The Dubai Hurricanes could suffer as a result of the increased professionalism of the Arabian Gulf Union (AGRFU).
The Hurricanes kick off their challenge in the first Arabian Gulf Super Five competition this evening, when they take on the Abu Dhabi Harlequins in Dubai.
They will be without four players - the captain Chris Gregory, Arron Brown, Gerry Considine and Josh Sherrin - after they were all called up to the Arabian Gulf squad for next weekend's Singapore Sevens.
The union are implementing a policy, similar to England's Elite Player Agreement, where Gulf players are required to have seven days rest before games.
The Gulf's sevens side are preparing for a tough campaign, which includes the Emirates Airline Dubai Rugby Sevens next month, as well as the IRB Sevens World Cup in March.
Gregory is disappointed to miss out for his club side
"I really wanted to play, but the Gulf said not to," he said.
"The Gulf squad are already missing some players through injury, and if any of us did play there is a chance we could pick up another.
"Beating Abu Dhabi would provide a great lift for us, and we want to get our own back on them after losing the cup final last season."
In addition to their four Gulf players, the Hurricanes are without the centre Duncan Murray who broke a leg against the Dubai Dragons.
The Quins will be missing just Jonny McDonald, the promising full-back.
Muscat, forced to pull out of the Gulf League this season due to travel costs, make the trip to face Dubai Dragons in today's other fixture.
pradley@thenational.ae
At a glance
Global events: Much of the UK’s economic woes were blamed on “increased global uncertainty”, which can be interpreted as the economic impact of the Ukraine war and the uncertainty over Donald Trump’s tariffs.
Growth forecasts: Cut for 2025 from 2 per cent to 1 per cent. The OBR watchdog also estimated inflation will average 3.2 per cent this year
Welfare: Universal credit health element cut by 50 per cent and frozen for new claimants, building on cuts to the disability and incapacity bill set out earlier this month
Spending cuts: Overall day-to day-spending across government cut by £6.1bn in 2029-30
Tax evasion: Steps to crack down on tax evasion to raise “£6.5bn per year” for the public purse
Defence: New high-tech weaponry, upgrading HM Naval Base in Portsmouth
Housing: Housebuilding to reach its highest in 40 years, with planning reforms helping generate an extra £3.4bn for public finances
Tuesday's fixtures
Kyrgyzstan v Qatar, 5.45pm
The rules on fostering in the UAE
A foster couple or family must:
- be Muslim, Emirati and be residing in the UAE
- not be younger than 25 years-of-age
- not have been convicted of offences or crimes involving moral turpitude
- be free of infectious diseases or psychological and mental disorders
- have the ability to support its members and the foster child financially
- undertake to treat and raise the child in a proper manner and take care of his/her health and well-being
- A single, divorced or widowed Muslim Emirati female, residing in the UAE may apply to foster a child if she is at least 30-years-old and able to support the child financially
NO OTHER LAND
Director: Basel Adra, Yuval Abraham, Rachel Szor, Hamdan Ballal
Stars: Basel Adra, Yuval Abraham
Rating: 3.5/5
