ABU DHABI // Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed, President of the UAE and Ruler of Abu Dhabi, yesterday personally congratulated the UAE Under-19s for winning the Asia Football Championship and awarded the players Dh500,000 (US$136,000) each for their "superb achievements".
The players, among them Ahmed Khalil who scored twice to lead the UAE to a 2-1 win over Uzbekistan in the final, were received by Sheikh Khalifa at a reception at Al Bateen Palace that was also attended by Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed, Deputy Prime Minister, and a number of other officials.
This morning, the team was due to be congratulated by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, at a ceremony being held at Al Wasl Football Club.
Khalil was yesterday rewarded for his star performance by being drafted into the national squad, which has been preparing for tomorrow's 2010 World Cup qualifier against Iran.
At the palace reception, Sheikh Khalifa shook the players' hands, warmly congratulating each one for the UAE's first win in the continental championship and for qualifying for next year's Under-20 Youth World Cup in Egypt.
"The achievement reflects the ability of the national youth to shoulder their responsibilities well and to make the country proud on the international arena," Sheikh Khalifa said.
"Good sport nurtures the mind and creates a well-cultured generation that can hold the reputation of their country and people in their hearts above anything else."
Khalil was the top scorer of the tournament in Dammam, Saudi Arabia, with four goals, a performance which earned him the most valuable player of the tournament award. The Al Ahli player, the younger brother of the national striker Faisal Khalil, said he had dreamt of making the UAE squad.
"I hope I can continue my good performances with this team and also in the future with the national team," he said. "I would like to help the national team like my brother Faisal has done and I hope for good success in the future."
The youth team coach, Mahdi Ali, believes Khalil could make a difference in the must-win game against Iran.
"Ahmed is a wonderful player as he is determined to perform whether in training or in the matches that we played," he said. "He scored wonderful goals in the tournament and he helped us a lot.
"I hope he can continue his good performances because I know he has a promising future."
The national Under-17 team, which qualified last week for the U17 Youth World Championship finals, which will take place in Nigeria next year, were also honoured at the reception by Sheikh Khalifa. Those players will receive Dh300,000 each for their efforts.
Fans celebrated the Under-19s' victory in the streets at the weekend, flying the UAE flag from their cars and blaring their horns.
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Crucial national match, page s1
Where to donate in the UAE
The Emirates Charity Portal
You can donate to several registered charities through a “donation catalogue”. The use of the donation is quite specific, such as buying a fan for a poor family in Niger for Dh130.
The General Authority of Islamic Affairs & Endowments
The site has an e-donation service accepting debit card, credit card or e-Dirham, an electronic payment tool developed by the Ministry of Finance and First Abu Dhabi Bank.
Al Noor Special Needs Centre
You can donate online or order Smiles n’ Stuff products handcrafted by Al Noor students. The centre publishes a wish list of extras needed, starting at Dh500.
Beit Al Khair Society
Beit Al Khair Society has the motto “From – and to – the UAE,” with donations going towards the neediest in the country. Its website has a list of physical donation sites, but people can also contribute money by SMS, bank transfer and through the hotline 800-22554.
Dar Al Ber Society
Dar Al Ber Society, which has charity projects in 39 countries, accept cash payments, money transfers or SMS donations. Its donation hotline is 800-79.
Dubai Cares
Dubai Cares provides several options for individuals and companies to donate, including online, through banks, at retail outlets, via phone and by purchasing Dubai Cares branded merchandise. It is currently running a campaign called Bookings 2030, which allows people to help change the future of six underprivileged children and young people.
Emirates Airline Foundation
Those who travel on Emirates have undoubtedly seen the little donation envelopes in the seat pockets. But the foundation also accepts donations online and in the form of Skywards Miles. Donated miles are used to sponsor travel for doctors, surgeons, engineers and other professionals volunteering on humanitarian missions around the world.
Emirates Red Crescent
On the Emirates Red Crescent website you can choose between 35 different purposes for your donation, such as providing food for fasters, supporting debtors and contributing to a refugee women fund. It also has a list of bank accounts for each donation type.
Gulf for Good
Gulf for Good raises funds for partner charity projects through challenges, like climbing Kilimanjaro and cycling through Thailand. This year’s projects are in partnership with Street Child Nepal, Larchfield Kids, the Foundation for African Empowerment and SOS Children's Villages. Since 2001, the organisation has raised more than $3.5 million (Dh12.8m) in support of over 50 children’s charities.
Noor Dubai Foundation
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum launched the Noor Dubai Foundation a decade ago with the aim of eliminating all forms of preventable blindness globally. You can donate Dh50 to support mobile eye camps by texting the word “Noor” to 4565 (Etisalat) or 4849 (du).
The President's Cake
Director: Hasan Hadi
Starring: Baneen Ahmad Nayyef, Waheed Thabet Khreibat, Sajad Mohamad Qasem
Rating: 4/5
5 of the most-popular Airbnb locations in Dubai
Bobby Grudziecki, chief operating officer of Frank Porter, identifies the five most popular areas in Dubai for those looking to make the most out of their properties and the rates owners can secure:
• Dubai Marina
The Marina and Jumeirah Beach Residence are popular locations, says Mr Grudziecki, due to their closeness to the beach, restaurants and hotels.
Frank Porter’s average Airbnb rent:
One bedroom: Dh482 to Dh739
Two bedroom: Dh627 to Dh960
Three bedroom: Dh721 to Dh1,104
• Downtown
Within walking distance of the Dubai Mall, Burj Khalifa and the famous fountains, this location combines business and leisure. “Sure it’s for tourists,” says Mr Grudziecki. “Though Downtown [still caters to business people] because it’s close to Dubai International Financial Centre."
Frank Porter’s average Airbnb rent:
One bedroom: Dh497 to Dh772
Two bedroom: Dh646 to Dh1,003
Three bedroom: Dh743 to Dh1,154
• City Walk
The rising star of the Dubai property market, this area is lined with pristine sidewalks, boutiques and cafes and close to the new entertainment venue Coca Cola Arena. “Downtown and Marina are pretty much the same prices,” Mr Grudziecki says, “but City Walk is higher.”
Frank Porter’s average Airbnb rent:
One bedroom: Dh524 to Dh809
Two bedroom: Dh682 to Dh1,052
Three bedroom: Dh784 to Dh1,210
• Jumeirah Lake Towers
Dubai Marina’s little brother JLT resides on the other side of Sheikh Zayed road but is still close enough to beachside outlets and attractions. The big selling point for Airbnb renters, however, is that “it’s cheaper than Dubai Marina”, Mr Grudziecki says.
Frank Porter’s average Airbnb rent:
One bedroom: Dh422 to Dh629
Two bedroom: Dh549 to Dh818
Three bedroom: Dh631 to Dh941
• Palm Jumeirah
Palm Jumeirah's proximity to luxury resorts is attractive, especially for big families, says Mr Grudziecki, as Airbnb renters can secure competitive rates on one of the world’s most famous tourist destinations.
Frank Porter’s average Airbnb rent:
One bedroom: Dh503 to Dh770
Two bedroom: Dh654 to Dh1,002
Three bedroom: Dh752 to Dh1,152
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
