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Coach Andy Flower confident of strong title defence for Adani’s Gulf Giants at ILT20 Season 2

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1 year ago

January 15, 2024

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The International League T20 is around the corner, and the Adani Sportsline-owned Gulf Giants commenced their journey in season two with a jersey giveaway at the ICC Academy in Dubai on Saturday, January 13. The event saw multiple star players from the team grace the occasion as head coach Andy Flower handed the jerseys to the likes of Carlos Braithwaite and Dominic Drakes and local talents like Sanchit Sharma and Aayan Khan.

Speaking at the event, the Zimbabwean legend shared his excitement for the upcoming season and was ready to defend the crown from season 1 of the ILT20. “We’re very proud to be a part of the Adani Sportsline-owned Gulf Giants. We haven’t got a whole team yet but we started training. Our group is together and it’s a proud moment to start the second season with the Adani Gulf Giants. We had an amazing season in 2023, obviously winning the inaugural tournament,” said Flower.

While handing out the jerseys to the players, he touched upon the yellow and orange colours that represent the Gulf countries. “You will see our jerseys carry the natural orange and golden hues of the desert. The Adanis have chosen these colours specifically to represent this area. And I know how proud they are to have a team playing in this tournament. The staff and players are also very proud to represent the Adani group in the ILT20. The management has been immense in the way they have supported us.”

The side will start their tournament in the ILT20 with the mega clash against the Sharjah Warriors, and Flower has earmarked them as one of the toughest opponents in the league that starts on Friday, January 19. “Of course, our goal is to win the trophy once more but first and foremost we aim to reach the playoffs and to do that, we need to work very hard to win that first game. But I don’t see that as pressure at all.”

The season 1-winning head coach also lauded the Adani Sportsline group for their continued support as they start another season in this league. “One of the challenges is getting the team ready in time for the tournament as soon as possible because there is not much lead-in time. We have 10 days before the first game, and that is quite a long time. The Adanis were keen for us to get together for such a long period of preparation because it is difficult with players playing in other tournaments.”

The former Zimbabwean captain Flower is quietly confident about helping the team push their limits. “I know the players will be excited to be playing for the Adani Gulf Giants, and I want them to feel that way. We must make the Adanis proud of our representation of the team,” he signed off.

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Abu Dhabi streets come alive with lights to celebrate Hijri New Year

Published

2 hours ago

June 25, 2025

Michael Gomes

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Abu Dhabi is welcoming the Hijri year 1447 in spectacular style, with illuminated decorations and vibrant art installations now adorning the city’s Corniche and bridges.

The initiative, led by the Department of Municipalities and Transport through Abu Dhabi City Municipality, is designed to reflect the spiritual essence and cultural beauty of the Islamic New Year, while adding to the emirate’s urban charm.

A Blend of Faith, Heritage and Art

The glowing displays feature intricate designs inspired by Islamic architecture, nature, and Emirati heritage, with the phrase “Hijri Year 1447” etched across many pieces. Using a stunning mix of golden yellow, white, pistachio, and sky blue hues, the decorations bring a festive and spiritual energy to the cityscape.

At the Abu Dhabi Corniche, visitors will find illuminated curtains suspended between lampposts, blending Eid Al Adha and Hijri New Year motifs in a celebration of light, colour, and joy.

Designed with Safety & Sustainability in Mind

All installations use energy-efficient LED lights and weather-resistant materials to ensure both durability and safety. Each piece has been strategically placed to match the layout of streets and walkways, making the city’s celebration beautiful and secure for pedestrians and drivers alike.

So whether you’re strolling the Corniche or driving through the city, take a moment to enjoy Abu Dhabi’s glowing tribute to the start of the Islamic calendar year, a celebration of faith, tradition, and forward-looking beauty.

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Dubai announces free parking and public transport for Hijri New Year holiday

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2 hours ago

June 25, 2025

Michael Gomes

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Heads up, Dubai residents. In celebration of the Hijri New Year, all public parking in Dubai will be free on Friday, June 27, except for multi-level parking terminals. Regular parking fees will resume on Saturday, June 28, the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) announced.

Public Transport Hours – Friday, June 27

Dubai Metro: 5am (June 27) to 1am (June 28)
Dubai Tram: 6am (June 27) to 1am (June 28)

RTA Service Centres

Closed: All RTA Customer Happiness Centres and service provider centres
Open: Smart Customer Happiness Centres in Umm Ramool, Deira, Al Barsha, and RTA Head Office (available 24/7)

Vehicle Testing

No technical testing on Friday, services resume Saturday, June 28.

For the latest updates on bus and marine transport schedules, commuters are encouraged to check the RTA or S’hail app.

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UAE–Pakistan Travel: New agreement allows visa-free travel for select citizens

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3 hours ago

June 25, 2025

Michael Gomes

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In a move set to deepen long-standing ties, the UAE and Pakistan have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) for mutual visa exemption, allowing diplomatic and official passport holders of both countries to travel without entry visas. The agreement is expected to streamline travel and strengthen people-to-people connections between the two nations.

The visa exemption MoU was signed during the 12th session of the UAE–Pakistan Joint Ministerial Commission (JMC), held in Abu Dhabi, and attended by Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, UAE Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, and Mohammad Ishaq Dar, Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs.

Agreements Beyond Visas

The high-level meeting saw the signing of several key MoUs, including:

A joint task force to promote UAE investments in Pakistan’s strategic sectors
An MoU on cooperation in artificial intelligence and the digital economy

These were signed by Mohamed Hassan Al Suwaidi, UAE Minister of Investment, and senior Pakistani officials, including Tariq Bajwa, Special Assistant to the Prime Minister of Pakistan, and Zarar Hashim Khan, Federal Secretary at Pakistan’s Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunications.

A Trusted and Historic Partnership

The UAE and Pakistan reviewed cooperation across trade, investment, infrastructure, energy, and technology during the session.

Speaking at the event, Ahmed Ali Al Sayegh, who led the UAE delegation, described Pakistan as a long-standing and trusted partner, highlighting diplomatic ties dating back to 1971.

“This partnership is built on mutual trust, respect, and a shared vision for the future,” Al Sayegh said, noting that non-oil trade exceeded $8.6 billion in 2024.

Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to advancing bilateral relations and ensuring prosperity, stability, and development for future generations.