With the Olympics just six weeks away, here’s an update on some of the Arab athletes who have punched their tickets to the French capital next month.
A nice surprise for Lebanon
A pair of Arab tennis players received some welcome news this week with both Benjamin Hassan of Lebanon and Mayar Sherif of Egypt securing their places at the Paris 2024 Olympics.
The International Tennis Federation (ITF) announced on Monday that Hassan has been granted a Universality Place in the men’s singles event at the Olympics, which is essentially a wildcard invitation handed to nations that are under-represented at the Games.
Hassan is ranked a career-high 146 in the world this week and considers himself a late-bloomer who only started taking tennis seriously at the age of 22.
Born and raised in Germany to Lebanese parents, Hassan made his qualifying debut at the grand slams this season and the Olympics will mark another special milestone for the 29 year old.
Hassan has been representing Lebanon in Davis Cup competition since 2018 and reached out to the Lebanese Tennis Federation earlier this year to see if they could apply for a Universality Place for him for the Olympics.
He got the message that he was in this week and couldn’t believe it at first until he saw the email sent from the ITF with his own eyes.
“It’s a dream come true, so I’m very happy and excited,” Hassan told The National in a Zoom interview on Tuesday.
Hassan is the first tennis player to represent Lebanon at an Olympic Games and he admits the term ‘Olympian’ has a special ring to it, despite the fact most tennis players grow up dreaming about Wimbledon or Roland Garros rather than the Olympics.
“It’s an unbelievable feeling. Of course grand slams are always important, because of the points also and the good money. But you just have to ask yourself: how many players can be called an Olympian? Or can play and represent their country? It’s not much,” said Hassan.
“So I’m very happy to represent Lebanon. I would be the first one [tennis player] ever I think, so that makes it exciting, and a little bit nervous also. It’s an amazing feeling.”
Hassan is one of just five Lebanese athletes to have qualified for the Paris Olympics so far, as he joins trap shooter Ray Bassil, foil fencer Philippe Wakim, table tennis player Mariana Sahakian, and taekwondo fighter Laetitia Aoun.
In this week’s episode of the Abtal podcast, Bassil, who is heading to her fourth Olympics, explained why Lebanon hasn’t been able to see a wider delegation qualify for the Games.
“Sports in Lebanon is not being supported,” said the reigning Asian champion.
“And with all the crises we had in Lebanon, and with all the problems, the explosion, the young people are travelling to work and to study and the government is not present, it’s a big thing. So that’s why there is no one really to focus on young athletes and help them reach … because actually we do have a lot of talent but we don’t have the support.”
Hassan, meanwhile, is grateful to get an opportunity to fly the flag for Lebanon and is happy to be joining other Arabs in the tennis field at Roland Garros stadium in Paris this summer.
“It's really good that they have this wildcard for the players from countries who have normally not a good chance to play the Olympics, so that’s the only reason I can play,” he said.
“I’m very lucky to be part of it and get the wildcard. Just trying to have fun there, to enjoy it, to have a good atmosphere, to get a great image to represent my country. I will be nervous, excited, happy, I don’t know what to feel actually.”
Hassan’s inclusion means two Arab men will be competing in tennis at the Olympics, with Tunisian Moez Echargui already confirmed a place, courtesy of him winning gold at the African Games earlier this year.
“It’s a good sign that we Arab countries have some players that can give it a shot and have chances to play the Olympic Games. Moez is a nice guy, a funny guy, we played doubles together in Japan. It’s a great chance for us Arab players to show what we’re capable of,” added Hassan.
With the Olympics featuring a stacked draw that includes the very best tennis players in the world, Hassan already has a dream match-up in mind for his debut at the Games.
“Probably Rafa, it’s maybe his last year [competing], so I think that’s the only chance I could play him, so I would choose Rafa Nadal for sure,” said Hassan without hesitation.
“It’s going to be tough because he plays really good there [at Roland Garros] and he would be probably more ready than in Paris [at the French Open]. He would be really good I think in Olympic Games, but that would be a dream. Because it is really the last chance I think where I have the possibility to play Nadal.
“I would look forward to it. Even if I get a tennis lesson, I would still take it.”
Mayar heading to second Olympics
Meanwhile, Sherif wrapped up a gruelling seven-week stretch, in which she reached four finals in her last six tournaments, and won 20 out of 27 matches, by locking down her spot at a second consecutive Olympics.
The Egyptian Tennis Federation announced that Sherif will be receiving the continental place, which was initially going to African Games champion Angella Okutoyi, but was reassigned due to the young Kenyan’s inability to crack the top 400 in the rankings, which deemed her ineligible for the Olympics.
Sherif, who is 63 in the world this week, could very well make into the Olympics draw via ranking but that is no longer relevant given she has been granted the African spot.
After going winless for the first four months of the season, Sherif flourished on her beloved red clay these past few weeks and says she’ll take a short break to examine her four final defeats before switching her focus to Wimbledon and the Olympics.
“For the past couple of months, I’ve poured my heart into every single match,” the Cairene wrote in a post on Instagram.
“My mission was to succeed in securing a spot to represent my country in the Paris Olympics. After 10 consecutive weeks without rest, I’m proud to say I’ve secured my spot at the Olympics.
“Despite the unexpected outcome at the Makarska Open, it marks the close of an unforgettable chapter. Now, it’s time for a well-deserved break to recharge, analyse my performances, and work on rectifying mistakes from my recent matches.”
Big in Asia
UAE cyclist Safiya Al Sayegh finished an impressive 12th at the Asian Road Cycling Championship in Almaty, Kazakhstan on Tuesday, which was her first participation at an elite Asian road race.
The 22-year-old Emirati is heading to Paris next month, where she will be the first Emirati woman cyclist to compete at the Olympics.
Al Sayegh was one of 84 women to start the 112.km race in Almaty, which was won by South Korea’s Song Minji.
In a recent episode of the Abtal podcast, the trailblazing Al Sayegh spoke about some lofty targets she has set for herself in the world of professional cycling.
“Definitely, as bizarre as it sounds, [I’d like to] become world champion maybe. I say it with hesitation, but I’d love to say it with more confidence,” she said.
“I don’t say a dream, because dreams, you dream of, you don’t get up to work for and you don’t sweat for, you don’t shed tears and blood for. I call it a goal because I actually put effort into it and would like to achieve it one day.”
Dubai Rugby Sevens
November 30-December 2, at The Sevens, Dubai
Gulf Under 19
Pool A – Abu Dhabi Harlequins, Jumeirah College Tigers, Dubai English Speaking School 1, Gems World Academy
Pool B – British School Al Khubairat, Bahrain Colts, Jumeirah College Lions, Dubai English Speaking School 2
Pool C - Dubai College A, Dubai Sharks, Jumeirah English Speaking School, Al Yasmina
Pool D – Dubai Exiles, Dubai Hurricanes, Al Ain Amblers, Deira International School
Children who witnessed blood bath want to help others
Aged just 11, Khulood Al Najjar’s daughter, Nora, bravely attempted to fight off Philip Spence. Her finger was injured when she put her hand in between the claw hammer and her mother’s head.
As a vital witness, she was forced to relive the ordeal by police who needed to identify the attacker and ensure he was found guilty.
Now aged 16, Nora has decided she wants to dedicate her career to helping other victims of crime.
“It was very horrible for her. She saw her mum, dying, just next to her eyes. But now she just wants to go forward,” said Khulood, speaking about how her eldest daughter was dealing with the trauma of the incident five years ago. “She is saying, 'mama, I want to be a lawyer, I want to help people achieve justice'.”
Khulood’s youngest daughter, Fatima, was seven at the time of the attack and attempted to help paramedics responding to the incident.
“Now she wants to be a maxillofacial doctor,” Khulood said. “She said to me ‘it is because a maxillofacial doctor returned your face, mama’. Now she wants to help people see themselves in the mirror again.”
Khulood’s son, Saeed, was nine in 2014 and slept through the attack. While he did not witness the trauma, this made it more difficult for him to understand what had happened. He has ambitions to become an engineer.
Who are the Soroptimists?
The first Soroptimists club was founded in Oakland, California in 1921. The name comes from the Latin word soror which means sister, combined with optima, meaning the best.
The organisation said its name is best interpreted as ‘the best for women’.
Since then the group has grown exponentially around the world and is officially affiliated with the United Nations. The organisation also counts Queen Mathilde of Belgium among its ranks.
Specs
Engine: Duel electric motors
Power: 659hp
Torque: 1075Nm
On sale: Available for pre-order now
Price: On request
In The Heights
Directed by: Jon M. Chu
Stars: Anthony Ramos, Lin-Manual Miranda
Rating: ****
Kathryn Hawkes of House of Hawkes on being a good guest (because we’ve all had bad ones)
- Arrive with a thank you gift, or make sure you have one for your host by the time you leave.
- Offer to buy groceries, cook them a meal or take your hosts out for dinner.
- Help out around the house.
- Entertain yourself so that your hosts don’t feel that they constantly need to.
- Leave no trace of your stay – if you’ve borrowed a book, return it to where you found it.
- Offer to strip the bed before you go.
Cricket World Cup League Two
Teams
Oman, UAE, Namibia
Al Amerat, Muscat
Results
Oman beat UAE by five wickets
UAE beat Namibia by eight runs
Namibia beat Oman by 52 runs
UAE beat Namibia by eight wickets
Fixtures
Saturday January 11 - UAE v Oman
Sunday January 12 – Oman v Namibia
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
Napoleon
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Super Saturday results
4pm: Mahab Al Shimaal Group 3 | US$350,000 | (Dirt) | 1,200m
Winner: Drafted, Pat Dobbs (jockey), Doug Watson (trainer).
4.35pm: Al Bastakiya Listed | $300,000 | (D) | 1,900m
Winner: Divine Image, Brett Doyle, Charlie Appleby.
5.10pm: Nad Al Sheba Turf Group 3 | $350,000 | (Turf) | 1,200m
Winner: Blue Point, William Buick, Charlie Appleby.
5.45pm: Burj Nahaar Group 3 | $350,000 | (D) | 1,600m
Winner: Muntazah, Jim Crowley, Doug Watson.
6.20pm: Dubai City of Gold Group 2 | $300,000 | (T) | 2,410m
Winner: Old Persian, William Buick, Charlie Appleby.
6.55pm: Al Maktoum Challenge Round 3 Group 1 | $600,000 | (D) | 2,000m
Winner: Capezzano, Mickael Barzalona, Salem bin Ghadayer.
7.30pm: Jebel Hatta Group 1 | $400,000 | (T) | 1,800m
Winner: Dream Castle, Christophe Soumillon, Saeed bin Suroor.
RACECARD
%3Cp%3E5pm%3A%20Al%20Shamkha%20%E2%80%93%20Maiden%20(PA)%20Dh80%2C000%20(Turf)%201%2C400m%0D%3Cbr%3E5.30pm%3A%20Khalifa%20City%20%E2%80%93%20Handicap%20(PA)%20Dh80%2C000%20(T)%201%2C400m%0D%3Cbr%3E6pm%3A%20Masdar%20City%20%E2%80%93%20Handicap%20(PA)%20Dh80%2C000%20(T)%201%2C600m%0D%3Cbr%3E6.30pm%3A%20Wathba%20Stallions%20Cup%20%E2%80%93%20Handicap%20(PA)%20Dh70%2C000%20(T)%202%2C200m%0D%3Cbr%3E7pm%3A%20Emirates%20Championship%20%E2%80%93%20Group%201%20(PA)%20Dh1%2C000%2C000%20(T)%202%2C200m%0D%3Cbr%3E7.30pm%3A%20Shakbout%20City%20%E2%80%93%20Handicap%20(TB)%20Dh80%2C000%20(T)%202%2C400m%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
UAE Tour 2020
Stage 1: The Pointe Palm Jumeirah - Dubai Silicon Oasis, 148km
Stage 2: Hatta - Hatta Dam, 168km
Stage 3: Al Qudra Cycle Track - Jebel Hafeet, 184km
Stage 4: Zabeel Park - Dubai City Walk, 173km
Stage 5: Al Ain - Jebel Hafeet, 162km
Stage 6: Al Ruwais - Al Mirfa, 158km
Stage 7: Al Maryah Island - Abu Dhabi Breakwater, 127km
The%20specs
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Saudi Cup race day
Schedule in UAE time
5pm: Mohamed Yousuf Naghi Motors Cup (Turf), 5.35pm: 1351 Cup (T), 6.10pm: Longines Turf Handicap (T), 6.45pm: Obaiya Arabian Classic for Purebred Arabians (Dirt), 7.30pm: Jockey Club Handicap (D), 8.10pm: Samba Saudi Derby (D), 8.50pm: Saudia Sprint (D), 9.40pm: Saudi Cup (D)
Usain Bolt's World Championships record
2007 Osaka
200m Silver
4x100m relay Silver
2009 Berlin
100m Gold
200m Gold
4x100m relay Gold
2011 Daegu
100m Disqualified in final for false start
200m Gold
4x100m relay Gold
2013 Moscow
100m Gold
200m Gold
4x100m relay Gold
2015 Beijing
100m Gold
200m Gold
4x100m relay Gold
MATCH INFO
Real Madrid 2
Vinicius Junior (71') Mariano (90 2')
Barcelona 0
The specs: 2018 Ducati SuperSport S
Price, base / as tested: Dh74,900 / Dh85,900
Engine: 937cc
Transmission: Six-speed gearbox
Power: 110hp @ 9,000rpm
Torque: 93Nm @ 6,500rpm
Fuel economy, combined: 5.9L / 100km
MATCH INFO
Uefa Champions League semi-final, first leg
Tottenham 0-1 Ajax, Tuesday
Second leg
Ajax v Tottenham, Wednesday, May 8, 11pm
Game is on BeIN Sports
SPECS
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Central%20Bank's%20push%20for%20a%20robust%20financial%20infrastructure
%3Cul%3E%0A%3Cli%3ECBDC%20real-value%20pilot%20held%20with%20three%20partner%20institutions%26nbsp%3B%3C%2Fli%3E%0A%3Cli%3EPreparing%20buy%20now%2C%20pay%20later%20regulations%26nbsp%3B%3C%2Fli%3E%0A%3Cli%3EPreparing%20for%20the%202023%20launch%20of%20the%20domestic%20card%20initiative%26nbsp%3B%3C%2Fli%3E%0A%3Cli%3EPhase%20one%20of%20the%20Financial%20Infrastructure%20Transformation%20(FiT)%20completed%3C%2Fli%3E%0A%3C%2Ful%3E%0A
Secret Pigeon Service: Operation Colomba, Resistance and the Struggle to Liberate Europe
Gordon Corera, Harper Collins
Sri Lanka squad
Dinesh Chandimal, Dimuth Karunaratne, Kaushal Silva, Kusal Mendis, Angelo Mathews, Lahiru Thirimanne, Niroshan Dickwella, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Rangana Herath, Suranga Lakmal, Nuwan Pradeep, Lakshan Sandakan, Vishwa Fernando, Lahiru Kumara, Jeffrey Vandersay, Milinda Siriwardana, Roshen Silva, Akila Dananjaya, Charith Asalanka, Shaminda Eranga and Dhammika Prasad.
FA%20Cup%20semi-final%20draw
%3Cp%3ECoventry%20City%20v%20Manchester%20United%C2%A0%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3EManchester%20City%20v%20Chelsea%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E-%20Games%20to%20be%20played%20at%20Wembley%20Stadium%20on%20weekend%20of%20April%2020%2F21.%C2%A0%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
RESULT
RS Leipzig 3
Marcel Sabitzer 10', 21'
Emil Forsberg 87'
Tottenham 0
MATCH INFO
Manchester United v Everton
Where: Old Trafford, Manchester
When: Sunday, kick-off 7pm (UAE)
How to watch: Live on BeIN Sports 11HD
Company profile
Company name: Nestrom
Started: 2017
Co-founders: Yousef Wadi, Kanaan Manasrah and Shadi Shalabi
Based: Jordan
Sector: Technology
Initial investment: Close to $100,000
Investors: Propeller, 500 Startups, Wamda Capital, Agrimatico, Techstars and some angel investors
Scoreline
UAE 2-1 Saudi Arabia
UAE Mabkhout 21’, Khalil 59’
Saudi Al Abed (pen) 20’
Man of the match Ahmed Khalil (UAE)
Draw
Quarter-finals
Real Madrid (ESP) or Manchester City (ENG) v Juventus (ITA) or Lyon (FRA)
RB Leipzig (GER) v Atletico Madrid (ESP)
Barcelona (ESP) or Napoli (ITA) v Bayern Munich (GER) or Chelsea (ENG)
Atalanta (ITA) v Paris Saint-Germain (FRA)
Ties to be played August 12-15 in Lisbon
Our family matters legal consultant
Name: Hassan Mohsen Elhais
Position: legal consultant with Al Rowaad Advocates and Legal Consultants.
5 of the most-popular Airbnb locations in Dubai
Bobby Grudziecki, chief operating officer of Frank Porter, identifies the five most popular areas in Dubai for those looking to make the most out of their properties and the rates owners can secure:
• Dubai Marina
The Marina and Jumeirah Beach Residence are popular locations, says Mr Grudziecki, due to their closeness to the beach, restaurants and hotels.
Frank Porter’s average Airbnb rent:
One bedroom: Dh482 to Dh739
Two bedroom: Dh627 to Dh960
Three bedroom: Dh721 to Dh1,104
• Downtown
Within walking distance of the Dubai Mall, Burj Khalifa and the famous fountains, this location combines business and leisure. “Sure it’s for tourists,” says Mr Grudziecki. “Though Downtown [still caters to business people] because it’s close to Dubai International Financial Centre."
Frank Porter’s average Airbnb rent:
One bedroom: Dh497 to Dh772
Two bedroom: Dh646 to Dh1,003
Three bedroom: Dh743 to Dh1,154
• City Walk
The rising star of the Dubai property market, this area is lined with pristine sidewalks, boutiques and cafes and close to the new entertainment venue Coca Cola Arena. “Downtown and Marina are pretty much the same prices,” Mr Grudziecki says, “but City Walk is higher.”
Frank Porter’s average Airbnb rent:
One bedroom: Dh524 to Dh809
Two bedroom: Dh682 to Dh1,052
Three bedroom: Dh784 to Dh1,210
• Jumeirah Lake Towers
Dubai Marina’s little brother JLT resides on the other side of Sheikh Zayed road but is still close enough to beachside outlets and attractions. The big selling point for Airbnb renters, however, is that “it’s cheaper than Dubai Marina”, Mr Grudziecki says.
Frank Porter’s average Airbnb rent:
One bedroom: Dh422 to Dh629
Two bedroom: Dh549 to Dh818
Three bedroom: Dh631 to Dh941
• Palm Jumeirah
Palm Jumeirah's proximity to luxury resorts is attractive, especially for big families, says Mr Grudziecki, as Airbnb renters can secure competitive rates on one of the world’s most famous tourist destinations.
Frank Porter’s average Airbnb rent:
One bedroom: Dh503 to Dh770
Two bedroom: Dh654 to Dh1,002
Three bedroom: Dh752 to Dh1,152
Teenage%20Mutant%20Ninja%20Turtles%3A%20Shredder's%20Revenge
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EDeveloper%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3ETribute%20Games%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EPublisher%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Dotemu%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EConsoles%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3ENintendo%20Switch%2C%20PlayStation%204%26amp%3B5%2C%20PC%20and%20Xbox%20One%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ERating%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%204%2F5%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Easter%20Sunday
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Sweet%20Tooth
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