On Sunday, Al Ain concluded the 2017/18 Arabian Gulf League hoisting aloft the trophy having sealed a first top-flight title in three years with one round to spare. We look at how they secured the crown, and what is still to come for the Garden City club.
Filling the Gyan void … finally
With the search for an appropriate replacement for Asamoah Gyan moving into its third year, Al Ain plumped last summer for Marcus Berg, signing him from Greek side Panathinaikos. Berg has gone on to prove a worthy successor: his four-goal haul against Al Dhafra on Sunday took his league tally to 25 goals in 21 appearances, lifting his total output to 35 goals in 34 outings across all competitions.
He concluded the league campaign not only with a winner’s medal, but the Golden Boot, too. What is more, Berg registered 10 assists – more than any other player this season. An obvious focal point to the team, he is not confined to dominating domestically. Currently Berg sits joint-top of the scoring charts in the Asian Champions League.
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Read more:
Maradona's Fujairah timeline: From shock unveiling to exit by 'mutual agreement'
Marcus Berg: Al Ain will 'do our best' to complete historical league-and-cup double
Decree to allow expats to represent UAE sports teams a 'very welcome decision'
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Winter signings prove good business
While Berg was an astute acquisition last summer, Al Ain dipped into the transfer market again in January – and again they chose wisely. Trailing Al Wasl at the halfway stage in the league, and with the Champions League and President’s Cup to come, the club recognised the need to strengthen.
So in came Ahmed Khalil, the UAE striker who wanted out of Al Jazira, and Hussein El Shahat, the Egyptian attacking midfielder on loan from Misr El Makkasa. The latter, in particular, has been a revelation. In 18 matches in all, El Shahat has scored 11 times and registered 13 assists, a remarkable input in such a short period. Last month, he debuted for the Egypt national team. Sensibly, Al Ain have since tied him to a three-year contract.
Gifted Yaslam grows in stature
Rayan Yaslam was first considered talented enough for the Al Ain first team by Cosmin Olaroiu. Zlatko Dalic thought likewise, with the young Emirati given a few opportunities to showcase his ability. However, under Zoran Mamic this season, Yaslam has blossomed.
The diminutive midfielder has been entrusted by his manager in the most important matches, and has contributed more minutes on the pitch (2297) to captain Omar Abdulrahman (2119).
Stationed in central midfield, often the technically proficient Yaslam provides cover for the team’s fluid attack. Abdulrahman, not near his best this season, has endorsed his teammate for the league’s Emirati-of-the-year award. Suitably, Yaslam's performances for club have led to a call-up for his country. At 23, the future is bright.
Traditional rivals’ struggle
Undeniably, Al Ain have been the league's best team this season. They have far outscored the division's other 11 sides (65 goals) and boast the second-best defence (23 conceded). They clinched the title with one round to spare, while losing a solitary match all season.
For that, the players should be proud; Mamic, too, deserves a lot of credit. However, Al Ain’s path to the crown was helped somewhat by the ongoing problems at champions Al Jazira and Shabab Al Ahli Dubai, who finished fifth and seventh, respectively.
Wasl, meanwhile, were victims of their relatively modest squad – their all-Brazilian attack is among the best in the league – and second-placed Al Wahda lost steam following defeat in last month's crucial encounter with Al Ain. The champions, though, excelled when needing it most.
Keeping the good times rolling
Al Ain’s title coronation marked the conclusion of a fine league campaign. A first top-flight success in three years, and 13th in all, it underlined their position as the country’s most decorated club. Yet there remains much to play for.
On Thursday, they contest the President’s Cup final at Zayed Sports City against Al Wasl, keen no doubt to atone for their penalty-shootout defeat two years ago to Jazira. Victory would also clinch a first league-and-President’s-Cup double in the club’s history.
Then Al Ain face Qatar's Al Duhail in the Asian Champions League last 16, with the matches taking place on May 8 and May 15. Al Ain, who most likely have the Fifa Club World Cup to come later this year, will want to enter the summer with success secured in all three competitions.
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
JOKE'S%20ON%20YOU
%3Cp%3EGoogle%20wasn't%20new%20to%20busting%20out%20April%20Fool's%20jokes%3A%20before%20the%20Gmail%20%22prank%22%2C%20it%20tricked%20users%20with%20%3Ca%20href%3D%22https%3A%2F%2Farchive.google%2Fmentalplex%2F%22%20target%3D%22_blank%22%3Emind-reading%20MentalPlex%20responses%3C%2Fa%3E%20and%20said%3Ca%20href%3D%22https%3A%2F%2Farchive.google%2Fpigeonrank%2F%22%20target%3D%22_blank%22%3E%20well-fed%20pigeons%20were%20running%20its%20search%20engine%20operations%3C%2Fa%3E%20.%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3EIn%20subsequent%20years%2C%20they%20announced%20home%20internet%20services%20through%20your%20toilet%20with%20its%20%22%3Ca%20href%3D%22https%3A%2F%2Farchive.google%2Ftisp%2Finstall.html%22%20target%3D%22_blank%22%3Epatented%20GFlush%20system%3C%2Fa%3E%22%2C%20made%20us%20believe%20the%20Moon's%20surface%20was%20made%20of%20cheese%20and%20unveiled%20a%20dating%20service%20in%20which%20they%20called%20founders%20Sergey%20Brin%20and%20Larry%20Page%20%22%3Ca%20href%3D%22https%3A%2F%2Farchive.google%2Fromance%2Fpress.html%22%20target%3D%22_blank%22%3EStanford%20PhD%20wannabes%3C%2Fa%3E%20%22.%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3EBut%20Gmail%20was%20all%20too%20real%2C%20purportedly%20inspired%20by%20one%20%E2%80%93%20a%20single%20%E2%80%93%20Google%20user%20complaining%20about%20the%20%22poor%20quality%20of%20existing%20email%20services%22%20and%20born%20%22%3Ca%20href%3D%22https%3A%2F%2Fgooglepress.blogspot.com%2F2004%2F04%2Fgoogle-gets-message-launches-gmail.html%22%20target%3D%22_blank%22%3Emillions%20of%20M%26amp%3BMs%20later%3C%2Fa%3E%22.%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
CHATGPT%20ENTERPRISE%20FEATURES
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Dr Afridi's warning signs of digital addiction
Spending an excessive amount of time on the phone.
Neglecting personal, social, or academic responsibilities.
Losing interest in other activities or hobbies that were once enjoyed.
Having withdrawal symptoms like feeling anxious, restless, or upset when the technology is not available.
Experiencing sleep disturbances or changes in sleep patterns.
What are the guidelines?
Under 18 months: Avoid screen time altogether, except for video chatting with family.
Aged 18-24 months: If screens are introduced, it should be high-quality content watched with a caregiver to help the child understand what they are seeing.
Aged 2-5 years: Limit to one-hour per day of high-quality programming, with co-viewing whenever possible.
Aged 6-12 years: Set consistent limits on screen time to ensure it does not interfere with sleep, physical activity, or social interactions.
Teenagers: Encourage a balanced approach – screens should not replace sleep, exercise, or face-to-face socialisation.
Source: American Paediatric Association
The specs
Engine: 4.0-litre V8 twin-turbocharged and three electric motors
Power: Combined output 920hp
Torque: 730Nm at 4,000-7,000rpm
Transmission: 8-speed dual-clutch automatic
Fuel consumption: 11.2L/100km
On sale: Now, deliveries expected later in 2025
Price: expected to start at Dh1,432,000
The specs: 2018 Mazda CX-5
Price, base / as tested: Dh89,000 / Dh130,000
Engine: 2.5-litre four-cylinder
Power: 188hp @ 6,000rpm
Torque: 251Nm @ 4,000rpm
Transmission: Six-speed automatic
Fuel consumption, combined: 7.1L / 100km
Profile
Co-founders of the company: Vilhelm Hedberg and Ravi Bhusari
Launch year: In 2016 ekar launched and signed an agreement with Etihad Airways in Abu Dhabi. In January 2017 ekar launched in Dubai in a partnership with the RTA.
Number of employees: Over 50
Financing stage: Series B currently being finalised
Investors: Series A - Audacia Capital
Sector of operation: Transport
EA Sports FC 26
Publisher: EA Sports
Consoles: PC, PlayStation 4/5, Xbox Series X/S
Rating: 3/5
Company profile
Name: Thndr
Started: October 2020
Founders: Ahmad Hammouda and Seif Amr
Based: Cairo, Egypt
Sector: FinTech
Initial investment: pre-seed of $800,000
Funding stage: series A; $20 million
Investors: Tiger Global, Beco Capital, Prosus Ventures, Y Combinator, Global Ventures, Abdul Latif Jameel, Endure Capital, 4DX Ventures, Plus VC, Rabacap and MSA Capital
Which honey takes your fancy?
Al Ghaf Honey
The Al Ghaf tree is a local desert tree which bears the harsh summers with drought and high temperatures. From the rich flowers, bees that pollinate this tree can produce delicious red colour honey in June and July each year
Sidr Honey
The Sidr tree is an evergreen tree with long and strong forked branches. The blossom from this tree is called Yabyab, which provides rich food for bees to produce honey in October and November. This honey is the most expensive, but tastiest
Samar Honey
The Samar tree trunk, leaves and blossom contains Barm which is the secret of healing. You can enjoy the best types of honey from this tree every year in May and June. It is an historical witness to the life of the Emirati nation which represents the harsh desert and mountain environments
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Who was Alfred Nobel?
The Nobel Prize was created by wealthy Swedish chemist and entrepreneur Alfred Nobel.
- In his will he dictated that the bulk of his estate should be used to fund "prizes to those who, during the preceding year, have conferred the greatest benefit to humankind".
- Nobel is best known as the inventor of dynamite, but also wrote poetry and drama and could speak Russian, French, English and German by the age of 17. The five original prize categories reflect the interests closest to his heart.
- Nobel died in 1896 but it took until 1901, following a legal battle over his will, before the first prizes were awarded.
PROFILE OF HALAN
Started: November 2017
Founders: Mounir Nakhla, Ahmed Mohsen and Mohamed Aboulnaga
Based: Cairo, Egypt
Sector: transport and logistics
Size: 150 employees
Investment: approximately $8 million
Investors include: Singapore’s Battery Road Digital Holdings, Egypt’s Algebra Ventures, Uber co-founder and former CTO Oscar Salazar
Company%20profile
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The biog
From: Ras Al Khaimah
Age: 50
Profession: Electronic engineer, worked with Etisalat for the past 20 years
Hobbies: 'Anything that involves exploration, hunting, fishing, mountaineering, the sea, hiking, scuba diving, and adventure sports'
Favourite quote: 'Life is so simple, enjoy it'
The biog
Mission to Seafarers is one of the largest port-based welfare operators in the world.
It provided services to around 200 ports across 50 countries.
They also provide port chaplains to help them deliver professional welfare services.
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
More from Aya Iskandarani
Springsteen: Deliver Me from Nowhere
Director: Scott Cooper
Starring: Jeremy Allen White, Odessa Young, Jeremy Strong
Rating: 4/5
Living in...
This article is part of a guide on where to live in the UAE. Our reporters will profile some of the country’s most desirable districts, provide an estimate of rental prices and introduce you to some of the residents who call each area home.
Porsche Taycan Turbo specs
Engine: Two permanent-magnet synchronous AC motors
Transmission: two-speed
Power: 671hp
Torque: 1050Nm
Range: 450km
Price: Dh601,800
On sale: now
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Key findings of Jenkins report
- Founder of the Muslim Brotherhood, Hassan al Banna, "accepted the political utility of violence"
- Views of key Muslim Brotherhood ideologue, Sayyid Qutb, have “consistently been understood” as permitting “the use of extreme violence in the pursuit of the perfect Islamic society” and “never been institutionally disowned” by the movement.
- Muslim Brotherhood at all levels has repeatedly defended Hamas attacks against Israel, including the use of suicide bombers and the killing of civilians.
- Laying out the report in the House of Commons, David Cameron told MPs: "The main findings of the review support the conclusion that membership of, association with, or influence by the Muslim Brotherhood should be considered as a possible indicator of extremism."
'My Son'
Director: Christian Carion
Starring: James McAvoy, Claire Foy, Tom Cullen, Gary Lewis
Rating: 2/5
Company%20profile
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