• Robert Lewandowski of Bayern Munich has scored 47 goals this season for his club and for Poland. Getty
    Robert Lewandowski of Bayern Munich has scored 47 goals this season for his club and for Poland. Getty
  • Borussia Dortmund's Erling Braut Haaland has 39 goals for his club and Norway. EPA
    Borussia Dortmund's Erling Braut Haaland has 39 goals for his club and Norway. EPA
  • Cristiano Ronaldo has netted 33 times for Juventus and Portugal. AFP
    Cristiano Ronaldo has netted 33 times for Juventus and Portugal. AFP
  • Inter Milan striker Romelu Lukaku has 32 goals for his club and Belgium. AFP
    Inter Milan striker Romelu Lukaku has 32 goals for his club and Belgium. AFP
  • Paris St Germain's Kylian Mbappe has scored 31 times for club and France. Reuters
    Paris St Germain's Kylian Mbappe has scored 31 times for club and France. Reuters
  • Tottenham's Harry Kane has scored 29 times for his club and England. PA
    Tottenham's Harry Kane has scored 29 times for his club and England. PA
  • Egyptian midfielder Mohamed Salah has 27 goals for Liverpool. AFP
    Egyptian midfielder Mohamed Salah has 27 goals for Liverpool. AFP
  • Barcelona's Lionel Messi has 24 goals for club and Argentina. Reuters
    Barcelona's Lionel Messi has 24 goals for club and Argentina. Reuters
  • Sevilla forward Youssef En-Nesyri has 24 goals for his club and Morocco. AFP
    Sevilla forward Youssef En-Nesyri has 24 goals for his club and Morocco. AFP
  • Andre Silva has 23 goals playing for Eintracht Frankfurt and Portugal. Getty
    Andre Silva has 23 goals playing for Eintracht Frankfurt and Portugal. Getty
  • Atletico Madrid's Luis Suarez has scored 23 times for his club and Uruguay. EPA
    Atletico Madrid's Luis Suarez has scored 23 times for his club and Uruguay. EPA
  • Manchester United's Bruno Fernandes has scored 23 times for his club and Portugal. PA
    Manchester United's Bruno Fernandes has scored 23 times for his club and Portugal. PA
  • Real Madrid's French forward Karim Benzema has 23 goals. AFP
    Real Madrid's French forward Karim Benzema has 23 goals. AFP
  • Luis Muriel of Atalanta has 22 goals for club and Colombia. Getty
    Luis Muriel of Atalanta has 22 goals for club and Colombia. Getty
  • Wolfsburg's Dutch forward Wout Weghorst has 22 goals to his name. AFP
    Wolfsburg's Dutch forward Wout Weghorst has 22 goals to his name. AFP
  • Villarreal's Spanish forward Gerard Moreno has scored 22 times playing for club and country. AP
    Villarreal's Spanish forward Gerard Moreno has scored 22 times playing for club and country. AP
  • Everton's England striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin has scored 21 goals. EPA
    Everton's England striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin has scored 21 goals. EPA
  • Lazio's Italian forward Ciro Immobile has scored 21 goals. Getty
    Lazio's Italian forward Ciro Immobile has scored 21 goals. Getty
  • Andrej Kramaric of Hoffenheim and Croatia has scored 20 goals. Getty
    Andrej Kramaric of Hoffenheim and Croatia has scored 20 goals. Getty
  • Manchester City's German midfielder Ilkay Gundogan has 19 goals playing for club and country. Reuters
    Manchester City's German midfielder Ilkay Gundogan has 19 goals playing for club and country. Reuters
  • Tottenham Hotspur's South Korean striker Son Heung-Min has scored 18 times. AFP
    Tottenham Hotspur's South Korean striker Son Heung-Min has scored 18 times. AFP
  • AC Milan's Swedish forward Zlatan Ibrahimovic has 17 goals - and is now playing for Sweden again. AFP
    AC Milan's Swedish forward Zlatan Ibrahimovic has 17 goals - and is now playing for Sweden again. AFP

Bayern Munich face-up to Robert Lewandowski injury blow as Borussia Dortmund brace themselves for Erling Braut Haaland exit


  • English
  • Arabic

BUNDESLIGA FIXTURES

Saturday

Borussia Dortmund v Eintracht Frankfurt (5.30pm kick-off UAE)

Bayer Leverkusen v Schalke (5.30pm)

Wolfsburg v Cologne (5.30pm)

Mainz v Arminia Bielefeld (5.30pm)

Augsburg v Hoffenheim (5.30pm)

RB Leipzig v Bayern Munich (8.30pm)

Borussia Monchengladbach v Freiburg (10.30pm)

Sunday

VfB Stuttgart v Werder Bremen  (5.30pm)

Union Berlin v Hertha Berlin (8pm)

Thomas Muller admits Robert Lewandowski's knee injury could not have come at a worse time for Bayern Munich ahead of Saturday's Bundesliga showdown at RB Leipzig and their Champions League quarter-final against Paris Saint-Germain.

The Poland striker was sidelined for four weeks after damaging ligaments in his right knee last Sunday during their World Cup qualifying win over Androrra.

Bayern lead second-placed Leipzig by four points in their bid for a ninth straight Bundesliga title.

"Injury to Lewy is bitter news for us. It's the worst possible time," said Bayern forward Muller. "Well, others will have to step into the breach."

The statistics show Lewandowski's importance to Bayern. The 32-year-old has scored 35 goals in 26 league games this term to put him within range of Gerd Mueller's record of 40 goals in a single Bundesliga season.

Lewandowski will miss the Champions League first leg against PSG in Munich on Wednesday and the return game on April 13.

Should holders Bayern progress, Lewandowski would even face a race against time to be fit for the first leg of the semi-final against either Manchester City or Borussia Dortmund on April 28.

Against Leipzig, Bayern manager Hansi Flick is likely to start Germany winger Serge Gnabry as a solo striker, playing in front of Mueller.

Selecting Lewandowski's under-study Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting or moving Mueller forward are other options.

Bayern are also missing suspended defenders Alphonso Davies and Jerome Boateng, meaning Niklas Suele is likely to partner David Alaba at centre-back.

Leipzig expect a tough battle "even without Lewandowski", according to sporting director Markus Kroesche.

However, captain Marcel Sabitzer sees it as a chance for the hosts. "We have nothing to lose. The fact the pressure is not on us suits our team," said Sabitzer.

US midfielder Tyler Adams said Leipzig want to "give them [Bayern] a good fight".

Dortmund face Manchester City on Tuesday in their Champions League quarter-final first leg, but are in danger of missing out on next season's tournament.

__________________________________________________________________

Gallery: Bayern 4 Stuttgart 0

  • Robert Lewandowski, left, celebrates with Serge Gnabry after scoring Bayern Munich's opening goal in their 4-0 Bundesliga win over Stuttgart at the Allianz Arena on Saturday, March 20. AP
    Robert Lewandowski, left, celebrates with Serge Gnabry after scoring Bayern Munich's opening goal in their 4-0 Bundesliga win over Stuttgart at the Allianz Arena on Saturday, March 20. AP
  • Robert Lewandowski heads home his second and Bayern's third goal. Getty
    Robert Lewandowski heads home his second and Bayern's third goal. Getty
  • Bayern Munich's Benjamin Pavard. Reuters
    Bayern Munich's Benjamin Pavard. Reuters
  • Bayern's Polish forward Robert Lewandowski celebrates scoring his team's fourth goal with teammates. AFP
    Bayern's Polish forward Robert Lewandowski celebrates scoring his team's fourth goal with teammates. AFP
  • Stuttgart's Marc-Oliver Kempf challenges Bayern winger Leroy Sane. AP
    Stuttgart's Marc-Oliver Kempf challenges Bayern winger Leroy Sane. AP
  • Referee Daniel Schlager shows Bayern's Alphonso Davies a red card. Getty
    Referee Daniel Schlager shows Bayern's Alphonso Davies a red card. Getty
  • Bayern Munich's Serge Gnabry celebrates scoring their second goal with Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting. Reuters
    Bayern Munich's Serge Gnabry celebrates scoring their second goal with Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting. Reuters
  • Bayern forward Robert Lewandowski celebrates completing his first-half hat-trick. AFP
    Bayern forward Robert Lewandowski celebrates completing his first-half hat-trick. AFP
  • Stuttgart's Gonzalo Castro fails to find his way past a Bayern wall from a free-kick. Reuters
    Stuttgart's Gonzalo Castro fails to find his way past a Bayern wall from a free-kick. Reuters
  • Stuttgart goalkeeper Gregor Kobesaves Bayern's Thomas Muller. AP
    Stuttgart goalkeeper Gregor Kobesaves Bayern's Thomas Muller. AP

__________________________________________________________________

On Saturday, they host fourth-placed Eintracht Frankfurt, who fifth-placed Dortmund trail by four points with eight games remaining.

"This is incredibly important for us," said Dortmund manager Edin Terzic. "It's a landmark game because we can narrow the gap."

Failure to qualify for the Champions League could see Dortmund lose the likes of Erling Braut Haaland and Jadon Sancho in the transfer window, and may also carry serious financial consequences.

Dortmund's finance director told local paper the Ruhr Nachrichten that the club lost € 43.5 million ($51m) in revenue in 2020. Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the result could even be "significantly worse again" in 2021.

Haaland has scored 21 goals in as many league games this season, but is showing signs of frustration with his Dortmund team-mates.

He stormed off, clearly angry with another poor team performance, after his second goal rescued a 2-2 draw at Cologne 10 days ago.

According to media reports, the 20-year-old's father Alf-Inge Haaland and agent Mino Raiola met with Barcelona representatives on Thursday.

Man City and Real Madrid are also said to be interested in Haaland, who is under contract at Dortmund until 2024.

Any thoughts of the Norwegian hotshot moving to rivals Bayern have been shot down by the Bavarian's chief executive Karl-Heinz Rummenigge.

"I don't know where the rumours have come from," he told Bild. "I can only say one thing: we have the world's best footballer in this position. Robert Lewandowski has a contract until 2023."

Elsewhere, third-placed Wolfsburg host relegation-threatened Cologne, while Union Berlin look to boost their European hopes in the capital-city derby against struggling rivals Hertha Berlin on Sunday.

__________________________________________________________________

Youngest players to score 100 career goals

  • 20 years old - Neymar. AFP
    20 years old - Neymar. AFP
  • 20 years 228 days - Erling Braut Haaland. AFP
    20 years 228 days - Erling Braut Haaland. AFP
  • 20 years 356 days - Kylian Mbappe. Reuters
    20 years 356 days - Kylian Mbappe. Reuters
  • 22 years 138 days - Romelu Lukaku. Reuters
    22 years 138 days - Romelu Lukaku. Reuters
  • 22 years 147 days - Sergio Aguero. PA
    22 years 147 days - Sergio Aguero. PA
  • 22 years 206 days - Lionel Messi. Getty Images
    22 years 206 days - Lionel Messi. Getty Images
  • 23 years 37 days - Wayne Rooney. AFP
    23 years 37 days - Wayne Rooney. AFP
  • 23 years 133 days - Michael Owen. Reuters
    23 years 133 days - Michael Owen. Reuters
  • 23 years 213 days - Harry Kane. PA
    23 years 213 days - Harry Kane. PA
  • 23 years 255 - Cristiano Ronaldo. Getty Images
    23 years 255 - Cristiano Ronaldo. Getty Images
  • 23 years, 282 days - Robbie Fowler. Getty Images
    23 years, 282 days - Robbie Fowler. Getty Images
  • 26 years 63 days old - Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang. AFP
    26 years 63 days old - Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang. AFP
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

Women & Power: A Manifesto

Mary Beard

Profile Books and London Review of Books 

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. 

The five pillars of Islam
Pox that threatens the Middle East's native species

Camelpox

Caused by a virus related to the one that causes human smallpox, camelpox typically causes fever, swelling of lymph nodes and skin lesions in camels aged over three, but the animal usually recovers after a month or so. Younger animals may develop a more acute form that causes internal lesions and diarrhoea, and is often fatal, especially when secondary infections result. It is found across the Middle East as well as in parts of Asia, Africa, Russia and India.

Falconpox

Falconpox can cause a variety of types of lesions, which can affect, for example, the eyelids, feet and the areas above and below the beak. It is a problem among captive falcons and is one of many types of avian pox or avipox diseases that together affect dozens of bird species across the world. Among the other forms are pigeonpox, turkeypox, starlingpox and canarypox. Avipox viruses are spread by mosquitoes and direct bird-to-bird contact.

Houbarapox

Houbarapox is, like falconpox, one of the many forms of avipox diseases. It exists in various forms, with a type that causes skin lesions being least likely to result in death. Other forms cause more severe lesions, including internal lesions, and are more likely to kill the bird, often because secondary infections develop. This summer the CVRL reported an outbreak of pox in houbaras after rains in spring led to an increase in mosquito numbers.

Price, base / as tested From Dh173,775 (base model)
Engine 2.0-litre 4cyl turbo, AWD
Power 249hp at 5,500rpm
Torque 365Nm at 1,300-4,500rpm
Gearbox Nine-speed auto
Fuel economy, combined 7.9L/100km

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 

The President's Cake

Director: Hasan Hadi

Starring: Baneen Ahmad Nayyef, Waheed Thabet Khreibat, Sajad Mohamad Qasem 

Rating: 4/5

About Karol Nawrocki

• Supports military aid for Ukraine, unlike other eurosceptic leaders, but he will oppose its membership in western alliances.

• A nationalist, his campaign slogan was Poland First. "Let's help others, but let's take care of our own citizens first," he said on social media in April.

• Cultivates tough-guy image, posting videos of himself at shooting ranges and in boxing rings.

• Met Donald Trump at the White House and received his backing.

What are the GCSE grade equivalents?
 
  • Grade 9 = above an A*
  • Grade 8 = between grades A* and A
  • Grade 7 = grade A
  • Grade 6 = just above a grade B
  • Grade 5 = between grades B and C
  • Grade 4 = grade C
  • Grade 3 = between grades D and E
  • Grade 2 = between grades E and F
  • Grade 1 = between grades F and G
10 tips for entry-level job seekers
  • Have an up-to-date, professional LinkedIn profile. If you don’t have a LinkedIn account, set one up today. Avoid poor-quality profile pictures with distracting backgrounds. Include a professional summary and begin to grow your network.
  • Keep track of the job trends in your sector through the news. Apply for job alerts at your dream organisations and the types of jobs you want – LinkedIn uses AI to share similar relevant jobs based on your selections.
  • Double check that you’ve highlighted relevant skills on your resume and LinkedIn profile.
  • For most entry-level jobs, your resume will first be filtered by an applicant tracking system for keywords. Look closely at the description of the job you are applying for and mirror the language as much as possible (while being honest and accurate about your skills and experience).
  • Keep your CV professional and in a simple format – make sure you tailor your cover letter and application to the company and role.
  • Go online and look for details on job specifications for your target position. Make a list of skills required and set yourself some learning goals to tick off all the necessary skills one by one.
  • Don’t be afraid to reach outside your immediate friends and family to other acquaintances and let them know you are looking for new opportunities.
  • Make sure you’ve set your LinkedIn profile to signal that you are “open to opportunities”. Also be sure to use LinkedIn to search for people who are still actively hiring by searching for those that have the headline “I’m hiring” or “We’re hiring” in their profile.
  • Prepare for online interviews using mock interview tools. Even before landing interviews, it can be useful to start practising.
  • Be professional and patient. Always be professional with whoever you are interacting with throughout your search process, this will be remembered. You need to be patient, dedicated and not give up on your search. Candidates need to make sure they are following up appropriately for roles they have applied.

Arda Atalay, head of Mena private sector at LinkedIn Talent Solutions, Rudy Bier, managing partner of Kinetic Business Solutions and Ben Kinerman Daltrey, co-founder of KinFitz

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)

Spain drain

CONVICTED

Lionel Messi Found guilty in 2016 of of using companies in Belize, Britain, Switzerland and Uruguay to avoid paying €4.1m in taxes on income earned from image rights. Sentenced to 21 months in jail and fined more than €2m. But prison sentence has since been replaced by another fine of €252,000.

Javier Mascherano Accepted one-year suspended sentence in January 2016 for tax fraud after found guilty of failing to pay €1.5m in taxes for 2011 and 2012. Unlike Messi he avoided trial by admitting to tax evasion.

Angel di Maria Argentina and Paris Saint-Germain star Angel di Maria was fined and given a 16-month prison sentence for tax fraud during his time at Real Madrid. But he is unlikely to go to prison as is normal in Spain for first offences for non-violent crimes carrying sentence of less than two years.

 

SUSPECTED

Cristiano Ronaldo Real Madrid's star striker, accused of evading €14.7m in taxes, appears in court on Monday. Portuguese star faces four charges of fraud through offshore companies.

Jose Mourinho Manchester United manager accused of evading €3.3m in tax in 2011 and 2012, during time in charge at Real Madrid. But Gestifute, which represents him, says he has already settled matter with Spanish tax authorities.

Samuel Eto'o In November 2016, Spanish prosecutors sought jail sentence of 10 years and fines totalling €18m for Cameroonian, accused of failing to pay €3.9m in taxes during time at Barcelona from 2004 to 2009.

Radamel Falcao Colombian striker Falcao suspected of failing to correctly declare €7.4m of income earned from image rights between 2012 and 2013 while at Atletico Madrid. He has since paid €8.2m to Spanish tax authorities, a sum that includes interest on the original amount.

Jorge Mendes Portuguese super-agent put under official investigation last month by Spanish court investigating alleged tax evasion by Falcao, a client of his. He defended himself, telling closed-door hearing he "never" advised players in tax matters.

The Melbourne Mercer Global Pension Index

The Melbourne Mercer Global Pension Index

Mazen Abukhater, principal and actuary at global consultancy Mercer, Middle East, says the company’s Melbourne Mercer Global Pension Index - which benchmarks 34 pension schemes across the globe to assess their adequacy, sustainability and integrity - included Saudi Arabia for the first time this year to offer a glimpse into the region.

The index highlighted fundamental issues for all 34 countries, such as a rapid ageing population and a low growth / low interest environment putting pressure on expected returns. It also highlighted the increasing popularity around the world of defined contribution schemes.

“Average life expectancy has been increasing by about three years every 10 years. Someone born in 1947 is expected to live until 85 whereas someone born in 2007 is expected to live to 103,” Mr Abukhater told the Mena Pensions Conference.

“Are our systems equipped to handle these kind of life expectancies in the future? If so many people retire at 60, they are going to be in retirement for 43 years – so we need to adapt our retirement age to our changing life expectancy.”

Saudi Arabia came in the middle of Mercer’s ranking with a score of 58.9. The report said the country's index could be raised by improving the minimum level of support for the poorest aged individuals and increasing the labour force participation rate at older ages as life expectancies rise.

Mr Abukhater said the challenges of an ageing population, increased life expectancy and some individuals relying solely on their government for financial support in their retirement years will put the system under strain.

“To relieve that pressure, governments need to consider whether it is time to switch to a defined contribution scheme so that individuals can supplement their own future with the help of government support,” he said.

Avatar: Fire and Ash

Director: James Cameron

Starring: Sam Worthington, Sigourney Weaver, Zoe Saldana

Rating: 4.5/5

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 National's picks

4.35pm: Tilal Al Khalediah
5.10pm: Continous
5.45pm: Raging Torrent
6.20pm: West Acre
7pm: Flood Zone
7.40pm: Straight No Chaser
8.15pm: Romantic Warrior
8.50pm: Calandogan
9.30pm: Forever Young

Moonfall

Director: Rolan Emmerich

Stars: Patrick Wilson, Halle Berry

Rating: 3/5

A Bad Moms Christmas
Dir: John Lucas and Scott Moore
Starring: Mila Kunis, Kathryn Hahn, Kristen Bell, Susan Sarandon, Christine Baranski, Cheryl Hines
Two stars

Match info

Uefa Champions League Group C

Liverpool v Napoli, midnight

PREMIER LEAGUE RESULTS

Bournemouth 1 Manchester City 2
Watford 0 Brighton and Hove Albion 0
Newcastle United 3 West Ham United 0
Huddersfield Town 0 Southampton 0
Crystal Palace 0 Swansea City 2
Manchester United 2 Leicester City 0
West Bromwich Albion 1 Stoke City 1
Chelsea 2 Everton 0
Tottenham Hotspur 1 Burnley 1
Liverpool 4 Arsenal 0

Diriyah%20project%20at%20a%20glance
%3Cp%3E-%20Diriyah%E2%80%99s%201.9km%20King%20Salman%20Boulevard%2C%20a%20Parisian%20Champs-Elysees-inspired%20avenue%2C%20is%20scheduled%20for%20completion%20in%202028%3Cbr%3E-%20The%20Royal%20Diriyah%20Opera%20House%20is%20expected%20to%20be%20completed%20in%20four%20years%3Cbr%3E-%20Diriyah%E2%80%99s%20first%20of%2042%20hotels%2C%20the%20Bab%20Samhan%20hotel%2C%20will%20open%20in%20the%20first%20quarter%20of%202024%3Cbr%3E-%20On%20completion%20in%202030%2C%20the%20Diriyah%20project%20is%20forecast%20to%20accommodate%20more%20than%20100%2C000%20people%3Cbr%3E-%20The%20%2463.2%20billion%20Diriyah%20project%20will%20contribute%20%247.2%20billion%20to%20the%20kingdom%E2%80%99s%20GDP%3Cbr%3E-%20It%20will%20create%20more%20than%20178%2C000%20jobs%20and%20aims%20to%20attract%20more%20than%2050%20million%20visits%20a%20year%3Cbr%3E-%20About%202%2C000%20people%20work%20for%20the%20Diriyah%20Company%2C%20with%20more%20than%2086%20per%20cent%20being%20Saudi%20citizens%3Cbr%3E%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
THE RESULTS

5pm: Maiden (PA) Dh80,000 1,400m

Winner: Alnawar, Connor Beasley (jockey), Helal Al Alawi (trainer)

5.30pm: Maiden (PA) Dh80,000 1,400m

Winner: Raniah, Noel Garbutt, Ernst Oertel

6pm: Handicap (PA) Dh90,000 2,200m

Winner: Saarookh, Richard Mullen, Ana Mendez

6.30pm: Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan Jewel Crown (PA) Rated Conditions Dh125,000 1,600m

Winner: RB Torch, Tadhg O’Shea, Eric Lemartinel

7pm: Al Wathba Stallions Cup Handicap Dh70,000 1,600m

Winner: MH Wari, Antonio Fresu, Elise Jeane

7.30pm: Handicap Dh90,000 1,600m

Winner: Mailshot, Royston Ffrench, Salem bin Ghadayer

 

Key facilities
  • Olympic-size swimming pool with a split bulkhead for multi-use configurations, including water polo and 50m/25m training lanes
  • Premier League-standard football pitch
  • 400m Olympic running track
  • NBA-spec basketball court with auditorium
  • 600-seat auditorium
  • Spaces for historical and cultural exploration
  • An elevated football field that doubles as a helipad
  • Specialist robotics and science laboratories
  • AR and VR-enabled learning centres
  • Disruption Lab and Research Centre for developing entrepreneurial skills
The specs
  • Engine: 3.9-litre twin-turbo V8
  • Power: 640hp
  • Torque: 760nm
  • On sale: 2026
  • Price: Not announced yet
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The National Archives, Abu Dhabi

Founded over 50 years ago, the National Archives collects valuable historical material relating to the UAE, and is the oldest and richest archive relating to the Arabian Gulf.

Much of the material can be viewed on line at the Arabian Gulf Digital Archive - https://www.agda.ae/en

India cancels school-leaving examinations
Company%C2%A0profile
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ECompany%20name%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3ELeap%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EStarted%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EMarch%202021%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EFounders%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Ziad%20Toqan%20and%20Jamil%20Khammu%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EBased%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Dubai%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ESector%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EFinTech%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EInvestment%20stage%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EPre-seed%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EFunds%20raised%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Undisclosed%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ECurrent%20number%20of%20staff%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3ESeven%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Abu Dhabi traffic facts

Drivers in Abu Dhabi spend 10 per cent longer in congested conditions than they would on a free-flowing road

The highest volume of traffic on the roads is found between 7am and 8am on a Sunday.

Travelling before 7am on a Sunday could save up to four hours per year on a 30-minute commute.

The day was the least congestion in Abu Dhabi in 2019 was Tuesday, August 13.

The highest levels of traffic were found on Sunday, November 10.

Drivers in Abu Dhabi lost 41 hours spent in traffic jams in rush hour during 2019

 

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

Brief scoreline:

Crystal Palace 2

Milivojevic 76' (pen), Van Aanholt 88'

Huddersfield Town 0

Milestones on the road to union

1970

October 26: Bahrain withdraws from a proposal to create a federation of nine with the seven Trucial States and Qatar. 

December: Ahmed Al Suwaidi visits New York to discuss potential UN membership.

1971

March 1:  Alex Douglas Hume, Conservative foreign secretary confirms that Britain will leave the Gulf and “strongly supports” the creation of a Union of Arab Emirates.

July 12: Historic meeting at which Sheikh Zayed and Sheikh Rashid make a binding agreement to create what will become the UAE.

July 18: It is announced that the UAE will be formed from six emirates, with a proposed constitution signed. RAK is not yet part of the agreement.

August 6:  The fifth anniversary of Sheikh Zayed becoming Ruler of Abu Dhabi, with official celebrations deferred until later in the year.

August 15: Bahrain becomes independent.

September 3: Qatar becomes independent.

November 23-25: Meeting with Sheikh Zayed and Sheikh Rashid and senior British officials to fix December 2 as date of creation of the UAE.

November 29:  At 5.30pm Iranian forces seize the Greater and Lesser Tunbs by force.

November 30: Despite  a power sharing agreement, Tehran takes full control of Abu Musa. 

November 31: UK officials visit all six participating Emirates to formally end the Trucial States treaties

December 2: 11am, Dubai. New Supreme Council formally elects Sheikh Zayed as President. Treaty of Friendship signed with the UK. 11.30am. Flag raising ceremony at Union House and Al Manhal Palace in Abu Dhabi witnessed by Sheikh Khalifa, then Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi.

December 6: Arab League formally admits the UAE. The first British Ambassador presents his credentials to Sheikh Zayed.

December 9: UAE joins the United Nations.

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BUNDESLIGA FIXTURES

Saturday

Borussia Dortmund v Eintracht Frankfurt (5.30pm kick-off UAE)

Bayer Leverkusen v Schalke (5.30pm)

Wolfsburg v Cologne (5.30pm)

Mainz v Arminia Bielefeld (5.30pm)

Augsburg v Hoffenheim (5.30pm)

RB Leipzig v Bayern Munich (8.30pm)

Borussia Monchengladbach v Freiburg (10.30pm)

Sunday

VfB Stuttgart v Werder Bremen  (5.30pm)

Union Berlin v Hertha Berlin (8pm)