UFC star Conor McGregor has hinted that his comeback fight against Dustin Poirier will be held in the UAE, if his recent social media activity is anything to go by.
McGregor, who last fought in January when he stopped Donald Cerrone in 40 seconds, will face Poirier in a rematch on January 23 having initially announced his retirement in July.
While the venue and location are yet to be confirmed, UFC president Dana White has previously said that the lightweight clash will be held on Fight Island "if everything goes to plan". There have been two Fight Island series so far, both in Abu Dhabi.
And McGregor has suggested that he is poised to take on Poirier in the UAE after the Irish former two-weight champion took to Twitter to retweet, and comment on, videos of UAE footballer Ali Saleh using his famous strut for a goal celebration.
After a video of Saleh's celebration was brought to his attention, McGregor commented: "See you soon". He then proceeded to retweet a series of posts from the Arabian Gulf League – the UAE's top-tier football league.
McGregor, who has won 22 of his 26 professional MMA fights and holds a 10-2 record in the UFC, fought Poirier in September 2014 at UFC 178 where he stopped the American with a first round TKO.
Poirier, meanwhile, is no stranger to the UAE having fought Khabib Nurmagomedov at UFC 242 in Abu Dhabi. He was stopped by the lightweight champion via submission in the third round.
The proposed showdown on Fight Island will be the latest high-profile bout to take place as part of a series created in response to the coronavirus pandemic which allowed the UFC's international athletes a location to host fights.
The first Fight Island, in July, was headlined by UFC 251 and the welterweight title bout between champion Kamaru Usman and late call-up Jorge Masvidal, who stepped in last minute after Gilbert Burns tested positive for Covid-19.
Fight Island 2, held across September and October, began with Israel Adesanya's defence of his middleweight title against Paulo Costa at UFC 253 and concluded with UFC 254, where Nurmagomedov retained his lightweight belt with a submission win over Justin Gaethje on October 24. Nurmagomedov, whose father passed away this year, immediately and emotionally announced his retirement from inside the octagon.
Both Fight Island series so far have been held behind closed doors and within a bio-secure bubble on Yas Island. White has expressed his hope that spectators will be able to return in some capacity if and when the UFC returns to Abu Dhabi.
As it stands, there is yet to be any official confirmation from the UFC or local organisers regarding a third Fight Island series in Abu Dhabi.
Pros%20and%20cons%20of%20BNPL
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Tank warfare
Lt Gen Erik Petersen, deputy chief of programs, US Army, has argued it took a “three decade holiday” on modernising tanks.
“There clearly remains a significant armoured heavy ground manoeuvre threat in this world and maintaining a world class armoured force is absolutely vital,” the general said in London last week.
“We are developing next generation capabilities to compete with and deter adversaries to prevent opportunism or miscalculation, and, if necessary, defeat any foe decisively.”
The specs: 2018 Nissan 370Z Nismo
The specs: 2018 Nissan 370Z Nismo
Price, base / as tested: Dh182,178
Engine: 3.7-litre V6
Power: 350hp @ 7,400rpm
Torque: 374Nm @ 5,200rpm
Transmission: Seven-speed automatic
Fuel consumption, combined: 10.5L / 100km
Who has been sanctioned?
Daniella Weiss and Nachala
Described as 'the grandmother of the settler movement', she has encouraged the expansion of settlements for decades. The 79 year old leads radical settler movement Nachala, whose aim is for Israel to annex Gaza and the occupied West Bank, where it helps settlers built outposts.
Harel Libi & Libi Construction and Infrastructure
Libi has been involved in threatening and perpetuating acts of aggression and violence against Palestinians. His firm has provided logistical and financial support for the establishment of illegal outposts.
Zohar Sabah
Runs a settler outpost named Zohar’s Farm and has previously faced charges of violence against Palestinians. He was indicted by Israel’s State Attorney’s Office in September for allegedly participating in a violent attack against Palestinians and activists in the West Bank village of Muarrajat.
Coco’s Farm and Neria’s Farm
These are illegal outposts in the West Bank, which are at the vanguard of the settler movement. According to the UK, they are associated with people who have been involved in enabling, inciting, promoting or providing support for activities that amount to “serious abuse”.
Zayed Sustainability Prize
Timeline
2012-2015
The company offers payments/bribes to win key contracts in the Middle East
May 2017
The UK SFO officially opens investigation into Petrofac’s use of agents, corruption, and potential bribery to secure contracts
September 2021
Petrofac pleads guilty to seven counts of failing to prevent bribery under the UK Bribery Act
October 2021
Court fines Petrofac £77 million for bribery. Former executive receives a two-year suspended sentence
December 2024
Petrofac enters into comprehensive restructuring to strengthen the financial position of the group
May 2025
The High Court of England and Wales approves the company’s restructuring plan
July 2025
The Court of Appeal issues a judgment challenging parts of the restructuring plan
August 2025
Petrofac issues a business update to execute the restructuring and confirms it will appeal the Court of Appeal decision
October 2025
Petrofac loses a major TenneT offshore wind contract worth €13 billion. Holding company files for administration in the UK. Petrofac delisted from the London Stock Exchange
November 2025
180 Petrofac employees laid off in the UAE
Frida%20
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A cryptocurrency primer for beginners
Cryptocurrency Investing for Dummies – by Kiana Danial
There are several primers for investing in cryptocurrencies available online, including e-books written by people whose credentials fall apart on the second page of your preferred search engine.
Ms Danial is a finance coach and former currency analyst who writes for Nasdaq. Her broad-strokes primer (2019) breaks down investing in cryptocurrency into baby steps, while explaining the terms and technologies involved.
Although cryptocurrencies are a fast evolving world, this book offers a good insight into the game as well as providing some basic tips, strategies and warning signs.
Begin your cryptocurrency journey here.
Available at Magrudy’s , Dh104
