Chelsea head coach Frank Lampard comforts defender Wesley Fofana at the end of the Champions League quarter-final first leg defeat to Real Madrid. EPA
Chelsea head coach Frank Lampard comforts defender Wesley Fofana at the end of the Champions League quarter-final first leg defeat to Real Madrid. EPA
Chelsea head coach Frank Lampard comforts defender Wesley Fofana at the end of the Champions League quarter-final first leg defeat to Real Madrid. EPA
Chelsea head coach Frank Lampard comforts defender Wesley Fofana at the end of the Champions League quarter-final first leg defeat to Real Madrid. EPA

Frank Lampard believes 'door is open' for Chelsea to overturn Real Madrid tie


Steve Luckings
  • English
  • Arabic

Frank Lampard said he believes "the door is open" for Chelsea to overturn a 2-0 deficit to Real Madrid in their Champions League quarter-final tie.

A red card for Chelsea defender Ben Chilwell just before the hour mark effectively ended any hope the team had of springing a surprise at the Bernabeu, after Karim Benzema had scored to give Real Madrid a first-half lead.

Marco Asensio fired in a second after 74 minutes to leave Lampard’s team facing a mammoth task to rescue the tie at Stamford Bridge next Tuesday, as their last hope of rescuing a wretched season hangs by a thread.

“It’s a big challenge of course, a team of the quality of Real Madrid,” said Lampard.

“The door is open, it’s up to us if we want to kick it open further."

The result meant Chelsea have failed to score in four consecutive games for the first time since 1993, with three different managers having overseen a goalless run stretching back to March 18.

Chelsea had an early sight of goal when Joao Felix raced clear of Eder Militao and fired at Thibaut Courtois, only for the former Blues goalkeeper to shovel the ball to safety.

It was to be the team’s best chance until substitute Mason Mount went through in added time but his shot was blocked by former Blues teammate Antonio Rudiger.

  • Karim Benzema of Real Madrid celebrates after scoring the first goal in the 2-0 victory over Chelsea in the Champions League quarter-final first leg at the Santiago Bernabeu stadium on April 12, 2023. Getty
    Karim Benzema of Real Madrid celebrates after scoring the first goal in the 2-0 victory over Chelsea in the Champions League quarter-final first leg at the Santiago Bernabeu stadium on April 12, 2023. Getty
  • Real Madrid's Karim Benzema celebrates scoring their first goal with Vinicius Junior. Reuters
    Real Madrid's Karim Benzema celebrates scoring their first goal with Vinicius Junior. Reuters
  • Karim Benzema of Real Madrid scores their first goal as Kepa Arrizabalaga of Chelsea looks on. Getty
    Karim Benzema of Real Madrid scores their first goal as Kepa Arrizabalaga of Chelsea looks on. Getty
  • Real Madrid's Karim Benzema scores the opening goal. AP
    Real Madrid's Karim Benzema scores the opening goal. AP
  • Marco Asensio of Real Madrid celebrates after scoring the second goal. Getty
    Marco Asensio of Real Madrid celebrates after scoring the second goal. Getty
  • Real Madrid players celebrate Marco Asensio's goal. Getty
    Real Madrid players celebrate Marco Asensio's goal. Getty
  • Chelsea's Ben Chilwell fouls Real Madrid's Rodrygo on the edge of the box before being shown a red card. Reuters
    Chelsea's Ben Chilwell fouls Real Madrid's Rodrygo on the edge of the box before being shown a red card. Reuters
  • Chelsea's Ben Chillwell is shown a red card by referee Francois Letexier. EPA
    Chelsea's Ben Chillwell is shown a red card by referee Francois Letexier. EPA
  • Real Madrid's Thibaut Courtois and defender David Alaba react after the keeper made a save from Raheem Sterling. EPA
    Real Madrid's Thibaut Courtois and defender David Alaba react after the keeper made a save from Raheem Sterling. EPA
  • Kalidou Koulibaly of Chelsea leaves the field after picking up an injury. Getty
    Kalidou Koulibaly of Chelsea leaves the field after picking up an injury. Getty
  • Chelsea forward Joao Felix shoots as Real Madrid's Eder Militao tries to close him down. AFP
    Chelsea forward Joao Felix shoots as Real Madrid's Eder Militao tries to close him down. AFP
  • Chelsea defender Wesley Fofana battles with Real Madrid's Vinicius Junior. AFP
    Chelsea defender Wesley Fofana battles with Real Madrid's Vinicius Junior. AFP
  • Chelsea's Raheem Sterling and Real Madrid's Eduardo Camavinga. AFP
    Chelsea's Raheem Sterling and Real Madrid's Eduardo Camavinga. AFP
  • Real Madrid's Vinicius Junior in action against Chelsea's Wesley Fofana. EPA
    Real Madrid's Vinicius Junior in action against Chelsea's Wesley Fofana. EPA
  • Real Madrid's Toni Kroos tangles with Chelsea's Joao Felix. Reuters
    Real Madrid's Toni Kroos tangles with Chelsea's Joao Felix. Reuters
  • Chelsea's caretaker manager Frank Lampard greets Real Madrid's head coach Carlo Ancelotti. AP
    Chelsea's caretaker manager Frank Lampard greets Real Madrid's head coach Carlo Ancelotti. AP
  • Chelsea's Reece James stretches as he attempts to block a shot from Real Madrid's Karim Benzema. AFP
    Chelsea's Reece James stretches as he attempts to block a shot from Real Madrid's Karim Benzema. AFP
  • Real Madrid's Vinicius Junior tries to pass the ball as Chelsea's Wesley Fofana defends in the penalty box. AP
    Real Madrid's Vinicius Junior tries to pass the ball as Chelsea's Wesley Fofana defends in the penalty box. AP
  • Chelsea manager Frank Lampard and Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti before the match. Reuters
    Chelsea manager Frank Lampard and Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti before the match. Reuters
  • Chelsea's Joao Felix rues a missed chance. PA
    Chelsea's Joao Felix rues a missed chance. PA
  • Real Madrid's Karim Benzema battles against Chelsea's Thiago Silva. EPA
    Real Madrid's Karim Benzema battles against Chelsea's Thiago Silva. EPA
  • Real Madrid's Fede Valverde has a shot. EPA
    Real Madrid's Fede Valverde has a shot. EPA
  • Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti juggles the ball on the touchline. Getty
    Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti juggles the ball on the touchline. Getty
  • Chelsea's Reece James has a shot. AFP
    Chelsea's Reece James has a shot. AFP
  • Real Madrid's Rodrygo and Chelsea's Thiago Silva compete. AFP
    Real Madrid's Rodrygo and Chelsea's Thiago Silva compete. AFP
  • Chelsea Kepa Arrizabalaga collects the ball under pressure. AFP
    Chelsea Kepa Arrizabalaga collects the ball under pressure. AFP
  • Chelsea's Kalidou Koulibaly wins the ball in the air. AFP
    Chelsea's Kalidou Koulibaly wins the ball in the air. AFP
  • Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti gestures on the touchline as Rodrygo lies prone. AP
    Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti gestures on the touchline as Rodrygo lies prone. AP

“Mixed emotions about the game. For a period with 11 men, we were in the game, we had some chances. I think we could do better," said Lampard.

“We can utilise our strengths better, especially with the wing-backs, we can be more urgent. Those are things for myself and the staff and the players to work on. I saw opportunity there that we didn’t quite take.

“The spirit was great at the end of the game was great – 10 men for half an hour, you understand a lot of things can happen.

“We have to believe. I have to be the first one to believe this is possible.”

Real were ruthless in dispatching the rudderless visitors, from whom the attacking life seemed to drain once Benzema had struck in what to that point had been a balanced first half.

The Real captain netted from close range after 21 minutes after Kepa Arrizabalaga tipped a Vinicius Junior effort into his path.

It was the French striker's 89th Champions League goal.

Ratings

  • REAL MADRID RATINGS: Thibaut Courtois - 6. The Belgian made a decent save to prevent his team going behind in the second minute. Wasn’t really tested in the second half as Madrid took full control of the match. EPA
    REAL MADRID RATINGS: Thibaut Courtois - 6. The Belgian made a decent save to prevent his team going behind in the second minute. Wasn’t really tested in the second half as Madrid took full control of the match. EPA
  • Dani Carvajal - 6. He showed great vision to pick out Vinicius with a precise pass that led to the game’s opening goal. He later got into a needless scuffle with Kovacic and picked up a yellow card in the closing stages. Reuters
    Dani Carvajal - 6. He showed great vision to pick out Vinicius with a precise pass that led to the game’s opening goal. He later got into a needless scuffle with Kovacic and picked up a yellow card in the closing stages. Reuters
  • Eduardo Camavinga - 7. Struggled against James in the first half but improved greatly in the second and got forward to good effect. Brought a James run to a halt with a brilliant sliding challenge on the hour mark. EPA
    Eduardo Camavinga - 7. Struggled against James in the first half but improved greatly in the second and got forward to good effect. Brought a James run to a halt with a brilliant sliding challenge on the hour mark. EPA
  • Eder Militao - 8. Made a last-ditch block to stop Sterling from getting Chelsea back on level terms in the 23rd minute. Hardly put a foot wrong in the second half. AFP
    Eder Militao - 8. Made a last-ditch block to stop Sterling from getting Chelsea back on level terms in the 23rd minute. Hardly put a foot wrong in the second half. AFP
  • David Alaba - 8. Displayed good recovery pace to get back and limit Felix’s space to do damage in the opening exchanges. Played in a dangerous cross that was punched into the path of Benzema in the 90th minute. AP
    David Alaba - 8. Displayed good recovery pace to get back and limit Felix’s space to do damage in the opening exchanges. Played in a dangerous cross that was punched into the path of Benzema in the 90th minute. AP
  • Toni Kroos - 8. Was impeccable at the base of Real Madrid's midfield. He provided adequate cover for the defence, and helped kickstart attacks from deep. Reuters
    Toni Kroos - 8. Was impeccable at the base of Real Madrid's midfield. He provided adequate cover for the defence, and helped kickstart attacks from deep. Reuters
  • Luka Modric - 7. Fizzed a decent cross into the penalty area in the 40th minute but Alaba failed to get the right connection to turn it home. Helped Real Madrid win the midfield battle. Getty
    Luka Modric - 7. Fizzed a decent cross into the penalty area in the 40th minute but Alaba failed to get the right connection to turn it home. Helped Real Madrid win the midfield battle. Getty
  • Fede Valverde - 7. Stole the ball off the feet of Fofana and stung the palms of Kepa just before the break. Never stopped running in the second half and had a couple of pops at Kepa’s goal. EPA
    Fede Valverde - 7. Stole the ball off the feet of Fofana and stung the palms of Kepa just before the break. Never stopped running in the second half and had a couple of pops at Kepa’s goal. EPA
  • Rodrygo - 7. Played a quick one-two with Benzema that ended with him forcing a save from Kepa with a shot from a tight angle. Responsible for Chilwell's red card, as he got pulled to the ground by the Englishman. EPA
    Rodrygo - 7. Played a quick one-two with Benzema that ended with him forcing a save from Kepa with a shot from a tight angle. Responsible for Chilwell's red card, as he got pulled to the ground by the Englishman. EPA
  • Vinicius Junior - 9. Played a huge role in Benzema’s opener as Kepa parried his shot into the path of the Frenchman to tap home. Left Fofana in his wake and almost made it two but his attempt was cleared off the line in the 26th minute. Grabbed the assist for the second as he laid the ball on for Asensio to sweep home. Getty
    Vinicius Junior - 9. Played a huge role in Benzema’s opener as Kepa parried his shot into the path of the Frenchman to tap home. Left Fofana in his wake and almost made it two but his attempt was cleared off the line in the 26th minute. Grabbed the assist for the second as he laid the ball on for Asensio to sweep home. Getty
  • Karim Benzema - 8. Decided to shoot when laying the ball off to Vinicius looked like the better option and was thwarted by Kepa in the 12th minute. Opened the scoring with a simple tap-in from close range after Kepa failed to hold on to Vinicius's attempt. EPA
    Karim Benzema - 8. Decided to shoot when laying the ball off to Vinicius looked like the better option and was thwarted by Kepa in the 12th minute. Opened the scoring with a simple tap-in from close range after Kepa failed to hold on to Vinicius's attempt. EPA
  • SUBS: Marco Asensio (Rodrygo, 71) - N/A. Doubled Real Madrid’s lead with his first touch of the game with a shot from the edge of the penalty area into the far corner. Almost made it three ten minutes from time but his effort just flashed wide. AP
    SUBS: Marco Asensio (Rodrygo, 71) - N/A. Doubled Real Madrid’s lead with his first touch of the game with a shot from the edge of the penalty area into the far corner. Almost made it three ten minutes from time but his effort just flashed wide. AP
  • Antonio Rudiger (Camavinga, 71) - N/A. Made a goal-saving block in the second minute of extra time and celebrated as if he'd just scored a goal. Getty
    Antonio Rudiger (Camavinga, 71) - N/A. Made a goal-saving block in the second minute of extra time and celebrated as if he'd just scored a goal. Getty
  • Dani Ceballos (Modric, 81) - N/A. His ball-retaining ability under pressure was on full display as Real tried to hold on to the ball in the closing stages. AP
    Dani Ceballos (Modric, 81) - N/A. His ball-retaining ability under pressure was on full display as Real tried to hold on to the ball in the closing stages. AP
  • Aurelien Tchouameni (Kroos, 84) - N/A. Helped Real see out the game with minimal fuss. Getty
    Aurelien Tchouameni (Kroos, 84) - N/A. Helped Real see out the game with minimal fuss. Getty
  • CHELSEA RATINGS: Kepa Arrizabalaga - 6. Was the busier of the goalkeepers in the first half as he made five saves and also got a hand to Vinicius's attempt that fell into the path of Benzema for the opener. Couldn’t have done anything to stop Asensio’s goal in the second half. Getty
    CHELSEA RATINGS: Kepa Arrizabalaga - 6. Was the busier of the goalkeepers in the first half as he made five saves and also got a hand to Vinicius's attempt that fell into the path of Benzema for the opener. Couldn’t have done anything to stop Asensio’s goal in the second half. Getty
  • Wesley Fofana - 5. Picked up the first yellow card of the match for a foul on Vinicius in the fourth minute. Allowed Vinicius to get past him too easily on the half hour mark. AFP
    Wesley Fofana - 5. Picked up the first yellow card of the match for a foul on Vinicius in the fourth minute. Allowed Vinicius to get past him too easily on the half hour mark. AFP
  • Thiago Silva - 7. Put all his years of experience to good use as he delayed a run and cleared Vinicius's attempt off the line in the 26th minute. Made several blocks in the second half as Real Madrid piled on the pressure. AFP
    Thiago Silva - 7. Put all his years of experience to good use as he delayed a run and cleared Vinicius's attempt off the line in the 26th minute. Made several blocks in the second half as Real Madrid piled on the pressure. AFP
  • Kalidou Koulibaly - 6. Displayed excellent pace and strength to shield Rodrygo off the ball and stop him from running through on goal just after the break. However, he had to leave the pitch a few minutes later with an injury. Getty
    Kalidou Koulibaly - 6. Displayed excellent pace and strength to shield Rodrygo off the ball and stop him from running through on goal just after the break. However, he had to leave the pitch a few minutes later with an injury. Getty
  • Reece James - 6. Whipped in a fantastic cross that Sterling failed to get a proper connection on in the 23rd minute. Had a hard time dealing with the threat of Vinicius throughout. AFP
    Reece James - 6. Whipped in a fantastic cross that Sterling failed to get a proper connection on in the 23rd minute. Had a hard time dealing with the threat of Vinicius throughout. AFP
  • Ben Chilwell - 5. Wasn’t as adventurous as usual in the first half but he did a great job of keeping Rodrygo quiet. Undid all of his good work by needlessly pulling Rodrygo down as the Blues' last man and picking up a red card. Reuters
    Ben Chilwell - 5. Wasn’t as adventurous as usual in the first half but he did a great job of keeping Rodrygo quiet. Undid all of his good work by needlessly pulling Rodrygo down as the Blues' last man and picking up a red card. Reuters
  • Enzo Fernandez - 6. Sat deep and went on few attacking forays, but still failed to do enough to protect the backline. EPA
    Enzo Fernandez - 6. Sat deep and went on few attacking forays, but still failed to do enough to protect the backline. EPA
  • Mateo Kovacic - 6. Worked hard alongside Enzo but Real Madrid’s midfield just seemed a cut above Chelsea's. AP
    Mateo Kovacic - 6. Worked hard alongside Enzo but Real Madrid’s midfield just seemed a cut above Chelsea's. AP
  • N'Golo Kante - 6. Played Felix in on goal with a delightful pass in the second minute. Started the game brightly and found his teammates in dangerous positions but his influence waned as the game went on. AFP
    N'Golo Kante - 6. Played Felix in on goal with a delightful pass in the second minute. Started the game brightly and found his teammates in dangerous positions but his influence waned as the game went on. AFP
  • Raheem Sterling - 5. Failed to get a proper connection when James played a tantalising cross into his path in the first half. Struggled to get involved in the game, and he was subbed off in the second half. EPA
    Raheem Sterling - 5. Failed to get a proper connection when James played a tantalising cross into his path in the first half. Struggled to get involved in the game, and he was subbed off in the second half. EPA
  • Joao Felix - 6. Had the first real chance of the game when he got played through by Kante in the second minute but Courtois was equal to his shot. Began the second half in the same vein as he had the first attempt of the half with a shot that was straight at the former Chelsea keeper. EPA
    Joao Felix - 6. Had the first real chance of the game when he got played through by Kante in the second minute but Courtois was equal to his shot. Began the second half in the same vein as he had the first attempt of the half with a shot that was straight at the former Chelsea keeper. EPA
  • SUBS: Marc Cucurella (Koulibaly, 55) - 6. Impeded illegally by Militao when he looked to run through a play a cross into the box late in the game. Played a dangerous cross into the area that led to Mount’s late chance. AP
    SUBS: Marc Cucurella (Koulibaly, 55) - 6. Impeded illegally by Militao when he looked to run through a play a cross into the box late in the game. Played a dangerous cross into the area that led to Mount’s late chance. AP
  • Kai Havertz (Sterling, 65) - 5. Worked hard after coming on but he was well dealt with by the duo of Militao and Alaba in Madrid’s defence. Getty
    Kai Havertz (Sterling, 65) - 5. Worked hard after coming on but he was well dealt with by the duo of Militao and Alaba in Madrid’s defence. Getty
  • Trevoh Chalobah (Felix, 65) - 6. Did well to block a Vinicius shot in the 84th minute. Helped Chelsea see out the game without conceding a tie-ending third. Getty
    Trevoh Chalobah (Felix, 65) - 6. Did well to block a Vinicius shot in the 84th minute. Helped Chelsea see out the game without conceding a tie-ending third. Getty
  • Conor Gallagher (Kante, 75) - N/A. Was a willing runner after coming on and won the ball back a number of times. AP
    Conor Gallagher (Kante, 75) - N/A. Was a willing runner after coming on and won the ball back a number of times. AP
  • Mason Mount (Silva, 76) - N/A. Denied what looked like a certain goal with a last-ditch block from Rudiger in the third minute of extra time. AP
    Mason Mount (Silva, 76) - N/A. Denied what looked like a certain goal with a last-ditch block from Rudiger in the third minute of extra time. AP

Chilwell was shown a straight red card for pulling down Rodrygo as he ran through on goal.

Despite controlling the game, Madrid had to wait until the 74th minute for their second, with Asensio drilling home from the edge of the box after a short corner routine.

“If you don’t believe in top level sport that things will go your way … it’s a mindset and a belief,” said Lampard. “The fans will [believe]. They will come and support us."

He added: “It’ll be different next week. We’re not favourites. We weren’t favourites yesterday, we’re not favourites today. The possibilities are ours if we can take them.”

Real manager Carlo Ancelotti echoed Lampard’s words that the tie is not yet over and called on his players to show calm ahead of the return leg in London.

“I’m not exhausted, I’m quite well,” said the former Blues boss. “I have tonnes of energy. But obviously we have to suffer, it’s not simple to be on the bench even when you’re winning 2-0.

“I’m happy but we have to be calm and there’s another 90 minutes. In football, anything can happen. We have got to manage it properly and try to repeat the match we had tonight.

“We are satisfied with the result, with the performance. We’re satisfied only for tonight.

“It’s not over yet. We know really well Chelsea will try to do everything next week.”

What are the influencer academy modules?
  1. Mastery of audio-visual content creation. 
  2. Cinematography, shots and movement.
  3. All aspects of post-production.
  4. Emerging technologies and VFX with AI and CGI.
  5. Understanding of marketing objectives and audience engagement.
  6. Tourism industry knowledge.
  7. Professional ethics.
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Ziina users can donate to relief efforts in Beirut

Ziina users will be able to use the app to help relief efforts in Beirut, which has been left reeling after an August blast caused an estimated $15 billion in damage and left thousands homeless. Ziina has partnered with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees to raise money for the Lebanese capital, co-founder Faisal Toukan says. “As of October 1, the UNHCR has the first certified badge on Ziina and is automatically part of user's top friends' list during this campaign. Users can now donate any amount to the Beirut relief with two clicks. The money raised will go towards rebuilding houses for the families that were impacted by the explosion.”

The five pillars of Islam

1. Fasting 

2. Prayer 

3. Hajj 

4. Shahada 

5. Zakat 

T20 World Cup Qualifier

Final: Netherlands beat PNG by seven wickets

Qualified teams

1. Netherlands
2. PNG
3. Ireland
4. Namibia
5. Scotland
6. Oman

T20 World Cup 2020, Australia

Group A: Sri Lanka, PNG, Ireland, Oman
Group B: Bangladesh, Netherlands, Namibia, Scotland

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Why it pays to compare

A comparison of sending Dh20,000 from the UAE using two different routes at the same time - the first direct from a UAE bank to a bank in Germany, and the second from the same UAE bank via an online platform to Germany - found key differences in cost and speed. The transfers were both initiated on January 30.

Route 1: bank transfer

The UAE bank charged Dh152.25 for the Dh20,000 transfer. On top of that, their exchange rate margin added a difference of around Dh415, compared with the mid-market rate.

Total cost: Dh567.25 - around 2.9 per cent of the total amount

Total received: €4,670.30 

Route 2: online platform

The UAE bank’s charge for sending Dh20,000 to a UK dirham-denominated account was Dh2.10. The exchange rate margin cost was Dh60, plus a Dh12 fee.

Total cost: Dh74.10, around 0.4 per cent of the transaction

Total received: €4,756

The UAE bank transfer was far quicker – around two to three working days, while the online platform took around four to five days, but was considerably cheaper. In the online platform transfer, the funds were also exposed to currency risk during the period it took for them to arrive.

Desert Warrior

Starring: Anthony Mackie, Aiysha Hart, Ben Kingsley

Director: Rupert Wyatt

Rating: 3/5

Paatal Lok season two

Directors: Avinash Arun, Prosit Roy 

Stars: Jaideep Ahlawat, Ishwak Singh, Lc Sekhose, Merenla Imsong

Rating: 4.5/5

Why are you, you?

Why are you, you?
From this question, a new beginning.
From this question, a new destiny.
For you are a world, and a meeting of worlds.
Our dream is to unite that which has been
separated by history.
To return the many to the one.
A great story unites us all,
beyond colour and creed and gender.
The lightning flash of art
And the music of the heart.
We reflect all cultures, all ways.
We are a twenty first century wonder.
Universal ideals, visions of art and truth.
Now is the turning point of cultures and hopes.
Come with questions, leave with visions.
We are the link between the past and the future.
Here, through art, new possibilities are born. And
new answers are given wings.

Why are you, you?
Because we are mirrors of each other.
Because together we create new worlds.
Together we are more powerful than we know.
We connect, we inspire, we multiply illuminations
with the unique light of art.

 Ben Okri,

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Mercer, the investment consulting arm of US services company Marsh & McLennan, expects its wealth division to at least double its assets under management (AUM) in the Middle East as wealth in the region continues to grow despite economic headwinds, a company official said.

Mercer Wealth, which globally has $160 billion in AUM, plans to boost its AUM in the region to $2-$3bn in the next 2-3 years from the present $1bn, said Yasir AbuShaban, a Dubai-based principal with Mercer Wealth.

Within the next two to three years, we are looking at reaching $2 to $3 billion as a conservative estimate and we do see an opportunity to do so,” said Mr AbuShaban.

Mercer does not directly make investments, but allocates clients’ money they have discretion to, to professional asset managers. They also provide advice to clients.

“We have buying power. We can negotiate on their (client’s) behalf with asset managers to provide them lower fees than they otherwise would have to get on their own,” he added.

Mercer Wealth’s clients include sovereign wealth funds, family offices, and insurance companies among others.

From its office in Dubai, Mercer also looks after Africa, India and Turkey, where they also see opportunity for growth.

Wealth creation in Middle East and Africa (MEA) grew 8.5 per cent to $8.1 trillion last year from $7.5tn in 2015, higher than last year’s global average of 6 per cent and the second-highest growth in a region after Asia-Pacific which grew 9.9 per cent, according to consultancy Boston Consulting Group (BCG). In the region, where wealth grew just 1.9 per cent in 2015 compared with 2014, a pickup in oil prices has helped in wealth generation.

BCG is forecasting MEA wealth will rise to $12tn by 2021, growing at an annual average of 8 per cent.

Drivers of wealth generation in the region will be split evenly between new wealth creation and growth of performance of existing assets, according to BCG.

Another general trend in the region is clients’ looking for a comprehensive approach to investing, according to Mr AbuShaban.

“Institutional investors or some of the families are seeing a slowdown in the available capital they have to invest and in that sense they are looking at optimizing the way they manage their portfolios and making sure they are not investing haphazardly and different parts of their investment are working together,” said Mr AbuShaban.

Some clients also have a higher appetite for risk, given the low interest-rate environment that does not provide enough yield for some institutional investors. These clients are keen to invest in illiquid assets, such as private equity and infrastructure.

“What we have seen is a desire for higher returns in what has been a low-return environment specifically in various fixed income or bonds,” he said.

“In this environment, we have seen a de facto increase in the risk that clients are taking in things like illiquid investments, private equity investments, infrastructure and private debt, those kind of investments were higher illiquidity results in incrementally higher returns.”

The Abu Dhabi Investment Authority, one of the largest sovereign wealth funds, said in its 2016 report that has gradually increased its exposure in direct private equity and private credit transactions, mainly in Asian markets and especially in China and India. The authority’s private equity department focused on structured equities owing to “their defensive characteristics.”

Uefa Nations League

League A:
Germany, Portugal, Belgium, Spain, France, England, Switzerland, Italy, Poland, Iceland, Croatia, Netherlands

League B:
Austria, Wales, Russia, Slovakia, Sweden, Ukraine, Republic of Ireland, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Northern Ireland, Denmark, Czech Republic, Turkey

League C:
Hungary, Romania, Scotland, Slovenia, Greece, Serbia, Albania, Norway, Montenegro, Israel, Bulgaria, Finland, Cyprus, Estonia, Lithuania

League D:
Azerbaijan, Macedonia, Belarus, Georgia, Armenia, Latvia, Faroe Islands, Luxembourg, Kazakhstan, Moldova, Liechtenstein, Malta, Andorra, Kosovo, San Marino, Gibraltar

THE BIO

Born: Mukalla, Yemen, 1979

Education: UAE University, Al Ain

Family: Married with two daughters: Asayel, 7, and Sara, 6

Favourite piece of music: Horse Dance by Naseer Shamma

Favourite book: Science and geology

Favourite place to travel to: Washington DC

Best advice you’ve ever been given: If you have a dream, you have to believe it, then you will see it.

The Written World: How Literature Shaped History
Martin Puchner
Granta

Three ways to boost your credit score

Marwan Lutfi says the core fundamentals that drive better payment behaviour and can improve your credit score are:

1. Make sure you make your payments on time;

2. Limit the number of products you borrow on: the more loans and credit cards you have, the more it will affect your credit score;

3. Don't max out all your debts: how much you maximise those credit facilities will have an impact. If you have five credit cards and utilise 90 per cent of that credit, it will negatively affect your score.

List of alleged parties

 

May 12, 2020: PM and his wife Carrie attend 'work meeting' with at least 17 staff 

May 20, 2020: They attend 'bring your own booze party'

Nov 27, 2020: PM gives speech at leaving party for his staff 

Dec 10, 2020: Staff party held by then-education secretary Gavin Williamson 

Dec 13, 2020: PM and his wife throw a party

Dec 14, 2020: London mayoral candidate Shaun Bailey holds staff event at Conservative Party headquarters 

Dec 15, 2020: PM takes part in a staff quiz 

Dec 18, 2020: Downing Street Christmas party 

Where to apply

Applicants should send their completed applications - CV, covering letter, sample(s) of your work, letter of recommendation - to Nick March, Assistant Editor in Chief at The National and UAE programme administrator for the Rosalynn Carter Fellowships for Mental Health Journalism, by 5pm on April 30, 2020

Please send applications to nmarch@thenational.ae and please mark the subject line as “Rosalynn Carter Fellowship for Mental Health Journalism (UAE programme application)”.

The local advisory board will consider all applications and will interview a short list of candidates in Abu Dhabi in June 2020. Successful candidates will be informed before July 30, 2020. 

SPECS
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EEngine%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%202-litre%204-cylinder%20turbo%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EPower%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E268hp%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ETorque%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E380Nm%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EPrice%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EFrom%20Dh208%2C000%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EOn%20sale%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3ENow%0D%3Cbr%3E%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Breast cancer in men: the facts

1) Breast cancer is men is rare but can develop rapidly. It usually occurs in those over the ages of 60, but can occasionally affect younger men.

2) Symptoms can include a lump, discharge, swollen glands or a rash. 

3) People with a history of cancer in the family can be more susceptible. 

4) Treatments include surgery and chemotherapy but early diagnosis is the key. 

5) Anyone concerned is urged to contact their doctor

 

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

More from Armen Sarkissian
Manchester United v Club America

When: Thursday, 9pm Arizona time (Friday UAE, 8am)

The%20specs
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Brief scoreline:

Manchester United 2

Rashford 28', Martial 72'

Watford 1

Doucoure 90'

The schedule

December 5 - 23: Shooting competition, Al Dhafra Shooting Club

December 9 - 24: Handicrafts competition, from 4pm until 10pm, Heritage Souq

December 11 - 20: Dates competition, from 4pm

December 12 - 20: Sour milk competition

December 13: Falcon beauty competition

December 14 and 20: Saluki races

December 15: Arabian horse races, from 4pm

December 16 - 19: Falconry competition

December 18: Camel milk competition, from 7.30 - 9.30 am

December 20 and 21: Sheep beauty competition, from 10am

December 22: The best herd of 30 camels

5 of the most-popular Airbnb locations in Dubai

Bobby Grudziecki, chief operating officer of Frank Porter, identifies the five most popular areas in Dubai for those looking to make the most out of their properties and the rates owners can secure:

• Dubai Marina

The Marina and Jumeirah Beach Residence are popular locations, says Mr Grudziecki, due to their closeness to the beach, restaurants and hotels.

Frank Porter’s average Airbnb rent:
One bedroom: Dh482 to Dh739 
Two bedroom: Dh627 to Dh960 
Three bedroom: Dh721 to Dh1,104

• Downtown

Within walking distance of the Dubai Mall, Burj Khalifa and the famous fountains, this location combines business and leisure.  “Sure it’s for tourists,” says Mr Grudziecki. “Though Downtown [still caters to business people] because it’s close to Dubai International Financial Centre."

Frank Porter’s average Airbnb rent:
One bedroom: Dh497 to Dh772
Two bedroom: Dh646 to Dh1,003
Three bedroom: Dh743 to Dh1,154

• City Walk

The rising star of the Dubai property market, this area is lined with pristine sidewalks, boutiques and cafes and close to the new entertainment venue Coca Cola Arena.  “Downtown and Marina are pretty much the same prices,” Mr Grudziecki says, “but City Walk is higher.”

Frank Porter’s average Airbnb rent:
One bedroom: Dh524 to Dh809 
Two bedroom: Dh682 to Dh1,052 
Three bedroom: Dh784 to Dh1,210 

• Jumeirah Lake Towers

Dubai Marina’s little brother JLT resides on the other side of Sheikh Zayed road but is still close enough to beachside outlets and attractions. The big selling point for Airbnb renters, however, is that “it’s cheaper than Dubai Marina”, Mr Grudziecki says.

Frank Porter’s average Airbnb rent:
One bedroom: Dh422 to Dh629 
Two bedroom: Dh549 to Dh818 
Three bedroom: Dh631 to Dh941

• Palm Jumeirah

Palm Jumeirah's proximity to luxury resorts is attractive, especially for big families, says Mr Grudziecki, as Airbnb renters can secure competitive rates on one of the world’s most famous tourist destinations.

Frank Porter’s average Airbnb rent:
One bedroom: Dh503 to Dh770 
Two bedroom: Dh654 to Dh1,002 
Three bedroom: Dh752 to Dh1,152 

Company Profile

Name: Thndr
Started: 2019
Co-founders: Ahmad Hammouda and Seif Amr
Sector: FinTech
Headquarters: Egypt
UAE base: Hub71, Abu Dhabi
Current number of staff: More than 150
Funds raised: $22 million

Brave CF 27 fight card

Welterweight:
Abdoul Abdouraguimov (champion, FRA) v Jarrah Al Selawe (JOR)

Lightweight:
Anas Siraj Mounir (TUN) v Alex Martinez (CAN)

Welterweight:
Mzwandile Hlongwa (RSA) v Khamzat Chimaev (SWE)

Middleweight:
Tarek Suleiman (SYR) v Rustam Chsiev (RUS)
Mohammad Fakhreddine (LEB) v Christofer Silva (BRA)

Super lightweight:
Alex Nacfur (BRA) v Dwight Brooks (USA)

Bantamweight:
Jalal Al Daaja (JOR) v Tariq Ismail (CAN)
Chris Corton (PHI) v Zia Mashwani (PAK)

Featherweight:
Sulaiman (KUW) v Abdullatip (RUS)

Super lightweight:
Flavio Serafin (BRA) v Mohammad Al Katib (JOR)

UPI facts

More than 2.2 million Indian tourists arrived in UAE in 2023
More than 3.5 million Indians reside in UAE
Indian tourists can make purchases in UAE using rupee accounts in India through QR-code-based UPI real-time payment systems
Indian residents in UAE can use their non-resident NRO and NRE accounts held in Indian banks linked to a UAE mobile number for UPI transactions

CHELSEA SQUAD

Arrizabalaga, Bettinelli, Rudiger, Christensen, Silva, Chalobah, Sarr, Azpilicueta, James, Kenedy, Alonso, Jorginho, Kante, Kovacic, Saul, Barkley, Ziyech, Pulisic, Mount, Hudson-Odoi, Werner, Havertz, Lukaku. 

The Vile

Starring: Bdoor Mohammad, Jasem Alkharraz, Iman Tarik, Sarah Taibah

Director: Majid Al Ansari

Rating: 4/5

Ten tax points to be aware of in 2026

1. Domestic VAT refund amendments: request your refund within five years

If a business does not apply for the refund on time, they lose their credit.

2. E-invoicing in the UAE

Businesses should continue preparing for the implementation of e-invoicing in the UAE, with 2026 a preparation and transition period ahead of phased mandatory adoption. 

3. More tax audits

Tax authorities are increasingly using data already available across multiple filings to identify audit risks. 

4. More beneficial VAT and excise tax penalty regime

Tax disputes are expected to become more frequent and more structured, with clearer administrative objection and appeal processes. The UAE has adopted a new penalty regime for VAT and excise disputes, which now mirrors the penalty regime for corporate tax.

5. Greater emphasis on statutory audit

There is a greater need for the accuracy of financial statements. The International Financial Reporting Standards standards need to be strictly adhered to and, as a result, the quality of the audits will need to increase.

6. Further transfer pricing enforcement

Transfer pricing enforcement, which refers to the practice of establishing prices for internal transactions between related entities, is expected to broaden in scope. The UAE will shortly open the possibility to negotiate advance pricing agreements, or essentially rulings for transfer pricing purposes. 

7. Limited time periods for audits

Recent amendments also introduce a default five-year limitation period for tax audits and assessments, subject to specific statutory exceptions. While the standard audit and assessment period is five years, this may be extended to up to 15 years in cases involving fraud or tax evasion. 

8. Pillar 2 implementation 

Many multinational groups will begin to feel the practical effect of the Domestic Minimum Top-Up Tax (DMTT), the UAE's implementation of the OECD’s global minimum tax under Pillar 2. While the rules apply for financial years starting on or after January 1, 2025, it is 2026 that marks the transition to an operational phase.

9. Reduced compliance obligations for imported goods and services

Businesses that apply the reverse-charge mechanism for VAT purposes in the UAE may benefit from reduced compliance obligations. 

10. Substance and CbC reporting focus

Tax authorities are expected to continue strengthening the enforcement of economic substance and Country-by-Country (CbC) reporting frameworks. In the UAE, these regimes are increasingly being used as risk-assessment tools, providing tax authorities with a comprehensive view of multinational groups’ global footprints and enabling them to assess whether profits are aligned with real economic activity. 

Contributed by Thomas Vanhee and Hend Rashwan, Aurifer

Pots for the Asian Qualifiers

Pot 1: Iran, Japan, South Korea, Australia, Qatar, United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, China
Pot 2: Iraq, Uzbekistan, Syria, Oman, Lebanon, Kyrgyz Republic, Vietnam, Jordan
Pot 3: Palestine, India, Bahrain, Thailand, Tajikistan, North Korea, Chinese Taipei, Philippines
Pot 4: Turkmenistan, Myanmar, Hong Kong, Yemen, Afghanistan, Maldives, Kuwait, Malaysia
Pot 5: Indonesia, Singapore, Nepal, Cambodia, Bangladesh, Mongolia, Guam, Macau/Sri Lanka

GAC GS8 Specs

Engine: 2.0-litre 4cyl turbo

Power: 248hp at 5,200rpm

Torque: 400Nm at 1,750-4,000rpm

Transmission: 8-speed auto

Fuel consumption: 9.1L/100km

On sale: Now

Price: From Dh149,900

THE BIO

Favourite book: ‘Purpose Driven Life’ by Rick Warren

Favourite travel destination: Switzerland

Hobbies: Travelling and following motivational speeches and speakers

Favourite place in UAE: Dubai Museum

About Housecall

Date started: July 2020

Founders: Omar and Humaid Alzaabi

Based: Abu Dhabi

Sector: HealthTech

# of staff: 10

Funding to date: Self-funded

Winners

Ballon d’Or (Men’s)
Ousmane Dembélé (Paris Saint-Germain / France)

Ballon d’Or Féminin (Women’s)
Aitana Bonmatí (Barcelona / Spain)

Kopa Trophy (Best player under 21 – Men’s)
Lamine Yamal (Barcelona / Spain)

Best Young Women’s Player
Vicky López (Barcelona / Spain)

Yashin Trophy (Best Goalkeeper – Men’s)
Gianluigi Donnarumma (Paris Saint-Germain and Manchester City / Italy)

Best Women’s Goalkeeper
Hannah Hampton (England / Aston Villa and Chelsea)

Men’s Coach of the Year
Luis Enrique (Paris Saint-Germain)

Women’s Coach of the Year
Sarina Wiegman (England)

Famous left-handers

- Marie Curie

- Jimi Hendrix

- Leonardo Di Vinci

- David Bowie

- Paul McCartney

- Albert Einstein

- Jack the Ripper

- Barack Obama

- Helen Keller

- Joan of Arc

F1 line ups in 2018

Mercedes-GP Lewis Hamilton and Valtteri Bottas; Ferrari Sebastian Vettel and Kimi Raikkonen; Red Bull Daniel Ricciardo and Max Verstappen; Force India Esteban Ocon and Sergio Perez; Renault Nico Hülkenberg and Carlos Sainz Jr; Williams Lance Stroll and Felipe Massa / Robert Kubica / Paul di Resta; McLaren Fernando Alonso and Stoffel Vandoorne; Toro Rosso TBA; Haas F1 Romain Grosjean and Kevin Magnussen; Sauber TBA

The most expensive investment mistake you will ever make

When is the best time to start saving in a pension? The answer is simple – at the earliest possible moment. The first pound, euro, dollar or dirham you invest is the most valuable, as it has so much longer to grow in value. If you start in your twenties, it could be invested for 40 years or more, which means you have decades for compound interest to work its magic.

“You get growth upon growth upon growth, followed by more growth. The earlier you start the process, the more it will all roll up,” says Chris Davies, chartered financial planner at The Fry Group in Dubai.

This table shows how much you would have in your pension at age 65, depending on when you start and how much you pay in (it assumes your investments grow 7 per cent a year after charges and you have no other savings).

Age

$250 a month

$500 a month

$1,000 a month

25

$640,829

$1,281,657

$2,563,315

35

$303,219

$606,439

$1,212,877

45

$131,596

$263,191

$526,382

55

$44,351

$88,702

$177,403

 

The specs: 2019 Audi A7 Sportback

Price, base: Dh315,000

Engine: 3.0-litre V6

Transmission: Seven-speed automatic

Power: 335hp @ 5,000rpm

Torque: 500Nm @ 1,370rpm

Fuel economy 5.9L / 100km

The White Lotus: Season three

Creator: Mike White

Starring: Walton Goggins, Jason Isaacs, Natasha Rothwell

Rating: 4.5/5

Torbal Rayeh Wa Jayeh
Starring: Ali El Ghoureir, Khalil El Roumeithy, Mostafa Abo Seria
Stars: 3

Company%20Profile
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EName%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Ovasave%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EStarted%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20November%202022%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EFounders%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Majd%20Abu%20Zant%20and%20Torkia%20Mahloul%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EBased%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Abu%20Dhabi%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ESector%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Healthtech%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ENumber%20of%20staff%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Three%20employees%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EInvestment%20stage%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Pre-seed%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EInvestment%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20%24400%2C000%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Mina Cup winners

Under 12 – Minerva Academy

Under 14 – Unam Pumas

Under 16 – Fursan Hispania

Under 18 – Madenat

Scores

Oman 109-3 in 18.4 overs (Aqib Ilyas 45 not out, Aamir Kaleem 27) beat UAE 108-9 in 20 overs (Usman 27, Mustafa 24, Fayyaz 3-16, Bilal 3-23)

The specs: 2018 Volkswagen Teramont

Price, base / as tested Dh137,000 / Dh189,950

Engine 3.6-litre V6

Gearbox Eight-speed automatic

Power 280hp @ 6,200rpm

Torque 360Nm @ 2,750rpm

Fuel economy, combined 11.7L / 100km

The biog

Name: Sarah Al Senaani

Age: 35

Martial status: Married with three children - aged 8, 6 and 2

Education: Masters of arts in cultural communication and tourism

Favourite movie: Captain Corelli’s Mandolin

Favourite hobbies: Art and horseback ridding

Occupation: Communication specialist at a government agency and the owner of Atelier

Favourite cuisine: Definitely Emirati - harees is my favourite dish

Updated: April 13, 2023, 3:22 AM