Robert Whittaker, former UFC middleweight champion and seemingly on track for another shot at gold, has been based in Dubai for the past eight days, but he has seen nothing bar this current location and his hotel room, in Meydan.
“No, mate,” he tells The National following another punishing session at Renzo Gracie Dubai academy in Al Quoz. “I’m here on a mission.”
To be fair, the mission does require laser focus. On Saturday night, at what is expected to be a sold-out Etihad Arena, Whittaker goes up against the unbeaten Khamzat Chimaev in the co-main event at UFC 308, a principal protagonist on one of the cards of 2024.
The bout was supposed to take place earlier this year, in Saudi Arabia in June, but Chimaev was forced to withdraw through illness. The Chechen-born UAE resident may not have competed since last year, but he remains undefeated in 13 professional fights and has been tipped for some time to capture a UFC title.
Whittaker, meanwhile, held the middleweight crown for more than two years from July 2017, and sits now as the division’s No 3-ranked contender following back-to-back wins. As such, his pro records comes in at 26-7.
It’s no stretch to determine, then, that Saturday's rescheduled rendezvous in Abu Dhabi will be worth the wait.
“Mate, I've stepped in the octagon with the best fighters in the world, the best strikers in the world, the best wrestlers in the world,” Whittaker says. “I have a wealth of experience under my belt, and I look forward to putting Chimaev through his paces.
“I look forward to the test. I understand the hard fight that he is going to bring and pose to me, but that's how I get stronger. That's how I get better. The harder the challenge, the greater the triumph.”
Given his recent successes, Whittaker’s confidence is well placed. When Chimaev pulled out of their June encounter, the UFC’s debut in Saudi Arabia, the promotion's first Australian champion carried on regardless, stepping into the octagon against late-replacement, but highly touted prospect, Ikram Aliskerov.
Undeterred, Whittaker recorded a devastating first-round knockout in Riyadh that served notice to the middleweight division. Most probably, it registered with Chimaev, too.
“The advantage is that every time I fight, I go through a camp and then I have the experience of the stress and the pressure of the fight itself,” Whittaker says. “And then, on the other end of that, I've become better.
“So now I'm one fight and one camp better than I was when he was going to fight me, which is just that much more dangerous for him. He's getting a better version of myself.”
Like prior to the June fight, Whittaker has sharpened the edges of his undoubted skillset at the new Renzo Gracie Dubai, a facility founded and run by long-time UAE resident Rafael Haubert. The Brazilian is renowned as one of the country’s foremost jiu-jitsu instructors.
“The last time we came, we spent a lot of time at Renzo Gracie Dubai with Professor Rafael, and it just felt like coming home,” Whittaker said. “As well as we got in touch with Sheikh Rashid [bin Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum] and Sheikh Maktoum [bin Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum], and they welcomed us with open arms. And, honestly, they made it feel like home.
“They helped us with locations on training times and moving around, and just having some other people that can help us in the area. And funny enough, it became like a home away from home; everything’s flowing so well and, apart from the last fight, we had such success in the lead-up and preparation and organisation that it felt like, for our team, our second home. So, when the opportunity came to come back, we jumped at it.”
Evidently, having that backing – that royal seal of approval, if you will – has provided Team Whittaker with the foundation these past couple of weeks to go out and perform on Saturday.
“It just supports the fact of how popular the sport is becoming here,” Whittaker says. “It's so dynamic and such an exciting watch that it’s bringing people from across the globe at any level, at any station.
“And to have the support that we had here with Sheikh Rashid and Sheikh Maktoum, and the Professor Raphael, it was a dream come true. I can't express how humbling it was to for them to welcome us in and to have the support that we have.”
Whittaker, of course, knew the UAE already. He fought twice during the unprecedented Fight Island series hosted by Abu Dhabi during the Covid-19 pandemic, where he defeated fellow top contenders Darren Till and Jared Cannonier.
Although, UFC 308, at a fervent Etihad Arena, might represent a slightly contrasting setting.
“Obviously, Fight Island was its own special circumstance,” Whittaker says. “I really enjoyed it. I thrived in that atmosphere. And I know it's a dividing take, but it was great having no crowds and there was no external media, or was just by laptop in the [hotel] rooms.
“But this is going to be completely different. Honestly, I expect great things. Understandably it was a different circumstance, it was during Covid, but you could see the foundations that's there and how the sport is welcomed here. It is welcomed and accepted with open arms – and I can't wait.”
Facing an unbeaten Chimaev, who debuted for the UFC at the original Fight Island in July 2020, whets the appetite also.
“[He’s] the highest threat,” Whittaker says. “He has the chance to beat me like anybody else does. But I've done everything in my power to beat him and I am confident in my ability and where I'm at right today to beat him and to reduce that chance to almost zero. He has the highest threat to me, but I'm ready.
“I'm going in there to hunt him down from the first second to the last second. Mate, he's going to walk in and he's going to fight the best fighter in the world. That's what I'm bringing to the table. He hasn't been defeated and it's that time he tasted it.”
Serve up that dish, and Whittaker, still only 33, will surely be knocking on the door for another title shot in a middleweight division he believes is “ripe for opportunity”.
Currently, Dricus du Plessis reigns as champion; last year, the South African defeated Whittaker in a title eliminator in Las Vegas. However, with wins this year against Paulo Costa and Aliskerov, rounding off 2024 with a third straight success would surely take Whittaker back into top slot for a championship match-up.
“Mate, I'm going to smash Chimaev and go home,” Whittaker smiles. “That's where it takes me. The first plane back to Sydney.”
As he stresses, he’s in the Emirates on a mission. That’s all that matters.
“My calendar goes to this week, mate,” Whittaker says. "Saturday night. Nothing else.”
KILLING OF QASSEM SULEIMANI
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The specs: 2018 Nissan Altima
Price, base / as tested: Dh78,000 / Dh97,650
Engine: 2.5-litre in-line four-cylinder
Power: 182hp @ 6,000rpm
Torque: 244Nm @ 4,000rpm
Transmission: Continuously variable tranmission
Fuel consumption, combined: 7.6L / 100km
If you go
The flights
There are direct flights from Dubai to Sofia with FlyDubai (www.flydubai.com) and Wizz Air (www.wizzair.com), from Dh1,164 and Dh822 return including taxes, respectively.
The trip
Plovdiv is 150km from Sofia, with an hourly bus service taking around 2 hours and costing $16 (Dh58). The Rhodopes can be reached from Sofia in between 2-4hours.
The trip was organised by Bulguides (www.bulguides.com), which organises guided trips throughout Bulgaria. Guiding, accommodation, food and transfers from Plovdiv to the mountains and back costs around 170 USD for a four-day, three-night trip.
Dust and sand storms compared
Sand storm
- Particle size: Larger, heavier sand grains
- Visibility: Often dramatic with thick "walls" of sand
- Duration: Short-lived, typically localised
- Travel distance: Limited
- Source: Open desert areas with strong winds
Dust storm
- Particle size: Much finer, lightweight particles
- Visibility: Hazy skies but less intense
- Duration: Can linger for days
- Travel distance: Long-range, up to thousands of kilometres
- Source: Can be carried from distant regions
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
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KILLING OF QASSEM SULEIMANI
Zayed Sustainability Prize
Jetour T1 specs
Engine: 2-litre turbocharged
Power: 254hp
Torque: 390Nm
Price: From Dh126,000
Available: Now
The years Ramadan fell in May
Suggested picnic spots
Abu Dhabi
Umm Al Emarat Park
Yas Gateway Park
Delma Park
Al Bateen beach
Saadiyaat beach
The Corniche
Zayed Sports City
Dubai
Kite Beach
Zabeel Park
Al Nahda Pond Park
Mushrif Park
Safa Park
Al Mamzar Beach Park
Al Qudrah Lakes
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
BABYLON
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GAC GS8 Specs
Engine: 2.0-litre 4cyl turbo
Power: 248hp at 5,200rpm
Torque: 400Nm at 1,750-4,000rpm
Transmission: 8-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 9.1L/100km
On sale: Now
Price: From Dh149,900
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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
The biog
Marital status: Separated with two young daughters
Education: Master's degree from American Univeristy of Cairo
Favourite book: That Is How They Defeat Despair by Salwa Aladian
Favourite Motto: Their happiness is your happiness
Goal: For Nefsy to become his legacy long after he is gon
Three ways to limit your social media use
Clinical psychologist, Dr Saliha Afridi at The Lighthouse Arabia suggests three easy things you can do every day to cut back on the time you spend online.
1. Put the social media app in a folder on the second or third screen of your phone so it has to remain a conscious decision to open, rather than something your fingers gravitate towards without consideration.
2. Schedule a time to use social media instead of consistently throughout the day. I recommend setting aside certain times of the day or week when you upload pictures or share information.
3. Take a mental snapshot rather than a photo on your phone. Instead of sharing it with your social world, try to absorb the moment, connect with your feeling, experience the moment with all five of your senses. You will have a memory of that moment more vividly and for far longer than if you take a picture of it.
Abaya trends
The utilitarian robe held dear by Arab women is undergoing a change that reveals it as an elegant and graceful garment available in a range of colours and fabrics, while retaining its traditional appeal.
Australia squads
ODI: Tim Paine (capt), Aaron Finch (vice-capt), Ashton Agar, Alex Carey, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Nathan Lyon, Glenn Maxwell, Shaun Marsh, Jhye Richardson, Kane Richardson, D’Arcy Short, Billy Stanlake, Marcus Stoinis, Andrew Tye.
T20: Aaron Finch (capt), Alex Carey (vice-capt), Ashton Agar, Travis Head, Nic Maddinson, Glenn Maxwell, Jhye Richardson, Kane Richardson, D’Arcy Short, Billy Stanlake, Marcus Stoinis, Mitchell Swepson, Andrew Tye, Jack Wildermuth.
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Indoor Cricket World Cup Dubai 2017
Venue Insportz, Dubai; Admission Free
Day 1 fixtures (Saturday)
Men 1.45pm, Malaysia v Australia (Court 1); Singapore v India (Court 2); UAE v New Zealand (Court 3); South Africa v Sri Lanka (Court 4)
Women Noon, New Zealand v South Africa (Court 3); England v UAE (Court 4); 5.15pm, Australia v UAE (Court 3); England v New Zealand (Court 4)
if you go
The flights
Etihad, Emirates and Singapore Airlines fly direct from the UAE to Singapore from Dh2,265 return including taxes. The flight takes about 7 hours.
The hotel
Rooms at the M Social Singapore cost from SG $179 (Dh488) per night including taxes.
The tour
Makan Makan Walking group tours costs from SG $90 (Dh245) per person for about three hours. Tailor-made tours can be arranged. For details go to www.woknstroll.com.sg
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Blackpink World Tour [Born Pink] In Cinemas
Starring: Rose, Jisoo, Jennie, Lisa
Directors: Min Geun, Oh Yoon-Dong
Rating: 3/5
'The worst thing you can eat'
Trans fat is typically found in fried and baked goods, but you may be consuming more than you think.
Powdered coffee creamer, microwave popcorn and virtually anything processed with a crust is likely to contain it, as this guide from Mayo Clinic outlines:
Baked goods - Most cakes, cookies, pie crusts and crackers contain shortening, which is usually made from partially hydrogenated vegetable oil. Ready-made frosting is another source of trans fat.
Snacks - Potato, corn and tortilla chips often contain trans fat. And while popcorn can be a healthy snack, many types of packaged or microwave popcorn use trans fat to help cook or flavour the popcorn.
Fried food - Foods that require deep frying — french fries, doughnuts and fried chicken — can contain trans fat from the oil used in the cooking process.
Refrigerator dough - Products such as canned biscuits and cinnamon rolls often contain trans fat, as do frozen pizza crusts.
Creamer and margarine - Nondairy coffee creamer and stick margarines also may contain partially hydrogenated vegetable oils.
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
The specs
Engine: Four electric motors, one at each wheel
Power: 579hp
Torque: 859Nm
Transmission: Single-speed automatic
Price: From Dh825,900
On sale: Now
About Karol Nawrocki
• Supports military aid for Ukraine, unlike other eurosceptic leaders, but he will oppose its membership in western alliances.
• A nationalist, his campaign slogan was Poland First. "Let's help others, but let's take care of our own citizens first," he said on social media in April.
• Cultivates tough-guy image, posting videos of himself at shooting ranges and in boxing rings.
• Met Donald Trump at the White House and received his backing.
The five pillars of Islam
1. Fasting
2. Prayer
3. Hajj
4. Shahada
5. Zakat
Mohammed bin Zayed Majlis
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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
Defence review at a glance
• Increase defence spending to 2.5% of GDP by 2027 but given “turbulent times it may be necessary to go faster”
• Prioritise a shift towards working with AI and autonomous systems
• Invest in the resilience of military space systems.
• Number of active reserves should be increased by 20%
• More F-35 fighter jets required in the next decade
• New “hybrid Navy” with AUKUS submarines and autonomous vessels
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BEETLEJUICE BEETLEJUICE
Starring: Winona Ryder, Michael Keaton, Jenny Ortega
Director: Tim Burton
Rating: 3/5
Zayed Sustainability Prize
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
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UPI facts
More than 2.2 million Indian tourists arrived in UAE in 2023
More than 3.5 million Indians reside in UAE
Indian tourists can make purchases in UAE using rupee accounts in India through QR-code-based UPI real-time payment systems
Indian residents in UAE can use their non-resident NRO and NRE accounts held in Indian banks linked to a UAE mobile number for UPI transactions
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