Khater returns after ban

ABU DHABI // Subait Khater will make his return for the UAE after a one-year international exile. The UAE's Slovenian coach Srecko Katanec named the Al Jazira midfielder in his 23-man squad yesterday for the three forthcoming friendlies. Khater was given a one-year ban for breaking a late-night curfew 48 hours before a crucial 2010 World Cup qualifying match with Iran in November last year. His punishment by the Football Association also included a fine of Dh25,000 and a further three-match ban from playing for his club.

Khater, 29, said: "I apologised to everyone at that time and I am glad to be back in the national team. I never intended to break the rules and I had to pay a heavy price for that mistake. I must thank the coach for selecting me." Katanec, who led the UAE to a win and draw last month in his first two games in charge against Palestine and Jordan respectively, has also picked up five players from the UAE youth team who reached the Fifa Under 20 World Cup quarter-finals in Egypt last month. The U20 captain Hamdan al Kamali is joined by Mohammed Fayez, Sultan al Menhali, Ahmed Khalil, Theyab Awana and the goalkeeper Yousif Abdelrahman.

Katanec's players begin their final preparations for January's Asian Cup qualifier with Malaysia with friendlies against Manchester City at Abu Dhabi's Zayed Sports City on Thursday, followed by a friendly quadrangular tournament, in which they play the Czech Republic (Nov 15) and either Iraq or Azerbaijan three days later at the Tahnoun bin Mohammed Stadium in Al Qattara, Al Ain. Ismail Matar is still absent. The Al Wahda forward has not played since injuring a knee against Palestine.

Goalkeepers: Majed Naser (Al Wasl), Yousif Abdelrahman (Al Ain), Ali Kasheif (Al Jazira). Defenders: Mohammed Fayez, Musallam Fayez and Mohannad al Enazi (Al Ain), Hamdan al Kamali (Al Wahda), Mohammed Qasim and Yousef Jaber (Al Ahli), Yaser Salem (Al Wasl), Waleed Abbas (Al Shabab). Midfielders: Salem Abdulla and Ali al Wehaibi (Al Ain), Sultan al Menhali, Ali Mabkhout and Subait Khater (Al Jazira), Amer Mubarak (Al Shabab), Mahmoud Khamis (Al Wahda), Amer Abdulrahman (Baniyas). Forwards: Ahmed Khalil (Al Ahli), Mohammed al Shehhi (Al Wahda), Saeed al Kas (Al Wasl), Theyab Awana (Baniyas apassela@thenational.ae

What is Reform?

Reform is a right-wing, populist party led by Nigel Farage, a former MEP who won a seat in the House of Commons last year at his eighth attempt and a prominent figure in the campaign for the UK to leave the European Union.

It was founded in 2018 and originally called the Brexit Party.

Many of its members previously belonged to UKIP or the mainstream Conservatives.

After Brexit took place, the party focused on the reformation of British democracy.

Former Tory deputy chairman Lee Anderson became its first MP after defecting in March 2024.

The party gained support from Elon Musk, and had hoped the tech billionaire would make a £100m donation. However, Mr Musk changed his mind and called for Mr Farage to step down as leader in a row involving the US tycoon's support for far-right figurehead Tommy Robinson who is in prison for contempt of court.

The Settlers

Director: Louis Theroux

Starring: Daniella Weiss, Ari Abramowitz

Rating: 5/5

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

Score

New Zealand 266 for 9 in 50 overs
Pakistan 219 all out in 47.2 overs

New Zealand win by 47 runs

New Zealand lead three-match ODI series 1-0

Next match: Zayed Cricket Stadium, Abu Dhabi, Friday

Haircare resolutions 2021

From Beirut and Amman to London and now Dubai, hairstylist George Massoud has seen the same mistakes made by customers all over the world. In the chair or at-home hair care, here are the resolutions he wishes his customers would make for the year ahead.

1. 'I will seek consultation from professionals'

You may know what you want, but are you sure it’s going to suit you? Haircare professionals can tell you what will work best with your skin tone, hair texture and lifestyle.

2. 'I will tell my hairdresser when I’m not happy'

Massoud says it’s better to offer constructive criticism to work on in the future. Your hairdresser will learn, and you may discover how to communicate exactly what you want more effectively the next time.

3. ‘I will treat my hair better out of the chair’

Damage control is a big part of most hairstylists’ work right now, but it can be avoided. Steer clear of over-colouring at home, try and pursue one hair brand at a time and never, ever use a straightener on still drying hair, pleads Massoud.

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

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At a glance

Global events: Much of the UK’s economic woes were blamed on “increased global uncertainty”, which can be interpreted as the economic impact of the Ukraine war and the uncertainty over Donald Trump’s tariffs.

Growth forecasts: Cut for 2025 from 2 per cent to 1 per cent. The OBR watchdog also estimated inflation will average 3.2 per cent this year

Welfare: Universal credit health element cut by 50 per cent and frozen for new claimants, building on cuts to the disability and incapacity bill set out earlier this month

Spending cuts: Overall day-to day-spending across government cut by £6.1bn in 2029-30

Tax evasion: Steps to crack down on tax evasion to raise “£6.5bn per year” for the public purse

Defence: New high-tech weaponry, upgrading HM Naval Base in Portsmouth

Housing: Housebuilding to reach its highest in 40 years, with planning reforms helping generate an extra £3.4bn for public finances

Countries offering golden visas

UK
Innovator Founder Visa is aimed at those who can demonstrate relevant experience in business and sufficient investment funds to set up and scale up a new business in the UK. It offers permanent residence after three years.

Germany
Investing or establishing a business in Germany offers you a residence permit, which eventually leads to citizenship. The investment must meet an economic need and you have to have lived in Germany for five years to become a citizen.

Italy
The scheme is designed for foreign investors committed to making a significant contribution to the economy. Requires a minimum investment of €250,000 which can rise to €2 million.

Switzerland
Residence Programme offers residence to applicants and their families through economic contributions. The applicant must agree to pay an annual lump sum in tax.

Canada
Start-Up Visa Programme allows foreign entrepreneurs the opportunity to create a business in Canada and apply for permanent residence.