The National Centre of Meteorology predicts a partially cloudy day across the UAE. Some areas may experience low clouds, with the potential for the formation of northward-moving convective clouds that could result in rainfall. Winds are expected to be light to moderate, occasionally picking up in intensity.

Temperature variations are projected, with highs reaching up to 29ºC in the country. Abu Dhabi is expected to see a mercury rise to 29ºC, while Dubai may experience temperatures up to 30ºC. Conversely, lows could drop to 21ºC in Abu Dhabi, 19ºC in Dubai, and as low as 12ºC in mountainous regions.

Nighttime and Wednesday morning are expected to be humid, with the possibility of fog or mist developing in certain inland areas. Humidity levels are estimated to range from 40 to 85 per cent in Abu Dhabi and 35 to 80 per cent in Dubai.

At sea, conditions will be generally slight to moderate in the Arabian Gulf, occasionally increasing, and slight in the Oman Sea. Stay updated on weather developments for the latest information.

Mariane de Guzman’s heart rings with the music of her childhood dreams—a symphony of hope, tenacity, and an indomitable spirit that refuses to be muted by the harsh notes of tragedy.

“Dreaming is free, but make it happen,” Mariane whispers, transporting us to the humble beginnings of her journey in the Philippines, a journey fraught with the challenges of financial constraints that threatened to drown out her aspirations. Growing up in a low-income family, Mariane’s dreams faced the cold reality of exclusivity, a reality that denied her access to so many things, including her dream of attending a top-tier university.  If only she was rich and brainy, she thought back then.

Still, she stayed contented but determined. During the 80’s when “brownouts” would often occur in her hometown in Bay, Laguna, she would always sit down outside her house, look at the sky and  tell herself “one day, I will be successful”.  At a young age, she started manifesting even before she knew the word.

At 16, Mariane worked at Jollibee, balancing her dreams with the noise of dishes and conversations. She took a year gap after graduating from high school so she could save for college. At 20, she worked as Pizza Hut while attending her 4^th year in College. The same year when her father had a stroke, and she needed to support herself and the family.

In 2003, Mariane moved to Dubai with the help of her older brother who also supported her through college.  Her main goal was to save money so she could afford a therapist for her father who was bound to the wheelchair and never spoke again after the stroke. Just about 45 days in Dubai, on her mother’s birthday, her father passed away. Unfortunately at the time, with lack of enough money to go back home, with no job to go back to in the Philippines, Mariane was not able to say goodbye to her beloved father.  The pain of misfortune which scar will forever etch in her heart.

But misfortune it was that pushed Mariane to continue fighting and living in a foreign land. She would often imagine her father cheering her on. With AED 2,000 monthly salary, she managed to send money back home and support herself in Dubai.  Despite the challenges, she explored different jobs, gaining skills along the way.

In 2011, Mariane joined a boutique law firm, marking a new chapter of career growth in the field of Corporate Services. By 2015, she became a Managing Director, leading a team of 30 from different backgrounds and nationalities. At the time, Filipinos at the top of a corporate ladder wasn’t common yet. Her journey was like a musical progression, from starting small to orchestrating a big success.

However, the music did not end there. Going through a phase in her personal and professional life, Mariane left her luminous job and began an entrepreneurial endeavor in 2018, a daring composition that tackled the dissonant sounds of the COVID-19 epidemic. The new venture was out of tune, it failed. Mariane remained unfazed, tuning into a new frequency of resilience. “Perhaps being an entrepreneur was not my calling,” she pondered, but fate had other intentions.

In the midst of uncertainty, this formidable woman, Mariane, unfurled the notes of MABA Corporate Services Provider LLC in 2020. MABA, coined from her birth name Ma. Analyn Batacan Alcantara is a boutique firm that offers pragmatic approach and cost-effective solutions involving corporate structuring, re-structuring, corporate governance and business advisory. Her venture echoed with the themes of renewal, growth, and a second chance at entrepreneurship. The climax of her narrative unfolded in January this year when she expanded her harmonious composition to include MABA Corporate Services Limited in Abu Dhabi Global Market. 

The journey was never easy, she felt like giving-up at some point but thanks to her closest friends who believed in her and boosted her morale to continue with her vision.  One of her friends said “just focus on the business and find where the money is”. And finding the money she did.

Realizing that she lacks entrepreneurial knowledge and skills, Mariane has decided to do something she thought would never happen; attending an Ivy League School. Mariane enrolled   in the Advanced Management Programme (AMP) of Columbia Business School in New York City.  It was a pivotal chapter in her story, marked by emotional resonance. The school bells rang in a new movement, signaling the transformation of Mariane’s melody. With conviction, she declared, “It is my time now,” breaking free from the confines of complacency.

The symphony of Mariane’s journey reached its zenith as she shared her tale with the world, creating a melodic bridge of inspiration for others. Engulfed by a chorus of diverse and powerful voices of her professors and cohorts in the AMP, she unearthed a refined version of herself—an allegro of self-discovery and empowerment.

At the end of the story, Mariane expresses gratitude in a heartfelt way, like a touching song inspired by the kindness of her family, friends, mentors, colleagues, employees, and all the incredible professionals she met along the way.

Looking ahead, Mariane sees the universe as an unseen guide, where the stars align for a reason.  However, her leadership style is more than just trusting fate; it’s a commitment to spreading good vibes and inspiration —a promise to give back the kindness she’s received.

As Mariane continues on her professional path, she understands the importance of perseverance, time, and purpose. Her business provides a platform for others to join the symphony of possibility and positively impact people’s lives and communities, not just a means of generating money.

Being born into the poverty doesn’t mean one will die into poverty. Mariane, as a young “kalye onse” girl knew that life along the train tracks will not be forever.  Getting into fist fights on the streets when she was a kid would soon resonate how she would fight through life’s adversities.  Some fights she lost, but many fights she won. 

Mariane continues to do better. She wakes us daily with gratitude and always try to sleep at night with happiness in her heart.  It is at home that she finds peace, in the arms of her two loving boys, Ethan and Ryan. Motherhood, according to Mariane, is what she aims to be a champion above anything else.

The ambitions, failures, and triumphs that Mariane de Guzman experienced are orchestrated in her life like an amazing masterpiece. She encourages us to hear the song of resiliency, generosity, and steadfast faith through her story—a sonata that endures the test of time and makes an enduring impression on the hearts of those who dare to dream.

She said, “the universe favors the brave”.

Space tourism is expected to become as normal as taking an international flight, according to a senior official from Emirates. 

Adel Al Redha, Emirates Chief Operating Officer, expressed the view that as more exploration of space takes place, there will be increased interest from people wanting to experience sub-orbital flights. 

He did not confirm whether Emirates would enter the space tourism industry but suggested that airline companies might launch such services in the near future. The global space tourism industry is predicted to grow from $851.7 million in 2024 to $5.19 billion by 2034. UAE, with its rapid developments in space exploration, is well-positioned to actively promote space tourism. 

Sultan AlNeyadi, the astronaut who recently returned from a six-month mission aboard the International Space Station, also noted that space travel in the future could be as normal as flying an aircraft.

Riyadh, the capital of Saudi Arabia, has secured the hosting rights for Expo 2030, announced by the Bureau International des Expositions. 

This victory comes after a competitive race against Busan, South Korea, and Rome, Italy. Expo 2030, a globally acclaimed event held every five years, is renowned for its massive visitor turnout and substantial investments. 

Riyadh’s success in this prestigious competition marks a significant milestone for the Kingdom, underscoring its growing prominence on the international stage. Key leaders, including UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, and Crown Prince of Dubai Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, have extended their congratulations.

Dubai is set to host 75 international sports events in December, organized by the Dubai Sports Council.

The events include the inaugural Dubai Electric Scooter Championship, Emirates Dubai Grand Prix Sailing Championship, Emirates Airline Dubai Rugby Sevens, Dubai International Fitness Championship, World Artistic Swimming League, Rhythmic Gymnastics Challenge Cup, International Gymnastics Cup, Gulf Classic Cars Championship, UAE Rowing Championship, Euro Cup Dragon Boat Race, and Middle East Martial Arts Championship. 

Notable participants and professionals from around the world are expected to compete, making December an exciting month for sports enthusiasts in Dubai.

The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) in Dubai will temporarily divert traffic on Sheikh Zayed Road towards Abu Dhabi, from the Trade Centre Roundabout to the Expo Intersection, on December 1-3, 2023. 

This measure, from 07:00 to 11:00 each day, aligns with UAE’s Union Day celebrations and the UN Climate Change Conference COP28. 

RTA, in collaboration with Dubai Police, has devised a comprehensive traffic plan utilizing alternative routes and advises the public to use public transportation and follow directional signage for a smooth commute.

The Dubai Future Forum 2023, organized by the Dubai Future Foundation, brought together 2,500 attendees at the Museum of the Future, featuring over 150 speakers in 70 sessions. 

Experts discussed future trends in various fields, including space, sustainability, technology, and governance. Predictions included a paradigm shift in technologies over the next decade and the role of youth in shaping the future. 

Discussions covered innovations like “silicon hospitals” for continuous health monitoring, rapid diagnosis of strokes using technology, and the potential of children as “citizen scientists” leveraging AI and quantum computing. Strategies to address global challenges were also explored.