DUBAI // The country's first independent rugby league club will get the chance to play for the sport's first domestic trophy after Mana Dubai beat Dubai Wasps at Sports City last night.
The 32-28 win means Mana will meet Abu Dhabi Harlequins, one of the UAE's most powerful union clubs, in the final of the Rugby League Cup in Al Ain in two weeks time.
They were indebted to two late tries by Ian Overton, the Jebel Ali Dragons union winger who had been drafted in for this fixture, to drag them over the winning line.
Not long before they had appeared totally out of the encounter after Wasps ran in five unanswered tries to hold a 24-10 lead.
"Abu Dhabi are a strong side and it will be a tough test," said Steve Emm, the Mana coach.
"I just hope the guys can take how they played in the last 10 minutes, with that basic rugby, into the final in two weeks' time and turn it around."
The final will be a rematch from the opening day of the season, when the Harlequins comprehensively beat the newly assembled Mana side.
However, Emm insists his side of newcomers to the 13-man code have improved considerably since that opening day 40-6 loss.
"It is a good effort from our players to lose the first game and come back and win the second," Emm said.
"We have had a little bit of time to get a bit of structure and you can see that our ball control is a lot better now.
"We are still a little bit inexperienced but you can't take anything away from them after they came back from four tries behind.
"That showed great character and that is all you can ask for as a coach."
Harlequins gave graphic evidence that they remain the team to beat in the first season of the Rugby League Cup after they defeated the Al Ain Amblers 54-12 on Thursday evening.
Ben Bolger was predictably to the fore, scoring two tries for the capital club.
However, the Abu Dhabi side will be most cheered by another strong showing by their young league novices, with Iziq Foa'i, Mathieu Brignoen and MacMillan Chiwa all helping themselves to more tries.
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This article is part of a guide on where to live in the UAE. Our reporters will profile some of the country’s most desirable districts, provide an estimate of rental prices and introduce you to some of the residents who call each area home.
UAE's role in anti-extremism recognised
General John Allen, President of the Brookings Institution research group, commended the role the UAE has played in the fight against terrorism and violent extremism.
He told a Globsec debate of the UAE’s "hugely outsized" role in the fight against Isis.
"It’s trite these days to say that any country punches above its weight, but in every possible way the Emirates did, both militarily, and very importantly, the UAE was extraordinarily helpful on getting to the issue of violent extremism," he said.
He also noted the impact that Hedayah, among others in the UAE, has played in addressing violent extremism.
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SERIE A FIXTURES
Saturday (All UAE kick-off times)
Lecce v SPAL (6pm)
Bologna v Genoa (9pm)
Atlanta v Roma (11.45pm)
Sunday
Udinese v Hellas Verona (3.30pm)
Juventus v Brescia (6pm)
Sampdoria v Fiorentina (6pm)
Sassuolo v Parma (6pm)
Cagliari v Napoli (9pm)
Lazio v Inter Milan (11.45pm)
Monday
AC Milan v Torino (11.45pm)
THE SIXTH SENSE
Starring: Bruce Willis, Toni Collette, Hayley Joel Osment
Director: M. Night Shyamalan
Rating: 5/5
Skewed figures
In the village of Mevagissey in southwest England the housing stock has doubled in the last century while the number of residents is half the historic high. The village's Neighbourhood Development Plan states that 26% of homes are holiday retreats. Prices are high, averaging around £300,000, £50,000 more than the Cornish average of £250,000. The local average wage is £15,458.
How to avoid crypto fraud
- Use unique usernames and passwords while enabling multi-factor authentication.
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- Store funds in hardware wallets as opposed to online exchanges.
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Specs
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Range: Up to 610km
Power: 905hp
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Engine: 3.0L twin-turbo V6
Gearbox: 10-speed automatic
Power: 405hp at 5,500rpm
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Fuel economy, combined: 11.2L/100km
Price: From Dh292,845 (Reserve); from Dh320,145 (Presidential)
On sale: Now
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What the law says
Micro-retirement is not a recognised concept or employment status under Federal Decree Law No. 33 of 2021 on the Regulation of Labour Relations (as amended) (UAE Labour Law). As such, it reflects a voluntary work-life balance practice, rather than a recognised legal employment category, according to Dilini Loku, senior associate for law firm Gateley Middle East.
“Some companies may offer formal sabbatical policies or career break programmes; however, beyond such arrangements, there is no automatic right or statutory entitlement to extended breaks,” she explains.
“Any leave taken beyond statutory entitlements, such as annual leave, is typically regarded as unpaid leave in accordance with Article 33 of the UAE Labour Law. While employees may legally take unpaid leave, such requests are subject to the employer’s discretion and require approval.”
If an employee resigns to pursue micro-retirement, the employment contract is terminated, and the employer is under no legal obligation to rehire the employee in the future unless specific contractual agreements are in place (such as return-to-work arrangements), which are generally uncommon, Ms Loku adds.
The specs: 2018 Chevrolet Trailblazer
Price, base / as tested Dh99,000 / Dh132,000
Engine 3.6L V6
Transmission: Six-speed automatic
Power 275hp @ 6,000rpm
Torque 350Nm @ 3,700rpm
Fuel economy combined 12.2L / 100km
The National in Davos
We are bringing you the inside story from the World Economic Forum's Annual Meeting in Davos, a gathering of hundreds of world leaders, top executives and billionaires.
Asia Cup Qualifier
Final
UAE v Hong Kong
TV:
Live on OSN Cricket HD. Coverage starts at 5.30am
Wydad 2 Urawa 3
Wydad Nahiri 21’, Hajhouj 90'
Urawa Antonio 18’, 60’, Kashiwagi 26’
Top 10 most polluted cities
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