DUBAI // The UAE Shaheen suffered a chastening first experience of Gulf Men's League competition at The Sevens last night, but are confident they will be stronger for it.
The all-Emirati development side were beaten 46-0 by Doha in the only round of pool matches in the domestic competition on the opening day here.
"We had some difficulties because we are all new to each other, and quite new to the game," said Mohammed Kaboul, the Shaheen forward. "Doha have been playing together as a side for ages, but this was only the third time some of our guys had even played rugby. But we'll get there."
The game's rulers here believe results are currently secondary in importance to the fact there are more Emiratis than ever before playing at a Dubai Rugby Sevens this year.
In addition to the fledgling Shaheen side, a UAE select side playing in the demanding International Invitational competition today includes the six most experienced Emirati players.
"We know the standard of competition is very high, but we have told the players to go and learn from these players they are playing with and against," said Saood Belshalat, a UAE Rugby Federation board member.
Jebel Ali Dragons laid down a marker at the start of their Gulf title defence, as they thrashed Dubai Wasps 50-7 in their opening match.
Last year's runners-up, Abu Dhabi Harlequins, made a fitful beginning to their campaign, but were eventual 28-7 victors over Jebel Ali's second string.
However their challenge for the title suffered a blow before a ball was even kicked when Imad Reyal, who is one of the UAE's leading sevens players, opted out.
The speedy Sri Lankan fullback turned up to play for Hunters Seven in the International Social tournament instead.
More coverage, s6-7
How to wear a kandura
Dos
- Wear the right fabric for the right season and occasion
- Always ask for the dress code if you don’t know
- Wear a white kandura, white ghutra / shemagh (headwear) and black shoes for work
- Wear 100 per cent cotton under the kandura as most fabrics are polyester
Don’ts
- Wear hamdania for work, always wear a ghutra and agal
- Buy a kandura only based on how it feels; ask questions about the fabric and understand what you are buying
Who's who in Yemen conflict
Houthis: Iran-backed rebels who occupy Sanaa and run unrecognised government
Yemeni government: Exiled government in Aden led by eight-member Presidential Leadership Council
Southern Transitional Council: Faction in Yemeni government that seeks autonomy for the south
Habrish 'rebels': Tribal-backed forces feuding with STC over control of oil in government territory
Key findings of Jenkins report
- Founder of the Muslim Brotherhood, Hassan al Banna, "accepted the political utility of violence"
- Views of key Muslim Brotherhood ideologue, Sayyid Qutb, have “consistently been understood” as permitting “the use of extreme violence in the pursuit of the perfect Islamic society” and “never been institutionally disowned” by the movement.
- Muslim Brotherhood at all levels has repeatedly defended Hamas attacks against Israel, including the use of suicide bombers and the killing of civilians.
- Laying out the report in the House of Commons, David Cameron told MPs: "The main findings of the review support the conclusion that membership of, association with, or influence by the Muslim Brotherhood should be considered as a possible indicator of extremism."
Labour dispute
The insured employee may still file an ILOE claim even if a labour dispute is ongoing post termination, but the insurer may suspend or reject payment, until the courts resolve the dispute, especially if the reason for termination is contested. The outcome of the labour court proceedings can directly affect eligibility.
- Abdullah Ishnaneh, Partner, BSA Law
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Benefits of first-time home buyers' scheme
- Priority access to new homes from participating developers
- Discounts on sales price of off-plan units
- Flexible payment plans from developers
- Mortgages with better interest rates, faster approval times and reduced fees
- DLD registration fee can be paid through banks or credit cards at zero interest rates
