Jordan's head coach Lhoussanine Ammouta, left, and Qatar's head coach Bartolome Marquez shake hands in front of the Asian Cup trophy ahead of a press conference in Doha, Qatar, Friday, Feb. 9, 2024. Jordan will play Qatar on Saturday for the soccer final of the Asian Cup. (AP Photo / Thanassis Stavrakis)
Jordan's head coach Lhoussanine Ammouta, left, and Qatar's head coach Bartolome Marquez shake hands in front of the Asian Cup trophy ahead of a press conference in Doha, Qatar, Friday, Feb. 9, 2024. Jordan will play Qatar on Saturday for the soccer final of the Asian Cup. (AP Photo / Thanassis Stavrakis)
Jordan's head coach Lhoussanine Ammouta, left, and Qatar's head coach Bartolome Marquez shake hands in front of the Asian Cup trophy ahead of a press conference in Doha, Qatar, Friday, Feb. 9, 2024. J
“I know them from when they were young. When I was in Al Sadd, I considered them my little brothers, so it will be a family match tomorrow.”
Indeed, it’s easy to understand. As Ammouta referenced, he shares more of an affiliation than most with Saturday’s opponents.
A Moroccan midfielder with a modest playing career until arriving in Qatar in 1997, Ammouta lifted every major domestic title during four years with capital club Al Sadd. He departed in 2001 but remained in the city, adding a second top-flight title with Qatar SC two years later.
Returning to Sadd in 2011, initially as technical director, Ammouta transitioned to the dugout to guide his former employers to Qatar Stars League success a decade after his last championship trophy as a player.
It snapped a six-year drought for Sadd, the country’s most decorated club. As a result, Ammouta was voted the competition's 2012/13 manager of the season.
He would leave in 2015, but not before twice leading his side to the Emir of Qatar Cup, the country’s most prestigious cup competition, and the 2014 Sheikh Jassim Cup.
So, it came as no real surprise on Friday when, a day out from the most high-profile match in Jordan’s history and the preeminent fixture in Asian football, at Qatar’s glittering Lusail Stadium, that Ammouta went on something of a charm offensive.
“The Qatar Football Association is behind the success,” he said of the holders, through to a second successive final. “Since I was with Al Sadd, I have seen this investment in Qatari football. It is a big investment: technical, mental, financial.
“And it has been very crucial, giving huge potential. It’s difficult to find a team that wins the cup and then defends the championship in the next edition [Japan were the most recent to do it, in 2004].”
Ammouta, currently the frontrunner for manager of the tournament, would then pay tribute to the Qatar FA for organising for his team a pair of friendly matches in Doha before the Asian Cup, against Qatar – Jordan won 2-1 – and Japan.
“They have paid for all the expenses, the accommodation, the transportation,” Ammouta said. “So, we would like to thank the Qatar Football Association, because they have helped us with the preparation.”
Having emphasised his familiarity with some of the opposition squad, Ammouta concluded: “It’s an Arab final, and also a good Asian final.”
Sitting alongside his manager, Jordan defender Salem Al Ajalin underlined the significance of the showpiece, saying: “Hopefully tomorrow it will be a match of an excellent performance for all the Arab world.”
Absolutely, Saturday’s contest represents the first all-Arab Asian Cup final since 2007, when against the backdrop of political turmoil, Iraq shocked Saudi Arabia to capture the trophy.
Ranked 87th in the world, and 29 spots below Qatar, until this month they had never before been beyond the quarter-finals.
But here they are. Ninety minutes and potentially a little more from being crowned the continent’s best. Yet, for all the pleasantries on the eve of the match, come Saturday, Qatar are certainly not going to play the overly hospitable host.
Qatar's Almoez Ali, right, celebrates with teammates after the match. AP
Qatar's players celebrate their win. AFP
An altercation takes place as players of Qatar celebrate victory over Iran. Getty Images
Qatar's players greet their fans at the end of the match. AFP
Almoez Ali celebrates scoring Qatar's third goal in their 3-2 Asian Cup semi final win over Iran at Al Thumama Stadium. Reuters
Almoez Ali tucks away the winner for Qatar. Getty Images
Qatar players celebrate after Ali's goal. Getty Images
Alireza Jahanbakhsh scores from the spot for Iran. Getty Images
Alireza Jahanbakhsh scores Iran's second goal from the penalty spot. Reuters
Iran's Shojae Khalilzadeh is shown a red card. AP
Akram Afif celebrates after putting Qatar 2-1 ahead against Iran. AP
Qatar's Akram Afif is mobbed after scoring their second goal. Reuters
Iran goalkeeper Alireza Beiranvand fails to stop Qatar's Jassem Gaber scoring to make it 1-1. AFP
Qatar's Jassem Gaber celebrates scoring with Almoez Ali and Akram Afif. Getty Images
Sardar Azmoun scores for Iran. Getty Images
Sardar Azmoun scores for Iran. Reuters
Sardar Azmoun, right, celebrates with teammate Mehdi Taremi after scoring. EPA
On Friday, manager “Tintin” Marquez Lopez confirmed as much. Not long after he and captain Hassan Al Haydos posed with Ammouta and Al Ajalin for ceremonial photos beside the Asian Cup trophy – Ammouta and Al Haydos shared a particularly warm embrace having spent time together at Al Sadd – the Spaniard was asked about the convivial connection linking the teams.
"It's a match between two brotherly countries, but there should be competition,” Lopez said. “Even between brothers there is competition; I might play tennis with my brother, but in the end each one of us would like to win.
“So, we will play this game as a football match. We know the ties between both countries are very strong.
“But at the end we will compete in this match, we will play hard, with respect of course."
Tellingly, Lopez added: “In Spain, there is a saying: second place is first among losers. We're not satisfied with second; we will play for the trophy.
"We want to be the best in the continent.”
And that’s what it comes down to. The opportunity to etch names in history, either as back-to-back winners, or one of the all-time unexpected Asian Cup champions.
Come Saturday at 6pm local time (7pm UAE), any familial feeling will give way to pure sporting friction. For all the niceties, and no matter what has been said,Ammouta will be out to dull his Doha relationships enough to disappear with Asian football’s ultimate accolade.
SERIE A FIXTURES
Saturday Benevento v Atalanta (2pm), Genoa v Bologna (5pm), AC Milan v Torino (7.45pm)
Sunday Roma v Inter Milan (3.30pm), Udinese v Napoli, Hellas Verona v Crotone, Parma v Lazio (2pm), Fiorentina v Cagliari (9pm), Juventus v Sassuolo (11.45pm)
Monday Spezia v Sampdoria (11.45pm)
Cricket World Cup League Two
Oman, UAE, Namibia
Al Amerat, Muscat
Results
Oman beat UAE by five wickets
UAE beat Namibia by eight runs
Fixtures
Wednesday January 8 –Oman v Namibia
Thursday January 9 – Oman v UAE
Saturday January 11 – UAE v Namibia
Sunday January 12 – Oman v Namibia
Points Classification
1. Marcel Kittel (Germany / Quick-Step) 63
2. Arnaud Demare (France / FDJ) 38
3. Andre Greipel (Germany / Lotto) 25
4. Sonny Colbrelli (Italy / Bahrain) 24
5. Mark Cavendish (Britain / Dimension Data) 22
6. Taylor Phinney (U.S. / Cannondale) 21
7. Geraint Thomas (Britain / Team Sky) 20
8. Thomas Boudat (France / Direct Energie) 20
9. Stefan Kueng (Switzerland / BMC Racing) 17
10. Michael Matthews (Australia / Sunweb) 17
Why your domicile status is important
Your UK residence status is assessed using the statutory residence test. While your residence status – ie where you live - is assessed every year, your domicile status is assessed over your lifetime.
Your domicile of origin generally comes from your parents and if your parents were not married, then it is decided by your father. Your domicile is generally the country your father considered his permanent home when you were born.
UK residents who have their permanent home ("domicile") outside the UK may not have to pay UK tax on foreign income. For example, they do not pay tax on foreign income or gains if they are less than £2,000 in the tax year and do not transfer that gain to a UK bank account.
A UK-domiciled person, however, is liable for UK tax on their worldwide income and gains when they are resident in the UK.
The bio
Favourite book: Kane and Abel by Jeffrey Archer
Favourite quote: “The world makes way for the man who knows where he is going.” - Ralph Waldo Emerson, American essayist
Favourite Authors: Arab poet Abu At-Tayyib Al-Mutanabbi
Favourite Emirati food: Luqaimat, a deep-fried dough soaked in date syrup
Hobbies: Reading and drawing
Abu Dhabi card
5pm: Handicap (TB) Dh100,000 2,400m
5.30pm: Wathba Stallions Cup Handicap (PA) Dh 70,000 2,200m
6pm: Abu Dhabi Fillies Classic Prestige (PA) Dh110,000 1,400m
6.30pm: Abu Dhabi Colts Classic Prestige (PA) Dh110,000 1,400m
7pm: Handicap (PA) Dh85,000 1,600m
7.30pm: Maiden (PA) Dh80,000 1,600m
The National selections:
5pm: Valcartier
5.30pm: AF Taraha
6pm: Dhafra
6.30pm: Maqam
7pm: AF Mekhbat
7.30pm: Ezz Al Rawasi
VEZEETA PROFILE
Date started: 2012
Founder: Amir Barsoum
Based: Dubai, UAE
Sector: HealthTech / MedTech
Size: 300 employees
Funding: $22.6 million (as of September 2018)
Investors: Technology Development Fund, Silicon Badia, Beco Capital, Vostok New Ventures, Endeavour Catalyst, Crescent Enterprises’ CE-Ventures, Saudi Technology Ventures and IFC
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)
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BMW M5 specs
Engine: 4.4-litre twin-turbo V-8 petrol enging with additional electric motor
Power: 727hp
Torque: 1,000Nm
Transmission: 8-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 10.6L/100km
On sale: Now
Price: From Dh650,000
'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.
Under ‘snapback’, measures imposed on Iran by the UN Security Council in six resolutions would be restored, including:
An arms embargo
A ban on uranium enrichment and reprocessing
A ban on launches and other activities with ballistic missiles capable of delivering nuclear weapons, as well as ballistic missile technology transfer and technical assistance
A targeted global asset freeze and travel ban on Iranian individuals and entities
Authorisation for countries to inspect Iran Air Cargo and Islamic Republic of Iran Shipping Lines cargoes for banned goods
MATCH INFO
Rugby World Cup (all times UAE)
Final: England v South Africa, Saturday, 1pm
A new relationship with the old country
Treaty of Friendship between the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and the United Arab Emirates
The United kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and the United Arab Emirates; Considering that the United Arab Emirates has assumed full responsibility as a sovereign and independent State; Determined that the long-standing and traditional relations of close friendship and cooperation between their peoples shall continue; Desiring to give expression to this intention in the form of a Treaty Friendship; Have agreed as follows:
ARTICLE 1 The relations between the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and the United Arab Emirates shall be governed by a spirit of close friendship. In recognition of this, the Contracting Parties, conscious of their common interest in the peace and stability of the region, shall: (a) consult together on matters of mutual concern in time of need; (b) settle all their disputes by peaceful means in conformity with the provisions of the Charter of the United Nations.
ARTICLE 2 The Contracting Parties shall encourage education, scientific and cultural cooperation between the two States in accordance with arrangements to be agreed. Such arrangements shall cover among other things: (a) the promotion of mutual understanding of their respective cultures, civilisations and languages, the promotion of contacts among professional bodies, universities and cultural institutions; (c) the encouragement of technical, scientific and cultural exchanges.
ARTICLE 3 The Contracting Parties shall maintain the close relationship already existing between them in the field of trade and commerce. Representatives of the Contracting Parties shall meet from time to time to consider means by which such relations can be further developed and strengthened, including the possibility of concluding treaties or agreements on matters of mutual concern.
ARTICLE 4 This Treaty shall enter into force on today’s date and shall remain in force for a period of ten years. Unless twelve months before the expiry of the said period of ten years either Contracting Party shall have given notice to the other of its intention to terminate the Treaty, this Treaty shall remain in force thereafter until the expiry of twelve months from the date on which notice of such intention is given.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF the undersigned have signed this Treaty.
DONE in duplicate at Dubai the second day of December 1971AD, corresponding to the fifteenth day of Shawwal 1391H, in the English and Arabic languages, both texts being equally authoritative.
Favorite quote: To be or not to be, that is the question, from William Shakespeare's Hamlet
Favorite food: seafood
Favorite place to travel: Lebanon
Favorite movie: Braveheart
Specs
Engine: 51.5kW electric motor
Range: 400km
Power: 134bhp
Torque: 175Nm
Price: From Dh98,800
Available: Now
Timeline
1947
Ferrari’s road-car company is formed and its first badged car, the 125 S, rolls off the assembly line
1962
250 GTO is unveiled
1969
Fiat becomes a Ferrari shareholder, acquiring 50 per cent of the company
1972
The Fiorano circuit, Ferrari’s racetrack for development and testing, opens
1976
First automatic Ferrari, the 400 Automatic, is made
1987
F40 launched
1988
Enzo Ferrari dies; Fiat expands its stake in the company to 90 per cent
2002
The Enzo model is announced
2010
Ferrari World opens in Abu Dhabi
2011
First four-wheel drive Ferrari, the FF, is unveiled
2013
LaFerrari, the first Ferrari hybrid, arrives
2014
Fiat Chrysler announces the split of Ferrari from the parent company
2015
Ferrari launches on Wall Street
2017
812 Superfast unveiled; Ferrari celebrates its 70th anniversary
Tips to stay safe during hot weather
Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids, especially water. Avoid alcohol and caffeine, which can increase dehydration.
Seek cool environments: Use air conditioning, fans, or visit community spaces with climate control.
Limit outdoor activities: Avoid strenuous activity during peak heat. If outside, seek shade and wear a wide-brimmed hat.
Dress appropriately: Wear lightweight, loose and light-coloured clothing to facilitate heat loss.
Check on vulnerable people: Regularly check in on elderly neighbours, young children and those with health conditions.
Home adaptations: Use blinds or curtains to block sunlight, avoid using ovens or stoves, and ventilate living spaces during cooler hours.
Recognise heat illness: Learn the signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke (dizziness, confusion, rapid pulse, nausea), and seek medical attention if symptoms occur.
AI traffic lights to ease congestion at seven points to Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Street
The seven points are:
Shakhbout bin Sultan Street
Dhafeer Street
Hadbat Al Ghubainah Street (outbound)
Salama bint Butti Street
Al Dhafra Street
Rabdan Street
Umm Yifina Street exit (inbound)
Various Artists
Habibi Funk: An Eclectic Selection Of Music From The Arab World (Habibi Funk)
RESULTS
6.30pm Al Maktoum Challenge Round-1 Group One (PA) US$65,000 (Dirt) 1,600m
Winner RB Money To Burn, Fabrice Veron (jockey), Eric Lemartinel (trainer).
