ABU DHABI // The UAE take the first step in preparing for their title defence of the Gulf Cup with a friendly against Australia on Friday.
The biennial competition in Saudi Arabia from November 13 to 26 will also be an acid test for the UAE’s preparation for the AFC Asian Cup from January 9 to 31 next year in Australia.
The UAE are in Group B alongside Kuwait, Iraq and Oman in the Gulf Cup, and are pitted against Iran, Qatar and Bahrain in Group C in the Asian Cup.
On Friday, against Australia at the Mohammed bin Zayed stadium, they will be without their playmaker Omar Abdulrahman, who is nursing a knee injury and has travelled to Spain for treatment.
The Al Ain midfielder has been the live-wire in Mahdi Ali’s line-up and his absence may be an opportunity for Amer Abdulrahman to take his namesake’s place as the playmaker.
The Baniyas midfielder was back in the national team’s camp in the summer after missing almost the whole of last season because of knee surgery.
The Australians are using the friendly to “sharpen” and “implement” their style ahead of the continental championship.
The captain, Mile Jedinak, said: “We’ve handled ourselves pretty well I would say on most occasions, you just try to build off that, and making sure we try and put out a better performance than last time and hopefully that comes with a result.”
When asked whether teams from this region will try to slow things down because of the humid weather conditions at this time of the year, Jedinak said: “I think so. I think we’re experienced, having played in this region before. That’s something you always talk about, trying to play at your pace, where you see opportunities more often than not it’s to pick up the pace of the game.
“I know they find it very comfortable when it’s played on their terms. If we’re able to do that for sustained periods, I think it will be a good game for us.”
apassela@thenational.ae
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Western Region Asia Cup Qualifier
Results
UAE beat Saudi Arabia by 12 runs
Kuwait beat Iran by eight wickets
Oman beat Maldives by 10 wickets
Bahrain beat Qatar by six wickets
Semi-finals
UAE v Qatar
Bahrain v Kuwait
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Bio
Born in Dibba, Sharjah in 1972.
He is the eldest among 11 brothers and sisters.
He was educated in Sharjah schools and is a graduate of UAE University in Al Ain.
He has written poetry for 30 years and has had work published in local newspapers.
He likes all kinds of adventure movies that relate to his work.
His dream is a safe and preserved environment for all humankind.
His favourite book is The Quran, and 'Maze of Innovation and Creativity', written by his brother.
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Changing visa rules
For decades the UAE has granted two and three year visas to foreign workers, tied to their current employer. Now that's changing.
Last year, the UAE cabinet also approved providing 10-year visas to foreigners with investments in the UAE of at least Dh10 million, if non-real estate assets account for at least 60 per cent of the total. Investors can bring their spouses and children into the country.
It also approved five-year residency to owners of UAE real estate worth at least 5 million dirhams.
The government also said that leading academics, medical doctors, scientists, engineers and star students would be eligible for similar long-term visas, without the need for financial investments in the country.
The first batch - 20 finalists for the Mohammed bin Rashid Medal for Scientific Distinction.- were awarded in January and more are expected to follow.
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2. Ireland 9 faults
3. Brazil 11 faults
4. Spain 15 faults
5. Great Britain 17 faults
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Brief scores:
Pakistan (1st innings) 181: Babar 71; Olivier 6-37
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The bio
Favourite book: Peter Rabbit. I used to read it to my three children and still read it myself. If I am feeling down it brings back good memories.
Best thing about your job: Getting to help people. My mum always told me never to pass up an opportunity to do a good deed.
Best part of life in the UAE: The weather. The constant sunshine is amazing and there is always something to do, you have so many options when it comes to how to spend your day.
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Iftar programme at the Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding
Established in 1998, the Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding was created with a vision to teach residents about the traditions and customs of the UAE. Its motto is ‘open doors, open minds’. All year-round, visitors can sign up for a traditional Emirati breakfast, lunch or dinner meal, as well as a range of walking tours, including ones to sites such as the Jumeirah Mosque or Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood.
Every year during Ramadan, an iftar programme is rolled out. This allows guests to break their fast with the centre’s presenters, visit a nearby mosque and observe their guides while they pray. These events last for about two hours and are open to the public, or can be booked for a private event.
Until the end of Ramadan, the iftar events take place from 7pm until 9pm, from Saturday to Thursday. Advanced booking is required.
For more details, email openminds@cultures.ae or visit www.cultures.ae
