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Fifa U-17 World Cup gala starts in UAE
Fifa U-17 World Cup gala starts in UAE James Jose / 17 October 2013 Hosts hope for a victory against Honduras; Brazil meet Slovakia first in Fifa U-17 World Cup. ABU DHABI — Back in August, Shaikh Nahyan Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Culture, Youth and Community Development, Chairman for the General Authority of Youth and Sports had said that the tournament is a celebration of future stars. As a ball will be kicked in anger, over the next three weeks, 504 young guns will be hoping to show the world that they are the future. The Fifa Under-17 World Cup kicks-off at the Mohammed bin Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi on Thursday. After the Opening Ceremony is done, it will be the perfect opportunity for the next generation of UAE football to give a glimpse that they are following in the footsteps of their more illustrious seniors. Shaikh Nahyan Mubarak Al Nahyan is also the Chairman of the Higher Local Organising Committee (LOC) for the tournament. The UAE are competing in the tournament for the first time and take on Honduras in a Group A fixture. But there is no lack of confidence. UAE captain Humaid Salmeen reckoned that they could all the way. That is the attitude that the UAE are going with. “We are looking to win the tournament. At the Under-17 level, there is nothing different between the teams,” Humaid Salmeen, said on the eve of the match. “All teams are the same. The only difference is how the players deal with the pressure. As young players, we are not used to the media and the big stadiums. But to be a successful player, you have to prepare yourself well and pass all the difficulties. We will try our best to achieve our ambitions,” he added. The UAE play the second game of the night after three-time winners Brazil meet Slovakia. The UAE’s meeting with Brazil on Sunday is the one that the fans have been waiting for. But the UAE coach Rashid Amir cautioned that they are not looking too far ahead. He said that getting a win against Honduras will be the key. Honduras will be making their third appearance in the competition but haven’t won a game so far or even earned a point. But Amir is treating it the same way as he would treat a game against Brazil. “The most difficult game in any tournament is the first match. Achieving results is going to be hard throughout the whole tournament. But Honduras have been training for this match for a long time. Everybody is talking about the Brazil vs UAE game, but the match against Honduras is the most difficult,” Amir said. Amir said that the squad have prepared well and are battle ready. “The squad has been preparing for more than a year. During that time, they have been training very hard. We had a good training camp and some tough friendly games in Spain. I think we have reached the level that we wanted. The squad is ready to give their best,” he said. The squad began their preparations 15 months ago in Turkey. The UAE left for Turkey in July 2012 before travelling to Saudi Arabia and Spain. They returned to the UAE in January 2013 and trained at home till July before travelling to Turkey again. They left for Malaysia before returing to the UAE in September. The UAE were back on the road again and were in Marbella, Spain from September to October, for their final stint.The UAE played a few friendly games against World Cup opponents from other groups and returned home unbeaten. They played Argentina, defending champions Mexico, Ivory Coast and Panama, whom they blanked 4-0. “Our results indicate that the team is on the right track as far our preparations for the World Cup finals are concerned. We have to maintain this standard and always show a fighting spirit on the pitch. That is how we will win at this tournament,” said Amir. The UAE will be without midfieler Ali Ghuloum, who picked up a knee injury during the friendly against Panama. Ghuloum will have to undergo a surgery. He was replaced by Omar Jumah. Meanwhile, in the opening fixture of the competition and of the night, heavyweights Brazil will be looking to lay the platform for a fourth title when they meet debutants Slovakia. Slovakia are playing as an independent nation for the first time. Brazil’s Gabriel will be the one to watch. The striker signed a contract with one of Brazil’s top clubs Santos, last month. KICK-OFFS (Mohammed bin Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi): Brazil vs Slovakia, 5 p.m UAE vs Honduras, 8 p.m Continue reading
On Eid, Muslims urged to unite and end bloodshed
On Eid, Muslims urged to unite and end bloodshed (AFP) / 15 October 2013 Top Saudi cleric urges Muslims to avoid divisions, chaos and sectarianism. Around two million Muslim pilgrims thronged Mount Arafat in Saudi Arabia on Monday for the high point of the Haj, praying for an end to disputes and bloodshed. Helicopters hovered overhead and thousands of troops stood guard to organise roads flooded with men, women and children. Chanting Labaik Allahum Labaik (I am responding to your call, God), many of them camped in colourful tents and took shelter under trees to escape temperatures of around 40º Celsius. Special sprinklers were set up to help cool the pilgrims. In his annual sermon, top Saudi cleric Sheikh Abdulaziz Al Sheikh urged Muslims to avoid divisions, chaos and sectarianism. “Your nation is a trust with you. You must safeguard its security, stability and resources,” said the cleric, who heads Saudi Arabia’s highest religious body, in an address to the Muslim world. “You should know that you are targeted by your enemy… who wants to spread chaos among you … It’s time to confront this.” The cleric recalled the Islamic prohibition of killing and aggression, while insisting there is “no salvation or happiness for the Muslim nation without adhering to the teachings of the religion”. “I will pray the whole day to God to improve the situation for Muslims worldwide and an end to disputes and bloodshed in Arab countries,” 61-year-old Algerian pensioner Saeed Dherari said. “I hope that God will grace all Muslims with security and stability,” said 75-year-old Ahmad Khader, who hails from the Syrian province of Daraa. “The regime is tyrannical and I pray to God to help the oppressed people,” he said, referring to Syrian President Bashar Al Assad’s embattled government. Egyptian Ahmad Ali, who is performing Haj for the first time, prayed for peace after hundreds were killed in recent months in fighting between security forces and Islamist supporters of ousted president Mohammed Mursi. “I pray for Egypt to enjoy security and stability and for the people to reach understanding and reconciliation,” Ali said. Continue reading
Eid excitement, mall offers bring joy to UAE residents
Eid excitement, mall offers bring joy to UAE residents Dhanusha Gokulan / 15 October 2013 The streets are decked up with sparkling lights; there are sales in practically every store in every shopping mall; and there’s a wide range of activities that families can pick from. Sarah Majid is all excited like any other six-year-old. No wonder as she has been shopping with her Pakistani parents all day long. Asked what she plans to do on Eid Al Adha, a bashful Sarah replied: “Wear my new clothes of course. And have lunch at my aunt’s house and I will also get lots of Eidi (gifts).” Sarah and her family, along with the several thousand families here in the UAE are all geared up to welcome the festival of Eid Al Adha. The streets are decked up with sparkling lights; there are sales in practically every store in every shopping mall; and there’s a wide range of activities that families can pick from. “The mutton has been marinated, the new clothes have been bought, and the house is sparkling clean,” said Nafisa Jehangir, Sarah’s mother. “The kids are really excited about the festivities and like all celebrations, I believe Eid is a wonderful time for families to get together,” added Nafisa. For those who don’t have a big family function planned, the Beach Family Fair Jumeirah in Umm Suqeim 2 provides a perfect place for a family gathering during Eid in Dubai — Eid Al Adha celebrations. The family gatherings at the Beach Family Fair has seen enthusiastic adults and kids participating in, and enjoying loads of beach and water-based activities daily from 10am until 9pm. These include entertainment workshops for children, inflatables and performances by roaming artistes including clowns and jugglers. A variety of food kiosks have also been set up at the event for the benefit of visitors. Families also get the opportunity to end their outing on a highly exciting note, thanks to the dazzling fireworks show that commences in the same location around 8.30 every night. The 6th edition of ‘Eid in Dubai — Eid Al Adha’ celebrations is being held under the theme ‘Eid Al Adha unites us in celebration’, and is organised by the Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE), an agency of the Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM). Those who prefer a touch of tradition with their Eid celebrations can head out to the Heritage Village in the Shindaga area. The inaugural ‘Dubai Heritage and Touristic Season’, organised under the directives of Shaikh Majid bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairman of Dubai Culture & Arts Authority, is hosting 50 traditional activities during Eid Al Adha. People taking sacrificial goats from Al Qusais cattle market in Dubai on Monday. — KT photos by Shihab, Grace Guino and Nezar Balout Dubai Culture will host a range of heritage and cultural events until April 2014 to educate visitors and residents of the UAE’s traditions and customs. The creek will feature an exhibit, including replicas of boats, insights on pearl diving and Arabian hospitality, and competitive fishing. The Shaikh Obaid bin Thani House will serve as a location for field trips for students, visits to the souk, roaming entertainment, carnivals and performances and arts and crafts for children. A hospitality tent will shed light on the facets of Emirati heritage, including the traditional Bedouin Camel Caravan used during weddings; wedding rituals and insights into the life of Bedouin dwellings. Khalid Gharib, Head of the Committee of the Dubai Heritage and Touristic Season, Dubai Culture and Arts Authority, said: “The Dubai Heritage and Touristic Season will shed light on the bold ambitions of the UAE, while educating and reaching out to audiences from around the world, making it one of the most sought-after events in the city.” The activities will bring to life the essence of the Arabian souk; traditional weddings and games, in addition to a delectable line-up of authentic Emirati cuisine from all three geographic regions. -dhanusha@khaleejtimes.com Continue reading
