World Cup fever is sweeping through a tiny village in the Indian state of Kerala where global superstars such as Lionel Messi, Neymar and Cristiano Ronaldo truly are larger than life.
Thousands of kilometres from the drama in Doha, Pullavoor village comes alive with cheers inside a tent near huge illuminated cutouts of some of the sport's biggest names.
This land of the football giants emerged several weeks ago when cheering Argentina fans, waving blue and white flags, proudly carried a vast cardboard cut-out of their hero Messi.
Wading through chest-deep water, they used ropes and levers to set up the nine-metre high frame on a sliver of land mid-river.
We can’t see the real Messi so we have a big Messi here
Nousheer Nellikkode,
Argentina fan
A few days later, a rival fan club took on the challenge and built a 12-metre cut-out of Brazilian striker Neymar on the river bank.
Not to be outdone, the villagers then helped Portugal fans build a 15-metre frame of Cristiano Ronaldo.
News of this most unlikely of football fan zones has spread far and wide, with tens of thousands of football enthusiasts travelling to the village to take selfies with the four-storey- high creation as they stand on a bridge that straddles the Cherupuzha river.
Celebrating the beautiful game
The three large wooden frames have been lit up so fans from neighbouring villages and towns can enjoy the spectacle late into the night.
Nousheer Nellikkode said he and a friend had been quietly planning the homage to Messi for six months but kept his friends and brothers who support rival teams in the dark.
“Even my wife did not know, it was a secret plan and took everyone by surprise,” said the 35-year-old who owns a sports shop in the village and previously worked in Dubai. Many residents have left the village, dotted with rice and banana fields, to work in the UAE and Qatar.
“We love Messi too much, this is for him and Argentina,” he said. “Messi really needs a World Cup win.
“He inspires us, we love the Latin American style and have always been Argentina fans.”
The Kerala native made a 50-metre long Argentina flag for the 2018 World Cup and decided on the cut-out to surpass the earlier effort.
The river was selected as the ideal spot for the gigantic portraits as it borders the ground in which the football enthusiasts play.
A large screen has been set up with more than 500 fans gathering daily for every World Cup game.
Football on the rise
India has a reputation for being cricket crazy but football is the most popular sport in several states, including Kerala.
“In this area it’s only football. I played football with my father and came to this ground since I was two years old and now my daughters also play,” Mr Nellikkode said.
“I would have liked to be in Qatar. We can’t see the real Messi so we have a big Messi here.
Argentina's World Cup hopes got off to a bumpy start on Tuesday, as Saudi Arabia secured a shock 2-1 win in their opening Group C match.
“It’s really a heartbreaking time,” Mr Nellikkode said. “I’m very sad now. But I still believe we will win. Today we were just unlucky.”
It is an extra special World Cup for the Kerala locals as most people share the excitement in Qatar as they watch videos posted by friends and family from the games.
“This is first World Cup that most Keralites will be watching live,” said Muhammad Ali, a civil engineer and the long-time Brazil fan who put up the Neymar cut-out.
“My friends and classmates in Qatar are lucky. They will not bother about work or how much it costs for tickets, their only wish is to watch the World Cup.”
Smaller images of World Cup trophies to signify wins — five for Brazil and two for Argentina — have been secured with ropes in front of the football stars' images.
The three enormous cutouts have even caught the attention of Fifa officials, who tweeted a photograph portraying “World Cup fever” in Kerala.
The frames have also drawn criticism, however. One Pullavoor resident petitioned civic authorities to demand the removal of the images, claiming they have obstructed the flow of the water and polluted the river.
But state authorities rejected the plea, standing by the fans with a tweet on how football gives joy and “unites people across countries and languages”.
Fans in many Kerala villages and towns have painted their homes with “home team” colours and decorated walls with the flags of Argentina, Brazil, Portugal, England and Germany.
“Every village has football fever, outside some homes I even saw flags of Japan,” said Mr Ali.
“We watch every match — Premier and Champions League, every club and national game.
“We celebrate every World Cup. This time it’s in the Middle East so it feels closer. Everyone can watch easily because it’s the same time zone.”
Free chicken for Argentina triumph
A restaurant owner from Kondungallur, a neighbouring town has promised a specially prepared biryani for all if Argentina are crowned world champions.
'Kuzhimanthi' is the Malayalam word for the southern Indian twist to a popular Arab rice and chicken dish slow-cooked in an underground clay pit.
Yadil Iqbal distributed the dish to 360 people last year as he rejoiced when Argentina ended a drought to beat Brazil and win the Copa America, their first major title in 28 years.
The superfan is now in Qatar to watch his idol play after decorating the outer walls of his restaurant with Messi art and propping up 15 large cutouts as World Cup decor.
“It’s like a drug for me to watch Messi,” said the 26-year-old, on his first trip outside India.
“When Messi scores a goal, it gives me energy and happiness.
“After Copa, I gave the mandi [special biryani] free, now I have announced the offer again because I know Argentina will win.
“It is a dream of each and every football fan to watch the World Cup live and mine has come true.”
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
The specs
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Jetour T1 specs
Engine: 2-litre turbocharged
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Key findings of Jenkins report
- Founder of the Muslim Brotherhood, Hassan al Banna, "accepted the political utility of violence"
- Views of key Muslim Brotherhood ideologue, Sayyid Qutb, have “consistently been understood” as permitting “the use of extreme violence in the pursuit of the perfect Islamic society” and “never been institutionally disowned” by the movement.
- Muslim Brotherhood at all levels has repeatedly defended Hamas attacks against Israel, including the use of suicide bombers and the killing of civilians.
- Laying out the report in the House of Commons, David Cameron told MPs: "The main findings of the review support the conclusion that membership of, association with, or influence by the Muslim Brotherhood should be considered as a possible indicator of extremism."
COMPANY PROFILE
Founders: Alhaan Ahmed, Alyina Ahmed and Maximo Tettamanzi
Total funding: Self funded
Ten tax points to be aware of in 2026
1. Domestic VAT refund amendments: request your refund within five years
If a business does not apply for the refund on time, they lose their credit.
2. E-invoicing in the UAE
Businesses should continue preparing for the implementation of e-invoicing in the UAE, with 2026 a preparation and transition period ahead of phased mandatory adoption.
3. More tax audits
Tax authorities are increasingly using data already available across multiple filings to identify audit risks.
4. More beneficial VAT and excise tax penalty regime
Tax disputes are expected to become more frequent and more structured, with clearer administrative objection and appeal processes. The UAE has adopted a new penalty regime for VAT and excise disputes, which now mirrors the penalty regime for corporate tax.
5. Greater emphasis on statutory audit
There is a greater need for the accuracy of financial statements. The International Financial Reporting Standards standards need to be strictly adhered to and, as a result, the quality of the audits will need to increase.
6. Further transfer pricing enforcement
Transfer pricing enforcement, which refers to the practice of establishing prices for internal transactions between related entities, is expected to broaden in scope. The UAE will shortly open the possibility to negotiate advance pricing agreements, or essentially rulings for transfer pricing purposes.
7. Limited time periods for audits
Recent amendments also introduce a default five-year limitation period for tax audits and assessments, subject to specific statutory exceptions. While the standard audit and assessment period is five years, this may be extended to up to 15 years in cases involving fraud or tax evasion.
8. Pillar 2 implementation
Many multinational groups will begin to feel the practical effect of the Domestic Minimum Top-Up Tax (DMTT), the UAE's implementation of the OECD’s global minimum tax under Pillar 2. While the rules apply for financial years starting on or after January 1, 2025, it is 2026 that marks the transition to an operational phase.
9. Reduced compliance obligations for imported goods and services
Businesses that apply the reverse-charge mechanism for VAT purposes in the UAE may benefit from reduced compliance obligations.
10. Substance and CbC reporting focus
Tax authorities are expected to continue strengthening the enforcement of economic substance and Country-by-Country (CbC) reporting frameworks. In the UAE, these regimes are increasingly being used as risk-assessment tools, providing tax authorities with a comprehensive view of multinational groups’ global footprints and enabling them to assess whether profits are aligned with real economic activity.
Contributed by Thomas Vanhee and Hend Rashwan, Aurifer
Avatar: Fire and Ash
Director: James Cameron
Starring: Sam Worthington, Sigourney Weaver, Zoe Saldana
Rating: 4.5/5
RESULTS
Men – semi-finals
57kg – Tak Chuen Suen (MAC) beat Phuong Xuan Nguyen (VIE) 29-28; Almaz Sarsembekov (KAZ) beat Zakaria Eljamari (UAE) by points 30-27.
67kg – Mohammed Mardi (UAE) beat Huong The Nguyen (VIE) by points 30-27; Narin Wonglakhon (THA) v Mojtaba Taravati Aram (IRI) by points 29-28.
60kg – Yerkanat Ospan (KAZ) beat Amir Hosein Kaviani (IRI) 30-27; Long Doan Nguyen (VIE) beat Ibrahim Bilal (UAE) 29-28
63.5kg – Abil Galiyev (KAZ) beat Truong Cao Phat (VIE) 30-27; Nouredine Samir (UAE) beat Norapat Khundam (THA) RSC round 3.
71kg – Shaker Al Tekreeti (IRQ) beat Fawzi Baltagi (LBN) 30-27; Amine El Moatassime (UAE) beat Man Kongsib (THA) 29-28
81kg – Ilyass Hbibali (UAE) beat Alexandr Tsarikov (KAZ) 29-28; Khaled Tarraf (LBN) beat Mustafa Al Tekreeti (IRQ) 30-27
86kg – Ali Takaloo (IRI) beat Mohammed Al Qahtani (KSA) RSC round 1; Emil Umayev (KAZ) beat Ahmad Bahman (UAE) TKO round
A new relationship with the old country
Treaty of Friendship between the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and the United Arab Emirates
The United kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and the United Arab Emirates; Considering that the United Arab Emirates has assumed full responsibility as a sovereign and independent State; Determined that the long-standing and traditional relations of close friendship and cooperation between their peoples shall continue; Desiring to give expression to this intention in the form of a Treaty Friendship; Have agreed as follows:
ARTICLE 1 The relations between the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and the United Arab Emirates shall be governed by a spirit of close friendship. In recognition of this, the Contracting Parties, conscious of their common interest in the peace and stability of the region, shall: (a) consult together on matters of mutual concern in time of need; (b) settle all their disputes by peaceful means in conformity with the provisions of the Charter of the United Nations.
ARTICLE 2 The Contracting Parties shall encourage education, scientific and cultural cooperation between the two States in accordance with arrangements to be agreed. Such arrangements shall cover among other things: (a) the promotion of mutual understanding of their respective cultures, civilisations and languages, the promotion of contacts among professional bodies, universities and cultural institutions; (c) the encouragement of technical, scientific and cultural exchanges.
ARTICLE 3 The Contracting Parties shall maintain the close relationship already existing between them in the field of trade and commerce. Representatives of the Contracting Parties shall meet from time to time to consider means by which such relations can be further developed and strengthened, including the possibility of concluding treaties or agreements on matters of mutual concern.
ARTICLE 4 This Treaty shall enter into force on today’s date and shall remain in force for a period of ten years. Unless twelve months before the expiry of the said period of ten years either Contracting Party shall have given notice to the other of its intention to terminate the Treaty, this Treaty shall remain in force thereafter until the expiry of twelve months from the date on which notice of such intention is given.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF the undersigned have signed this Treaty.
DONE in duplicate at Dubai the second day of December 1971AD, corresponding to the fifteenth day of Shawwal 1391H, in the English and Arabic languages, both texts being equally authoritative.
Signed
Geoffrey Arthur Sheikh Zayed
Company%20profile
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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.”
A timeline of the Historical Dictionary of the Arabic Language
- 2018: Formal work begins
- November 2021: First 17 volumes launched
- November 2022: Additional 19 volumes released
- October 2023: Another 31 volumes released
- November 2024: All 127 volumes completed
How to avoid crypto fraud
- Use unique usernames and passwords while enabling multi-factor authentication.
- Use an offline private key, a physical device that requires manual activation, whenever you access your wallet.
- Avoid suspicious social media ads promoting fraudulent schemes.
- Only invest in crypto projects that you fully understand.
- Critically assess whether a project’s promises or returns seem too good to be true.
- Only use reputable platforms that have a track record of strong regulatory compliance.
- Store funds in hardware wallets as opposed to online exchanges.
