Eddie Howe sees his Newcastle team take on relegation rivals Norwich and Burnley in their next two matches. Reuters
Eddie Howe sees his Newcastle team take on relegation rivals Norwich and Burnley in their next two matches. Reuters
Eddie Howe sees his Newcastle team take on relegation rivals Norwich and Burnley in their next two matches. Reuters
Eddie Howe sees his Newcastle team take on relegation rivals Norwich and Burnley in their next two matches. Reuters

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Football

Shadow of relegation looms over Newcastle ahead of bottom-of-table battle with Norwich

Mapgies manager Howe faces two crucial matches ahead of tough December fixture list

Richard Jolly
Richard Jolly

November 29, 2021

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The last time Newcastle United won a match or even kept a clean sheet in the Premier League, Steve Bruce was their manager and Mike Ashley their owner. Brentford were a Championship club, Tottenham had yet to appoint Nuno Espirito Santo, let alone Antonio Conte.

Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi played for Juventus and Barcelona respectively. And Newcastle, whose victory was their fifth in eight games, were near the top of the form table.

The six-month anniversary of that triumph at Fulham fell last Tuesday. Now they are the lone team in the Premier and Football Leagues without a win. More than a third of the season has gone and the club branded the world’s richest after their Saudi-led takeover could find themselves staring at an ignominious return to the Championship.

“We need to start winning,” said manager Eddie Howe, in an understatement. Only one side has ever stayed up after making such a long winless start. This week seems to assume colossal proportions: Norwich and Burnley visit St James’ Park before Newcastle face Leicester, Liverpool and both Manchester clubs.

“We are aware how important these games are but it is a danger to look too far ahead,” added Howe. “I was aware of the fixture list in December but the world looks very different with one win.”

Perhaps Tuesday’s visitors are proof of that. Win and Norwich will have taken the most points in November. It could make Dean Smith a candidate for manager of the month, even though he has been sacked — by Aston Villa — in November. Newcastle, however, have had neither a new-manager bounce nor a new-owner bounce.

It has hardly been an ideal start. “Covid hit me hard physically,” said Howe, who felt luckless when coronavirus confined him to a hotel room for what should have been his debut as manager, against Brentford. “A really unique experience,” he explained. “I had no control because I was so detached from the game. I could hear a delayed noise when we scored and from so far away hearing that, you think: 'What would it actually be like if I was in the stadium?'”

Arsenal 2 Newcastle 0: player ratings

ARSENAL RATINGS: Aaron Ramsdale - 8: Brilliant save from in-form goalkeeper to tip Shelvey shot into crossbar in first half. AFP
ARSENAL RATINGS: Aaron Ramsdale - 8: Brilliant save from in-form goalkeeper to tip Shelvey shot into crossbar in first half. AFP
Takehiro Tomiyasu - 7: Missed target with left- and right-footed shots in opening half. Lovely pass to supply Martinelli for Gunners’ second. EPA
Takehiro Tomiyasu - 7: Missed target with left- and right-footed shots in opening half. Lovely pass to supply Martinelli for Gunners’ second. EPA
Ben White - 7: Coped easily with what little attacking threat Joelinton and Wilson offered up front for Magpies. AFP
Ben White - 7: Coped easily with what little attacking threat Joelinton and Wilson offered up front for Magpies. AFP
Gabriel - 7: Involved in real scrap with Wilson right from opening minutes but generally came out on top against the Newcastle striker. Getty
Gabriel - 7: Involved in real scrap with Wilson right from opening minutes but generally came out on top against the Newcastle striker. Getty
Nuno Tavares - 6: Kept his place at left-back despite Kieran Tierney’s presence on bench. Guilty of three wild shots way off target in first half when teammates were far better placed. Nice ball to Saka for first goal. Reuters
Nuno Tavares - 6: Kept his place at left-back despite Kieran Tierney’s presence on bench. Guilty of three wild shots way off target in first half when teammates were far better placed. Nice ball to Saka for first goal. Reuters
Thomas Partey - 7: Smart passing from base of midfield although needed to move the ball a bit quicker at times. Had shot deflected over bar in second half. PA
Thomas Partey - 7: Smart passing from base of midfield although needed to move the ball a bit quicker at times. Had shot deflected over bar in second half. PA
Albert Sambi Lokonga - 7: Lovely ball over defence after 15 minutes to pick out Saka but teammate couldn’t finish. Helped Gunners dominate possession. AFP
Albert Sambi Lokonga - 7: Lovely ball over defence after 15 minutes to pick out Saka but teammate couldn’t finish. Helped Gunners dominate possession. AFP
Emile Smith Rowe - 7: Saw header saved by Dubravka late in first half that should have resulted in Aubameyang scoring rebound … only to result in one of misses of the season. Didn't hit the highs of some matches this season that resulted in England call-up but still a good show from midfielder. EPA
Emile Smith Rowe - 7: Saw header saved by Dubravka late in first half that should have resulted in Aubameyang scoring rebound … only to result in one of misses of the season. Didn't hit the highs of some matches this season that resulted in England call-up but still a good show from midfielder. EPA
Martin Odegaard - 7: First start in more than a month and saw his free-kick saved comfortably by Dubravka 20 minutes in. Sprayed some nice balls around as Gunners controlled game from start to finish. AFP
Martin Odegaard - 7: First start in more than a month and saw his free-kick saved comfortably by Dubravka 20 minutes in. Sprayed some nice balls around as Gunners controlled game from start to finish. AFP
Bukayo Saka - 9: Poor finish wide with game’s first real chance after being picked out by Lokonga. Great run and cross to tee-up chance for Smith Rowe before break. Opened scoring with excellent finish into corner from tight angle. Newcastle would have been relieved when he went off injured. AFP
Bukayo Saka - 9: Poor finish wide with game’s first real chance after being picked out by Lokonga. Great run and cross to tee-up chance for Smith Rowe before break. Opened scoring with excellent finish into corner from tight angle. Newcastle would have been relieved when he went off injured. AFP
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang - 4: Barely touched the ball until just before break when he missed absolute sitter hitting outside of post from close range after Dubravka saved from Smith Rowe. Missed another chance in second half before being booked then substituted. Not his day. AFP
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang - 4: Barely touched the ball until just before break when he missed absolute sitter hitting outside of post from close range after Dubravka saved from Smith Rowe. Missed another chance in second half before being booked then substituted. Not his day. AFP
SUBS: Gabriel Martinelli – (On for Saka 64’) 8: Brilliant first-time volley to make it 2-0 with just his second touch of game and denied a second by timely Lascelles challenge. Getty
SUBS: Gabriel Martinelli – (On for Saka 64’) 8: Brilliant first-time volley to make it 2-0 with just his second touch of game and denied a second by timely Lascelles challenge. Getty
Alexandre Lacazette – (On for Aubameyang 77’) N/A. Fired one shot into side netting. AP
Alexandre Lacazette – (On for Aubameyang 77’) N/A. Fired one shot into side netting. AP
NEWCASTLE RATINGS: Martin Dubravka – 7: Slovakian, back in starting line-up, saved well from Odegaard free-kick and Smith Rowe header in first half. Commanded area when called up and had no chance with two excellent Arsenal goals. Reuters
NEWCASTLE RATINGS: Martin Dubravka – 7: Slovakian, back in starting line-up, saved well from Odegaard free-kick and Smith Rowe header in first half. Commanded area when called up and had no chance with two excellent Arsenal goals. Reuters
Emil Krafth - 5: Involved in nasty first-half collision with own goalkeeper when Dubravka came out to punch away cross but Swede was able to continue. Stupid booking for barging over Tavares and lost track of Saka for opening goal. EPA
Emil Krafth - 5: Involved in nasty first-half collision with own goalkeeper when Dubravka came out to punch away cross but Swede was able to continue. Stupid booking for barging over Tavares and lost track of Saka for opening goal. EPA
Jamaal Lascelles - 6: Newcastle captain had looked rock-solid until beaten by Saka’s pace late in first half. Booked in second half and will miss next game. Important challenge to prevent Martinelli grabbing a second late on. AP
Jamaal Lascelles - 6: Newcastle captain had looked rock-solid until beaten by Saka’s pace late in first half. Booked in second half and will miss next game. Important challenge to prevent Martinelli grabbing a second late on. AP
Fabian Schar - 7: Flicked header over bar from corner just before half-hour mark and made some well-timed tackles at the back in decent performance by Swiss defender. EPA
Fabian Schar - 7: Flicked header over bar from corner just before half-hour mark and made some well-timed tackles at the back in decent performance by Swiss defender. EPA
Matt Ritchie - 5: Caught out by Lokonga ball to Saka after quarter-of-an-hour. Booked just before half-time for fouling England player and will also miss next game. Usual whole-hearted 90 minutes but suspect defensively and looked like what he is: a winger playing at left-back. PA
Matt Ritchie - 5: Caught out by Lokonga ball to Saka after quarter-of-an-hour. Booked just before half-time for fouling England player and will also miss next game. Usual whole-hearted 90 minutes but suspect defensively and looked like what he is: a winger playing at left-back. PA
Ryan Fraser - 5: Given starting berth by Eddie Howe and while he certainly put in a shift defensively was unable to make any impact on attacking front. Getty
Ryan Fraser - 5: Given starting berth by Eddie Howe and while he certainly put in a shift defensively was unable to make any impact on attacking front. Getty
Joe Willock - 5: Midfielder, up against his former club, gave away needless foul on edge of area after 20 minutes – with Dubravka saving resulting free-kick from Odegaard. Hit one shot straight at Ramsdale after break but still long way off form he showed at end of last season that earned his permanent move to Tyneside. PA
Joe Willock - 5: Midfielder, up against his former club, gave away needless foul on edge of area after 20 minutes – with Dubravka saving resulting free-kick from Odegaard. Hit one shot straight at Ramsdale after break but still long way off form he showed at end of last season that earned his permanent move to Tyneside. PA
Jonjo Shelvey - 7: Thought he’d opened scoring only for Ramsdale to tip his curling effort onto bar, then struck another low shot straight at keeper minutes later. Had third attempt saved by Ramsdale after break and was only Newcastle player who looked like scoring. AFP
Jonjo Shelvey - 7: Thought he’d opened scoring only for Ramsdale to tip his curling effort onto bar, then struck another low shot straight at keeper minutes later. Had third attempt saved by Ramsdale after break and was only Newcastle player who looked like scoring. AFP
Allan Saint-Maximin - 5: Employed out on the left flank at the Emirates little opportunity to run at Gunners defence. Had shot saved by Ramsdale three minutes from time but cut a frustrated figure for most of the game and new manager Eddie Howe will need more from the French attacker if Newcastle are to avoid the drop. Getty
Allan Saint-Maximin - 5: Employed out on the left flank at the Emirates little opportunity to run at Gunners defence. Had shot saved by Ramsdale three minutes from time but cut a frustrated figure for most of the game and new manager Eddie Howe will need more from the French attacker if Newcastle are to avoid the drop. Getty
Joelinton - 4: A goal and decent performance last time out against Brentford but Brazilian contributed very little here and it was no surprise when taken off in second half. AFP
Joelinton - 4: A goal and decent performance last time out against Brentford but Brazilian contributed very little here and it was no surprise when taken off in second half. AFP
Callum Wilson - 5: No sniff of goal until put through by Shelvey ball over top in second half and went down in box claiming a penalty – but would have been very harsh call. PA
Callum Wilson - 5: No sniff of goal until put through by Shelvey ball over top in second half and went down in box claiming a penalty – but would have been very harsh call. PA
SUBS: Miguel Almiron – (On for Ritchie 68’) 6: At least tried to provide Newcastle with some much-needed energy going forward. PA
SUBS: Miguel Almiron – (On for Ritchie 68’) 6: At least tried to provide Newcastle with some much-needed energy going forward. PA
Jacob Murphy – (On for Joelinton 68’) 6: Good ball across six-yard box that was crying out for a finish that never arrived. Reuters
Jacob Murphy – (On for Joelinton 68’) 6: Good ball across six-yard box that was crying out for a finish that never arrived. Reuters
Newcastle United's Isaac Hayden applauds the fans after the final whistle during the Premier League match at the Emirates Stadium, London. Picture date: Saturday November 27, 2021.
Newcastle United's Isaac Hayden applauds the fans after the final whistle during the Premier League match at the Emirates Stadium, London. Picture date: Saturday November 27, 2021.

A first clean sheet might not bring such a roar but would be equally welcome for a team who have conceded the most goals in the league. “We have to improve the defending side of our game,” said Howe, whose 44th birthday yesterday was spent on the training ground attempting to engineer it.

It is rendered harder by the suspensions that rule out his captain Jamaal Lascelles and wingback Matt Ritchie. Howe nevertheless argued he has seen positive signs, whether in having 23 shots in the 3-3 draw with Brentford and goalkeeper Martin Dubravka’s fine display in Saturday’s 2-0 defeat to Arsenal.

“I have been boosted by the players, their reception to us and I know if we stay united and together we can achieve great things together,” said Howe. Yet Newcastle’s malaise is such that reinforcements are required to take them anywhere close to greatness. Howe has the funds to buy, but Newcastle will have a diminishing allure if they are cast adrift at the foot of the table.

“I think we have half an eye on January,” said Howe. “But it would be foolish of me to make rash promises. You have to attract the players, the players have to want to come, they have to be the right players and they have to improve your squad. That is why January is an incredibly difficult window, especially when your league position is difficult.”

Newcastle’s is 20th. It could be 19th tonight and 18th on Saturday. Or they could enter 2022 perhaps 12 points from safety.

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Company profile

Name: Infinite8

Based: Dubai

Launch year: 2017

Number of employees: 90

Sector: Online gaming industry

Funding: $1.2m from a UAE angel investor

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All ties are to be played the week commencing December 21.

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Engine: 3.8-litre twin-turbo flat-six

Power: 650hp at 6,750rpm

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Fuel consumption: 11.12L/100km

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Dhadak 2

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Starring: Siddhant Chaturvedi, Triptii Dimri 

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Sunday, February 3, 2019 - Rome to Abu Dhabi
1pm: departure by plane from Rome / Fiumicino to Abu Dhabi
10pm: arrival at Abu Dhabi Presidential Airport


Monday, February 4
12pm: welcome ceremony at the main entrance of the Presidential Palace
12.20pm: visit Abu Dhabi Crown Prince at Presidential Palace
5pm: private meeting with Muslim Council of Elders at Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
6.10pm: Inter-religious in the Founder's Memorial


Tuesday, February 5 - Abu Dhabi to Rome
9.15am: private visit to undisclosed cathedral
10.30am: public mass at Zayed Sports City – with a homily by Pope Francis
12.40pm: farewell at Abu Dhabi Presidential Airport
1pm: departure by plane to Rome
5pm: arrival at the Rome / Ciampino International Airport

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Transmission: 8-speed auto

Fuel consumption: 10.6L/100km

On sale: Now

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The Great Crown of Victory is the centrepiece. Tiered, gold and weighing 7.3 kilograms, it has a diamond from India at the top. Vajiralongkorn will personally place the crown on his own head and then issues his first royal command.

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The procession

The main element of Sunday's ceremonies, streets across Bangkok's historic heart have been blocked off in preparation for this moment. The king will sit on a royal palanquin carried by soldiers dressed in colourful traditional garb. A 21-gun salute will start the procession. Some 200,000 people are expected to line the seven-kilometre route around the city.

Meet the people

On the last day of the ceremony Rama X will appear on the balcony of Suddhaisavarya Prasad Hall in the Grand Palace at 4:30pm "to receive the good wishes of the people". An hour later, diplomats will be given an audience at the Grand Palace. This is the only time during the ceremony that representatives of foreign governments will greet the king.

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Company name: Farmin

Date started: March 2019

Founder: Dr Ali Al Hammadi 

Based: Abu Dhabi

Sector: AgriTech

Initial investment: None to date

Partners/Incubators: UAE Space Agency/Krypto Labs 

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Tomorrow 2021
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Michael Young: Where is Lebanon headed?

Kareem Shaheen: I owe everything to Beirut

Raghida Dergham: We have to bounce back

Killing of Qassem Suleimani
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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The Indo-Pacific
COMPANY%20PROFILE%20
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EName%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Haltia.ai%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EStarted%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%202023%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ECo-founders%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Arto%20Bendiken%20and%20Talal%20Thabet%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EBased%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Dubai%2C%20UAE%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EIndustry%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20AI%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ENumber%20of%20employees%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%2041%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EFunding%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20About%20%241.7%20million%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EInvestors%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Self%2C%20family%20and%20friends%26nbsp%3B%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Specs

Engine: 51.5kW electric motor

Range: 400km

Power: 134bhp

Torque: 175Nm

Price: From Dh98,800

Available: Now

War on waste
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SM Town Live is on Friday, April 6 at Autism Rocks Arena, Dubai. Tickets are Dh375 at www.platinumlist.net

The National's picks

4.35pm: Tilal Al Khalediah
5.10pm: Continous
5.45pm: Raging Torrent
6.20pm: West Acre
7pm: Flood Zone
7.40pm: Straight No Chaser
8.15pm: Romantic Warrior
8.50pm: Calandogan
9.30pm: Forever Young

Our commentary on Brexit
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Our commentary on Brexit
Mohammed bin Zayed Majlis
Specs

Engine: Dual-motor all-wheel-drive electric

Range: Up to 610km

Power: 905hp

Torque: 985Nm

Price: From Dh439,000

Available: Now

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The five pillars of Islam

1. Fasting

2. Prayer

3. Hajj

4. Shahada

5. Zakat 

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.

The five pillars of Islam

1. Fasting 

2. Prayer 

3. Hajj 

4. Shahada 

5. Zakat 

School uniforms report
The BIO

Favourite piece of music: Verdi’s Requiem. It’s awe-inspiring.

Biggest inspiration: My father, as I grew up in a house where music was constantly played on a wind-up gramophone. I had amazing music teachers in primary and secondary school who inspired me to take my music further. They encouraged me to take up music as a profession and I follow in their footsteps, encouraging others to do the same.

Favourite book: Ian McEwan’s Atonement – the ending alone knocked me for six.

Favourite holiday destination: Italy - music and opera is so much part of the life there. I love it.

Mohammed bin Zayed Majlis
The%20specs
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Packages which the US Secret Service said contained possible explosive devices were sent to:

  • Former first lady Hillary Clinton
  • Former US president Barack Obama
  • Philanthropist and businessman George Soros
  • Former CIA director John Brennan at CNN's New York bureau
  • Former Attorney General Eric Holder (delivered to former DNC chair Debbie Wasserman Schultz)
  • California Congresswoman Maxine Waters (two devices)
How to keep control of your emotions

If your investment decisions are being dictated by emotions such as fear, greed, hope, frustration and boredom, it is time for a rethink, Chris Beauchamp, chief market analyst at online trading platform IG, says.

Greed

Greedy investors trade beyond their means, open more positions than usual or hold on to positions too long to chase an even greater gain. “All too often, they incur a heavy loss and may even wipe out the profit already made.

Tip: Ignore the short-term hype, noise and froth and invest for the long-term plan, based on sound fundamentals.

Fear

The risk of making a loss can cloud decision-making. “This can cause you to close out a position too early, or miss out on a profit by being too afraid to open a trade,” he says.

Tip: Start with a plan, and stick to it. For added security, consider placing stops to reduce any losses and limits to lock in profits.

Hope

While all traders need hope to start trading, excessive optimism can backfire. Too many traders hold on to a losing trade because they believe that it will reverse its trend and become profitable.

Tip: Set realistic goals. Be happy with what you have earned, rather than frustrated by what you could have earned.

Frustration

Traders can get annoyed when the markets have behaved in unexpected ways and generates losses or fails to deliver anticipated gains.

Tip: Accept in advance that asset price movements are completely unpredictable and you will suffer losses at some point. These can be managed, say, by attaching stops and limits to your trades.

Boredom

Too many investors buy and sell because they want something to do. They are trading as entertainment, rather than in the hope of making money. As well as making bad decisions, the extra dealing charges eat into returns.

Tip: Open an online demo account and get your thrills without risking real money.

UAE currency
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.

 

On Women's Day
Gulf Under 19s final

Dubai College A 50-12 Dubai College B

Company%20profile
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ENGLAND SQUAD

Eoin Morgan (captain), Moeen Ali, Jonny Bairstow, Sam Billings, Jos Buttler, Tom Curran, Alex Hales, Liam Plunkett, Adil Rashid, Joe Root, Jason Roy, Ben Stokes, David Willey, Chris Woakes, Mark Wood

The specs

AT4 Ultimate, as tested

Engine: 6.2-litre V8

Power: 420hp

Torque: 623Nm

Transmission: 10-speed automatic

Price: From Dh330,800 (Elevation: Dh236,400; AT4: Dh286,800; Denali: Dh345,800)

On sale: Now

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COMPANY PROFILE
Name: HyperSpace
 
Started: 2020
 
Founders: Alexander Heller, Rama Allen and Desi Gonzalez
 
Based: Dubai, UAE
 
Sector: Entertainment 
 
Number of staff: 210 
 
Investment raised: $75 million from investors including Galaxy Interactive, Riyadh Season, Sega Ventures and Apis Venture Partners
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Neighbourhood Watch
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
Updated: November 29, 2021, 12:58 PM`
Newcastle United