These are weird times for the cricketers of the UAE national team.
For the first time most of them will be able to remember, they are heading into a major competition without their most reliable player – the player everyone looked to for runs, wickets, general excellence and even paternal guidance.
It could be the making of them.
When the odds are stacked against them, they will no longer be able to leave it to Khurram Khan to bail them out.
Somebody else is going to have to take the responsibility on themselves. Each of them should be thinking: why not me?
Read more:
– Five key UAE cricketers who could fill the void left by retired Khurram Khan
– UAE warm-up for World Twenty20 qualifier against Scotland with win over Nepal
– Jersey in touching distance of achieving the impossible dream — reaching a World T20
The post-Khurram era starts properly on Thursday when the UAE face the hosts Scotland in the opening fixture of the World Twenty20 qualifier in Edinburgh.
The national team have hardly been a one-man team for the past 14 years. Far from it. But it is difficult to think of a player from any side among the top 14 in the world who has maintained such an influence over his side for so long.
Even Aaqib Javed, the perennially upbeat UAE coach, acknowledged there is a gaping void in the team now.
“We are going to miss him,” Aaqib said. “The way he performed for UAE was outstanding. He was a leader; the captain, but also as the person who would lead from the front with his performance and his attitude. He was a true leader.
“He is going to be very difficult to replace and it is going to take time. It is tough. If you look at associate cricket, it is hard to find many Khurrams. This is how life is.
“Everybody was always looking up to him to try to compete with him. He was a wonderful person. Even though he was 43, that killer instinct was still there. He still wanted to fight and compete with the youngsters.”
In the days after announcing his retirement, Khurram still attended nets. Force of habit, presumably.
Breaking the routine of more than a decade is tough to do, especially when there is the add-on of giving coaching tips too.
Khurram’s influence on the national team’s players will be felt for some time yet.
“One thing that is going to be really hard, will be missing your mates,” Khurram said.
“You are always with them; at the match, at nets, travelling together and being part of the team, it is going to be very hard being away from that.
“It will be hard not being able to pull these colours on again to play for the UAE.”
A while back, the national team began a contingency for Khurram’s departure when Ahmed Raza was handed the captaincy reins of a young side, missing many of its key players, for a series in Kuwait in 2013.
The role suited a player who, though a Pakistani national, was born in the UAE, lived here his entire life and regards only this country as home.
Raza generally showed up well whenever he was handed the leadership role.
Succession planning was muddied, though, when Mohammed Tauqir, the Emirati off-spinner, returned to playing last year and was handed the captaincy in Khurram’s place for the 50-over World Cup this year.
Tauqir performed admirably in Australia and New Zealand. That much was predictable enough: his feats in the grey of the national team compare favourably with anyone – bar Khurram – in the country’s cricket history.
It does, though, feel as if the future is on pause. At 43, Tauqir is just half a year younger than Khurram. His career may be enjoying an Indian summer, but that could change quickly
The general age of the national team as a whole should be a worry. For the recent Intercontinental Cup tie in Ireland the average age of the team was an ancient 35.
Aaqib, though, is less concerned about the ageing limbs when it comes to the 20-over format.
Despite popular wisdom to the contrary, Twenty20 can be an old man’s game. The number of former greats who have played on, and thrived, in the Indian Premier League qualifies that fact.
“In T20 we should do well,” the coach said. “We have to move forward. We still have a good experienced batting line up. The first target is to qualify. That is the basic requirement.”
World Twenty20 qualifier information
Six of the 14 teams from the competition taking place in Ireland and Scotland this month will qualify for the first round of the World Twenty20 in India next year.
Group A: Ireland, Nepal, Hong Kong, Papua New Guinea, Namibia, United States, Jersey
Group B: Afghanistan, UAE, Netherlands, Scotland, Canada, Kenya, Oman
UAE fixtures
Thursday v Scotland, Edinburgh
Friday Afghanistan, Edinburgh
Sunday v Netherlands, Edinburgh
July 14, v Canada, Stirling
July 15, v Kenya, Edinburgh
July 17, v Oman, Stirling
Play-offs begin on July 21 in Dublin. The final is on July 26.
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Squads
Pakistan: Sarfaraz Ahmed (c), Babar Azam (vc), Abid Ali, Asif Ali, Fakhar Zaman, Haris Sohail, Mohammad Hasnain, Iftikhar Ahmed, Imad Wasim, Mohammad Amir, Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Rizwan, Shadab Khan, Usman Shinwari, Wahab Riaz
Sri Lanka: Lahiru Thirimanne (c), Danushka Gunathilaka, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Avishka Fernando, Oshada Fernando, Shehan Jayasuriya, Dasun Shanaka, Minod Bhanuka, Angelo Perera, Wanindu Hasaranga, Lakshan Sandakan, Nuwan Pradeep, Isuru Udana, Kasun Rajitha, Lahiru Kumara
End of free parking
- paid-for parking will be rolled across Abu Dhabi island on August 18
- drivers will have three working weeks leeway before fines are issued
- areas that are currently free to park - around Sheikh Zayed Bridge, Maqta Bridge, Mussaffah Bridge and the Corniche - will now require a ticket
- villa residents will need a permit to park outside their home. One vehicle is Dh800 and a second is Dh1,200.
- The penalty for failing to pay for a ticket after 10 minutes will be Dh200
- Parking on a patch of sand will incur a fine of Dh300
Terminator: Dark Fate
Director: Tim Miller
Starring: Arnold Schwarzenegger, Linda Hamilton, Mackenzie Davis
Rating: 3/5
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
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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.”
Ferrari 12Cilindri specs
Engine: naturally aspirated 6.5-liter V12
Power: 819hp
Torque: 678Nm at 7,250rpm
Price: From Dh1,700,000
Available: Now
Wicked: For Good
Director: Jon M Chu
Starring: Ariana Grande, Cynthia Erivo, Jonathan Bailey, Jeff Goldblum, Michelle Yeoh, Ethan Slater
Rating: 4/5
The Matrix Resurrections
Director: Lana Wachowski
Stars: Keanu Reeves, Carrie-Anne Moss, Jessica Henwick
Rating:****
Company%C2%A0profile
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If you go
Flights
Emirates flies from Dubai to Phnom Penh with a stop in Yangon from Dh3,075, and Etihad flies from Abu Dhabi to Phnom Penh with its partner Bangkok Airlines from Dh2,763. These trips take about nine hours each and both include taxes. From there, a road transfer takes at least four hours; airlines including KC Airlines (www.kcairlines.com) offer quick connecting flights from Phnom Penh to Sihanoukville from about $100 (Dh367) return including taxes. Air Asia, Malindo Air and Malaysian Airlines fly direct from Kuala Lumpur to Sihanoukville from $54 each way. Next year, direct flights are due to launch between Bangkok and Sihanoukville, which will cut the journey time by a third.
The stay
Rooms at Alila Villas Koh Russey (www.alilahotels.com/ kohrussey) cost from $385 per night including taxes.
Why does a queen bee feast only on royal jelly?
Some facts about bees:
The queen bee eats only royal jelly, an extraordinary food created by worker bees so she lives much longer
The life cycle of a worker bee is from 40-60 days
A queen bee lives for 3-5 years
This allows her to lay millions of eggs and allows the continuity of the bee colony
About 20,000 honey bees and one queen populate each hive
Honey is packed with vital vitamins, minerals, enzymes, water and anti-oxidants.
Apart from honey, five other products are royal jelly, the special food bees feed their queen
Pollen is their protein source, a super food that is nutritious, rich in amino acids
Beewax is used to construct the combs. Due to its anti-fungal, anti-bacterial elements, it is used in skin treatments
Propolis, a resin-like material produced by bees is used to make hives. It has natural antibiotic qualities so works to sterilize hive, protects from disease, keeps their home free from germs. Also used to treat sores, infection, warts
Bee venom is used by bees to protect themselves. Has anti-inflammatory properties, sometimes used to relieve conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, nerve and muscle pain
Honey, royal jelly, pollen have health enhancing qualities
The other three products are used for therapeutic purposes
Is beekeeping dangerous?
As long as you deal with bees gently, you will be safe, says Mohammed Al Najeh, who has worked with bees since he was a boy.
“The biggest mistake people make is they panic when they see a bee. They are small but smart creatures. If you move your hand quickly to hit the bees, this is an aggressive action and bees will defend themselves. They can sense the adrenalin in our body. But if we are calm, they are move away.”
Pharaoh's curse
British aristocrat Lord Carnarvon, who funded the expedition to find the Tutankhamun tomb, died in a Cairo hotel four months after the crypt was opened.
He had been in poor health for many years after a car crash, and a mosquito bite made worse by a shaving cut led to blood poisoning and pneumonia.
Reports at the time said Lord Carnarvon suffered from “pain as the inflammation affected the nasal passages and eyes”.
Decades later, scientists contended he had died of aspergillosis after inhaling spores of the fungus aspergillus in the tomb, which can lie dormant for months. The fact several others who entered were also found dead withiin a short time led to the myth of the curse.
ELIO
Starring: Yonas Kibreab, Zoe Saldana, Brad Garrett
Directors: Madeline Sharafian, Domee Shi, Adrian Molina
Rating: 4/5
The specs
Engine: 2.0-litre 4cyl turbo
Power: 261hp at 5,500rpm
Torque: 405Nm at 1,750-3,500rpm
Transmission: 9-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 6.9L/100km
On sale: Now
Price: From Dh117,059
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