So now we know. Qais Al Dhalai, president of Asia Rugby and vice president of the UAE Rugby Federation, told The National this week that a potential joint bid by the UAE, Qatar and Saudi Arabia to host the Rugby World Cup has the “experience, expertise and the means” to succeed and the time was right to bring the tournament to the region. His remarks backed up earlier media reports of a probable bid and confirmed that the aim was to secure 2035 or 2039 staging rights.
Australia has already been named as host in 2027, marking the third time the two-time World Cup-winning Southern Hemisphere nation has staged or co-hosted the tournament since its inception in 1987. The US will host the competition in 2031, potentially leaving the way open for a joint bid from West Asia for either of the next two tournaments. The previous two rounds were staged in Europe in 2023, when France hosted, and in East Asia in 2019, when Japan hosted.
The UAE national side performed credibly in a Test match against higher-ranking opposition late last year and is ranked within the top 50
The path to securing hosting rights in 2035 looks crowded, however, with six other countries said to be considering a bid, including England, which has hosted or co-hosted on three occasions. Italy and Spain are also said to harbour interest in bidding, as well as current world champion South Africa, which last hosted in 1995 and has bid regularly since then. Japan and Argentina are thought to be probable entrants into the race, too.
The naysayers have already suggested that the Gulf has no right to stage such a competition, given the presence of a number of elite rugby nations on that short list, and have also pointed to a lack of rugby pedigree in the tri-nations. But as is often the case, the facts tell a different story from the reflex reactions of critics.
First, the pedigree. It is almost 80 years since the sport was first played in the region in a match organised by Kuwait Oil Company workers and a representative side from the British military. The annual Dubai Rugby Sevens was first staged in 1970, and it is one of the star attractions of the World Sevens series. The Doha Rugby Football Club marks its 50th anniversary this year. Saudi Arabia’s rugby scene is growing and can trace its roots back decades.
Today, in the UAE in particular, the sport is flourishing at grassroots levels with thousands of men, women and children playing for clubs and schools. Several expatriate players have gone on to enjoy careers in the professional game overseas and received international call-ups in their “home” countries.
The UAE national side performed credibly in a Test match against higher-ranking opposition late last year and is ranked within the top 50. The Under 18s 7s boys’ side are serial champions in Asian continental tournaments and have previously achieved age-grade double honours with both boys’ and girls’ teams lifting international trophies.
Schools have an impressive track record of nurturing talent, with Jumeirah English Speaking School’s U14 girls side winning the prestigious Rosslyn Park 7s tournament in the UK last month for the second year running and their U16 girls winning the plate final. Three pieces of silverware in two years at an elite Northern Hemisphere tournament illustrates how deep the talent pool is here. And while the 2035 or 2039 bid is for the men’s competition, bringing the World Cup to the Gulf would in all likelihood assist development for the sport in general.
Then there is the track record for hosting major sporting events. The UAE and the Gulf’s winter sporting calendar is full of top-level international sport, from the Dubai Sevens and Formula 1 in Abu Dhabi to the ILT20 cricket league, ranking men’s and women’s tennis tournaments, multiple golf championships, the Dubai World Cup racing meet and so on.
Previous sporting credits include hosting the T20 Cricket World Cup, the Special Olympics, the Club World Cup on a number of occasions and the 2009 Rugby World Cup Sevens, when a Arabian Gulf combined team performed credibly, losing narrowly to Italy and scored in defeat to New Zealand.
Few will need reminding that Qatar hosted the last football World Cup. The country endured years of criticism, particularly from the West, ahead of the tournament but went on to deliver a hugely successful competition that won widespread acclaim for its hospitality and for showcasing Arab culture. Saudi Arabia was confirmed as host of the 2034 edition of the World Cup late last year. This region sits in a time zone-friendly part of the world for global sporting audiences, and the winter months – when the 2035 or 2039 rugby tournament would be held – are a great time of year and perfect temperature-wise to watch and play sport.
All three Gulf nations have a broader economic certainty and a commitment to infrastructure delivery – you only have to look at the success of Expo 2020 Dubai to confirm that point – which effectively underwrites any potential bid and provides good reason to be excited. The region has the pedigree, passion and purpose to provide the perfect staging post for international rugby’s biggest tournament a decade from now.
Those who question the reasons for staging such a tournament are pursuing the wrong line of enquiry. They should ask why not instead of why?
Bib%20Gourmand%20restaurants
%3Cp%3EAl%20Khayma%0D%3Cbr%3EBait%20Maryam%0D%3Cbr%3EBrasserie%20Boulud%0D%3Cbr%3EFi'lia%0D%3Cbr%3Efolly%0D%3Cbr%3EGoldfish%0D%3Cbr%3EIbn%20AlBahr%0D%3Cbr%3EIndya%20by%20Vineet%0D%3Cbr%3EKinoya%0D%3Cbr%3ENinive%0D%3Cbr%3EOrfali%20Bros%0D%3Cbr%3EReif%20Japanese%20Kushiyaki%0D%3Cbr%3EShabestan%0D%3Cbr%3ETeible%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Key facilities
- Olympic-size swimming pool with a split bulkhead for multi-use configurations, including water polo and 50m/25m training lanes
- Premier League-standard football pitch
- 400m Olympic running track
- NBA-spec basketball court with auditorium
- 600-seat auditorium
- Spaces for historical and cultural exploration
- An elevated football field that doubles as a helipad
- Specialist robotics and science laboratories
- AR and VR-enabled learning centres
- Disruption Lab and Research Centre for developing entrepreneurial skills
F1 The Movie
Starring: Brad Pitt, Damson Idris, Kerry Condon, Javier Bardem
Director: Joseph Kosinski
Rating: 4/5
Dubai World Cup Carnival card
6.30pm: Al Maktoum Challenge Round-2 Group 1 (PA) US$75,000 (Dirt) 1,900m
7.05pm: Al Rashidiya Group 2 (TB) $250,000 (Turf) 1,800m
7.40pm: Meydan Cup Listed Handicap (TB) $175,000 (T) 2,810m
8.15pm: Handicap (TB) $175,000 (D) 1,600m
8.50pm: Handicap (TB) $135,000 (T) 1,600m
9.25pm: Al Shindagha Sprint Group 3 (TB) $200,000 (D) 1,200m
10pm: Handicap (TB) $135,000 (T) 2,000m
The National selections:
6.30pm - Ziyadd; 7.05pm - Barney Roy; 7.40pm - Dee Ex Bee; 8.15pm - Dubai Legacy; 8.50pm - Good Fortune; 9.25pm - Drafted; 10pm - Simsir
The burning issue
The internal combustion engine is facing a watershed moment – major manufacturer Volvo is to stop producing petroleum-powered vehicles by 2021 and countries in Europe, including the UK, have vowed to ban their sale before 2040. The National takes a look at the story of one of the most successful technologies of the last 100 years and how it has impacted life in the UAE.
Read part four: an affection for classic cars lives on
Read part three: the age of the electric vehicle begins
Read part one: how cars came to the UAE
The specs
Engine: Long-range single or dual motor with 200kW or 400kW battery
Transmission: Single-speed automatic
Max touring range: 620km / 590km
Price: From Dh250,000 (estimated)
Company Profile
Name: JustClean
Based: Kuwait with offices in other GCC countries
Launch year: 2016
Number of employees: 130
Sector: online laundry service
Funding: $12.9m from Kuwait-based Faith Capital Holding
The candidates
Dr Ayham Ammora, scientist and business executive
Ali Azeem, business leader
Tony Booth, professor of education
Lord Browne, former BP chief executive
Dr Mohamed El-Erian, economist
Professor Wyn Evans, astrophysicist
Dr Mark Mann, scientist
Gina MIller, anti-Brexit campaigner
Lord Smith, former Cabinet minister
Sandi Toksvig, broadcaster
Dengue%20fever%20symptoms
%3Cp%3EHigh%20fever%20(40%C2%B0C%2F104%C2%B0F)%3Cbr%3ESevere%20headache%3Cbr%3EPain%20behind%20the%20eyes%3Cbr%3EMuscle%20and%20joint%20pains%3Cbr%3ENausea%3Cbr%3EVomiting%3Cbr%3ESwollen%20glands%3Cbr%3ERash%26nbsp%3B%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
The specs
Engine: Dual 180kW and 300kW front and rear motors
Power: 480kW
Torque: 850Nm
Transmission: Single-speed automatic
Price: From Dh359,900 ($98,000)
On sale: Now
2.0
Director: S Shankar
Producer: Lyca Productions; presented by Dharma Films
Cast: Rajnikanth, Akshay Kumar, Amy Jackson, Sudhanshu Pandey
Rating: 3.5/5 stars
No more lice
Defining head lice
Pediculus humanus capitis are tiny wingless insects that feed on blood from the human scalp. The adult head louse is up to 3mm long, has six legs, and is tan to greyish-white in colour. The female lives up to four weeks and, once mature, can lay up to 10 eggs per day. These tiny nits firmly attach to the base of the hair shaft, get incubated by body heat and hatch in eight days or so.
Identifying lice
Lice can be identified by itching or a tickling sensation of something moving within the hair. One can confirm that a person has lice by looking closely through the hair and scalp for nits, nymphs or lice. Head lice are most frequently located behind the ears and near the neckline.
Treating lice at home
Head lice must be treated as soon as they are spotted. Start by checking everyone in the family for them, then follow these steps. Remove and wash all clothing and bedding with hot water. Apply medicine according to the label instructions. If some live lice are still found eight to 12 hours after treatment, but are moving more slowly than before, do not re-treat. Comb dead and remaining live lice out of the hair using a fine-toothed comb.
After the initial treatment, check for, comb and remove nits and lice from hair every two to three days. Soak combs and brushes in hot water for 10 minutes.Vacuum the floor and furniture, particularly where the infested person sat or lay.
Courtesy Dr Vishal Rajmal Mehta, specialist paediatrics, RAK Hospital
More from Neighbourhood Watch:
if you go
Tips to stay safe during hot weather
- Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids, especially water. Avoid alcohol and caffeine, which can increase dehydration.
- Seek cool environments: Use air conditioning, fans, or visit community spaces with climate control.
- Limit outdoor activities: Avoid strenuous activity during peak heat. If outside, seek shade and wear a wide-brimmed hat.
- Dress appropriately: Wear lightweight, loose and light-coloured clothing to facilitate heat loss.
- Check on vulnerable people: Regularly check in on elderly neighbours, young children and those with health conditions.
- Home adaptations: Use blinds or curtains to block sunlight, avoid using ovens or stoves, and ventilate living spaces during cooler hours.
- Recognise heat illness: Learn the signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke (dizziness, confusion, rapid pulse, nausea), and seek medical attention if symptoms occur.
