The UAE resume their 2018 World Cup qualifying campaign later this month when they host Japan — a hugely important match. Here are the details.
What is at stake
The UAE are attempting to qualify for only a second World Cup following their solitary appearance, in 1990. Mahdi Ali’s current side have arguably the greatest opportunity since then, with the players labelled “the golden generation” and led on the pitch by Omar Abdulrahman, the current Asian player of the year.
Current state of play
At present, the UAE are halfway through the third and final qualification round for Russia. They sit fourth in Group B, but trail leaders Saudi Arabia by only one point. Only the top two teams are guaranteed to advance, with the third-placed side then having to negotiate a series of play-offs to make the finals.
The next assignment
On March 23, the UAE host third-placed Japan, the Asian heavyweights who are widely expected to progress to Russia. The match takes place at the Hazza bin Zayed Stadium in Al Ain. Mahdi Ali’s side are seeking to make it three successive victories against Japan: the most recent arrived in the Group A opener in September, when they recorded a surprise 2-1 victory in Saitama. After Japan this month, the UAE travel to Australia to take on the Asian champions on March 28.
Tickets
Tickets for the Japan match are now available at www.ticketmaster.ae. Prices start at Dh75, although Category 1 and 2 tickets for UAE fans will be distributed for free on the day at the Hazza bin Zayed Stadium.
jmcauley@thenational.ae
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As You Were
Liam Gallagher
(Warner Bros)
The specs
- Engine: 3.9-litre twin-turbo V8
- Power: 640hp
- Torque: 760nm
- On sale: 2026
- Price: Not announced yet
Tamkeen's offering
- Option 1: 70% in year 1, 50% in year 2, 30% in year 3
- Option 2: 50% across three years
- Option 3: 30% across five years
From Zero
Artist: Linkin Park
Label: Warner Records
Number of tracks: 11
Rating: 4/5
Company%20Profile
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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
Fight card
Bantamweight
Siyovush Gulmamadov (TJK) v Rey Nacionales (PHI)
Lightweight
Alexandru Chitoran (ROM) v Hussein Fakhir Abed (SYR)
Catch 74kg
Tohir Zhuraev (TJK) v Omar Hussein (JOR)
Strawweight (Female)
Weronika Zygmunt (POL) v Seo Ye-dam (KOR)
Featherweight
Kaan Ofli (TUR) v Walid Laidi (ALG)
Lightweight
Leandro Martins (BRA) v Abdulla Al Bousheiri (KUW)
Welterweight
Ahmad Labban (LEB) v Sofiane Benchohra (ALG)
Bantamweight
Jaures Dea (CAM) v Nawras Abzakh (JOR)
Lightweight
Mohammed Yahya (UAE) v Glen Ranillo (PHI)
Lightweight
Alan Omer (GER) v Aidan Aguilera (AUS)
Welterweight
Mounir Lazzez (TUN) Sasha Palatnikov (HKG)
Featherweight title bout
Romando Dy (PHI) v Lee Do-gyeom (KOR)
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MATCH INFO
Syria v Australia
2018 World Cup qualifying: Asia fourth round play-off first leg
Venue: Hang Jebat Stadium (Malacca, Malayisa)
Kick-off: Thursday, 4.30pm (UAE)
Watch: beIN Sports HD
* Second leg in Australia scheduled for October 10
Citadel: Honey Bunny first episode
Directors: Raj & DK
Stars: Varun Dhawan, Samantha Ruth Prabhu, Kashvi Majmundar, Kay Kay Menon
Rating: 4/5
