Waleed Hussain (L) who played with Shabab Al Ahli Dubai before joining Al-Wahda club in Abu Dhabi as midfielder hopes to see Messi wins the World Cup. ( Satish Kumar / The National )
Waleed Hussain (L) who played with Shabab Al Ahli Dubai before joining Al-Wahda club in Abu Dhabi as midfielder hopes to see Messi wins the World Cup. ( Satish Kumar / The National )
Waleed Hussain (L) who played with Shabab Al Ahli Dubai before joining Al-Wahda club in Abu Dhabi as midfielder hopes to see Messi wins the World Cup. ( Satish Kumar / The National )
Waleed Hussain (L) who played with Shabab Al Ahli Dubai before joining Al-Wahda club in Abu Dhabi as midfielder hopes to see Messi wins the World Cup. ( Satish Kumar / The National )

UAE

Emirati goalkeeper who played under Maradona backs Messi for World Cup glory

Majed Naser, capped 72 times by the UAE, supports Brazil but wants to see the Argentine superstar cap off a remarkable career with victory in Doha

Salam Al Amir
Ali Al Shouk

November 15, 2022

  • English
  • Arabic

A former UAE international goalkeeper who once played under the legendary Diego Maradona is backing fellow Argentine great Lionel Messi for World Cup glory in Qatar - despite being a life-long fan of fierce rivals Brazil.

Majed Naser, 38, capped 72 times by the Emirates, is switching his South American allegiances for Doha in the hopes of seeing one of the world's greatest players cap off a remarkable career in style.

Paris St Germain star Messi has hinted that he will retire from international football following the tournament, with his quest to finally lift a World Cup trophy.

Naser, who plays for Dubai-based Shabab Al Ahli, is eager to see the mercurial playmaker go one step further than in the 2014 final, when he suffered heartbreak at the hands of Germany.

The veteran player was part of the Al Wasl side managed by the late Maradona a decade ago.

Now he wants to see Messi join his illustrious compatriot as a World Cup winner.

“I'm doing so because I would love to see Messi end his professional career winning the World Cup,” he said.

“It's the last tournament he could take part in, that's why I really wish Argentina wins.”

Naser wants Arab nations competing in Doha to shine bright in the first World Cup held in the Middle East.

“These teams will be representing professional Arab football and I wish they will show real improvement.”

Will Brazil spoil the party?

HOW BRAZIL QUALIFIED FOR WORLD CUP 2022: October 9, 2020. Brazil 5 (Marquinhos 16', Firmino 30', 49', Carrasco og 66', Coutinho 73') Bolivia 0: Brazil were up and running in style with Roberto Firmino and Phillipe Coutinho among the scorers in a rout of Bolivia. "There's always room for improvement, what's important is getting used to playing together," Brazil captain Casemiro said. "We'll adapt better as we play more games. That's what is important. We deserve congratulations today." Getty
HOW BRAZIL QUALIFIED FOR WORLD CUP 2022: October 9, 2020. Brazil 5 (Marquinhos 16', Firmino 30', 49', Carrasco og 66', Coutinho 73') Bolivia 0: Brazil were up and running in style with Roberto Firmino and Phillipe Coutinho among the scorers in a rout of Bolivia. "There's always room for improvement, what's important is getting used to playing together," Brazil captain Casemiro said. "We'll adapt better as we play more games. That's what is important. We deserve congratulations today." Getty
October 13, 2020. Peru 2 (Carrillo 6', Tapia 59') Brazil 4 (Neymar pen 28', pen 83', 90 + 2', Richarlison 64'): Neymar hit a hat-trick to reach 64 goals for Brazil and move second behind Pele in their all-time top goalscorer list, moving ahead of Ronaldo in a match that saw two Peru players sent off late on. Manager Tite said of Neymar: "He's a player who both makes and takes chances. And he gets better and better, and more mature." Getty
October 13, 2020. Peru 2 (Carrillo 6', Tapia 59') Brazil 4 (Neymar pen 28', pen 83', 90 + 2', Richarlison 64'): Neymar hit a hat-trick to reach 64 goals for Brazil and move second behind Pele in their all-time top goalscorer list, moving ahead of Ronaldo in a match that saw two Peru players sent off late on. Manager Tite said of Neymar: "He's a player who both makes and takes chances. And he gets better and better, and more mature." Getty
November 13, 2020. Brazil 1 (Firmino 66') Venezuela 0: Three wins on the spin for Brazil but a far from convincing performance in Sao Paulo, with a team missing the likes of Neymar, Philippe Coutinho and Fabinho. "We were able to compete and do them damage for a while,” said Venezuelan midfielder Luis Mago. “We made one mistake and paid a heavy price for it." AFP
November 13, 2020. Brazil 1 (Firmino 66') Venezuela 0: Three wins on the spin for Brazil but a far from convincing performance in Sao Paulo, with a team missing the likes of Neymar, Philippe Coutinho and Fabinho. "We were able to compete and do them damage for a while,” said Venezuelan midfielder Luis Mago. “We made one mistake and paid a heavy price for it." AFP
November 17, 2020. Uruguay 0 Brazil 2 (Arthur 33', Richarlison 45'): First-half goals from Arthur and Richarlison maintained Covid and injury-hit Brazil's 100 per cent record against a Uruguay team they had not lost against since 2001. Uruguay striker Edinson Cavani was shown a straight red for a challenge on Richarlison following a VAR review. EPA
November 17, 2020. Uruguay 0 Brazil 2 (Arthur 33', Richarlison 45'): First-half goals from Arthur and Richarlison maintained Covid and injury-hit Brazil's 100 per cent record against a Uruguay team they had not lost against since 2001. Uruguay striker Edinson Cavani was shown a straight red for a challenge on Richarlison following a VAR review. EPA
June 4, 2021. Brazil 2 (Richarlison 65' Neymar pen 90+4') Ecuador 0: Brazil made it five wins from five in a comfortable victory. The match was overshadowed by players and manager Tite being unhappy about Brazil hosting the upcoming Copa America as people were being killed by Covid in large numbers. Asked whether he could leave the job, Tite said: "You can raise any hypothesis, I only ask you to be careful. I will express it when it matters. Not now. This was a tough match against Ecuador." Getty
June 4, 2021. Brazil 2 (Richarlison 65' Neymar pen 90+4') Ecuador 0: Brazil made it five wins from five in a comfortable victory. The match was overshadowed by players and manager Tite being unhappy about Brazil hosting the upcoming Copa America as people were being killed by Covid in large numbers. Asked whether he could leave the job, Tite said: "You can raise any hypothesis, I only ask you to be careful. I will express it when it matters. Not now. This was a tough match against Ecuador." Getty
June 8, 2021. Paraguay 0 Brazil 2 (Neymar 4' Paqueta 90+3'): Brazil had not beaten Paraguay away from home since 1985 but an early goal from Neymar and a late one from Paqueta ended that run to make it six wins from six. “We knew how hard it is to come here,” defender Marquinhos said. “We’re delighted to open up a gap with the second-placed team in the table.” EPA
June 8, 2021. Paraguay 0 Brazil 2 (Neymar 4' Paqueta 90+3'): Brazil had not beaten Paraguay away from home since 1985 but an early goal from Neymar and a late one from Paqueta ended that run to make it six wins from six. “We knew how hard it is to come here,” defender Marquinhos said. “We’re delighted to open up a gap with the second-placed team in the table.” EPA
September 2, 2021. Chile 0 Brazil 1 (Ribeiro 64'): Everton Ribeiro came off the bench to secure a barely deserved victory for Tite's men, who had Gabriel Jesus sent off for an atrocious kung-fu-style challenge on Eugenio Mena. Neymar said: "Chile are a good team, they have great players and it is very difficult with a man less. Everyone deserves praise, the defence, the midfield, the forwards. It was a big test for us." AP
September 2, 2021. Chile 0 Brazil 1 (Ribeiro 64'): Everton Ribeiro came off the bench to secure a barely deserved victory for Tite's men, who had Gabriel Jesus sent off for an atrocious kung-fu-style challenge on Eugenio Mena. Neymar said: "Chile are a good team, they have great players and it is very difficult with a man less. Everyone deserves praise, the defence, the midfield, the forwards. It was a big test for us." AP
September 5, 2021. Brazil v Argentina (match abandoned): Chaotic scenes as the match was called-off after five minutes when Brazilian health officials invaded the pitch to stop Argentina's England-based players from playing, saying they had breached the country's Covid-19 quarantine rules. “They had 72 hours before the match. They had to do it at the time of the match.” Tite shouted at officials on the pitch. Reuters
September 5, 2021. Brazil v Argentina (match abandoned): Chaotic scenes as the match was called-off after five minutes when Brazilian health officials invaded the pitch to stop Argentina's England-based players from playing, saying they had breached the country's Covid-19 quarantine rules. “They had 72 hours before the match. They had to do it at the time of the match.” Tite shouted at officials on the pitch. Reuters
September 9, 2021. Brazil 2 (Ribeiro 15', Neymar 40') Peru 0: The ninth home qualifier in a row in which Brazil kept a clean sheet, and their eighth win from eight Qatar 2022 qualifiers. "These three games we lacked a lot of players that meant others had a chance and they stepped up," said captain Casemiro. "I think we are on the right track." AFP
September 9, 2021. Brazil 2 (Ribeiro 15', Neymar 40') Peru 0: The ninth home qualifier in a row in which Brazil kept a clean sheet, and their eighth win from eight Qatar 2022 qualifiers. "These three games we lacked a lot of players that meant others had a chance and they stepped up," said captain Casemiro. "I think we are on the right track." AFP
October 7, 2021. Venezuela 1 (Ramirez 11') Brazil 3 (Marquinhos 71', Barbosa pen 85', Antony 90 + 5'): Three second-half goals saw Brazil recover from a goal down and maintain their 100 per cent record, extending their lead at the top of qualifying to eight points. "It was a complicated match, we started well below [the level] we are accustomed to," Marquinhos said. "It's hard to get a result but results are what count." Reuters
October 7, 2021. Venezuela 1 (Ramirez 11') Brazil 3 (Marquinhos 71', Barbosa pen 85', Antony 90 + 5'): Three second-half goals saw Brazil recover from a goal down and maintain their 100 per cent record, extending their lead at the top of qualifying to eight points. "It was a complicated match, we started well below [the level] we are accustomed to," Marquinhos said. "It's hard to get a result but results are what count." Reuters
October 10, 2021. Colombia 0 Brazil 0: The winning run comes to an end but Brazil remain on track for Qatar. Tite came to the defence of Neymar after the game. "He is an exceptional player because he makes exceptional plays, he does it exceptionally and not ordinarily," Brazil's coach said. "He is a special player, we know it. And he was also well marked, sometimes by two players." EPA
October 10, 2021. Colombia 0 Brazil 0: The winning run comes to an end but Brazil remain on track for Qatar. Tite came to the defence of Neymar after the game. "He is an exceptional player because he makes exceptional plays, he does it exceptionally and not ordinarily," Brazil's coach said. "He is a special player, we know it. And he was also well marked, sometimes by two players." EPA
October 14, 2021. Brazil 4 (Neymar 10', Raphinha 18', 58', Barbosa 83') Uruguay 1 (Suarez 77'): Leeds winger Raphinha grabbed a double as Brazil cruised to an impressive victory. "This couldn't be more memorable for me," Raphinha said. "This is me fulfilling my childhood dream. It's so gratifying to score. It's going to be very difficult to forget this night." AFP
October 14, 2021. Brazil 4 (Neymar 10', Raphinha 18', 58', Barbosa 83') Uruguay 1 (Suarez 77'): Leeds winger Raphinha grabbed a double as Brazil cruised to an impressive victory. "This couldn't be more memorable for me," Raphinha said. "This is me fulfilling my childhood dream. It's so gratifying to score. It's going to be very difficult to forget this night." AFP
November 11, 2021. Brazil 1 (Paqueta 72') Colombia 0: Three points for Brazil saw them become the first South American team to qualify for Qatar. The game also marked their 10th consecutive home qualifier without conceding a goal. “I cried of happiness [after scoring] because of this moment I am living at the national team and at my club Lyon. This came from a lot of joy, joy for this work well done," Lucas Paqueta said.
November 11, 2021. Brazil 1 (Paqueta 72') Colombia 0: Three points for Brazil saw them become the first South American team to qualify for Qatar. The game also marked their 10th consecutive home qualifier without conceding a goal. “I cried of happiness [after scoring] because of this moment I am living at the national team and at my club Lyon. This came from a lot of joy, joy for this work well done," Lucas Paqueta said.
November 16, 2021. Argentina 0 Brazil 0: Argentina joined Brazil in Qatar after this draw. Brazil coach Tite felt Argentina defender Nicolas Otamendi should have been punished for elbowing winger Raphinha. "It is impossible not to see Otamendi's elbow on Raphinha. A high quality VAR official cannot work this way," he said. "It's inconceivable. Inconceivable is not the word I want to use. I am using that word because I am polite." AFP
November 16, 2021. Argentina 0 Brazil 0: Argentina joined Brazil in Qatar after this draw. Brazil coach Tite felt Argentina defender Nicolas Otamendi should have been punished for elbowing winger Raphinha. "It is impossible not to see Otamendi's elbow on Raphinha. A high quality VAR official cannot work this way," he said. "It's inconceivable. Inconceivable is not the word I want to use. I am using that word because I am polite." AFP
January 27, 2022. Ecuador 1 (Torres 75') Brazil 1 (Casemiro 6'): Goalkeeper Alisson Becker was sent off twice only for the VAR to rescind both red cards in this draw. Ecuador goalkeeper Alexander Dominguez was dismissed, though, as was Brazil full-back Emerson Royal. Alisson said: "If there was no VAR, today we would be unfairly penalised for several situations on the pitch. I touched the ball, that's evident to everyone." Getty
January 27, 2022. Ecuador 1 (Torres 75') Brazil 1 (Casemiro 6'): Goalkeeper Alisson Becker was sent off twice only for the VAR to rescind both red cards in this draw. Ecuador goalkeeper Alexander Dominguez was dismissed, though, as was Brazil full-back Emerson Royal. Alisson said: "If there was no VAR, today we would be unfairly penalised for several situations on the pitch. I touched the ball, that's evident to everyone." Getty
February 1, 2022. Brazil 4 (Raphinha 28', Coutinho 62', Antony 86', Rodrygo 88') Paraguay 0: Brazil scored twice in the last four minutes, including a first international goal for Real Madrid striker Rodrygo, to seal an easy win. The win extended to 61 matches their unbeaten home record in World Cup qualifiers and ended Paraguay's hopes of reaching Qatar. AFP
February 1, 2022. Brazil 4 (Raphinha 28', Coutinho 62', Antony 86', Rodrygo 88') Paraguay 0: Brazil scored twice in the last four minutes, including a first international goal for Real Madrid striker Rodrygo, to seal an easy win. The win extended to 61 matches their unbeaten home record in World Cup qualifiers and ended Paraguay's hopes of reaching Qatar. AFP
March 24, 2022. Brazil 4 (Neymar pen 44', Vinicius Junior 45'+1', Coutinho pen 72', Richarlison 90'+1') Chile 0: Former Flamengo player Vinicius Junior celebrated a return to the Maracana stadium with his first international goal. "At the Maracana with my family, there was nowhere better to score my first international goal," he said. "I'm very happy. It's our last game in Brazil before the World Cup and we are going to thank the fans." AFP
March 24, 2022. Brazil 4 (Neymar pen 44', Vinicius Junior 45'+1', Coutinho pen 72', Richarlison 90'+1') Chile 0: Former Flamengo player Vinicius Junior celebrated a return to the Maracana stadium with his first international goal. "At the Maracana with my family, there was nowhere better to score my first international goal," he said. "I'm very happy. It's our last game in Brazil before the World Cup and we are going to thank the fans." AFP
Tuesday, March 29, 2022. Bolivia 0 Brazil 4 (Paqueta 24', Richarlison 45', 90'+1', Guimaraes 66'): A superb performance from Brazil meant Tite's team reached 45 points, a new World Cup qualifying record. "Yes, [the team exceeded] any expectations I could have on the performance, in both qualitative and quantitative terms," Tite said. AP
Tuesday, March 29, 2022. Bolivia 0 Brazil 4 (Paqueta 24', Richarlison 45', 90'+1', Guimaraes 66'): A superb performance from Brazil meant Tite's team reached 45 points, a new World Cup qualifying record. "Yes, [the team exceeded] any expectations I could have on the performance, in both qualitative and quantitative terms," Tite said. AP

Waleed Hussain, who joined Abu Dhabi's Al Wahda this year after five years with Shabab Al Ali, is also dreaming of a fairytale final for former Barcelona hero Messi.

“I expect Brazil, France and Argentina to make it to semifinals and really wish Argentina wins the cup,” the 30-year-old said.

“Because I want it to be the happy ending to Messi’s career in football.”

Mohammed Al Daheri, who recently became the first Emirati player to sign with a team in the Iraqi Premier League, expects Brazil to spoil the party and secure a record-extending sixth Jules Rimet Trophy

“I expect Brazil to win the world cup in Qatar, leaving Argentina in second place and France in third, after failing to defend the title with its less than impressive performance lately,” said Al Daheri.

“Brazil has a strong team of young and experienced players, fierce defence and midfield line players, impressive strikers and two powerful goalkeepers.”

The left-back plans to watch the tournament at home but admits he would be desperate to attend if Brazil and Argentina clashed in the December 18 final.

A semi-final showdown appears more likely, but a dream final could be on the cards if either side does not win their group.

“I will watch the games on TV and probably at a cafe. But If the final happens to be between Brazil and Argentina, I will do everything to be in the stadium.”

Messi shoots for success - in pictures

Lionel Messi of Argentina scoring his team's fourth goal during the international friendly match against Estonia at Estadio El Sadar on June 05, 2022 in Pamplona, Spain. Getty Images
Lionel Messi of Argentina scoring his team's fourth goal during the international friendly match against Estonia at Estadio El Sadar on June 05, 2022 in Pamplona, Spain. Getty Images
Lionel Messi of Argentina celebrates with teammate Rodrigo De Paul of Argentina after scoring his team's third goal against Estonia. Messi would score all five of Argentina's goals. Getty Images
Lionel Messi of Argentina celebrates with teammate Rodrigo De Paul of Argentina after scoring his team's third goal against Estonia. Messi would score all five of Argentina's goals. Getty Images
Lionel Messi of Argentina scoring his team's second goal. Getty Images
Lionel Messi of Argentina scoring his team's second goal. Getty Images
Lionel Messi of Argentina duels for the ball with Miller Martin of Estonia. Getty Images
Lionel Messi of Argentina duels for the ball with Miller Martin of Estonia. Getty Images
Lionel Messi of Argentina opens the scoring from the penalty spot. Messi would finish the match with five goals to take his international goals tally to 86 in 162 games for Argentina. Getty Images
Lionel Messi of Argentina opens the scoring from the penalty spot. Messi would finish the match with five goals to take his international goals tally to 86 in 162 games for Argentina. Getty Images
Argentina forward Lionel Messi celebrates after scoring his team's second goal. AFP
Argentina forward Lionel Messi celebrates after scoring his team's second goal. AFP
Argentina forward Lionel Messi celebrates after scoring his team's first goal at El Sadar stadium in Pamplona. AFP
Argentina forward Lionel Messi celebrates after scoring his team's first goal at El Sadar stadium in Pamplona. AFP
Argentina's Lionel Messi enters the pitch during a friendly match against Estonia at El Sadar stadium in Pamplona, northern Spain. AP Photo
Argentina's Lionel Messi enters the pitch during a friendly match against Estonia at El Sadar stadium in Pamplona, northern Spain. AP Photo
Argentina's Lionel Messi prepares for a corner kick. EPA
Argentina's Lionel Messi prepares for a corner kick. EPA
Argentina's Lionel Messi in action. EPA
Argentina's Lionel Messi in action. EPA
Argentina's Lionel Messi gestures before the start of the international friendly. AFP
Argentina's Lionel Messi gestures before the start of the international friendly. AFP
Lionel Messi celebrates after scoring his and Argentina's third goal against Estonia.
Lionel Messi celebrates after scoring his and Argentina's third goal against Estonia.
Argentina's Lionel Messi celebrates. EPA
Argentina's Lionel Messi celebrates. EPA
Argentina's forward Lionel Messi runs with the ball. AFP
Argentina's forward Lionel Messi runs with the ball. AFP
Argentina's forward Lionel Messi celebrates after scoring his team's first goal. AFP
Argentina's forward Lionel Messi celebrates after scoring his team's first goal. AFP
About Seez

Company name/date started: Seez, set up in September 2015 and the app was released in August 2017  

Founder/CEO name(s): Tarek Kabrit, co-founder and chief executive, and Andrew Kabrit, co-founder and chief operating officer

Based in: Dubai, with operations also in Kuwait, Saudi Arabia and Lebanon 

Sector:  Search engine for car buying, selling and leasing

Size: (employees/revenue): 11; undisclosed

Stage of funding: $1.8 million in seed funding; followed by another $1.5m bridge round - in the process of closing Series A 

Investors: Wamda Capital, B&Y and Phoenician Funds 

Timeline

2012-2015

The company offers payments/bribes to win key contracts in the Middle East

May 2017

The UK SFO officially opens investigation into Petrofac’s use of agents, corruption, and potential bribery to secure contracts

September 2021

Petrofac pleads guilty to seven counts of failing to prevent bribery under the UK Bribery Act

October 2021

Court fines Petrofac £77 million for bribery. Former executive receives a two-year suspended sentence 

December 2024

Petrofac enters into comprehensive restructuring to strengthen the financial position of the group

May 2025

The High Court of England and Wales approves the company’s restructuring plan

July 2025

The Court of Appeal issues a judgment challenging parts of the restructuring plan

August 2025

Petrofac issues a business update to execute the restructuring and confirms it will appeal the Court of Appeal decision

October 2025

Petrofac loses a major TenneT offshore wind contract worth €13 billion. Holding company files for administration in the UK. Petrofac delisted from the London Stock Exchange

November 2025

180 Petrofac employees laid off in the UAE

The President's Cake

Director: Hasan Hadi

Starring: Baneen Ahmad Nayyef, Waheed Thabet Khreibat, Sajad Mohamad Qasem 

Rating: 4/5

MATCH INFO

South Africa 66 (Tries: De Allende, Nkosi, Reinach (3), Gelant, Steyn, Brits, Willemse; Cons: Jantjies 8) 

Canada 7 (Tries: Heaton; Cons: Nelson)

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The five pillars of Islam

1. Fasting

2. Prayer

3. Hajj

4. Shahada

5. Zakat 

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