PSG v Man City, Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge, Pacquiao’s final fight: Five things to do in UAE

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  Sheikh Khalid Al Qassimi, Chairman of Abu Dhabi Racing (ADR), and co-driver Khalid Al Kendi had a successful test behind the wheel of a MINI ALL4 Racing ahead of the Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge (ADDC), Round 2 of the FIA World Cup for Cross Country Rallies, which runs from April 2-7. Courtesy MCH Photo

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  Dubai Cup, April 8, Dubai Polo and Equestrian Club, Arabian Ranches, Dubai.

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  Al Wahda wins the Arabian Gulf Cup finals at the Maktoum stadium in Dubai. Satish Kumar / The National

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  Boxer Manny Pacquiao poses after working out ahead of his bout with Tim Bradley, in Hollywood, Los Angeles, California, United States, March 30, 2016. Lucy Nicholson / Reuters

Five events to watch in the UAE this week.

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FOOTBALL: Paris Saint-Germain v Manchester City, Uefa Champions League, Wednesday, 10.45pm, beIN Sports

Manchester City travel to the French capital to take on a Paris Saint-Germain side determined to transfer their domestic dominance on to Europe’s biggest stage. With the Ligue 1 title long since secured, PSG contest the Coupe de la Ligue final against Lille at the end of the month, and are also in the semi-finals of France’s other domestic cup competition, the Coupe de France. But success in the Champions League is what PSG crave, as do City. These two heavyweights clash in the first leg of the quarter-final at the Parc des Princes.

MOTORSPORT: Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge, until Thursday

If you’re not entirely comfortable chasing the pack as they make their way through the unforgiving terrain of the Rub Al Khali, the world’s largest continuous sand desert, maybe rock up to Yas Marina Circuit for the finish on Thursday, where the winners will end their marathon journey. Two-time defending Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge champion Vladimir Vasilyev is chasing an unprecedented third title in the auto category, while local hopes in the moto category rest with Mohammed Al Balooshi.

POLO: Dubai Polo Gold Cup, Friday to April 15, Dubai Polo and Equestrian Club, Arabian Ranches

Nine teams take part in the 8-10 goal handicap competition. The nine teams are Abu Dhabi Polo Team, Bin Drai Polo Team, Edrees Polo Team, Ghantoot Polo Team, Julius Baer Polo team by Habtoor, Mahra Polo Team, UAE Polo Team, Wolves Polo Team, Zedan Polo Team. For more information visit www.dubaipologoldcup.com.

FOOTBALL: Al Wahda v Emirates, Arabian Gulf League, Saturday, 6pm

The newly crowned Arabian Gulf Cup winners Al Wahda return to league play this weekend buoyed by securing their first piece of major silverware since winning the league championship in 2009/10. A Denilson goal inside the opening 60 seconds was enough to see off Al Shabab in Friday’s final, the task now for Javier Aguirre’s fourth-placed side is to attempt to secure a top-three finish in the league. They face an Emirates side currently 12th in the standings and just three points above the drop zone.

BOXING: Manny Pacquiao v Tim Bradley, Sunday, coverage from 7am, beIN Sports

Filipino boxing legend Manny Pacquiao will bring down the curtain on a boxing career that has garnered titles in eight different divisions when he steps into the ring to face American challenger Tim Bradley for a third time in Las Vegas. Bradley won a highly contentious decision in their first duel in 2012 before Pacquiao exacted revenge two years later. It wasn’t the final fight we wanted for the “Pac-Man”, but nevertheless, the Filipino is guaranteed a raucous send off, if this does prove to be the last time we see him in a ring.