Riyad Mahrez has completed his move from Manchester City to Saudi Arabia’s Al Ahli, as the kingdom continues to attract some of football’s most prominent players.
The Algerian winger, 32, was confirmed as Ahli’s latest signing on Friday, agreeing to a contract through until 2027.
Mahrez leaves the English champions following five years at the Etihad Stadium in which he won 11 major trophies. In all, he made 236 appearances, scoring 78 goals.
Jeddah-based Ahli, back in the Saudi Pro League after winning promotion last season, confirmed the news on their social media, with the line: “The wait is over: Riyad is real.”
Although the fee has not been made public, it is understood to be worth up to £30 million ($38m). Mahrez was an integral part of the City side who captured the treble last season, winning the Premier League, FA Cup and Uefa Champions League.
Speaking to City’s website in an interview released on Friday, Mahrez said: "To play for Manchester City has been an honour and privilege. I came to City to win trophies and enjoy my football and I achieved all that and so much more.
"I have had five unforgettable years with this football club, working with unbelievable players, fantastic supporters, and the best manager in the world."
City's director of football, Txiki Begiristain, said: "There are few wingers that possess his levels of skill and technique in world football, and he will be missed, but everyone will wish him all the best as he begins a new chapter in his career.”
At Ahli, Mahrez will join fellow new recruits in former Liverpool striker Roberto Firmino and former Chelsea goalkeeper Edouard Mendy. Allan Saint-Maximin, the Newcastle winger, is expected to soon follow.
Three-time Saudi champions, Ahli spent last season out of the top-flight for the first time in their history. They kick off the 2023/24 Saudi Pro League next month, when they host fellow promoted side Al Hazem on August 11.
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Short-term let permits explained
Homeowners and tenants are allowed to list their properties for rental by registering through the Dubai Tourism website to obtain a permit.
Tenants also require a letter of no objection from their landlord before being allowed to list the property.
There is a cost of Dh1,590 before starting the process, with an additional licence fee of Dh300 per bedroom being rented in your home for the duration of the rental, which ranges from three months to a year.
Anyone hoping to list a property for rental must also provide a copy of their title deeds and Ejari, as well as their Emirates ID.
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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.
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Lexus LX700h specs
Engine: 3.4-litre twin-turbo V6 plus supplementary electric motor
Power: 464hp at 5,200rpm
Torque: 790Nm from 2,000-3,600rpm
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On sale: Now
Price: From Dh590,000
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Italy
AC Milan, Inter Milan, Juventus
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Atletico Madrid, Barcelona, Real Madrid
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UAE beat Saudi Arabia by 12 runs
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UAE v Qatar
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TOUCH RULES
Touch is derived from rugby league. Teams consist of up to 14 players with a maximum of six on the field at any time.
Teams can make as many substitutions as they want during the 40 minute matches.
Similar to rugby league, the attacking team has six attempts - or touches - before possession changes over.
A touch is any contact between the player with the ball and a defender, and must be with minimum force.
After a touch the player performs a “roll-ball” - similar to the play-the-ball in league - stepping over or rolling the ball between the feet.
At the roll-ball, the defenders have to retreat a minimum of five metres.
A touchdown is scored when an attacking player places the ball on or over the score-line.
A cryptocurrency primer for beginners
Cryptocurrency Investing for Dummies – by Kiana Danial
There are several primers for investing in cryptocurrencies available online, including e-books written by people whose credentials fall apart on the second page of your preferred search engine.
Ms Danial is a finance coach and former currency analyst who writes for Nasdaq. Her broad-strokes primer (2019) breaks down investing in cryptocurrency into baby steps, while explaining the terms and technologies involved.
Although cryptocurrencies are a fast evolving world, this book offers a good insight into the game as well as providing some basic tips, strategies and warning signs.
Begin your cryptocurrency journey here.
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"They see their tomorrows slipping out of their reach. And though it seems to them that everything outside this reality is heaven, yet they do not want to go to that heaven. They stay, because they are afflicted with hope." - Mahmoud Darwish, to attendees of the Palestine Festival of Literature, 2008
His life in brief: Born in a village near Galilee, he lived in exile for most of his life and started writing poetry after high school. He was arrested several times by Israel for what were deemed to be inciteful poems. Most of his work focused on the love and yearning for his homeland, and he was regarded the Palestinian poet of resistance. Over the course of his life, he published more than 30 poetry collections and books of prose, with his work translated into more than 20 languages. Many of his poems were set to music by Arab composers, most significantly Marcel Khalife. Darwish died on August 9, 2008 after undergoing heart surgery in the United States. He was later buried in Ramallah where a shrine was erected in his honour.
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Syria v Australia
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