Articles
Bars raised and records fall at Paralympic Powerlifting World Championships
Local fans get behind Mohammed Khamis Khalaf but the UAE’s 2004 Paralympic gold medallist comes up just short against some world record-breaking talent in Dubai, writes Ali Khaled.
Many falls in fight that established UFC’s hold
The arrival of Japanese judo expert Mitsuyo Maeda in Brazil in November 1914 set in motion a series of events that led to the creation of Brazilian jiu-jitsu and the Ultimate Fighting Championship.
Undaunted Alan Omer has been there, done that
The German is armed with a natural ability to fight and has also developed the mental fortitude since having to flee his native Iraq more than two decades ago, writes Ali Khaled.
Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge offers type of freedom Sam Sunderland relishes
Dubai resident loves the UAE terrain and is hoping to score wins after move to Red Bull KTM Factory Rally Team
As Jose Mourinho will testify to, when it comes to actions of ball boys, it’s a whole different game
Pesky kids, or children just doing their jobs? Those retrieving the ball sometimes influence the outcome of games, as well as incur the wrath of disgruntled managers like Jose Mourinho.
Night goes with a bang on and off the track at Dubai World Cup
For those heavily involved, such as the owners and jockeys, it is a year-long labour of love. But perhaps no one is as invested in the results on the day as are the trainers, writes Ali Khaled.
A perfect memory bouquet arranged of Nad Al Sheba on Dubai World Cup night
Thoughts of Dubai World Cup's beginnings at Nad Al Sheba are still as vibrant as the fireworks that will light up Meydan Racecourse.
Asian Cup 2015 draw gives Mahdi Ali rough idea to plan for UAE’s international test
Avoiding defeat in the first group match remains a priority for most teams. History has shown matches between Gulf opponents tend to be defensive. It’s Mahdi Ali nature however to approach such games aggressively.
Historic treble still in sight for Al Ahli
No team has won the league and League Cup double, while the league and President's Cup double has happened just five times
Champions League success cannot mask domestic failures for Al Ain
Al Ain's excellent AFC Champions League form has been a welcome distraction from their domestic troubles over the last three weeks. Sunday's visit of rivals Al Ahli is a reminder of the harsh realities of the Arabian Gulf League.
Pellegrini happy Manchester City’s players are building trust in his system
Manuel Pellegrini, the Manchester City manager, took some time out of his schedule to explain his ethos on youth development at the Premier League club to The National's Ali Khaled.
Sky blue is the limit for success at Manchester City’s academy
Manchester City will be moving into a state-of-the-art new academy in the shadow of Etihad Stadium. Intriguingly, the 16 training pitches are positioned in a way that players making their way through the ranks will progressively play nearer and nearer to the stadium.
Ahmed Khalil’s form is a dilemma for UAE coach Mahdi Ali
The 1-1 draw in their final 2015 Asian Cup qualifier in Group E in Tashkent will have left a few questions unanswered, despite a hugely improved performance in the second half.
Nad Al Sheba Shooting tournament hits target with competitors
World and European champion George Digweed, one of the greatest clay pigeon shooters of all-time, was there. As was Richard Faulds, Olympic double-trap champion in 2000.
Encouraging start for Arabian Gulf League clubs in Asian Champions League
The UAE's representative's in this year's Asian Champions League kicked off the group stages with very encouraging results, but it's still far too early to claim a renaissance on the continent for Al Jazira, Al Ahli and Al Ain.
