Former UAE manager Mahdi Ali has emerged as a strong candidate to reprise his role with the national team, with the Football Association expected to press forward with their search this weekend.
The Emirati, who managed the UAE senior side with distinction from 2012 to 2017, is among the names being considered to replace Jorge Luis Pinto, who left two weeks ago having been appointed only in the summer.
Rodolfo Arruabarrena, the former Al Wasl manager, was reported to be one of three names the FA was to consider this weekend, although The National understands the Argentine, who recently became manager of Egyptian side Pyramids FC, has not been approached.
Henk ten Cate, previously manager of Al Jazira and Al Wahda, has been linked also, while former Al Ain manager Zoran Mamaic this week ruled himself out of the running.
It was believed the Croat, currently in charge of Dinamo Zagreb in his homeland, was the front-runner for the role. However, on Wednesday Mamic confirmed he would be staying at Zagreb despite receiving an offer from the Football Association.
The FA met at their Dubai headquarters on Thursday to discuss the search for Pinto’s replacement among a number of other issues, with an announcement anticipated to be made at the beginning of next week.
It appears now that Mahdi Ali is well placed to once again take charge of the national team, as the UAE look to rescue their World Cup 2022 qualification campaign.
The former manager, 55, enjoyed significant success in his first stint within the national set-up, initially as manager of various age-group sides. In 2012, he guided the Under-23s to a first ever Olympic Games, with the team then impressing in London with their style of play.
Mahdi Ali was promptly promoted to the senior side, where he went on to mastermind the UAE's Gulf Cup success in 2013 and then third place at the Asian Cup two years later. It marked the country’s best result in the competition on foreign soil.
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UAE 1 Bahrain 3: Pinto's last stand
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Mahdi Ali resigned in March 2017 immediately following the UAE’s crunch defeat to Australia in the final stage of qualification for the 2018 World Cup. His tenure had lasted four and a half years.
Since then, the UAE have had five different managers: Edgardo Bauza, Alberto Zaccheroni, Bert van Marwijk, Ivan Jovanovic and Pinto. The latter trio were all employed during the 13 months, with neither Jovanovic nor Pinto taking charge of a competitive match.
On Wednesday, speaking at a press conference ahead of Zagreb’s Europa League match against CSKA Moscow, Mamic was asked about interest from the UAE, saying: “Yes, my staff and I have made a lot of good results in the UAE. There are always inquiries from that part of the world, even now for the national team job.
“I am proud of that and privileged, but we are not leaving. Until when? Until Dinamo plays well and until we have good results.”
Meanwhile, Ten Cate said of the links to the national team: 'I've said for a long time that managing the UAE would be an honour for me. I know the players very well, & have continued to follow them. There's so much potential in the national team.”
Ten Cate enjoyed considerable success in the UAE during spells with Jazira and Wahda. In 2016, he won the President’s Cup with Jazira before guiding them to the Arabian Gulf League title the following season. It was only the club’s second top-flight crown.
Groom and Two Brides
Director: Elie Semaan
Starring: Abdullah Boushehri, Laila Abdallah, Lulwa Almulla
Rating: 3/5
TRAINING FOR TOKYO
A typical week's training for Sebastian, who is competing at the ITU Abu Dhabi World Triathlon on March 8-9:
- Four swim sessions (14km)
- Three bike sessions (200km)
- Four run sessions (45km)
- Two strength and conditioning session (two hours)
- One session therapy session at DISC Dubai
- Two-three hours of stretching and self-maintenance of the body
ITU Abu Dhabi World Triathlon
For more information go to www.abudhabi.triathlon.org.
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.”
Tips to avoid getting scammed
1) Beware of cheques presented late on Thursday
2) Visit an RTA centre to change registration only after receiving payment
3) Be aware of people asking to test drive the car alone
4) Try not to close the sale at night
5) Don't be rushed into a sale
6) Call 901 if you see any suspicious behaviour
COMPANY PROFILE
Name: Kumulus Water
Started: 2021
Founders: Iheb Triki and Mohamed Ali Abid
Based: Tunisia
Sector: Water technology
Number of staff: 22
Investment raised: $4 million
War 2
Director: Ayan Mukerji
Stars: Hrithik Roshan, NTR, Kiara Advani, Ashutosh Rana
Rating: 2/5
Gifts exchanged
- King Charles - replica of President Eisenhower Sword
- Queen Camilla - Tiffany & Co vintage 18-carat gold, diamond and ruby flower brooch
- Donald Trump - hand-bound leather book with Declaration of Independence
- Melania Trump - personalised Anya Hindmarch handbag
Smart words at Make Smart Cool
Make Smart Cool is not your usual festival. Dubbed “edutainment” by organisers Najahi Events, Make Smart Cool aims to inspire its youthful target audience through a mix of interactive presentation by social media influencers and a concert finale featuring Example with DJ Wire. Here are some of the speakers sharing their inspiration and experiences on the night.
Prince Ea
With his social media videos accumulating more half a billion views, the American motivational speaker is hot on the college circuit in the US, with talks that focus on the many ways to generate passion and motivation when it comes to learning.
Khalid Al Ameri
The Emirati columnist and presenter is much loved by local youth, with writings and presentations about education, entrepreneurship and family balance. His lectures on career and personal development are sought after by the education and business sector.
Ben Ouattara
Born to an Ivorian father and German mother, the Dubai-based fitness instructor and motivational speaker is all about conquering fears and insecurities. His talk focuses on the need to gain emotional and physical fitness when facing life’s challenges. As well managing his film production company, Ouattara is one of the official ambassadors of Dubai Expo2020.
11 cabbie-recommended restaurants and dishes to try in Abu Dhabi
Iqbal Restaurant behind Wendy’s on Hamdan Street for the chicken karahi (Dh14)
Pathemari in Navy Gate for prawn biryani (from Dh12 to Dh35)
Abu Al Nasar near Abu Dhabi Mall, for biryani (from Dh12 to Dh20)
Bonna Annee at Navy Gate for Ethiopian food (the Bonna Annee special costs Dh42 and comes with a mix of six house stews – key wet, minchet abesh, kekel, meser be sega, tibs fir fir and shiro).
Al Habasha in Tanker Mai for Ethiopian food (tibs, a hearty stew with meat, is a popular dish; here it costs Dh36.75 for lamb and beef versions)
Himalayan Restaurant in Mussaffa for Nepalese (the momos and chowmein noodles are best-selling items, and go for between Dh14 and Dh20)
Makalu in Mussaffa for Nepalese (get the chicken curry or chicken fry for Dh11)
Al Shaheen Cafeteria near Guardian Towers for a quick morning bite, especially the egg sandwich in paratha (Dh3.50)
Pinky Food Restaurant in Tanker Mai for tilapia
Tasty Zone for Nepalese-style noodles (Dh15)
Ibrahimi for Pakistani food (a quarter chicken tikka with roti costs Dh16)
New schools in Dubai
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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.
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
