Morocco fans have travelled from across the region and beyond to support their team, in what is proving to be a historic tournament for the Atlas Lions.
Already the first Arab country to reach a World Cup quarter-final, they could go one step further into the last four if they can find a way past an impressive Portugal side who put six past Switzerland in the last round.
Morocco, however, have already knocked out one European giant in Spain and defeated the world number two side Belgium in their group matches.
Fans gathering near Al Thumama Stadium for Saturday's match were excited at the prospect of going further in the competition.
Kenza Boukrim, 25, and her brother Elias flew in from Chicago and travelled from Morocco to the match with their mother.
“We watched the previous matches on TV. We used to wake up at 4am in US. We are thrilled to be here and watch it live,” said Ms Boukrim.
“They are doing better and they might be the underdogs [to watch out for] in this tournament.
"They surprised everybody as not a lot of people expected that. They brought the whole Arab world together. It’s such a great experience we are having.”
Abdulsalam bin Abduljalil, 71, has been to all of Morocco's matches since the start of the tournament.
“I watched all matches and cheered for them. We will stand with our team until the end. They made us proud,” said Mr Abduljalil who is attending his first World Cup.
“I don’t have a ticket yet for the match against Portugal. I’m ready to pay $1,000 or $1,500 for the ticket.
“We are delighted that Morocco are representing Arab and African countries in the World Cup. We are optimistic about qualifying. It feels different to make such an achievement in the first World Cup in the Middle East.”
Mukhtar Ahmed, 37, travelled from Saudi Arabia to support his team for the Spain match and stayed on for the Portugal game.
“Morocco are on the verge of making history here in Doha. The team has never achieved this in five previous World Cup appearances.
"We like calling ourselves the dark horse of the tournament. We have the best set of players and opportunity in our hands,” he said.
He said the whole nation was behind the team and had faith they could go all the way in this World Cup.
"We will defeat Portugal," Mr Ahmed said.
"I don’t think Ronaldo will start and our coach will know how to deter them.”
Morocco played with passion and determination and had brought smiles to all Arabs, he said.
“Even if we lose, I will still celebrate because they made us proud. We are the only Arab team left and it's thrilling as we saw all the Arab spectators supporting us."
Hassine Mohammed 49, came from Morocco with his wife.
Having sampled the excitement of the Spain game, he was hoping to secure tickets for the quarter-final.
“The match with Spain was amazing and the atmosphere was phenomenal. We hope to defeat Portugal and go all the way to the final,” Mr Mohammed said.
“I’ve been searching for match tickets since yesterday. The tickets on the black market are expensive and cost up to 3,000 riyals [Dh3,000]. I came with my wife and it will cost me a fortune.”
How will Gen Alpha invest?
Mark Chahwan, co-founder and chief executive of robo-advisory firm Sarwa, forecasts that Generation Alpha (born between 2010 and 2024) will start investing in their teenage years and therefore benefit from compound interest.
“Technology and education should be the main drivers to make this happen, whether it’s investing in a few clicks or their schools/parents stepping up their personal finance education skills,” he adds.
Mr Chahwan says younger generations have a higher capacity to take on risk, but for some their appetite can be more cautious because they are investing for the first time. “Schools still do not teach personal finance and stock market investing, so a lot of the learning journey can feel daunting and intimidating,” he says.
He advises millennials to not always start with an aggressive portfolio even if they can afford to take risks. “We always advise to work your way up to your risk capacity, that way you experience volatility and get used to it. Given the higher risk capacity for the younger generations, stocks are a favourite,” says Mr Chahwan.
Highlighting the role technology has played in encouraging millennials and Gen Z to invest, he says: “They were often excluded, but with lower account minimums ... a customer with $1,000 [Dh3,672] in their account has their money working for them just as hard as the portfolio of a high get-worth individual.”
5 of the most-popular Airbnb locations in Dubai
Bobby Grudziecki, chief operating officer of Frank Porter, identifies the five most popular areas in Dubai for those looking to make the most out of their properties and the rates owners can secure:
• Dubai Marina
The Marina and Jumeirah Beach Residence are popular locations, says Mr Grudziecki, due to their closeness to the beach, restaurants and hotels.
Frank Porter’s average Airbnb rent:
One bedroom: Dh482 to Dh739
Two bedroom: Dh627 to Dh960
Three bedroom: Dh721 to Dh1,104
• Downtown
Within walking distance of the Dubai Mall, Burj Khalifa and the famous fountains, this location combines business and leisure. “Sure it’s for tourists,” says Mr Grudziecki. “Though Downtown [still caters to business people] because it’s close to Dubai International Financial Centre."
Frank Porter’s average Airbnb rent:
One bedroom: Dh497 to Dh772
Two bedroom: Dh646 to Dh1,003
Three bedroom: Dh743 to Dh1,154
• City Walk
The rising star of the Dubai property market, this area is lined with pristine sidewalks, boutiques and cafes and close to the new entertainment venue Coca Cola Arena. “Downtown and Marina are pretty much the same prices,” Mr Grudziecki says, “but City Walk is higher.”
Frank Porter’s average Airbnb rent:
One bedroom: Dh524 to Dh809
Two bedroom: Dh682 to Dh1,052
Three bedroom: Dh784 to Dh1,210
• Jumeirah Lake Towers
Dubai Marina’s little brother JLT resides on the other side of Sheikh Zayed road but is still close enough to beachside outlets and attractions. The big selling point for Airbnb renters, however, is that “it’s cheaper than Dubai Marina”, Mr Grudziecki says.
Frank Porter’s average Airbnb rent:
One bedroom: Dh422 to Dh629
Two bedroom: Dh549 to Dh818
Three bedroom: Dh631 to Dh941
• Palm Jumeirah
Palm Jumeirah's proximity to luxury resorts is attractive, especially for big families, says Mr Grudziecki, as Airbnb renters can secure competitive rates on one of the world’s most famous tourist destinations.
Frank Porter’s average Airbnb rent:
One bedroom: Dh503 to Dh770
Two bedroom: Dh654 to Dh1,002
Three bedroom: Dh752 to Dh1,152
The specs
Engine: 3.8-litre twin-turbo flat-six
Power: 650hp at 6,750rpm
Torque: 800Nm from 2,500-4,000rpm
Transmission: 8-speed dual-clutch auto
Fuel consumption: 11.12L/100km
Price: From Dh796,600
On sale: now
Zayed Sustainability Prize
AI traffic lights to ease congestion at seven points to Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Street
The seven points are:
Shakhbout bin Sultan Street
Dhafeer Street
Hadbat Al Ghubainah Street (outbound)
Salama bint Butti Street
Al Dhafra Street
Rabdan Street
Umm Yifina Street exit (inbound)
Zayed Sustainability Prize
WHAT IS A BLACK HOLE?
1. Black holes are objects whose gravity is so strong not even light can escape their pull
2. They can be created when massive stars collapse under their own weight
3. Large black holes can also be formed when smaller ones collide and merge
4. The biggest black holes lurk at the centre of many galaxies, including our own
5. Astronomers believe that when the universe was very young, black holes affected how galaxies formed
The specs
Engine: 2.0-litre 4-cylinder turbo
Power: 240hp at 5,500rpm
Torque: 390Nm at 3,000rpm
Transmission: eight-speed auto
Price: from Dh122,745
On sale: now
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