Open Championship remains on high alert amid surge in protests

Security will remain on high alert during this week's Open Championship even though there has been no intelligence surrounding any potential protest, revealed R&A chief executive Martin Slumbers.

Strict measures will be in place at Royal Liverpool in what has been a challenging English summer with Just Stop Oil protesters causing disruption at major sporting events, including the Ashes Test series and Wimbledon.

Players have been asked not to get involved if any protests do take place; like during the Ashes Test at Lord's where England wicketkeeper Jonny Bairstow carried one protester off the pitch.

“We've had no direct intelligence,” Slumbers said ahead of the tournament which begins on Thursday.

“There was direct intelligence last year and most people in this room don't know The Open was targeted last year.

“We had a very credible threat that was reported to us that one of the most senior players in the field was going to be targeted by an environmental activist.

“We have significant security procedures in place, we work with law enforcement agencies and we will wait and see what happens.

“We have advised the players please don't get involved and I stand by that. We have enough things in place to be able to deal with that. Beyond that I think security matters I need to keep confidential.”

Meanwhile, Rory McIlroy will return to the scene of his sole Open win at Hoylake, hoping fond memories can help him snap a nine-year major drought.

McIlroy, 34, seemed destined for double-digit major titles when he swept all before him at the Royal Liverpool course in 2014 and went on to win the PGA Championship less than a month later.

But the Northern Irishman has remained on four majors ever since, despite being one of golf's top stars.

“I've had so many close calls since,” said the world No 2.

“I've had a great nine years and won a lot of tournaments but the big four have eluded me. Hopefully this week that's something I can change.”

He has finished in the top 10 at six of the last seven majors. Twelve months ago, he was in pole position to becoming an Open champion at St Andrews as he shared the lead heading into the final round.

But a cold putter and a stunning eight-under-par final round from Cameron Smith saw the Australian claim the Claret Jug.

It was a similar story at last month's US Open when the unheralded Wyndham Clark held off McIlroy to win by one shot.

“It's nice to have the validation. It's great racking up top fives and top 10s, but it's much nicer heading away with a trophy on a Sunday afternoon,” added McIlroy.

“It's a great shot of confidence and helps having something fresh in my memory. If I hopefully find myself in a similar position next week where I have a chance to win with nine holes to go, I can certainly draw on what I did [at the Scottish Open].”

World No 1 Scottie Scheffler will lead the challengers along with third-ranked Jon Rahm and Cameron Smith while Tommy Fleetwood could be the best hope of a first English Open champion since 1992.

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Why are asylum seekers being housed in hotels?

The number of asylum applications in the UK has reached a new record high, driven by those illegally entering the country in small boats crossing the English Channel.

A total of 111,084 people applied for asylum in the UK in the year to June 2025, the highest number for any 12-month period since current records began in 2001.

Asylum seekers and their families can be housed in temporary accommodation while their claim is assessed.

The Home Office provides the accommodation, meaning asylum seekers cannot choose where they live.

When there is not enough housing, the Home Office can move people to hotels or large sites like former military bases.

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AGL AWARDS

Golden Ball - best Emirati player: Khalfan Mubarak (Al Jazira)
Golden Ball - best foreign player: Igor Coronado (Sharjah)
Golden Glove - best goalkeeper: Adel Al Hosani (Sharjah)
Best Coach - the leader: Abdulaziz Al Anbari (Sharjah)
Fans' Player of the Year: Driss Fetouhi (Dibba)
Golden Boy - best young player: Ali Saleh (Al Wasl)
Best Fans of the Year: Sharjah
Goal of the Year: Michael Ortega (Baniyas)

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Power: 450hp

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Discounts on sales price of off-plan units
Flexible payment plans from developers
Mortgages with better interest rates, faster approval times and reduced fees
DLD registration fee can be paid through banks or credit cards at zero interest rates

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Why the UAE has many reasons to celebrate its closest friend and ally

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Courtesy: Carol Glynn, founder of Conscious Finance Coaching

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What the law says

Micro-retirement is not a recognised concept or employment status under Federal Decree Law No. 33 of 2021 on the Regulation of Labour Relations (as amended) (UAE Labour Law). As such, it reflects a voluntary work-life balance practice, rather than a recognised legal employment category, according to Dilini Loku, senior associate for law firm Gateley Middle East.

“Some companies may offer formal sabbatical policies or career break programmes; however, beyond such arrangements, there is no automatic right or statutory entitlement to extended breaks,” she explains.

“Any leave taken beyond statutory entitlements, such as annual leave, is typically regarded as unpaid leave in accordance with Article 33 of the UAE Labour Law. While employees may legally take unpaid leave, such requests are subject to the employer’s discretion and require approval.”

If an employee resigns to pursue micro-retirement, the employment contract is terminated, and the employer is under no legal obligation to rehire the employee in the future unless specific contractual agreements are in place (such as return-to-work arrangements), which are generally uncommon, Ms Loku adds.

Our family matters legal consultant

Name: Hassan Mohsen Elhais

Position: legal consultant with Al Rowaad Advocates and Legal Consultants.

UPI facts

More than 2.2 million Indian tourists arrived in UAE in 2023
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Labour dispute

The insured employee may still file an ILOE claim even if a labour dispute is ongoing post termination, but the insurer may suspend or reject payment, until the courts resolve the dispute, especially if the reason for termination is contested. The outcome of the labour court proceedings can directly affect eligibility.

- Abdullah Ishnaneh, Partner, BSA Law

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