After Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer lit up the capital city on New Year's Day with an absorbing game of tennis, the action now shifts to the Rashid Stadium in Dubai where Italian giants AC Milan play the Pro League's Al Ahli in the Emirates Challenge Cup tonight.
On the pitch for the Serie A leaders will be the likes of Alexandre Pato and Robinho, the two Brazilian stars, as well as Zlatan Ibrahimovic, the two-time Player of the Year in Italy.
But fans will not see Ronaldinho, who left the Milan training camp in Dubai yesterday, reportedly to finalise a move to Gremio, his former club in Brazil.
The former world player of the year joined the Rossoneri in 2008 but has failed to recapture his form of old.
Massimiliano Allegri, the Milan coach, who has left the 30-year-old Ronaldinho on the bench for much of the season, told Sky Italia: "Maybe there was a lack of willingness on his part. I was convinced that Ronaldinho could have a great season. He started well, with a balanced side, but then everyone has to take their own responsibility."
Allegri is set to field his strongest line-up against the five-time UAE league champions so his side are well prepared when they resume the second half of the Serie A season with a game against Cagliari on Thursday.
"We must use this camp in Dubai well and must train hard and work well because the season ahead is tough," Allegri said.
"We may lead the Serie A, but the second half of the season is where things can change and we must be aware of that. Nothing is easy in world football. We are excited to be here in Dubai as we prepare for our upcoming season. We know this match will provide us with the challenge we need to be the top of our division this season."
Ibrahimovic said: "So far Dubai has been excellent for us, we are working very hard here. The team is feeling good and the weather is nice and sunny, so we are in good spirits.
"At the moment we are No 1, I am very happy about this. This will be our first game since the [winter] break and it will be a good test for us playing against Ahli."
Ahli are also taking a break from the Pro League to allow national team players to take time off to prepare for the Asian Cup in Qatar from January 7 to 27.
"It is going to be a tough challenge taking on AC Milan, yet we are ready and confident that all spectators will be thrilled with the match and the quality match. Our team is fired up for the challenge," said Fabio Cannavaro, the Ahli and former Italy captain.
David O'Leary, the Ahli coach, said: "It is a fantastic opportunity for our players to play against great players from a great side like Milan.
"I hope the evening will be a great success. I am sure it will be."
apassela@thenational.ae
AVOID SCAMMERS: TIPS FROM EMIRATES NBD
1. Never respond to e-mails, calls or messages asking for account, card or internet banking details
2. Never store a card PIN (personal identification number) in your mobile or in your wallet
3. Ensure online shopping websites are secure and verified before providing card details
4. Change passwords periodically as a precautionary measure
5. Never share authentication data such as passwords, card PINs and OTPs (one-time passwords) with third parties
6. Track bank notifications regarding transaction discrepancies
7. Report lost or stolen debit and credit cards immediately
Ant-Man%20and%20the%20Wasp%3A%20Quantumania
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EDirector%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EPeyton%20Reed%3Cbr%3E%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EStars%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Paul%20Rudd%2C%20Evangeline%20Lilly%2C%20Jonathan%20Majors%3Cbr%3E%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ERating%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E2%2F5%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
MATCH INFO
Uefa Champions League semi-finals, first leg
Liverpool v Roma
When: April 24, 10.45pm kick-off (UAE)
Where: Anfield, Liverpool
Live: BeIN Sports HD
Second leg: May 2, Stadio Olimpico, Rome
Global state-owned investor ranking by size
|
1.
|
United States
|
|
2.
|
China
|
|
3.
|
UAE
|
|
4.
|
Japan
|
|
5
|
Norway
|
|
6.
|
Canada
|
|
7.
|
Singapore
|
|
8.
|
Australia
|
|
9.
|
Saudi Arabia
|
|
10.
|
South Korea
|
Tips for newlyweds to better manage finances
All couples are unique and have to create a financial blueprint that is most suitable for their relationship, says Vijay Valecha, chief investment officer at Century Financial. He offers his top five tips for couples to better manage their finances.
Discuss your assets and debts: When married, it’s important to understand each other’s personal financial situation. It’s necessary to know upfront what each party brings to the table, as debts and assets affect spending habits and joint loan qualifications. Discussing all aspects of their finances as a couple prevents anyone from being blindsided later.
Decide on the financial/saving goals: Spouses should independently list their top goals and share their lists with one another to shape a joint plan. Writing down clear goals will help them determine how much to save each month, how much to put aside for short-term goals, and how they will reach their long-term financial goals.
Set a budget: A budget can keep the couple be mindful of their income and expenses. With a monthly budget, couples will know exactly how much they can spend in a category each month, how much they have to work with and what spending areas need to be evaluated.
Decide who manages what: When it comes to handling finances, it’s a good idea to decide who manages what. For example, one person might take on the day-to-day bills, while the other tackles long-term investments and retirement plans.
Money date nights: Talking about money should be a healthy, ongoing conversation and couples should not wait for something to go wrong. They should set time aside every month to talk about future financial decisions and see the progress they’ve made together towards accomplishing their goals.
The biog
Family: Parents and four sisters
Education: Bachelor’s degree in business management and marketing at American University of Sharjah
A self-confessed foodie, she enjoys trying out new cuisines, her current favourite is the poke superfood bowls
Likes reading: autobiographies and fiction
Favourite holiday destination: Italy
Posts information about challenges, events, runs in other emirates on the group's Instagram account @Anagowrunning
Has created a database of Emirati and GCC sportspeople on Instagram @abeermk, highlight: Athletes
Apart from training, also talks to women about nutrition, healthy lifestyle, diabetes, cholesterol, blood pressure
