Dubai authorities on Sunday urged cricket fans to abide by safety rules and show the spirit of sportsmanship as India and Pakistan gear up for an eagerly-anticipated Asia Cup match.
Dubai's Events Security Committee said that the conduct of thousands of supporters expected to attend should “reflect the UAE’s civilised image and its distinguished standing in hosting world-class international sporting events”.
Fans are being asked to get to the ground three hours ahead of the 6.30pm start-time, with heavy traffic expected in the area.
The meeting of the cricketing giants will mark their first such encounter since a four-day military conflict ended in a May ceasefire.
It was the biggest escalation in recent years with missiles and drone strikes by both sides in reaction to an April terrorist attack that killed 26 Indians in Pahalgam, Indian-controlled Kashmir. India accused Pakistan of being behind the assault, a charge Islamabad denies.
Despite off-field hostilities, the two sets of supporters have largely come together peacefully during frequent meetings between their sides, including in the UAE.
Strict penalties
Maj Gen Saif Al Mazrouei, Assistant Commander-in-Chief for Operations at Dubai Police and Chairman of the Events Security Committee, said police units are ready for matches in the tournament and will deal firmly with any disruptions to stadium safety.
He said that legal action would be taken against those putting the safety of spectators at risk.
Federal Law on the Security of Sports Facilities and Events imposes strict penalties.
Offenders who enter the pitch without authorisation or carry prohibited items such as fireworks would face imprisonment of one to three months and fines ranging from Dh5,000 to Dh30,000.
Those committing acts of violence, throwing objects at spectators or on to the field, or using racist or abusive language during sporting events would face both imprisonment and fines between Dh10,000 and Dh30,000.
Follow safety rules
The committee urged fans to follow important instructions, including:
• Arriving at least three hours before kick-off
• Entering the stadium only once per ticket
• Respecting the list of prohibited items
• Ensuring tickets are valid
• Avoiding careless parking or standing in roadways and public areas
Banned items
Maj Gen Al Mazrouei advised against bringing dangerous or restricted materials into the stadium, including fireworks, flammable substances, lasers, umbrellas, large camera equipment, selfie sticks, sharp objects, toxic substances, flags, banners, pets, remote-controlled devices, bicycles, skateboards, scooters, and glass items.
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Date started: 2012
Founder: Amir Barsoum
Based: Dubai, UAE
Sector: HealthTech / MedTech
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Started: December 2011
Co-founders: Elie Habib, Eddy Maroun
Based: Beirut and Dubai
Sector: Entertainment
Size: 85 employees
Stage: Series C
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- 2013: "Financial and logistical support from Germany for Hezbollah in Lebanon supports the armed struggle against Israel ... Hezbollah supporters in Germany hold back from actions that would gain publicity." Supporters in Germany: 950
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Source: Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution
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The smuggler
Eldarir had arrived at JFK in January 2020 with three suitcases, containing goods he valued at $300, when he was directed to a search area.
Officers found 41 gold artefacts among the bags, including amulets from a funerary set which prepared the deceased for the afterlife.
Also found was a cartouche of a Ptolemaic king on a relief that was originally part of a royal building or temple.
The largest single group of items found in Eldarir’s cases were 400 shabtis, or figurines.
Khouli conviction
Khouli smuggled items into the US by making false declarations to customs about the country of origin and value of the items.
According to Immigration and Customs Enforcement, he provided “false provenances which stated that [two] Egyptian antiquities were part of a collection assembled by Khouli's father in Israel in the 1960s” when in fact “Khouli acquired the Egyptian antiquities from other dealers”.
He was sentenced to one year of probation, six months of home confinement and 200 hours of community service in 2012 after admitting buying and smuggling Egyptian antiquities, including coffins, funerary boats and limestone figures.
For sale
A number of other items said to come from the collection of Ezeldeen Taha Eldarir are currently or recently for sale.
Their provenance is described in near identical terms as the British Museum shabti: bought from Salahaddin Sirmali, "authenticated and appraised" by Hossen Rashed, then imported to the US in 1948.
- An Egyptian Mummy mask dating from 700BC-30BC, is on offer for £11,807 ($15,275) online by a seller in Mexico
- A coffin lid dating back to 664BC-332BC was offered for sale by a Colorado-based art dealer, with a starting price of $65,000
- A shabti that was on sale through a Chicago-based coin dealer, dating from 1567BC-1085BC, is up for $1,950
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Luis Enrique (Paris Saint-Germain)
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