent its buoyant economy from overheating. They now stand at between 2 and 2.25 per cent and markets are pencilling in three more rises next year.
Kim Catechis, manager of the Legg Mason Martin Currie Global Emerging Markets Fund, says US inflation is rising and the Fed will continue to raise rates in 2019. “With inflationary pressures growing, an increasing number of corporates are guiding profitability expectations downwards for 2018 and 2019, citing the negative impact of rising costs.”
At the same time as rates are rising, central bankers in the US and Europe have been ending quantitative easing, bringing the era of cheap money to an end.
2. Stronger dollar
High US rates have driven up the value of the dollar and bond yields, and this is putting pressure on emerging market countries that took advantage of low interest rates to run up trillions in dollar-denominated debt. They have also suffered capital outflows as international investors have switched to the US, driving markets lower. Omar Negyal, portfolio manager of the JP Morgan Global Emerging Markets Income Trust, says this looks like a buying opportunity. “Despite short-term volatility we remain positive about long-term prospects and profitability for emerging markets.”
3. Global trade war
Ritu Vohora, investment director at fund manager M&G, says markets fear that US President Donald Trump’s spat with China will escalate into a full-blown global trade war, with both sides suffering. “The US economy is robust enough to absorb higher input costs now, but this may not be the case as tariffs escalate. However, with a host of factors hitting investor sentiment, this is becoming a stock picker’s market.”
4. Eurozone uncertainty
Europe faces two challenges right now in the shape of Brexit and the new populist government in eurozone member Italy.
Chris Beauchamp, chief market analyst at IG, which has offices in Dubai, says the stand-off between between Rome and Brussels threatens to become much more serious. "As with Brexit, neither side appears willing to step back from the edge, threatening more trouble down the line.”
The European economy may also be slowing, Mr Beauchamp warns. “A four-year low in eurozone manufacturing confidence highlights the fact that producers see a bumpy road ahead, with US-EU trade talks remaining a major question-mark for exporters.”
SPECS
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RACE CARD AND SELECTIONS
5pm: Maiden (PA) Dh80,000 1,200m
5,30pm: Wathba Stallions Cup Handicap (PA) Dh70,000 1,200m
6pm: The President’s Cup Listed (TB) Dh380,000 1,400m
6.30pm: The President’s Cup Group One (PA) Dh2,500,000 2,200m
7pm: Arabian Triple Crown Listed (PA) Dh230,000 1,600m
7.30pm: Handicap (PA) Dh80,000 1,400m
The National selections
5pm: RB Hot Spot
5.30pm: Dahess D’Arabie
6pm: Taamol
6.30pm: Rmmas
7pm: RB Seqondtonone
7.30pm: AF Mouthirah
Various Artists
Habibi Funk: An Eclectic Selection Of Music From The Arab World (Habibi Funk)
Yuki Means Happiness
Alison Jean Lester
John Murray
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
What vitamins do we know are beneficial for living in the UAE
Vitamin D: Highly relevant in the UAE due to limited sun exposure; supports bone health, immunity and mood.
Vitamin B12: Important for nerve health and energy production, especially for vegetarians, vegans and individuals with absorption issues.
Iron: Useful only when deficiency or anaemia is confirmed; helps reduce fatigue and support immunity.
Omega-3 (EPA/DHA): Supports heart health and reduces inflammation, especially for those who consume little fish.
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Top Hundred overseas picks
London Spirit: Kieron Pollard, Riley Meredith
Welsh Fire: Adam Zampa, David Miller, Naseem Shah
Manchester Originals: Andre Russell, Wanindu Hasaranga, Sean Abbott
Northern Superchargers: Dwayne Bravo, Wahab Riaz
Oval Invincibles: Sunil Narine, Rilee Rossouw
Trent Rockets: Colin Munro
Birmingham Phoenix: Matthew Wade, Kane Richardson
Southern Brave: Quinton de Kock
UAE players with central contracts
Rohan Mustafa, Ashfaq Ahmed, Chirag Suri, Rameez Shahzad, Shaiman Anwar, Adnan Mufti, Mohammed Usman, Ghulam Shabbir, Ahmed Raza, Qadeer Ahmed, Amir Hayat, Mohammed Naveed and Imran Haider.
57%20Seconds
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The specs: Lamborghini Aventador SVJ
Price, base: Dh1,731,672
Engine: 6.5-litre V12
Gearbox: Seven-speed automatic
Power: 770hp @ 8,500rpm
Torque: 720Nm @ 6,750rpm
Fuel economy: 19.6L / 100km
Mercer, the investment consulting arm of US services company Marsh & McLennan, expects its wealth division to at least double its assets under management (AUM) in the Middle East as wealth in the region continues to grow despite economic headwinds, a company official said.
Mercer Wealth, which globally has $160 billion in AUM, plans to boost its AUM in the region to $2-$3bn in the next 2-3 years from the present $1bn, said Yasir AbuShaban, a Dubai-based principal with Mercer Wealth.
“Within the next two to three years, we are looking at reaching $2 to $3 billion as a conservative estimate and we do see an opportunity to do so,” said Mr AbuShaban.
Mercer does not directly make investments, but allocates clients’ money they have discretion to, to professional asset managers. They also provide advice to clients.
“We have buying power. We can negotiate on their (client’s) behalf with asset managers to provide them lower fees than they otherwise would have to get on their own,” he added.
Mercer Wealth’s clients include sovereign wealth funds, family offices, and insurance companies among others.
From its office in Dubai, Mercer also looks after Africa, India and Turkey, where they also see opportunity for growth.
Wealth creation in Middle East and Africa (MEA) grew 8.5 per cent to $8.1 trillion last year from $7.5tn in 2015, higher than last year’s global average of 6 per cent and the second-highest growth in a region after Asia-Pacific which grew 9.9 per cent, according to consultancy Boston Consulting Group (BCG). In the region, where wealth grew just 1.9 per cent in 2015 compared with 2014, a pickup in oil prices has helped in wealth generation.
BCG is forecasting MEA wealth will rise to $12tn by 2021, growing at an annual average of 8 per cent.
Drivers of wealth generation in the region will be split evenly between new wealth creation and growth of performance of existing assets, according to BCG.
Another general trend in the region is clients’ looking for a comprehensive approach to investing, according to Mr AbuShaban.
“Institutional investors or some of the families are seeing a slowdown in the available capital they have to invest and in that sense they are looking at optimizing the way they manage their portfolios and making sure they are not investing haphazardly and different parts of their investment are working together,” said Mr AbuShaban.
Some clients also have a higher appetite for risk, given the low interest-rate environment that does not provide enough yield for some institutional investors. These clients are keen to invest in illiquid assets, such as private equity and infrastructure.
“What we have seen is a desire for higher returns in what has been a low-return environment specifically in various fixed income or bonds,” he said.
“In this environment, we have seen a de facto increase in the risk that clients are taking in things like illiquid investments, private equity investments, infrastructure and private debt, those kind of investments were higher illiquidity results in incrementally higher returns.”
The Abu Dhabi Investment Authority, one of the largest sovereign wealth funds, said in its 2016 report that has gradually increased its exposure in direct private equity and private credit transactions, mainly in Asian markets and especially in China and India. The authority’s private equity department focused on structured equities owing to “their defensive characteristics.”
Specs
Engine: 51.5kW electric motor
Range: 400km
Power: 134bhp
Torque: 175Nm
Price: From Dh98,800
Available: Now
TV: World Cup Qualifier 2018 matches will be aired on on OSN Sports HD Cricket channel
The President's Cake
Director: Hasan Hadi
Starring: Baneen Ahmad Nayyef, Waheed Thabet Khreibat, Sajad Mohamad Qasem
Rating: 4/5
