Karim Benzema is set to join Saudi Pro League champions Al Ittihad from Real Madrid. EPA
Karim Benzema is set to join Saudi Pro League champions Al Ittihad from Real Madrid. EPA
Karim Benzema is set to join Saudi Pro League champions Al Ittihad from Real Madrid. EPA
Karim Benzema is set to join Saudi Pro League champions Al Ittihad from Real Madrid. EPA

Saudi champions Al Ittihad set to sign Karim Benzema from Real Madrid


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Saudi Pro League champions Al Ittihad are expected to sign Karim Benzema on a two-year deal from Real Madrid, Saudi state broadcaster Al Ekhbariya reported on Sunday.

Benzema is set to move to the kingdom after Real Madrid announced earlier on Sunday that the French international will leave the La Liga club after 14 years as a free agent.

Al Ekhbariya said Al Ittihad's chairman and vice chairman had travelled to Madrid to negotiate a "record deal" with the 35-year-old striker.

Benzema is one of the most decorated players in Real Madrid history, and the current Ballon d'Or and Uefa Player of the Year. He leaves the club as its second all-time scorer with 353 goals.

During his 14 years at the Bernabeu, Benzema helped the club to win five Champions Leagues and four La Liga titles, along with five Club World Cups and three Copa del Reys.

"Real Madrid and our captain Karim Benzema have agreed to end his brilliant and unforgettable period as a player for our club. Real Madrid wants to show its gratitude and all its affection for who is already one of our greatest legends," the club said in a statement.

"Karim Benzema's career at Real Madrid has been an example of behaviour and professionalism, and has represented the values of our club. Karim Benzema has earned the right to decide his future."

Benzema will now follow former Real teammate Cristiano Ronaldo to the kingdom by joining Pro League champions Al Ittihad, who secured the title ahead of Ronaldo's Al Nassr, next season.

Earlier, Portuguese superstar Ronaldo had said he is happy in Saudi Arabia and hopes other big-name players will follow him to the league.

Ronaldo signed a mega deal reported to be worth more than $200 million a year. Since then, other stars have been linked with a move to Saudi Arabia.

Argentina star Lionel Messi could soon finalise a similarly big move to Al Hilal. Sergio Busquets, Jordi Alba, Angel Di Maria, N’Golo Kante and Sadio Mane are also said to be considering a move to the kingdom.

Benzema's final appearance for Real Madrid could be on Sunday when they host Athletic Bilbao in La Liga.

Madrid confirmed on Saturday that Eden Hazard, Marco Asensio and Mariano Diaz are all departing this summer, too, leaving plenty of space for new acquisitions.

  • Real Madrid and France striker Karim Benzema receives the Ballon d'Or award during the Ballon d'Or ceremony at Theatre Du Chatelet in Paris on October 17, 2022 in Paris. Getty Images
    Real Madrid and France striker Karim Benzema receives the Ballon d'Or award during the Ballon d'Or ceremony at Theatre Du Chatelet in Paris on October 17, 2022 in Paris. Getty Images
  • Karim Benzema receives the Ballon d'Or award from Zinedine Zidane next to his mother Malika Benzema, his son Ibrahim and his father Hafid Benzema. Getty Images
    Karim Benzema receives the Ballon d'Or award from Zinedine Zidane next to his mother Malika Benzema, his son Ibrahim and his father Hafid Benzema. Getty Images
  • Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema and former Chelsea striker Didier Drogba speak on stage during the Ballon d'Or ceremony at Theatre Du Chatelet in Paris. Getty Images
    Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema and former Chelsea striker Didier Drogba speak on stage during the Ballon d'Or ceremony at Theatre Du Chatelet in Paris. Getty Images
  • Karim Benzema receives the Ballon d'Or award from Zinedine Zidane next to his mother Malika Benzema, his son Ibrahim and his father Hafid Benzema. Getty Images
    Karim Benzema receives the Ballon d'Or award from Zinedine Zidane next to his mother Malika Benzema, his son Ibrahim and his father Hafid Benzema. Getty Images
  • Former Real Madrid manager Zinedine Zidane, right, applauds Karim Benzema after receiving the Ballon d'Or award. Getty Images
    Former Real Madrid manager Zinedine Zidane, right, applauds Karim Benzema after receiving the Ballon d'Or award. Getty Images
  • Karim Benzema gives a thumbs up. Getty Images
    Karim Benzema gives a thumbs up. Getty Images
  • Karim Benzema of Real Madrid kisses his father Hafid Benzema next to his mother Wahida Djebbara. EPA
    Karim Benzema of Real Madrid kisses his father Hafid Benzema next to his mother Wahida Djebbara. EPA
  • Didier Drigba, Zinedine Zidane, Karim Benzema and French-British TV journalist Sandy Heribert. EPA
    Didier Drigba, Zinedine Zidane, Karim Benzema and French-British TV journalist Sandy Heribert. EPA
  • Real Madrid's Karim Benzema after winning the Ballon d'Or. Reuters
    Real Madrid's Karim Benzema after winning the Ballon d'Or. Reuters
  • Real Madrid's Karim Benzema hugs former Real Madrid manager Zinedine Zidane after winning the Ballon d'Or with former player and manager Zinedine Zidane. Reuters
    Real Madrid's Karim Benzema hugs former Real Madrid manager Zinedine Zidane after winning the Ballon d'Or with former player and manager Zinedine Zidane. Reuters
  • Real Madrid's Karim Benzema after winning the Ballon d'Or. Reuters
    Real Madrid's Karim Benzema after winning the Ballon d'Or. Reuters
2019 ASIA CUP POTS

Pot 1
UAE, Iran, Australia, Japan, South Korea, Saudi Arabia

Pot 2
China, Syria, Uzbekistan, Iraq, Qatar, Thailand

Pot 3
Kyrgyzstan, Lebanon, Palestine, Oman, India, Vietnam

Pot 4
North Korea, Philippines, Bahrain, Jordan, Yemen, Turkmenistan

Classification of skills

A worker is categorised as skilled by the MOHRE based on nine levels given in the International Standard Classification of Occupations (ISCO) issued by the International Labour Organisation. 

A skilled worker would be someone at a professional level (levels 1 – 5) which includes managers, professionals, technicians and associate professionals, clerical support workers, and service and sales workers.

The worker must also have an attested educational certificate higher than secondary or an equivalent certification, and earn a monthly salary of at least Dh4,000. 

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Read part four: an affection for classic cars lives on

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Read part two: how climate change drove the race for an alternative 

COMPANY PROFILE
Name: Mamo 

 Year it started: 2019 Founders: Imad Gharazeddine, Asim Janjua

 Based: Dubai, UAE

 Number of employees: 28

 Sector: Financial services

 Investment: $9.5m

 Funding stage: Pre-Series A Investors: Global Ventures, GFC, 4DX Ventures, AlRajhi Partners, Olive Tree Capital, and prominent Silicon Valley investors. 

 
Explainer: Tanween Design Programme

Non-profit arts studio Tashkeel launched this annual initiative with the intention of supporting budding designers in the UAE. This year, three talents were chosen from hundreds of applicants to be a part of the sixth creative development programme. These are architect Abdulla Al Mulla, interior designer Lana El Samman and graphic designer Yara Habib.

The trio have been guided by experts from the industry over the course of nine months, as they developed their own products that merge their unique styles with traditional elements of Emirati design. This includes laboratory sessions, experimental and collaborative practice, investigation of new business models and evaluation.

It is led by British contemporary design project specialist Helen Voce and mentor Kevin Badni, and offers participants access to experts from across the world, including the likes of UK designer Gareth Neal and multidisciplinary designer and entrepreneur, Sheikh Salem Al Qassimi.

The final pieces are being revealed in a worldwide limited-edition release on the first day of Downtown Designs at Dubai Design Week 2019. Tashkeel will be at stand E31 at the exhibition.

Lisa Ball-Lechgar, deputy director of Tashkeel, said: “The diversity and calibre of the applicants this year … is reflective of the dynamic change that the UAE art and design industry is witnessing, with young creators resolute in making their bold design ideas a reality.”

How to apply for a drone permit
  • Individuals must register on UAE Drone app or website using their UAE Pass
  • Add all their personal details, including name, nationality, passport number, Emiratis ID, email and phone number
  • Upload the training certificate from a centre accredited by the GCAA
  • Submit their request
What are the regulations?
  • Fly it within visual line of sight
  • Never over populated areas
  • Ensure maximum flying height of 400 feet (122 metres) above ground level is not crossed
  • Users must avoid flying over restricted areas listed on the UAE Drone app
  • Only fly the drone during the day, and never at night
  • Should have a live feed of the drone flight
  • Drones must weigh 5 kg or less
HAJJAN
%3Cp%3EDirector%3A%20Abu%20Bakr%20Shawky%C2%A0%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cbr%3EStarring%3A%20Omar%20Alatawi%2C%20Tulin%20Essam%2C%20Ibrahim%20Al-Hasawi%C2%A0%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cbr%3ERating%3A%204%2F5%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
SERIES SCHEDULE

First Test, Galle International Stadium
July 26-30
Second Test, Sinhalese Sports Club Ground
August 3-7
Third Test, Pallekele International Cricket Stadium
August 12-16
First ODI, Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium
August 20
Second ODI, Pallekele International Cricket Stadium
August 24
Third ODI, Pallekele International Cricket Stadium
August 27
Fourth ODI, R Premadasa Stadium
August 31
Fifth ODI, R Premadasa Stadium
September 3
T20, R Premadasa Stadium
September 6

Company%20profile
%3Cp%3EDate%20started%3A%20January%202022%3Cbr%3EFounders%3A%20Omar%20Abu%20Innab%2C%20Silvia%20Eldawi%2C%20Walid%20Shihabi%3Cbr%3EBased%3A%20Dubai%3Cbr%3ESector%3A%20PropTech%20%2F%20investment%3Cbr%3EEmployees%3A%2040%3Cbr%3EStage%3A%20Seed%3Cbr%3EInvestors%3A%20Multiple%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Australia tour of Pakistan

March 4-8: First Test, Rawalpindi  

March 12-16: Second Test, Karachi 

March 21-25: Third Test, Lahore

March 29: First ODI, Rawalpindi

March 31: Second ODI, Rawalpindi

April 2: Third ODI, Rawalpindi

April 5: T20I, Rawalpindi

Fight card
  • Aliu Bamidele Lasisi (Nigeria) beat Artid Vamrungauea (Thailand) POINTS
  • Julaidah Abdulfatah (Saudi Arabia) beat Martin Kabrhel (Czech Rep) POINTS
  • Kem Ljungquist (Denmark) beat Mourad Omar (Egypt) TKO
  • Michael Lawal (UK) beat Tamas Kozma (Hungary) KO​​​​​​​
  • Zuhayr Al Qahtani (Saudi Arabia) beat Mohammed Mahmoud (UK) POINTS
  • Darren Surtees (UK) beat Kane Baker (UK) KO
  • Chris Eubank Jr (UK) beat JJ McDonagh (Ireland) TKO
  • Callum Smith (UK) beat George Groves (UK) KO
Match statistics

Dubai Sports City Eagles 8 Dubai Exiles 85

Eagles
Try:
Bailey
Pen: Carey

Exiles
Tries:
Botes 3, Sackmann 2, Fourie 2, Penalty, Walsh, Gairn, Crossley, Stubbs
Cons: Gerber 7
Pens: Gerber 3

Man of the match: Tomas Sackmann (Exiles)

Results

6.30pm: Dubai Millennium Stakes Group Three US$200,000 (Turf) 2,000m; Winner: Ghaiyyath, William Buick (jockey), Charlie Appleby (trainer).

7.05pm: Handicap $135,000 (T) 1,600m; Winner: Cliffs Of Capri, Tadhg O’Shea, Jamie Osborne.

7.40pm: UAE Oaks Group Three $250,000 (Dirt) 1,900m; Winner: Down On Da Bayou, Mickael Barzalona, Salem bin Ghadayer.

8.15pm: Zabeel Mile Group Two $250,000 (T) 1,600m; Winner: Zakouski, James Doyle, Charlie Appleby.

8.50pm: Meydan Sprint Group Two $250,000 (T) 1,000m; Winner: Waady, Jim Crowley, Doug Watson.

TYPES%20OF%20ONLINE%20GIG%20WORK
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EDesign%2C%20multimedia%20and%20creative%20work%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3ELogo%20design%2C%20website%20design%2C%20visualisations%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EBusiness%20and%20professional%20management%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3ELegal%20or%20management%20consulting%2C%20architecture%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EBusiness%20and%20professional%20support%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EResearch%20support%2C%20proofreading%2C%20bookkeeping%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ESales%20and%20marketing%20support%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3ESearch%20engine%20optimisation%2C%20social%20media%20marketing%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EData%20entry%2C%20administrative%2C%20and%20clerical%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EData%20entry%20tasks%2C%20virtual%20assistants%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EIT%2C%20software%20development%20and%20tech%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EData%20analyst%2C%20back-end%20or%20front-end%20developers%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EWriting%20and%20translation%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EContent%20writing%2C%20ghost%20writing%2C%20translation%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EOnline%20microtasks%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EImage%20tagging%2C%20surveys%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cem%3ESource%3A%20World%20Bank%3C%2Fem%3E%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
The White Lotus: Season three

Creator: Mike White

Starring: Walton Goggins, Jason Isaacs, Natasha Rothwell

Rating: 4.5/5

Our legal consultants

Name: Hassan Mohsen Elhais

Position: legal consultant with Al Rowaad Advocates and Legal Consultants.

ONCE UPON A TIME IN GAZA

Starring: Nader Abd Alhay, Majd Eid, Ramzi Maqdisi

Directors: Tarzan and Arab Nasser

Rating: 4.5/5

How%20to%20avoid%20getting%20scammed
%3Cul%3E%0A%3Cli%3ENever%20click%20on%20links%20provided%20via%20app%20or%20SMS%2C%20even%20if%20they%20seem%20to%20come%20from%20authorised%20senders%20at%20first%20glance%3C%2Fli%3E%0A%3Cli%3EAlways%20double-check%20the%20authenticity%20of%20websites%3C%2Fli%3E%0A%3Cli%3EEnable%20Two-Factor%20Authentication%20(2FA)%20for%20all%20your%20working%20and%20personal%20services%3C%2Fli%3E%0A%3Cli%3EOnly%20use%20official%20links%20published%20by%20the%20respective%20entity%3C%2Fli%3E%0A%3Cli%3EDouble-check%20the%20web%20addresses%20to%20reduce%20exposure%20to%20fake%20sites%20created%20with%20domain%20names%20containing%20spelling%20errors%3C%2Fli%3E%0A%3C%2Ful%3E%0A
Updated: June 04, 2023, 11:48 AM