The UAE's under 18 boys rugby sevens international side retained their Asian crown in Malaysia this weekend, going through the 2024 tournament unbeaten. Remarkably, UAE scored more than 200 points in five games, while also completing five defensive shutouts.
After a strong performance in the pool stage at Stadium Ragbi in Johor Bahru, the UAE faced Hong Kong China in the Asia Rugby Emirates U18 Boys final, who could not match the UAE's intensity or desire.
The 43-0 margin of victory did not flatter an impressive and ruthlessly efficient UAE side, who ran up a total of 221 unanswered points in their five matches in typically hot and humid Malaysian conditions.
The UAE's Nicholas Fritz finished as the tournament's top scorer with six tries and 11 conversions.
The draw for the Asia Rugby Boys U18 Sevens had put the UAE in the same pool as Saudi Arabia, Singapore, India and Malaysia.
The U18s swatted aside their Gulf neighbours Saudi Arabia 57-0, before beating Singapore 24-0 later on day one.
On day two in Johor Bahru, the UAE boys began with a 48-0 victory over Malaysia, before following up with a 49-0 win over India, who had shown flashes of brilliance on day one but faded a little as the tournament progressed.
That result put the UAE into the final against Hong Kong China, who had squeezed Sri Lanka out of top spot in Pool B by securing a big win over Chinese Taipei in their last group game to move into the final on points difference.
UAE coach Andy Jones said the U18 boys team had "delivered the highest standards" of rugby sevens at the tournament to retain their crown.
"Although the high humidity and heavy pitches made conditions difficult, the UAE played with expansive width that challenged their opponents throughout the weekend.”
He said that the UAE’s victory was testament to "outstanding work being done at schools and clubs to nurture talent".
Sri Lanka won the bronze medal match, narrowly defeating hosts Malaysia 17-14.
At last year's championship, the UAE had achieved an historic double victory in Taipei, with both boys and girls teams winning the tournament. There was to be no repeat this year.
The girls lost 15-0 against India in their first group game – the two teams had contested the final last year – before a last gasp try by hosts Malaysia forced a 10-10 draw in their second pool match. UAE girls rounded off day one of the tournament with a rousing 17-12 victory over Thailand.
The UAE girls beat Singapore early on Sunday, but lost their final group game to Hong Kong China and eventually secured fifth place by running up 51 unanswered points in a playoff against Singapore.
Hong Kong China went on to beat Thailand 27-0 to claim the girls continental crown, while Malaysia delighted the home crowd by winning the bronze medal match, with a flowing and industrious 12-0 victory over India.
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
The specs: Audi e-tron
Price, base: From Dh325,000 (estimate)
Engine: Twin electric motors and 95kWh battery pack
Transmission: Single-speed auto
Power: 408hp
Torque: 664Nm
Range: 400 kilometres
The%C2%A0specs%20
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EEngine%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Dual%20synchronous%20electric%20motors%20%20%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EPower%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E646hp%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ETorque%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E830Nm%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ETransmission%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3ETwo-speed%20auto%20(rear%20axle)%3B%20single-speed%20auto%20(front)%20%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EPrice%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EFrom%20Dh552%2C311%3B%20Dh660%2C408%20(as%20tested)%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EOn%20sale%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3Enow%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Labour dispute
The insured employee may still file an ILOE claim even if a labour dispute is ongoing post termination, but the insurer may suspend or reject payment, until the courts resolve the dispute, especially if the reason for termination is contested. The outcome of the labour court proceedings can directly affect eligibility.
- Abdullah Ishnaneh, Partner, BSA Law
Top investing tips for UAE residents in 2021
Build an emergency fund: Make sure you have enough cash to cover six months of expenses as a buffer against unexpected problems before you begin investing, advises Steve Cronin, the founder of DeadSimpleSaving.com.
Think long-term: When you invest, you need to have a long-term mindset, so don’t worry about momentary ups and downs in the stock market.
Invest worldwide: Diversify your investments globally, ideally by way of a global stock index fund.
Is your money tied up: Avoid anything where you cannot get your money back in full within a month at any time without any penalty.
Skip past the promises: “If an investment product is offering more than 10 per cent return per year, it is either extremely risky or a scam,” Mr Cronin says.
Choose plans with low fees: Make sure that any funds you buy do not charge more than 1 per cent in fees, Mr Cronin says. “If you invest by yourself, you can easily stay below this figure.” Managed funds and commissionable investments often come with higher fees.
Be sceptical about recommendations: If someone suggests an investment to you, ask if they stand to gain, advises Mr Cronin. “If they are receiving commission, they are unlikely to recommend an investment that’s best for you.”
Get financially independent: Mr Cronin advises UAE residents to pursue financial independence. Start with a Google search and improve your knowledge via expat investing websites or Facebook groups such as SimplyFI.
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Why%20all%20the%20lefties%3F
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The five pillars of Islam
Haircare resolutions 2021
From Beirut and Amman to London and now Dubai, hairstylist George Massoud has seen the same mistakes made by customers all over the world. In the chair or at-home hair care, here are the resolutions he wishes his customers would make for the year ahead.
1. 'I will seek consultation from professionals'
You may know what you want, but are you sure it’s going to suit you? Haircare professionals can tell you what will work best with your skin tone, hair texture and lifestyle.
2. 'I will tell my hairdresser when I’m not happy'
Massoud says it’s better to offer constructive criticism to work on in the future. Your hairdresser will learn, and you may discover how to communicate exactly what you want more effectively the next time.
3. ‘I will treat my hair better out of the chair’
Damage control is a big part of most hairstylists’ work right now, but it can be avoided. Steer clear of over-colouring at home, try and pursue one hair brand at a time and never, ever use a straightener on still drying hair, pleads Massoud.
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UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Ashes 2019 schedule
August 1-5: First Test, Edgbaston
August 14-18: Second Test, Lord's
August 22-26: Third Test, Headingley
September 4-8: Fourth Test, Old Trafford
September 12-16: Fifth Test, Oval
UK's plans to cut net migration
Under the UK government’s proposals, migrants will have to spend 10 years in the UK before being able to apply for citizenship.
Skilled worker visas will require a university degree, and there will be tighter restrictions on recruitment for jobs with skills shortages.
But what are described as "high-contributing" individuals such as doctors and nurses could be fast-tracked through the system.
Language requirements will be increased for all immigration routes to ensure a higher level of English.
Rules will also be laid out for adult dependants, meaning they will have to demonstrate a basic understanding of the language.
The plans also call for stricter tests for colleges and universities offering places to foreign students and a reduction in the time graduates can remain in the UK after their studies from two years to 18 months.
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
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The specs
Engine: four-litre V6 and 3.5-litre V6 twin-turbo
Transmission: six-speed and 10-speed
Power: 271 and 409 horsepower
Torque: 385 and 650Nm
Price: from Dh229,900 to Dh355,000
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