UAE train for World Cup qualifier against Uzbekistan in Abu Dhabi
New UAE coach Cosmin Olaroiu talks to his players ahead of the World Cup qualifier against Uzbekistan at the Al Nahyan Stadium in Abu Dhabi. All photos Chris Whiteoak / The National
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Khaleej Times
3 hours ago
- Khaleej Times
Epsom Derby drama awaits as Godolphin double up for racing's greatest test
It's the race that defines legends, breaks hearts, and crowns the bravest. On Saturday, the two-century-old Epsom Derby returns to its feared Surrey home promising to deliver another epic clash of class, courage and stamina. This year's renewal is one of the most open in recent memory with a full field of 19 runners, the largest since 2003, set to face the starter at 6.30 pm (UAE time - live on Dubai Racing Channel). Among a field of emerging talents still finding their feet, the unmistakable royal blue silks of Godolphin stand out as a powerful presence. For Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, the Derby has always been more than just a race - it's an obsession. A cornerstone of his lifelong pursuit to dominate global flat racing, this is the crown jewel that he has won three times since 1995 with Lammtarra, Masar (2018) and Adayar (2021). The Dubai powerhouse arrives with two live bullets in the chamber- Ruling Court and Tornado Alert - both primed to bring home the trophy again. The Class Act The headline act is undoubtedly the Charlie Appleby-trained Ruling Court, who stormed to victory in the 2,000 Guineas last month with the authority of a horse destined for greatness. A son of American Triple Crown champion Justify, the sire of last year's Derby hero City Of Troy, Ruling Court combines American toughness with deep European classic credentials. Trainer Charlie Appleby, no stranger to Derby glory himself having trained both Masar (2018) and Adayar, has sounded a note of quiet confidence. 'You don't really know until you run the mile and a half at Epsom,' he admitted, 'but Ruling Court ticks a lot of boxes. He's got the class, the balance, and mentally he's as sound as they come.' After a winter campaign in Dubai and that brilliant Guineas win at Newmarket, he'll bid to join a select group of just 19 colts to have completed the fabled Guineas–Derby double - a feat that demands both speed and staying power, a rare blend even among elite three-year-olds. The Sleeper: Tornado Alert If Ruling Court brings the firepower, Tornado Alert brings the intrigue. Trained by Godolphin veteran Saeed bin Suroor - who last won the Derby three decades ago with Lammtarra, this homebred by Too Darn Hot has been quietly improving with every start. He shaped well behind Ruling Court in the Guineas and is expected to thrive over the longer distance, particularly given his pedigree and relaxed racing style. With two-time champion jockey Oisin Murphy taking the reins, hopes are high that Tornado Alert might just spring a surprise. "He's a horse with a lovely temperament and should handle Epsom's unique demands,' said bin Suroor. 'The track tests everything—a horse's mind, movement and stamina—but this one gives me a good feeling.' Rivals to Watch Standing between Godolphin and Derby glory is, inevitably, Aidan O'Brien. The Ballydoyle maestro returns with three strong contenders, led by Delacroix, a 9/4 favourite chasing O'Brien's record-extending 11th Derby win. Though yet to contest a Group 1, Delacroix's pair of Group 3 wins this season, especially over Chester Vase winner Lambourn, have pushed him to favouritism. The Lion In Winter and Lambourn offer depth to the O'Brien challenge, but many eyes will be on Pride Of Arras, the unbeaten winner of the Group1 Dante Stakes - the most reliable of Derby trials. Representing Ralph Beckett and partnered by Rossa Ryan, he has the profile of a serious stayer and is bred for Epsom's rigours, with two of his three siblings having already won here. A Race That Demands Everything Unlike the wide, galloping expanses of Ascot, Newmarket or the Curragh, Epsom Downs is a beast all its own. The camber, the bends, the raucous Derby-day atmosphere all add layers to the challenge that statistics can't capture. The Derby course is a true examination of balance, bravery, and athleticism for horse and rider. The mile-and-a-half contest starts high on the Epsom hill, with the horses breaking away into a sweeping left-hand descent that tests their coordination from the very first stride. The infamous Tattenham Corner, a sharp bend taken at galloping speed, leads directly into the long, undulating home straight - a place where races are both won and lost. It's not just about staying 12 furlongs, it's about surviving the gauntlet of obstacles. One mistake, one misstep, and the dream can evaporate. That's what makes this Epsom Derby so special, unpredictable and thrilling.
Khaleej Times
3 hours ago
- Khaleej Times
Abu Dhabi-owned Manchester City open retail store at Dubai Mall
Are you a fan of Abu Dhabi-owned English Premier League side Manchester City and want to get your hands on some cool club merchandise, but live in Dubai? Fret not. The 10-time Premier League champions have opened a new store at the Dubai Mall. It marks the second retail store of the 2022-23 Champions League winners after Yas Mall in the UAE capital Abu Dhabi. The outlet at Dubai Mall also joins flagship stores Manchester City Stadium Store and Arndale City store in the city of Manchester, England, as well as pop-ups in New York City and Seoul. Fans of the club, kitted by German manufacturer Puma, will have access to merchandise as well as some memorabilia collections. The store at Dubai Mall introduces an updated version of the brand's award-winning 'Field of Play' concept, designed to reflect stadium and fan culture. The Dubai location features elements such as locker-style zones and visuals from iconic Manchester City matches. City, who won four successive Premier League titles in 2020–21, 2021–22, 2022–23 and 2023–24, didn't quite have the season according to the high benchmarks that they set. Nonetheless, The Sky Blues, managed by former FC Barcelona and Bayern Munich tactician Pep Guardiola, finished third in the League behind perennial rivals champions Liverpool and Arsenal.
Khaleej Times
6 hours ago
- Khaleej Times
Sharing stories, sweets: How UAE expats use Eid as a time to reconnect with family
As the light of dawn broke over Dubai, families across the city began their day with anticipation, wearing their best clothes to celebrate one of the most beloved mornings of the year — Eid Al Adha. Among them was Shehna Mansoor, a Dubai resident, who made her way to New Generation School (NGS) in Barsha with her husband, children, and mother, all together for the Eid prayers — a moment of faith and tradition. 'It was the first time we have attended Eid prayers at this place,' she said. 'It was a great community experience where I met a lot of friends and family members. My kids had Eid treats from the ice cream truck. There were children and families handing out little goodie bags. It was a really great start to my Eid.' The atmosphere at NGS was vibrant, filled with familiar faces and laughter. At the center of this yearly gathering stood Sheikh Ayaz Housee, the long-time Imam of NGS. 'We have built a family here and we get anywhere between 500 to 1200 people every Eid,' he said. 'We serve karak and some snacks. There are bouncy castles for children to play at.' Extended family getting together Syrian expat Aiham Joratli, a resident of Al Ain, made the long drive to Sharjah with his wife, Samar Razuk, and their children to attend a special family gathering. 'Today, we're driving to my uncle's house in Sharjah for a big family reunion,' he said. 'Relatives from across the Emirates, as well as family members flying in from Saudi Arabia and the UK, will be joining us. There will be around 30 of us gathering under one roof.' He said, 'the day will be full of joy and togetherness, hopefully. We'll all have lunch together, catch up, and spend some quality time. Later in the evening, we plan to head to a mall in Dubai, where we'll continue the celebrations with dinner at a nice restaurant,' he added. The feast will feature a spread of traditional Syrian delicacies, including sweet treats like Ka'ik and Ma'amoul, as well as savory dishes such as Mahashi and Kibbeh. 'It's not just about the food; it's about reconnecting, sharing stories, and making memories,' Joratli added. Parents visiting This Eid is especially meaningful for Shukri Deria, as her mother is visiting UAE this year. The American expat who is originally from Somalia, said: 'We headed to the pray early this morning, around 5.30am. The sky was just beginning to lighten up. It was so peaceful. After offering our prayers, we waited for the restaurants to open. As soon as they did, we treated ourselves to a warm, hearty breakfast. It felt especially rewarding, as it is a special day." 'Now we're back home, resting for a while. Later, we'll head over to my cousin's house for our usual family lunch. Meeting up with friends and family is always heartwarming especially during festive occasions. There are certain family stories that never get old. "What makes today extra special is that my mom is here with us, this Eid. This adds extra warmth and presence to everything. It's the kind of day that feels both simple and unforgettable. This Eid is truly special,' added Deria. Nostalgic times Similarly, Sharjah resident Majd Ali Al Khatib said, 'Today, I woke up before sunrise, around 5.30 am, so I got ready and headed to Eid prayer by 5.45 am. That moment, standing in prayer with everyone, was incredibly special and meaningful to me. After the prayer, we all congratulated one another and passed around sweets to share.' Feeling nostalgic, she pointed out that back at home in Syria, they usually have coffee with dates or traditional Eid sweets. 'When we were young, the whole family gathered at my grandparents' house either for brunch or lunch. It used to be the most cherished meal of the year for us, and it still is.' 'My children are always the most excited; they wear their new clothes, eat plenty of sweets, get Eidiyah (Eid money) from the adults, and play together all day. In the afternoon, relatives started arriving to visit and offer their Eid greetings. It really is the perfect opportunity to reconnect with family, breaking the monotony of everyday life.'
