Emirati chess grandmaster Rouda Alserkal
Rouda Essa Alserkal is the UAE's first woman grandmaster and aims to clinch the main Grandmaster title soon
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Khaleej Times
an hour ago
- Khaleej Times
Epsom Derby 2025: How will Dubai's horses fare at the races?
There is something almost mythical about Derby Day at Epsom Racecourse. Sprawling across acres of the Surrey countryside, the venue becomes the stage where ambitions and equine power collide in front of over 100,000 hearts thudding with the same rhythm as the horses' hooves striking the storied turf. Every year since 1780, the year the Derby was founded by Edward Smith-Stanley, the 12th Earl of Derby, save for the interruptions of war, the Epsom Derby has cast its spell on generations of racing lovers across the planet. Often described as the 'crown jewel of flat racing', the Derby consistently lives up to its legendary status. And it isn't just any race; it's a day of reckoning. Its mile-and-a-half course twists and undulates, throwing up unique challenges that test the balance, courage, and control of both horse and rider. Over the years, the thump of hooves on Downs' soil has echoed even louder in Dubai. Dubai's Derby dream From the desert gallops of Nad Al Sheba to the grassy amphitheatre of Epsom, few have pursued Derby glory with such fervour as the Rulers of Dubai and their extended family. For His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, this is not just sport — it is a calling. His blue silks of Godolphin have graced the turf at Epsom for decades, as he and his brothers — the late Sheikh Maktoum bin Rashid Al Maktoum and Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum, and Lieutenant General Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Chairman of Dubai Police and Public Security — poured heart and treasure into their collective dream to win the Derby and win it in style. The dream first crystallised in 1989, when Nashwan blazed a trail of greatness under the masterful guidance of Willie Carson and the steady hand of trainer Dick Hern. Owned by Sheikh Hamdan, Nashwan's pathbreaking success was not just the first of many victories for the Al Maktoum family, it was a statement of intent that was reiterated in 1994 when Erhaab gifted Sheikh Hamdan a second success in the Blue Riband. These triumphs marked the beginning of an era where Emirati ambition and British tradition merged on the grandest stage of flat racing, forever altering the landscape of the Epsom Derby. UAE's growing presence Nashwan's victory was no anomaly. The growing footprint of Emirati owners at Epsom became impossible to ignore. In 1995, Lammtarra's stunning victory in the Epsom Derby was etched into racing history as a triumph of vision and innovation. Trained through the winter months in the warm, sunlit climate of Dubai, Lammtarra benefited from conditions rarely available to European racehorses at that time. This uninterrupted preparation allowed him to build strength and stamina, ready for the demanding test that Epsom Downs presents. Sheikh Mohammed's foresight in using Dubai's climate to condition Lammtarra mirrored the broader vision he held for the city in the mid-1990s — a bold dream of transformation and global prominence. Just as Dubai was evolving from a quiet desert outpost into a thriving international hub, so was Lammtarra, shaped by forward-thinking strategy and meticulous planning of the Dubai Ruler. Sheikh Hamdan's Shadwell operation has been a consistent presence, while figures like Dubai-based businessman Khalifa bin Dasmal, whose homebred Shaamit triumphed in 1996, and Saeed Suhail, whose Kris Kin prevailed in 2003, have left a mark on Derby history. In 2018, Masar's Derby win marked Godolphin's first triumph in the race, with the colt's blend of youthful energy and stamina shining through for the first time in the famous royal blue silks. Trained by Charlie Appleby and ridden by William Buick, Masar's victory was a defining moment for Sheikh Mohammed's global racing vision for his stable. In 2021, Godolphin's dominance at Epsom was reaffirmed when Adayar, also trained by Appleby and ridden by Buick, powered to victory. Bred within the Godolphin programme, Adayar's strength and grace in the iconic blue silks cemented the stable's status as a leading force in Derby history. The stage that stops time There's a reason why horse lovers like Sheikh Mohammed, who could chase trophies anywhere in the world, keep returning to Epsom. It's not just about prestige; it's for the sheer poetry that unfolds on this iconic racecourse. Epsom Downs is both antique and electric. On Derby Day, it becomes a carnival of contrast. Beverage-filled glasses clink in corporate boxes as families queue under red-and-white fairground rides at the Epsom Carnival. The Queen's Stand sparkles with fascinators and morning suits, while on the Hill, barbecues smoke beside hundreds of double-decker buses draped in bunting. It is very British theatre — a bit eccentric, very elegant, and at times tribal. But its allure is irresistibly infectious. This year, more than 100,000 people are expected to gather over the weekend. Celebrities, statesmen, fashion icons and racing fans will merge in the afternoon haze, drawn not only by the glamour but also by the gravity of what's at stake. The Derby is the crucible. The race every jockey, every trainer, every owner dreams of winning. There are bigger purses elsewhere, but no higher honour than that bestowed on the winners at Epsom. Long may it endure. Because the horses who win at Epsom don't just win races — they earn immortality. Shergar. Nijinsky. Galileo. Golden Horn. Mill Reef. Lammtarra. Each left indelible hoofprints on racing history. Each proved they were not merely fast or strong — they were the most deserving of victory. Which horse will join this pantheon of turf legends on June 7?
The National
2 hours ago
- The National
UAE coach Cosmin Olaroiu still believes in ‘once in a lifetime chance' of World Cup qualification
The difference could not have been any more acute. While the emotions poured out of Uzbekistan's players, officials, media and supporters in scenes of mass euphoria, the UAE were merely numb. Not disconsolate. Just flat. Just as their performance had been on a frustrating first night for new coach Cosmin Olaroiu. It is not over for the national team. But they would certainly have preferred to have been in their opposition's boots on a peculiar night in Abu Dhabi. The Uzbeks had achieved the dream: a first ever appearance at a World Cup. They had done so with courage and skill, too, if not necessarily panache. All they needed was a point to secure the second automatic qualifying place from this stage of Asian qualifying. If it was achieved via a stalemate, then so be it. They blocked up the middle of the field, massed the defence, and the UAE realistically got nowhere near as a result. It was a defensive masterclass, which brought with it an outpouring of joy. The Uzbek section at the Al Nahyan Stadium was kept to around 1,000 fans. Yet hundreds more had made it inside, while thousands of others were left outside, wanting to share in their moment of history. When it was achieved, players and staff were in tears. Utkir Yusupov, the goalkeeper who was named player of the match on behalf of his side's defensive effort, fell to his knees and cried. Just as the dedications were starting – to the president, and all the people of Uzbekistan – the press conference was ambushed by fevered players. Some traded doppis – the traditional Uzbek skullcap – with thrilled travelling journalists. Abdukodir Khusanov, the Manchester City defender who had coincidentally achieved his ambition in a match played in the city of his ultimate employers, hugged anyone and everyone. Timur Kapadze, the Uzbek manager, had a brief and unspectacular stint playing for Sharjah for a few months back in 2012. His opposite number, Olaroiu, had arrived direct from the same club amid much fanfare about what he could achieve in his new posting with the UAE. A new manager bounce was required from a UAE side who needed two wins from their final two games to stand a chance of progressing directly to the World Cup. It did not quite work out that way. The goalless draw rendered that impossible, meaning they will now have to navigate an extra round in October. 'The disappointment is very big because it was very near,' Olaroiu said. 'We controlled more, had more possession, had more chances than them, but unfortunately we didn't score. 'It was not exactly the perfect game and I think we can improve. We have to continue to believe and fight for the second chance that we are going to have in October. 'Uzbekistan tried to keep it 0-0 and they did it in the end. For them to qualify, it is a big achievement for their football. Now, we hope it will be our turn.' The home team had 62 per cent of possession, but the chances they were able to fashion were few. When they did eke out openings, Yusupov was good enough to repel them. He turned away a Lucas Pimenta header, as well as low shots from Fabio De Lima and Yahya Al Ghassani. Despite the draw, all is not lost. The UAE head to Bishkek next for a match against Kyrgyzstan on Tuesday that is now essentially meaningless. It will, though, be another chance for Olaroiu to impress his ideas on a set of players whom he has been with for barely a week so far. He does now have the chance to build something for the next shot at qualification. The fourth round of the Asian qualifying process will involve six teams, playing in two groups in October. The third and fourth placed teams from the current round will be split into two groups of three. The sides will then play each other once each over the course of a week, with the winners advancing to the United States, Canada and Mexico next year. So far, four of the teams involved are confirmed: the UAE, Qatar, Iraq and Indonesia. Saudi Arabia will almost certainly be involved, while the other team will be either Oman or Palestine. Olaroiu said the incentive at that event will be massive. Now is the time to work out the details of how to bring about success. ' You have a once in a lifetime chance,' Olaroiu said. 'I don't think you should talk about motivation as much as preparation. 'That is the most important thing. Now is the end of the season, we have a break, then the clubs will start their preparations. 'In September, there is [an international] break and we will have some friendly games. The preparation is very, very important because the work the clubs will do now will influence it.'
The National
2 hours ago
- The National
UAE President performs Eid Al Adha prayers in Abu Dhabi
Sermon at Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque focuses on importance of sincerity as a spiritual and national value
