Salik approves $134m dividend for second half of 2022

Dubai toll operator Salik on Thursday approved a cash dividend of more than Dh491 million ($133.7 million) for its shareholders for the second half of last year.

The dividend, which amounts to more than 6.55 penny per share, was approved during the company’s first annual general meeting as a publicly listed company. Salik said in a statement on Thursday to the Dubai Financial Market (DFM), where its shares are traded.

It represents 100 per cent of the net profit for the second half of the last fiscal year.

after the deduction of a one-time statutory reserve of Dh37.5 million, the company said.

Salik approves $134m dividend for second half of 2022Mattar Al Tayer

“2022 marked a new chapter in Salik’s journey.

and we are pleased to play a central role in Dubai’s ambitious IPO [initial public offering] programmer.

including the momentous listing of Salik in September 2022,” said Mattar Al Tayer. chairman of Salik’s board of directors.

“We remain dedicated to collaborating closely with the government and other stakeholders in order to achieve our aspirations.”

The Dubai government sold more than 1.867 billion shares in the company.

or 24.9 per cent, at Dh2 a share. The government retained a 75.1 per cent stake after the IPO.

Salik reported an increase of about 12 per cent in its 2022 full-year revenue to Dh1.89 billion.

while fourth-quarter revenue rose 2 per cent to Dh502 million.

The number of vehicles registered with the toll operator increased 7 per cent annually to 3.7 million in 2022.

Last month, Salik said it is expecting the number of revenue-generating trips through its toll gates to increase by about 5 per cent to 6 per cent in 2023.

driven by the resurgence of the UAE economy after the Covid-19 pandemic.

In 2022, the total number of trips made through Salik’s toll gates rose by 12 per cent annually to 539 million on the continued recovery from the coronavirus-induced slowdown as restrictions were fully lifted in Dubai.

as well as by the positive growth resulting from Expo 2020 Dubai in the first quarter of the year.

UAE issues new Dh1,000 banknotes for circulation

The UAE Central Bank on Thursday issued new Dh1,000 banknotes that will be available at banks and exchange houses from next Monday.

Made of eco-friendly polymer material.

the new banknote was first unveiled In December in celebration of the Emirates 51st National Day.

“The issuance of this new banknote.

is aligned with the leadership’s declaration of 2023 as the year of sustainability.

and embodies the features of the new phase that the UAE has begun in its developmental journey and ambitious future,” Khaled Mohamed Balama.

UAE issues new Dh1,000 banknotes for circulationBanknote specification

Governor of the UAE Central Bank, said. “The new banknote features unique technical characteristics to keep pace with global standards and technologies with the aim of making the dirham an international currency used worldwide.”

The front depicts the image of UAE Founding Father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan.

next to a model of a space shuttle.

in line with the UAE’s space ambitions.

“This ambition was. embodied in the new banknote by placing an image of the ‘Emirates Mission to Explore Mars – the Hope Probe’ at the top of the space shuttle.

and the image of an astronaut added as a security mark that appears on the front side of the banknote.

to express the arrival of the first Emirati astronaut to the space,” the Central Bank said.

The back of the note features an image of the Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant in Abu Dhabi.

which will play a key role in diversifying energy sources in the country and reducing carbon emissions.

Blind and visually impaired consumers

The Central Bank has also added prominent symbols in Braille to help blind and visually impaired consumers to identify the banknote’s value.

The new banknotes will be in circulation alongside the current Dh1,000 note, whose value is guaranteed by the UAE law..

Genesis GV80 Coupe Concept arrives at 2023 New York show

 

The next step in Genesis’s model expansion has been previewed with the new Genesis GV80 Coupe Concept at the New York motor show.

The new GV80 Coupe Concept introduces design details first seen on the X Speedium Coupe concept.

The brand’s evolved two-line light structure are present and correct front and rear.

as well as a whale tail-like rear end and, obviously, a coupe-like roofline.

Genesis GV80 Coupe Concept arrives at 2023 New York showThe Korean luxury brand says the new concept is designed as a ‘statement of intent for the future.

hinting towards more emotional and performance-oriented models.

’ This corroborates with our earlier report that Genesis is working on fleshing out its future pure-electric offerings with a grand touring flagship.

“Over the past seven years, we have added more lifestyle-oriented models to the portfolio, such as our GV80 and GV70 SUV,” said Luc Donckerwolke.

Genesis’s chief creative officer. “Now we are pushing the envelope with more emotional cars that elevate Genesis’ performance and dynamic attributes.”

Sporty character

Genesis says the GV80 Coupe Concept uses a rear-wheel drive platform – in keeping with the brand’s efforts to build something at least slightly sportier than their current offerings – but no performance specs are given.

Its sporting exterior makeover includes large black five-spoke forged aluminium alloy wheels, spoilers front and rear.

and a muscular bodykit that includes flared wheel arches. The roof is made from carbonfibre as part of a weight-saving package. One notable design feature is the front lights.

which extend around the front corners of the car and towards the base of the A-pillar.

The sporty four-seat interior has bucket seats all round, and the cabin features lots of carbonfibre trim as well as Nappa and suede leather.

The bold ‘Magma’ exterior colour is also replicated inside. There is also a rear strut brace that sits behind the rear seats.

The GV80 Coupe is set to arrive at the same time as a facelift for the regular GV80. Genesis is also planning an even larger Genesis GV90 SUV to sit at the very top of its range.

PET TAXI

PET TAXI. Most taxi rides are designed to transport humans from point A to point B. Our vehicles, on the other hand, were created with pets in mind and are specially designed to take them to where they need to go. Our Pet Taxi is a comfortable and secure mode of transportation available to all of our valued clients.

Dubai holds a prestigious position as a top travel destination. Tourists, investors and job-seekers alike, you can find people from different backgrounds living in the city of gold. Besides offering a plethora of services to the people visiting the city, Dubai also takes care of your furry friends. Some of the services for pets include the many veterinary clinics, pet supplies shops and a variety of transport services. For transportation, in particular, you can find several pet taxi services in Dubai – dedicated for your furry little friends.

PET TAXIFAQs

What is a pet taxi service?

Pet Taxi Dubai is a service that transports pets. We can arrange for your pet to be picked up and returned from any location in Dubai to one of our clinics.

Will there be any extra charges paid for my trip?

The cost of a trip is 50 AED for one-way trip. If you’re looking to book a ride, please use our online booking system.

If you need to cancel your reservation, please do so as soon as possible before we leave for your pickup location (this is usually within 24 hours). We’ll contact you if there are any issues with canceling; otherwise, we will not charge you anything unless we’ve already left town or gone out of business!

Does my pet need to be vaccinated to ride?

Before you can board your pet with us, they must be vaccinated. The vaccination needs to be done at least ten days before the trip. A licensed veterinarian should administer it, and this must be done by the same person who will help with any other vaccinations or treatments when we pick up your dog or cat on their next visit.

We require that all pets wear their rabies tag (a collar with an identification number). If there isn’t one already on them, we can do it for free!

Fuel prices in the UAE, April 2023

Every month. fuel prices are determined in the United Arab Emirates. and it is expected in the current month of April that fuel prices will decline in the Emirates. after witnessing an increase for two consecutive months.

On Friday. March 31. the Fuel Price Follow-up Committee announced. a reduction in gasoline and diesel prices for the month of April 2023.

Fuel prices in the UAE for the month of April 2023 Yesterday morning.

the UAE Fuel Price Determination Committee revealed the new prices that will be applied starting today. Saturday. April 1. The UAE Fuel Price Follow-up Committee decided to reduce the price of a liter of gasoline by between 7 and 8penny per liter. and the price of diesel decreased by 11penny per liter compared to March 2023 prices.

The fuel prices in the UAE are as follows:

  • The price of a liter of “98 petrol” decreased from 3.09 dirhams to 3.01 dirhams.
  •  The price of a liter of “95 petrol” decreased from 2.97 dirhams to 2.90 dirhams.
  •  The price of a liter of “91 petrol” decreased from 2.90 dirhams to 2.82 dirhams.
  • The price of a liter of diesel decreased from 3.14 dirhams to 3.03 dirhams.

Fuel distribution companies revealed that the new prices for gasoline and diesel. which are scheduled to start applying from Saturday. April 1, 2023, include a value-added tax of 5%.

The decline is the first after two months of increases in fuel prices in the UAE during 2023.

As the country recorded the first increase during the month of February (2023).

And during last February. the price of a liter of gasoline of all grades increased between 27 and 26penny.

and the price of a liter of diesel increased by 9penny.

according to what was seen by the specialized energy platform.

This March also witnessed the second increase during 2023.

The UAE Fuel Price Monitoring Committee decided to raise the price of a liter of gasoline of all grades by about 4penny for gasoline.

and a decrease of 24penny for diesel.

This comes after the largest drop in fuel prices witnessed by the UAE during last January.

which recorded a decline in the prices of all types of gasoline and diesel. by values that decline between 0.4 and 0.55 dirhams.

The price of gasoline in the UAE rose to its highest level during 2022. at 4.52 dirhams ($1.23). in July 2022.

before slowly declining in the following two months. August and September.

Mechanism for determining the price of fuel in the UAE

Fuel prices in the UAE are set monthly by a committee chaired by the Ministry of Energy.

according to the average global oil price. whether it is high or low. after adding the operating cost of the distribution companies.

According to “Global Petroleum Prices” data. the price of a liter of gasoline in the UAE is among the highest in the Arab Gulf region.

but it is much lower than the global average of $1.47 per liter.

2023 Toyota GR86 Special Edition

If we gave out an award for Most Improved Sports Car.

The Toyota GR86 would very possibly be the big winner.

This eminently entertaining rear-wheel-drive coupe’s second generation.

arrived in 2022 and addressed our big issue with the original model.

a weak engine. The second time around.

power comes from a 228-hp flat-four with plenty of mid-range power. and although a six-speed manual comes standard (and is the only way to go).

a six-speed automatic is available. You won’t hear us telling you to opt for it.

The GR86 is small and affordable. like.

say, a Mazda MX-5 Miata.

only with a tiny Porsche 911–type rear seat that enables you to take small fry along.

  •  The Toyota GR86 adds a Special Edition model for 2023.
  • Toyota intends to limit production of the GR86 Special Edition to 860 units.
  • The Special Edition maintains the same 228-hp boxer-four as its lesser kin.

2023 Toyota GR86 Special Edition What’s New for 2023?

Toyota hasn’t changed our favorite affordable sports car for 2023. Instead.

it’s added a GR86 Special Edition.

The Special Edition mixes GR86 Premium equipment with exclusive Solar Shift orange paint.

a blatty cat-back performance exhaust with black chrome tips.

and matte-black 18-inch wheels.

The GR86 Special Edition will be limited to just 860 units. Wonder how they arrived at that number?

Toyota’s bringing a GR86 fit for David S. Pumpkins to its model line for 2023.

Dubbed the Special Edition. this low-volume GR86 model—just 860 are earmarked for production—wears a coat of orange paint (or Solar Shift in Toyota parlance).

hat’s complemented by black décor on its C-pillars. a black trunk-mounted lip spoiler.

and a set of matte black 18-inch wheels.

Challenges and difficulties

Alas, the GR86 Special Edition brings no additional performance to the 228-hp 2.4-liter flat-four of its lesser siblings.

That said, Toyota sees fit to equip this orange two-door with a cat-back exhaust system—replete with black chrome tips—that ought to improve the sound coming from this GR86’s tailpipes.

Though Toyota’s yet to release pricing for the 2023 GR86 Special Edition.

the automaker’s likely to charge a few thousand dollars more for this model relative to its Premium counterpart.

2023 Toyota GR86 Special Edition which currently stickers for $31,325

The Toyota GR86 10th Anniversary Edition is mechanically identical to the GR86 GTS variant.

powered by a naturally-aspirated 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine, which sends 174kW and 250Nm to the rear wheels.

Buyers have the choice of a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission.

with identical prices for both gearboxes – even though the related Subaru BRZ charges $3800 less for the manual.

and the auto adds a number of key advanced safety features not offered with the manual.

Audi: New dimensions in lighting technology

Audi: New dimensions in lighting technology

Audi is advancing into new dimensions in automotive lighting technology. Originally. vehicle lighting mainly served the purpose of ensuring traffic safety for all road users. Previously unknown prospects are now opening up in the wake of digitizing headlights and rear lights: light becomes a medium of external communication and interaction. personalizes design, and provides customers with new styling and customization
options.

Lighting has made a veritable technology leap: The evolution from halogen light to xenon headlights to LED technology in automobiles took less than two decades. These milestones of new technologies provided customers with noticeably added value. As well as continually enhancing visibility, Audi lighting has been defining the face of the brand’s models in every era while extending everyday usability by an equally communicative and aesthetic dimension. In the wake of the transformation of lamps, both illumination and energy efficiency improved.

 Digitization of light opens up multi-faceted communication channels.

 Audi lighting technology combines exceptional design with high functionality.

 Close teamwork between Lighting Technology and Light Design as a successformulaI.

Evolution and difference

Now, digitization provides another innovation boost with all-new design potential: Light is becoming smart. By means of light signals, the car interacts with its surroundings. As far back as in 2003, the then A8 offered adaptive light with automatic-dynamic headlight range control before a camera on the windshield began detecting other road users in 2010. Two years later,
the brand underpinned its innovative prowess and pioneering role in the R8: The introduction of the dynamic turn signal that allows indicated directional changes to be perceived out of the corner of one’s eye marked a significant gain in safety – and still does. In 2017, following their debut in the R8 LMX, Audi presented LED headlights featuring HD Matrix technology with the laser as an additional high-beam light in the A8 luxury sedan – a world innovation in large-scale production. Now, the premium manufacturer is digitizing the Matrix LED headlight while adding even greater variety.

Audi: New dimensions in lighting technology

The digital OLED rear lamps in the new Q5 have been opening the door to car-to-x communication since this year and, for the first time, make choices of new taillight
designs possible at the time of configuring the vehicle.
As well as intelligently illuminating the road, Audi provides its models with an unmistakable personality using distinctive signatures and dynamic lighting scenarios. Even at this juncture, customers are offered various model dependent lighting signature options, to be followed by further differentiations. The dynamic turn signal or the impressive scenarios of the leaving and coming home functions cause the light to strike an emotional chord. Going forward. lighting technologies will make driving even safer. the individuality of each model even more visible, and external communication even more effective.

2024 Kia EV5 Electric SUV

For a long time now. EV juggernauts like Tesla and BYD have been dominating the market. On the onslaught of EV growth, mainstream manufacturers are jumping into this bandwagon too. We have seen Ford, General Motors, Hyundai, Kia and many more mainstream manufacturers diving into this head first as well. We recently saw Kia EV9 getting unveiled which will be Kia’s flagship EV. Kia seems to be aggressively expanding its EV envelope to include an extensive lineup. Result of which is the Kia EV5 concept SUV, unveiled on Chinese EV day. It has debuted in its design form and looking at it. we can’t help but wonder. whether this will be the electrified Carens that India gets.

  • Let’s take a look at why.

2024 Kia EV5 Electric SUVThe 2024 Kia EV5

The 2024 Kia EV5 has been revealed in concept form overnight. with a striking resemblance to the Kia EV9 full-size seven-seat family SUV unveiled last week. Kia showed the Concept EV5 at a Chinese electric-car event and announced it will be the next model to join its battery-powered range.

As with the Kia EV9 – which was first shown as a concept in late 2021 and unveiled in production guise earlier this month – the Kia EV5 is expected to carry much of its exterior design through to production.
The concept car’s interior – which has a minimalistic design with neutral earthy tones and materials – is thought to be more of a design study than an accurate indication of what buyers can expect in showrooms later this year.

The company says the concept’s cabin has been created from materials including seaweed extract and upcycled plastic bottles. with the space designed to blur the lines between inside and outside environments. The images released by Kia of the concept don’t reveal the EV5’s exact size.

While it appears to be a scaled-down version of the EV9. the EV5 model name suggests it will be smaller than the EV6 – possibly sharing similar dimensions with the Kia Sportage.

Front seats swivel and face the rear. creating a lounge area for four people. Behind second-row chairs, there is a table and rear-facing bench seats too. In crevices for cup holders for the third row. we have a literal plant as well. It is an EV concept. why not? Interiors feature sustainable and recycled materials, to boast their eco credentials.

2024 Kia EV5 Electric SUVSimilarities With Carens

Similarities With Carens In terms of dimensions. 2024 Kia EV5 concept is likely to be smaller than EV6. The latter is 4695 mm in length and we would wager Kia EV5 to measure around 4600 mm. This is very close to Carens with around just a 50 mm difference. One look at both Kia EV5 concept and Carens from the side. and what we are saying starts making sense. Both feature an almost identical side profile with a mostly similar window area as well. Even belt line for both matches in its approach. Kia has not revealed specifications of EV5. So, there is a grey area regarding battery capacity and motor specifications. One can say that around 60 kWh of battery with 400 km of range from a single motor layout is possible.

Kia unveiled the EV5 design concept on Chinese EV day. So, it is evident that this will cater to the Chinese market first and maybe even launch later in markets like Russia. India and the ASEAN region.

 

 

2024 Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe Is Bigger but Still Extroverted

  • The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe follows its squarer counterpart into a new generation.
  • Along with new exterior and interior styling. the GLC Coupe has slightly bigger dimensions than its predecessor.

In the past two years. Mercedes has introduced new generations of the C-class sedan and the GLC-class SUV. Now the German luxury brand debuts the latter’s sloped-back counterpart. the 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe.

We liked the old GLC Coupe for its curvaceous styling as well as its generous list of standard features two things that make the jump to the new version. The 2024 model’s styling has the same silhouette as its predecessor and shares many similar design cues too.

Reshaped headlights and taillights are the quickest way to spot the new GLC Coupe. with the running lights now angling downward along the top edge of the housing.

The sibling of the GLC-class SUV debuts with new styling inside and out as well as the brand’s latest tech.

Just like with the more traditional-looking GLC. the coupe alternative is slightly bigger than its predecessor. At 187.5 inches from stem to stern. it’s 1.2 inches longer than before. The track widths have also grown by 0.2 inch in the front and 0.9 inch in the rear. The growth spurt helps expand the SUV’s cargo area. Its 19 cubic feet of space is 1 cube more than before.

Mercedes-Benz GLCPlentiful Standard Features

The ’24 GLC Coupe adds a host of new standard features to an SUV that was already rich with them. The AMG Line package is now standard along with wireless phone charging. heated seats, and a Burmester 3D surround-sound system. Mercedes has also simplified frequently combined options into single packages—a move we expect to be somewhat polarizing.

As with the C-class sedan and the regular GLC-class. the SUV coupe features a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder paired with a 48-volt hybrid system. The engine generates 255 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque.

That power is fed through a nine-speed automatic transmission. One differentiating factor between the standard GLC and the coupe is that the former can be optioned with rear- or all-wheel drive. whereas the coupe is only offered with Merc’s 4Matic all-wheel-drive system.

 

A New Look Inside

The twin digital displays use Mercedes’s newest MBUX infotainment system. making use of a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster and a portrait-oriented 11.9-inch touchscreen. which is slightly angled toward the driver.

The door panels are redesigned to include a floating control cluster that contains the controls for both the door handles and seat adjustments. The controls for the exterior mirrors and windows are now on a peninsula that can be grabbed when closing the door.

Mercedes hasn’t yet announced pricing for the 2024 GLC Coupe. but we expect it’ll cost several thousand dollars more than its boxier sibling. so we’d wager it’ll start around $60K when it begins reaching dealerships later in 2023.

10 Best Safety Features In Cars Today

From night vision technology to rear cross-traffic warning systems, driving has never been safer thanks to cars with advanced protection equipment.

Safety features in automobiles have evolved over the years, preventing millions of crashes and reducing the risk of fatality. But for most car buyers, safety features are one of the last things they consider. When shopping for a used or new car, you should prioritize safety features because they can literally be a lifesaver.

10 Best Safety Features In Cars TodaySafety features are divided into two categories: active and passive features. Active features play an active role in preventing or reducing the possibility of a crash by monitoring one or more sections of your car. However, in the event of a crash, passive safety features are there to prevent or minimize injuries sustained by the driver and passenger(s). The active and passive safety features highlighted in this article have saved thousands of lives, so ensure you not only get them, but also use them as recommended by their manufacturers.

 

Some of these features:

  • Vehicle-to-Vehicle Communication – Prevented 615,000 Crashes.
  • Intersection-Scanning AEB – 59% Crash Prevention Rate.
  • Night Vision Technology – Better Illumination At Night Or During Inclement Weather.
  • Driver Drowsiness Detection System – Could Prevent Thousands Of Drowsiness-Related Crashes.
  • Rearview Cameras – Reduced Backing Up Collision Rate By 42%.
  • Blind Spot Warning System – Reduced Lane-Related Collisions By 14%.
  • Advanced Frontal Airbags – Saved 50,000+ Lives.
  • Adaptive Headlights – Provide Better Illumination Than Standard Headlights.
  • Forward Collision Warning System – Reduced Crash Rate By 22%.
  • Rear Cross-Traffic Warning – Reduced Back-End Collision Rate By Over 25%.