Javed Miandad’s last ball six against India at Sharjah in the Austral-Asia Cup final on April 18, 1986 will remain one of the defining moments of cricket in UAE. Photo: Pakistan Cricket Board
Javed Miandad’s last ball six against India at Sharjah in the Austral-Asia Cup final on April 18, 1986 will remain one of the defining moments of cricket in UAE. Photo: Pakistan Cricket Board
Abdulrahman Bukhatir, centre, was mainly responsible for the growth of cricket in the UAE for a number of years. Photo: The Cricketer Pakistan
Abdulrahman Bukhatir, centre, was mainly responsible for the growth of cricket in the UAE for a number of years. Photo: The Cricketer Pakistan
England players Derek Pringle, Allan Lamb, David Gower and Robin Jackman at the camel races during the tour to Sharjah in March, 1983. Getty
England players Derek Pringle, Allan Lamb, David Gower and Robin Jackman at the camel races during the tour to Sharjah in March, 1983. Getty
India's Navjot Sidhu hits a four against Pakistan at the Champions Trophy in Sharjah on October 15, 1989. The two rivals have played many matches through the 1980s and 1990s in the UAE.
India's Navjot Sidhu hits a four against Pakistan at the Champions Trophy in Sharjah on October 15, 1989. The two rivals have played many matches through the 1980s and 1990s in the UAE.
A Pakistan side, led by Javed Miandad, takes the field during a match between Gavaskar XI and Miandad XI at Sharjah Cricket Stadium on April 3 1981. Photo: The Cricketer Pakistan
A Pakistan side, led by Javed Miandad, takes the field during a match between Gavaskar XI and Miandad XI at Sharjah Cricket Stadium on April 3 1981. Photo: The Cricketer Pakistan
View from outside the ground as spectators gather for the Asia Cup match between Pakistan and Sri Lanka on April 6, 1984, at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium. Getty
View from outside the ground as spectators gather for the Asia Cup match between Pakistan and Sri Lanka on April 6, 1984, at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium. Getty
Sharjah was the nursery for UAE cricket for decades before the rise of Dubai and Abu Dhabi as cricket centres. Getty
Sharjah was the nursery for UAE cricket for decades before the rise of Dubai and Abu Dhabi as cricket centres. Getty
The Sharjah stadium was recently upgraded for a bumper home season. Antonie Robertson / The National
The Sharjah stadium was recently upgraded for a bumper home season. Antonie Robertson / The National
Javed Miandad was a star of Pakistan cricket, and a crowd-favourite in Sharjah. Getty
Javed Miandad was a star of Pakistan cricket, and a crowd-favourite in Sharjah. Getty
Sachin Tendulkar became a superstar in a matter of days as he smashed 143 then 134 against Australia in the 1998 Coca Cola Cup in Sharjah. Reuters
Sachin Tendulkar became a superstar in a matter of days as he smashed 143 then 134 against Australia in the 1998 Coca Cola Cup in Sharjah. Reuters
Indian captain Mohamed Azharuddin receives the Coca Cola Cup after defeating Australia in the 1998 final in Sharjah. AFP
Indian captain Mohamed Azharuddin receives the Coca Cola Cup after defeating Australia in the 1998 final in Sharjah. AFP
UAE's first big break in international cricket was playing the 1996 World Cup in the subcontinent. Here you can see Saleem Raza batting for the UAE against England. Photo: John Pryke
UAE's first big break in international cricket was playing the 1996 World Cup in the subcontinent. Here you can see Saleem Raza batting for the UAE against England. Photo: John Pryke
The Sharjah tri-series final on October 29, 2000, was one of the most incredible games. Sri Lankan captain Sanath Jayasuriya smashed 189 off 161 balls to lift his team to 299-5, before the islanders dismissed India for 54. AFP
The Sharjah tri-series final on October 29, 2000, was one of the most incredible games. Sri Lankan captain Sanath Jayasuriya smashed 189 off 161 balls to lift his team to 299-5, before the islanders dismissed India for 54. AFP
Sri Lanka crushed India in October 29, 2000, tri-series final in Sharjah. The 245-run win margin remains the 10th biggest win, while Sanath Jayasuriya's 189 the 14th highest ODI score. AFP
Sri Lanka crushed India in October 29, 2000, tri-series final in Sharjah. The 245-run win margin remains the 10th biggest win, while Sanath Jayasuriya's 189 the 14th highest ODI score. AFP
The 2003 Sharjah Test between Australia and Pakistan is considered one of the most brutal ever in terms of playing conditions. Matthew Hayden, right, scored a Test match-winning century, while Pakistan were bowled out for 59 and 53. All that in searing desert heat. Getty
The 2003 Sharjah Test between Australia and Pakistan is considered one of the most brutal ever in terms of playing conditions. Matthew Hayden, right, scored a Test match-winning century, while Pakistan were bowled out for 59 and 53. All that in searing desert heat. Getty
Abu Dhabi began work on a new cricket venue in the UAE at the turn of the century - the Zayed Cricket Stadium. Photo: Arup
Abu Dhabi began work on a new cricket venue in the UAE at the turn of the century - the Zayed Cricket Stadium. Photo: Arup
The Zayed Cricket Stadium in Abu Dhabi is one of the most futuristic cricket venues in the world. AFP
The Zayed Cricket Stadium in Abu Dhabi is one of the most futuristic cricket venues in the world. AFP
India played Pakistan in two ODIs at the Zayed Cricket Stadium in 2006 - the first international match in the UAE capital.
India played Pakistan in two ODIs at the Zayed Cricket Stadium in 2006 - the first international match in the UAE capital.
Honour guards perform at the opening ceremony of the two-match ODI series between India and Pakistan in Abu Dhabi in 2006. AFP
Honour guards perform at the opening ceremony of the two-match ODI series between India and Pakistan in Abu Dhabi in 2006. AFP
Former Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf attends India-Pakistan 2006 series at the Zayed Cricket Stadium in Abu Dhabi. AFP
Former Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf attends India-Pakistan 2006 series at the Zayed Cricket Stadium in Abu Dhabi. AFP
Three years after the UAE capital tasted international cricket, the Dubai International Stadium hosted its first ODI in 2009.
Three years after the UAE capital tasted international cricket, the Dubai International Stadium hosted its first ODI in 2009.
After the 2009 attack on the Sri Lankan team in Lahore, Pakistan cricket shifted base to the UAE for the best part of the next decade.
After the 2009 attack on the Sri Lankan team in Lahore, Pakistan cricket shifted base to the UAE for the best part of the next decade.
Pakistan took on Australia in the Chapal Cup at the Dubai International Stadium on April 22, 2009 - the first international match at the venue. Amy Leang / The National
Pakistan took on Australia in the Chapal Cup at the Dubai International Stadium on April 22, 2009 - the first international match at the venue. Amy Leang / The National
England, then the No1 Test team in the world, were famously blanked 3-0 by Pakistan in 2012, with spinners Saeed Ajmal and Abdur Rehman doing a bulk of the damage. Satish Kumar / The National
England, then the No1 Test team in the world, were famously blanked 3-0 by Pakistan in 2012, with spinners Saeed Ajmal and Abdur Rehman doing a bulk of the damage. Satish Kumar / The National
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, attends an IPL match between Mumbai Indians and Sunrisers Hyderabad on April 30, 2014. IPL was forced to shift one leg of the tournament to the UAE due to local elections. Courtesy: Dubai Government Media Office)
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, attends an IPL match between Mumbai Indians and Sunrisers Hyderabad on April 30, 2014. IPL was forced to shift one leg of the tournament to the UAE due to local elections. Courtesy: Dubai Government Media Office)
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, at the 2014 Indian Premier League. Courtesy: Dubai Government Media Office
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, at the 2014 Indian Premier League. Courtesy: Dubai Government Media Office
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, watches a 2014 IPL match. It was the first big-ticket cricket tournament in Dubai. Pawan Singh / The National
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, watches a 2014 IPL match. It was the first big-ticket cricket tournament in Dubai. Pawan Singh / The National
Pakistan became the top-ranked Test and T20 teams while playing in the UAE. Reuters
Pakistan became the top-ranked Test and T20 teams while playing in the UAE. Reuters
Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak receives the UAE team that qualified for the 2015 World Cup at Bateen Palace in Abu Dhabi. Ravindranath K / The National
Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak receives the UAE team that qualified for the 2015 World Cup at Bateen Palace in Abu Dhabi. Ravindranath K / The National
UAE cricket team celebrate after beating Namibia to qualify for the 2015 World Cup. Courtesy ICC
UAE cricket team celebrate after beating Namibia to qualify for the 2015 World Cup. Courtesy ICC
Mohammed Tauqir captained the UAE at the 2015 World Cup. He was one of the few Emirati cricketers to play at the top level. Satish Kumar / The National
Mohammed Tauqir captained the UAE at the 2015 World Cup. He was one of the few Emirati cricketers to play at the top level. Satish Kumar / The National
Afghanistan had their base in the UAE for some time. And they had the most passionate support base.
Afghanistan had their base in the UAE for some time. And they had the most passionate support base.
In the 2014 Abu Dhabi Test against Australia, Misbah-ul-Haq, the Pakistan captain, smashed a 56-ball century, still the second fastest in history. AFP
In the 2014 Abu Dhabi Test against Australia, Misbah-ul-Haq, the Pakistan captain, smashed a 56-ball century, still the second fastest in history. AFP
Islamabad United won the inaugural Pakistan Super League in 2016, which was held entirely in the UAE. AFP
Islamabad United won the inaugural Pakistan Super League in 2016, which was held entirely in the UAE. AFP
Former Pakistan bowler Aaqib Javed played a significant role in taking the UAE team towards the professional era as coach. Satish Kumar / The National
Former Pakistan bowler Aaqib Javed played a significant role in taking the UAE team towards the professional era as coach. Satish Kumar / The National
Mazhar Khan, long-serving administrator of Sharjah cricket, has a deep bond with the game in the UAE. Antonie Robertson / The National
Mazhar Khan, long-serving administrator of Sharjah cricket, has a deep bond with the game in the UAE. Antonie Robertson / The National
Dougie Brown has been a long-serving coach in UAE cricket, previously with the national team and then in Abu Dhabi T10. Pawan Singh / The National
Dougie Brown has been a long-serving coach in UAE cricket, previously with the national team and then in Abu Dhabi T10. Pawan Singh / The National
Rohan Mustafa, second left, was one of the first UAE cricketers to be given a professional contract with the Emirates Cricket Board. AFP
Rohan Mustafa, second left, was one of the first UAE cricketers to be given a professional contract with the Emirates Cricket Board. AFP
A maintenance worker on one of the floodlights at Zayed Cricket Stadium in Abu Dhabi - one of the many unsung heroes of UAE cricket. Pawan Singh / The National
A maintenance worker on one of the floodlights at Zayed Cricket Stadium in Abu Dhabi - one of the many unsung heroes of UAE cricket. Pawan Singh / The National
The Pakistan Super League was held in the UAE in its formative years before it shifted base back home. Satish Kumar / The National
The Pakistan Super League was held in the UAE in its formative years before it shifted base back home. Satish Kumar / The National
The Abu Dhabi T10 has brought a new 10-over format to the forefront of international cricket. Chris Whiteoak / The National
The Abu Dhabi T10 has brought a new 10-over format to the forefront of international cricket. Chris Whiteoak / The National
Ahmed Raza, left, has captained the UAE during a tough period following a corruption scandal that engulfed the team. Courtesy ICC
Ahmed Raza, left, has captained the UAE during a tough period following a corruption scandal that engulfed the team. Courtesy ICC
The Emirates Cricket Board has done a lot to promote women's cricket in the country. Reem Mohammed / The National
The Emirates Cricket Board has done a lot to promote women's cricket in the country. Reem Mohammed / The National
The 2020 IPL was held in its entirety in the UAE, and that too in the middle of the pandemic. BCCI / Sportzpics
The 2020 IPL was held in its entirety in the UAE, and that too in the middle of the pandemic. BCCI / Sportzpics
The 2021 edition of the IPL was also moved to the UAE, proving once again that the country is the foremost sports destination. BCCI / Sportzpics
The 2021 edition of the IPL was also moved to the UAE, proving once again that the country is the foremost sports destination. BCCI / Sportzpics
Pakistan defeated India at the 2021 T20 World Cup in Dubai - the first time they had tasted success against their neighbours in a World Cup. Getty
Pakistan defeated India at the 2021 T20 World Cup in Dubai - the first time they had tasted success against their neighbours in a World Cup. Getty
Fans have played an integral part in the rise of cricket in the UAE. Ravindranath K / The National
Fans have played an integral part in the rise of cricket in the UAE. Ravindranath K / The National
Fans line up outside the Sharjah Cricket Stadium to catch balls hit out of the ground by batsmen - surely one of the best moments for any cricket supporter. Chris Whiteoak / The National
Fans line up outside the Sharjah Cricket Stadium to catch balls hit out of the ground by batsmen - surely one of the best moments for any cricket supporter. Chris Whiteoak / The National
Shyam Bhatia is a renowned patron of cricket in the UAE and has one of the best private cricket museums in the world. Satish Kumar / The National
Shyam Bhatia is a renowned patron of cricket in the UAE and has one of the best private cricket museums in the world. Satish Kumar / The National
Street cricket - one of the purest forms of the game in the UAE and across the world. Pawan Singh / The National
Street cricket - one of the purest forms of the game in the UAE and across the world. Pawan Singh / The National

Sport

Cricket

UAE at 50: Fifty images that have defined cricket in the country over half a century

The sport has blossomed in the desert and the emirate is now a premier cricket destination

Ajit Vijaykumar

November 06, 2021

  • English
  • Arabic

It is a momentous occasion for the UAE with the nation celebrating its milestone Golden Jubilee. 'The Year of the 50th', which officially started on April 6 and will last until March 31 next year, will commemorate the incredible journey the UAE, its citizens and residents have made over the last 50 years.

The journey of cricket in the UAE has also seen a similar rise. For decades, the game was played in Sharjah - catering to the expat South Asian population. The UAE became a regular fixture in the international calendar, with the canopies of the Sharjah Stadium becoming the lasting image of cricket in the country.

Then, we moved into the 21st century. And so did UAE cricket. First came the Zayed Cricket Stadium in Abu Dhabi. Then the Dubai International Stadium's 'Ring of Fire' a few years later.

By 2009, the UAE had three international standard cricket venues. And that played a big role in attracting top tier cricket to the country. It started with Pakistan shifting base to the UAE for close to a decade following the 2009 attack on the Sri Lankan team.

Then the Indian Premier League also came calling - first in 2014 due to elections in India and then in 2020 and again in 2021 due to the pandemic.

And today, the UAE has become the first non-Test playing nation to host a T20 World Cup.

A lot of cricket has happened in these 50 years. There are too many records, incredible moments of excellence, heartbreaks and controversies to enlist. However, there are a few that have stood out.

In the picture gallery above, we have put together 50 memorable images of cricket in the UAE that have come to define the sport in the region.

Here's to another 50 years of growth and prosperity.

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Our commentary on Brexit
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
The UAE's journey to space
Getting there

The flights

Flydubai operates up to seven flights a week to Helsinki. Return fares to Helsinki from Dubai start from Dh1,545 in Economy and Dh7,560 in Business Class.

The stay

Golden Crown Igloos in Levi offer stays from Dh1,215 per person per night for a superior igloo; www.leviniglut.net 

Panorama Hotel in Levi is conveniently located at the top of Levi fell, a short walk from the gondola. Stays start from Dh292 per night based on two people sharing; www. golevi.fi/en/accommodation/hotel-levi-panorama

Arctic Treehouse Hotel in Rovaniemi offers stays from Dh1,379 per night based on two people sharing; www.arctictreehousehotel.com

RESULTS

1.45pm: Maiden Dh75,000 1,400m
Winner: Dirilis Ertugrul, Fabrice Veron (jockey), Ismail Mohammed (trainer)
2.15pm: Handicap Dh90,000 1,400m
Winner: Kidd Malibu, Sandro Paiva, Musabah Al Muhairi
2.45pm: Maiden Dh75,000 1,000m
Winner: Raakezz, Tadhg O’Shea, Nicholas Bachalard
3.15pm: Handicap Dh105,000 1,200m
Winner: Au Couer, Sean Kirrane, Satish Seemar
3.45pm: Maiden Dh75,000 1,600m
Winner: Rayig, Pat Dobbs, Doug Watson
4.15pm: Handicap Dh105,000 1,600m
Winner: Chiefdom, Royston Ffrench, Salem bin Ghadayer
4.45pm: Handicap Dh80,000 1,800m
Winner: King’s Shadow, Richard Mullen, Satish Seemar

The Voice of Hind Rajab

Starring: Saja Kilani, Clara Khoury, Motaz Malhees

Director: Kaouther Ben Hania

Rating: 4/5

Killing of Qassem Suleimani
Places to go for free coffee
  • Cherish Cafe Dubai, Dubai Investment Park, are giving away free coffees all day. 
  • La Terrace, Four Points by Sheraton Bur Dubai, are serving their first 50 guests one coffee and four bite-sized cakes
  • Wild & The Moon will be giving away a free espresso with every purchase on International Coffee Day
  • Orange Wheels welcome parents are to sit, relax and enjoy goodies at ‘Café O’ along with a free coffee
RESULTS

5pm: Handicap (TB) Dh100,000, 2,400m
Winner: Recordman, Richard Mullen (jockey), Satish Seemar (trainer)

5.30pm: Wathba Stallions Cup Handicap (PA) Dh 70,000, 2,200m​​​​​​​
Winner: AF Taraha, Tadhg O’Shea, Ernst Oertel

6pm: Abu Dhabi Fillies Classic Prestige (PA) Dh110,000, 1,400m​​​​​​​
Winner: Dhafra, Fabrice Veron, Eric Lemartinel

6.30pm: Abu Dhabi Colts Classic Prestige (PA) Dh110,000, 1,400m​​​​​​​
Winner: Maqam, Fabrice Veron, Eric Lemartinel

7pm: Handicap (PA) Dh85,000, 1,600m​​​​​​​
Winner: AF Momtaz, Fernando Jara, Musabah Al Muhairi

7.30pm: Maiden (PA) Dh80,000, 1,600m​​​​​​​
Winner: Optimizm, Patrick Cosgrave, Abdallah Al Hammadi

Bio

Born in Dubai in 1994
Her father is a retired Emirati police officer and her mother is originally from Kuwait
She Graduated from the American University of Sharjah in 2015 and is currently working on her Masters in Communication from the University of Sharjah.
Her favourite film is Pacific Rim, directed by Guillermo del Toro

Best Academy: Ajax and Benfica

Best Agent: Jorge Mendes

Best Club : Liverpool   

 Best Coach: Jurgen Klopp (Liverpool)  

 Best Goalkeeper: Alisson Becker

 Best Men’s Player: Cristiano Ronaldo

 Best Partnership of the Year Award by SportBusiness: Manchester City and SAP

 Best Referee: Stephanie Frappart

Best Revelation Player: Joao Felix (Atletico Madrid and Portugal)

Best Sporting Director: Andrea Berta (Atletico Madrid)

Best Women's Player:  Lucy Bronze

Best Young Arab Player: Achraf Hakimi

 Kooora – Best Arab Club: Al Hilal (Saudi Arabia)

 Kooora – Best Arab Player: Abderrazak Hamdallah (Al-Nassr FC, Saudi Arabia)

 Player Career Award: Miralem Pjanic and Ryan Giggs

No_One Ever Really Dies

N*E*R*D

(I Am Other/Columbia)

Specs

Engine: Dual-motor all-wheel-drive electric

Range: Up to 610km

Power: 905hp

Torque: 985Nm

Price: From Dh439,000

Available: Now

Electric scooters: some rules to remember
  • Riders must be 14-years-old or over
  • Wear a protective helmet
  • Park the electric scooter in designated parking lots (if any)
  • Do not leave electric scooter in locations that obstruct traffic or pedestrians
  • Solo riders only, no passengers allowed
  • Do not drive outside designated lanes
Brief scores:

Liverpool 3

Mane 24', Shaqiri 73', 80'

Manchester United 1

Lingard 33'

Man of the Match: Fabinho (Liverpool)

Our legal consultant

Name: Dr Hassan Mohsen Elhais

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

if you go

The flights

Flydubai flies to Podgorica or nearby Tivat via Sarajevo from Dh2,155 return including taxes. Turkish Airlines flies from Abu Dhabi and Dubai to Podgorica via Istanbul; alternatively, fly with Flydubai from Dubai to Belgrade and take a short flight with Montenegro Air to Podgorica. Etihad flies from Abu Dhabi to Podgorica via Belgrade. Flights cost from about Dh3,000 return including taxes. There are buses from Podgorica to Plav. 

The tour

While you can apply for a permit for the route yourself, it’s best to travel with an agency that will arrange it for you. These include Zbulo in Albania (www.zbulo.org) or Zalaz in Montenegro (www.zalaz.me).

 

Europe’s rearming plan
  • Suspend strict budget rules to allow member countries to step up defence spending
  • Create new "instrument" providing €150 billion of loans to member countries for defence investment
  • Use the existing EU budget to direct more funds towards defence-related investment
  • Engage the bloc's European Investment Bank to drop limits on lending to defence firms
  • Create a savings and investments union to help companies access capital
Updated: November 06, 2021, 9:19 AM`
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