After all the cancellations and postponements caused by the pandemic in 2020, it was a bumper year of sport in 2021. The stagings of the Olympic Games, European Championship, Copa America, and Ryder Cup - all delayed from 2020 - meant this past 12 months had even more memorable moments beyond the annual leagues, events, and competitions across the world of sport.
With 2021 set to make way for 2022 - which also promises to be a massive year - The National's sports desk have selected their favourite moments from the past 12 months.
Jon Turner, Assistant Sports Editor
Favourite moment
Anna Kiesenhofer celebrates stunning gold: The final few minutes of the women's road race at the Tokyo Olympics was absolutely remarkable. Austria's Kiesenhofer, an amateur cyclist and full-time mathematics professor, had collapsed to the ground, overcome with emotion and exhaustion after stunning the field to win gold. Such was the shock of Kiesenhofer's triumph that while she was on the ground, the Netherlands' Annemiek van Vleuten - one of the most decorated cyclists in the world - crossed the finish line arms aloft thinking she had won gold, only to be told she had taken silver, more than a minute behind the champion.
Best performance
Tadej Pogacar, Tour de France: Such was the fear Pogacar struck into his rivals ahead of the Tour de France, opposition teams assembled superstar line-ups designed specifically to prevent the Slovenian from retaining the yellow jersey he won in 2020. There was no stopping the UAE Team Emirates star, though, as Pogacar once again destroyed the field and tamed the course to solidify his status as the best road cyclist on the planet.
Best event
Tokyo Olympics: Delayed by 12 months and staged behind closed doors amid strict health and safety measures, the Tokyo Olympics was given every reason to be a disastrous failure. It had its hiccups, but it was a wonderful spectacle, with new events climbing, skateboarding, and surfing proving popular, fairytale gold medal triumphs, and Simone Biles bringing the mental health conversation into even sharper focus.
Biggest shock
Lionel Messi leaves Barcelona: Even with Barcelona's crippling financial problems, no one actually expected their greatest ever player to leave the club. But on the evening of August 5, Barca released a statement to announce Messi was leaving after a new deal collapsed "due to economic obstacles". It brought to an end Messi's 23-year association with Barca, for whom he scored a record 672 goals in 778 games, winning 10 La Liga titles, four Champions Leagues, seven Copa del Reys, and three Fifa Club World Cups.
Biggest controversy
Euro 2020 final fan chaos: It should have been a moment to celebrate for English football - their national team competing in a major final for the first time since 1966. Instead, the occasion - before, during and after - was tarnished by acts of vandalism, ticketless fans attempting to rush Wembley Stadium, and racist abuse aimed at the three players to miss penalties in the shootout. Football still has a long way to come.
Favourite comeback
Tiger Woods back on the range: In February, Woods was involved in a dangerous car crash from which he was lucky to escape alive. Speaking recently, the 15-time major winner revealed it was touch and go whether he would need his leg amputated. So when a short clip was posted to his Twitter account of Woods striping balls on the range again, the golf world went into meltdown. Woods is still some way short of returning to the tour but the sight of golf's most influential player back.
Looking forward to most in 2022
The next instalment of Verstappen v Hamilton: Formula One witnessed one of the greatest title battles in history last season, with Red Bull's Max Verstappen essentially clinching the trophy on the last lap of the last race at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. Given the way the season unfolded and ultimately ended, there is huge fascination about how the next instalment will play out.
Dominic Hart, Sports Editor
Favourite moment
Emma Raducanu wins US Open: It was a story good enough for a Hollywood script as the British teenager cruised through qualifying and into the main draw - and then won the tournament without dropping a set. It was breathtaking stuff, all performed with such joy and excitement.
Best performance
England beat Germany 2-0, Euro 2020: A historic night at Wembley. The Three Lions struck twice late on to end a 55-year wait for a knockout tie victory over Germany and reach the tournament quarter-finals. Just edges out Rachael Blackmore becoming the first female jockey to win the Grand National.
Best event
Abu Dhabi Grand Prix: It might have been controversial, and it might have been unfair, but what a day! At last the whole Formula One season came down to the last race, and eventually the last lap. It wasn't Max Verstappen's fault that he was allowed one shot at Lewis Hamilton, and his manoeuvre to take the title was thrilling.
Biggest shock
Novak Djokovic losing the US Open final: The Serb appeared invincible at times, and was heading for his fourth Grand Slam title of the season until Russia's Daniil Medvedev won his first in a one-sided US Open final. Maybe, just maybe, the old guard are moving on.
Biggest controversy
German coach thrown out of the Olympics for punching a horse: It was during the modern pentathlon and the horse, Saint Boy, was playing up for coach Kim Raisner's tearful athlete Annika Schleu. Pictures went global of Raisner striking the horse with her fist and she was sent home in disgrace. Quite right too.
Favourite comeback
Mark Cavendish: He came back from almost retiring from cycling to win four stages at the Tour de France and the green jersey and become, with Eddy Merckx, the winner of the most stages at the biggest event in the sport.
Looking forward to most in 2022
The World Cup in the winter. A different time of year because of the heat means the European sides should be full of energy in Qatar rather than competing at the end of a mammoth season. Could England finally end 56 years of hurt?
Gareth Cox, Assistant Sports Editor
Favourite moment
Denmark reach Euro 2020 knockout stage: Just nine days after the horror of seeing teammate Christian Eriksen collapse on the pitch after a suffering cardiac arrest in their opening game against Finland, Denmark thrashed Russia 4-1 on the same pitch in Copenhagen to seal their place in the Euros' knockout stage. An emotional night for Danish players and fans alike.
Best performance
Djokovic beats king of clay Nadal at French Open: It has been some year for the Serb, winning three out of four Grand Slams, but his four-set French Open semi-final victory over Nadal was particularly spectacular. Nadal, aiming for a record-extending 14th title in Paris, lost at Roland Garros for only the third time in 108 matches in a classic battle. "It was one of the top three matches in my life," said Djokovic afterwards.
Best event
Euro 2020: Questions were rightly asked about how sensible it was to play the delayed tournament across 11 countries with a pandemic still ongoing. But the extended competition felt like the lift football fans across the continent needed after the Covid-ravaged previous months.
Biggest shock
Raducanu wins US Open: The idea that an 18-year-old qualifier from the UK could win a Grand Slam final without dropping a set simply did not compute ... until Emma Raducanu's frankly ludicrous US Open run in September. A mind-blowing performance from a player who only made her WTA main-draw debut in June.
Biggest controversy
Final lap of Abu Dhabi Grand Prix: In a bitter rollercoaster battle between Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton for the world title, it was fitting that the final race should end in such dramatic fashion. Hamilton was set to be champion for a record eighth time until a late crash brought on a safety car that would allow Verstappen the chance to snatch the title in a one-lap race-off. A bonkers end to a barmy season.
Favourite comeback
Fury back from brink against Wilder ... again: Deontay Wilder must surely now be wondering what he has to do to beat Tyson Fury. In their superb trilogy bout, Fury was down twice in Round 4 only for the Brit to twice drag himself off the canvas before going on to bash the American around the ring until securing victory in the 11th.
Looking forward to most in 2022
The unstoppable rise of Newcastle United: OK, I have my black and white sunglasses firmly fitted on face for this one. And there is a distinct possibility that Newcastle could be relegated this season, despite the backing of their new Saudi owners. But after the wasted years of the Mike Ashley era, it feels like us Magpie fans can finally dare to dream again.
Ajit Vijaykumar, Assistant Sports Editor
Favourite moment
Neeraj Chopra winning gold: For a country the size of India, their record at the Olympic Games is shockingly poor. But this year, they achieved the seemingly impossible – an individual gold in track and field. Neeraj Chopra’s javelin gold at the Tokyo Games erased years of pain for the country, and started a javelin revolution in every corner of India.
Best performance
Gianluigi Donnarumma, Euro 2020: The Italy goalkeeper played a decisive role in taking his team to the Euro 2020 final, starring in a penalty shootout win over Spain. Then at the Wembley final, he saved three successive England spot kicks in another shootout to seal the title. The player of the tournament and the star of Italian renaissance.
Best event
Abu Dhabi Grand Prix: For the sheer drama before, during and right at the end of the F1 season finale, the Abu Dhabi GP was brilliant. A shocking call at the final lap turned the championship into a one-lap contest, with favourite Lewis Hamilton looking on as the title slipped away from his grasp for no fault of his. It was controversial, but spectacular.
Biggest shock
Kohli ouster: A couple of years ago, the mere suggestion of Virat Kohli losing his position as India captain, or having it taken away, would have met with a shrug of the shoulders. But not only did he relinquish his India T20 and IPL leadership, he was unceremoniously dumped as ODI captain – through one line at the end of a media release.
Biggest controversy
Football violence: Unfortunately, French football was littered with fan violence throughout the year, with players finding themselves in dangerous situations. With the pandemic, many thought supporters would appreciate the spectacle of football from the stands more than ever, especially with the biggest star – Lionel Messi – playing. Big mistake.
Favourite comeback
Ben Stokes: The England all-rounder had taken an indefinite break from cricket “to prioritise mental wellbeing” and mend his injured finger. His return to the England setup showed that it is perfectly fine to walk away from the limelight to focus on yourself, and then come back only when comfortable to do so.
Looking forward to most in 2022
What happens to the Big Three? Rafael Nadal is slowly making his way back to fitness. Roger Federer is likely to make his comeback from surgery only by the middle of 2022. Novak Djokovic is the only fit member of the ‘Big Three’ of tennis. We will now know if the veteran stars have it in them to get back on top, or whether the next generation will finally take over.
Steve Luckings, Deputy Sports Editor
Favourite moment
Watching Beth Shriever win BMX Olympic gold: Full disclosure: when BMX racing and skateboarding were added to the Olympics programme, I barely batted an eyelid. If anything, eyes were rolled at a lame attempt by the International Olympic Committee to appeal to a younger generation. By the end of the Games, though, I was a convert. Beth Shriever won BMX racing Olympic gold minutes after her Great Britain teammate Kye Whyte secured silver in the men’s event. Shriever's story emboldened the Olympic spirit like few others. The 22-year-old needed crowdfunding just to make it to Tokyo, and pulled off a stunning win in the final to hold off defending champion Mariana Pajon of Colombia.
Best performance
Fury signing off epic Wilder trilogy: If there was any doubt who the undisputed champ of boxing's traditional blue ribband division was heading into their third fight, Tyson Fury quashed it on October 9. Fury arguably already held the title for best performance by an English boxer overseas with his seven-round destruction of Wilder in their second fight in February 2020. But his performance in their trilogy fight fortified his position as the best in the heavyweight division. Fury's tactics were spot on, coming in at the heaviest weight of his career to nullify the 'Bronze Bomber's' fearsome one-punch power.
Best event
Abu Dhabi Grand Prix: Even by Hollywood standards the scenario seemed far fetched. A showdown between title rivals in the final race of the season, winner takes all. Belief was asked to be further suspended when a crash towards the end brought out the safety car resulting in a straight shootout between Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen on the final lap. The Dutchman took the chequered flag in front of a sea of Oranje-clad fans. I'm still kicking myself that I had to pass up a ticket to Yas Marina Circuit.
Biggest shock
England fans at Euro 2020 final: What should have been a day of celebration turned into a national embarrassment even before kick off. The sight of fans storming barriers and involved in violent clashes with police, stewards and each other shone a spotlight on a issue that, contrary to what some believe, is a problem getting worse in English football. The racist abuse aimed at England's black players after the penalty shootout defeat to Italy was just as sickening but no less surprising. It also highlighted the irony of the English FA complaining about the vile chants aimed at their players in countries like Bulgaria when they face the same abuse on an almost weekly basis at home.
Favourite comeback
Antonio Conte to the Premier League: After parting ways with Inter Milan after guiding the Nerazzuri to the 2021 Serie A title, Conte held talks with Tottenham regarding the vacant manager's job. After the death-by-a-thousand cuts reign of Jose Mourinho, Spurs signalled genuine ambition in their attempts to lure Conte back to the Premier League. When talks with the Italian broke down, so it seemed did Spurs' aspirations. Nuno Espirito Santo was installed but was sacked 48 hours after an embarrassing 3-0 home defeat to Manchester United. Spurs returned to the negotiating table and on November 2 appointed Conte as their new head coach on a contract until 2023. Cue an immediate uptick in results and performances as well as a 'Conte Cam' on the club's social media channels dedicated to the coach's touchline antics.
Looking forward to most in 2022
The Qatar World Cup: The first global finals to be held in the Middle East will take place closer to the start of most domestic seasons, instead of at the end when most players are knackered. Hard to say who that will benefit, but it should raise the standard significantly.
More on Quran memorisation:
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
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The specs
Engine: 3.9-litre twin-turbo V8
Power: 620hp from 5,750-7,500rpm
Torque: 760Nm from 3,000-5,750rpm
Transmission: Eight-speed dual-clutch auto
On sale: Now
Price: From Dh1.05 million ($286,000)
The specs
- Engine: 3.9-litre twin-turbo V8
- Power: 640hp
- Torque: 760nm
- On sale: 2026
- Price: Not announced yet
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%3Cp%3E%3Ca%20href%3D%22https%3A%2F%2Fwww.thenationalnews.com%2Fbusiness%2Feconomy%2Fislamic-economy-consumer-spending-to-increase-45-to-3-2tn-by-2024-1.936583%22%20target%3D%22_self%22%3EGlobal%20Islamic%20economy%20to%20grow%203.1%25%20to%20touch%20%242.4%20trillion%20by%202024%3C%2Fa%3E%26nbsp%3B%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Ca%20href%3D%22https%3A%2F%2Fwww.thenationalnews.com%2Fbusiness%2Feconomy%2Fuk-economy-plunges-into-worst-ever-recession-after-record-20-4-contraction-1.1062560%22%20target%3D%22_self%22%3EUK%20economy%20plunges%20into%20worst-ever%20recession%20after%20record%2020.4%25%20contraction%3C%2Fa%3E%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Ca%20href%3D%22https%3A%2F%2Fwww.thenationalnews.com%2Fbusiness%2Feconomy%2Fislamic-economy-consumer-spending-to-increase-45-to-3-2tn-by-2024-1.936583%22%20target%3D%22_self%22%3EIslamic%20economy%20consumer%20spending%20to%20increase%2045%25%20to%20%243.2tn%20by%202024%3C%2Fa%3E%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
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Emergency phone numbers in the UAE
Estijaba – 8001717 – number to call to request coronavirus testing
Ministry of Health and Prevention – 80011111
Dubai Health Authority – 800342 – The number to book a free video or voice consultation with a doctor or connect to a local health centre
Emirates airline – 600555555
Etihad Airways – 600555666
Ambulance – 998
Knowledge and Human Development Authority – 8005432 ext. 4 for Covid-19 queries
Recent winners
2002 Giselle Khoury (Colombia)
2004 Nathalie Nasralla (France)
2005 Catherine Abboud (Oceania)
2007 Grace Bijjani (Mexico)
2008 Carina El-Keddissi (Brazil)
2009 Sara Mansour (Brazil)
2010 Daniella Rahme (Australia)
2011 Maria Farah (Canada)
2012 Cynthia Moukarzel (Kuwait)
2013 Layla Yarak (Australia)
2014 Lia Saad (UAE)
2015 Cynthia Farah (Australia)
2016 Yosmely Massaad (Venezuela)
2017 Dima Safi (Ivory Coast)
2018 Rachel Younan (Australia)
Skoda Superb Specs
Engine: 2-litre TSI petrol
Power: 190hp
Torque: 320Nm
Price: From Dh147,000
Available: Now
THE DEALS
Hamilton $60m x 2 = $120m
Vettel $45m x 2 = $90m
Ricciardo $35m x 2 = $70m
Verstappen $55m x 3 = $165m
Leclerc $20m x 2 = $40m
TOTAL $485m
FORSPOKEN
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Starfield
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More coverage from the Future Forum
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OIL PLEDGE
At the start of Russia's invasion, IEA member countries held 1.5 billion barrels in public reserves and about 575 million barrels under obligations with industry, according to the agency's website. The two collective actions of the IEA this year of 62.7 million barrels, which was agreed on March 1, and this week's 120 million barrels amount to 9 per cent of total emergency reserves, it added.
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Who's who in Yemen conflict
Houthis: Iran-backed rebels who occupy Sanaa and run unrecognised government
Yemeni government: Exiled government in Aden led by eight-member Presidential Leadership Council
Southern Transitional Council: Faction in Yemeni government that seeks autonomy for the south
Habrish 'rebels': Tribal-backed forces feuding with STC over control of oil in government territory
Bugatti Chiron Super Sport - the specs:
Engine: 8.0-litre quad-turbo W16
Transmission: 7-speed DSG auto
Power: 1,600hp
Torque: 1,600Nm
0-100kph in 2.4seconds
0-200kph in 5.8 seconds
0-300kph in 12.1 seconds
Top speed: 440kph
Price: Dh13,200,000
Bugatti Chiron Pur Sport - the specs:
Engine: 8.0-litre quad-turbo W16
Transmission: 7-speed DSG auto
Power: 1,500hp
Torque: 1,600Nm
0-100kph in 2.3 seconds
0-200kph in 5.5 seconds
0-300kph in 11.8 seconds
Top speed: 350kph
Price: Dh13,600,000
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MOUNTAINHEAD REVIEW
Starring: Ramy Youssef, Steve Carell, Jason Schwartzman
Director: Jesse Armstrong
Rating: 3.5/5
MATCH INFO
Uefa Champions League final:
Who: Real Madrid v Liverpool
Where: NSC Olimpiyskiy Stadium, Kiev, Ukraine
When: Saturday, May 26, 10.45pm (UAE)
TV: Match on BeIN Sports
Specs
Engine: 2-litre
Transmission: Eight-speed automatic
Power: 255hp
Torque: 273Nm
Price: Dh240,000
AWARDS
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EBest%20Male%20black%20belt%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3ELucas%20Protasio%20(BRA)%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EBest%20female%20black%20belt%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EJulia%20Alves%20(BRA)%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EBest%20Masters%20black%20belt%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Igor%20Silva%20(BRA)%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EBest%20Asian%20Jiu-Jitsu%20Federation%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Kazakhstan%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EBest%20Academy%20in%20UAE%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3ECommando%20Group%2C%20Abu%20Dhabi%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EBest%20International%20Academy%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Commando%20Group%2C%20Abu%20Dhabi%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EAfrican%20Player%20of%20the%20Year%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EKatiuscia%20Yasmira%20Dias%20(GNB)%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EOceanian%20Player%20of%20the%20Year%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EAnton%20Minenko%20(AUS)%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EEuropean%20Player%20of%20the%20Year%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Rose%20El%20Sharouni%20(NED)%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ENorth%20and%20Central%20American%20Player%20of%20the%20Year%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EAlexa%20Yanes%20(USA)%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EAsian%20Player%20of%20the%20Year%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EZayed%20Al%20Katheeri%20(UAE)%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ERookie%20of%20the%20Year%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Rui%20Neto%20(BRA)Rui%20Neto%20(BRA)%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Meydan racecard:
6.30pm: Al Maktoum Challenge Round 2 (PA) Group 1 | US$75,000 (Dirt) | 2,200 metres
7.05pm: UAE 1000 Guineas (TB) Listed | $250,000 (D) | 1,600m
7.40pm: Meydan Classic Trial (TB) Conditions | $100,000 (Turf) | 1,400m
8.15pm: Al Shindagha Sprint (TB) Group 3 | $200,000 (D) | 1,200m
8.50pm: Handicap (TB) | $175,000 (D) | 1,600m
9.25pm: Handicap (TB) | $175,000 (T) | 2,000m
10pm: Handicap (TB) | $135,000 (T) | 1,600m
COMPANY%20PROFILE
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THE%20SPECS
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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
'Worse than a prison sentence'
Marie Byrne, a counsellor who volunteers at the UAE government's mental health crisis helpline, said the ordeal the crew had been through would take time to overcome.
“It was worse than a prison sentence, where at least someone can deal with a set amount of time incarcerated," she said.
“They were living in perpetual mystery as to how their futures would pan out, and what that would be.
“Because of coronavirus, the world is very different now to the one they left, that will also have an impact.
“It will not fully register until they are on dry land. Some have not seen their young children grow up while others will have to rebuild relationships.
“It will be a challenge mentally, and to find other work to support their families as they have been out of circulation for so long. Hopefully they will get the care they need when they get home.”
Company%C2%A0profile
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Read more from Mina Al-Oraibi
'Midnights'
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RESULTS
6.30pm UAE 1000 Guineas Trial Conditions (TB) US$100,000 (Dirt) 1,400m
Winner Final Song, Christophe Soumillon (jockey), Saeed bin Suroor (trainer).
7.05pm Handicap (TB) $135,000 (Turf) 1,000m
Winner Almanaara, Dane O’Neill, Doug Watson.
7.40pm Handicap (TB) $175,000 (D) 1,900m
Winner Grand Argentier, Brett Doyle, Doug Watson.
8.15pm Meydan Challenge Listed Handicap (TB) $175,000 (T) 1,400m
Winner Major Partnership, Patrick Cosgrave, Saeed bin Suroor.
8.50pm Dubai Stakes Group 3 (TB) $200,000 (D) 1,200m
Winner Gladiator King, Mickael Barzalona, Satish Seemar.
9.25pm Dubai Racing Club Classic Listed Handicap (TB) $175,000 (T) 2,410m
Winner Universal Order, Richard Mullen, David Simcock.
LIST OF INVITEES
Shergo Kurdi (am)
Rayhan Thomas
Saud Al Sharee (am)
Min Woo Lee
Todd Clements
Matthew Jordan
AbdulRahman Al Mansour (am)
Matteo Manassero
Alfie Plant
Othman Al Mulla
Shaun Norris
Water waste
In the UAE’s arid climate, small shrubs, bushes and flower beds usually require about six litres of water per square metre, daily. That increases to 12 litres per square metre a day for small trees, and 300 litres for palm trees.
Horticulturists suggest the best time for watering is before 8am or after 6pm, when water won't be dried up by the sun.
A global report published by the Water Resources Institute in August, ranked the UAE 10th out of 164 nations where water supplies are most stretched.
The Emirates is the world’s third largest per capita water consumer after the US and Canada.
The five pillars of Islam
1. Fasting
2. Prayer
3. Hajj
4. Shahada
5. Zakat
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
Emirates exiles
Will Wilson is not the first player to have attained high-class representative honours after first learning to play rugby on the playing fields of UAE.
Jonny Macdonald
Abu Dhabi-born and raised, the current Jebel Ali Dragons assistant coach was selected to play for Scotland at the Hong Kong Sevens in 2011.
Jordan Onojaife
Having started rugby by chance when the Jumeirah College team were short of players, he later won the World Under 20 Championship with England.
Devante Onojaife
Followed older brother Jordan into England age-group rugby, as well as the pro game at Northampton Saints, but recently switched allegiance to Scotland.
Kill%20
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Normcore explained
Something of a fashion anomaly, normcore is essentially a celebration of the unremarkable. The term was first popularised by an article in New York magazine in 2014 and has been dubbed “ugly”, “bland’ and "anti-style" by fashion writers. It’s hallmarks are comfort, a lack of pretentiousness and neutrality – it is a trend for those who would rather not stand out from the crowd. For the most part, the style is unisex, favouring loose silhouettes, thrift-shop threads, baseball caps and boyish trainers. It is important to note that normcore is not synonymous with cheapness or low quality; there are high-fashion brands, including Parisian label Vetements, that specialise in this style. Embraced by fashion-forward street-style stars around the globe, it’s uptake in the UAE has been relatively slow.
