UAE striker Ahmed Khalil shown during their win over Japan in World Cup qualifying earlier this month. Kazuhiro Nogi / AFP
UAE striker Ahmed Khalil shown during their win over Japan in World Cup qualifying earlier this month. Kazuhiro Nogi / AFP
UAE striker Ahmed Khalil shown during their win over Japan in World Cup qualifying earlier this month. Kazuhiro Nogi / AFP
UAE striker Ahmed Khalil shown during their win over Japan in World Cup qualifying earlier this month. Kazuhiro Nogi / AFP

UAE rise eight places in Fifa rankings on heels of Japan victory


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UAE ranking: 66

Before: 74

Gain: +8

The UAE national football team rose eight places in the most recent Fifa rankings released on Thursday.

The Emiratis stunningly defeated Japan 2-1 in Tokyo to kick off the final phase of Asian 2018 World Cup qualifying two weeks ago, contributing significantly to their rise. They dropped the next contest 1-0 to Australia in Abu Dhabi and sit fourth in Group B. The top two positions deliver tickets to Russia 2018, with third offering a further play-off route.

At No 66 in the world, the UAE are back on track to improve their 2015 year-end ranking of 65. They sit just behind Uganda and Nigeria, at 64 and 65, and ahead of Slovenia and Burkina Faso at joint-67th.

The Emiratis remain Asia’s seventh-ranked side, behind Japan (56) and ahead of China (78). Rivals Saudi Arabia also rose nine places, to 52nd. Iran (37) remain the continent’s top-ranked team, followed by Australia (45), South Korea (47), Uzbekistan (49) and the Saudis.

The UAE’s next World Cup qualifying assignments come in October, when they will look to secure three points against Thailand in Abu Dhabi on October 6 before a critical away fixture against Saudi Arabia in Riyadh five days later.

In the overall rankings, Argentina remain the world’s top side, followed by Belgium, Germany, Colombia and Brazil.

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Scorebox

Dubai Sports City Eagles 7 Bahrain 88

Eagles

Try: Penalty

Bahrain

Tries: Gibson 2, Morete 2, Bishop 2, Bell 2, Behan, Fameitau, Sanson, Roberts, Bennett, Radley

Cons: Radley 4, Whittingham 5

How to apply for a drone permit
  • Individuals must register on UAE Drone app or website using their UAE Pass
  • Add all their personal details, including name, nationality, passport number, Emiratis ID, email and phone number
  • Upload the training certificate from a centre accredited by the GCAA
  • Submit their request
What are the regulations?
  • Fly it within visual line of sight
  • Never over populated areas
  • Ensure maximum flying height of 400 feet (122 metres) above ground level is not crossed
  • Users must avoid flying over restricted areas listed on the UAE Drone app
  • Only fly the drone during the day, and never at night
  • Should have a live feed of the drone flight
  • Drones must weigh 5 kg or less
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UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
THE BIO

Born: Mukalla, Yemen, 1979

Education: UAE University, Al Ain

Family: Married with two daughters: Asayel, 7, and Sara, 6

Favourite piece of music: Horse Dance by Naseer Shamma

Favourite book: Science and geology

Favourite place to travel to: Washington DC

Best advice you’ve ever been given: If you have a dream, you have to believe it, then you will see it.

If you go

Flying

Despite the extreme distance, flying to Fairbanks is relatively simple, requiring just one transfer in Seattle, which can be reached directly from Dubai with Emirates for Dh6,800 return.

 

Touring

Gondwana Ecotours’ seven-day Polar Bear Adventure starts in Fairbanks in central Alaska before visiting Kaktovik and Utqiarvik on the North Slope. Polar bear viewing is highly likely in Kaktovik, with up to five two-hour boat tours included. Prices start from Dh11,500 per person, with all local flights, meals and accommodation included; gondwanaecotours.com 

What vitamins do we know are beneficial for living in the UAE

Vitamin D: Highly relevant in the UAE due to limited sun exposure; supports bone health, immunity and mood.Vitamin B12: Important for nerve health and energy production, especially for vegetarians, vegans and individuals with absorption issues.Iron: Useful only when deficiency or anaemia is confirmed; helps reduce fatigue and support immunity.Omega-3 (EPA/DHA): Supports heart health and reduces inflammation, especially for those who consume little fish.

Silent Hill f

Publisher: Konami

Platforms: PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, PC

Rating: 4.5/5

Know your camel milk:
Flavour: Similar to goat’s milk, although less pungent. Vaguely sweet with a subtle, salty aftertaste.
Texture: Smooth and creamy, with a slightly thinner consistency than cow’s milk.
Use it: In your morning coffee, to add flavour to homemade ice cream and milk-heavy desserts, smoothies, spiced camel-milk hot chocolate.
Goes well with: chocolate and caramel, saffron, cardamom and cloves. Also works well with honey and dates.

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

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UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets