Dubai’s Unshaken Tycoon: Record-Breaking Penthouse Sold for £95 Million Despite Unbuilt Status A high-profile businessman has defied recent unrest in Dubai, committing to a £95 million investment in a luxury penthouse still in the planning phase. The deal, finalized by a European buyer, underscores the city’s enduring appeal amid ongoing Iranian attacks. Timeline and Agreement Details The purchase was inked in late December, with official registration at the Dubai Land Department occurring just over a month later. The transaction, facilitated by Jimmy Widen, a 41-year-old Swedish founder of 3SA Estate, includes a commission paid on March 10. A Property of Grand Proportions The three-story residence, spanning 31,108 square feet, is set to feature eight parking spaces, six bedrooms, and a terrace pool with panoramic views of the city and Jumeirah beach. Described as a “pile of sand” at present, it surpasses previous sales in the Emirate’s real estate market. “At €110 million, it ranks among Dubai’s top penthouse deals by price, yet stands as the largest in square footage ever recorded,” stated Mr. Widen in an interview with the Times. Before this landmark purchase, the agency’s highest sale was €8.2 million. The new property’s unique selling point lies in its scale and the buyer’s confidence in the development’s future. Project Structure and Payment Stages The penthouse is part of a trio of skyscrapers, each reaching approximately 30 storeys. Two will operate as hotels, while the third will host 58 private residences. The buyer’s payment plan includes four phases: 30% upfront, 10% after one year, another 10% the following year, and the final 50% upon project completion in 2030. “This wasn’t an impulsive choice,” said Mr. Widen. “It’s a calculated move to secure a stable, tax-free investment. At this level, hesitation is rare. They opted to proceed without relying on the force majeure clause.” Despite attacks on Dubai’s airports and financial district, the buyer’s resolve has not wavered. The city, once a magnet for social media celebrities and British expats, now faces scrutiny over its safety and appeal. Impact of the Conflict Since the US-Israel war with Iran began, thousands have left Dubai, some vowing never to return. The Islamic Republic’s missile strikes, including an attack on the Fairmont hotel in Palm Jumeirah, have disrupted the city’s reputation as a secure haven. Over 63,000 Britons have returned to the UK, citing concerns over rising taxes. Meanwhile, Dubai’s influencers are reportedly being incentivized to promote the city’s image, with some videos featuring Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum and the slogan “I know who protects us” amid the ongoing strikes. Wealthy residents now prioritize destinations like Ireland and France to avoid hefty UK tax liabilities. As the financial year nears its end, some expats are seeking exemptions from tax obligations, hoping to capitalize on the “exceptional circumstances” clause before the deadline. The penthouse sale remains a symbol of optimism in an otherwise uncertain climate.
Former Labour minister Phil Woolas dies aged 66
A former Labour minister who was famously confronted by Joanna Lumley in a live TV showdown has died from brain cancer aged 66. Phil Woolas was MP for Oldham East and Saddleworth from 1997 until 2010 and held several ministerial posts underSir Tony BlairandGordon Brown. But his political career ended in controversy and disgrace when a court ruled he had broken electoral law by deliberately making false statements about his Liberal Democrat opponent. His TV clash with national treasure Ms Lumley came when she led opposition to proposals by Brown's government in 2009 to restrict the rights of retired Gurkhas to settle in the UK. At the time, he was a combative immigration minister in the Home Office and Ms Lumley was spearheading the Gurkhas Justice Campaign fighting Woolas's plans. With Labour rebels joining Conservative and Liberal Democrat MPs, the government suffered a humiliating defeat on the proposals in the Commons. Then, after an original confrontation inside a TV studio in Westminster, the pair agreed to hold a joint news conference, which descended into chaos. Rachel Reeves is taking a gamble as the Gulf conflict hits energy prices How is the Iran war impacting British bills? Dozens of MPs call for formal apology over Britain's actions during Palestine administration Broadcast live on Sky News and other channels, the actress appeared to persuade Woolas to accept that the Gurkhas' lawyers would draw up new guidelines. And after dramatic scenes, Ms Lumley declared: "I have met Mr Woolas now and I am reassured again. Because I know we are going to assist Mr Woolas in making the strongest guidelines possible." It was the defining moment of a life in politics that began when Woolas joined the Labour party at 16 and was president of the National Union of Students from 1984 to 1986. Paying tribute, Sir Tony Blair said: "Phil was an outstanding member of the New Labour government, a greatly respected and admired colleague, and a source of both humour and rich political insight to all lucky enough to know him. "I remember and deeply appreciate his support to me over the years, through the good times and the bad. "My deepest condolences to the wonderful Tracey and to their sons, Josh and Jed, and all their wider family." Defence SecretaryJohn Healey, a close friend, told Sky News: "During the '80s and '90s many helped lay the foundations for New Labour, defeating the hard left and modernising the student movement, trade unions, media, Labour Party and Parliamentary Labour Party. "No-one played a significant role in all these areas – except Phil. "He was a highly regarded ministerial operator with friends across the political divide, despite being a fiercely loyal Labour man all his life." Google users can see more from their preferred sources in search results – click here to make yours Sky News After a short career as a TV producer, he became head of communications for the GMB union and masterminded one of the most high-profile stunts ever staged by a trade union. In 1996, protesting against a 75% pay rise to £475,000 a year for British Gas boss Cedric Brown, the union took a live pig called Cedric to the firm's AGM to highlight "snouts in the trough". After unsuccessfully fighting the Littleborough and Saddleworth by-election in 1995, he was elected in the 1997 Blair landslide and after a spell as a parliamentary bag-carrier began his ministerial career in 2003. He was deputy Commons leader and a local government minister under Blair, then under Brown he became an environment minister and then immigration minister in 2008. But throughout his career he was outspoken and often controversial and in 2010, after he held his seat by just 103 votes, he was served with an election petition by Lib Dem opponent Elwyn Watkins. He lost the subsequent court case – in an election court that was the first of its kind for 99 years – and the judge ordered a re-run of the election. Keep up with all the latest news from the UK and around the world by following Sky News The court ruled that Woolas knew statements he made about Watkins during the campaign were untrue and he was therefore guilty of illegal practices under election law. A bitter Woolas said after the ruling: "Those who stand for election and participate in the democratic process must be prepared to have their political conduct and motives subjected to searching, scrutiny and inquiry. "They must accept that their political character and conduct will be attacked." But Labour's acting leader Harriet Harman announced his suspension from the party and said: "It is not part of Labour politics to try to win elections by saying things that are not true." Read more from Sky News:Bombs and bravado: Trump's post reveals much about island strikeDriver who partied after killing teenage friends in crash sentenced After the controversial end to his career in parliament, Woolas formed a lobbying company with a former Conservative MP, Sir Sydney Chapman, and a former Liberal Democrat MP, Paul Keetch, both of whom later died. He leaves a widow, Tracey Jane Allen, an events organiser and former co-director of a lobbying company. They met in 1982 through their activities in student politics and married in 1988. They had two sons, Josh and Jed, and their first grandchild was born on 20 January, less than two months before Woolas's death. He is also survived by his mother and older brother. Mr Healey added: "Phil was a passionate Manchester United season ticket holder, wine connoisseur, fisherman, raconteur with a photographic memory and warm and engaging personality. "But he didn't suffer fools and was a principled fighter driven by the need to make a real change to society. His commitment to the Labour Party never wavered over 50 years, through many challenges."
James Tarkowski injury latest after missing Arsenal vs Everton
James Tarkowski Injury Update: Everton Lacking Midfield Depth Ahead of Arsenal Clash Everton’s 33-year-old defender James Tarkowski is sidelined for the Premier League encounter against Arsenal, with a new injury setback affecting his availability. This marks the first time the player has missed a match this season, adding pressure to the team’s defensive setup. David Moyes Adjusts Tactics Amid Key Absences With Tarkowski unavailable, manager David Moyes has opted for Jake O’Brien and Michael Keane as his central defensive pair. The decision comes as Jarrad Branthwaite also faces a fitness issue, leaving Moyes to rely on a more compact backline. “I’m not sharing anything with you. You can see it, we’re missing two centre-halves today, but we’ve also got two who have one really well for us. We’re prepared, we prepared during the week, we’ve had time to do so, so it shouldn’t make too much difference hopefully.” The fixture sees Arsenal aiming to extend their lead at the top of the table, while Everton hopes to climb into sixth place by defeating the Gunners at the Emirates Stadium. A victory for the Toffees would mark a significant step in their campaign. Lineups Revealed for the Premier League Showdown Arsenal: Raya; Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Calafiori; Zubimendi, Rice, Eze; Saka, Havertz, Madueke Subs: Kepa, Mosquera, White, Hincapie, Lewis-Skelly, Dowman, Martinelli, Jesus, Gyokeres Everton: Pickford; Garner, O’Brien, Keane, Mykolenko; Iroegbunam, Gueye, Dewsbury-Hall; McNeil, Neto, Ndiaye Metro’s Head of Sport, James Goldman, provides weekly insights on football developments, including transfer news and in-depth analysis, directly to subscribers’ inboxes. Arrow MORE: Sandro Tonali and Filip Jorgensen ruled out of Chelsea vs Newcastle United Arrow MORE: Arsenal vs Everton LIVE: Premier League latest score and goal updates as Timber limps off Arrow MORE: Arsenal target’s agent warns Man City are likely to battle them for £100m star This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. Your information will be used in line with our Privacy Policy.
