Following the final international break of 2023, the Saudi Pro League returns for an important phase that will take us through to the mid-season break when the league pauses for the AFC Asian Cup and the African Cup of Nations in January. With several big games across the weekend, it promises to be an exciting round of fixtures.
Al Ettifaq v Al Ittihad - Friday, 7pm
Defending champions Al Ittihad start life under new coach Marcelo Gallardo with a trip across the country to Dammam where they take on Steven Gerrard’s Al Ettifaq, who sit just two places and two points below them in the table.
The home team continue to feel the impact of Moussa Dembele’s injury. In the absence of the French striker, Al Ettifaq’s win ratio has dropped from 62 per cent to just 20 per cent while their scoring rate has fallen from an average of two goals per game to 0.6.
Prediction: Al Ettifaq 0-2 Al Ittihad
Al Taawoun v Al Riyadh - Friday, 7pm
The early season momentum that saw Al Taawoun rise to second place has faltered and the Buraidah-based team have not won in their last five games, but with batteries recharged, a home fixture against newly-promoted Al Riyadh offers a perfect opportunity for Pericles Chamsuca’s men to bounce back.
The visitors have started to slowly adapt to life in the SPL, collecting eight points from their last six games, having only picked up four points from their first seven matches, but the four-hour trip to Qassim region could prove tricky for coach Odair Hellmann.
Prediction: Al Taawoun 2-0 Al Riyadh
Al Tai v Al Raed - Friday, 10pm
A crucial encounter in the race to escape relegation sees 15th-placed Al Tai host 17th-placed Al Raed, with just two points separating the teams. The visitors stunned Al Shabab in their last game before the stoppage, while Al Tai have picked up four points from their last three matches.
Prediction: Al Tai 2-2 Al Raed
Al Nassr v Al Okhdood - Friday, 10pm
A run of nine wins in their last 10 matches means Al Nassr are closing in on league leaders Al Hilal, whom they face in the following match. If Cristiano Ronaldo and company want to go into that derby in a positive mood, a big win at home against minnows Al Okhdood will be the perfect recipe.
The side playing top-flight football for the first time in their history have finally climbed off the bottom of the table after a win against Al Hazem last time out, but the journey to Riyadh will probably be a mountain too high for Al Okhdood.
Prediction: Al Nassr 4-1 Al Okhdood
Al Hazem v Al Hilal - Saturday, 7pm
It is top versus bottom in Al Rass with league leaders Al Hilal travelling to face 18th place Al Hazem, who have just one win to their name all season. Jorge Jesus’ men will be eager to avoid dropping points before the derby if they are to ensure they remain top for two more weeks at least.
Coach Jose Carreno has reinvigorated Al Hazem since his arrival, helping them pick up four points from as many matches, having only collected three points all season prior to that, and his side have the potential to make it a tricky fixture for the record champions.
Prediction: Al Hazem 1-2 Al Hilal
Al Fateh v Al Fayha - Saturday, 10pm
Both teams will be looking to bounce back after a dry spell, Al Fateh haven’t won in their last two, while it is three matches without a victory for Al Fayha. The two teams depend on potent attacking trios, with Al Fateh’s Mourad Batna, Cristian Tello and Djaniny combining for 16 of their 29 goals while Fashion Sakala, Anthony Nwakaeme and Henry Onyekuru have bagged 11 of Al Fayha’s 15.
Prediction: Al Fateh 4-2 Al Fayha
Damac v Abha - Saturday, 10pm
It’s derby day in Asir down south where rivals Damac and Abha lock horns under contrasting circumstances. The home team have been a pleasant surprise this season, with Georges-Kevin N’Koudou excelling as they soared into the top half of the table. They have only lost once in their last six games. Meanwhile, Abha started the season poorly but are showing signs of improvement with two wins in their last three matches.
Prediction: Damac 2-0 Abha
Al Wehda v Al Khaleej - Saturday, 10pm
The visitors have the opportunity to catch up with their hosts should they defeat them in Mecca. Despite a positive start to the season, Al Wehda have struggled in recent matches, losing three of their last four with Odion Ighalo flattering to deceive since his arrival. Indeed, it has been Australian international Craig Goodwin carrying their hopes so far. Meanwhile, Fabio Martins has led by example, helping Al Khaleej beat Al Tai 3-1 in their most recent match before the break.
Prediction: Al Wehda 1-2 Al Khaleej
Al Ahli v Al Shabab - Saturday, 10pm
Arguably the biggest match of the weekend brings together the two teams who have historically vied for a place in Saudi Arabia’s traditional top four. Al Shabab have never been relegated and boast six league titles to Al Ahli’s three, but the Jeddah outfit are vastly more popular and have added star power this season in the likes of Riyad Mahrez and Roberto Firmino.
Al Shabab’s struggles this term saw them dismiss coach Marcel Keizer and appoint Igor Biscan, but they remain 11 points behind their upcoming opponents as they languish in 11th place, while Al Ahli sit third.
Prediction: Al Ahli 3-2 Al Shabab
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
Jeff Buckley: From Hallelujah To The Last Goodbye
By Dave Lory with Jim Irvin
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
The specs: 2018 GMC Terrain
Price, base / as tested: Dh94,600 / Dh159,700
Engine: 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder
Power: 252hp @ 5,500rpm
Torque: 353Nm @ 2,500rpm
Transmission: Nine-speed automatic
Fuel consumption, combined: 7.4L / 100km
Venue: Sharjah Cricket Stadium
Date: Sunday, November 25
Where to submit a sample
Volunteers of all ages can submit DNA samples at centres across Abu Dhabi, including: Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (Adnec), Biogenix Labs in Masdar City, NMC Royal Hospital in Khalifa City, NMC Royal Medical Centre, Abu Dhabi, NMC Royal Women's Hospital, Bareen International Hospital, Al Towayya in Al Ain, NMC Specialty Hospital, Al Ain
The candidates
Dr Ayham Ammora, scientist and business executive
Ali Azeem, business leader
Tony Booth, professor of education
Lord Browne, former BP chief executive
Dr Mohamed El-Erian, economist
Professor Wyn Evans, astrophysicist
Dr Mark Mann, scientist
Gina MIller, anti-Brexit campaigner
Lord Smith, former Cabinet minister
Sandi Toksvig, broadcaster
The specs
Engine: 2.0-litre 4cyl turbo
Power: 261hp at 5,500rpm
Torque: 405Nm at 1,750-3,500rpm
Transmission: 9-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 6.9L/100km
On sale: Now
Price: From Dh117,059
Director: Romany Saad
Starring: Mirfat Amin, Boumi Fouad and Tariq Al Ibyari
Israel Palestine on Swedish TV 1958-1989
Director: Goran Hugo Olsson
Rating: 5/5
Benefits of first-time home buyers' scheme
- Priority access to new homes from participating developers
- Discounts on sales price of off-plan units
- Flexible payment plans from developers
- Mortgages with better interest rates, faster approval times and reduced fees
- DLD registration fee can be paid through banks or credit cards at zero interest rates
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UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
Mohammed bin Zayed Majlis
What is a robo-adviser?
Robo-advisers use an online sign-up process to gauge an investor’s risk tolerance by feeding information such as their age, income, saving goals and investment history into an algorithm, which then assigns them an investment portfolio, ranging from more conservative to higher risk ones.
These portfolios are made up of exchange traded funds (ETFs) with exposure to indices such as US and global equities, fixed-income products like bonds, though exposure to real estate, commodity ETFs or gold is also possible.
Investing in ETFs allows robo-advisers to offer fees far lower than traditional investments, such as actively managed mutual funds bought through a bank or broker. Investors can buy ETFs directly via a brokerage, but with robo-advisers they benefit from investment portfolios matched to their risk tolerance as well as being user friendly.
Many robo-advisers charge what are called wrap fees, meaning there are no additional fees such as subscription or withdrawal fees, success fees or fees for rebalancing.
What is Genes in Space?
Genes in Space is an annual competition first launched by the UAE Space Agency, The National and Boeing in 2015.
It challenges school pupils to design experiments to be conducted in space and it aims to encourage future talent for the UAE’s fledgling space industry. It is the first of its kind in the UAE and, as well as encouraging talent, it also aims to raise interest and awareness among the general population about space exploration.
Key facilities
- Olympic-size swimming pool with a split bulkhead for multi-use configurations, including water polo and 50m/25m training lanes
- Premier League-standard football pitch
- 400m Olympic running track
- NBA-spec basketball court with auditorium
- 600-seat auditorium
- Spaces for historical and cultural exploration
- An elevated football field that doubles as a helipad
- Specialist robotics and science laboratories
- AR and VR-enabled learning centres
- Disruption Lab and Research Centre for developing entrepreneurial skills
The biog
Favourite films: Casablanca and Lawrence of Arabia
Favourite books: Start with Why by Simon Sinek and Good to be Great by Jim Collins
Favourite dish: Grilled fish
Inspiration: Sheikh Zayed's visionary leadership taught me to embrace new challenges.
The five pillars of Islam
'Top Gun: Maverick'
Rating: 4/5
Directed by: Joseph Kosinski
Starring: Tom Cruise, Val Kilmer, Jennifer Connelly, Jon Hamm, Miles Teller, Glen Powell, Ed Harris
Sholto Byrnes on Myanmar politics
As You Were
Liam Gallagher
(Warner Bros)
Results
2pm Handicap (PA) Dh85,000 1,800m
Winner AF Al Baher, Tadhg O’Shea (jockey), Ernst Oertel (trainer).
2.30pm Maiden (TB) Dh75,000 1,400m
Winner Alla Mahlak, Fabrice Veron, Rashed Bouresly.
3pm Handicap (TB) Dh80,000 1,400m
Winner Davy Lamp, Adrie de Vries, Rashed Bouresly.
3.30pm Handicap (TB) Dh105,000 1,400m
Winner Ode To Autumn, Richard Mullen, Satish Seemar.
4pm Handicap (TB) Dh80,000 1,950m
Winner Arch Gold, Pat Dobbs, Doug Watson.
4.30pm Maiden (TB) Dh75,000 1,800m
Winner Meqdam, Pat Dobbs, Doug Watson.
5pm Handicap (TB) Dh90,000 1,800m
Winner Native Appeal, Sam Hitchcott, Doug Watson.
5.30pm Maiden (TB) Dh75,000 1,400m
Winner Amani Pico, Tadhg O’Shea, Satish Seemar
ESSENTIALS
The flights
Fly Etihad or Emirates from the UAE to Moscow from 2,763 return per person return including taxes.
Where to stay
Trips on the Golden Eagle Trans-Siberian cost from US$16,995 (Dh62,414) per person, based on two sharing.
World record transfers
1. Kylian Mbappe - to Real Madrid in 2017/18 - €180 million (Dh770.4m - if a deal goes through)
2. Paul Pogba - to Manchester United in 2016/17 - €105m
3. Gareth Bale - to Real Madrid in 2013/14 - €101m
4. Cristiano Ronaldo - to Real Madrid in 2009/10 - €94m
5. Gonzalo Higuain - to Juventus in 2016/17 - €90m
6. Neymar - to Barcelona in 2013/14 - €88.2m
7. Romelu Lukaku - to Manchester United in 2017/18 - €84.7m
8. Luis Suarez - to Barcelona in 2014/15 - €81.72m
9. Angel di Maria - to Manchester United in 2014/15 - €75m
10. James Rodriguez - to Real Madrid in 2014/15 - €75m
