Cristiano Ronaldo says he is proud to be a “pioneer” for football in Saudi Arabia, insisting it has become normal for the game’s top stars to play in the kingdom.
The Portuguese forward, 38, joined Saudi Pro League (SPL) club Al Nassr in late December on a two-and-a-year deal, paving the way for a number of high-profile players to follow him to the top tier this summer.
Brazil superstar Neymar, current Ballon d’Or holder Karim Benzema, African Footballer of the Year Sadio Mane, World Cup winner N’Golo Kante, and former Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson are only some of the headline names to move to the SPL in the past few months.
The league has publicly declared its ambition to develop into one of the top-five domestic competitions in the world. The kingdom’s aggressive recruitment drive this summer has led to criticism from lead football figures in Europe, including Uefa president Alexander Ceferin and Barcelona counterpart Joan Laporta.
Speaking at a press conference on Wednesday night while on international duty with Portugal, Ronaldo said: "It's normal to criticise. What league is not criticised? Where aren't there problems and controversy? There are everywhere; Saudi Arabia, Portugal, and the current in Spain [regarding Spanish football federation president Luis Rubiales].
"I already knew, and I still say as I said six months ago: everyone thought I was so crazy about this move. But after all, it isn't so crazy any more.
“Now, it's normal to play in the Saudi league. I knew this was going to happen. As an Al Nassr player, I have been playing for eight months and I feel the improvement.”
Ronaldo, who said he believed the SPL is now a better standard than Portugal’s Primeira Liga, has enjoyed a superb start to the 2023/24 season with Nassr.
The club captain has scored 12 goals in 11 appearances, including finishing top scorer in the recent King Salman Club Cup as he secured a first title with Nassr.
In the league, Ronaldo has struck six goals in his past three matches – he drew a blank in his first game – and registered four assists to sit top of both charts. He was thus named the SPL’s player of the month for August.
“Why don’t we give them an opportunity if they have potential and values. They also have great players and want to transform their football into the most competitive in the world.
“I was the pioneer and I feel proud of it. I want the Saudi league to continue to evolve in the upcoming years to become a remarkable top league.”
Asked also about his apparent long-time rivalry with Lionel Messi – the Argentine now plays in the United States with Inter Miami – the five-time Ballon d’Or winner said: “I don’t see things that way. We shared the stage for 15 years. I won’t say we’re friends, but we respect each other.
"The competition with Messi was good, and the fans loved it. If you love Cristiano, there’s no need to hate Messi. Both of them have changed the course of football history and deserve respect.
"The competition between them is over. Both are doing well in Saudi Arabia and the American league.”
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UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
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Engine: 3.0-litre six-cylinder turbo
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Fuel economy, combined: 6.5L/100km
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Price, base / as tested: Dh275,250 / Dh328,465
Engine: 2.0-litre four-cylinder
Power: 245hp @ 5,500rpm
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Fuel consumption, combined: 7.0L / 100km
The National Archives, Abu Dhabi
Founded over 50 years ago, the National Archives collects valuable historical material relating to the UAE, and is the oldest and richest archive relating to the Arabian Gulf.
Much of the material can be viewed on line at the Arabian Gulf Digital Archive - https://www.agda.ae/en
A little about CVRL
Founded in 1985 by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, the Central Veterinary Research Laboratory (CVRL) is a government diagnostic centre that provides testing and research facilities to the UAE and neighbouring countries.
One of its main goals is to provide permanent treatment solutions for veterinary related diseases.
The taxidermy centre was established 12 years ago and is headed by Dr Ulrich Wernery.
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Director:Guillermo del Toro
Stars:Bradley Cooper, Cate Blanchett, Rooney Mara
Rating: 3/5
The specs: 2018 Harley-Davidson Fat Boy
Price, base / as tested Dh97,600
Engine 1,745cc Milwaukee-Eight v-twin engine
Transmission Six-speed gearbox
Power 78hp @ 5,250rpm
Torque 145Nm @ 3,000rpm
Fuel economy, combined 5.0L / 100km (estimate)
How much do leading UAE’s UK curriculum schools charge for Year 6?
- Nord Anglia International School (Dubai) – Dh85,032
- Kings School Al Barsha (Dubai) – Dh71,905
- Brighton College Abu Dhabi - Dh68,560
- Jumeirah English Speaking School (Dubai) – Dh59,728
- Gems Wellington International School – Dubai Branch – Dh58,488
- The British School Al Khubairat (Abu Dhabi) - Dh54,170
- Dubai English Speaking School – Dh51,269
*Annual tuition fees covering the 2024/2025 academic year
Tearful appearance
Chancellor Rachel Reeves set markets on edge as she appeared visibly distraught in parliament on Wednesday.
Legislative setbacks for the government have blown a new hole in the budgetary calculations at a time when the deficit is stubbornly large and the economy is struggling to grow.
She appeared with Keir Starmer on Thursday and the pair embraced, but he had failed to give her his backing as she cried a day earlier.
A spokesman said her upset demeanour was due to a personal matter.
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Total fights: 32
Wins: 28
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The specs
- Engine: 3.9-litre twin-turbo V8
- Power: 640hp
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- On sale: 2026
- Price: Not announced yet
if you go
The flights
Air Astana flies direct from Dubai to Almaty from Dh2,440 per person return, and to Astana (via Almaty) from Dh2,930 return, both including taxes.
The hotels
Rooms at the Ritz-Carlton Almaty cost from Dh1,944 per night including taxes; and in Astana the new Ritz-Carlton Astana (www.marriott) costs from Dh1,325; alternatively, the new St Regis Astana costs from Dh1,458 per night including taxes.
When to visit
March-May and September-November
Visas
Citizens of many countries, including the UAE do not need a visa to enter Kazakhstan for up to 30 days. Contact the nearest Kazakhstan embassy or consulate.
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At a glance
Global events: Much of the UK’s economic woes were blamed on “increased global uncertainty”, which can be interpreted as the economic impact of the Ukraine war and the uncertainty over Donald Trump’s tariffs.
Growth forecasts: Cut for 2025 from 2 per cent to 1 per cent. The OBR watchdog also estimated inflation will average 3.2 per cent this year
Welfare: Universal credit health element cut by 50 per cent and frozen for new claimants, building on cuts to the disability and incapacity bill set out earlier this month
Spending cuts: Overall day-to day-spending across government cut by £6.1bn in 2029-30
Tax evasion: Steps to crack down on tax evasion to raise “£6.5bn per year” for the public purse
Defence: New high-tech weaponry, upgrading HM Naval Base in Portsmouth
Housing: Housebuilding to reach its highest in 40 years, with planning reforms helping generate an extra £3.4bn for public finances
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