Latest news with #Abu
The Star
5 hours ago
- Business
- The Star
Kopitiam bites, street food prices
(From left) Ayam Gepuk, chrysanthemum tea, Vietnamese drip coffee and big breakfast at Kopitiam 2BD. — Photos: AZMAN GHANI/The Star Abu (left) and Muhammad Syafiq. IN THE middle of a busy area in Taman Setiawangsa, Kuala Lumpur, a two-storey food court is packed with customers enjoying a variety of dishes. Medan Selera Setiawangsa is a popular hangout and breakfast and lunch dining spot for students and those working nearby. On the second floor, one will find Kopitiam 2BD, a stall offering Ayam Gepuk at a low price. This is a popular Indonesian dish of smashed chicken coated with sambal, widely consumed by Malaysians. Stall owner Muhammad Syafiq Muhamed Sa'ad, 37, said he wanted to contribute to the people by offering food at a low price. He said, 'My friend and I used to work together in a restaurant that sold pricey food. 'We had an idea and dream to offer such restaurant food in a stall setup.' Abu (left) and Mohammad Shafiq So Muhammad Syafiq and his friend Abu Ubaidah Mohd Zaki, 30, opened a budget and family-friendly stall at the food court and called it Kopitiam 2BD that stands for 'Kopitiam Dua Budak Dapur'. Opened since August last year, the stall is managed by Muhammad Syafiq while Abu does the cooking. 'We welcome and celebrate not only students but families too,' Abu said. 'Children, especially toddlers, would prefer seasoned rice rather than plain white rice. 'So we give our Ayam Gepuk rice a slight twist by adding special seasoning.' The dish comes with boneless chicken, coated in crispy chicken flour and deep fried in high heat for a delightful crunch. It is served with house-made sambal using Thai red chillis mixed with a nutty sauce consisting of cashew nuts and peanuts. For coffee lovers, Ayam Gepuk pairs perfectly with a cup of kopi tenggek, inspired by Vietnamese drip coffee and made using Hainanese beans sourced from Ipoh, Perak. It is served with a filter cap and a touch of condensed milk. 'For breakfast, our most popular dish is 'Omputeh big breakfast' (full English breakfast) consisting of two sunny-side-up eggs, baked beans, chicken sausage and beef bacon. 'It's got a good mix of protein and carbs, served with chrysanthemum tea, just right to start the day,' said Abu. 'That is why we opened the stall as early as 7.30am to cater to the breakfast crowd, especially nearby workers.' Those with a sweet tooth can enjoy western dessert of ice creams served with options of croissant, brownie bread or peanut butter bread. Depending on the order, the price goes up to RM10. The stall operates on a self-service concept, where customers are given a number after payment and are required to collect their food at the counter once ready. Kopitiam 2BD opens from Saturday to Thursday, 7.30am to 4pm. It is located at Level 1, Medan Selera Setiawangsa. For details, call 011-1010 8179.
The Star
a day ago
- Business
- The Star
Farmer makes good money from coconuts
WHILE most were chasing profits from oil palm, Abu Hassan Abdullah saw greater potential in coconuts. He earns up to RM13,000 a month from 500 coconut trees and is thriving in the coconut business, Kosmo! reported. The 48-year-old from Bentong, who is also a member of the Malaysian Coconut Entrepreneurs Association, said he started planting coconuts in 2018 due to their high market demand. He then expanded his business by selling fresh coconut-based products, including coconut shakes. 'At first, it was tough as the seeds were expensive and I had to build the fences myself. 'But after three years, the trees started bearing fruit and I worked hard to sell the harvest on my own without relying on any third parties. 'Now I sell more than 7,800 coconuts per week, and the results are truly rewarding,' said Abu. Demand for coconuts increases during public holidays and especially before festive seasons, he noted. 'If I bring 500 coconuts to the market, they sell out really fast,' he added. > Amidst fan adoration and industry pressure, Indonesian singer Raisa Andriana, 35, continues to prioritise authenticity in her music. Raisa shared that while she and her team do consider public expectations and industry trends when shaping her artistic image, she remains firmly grounded in staying true to herself. 'I don't deny that expectations from various parties are often a major challenge when determining the direction of my art,' she said, reported Utusan Malaysia. The above article is compiled from the vernacular newspapers (Bahasa Malaysia, Chinese and Tamil dailies). As such, stories are grouped according to the respective language/medium. Where a paragraph begins with this ' >'sign, it denotes a separate news item.
News18
2 days ago
- Automotive
- News18
Mahindra XUV700 Sunroof Leaks After Heavy Rain In Viral Video
Last Updated: A Mahindra XUV700 owner shared a video showing rainwater leaking through the panoramic sunroof during heavy showers. Mahindra is one of the top SUV makers in India, and their XUV700 has gained a lot of popularity thanks to its modern features, including the panoramic sunroof. But while a sunroof adds style and excitement, it can sometimes cause trouble if not maintained properly. Recently, a video shared by Chandigarh News on Instagram shows a Mahindra XUV700 owner facing a big issue with his sunroof during heavy rains. The man, assumed to be from Chandigarh, can be seen sitting in the driver's seat with a towel on his lap, trying to soak up the water dripping from the roof. Water Leaking Inside the SUV The video shows rainwater leaking into the cabin through the roof-mounted speakers, which are placed near the panoramic sunroof. The man can be heard complaining about the car's quality, saying that while most cars are made to keep rainwater out, this one lets you 'enjoy the rain from inside." As per Cartoq, this isn't the first time something like this has happened. There have been other videos online showing similar leaks in vehicles with panoramic sunroofs, including the XUV700. Shared on July 23, the video has garnered over 1.5 million views so far. Why Does This Happen? Panoramic sunroofs are designed to be water-resistant, not completely waterproof. If you have noticed, there is a rubber lining (called beading) around the sunroof glass. Beneath that, there is a small drainage system, or channels and pipes that carry away any water that seeps in. However, if these drain pipes get blocked, usually by dust, dry leaves, or debris, the water has nowhere to go and starts leaking into the car's cabin, as per Cartoq. This is more common in cars parked outdoors or not regularly cleaned. How to Avoid This Problem Just like you service your car before the rainy season, it is important to get your sunroof inspected too. Make sure the drain pipes are clear and clean. A small bit of dirt or a single leaf can clog the system and cause leaks. Regular cleaning and maintenance can prevent this issue altogether. The Mahindra XUV700 comes with two engine options, one diesel and one petrol. The diesel engine is 2198 cc, while the petrol engine is 1999 cc. You can choose between a manual and an automatic transmission, depending on the variant. In terms of fuel efficiency, the XUV700 offers a mileage between 13 kmpl and 17 kmpl, depending on the fuel type and model. This SUV is designed to seat up to 7 people and runs on a 4-cylinder engine. As for its size, the XUV700 is 4695 mm long, 1890 mm wide, and has a wheelbase of 2750 mm, giving it a spacious and solid presence on the road. view comments Location : Delhi, India, India First Published: July 29, 2025, 10:26 IST News auto Mahindra XUV700 Sunroof Leaks After Heavy Rain In Viral Video Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Arabian Post
7 days ago
- Business
- Arabian Post
Abu Dhabi Leads Global Tax Attractiveness Rankings
Abu Dhabi has claimed the top spot among the world's most tax-friendly cities, followed closely by Dubai, highlighting the UAE's ascendancy as a magnet for affluent individuals seeking fiscally efficient jurisdictions with legal and political stability. According to Multipolitan's Wealth Report 2025: The Taxed Generation, the UAE capital outperformed 163 other jurisdictions globally in the newly introduced Tax Friendly Cities Index. Dubai, a longtime competitor in the global wealth migration race, secured second place, reinforcing the Emirates' dual-city advantage in attracting high-net-worth individuals, family offices, and financial service providers. The index evaluated cities based on statutory personal income tax rates, capital gains tax, estate duties, bilateral tax treaty networks, corporate governance transparency, and regulatory environments. Abu Dhabi scored highest due to its zero rate on personal income, minimal real estate transaction charges, and comprehensive fiscal predictability. Dubai's proximity in the rankings reflects similar advantages, with added appeal from its financial free zones and strong expatriate infrastructure. ADVERTISEMENT Multipolitan's analysis shows that the concentration of ultra-wealthy residents in Abu Dhabi and Dubai has intensified amid global policy shifts that have introduced steeper taxes in North America, parts of Europe, and East Asia. The report identifies a growing wave of wealth migration from jurisdictions with rising levies on capital, inheritance, and cross-border income, pushing affluent families and private capital to explore neutral regimes. Abu Dhabi's appeal lies not only in the absence of direct taxes but also in its strategic alignment with investor expectations. The city has steadily built an ecosystem designed to welcome global wealth, including regulatory reforms to ease residency, corporate ownership, and capital flows. The implementation of the long-term Golden Visa programme, broad-based double taxation agreements, and the supportive stance of the Abu Dhabi Global Market have all contributed to the city's emergence as a preferred domicile. Dubai, despite sharing the tax advantages of its federal structure, gains from its international connectivity and lifestyle draw. With well-established districts such as DIFC catering to global finance and innovation, the city benefits from a wide network of professionals, legal experts, and wealth managers tailored to the needs of international investors. Its taxation benefits—such as zero capital gains tax and low property transaction fees—continue to draw entrepreneurs, fund managers, and crypto-asset investors. The Tax Friendly Cities Index's publication comes as global wealth dynamics are undergoing structural shifts. Policy changes in high-tax jurisdictions—including new wealth taxes in Spain, changes to the UK non-dom regime, and the introduction of minimum effective corporate tax frameworks in the EU and G20—have added complexity for private wealth planning. Multipolitan notes that cities offering transparent yet light-touch tax regimes are becoming increasingly valuable to mobile capital. Several other jurisdictions featured in the top tier of the index, including Monaco, Singapore, and Doha, but none matched the combination of zero personal tax, governance indicators, and fiscal predictability offered by Abu Dhabi and Dubai. While some jurisdictions in the Caribbean and Eastern Europe offered comparably low personal taxes, many lacked the treaty coverage, political stability, or professional infrastructure to serve as long-term wealth bases. ADVERTISEMENT The report underlines that what sets the UAE apart is its ability to blend tax efficiency with institutional depth. The presence of sovereign wealth funds, international arbitration centres, and a stable currency pegged to the US dollar were flagged as key confidence markers for international families and their advisers. Regulatory initiatives promoting transparency—such as beneficial ownership registries and adherence to OECD reporting frameworks—have further strengthened confidence without compromising the Emirates' appeal. Despite the introduction of a corporate tax regime for business income in 2023, the UAE has maintained its status as a tax-efficient destination for individuals. Multipolitan's findings suggest that this measured transition, aligned with international commitments, has been received positively by both foreign investors and regulatory watchers, especially as it preserves the zero-income tax structure for individuals. Private wealth experts quoted in the report suggest that the UAE is now positioned as the foremost non-European alternative for family offices disillusioned with traditional centres such as London, Geneva, or Luxembourg. This shift has already triggered activity across real estate, private banking, and wealth advisory sectors in both Abu Dhabi and Dubai, with multinational firms expanding operations or launching dedicated Gulf platforms.
Al-Ahram Weekly
22-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Al-Ahram Weekly
Abu drops new summer album Toba - Music - Arts & Culture
Egyptian singer and songwriter Abu has joined this year's summer music season with the release of his new album Toba, which dropped on Monday, 21 July. Released via Abu's official YouTube channel and major streaming platforms, Toba features six new tracks that blend diverse musical styles into a distinctive fusion. While the album embraces a bright, summery spirit, Abu has revealed that he plans to release another album later this year, tailored to suit the winter season. The title track, Toba, is composed by Mohamed Hamza and arranged by Ramy Samir. The song's cheerful melody blends traditional musical elements—characteristic of Abu's signature style—with contemporary Egyptian pop, adding a refreshing twist. The lyrics, written by Mohamed El-Qayati, offer a playful and light-hearted celebration of love. The accompanying music video, directed by Omar Donia, adopts a slightly comedic tone and was filmed in Qanater El-Khayriya, capturing a genuine popular atmosphere among the locals. The album also includes Balash Beleil and Come Back, both composed by Abu. Additional highlights include Ban Ban, composed by Tayam Aly, and Alby Aho, composed by Karim Ashour—both tracks feature prominent darbouka rhythms embellished with layered percussion. In contrast, Ahla Haga, with lyrics and music by Tarek Nadem, leans into joyful, melodic arrangements that reinforce the album's summer mood through its celebration of a beloved. Abu's journey Abu is an Egyptian singer and songwriter born into a family with a rich artistic heritage. His father, a celebrated Sufi poet, introduced him to the power of language and rhythm from an early age. He began playing piano and guitar at the age of eight and went on to study Business Administration at the American University in Cairo (AUC). Abu's musical breakthrough came in 2012 with the release of El-Nas Mabterhamsh (People Have No Mercy), a politically charged track that struck a chord with Egyptian audiences. The song's success ultimately led him to leave his corporate career and pursue music full-time. In 2017, he rose to regional fame with the hit single 3 Daqat, a summer duet with actress Yousra that became a viral sensation. Follow us on: Facebook Instagram Whatsapp Short link:
