Ali Khaled

It will be intriguing to see if Hazza bin Zayed Stadium will provide an immediate change in fortune for Al Ain.

There is no shortage of inspiration or dedication as thousands get ready for most participated sporting event in the Middle East.

Watching their favourite English Premier League side on television does not suffice for some dedicated Middle East fans, writes Ali Khaled.

Former airline employee hitting the trail both for sport and to better lives of disadvantaged

Division One side Al Dhaid want promotion to the top flight so they can mix with the likes of Al Nasr more regularly.

Dubai-based Arabian Gulf League club recover from a goal down to beat giant killers Al Dhaid 3-2, reports Ali Khaled.

Diego Maradona is on the search for Arab footballing talent, and the prize is a unique shot at a professional career in Europe.

Most of their troubles in the Arabian Gulf League have come away from home where they have failed to win a match.

The January window means inflated price-tags for players as teams get frantic to find the missing link.

From David Moyes to Jose Mourinho, Premier League managers are very quick to point the finger of blame at referees when things do not go their way.

Volvo Ocean Race, Abu Dhabi’s F1 finale and Abdulrahman’s protracted move abroad may materialise this coming 12 months.

The first day of Globe Soccer kicked off with adulation for the ultimate football superstar, but it closed with arguably the most important figure in world football today extoling the virtue of the group.

Mahdi Ali’s next challenge will be to sustain the UAE football team’s 2013 run and prepare them for the Asian Cup.

The popularity of chess in the UAE is gaining steam, as evidenced by the scene at the World Youth Chess Championships in Al Ain, writes Ali Khaled.

For City, a clash with the world’s unofficial No 1 club of the last decade really is a blessing. And not even one in disguise.