News

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

Published

2 years 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.

Companies

Dubai warns engineering firms over costly villa designs

Published

7 mins ago

August 26, 2025

Michael Gomes

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Dubai Municipality has issued warnings to several engineering consultancy offices after finding that they exaggerated structural designs for citizens’ villas.

According to officials, these inflated designs went against the Dubai Building Code and led to unnecessary construction costs for property owners, without any real engineering need.

The move is part of the Municipality’s efforts to regulate Dubai’s construction sector and protect residents from extra financial burdens. Consultancy offices across the emirate had already been reminded through circulars to strictly follow approved engineering standards.

Eng. Maryam Al Muhairi, CEO of the Buildings Regulation and Permits Agency, said:

“Compliance with the Dubai Building Code is not only a legal requirement but also a professional and ethical responsibility. The goal is to ensure safe, high-quality construction without forcing citizens to pay more than necessary.”

She added that Dubai Municipality will continue to monitor consultancy offices and contractors to prevent excessive use of building materials, including steel, and ensure construction remains efficient, safe, and cost-effective.

Repeat offenders could face disciplinary measures, including poor annual evaluations or even suspension. Earlier this year, two consultancy offices were banned from licensing new projects for six months due to violations.

By cracking down on such practices, Dubai Municipality says it aims to strengthen the emirate’s construction sector, cut waste, and support sustainable urban growth.

Education

Parents, students benefit as RTA upgrades 10 school zones across Dubai

Published

16 mins ago

August 26, 2025

Michael Gomes

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Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has completed a series of traffic improvements in 10 busy school zones across the city, making life easier for parents, students, and staff.

The works, carried out over the summer break, covered areas such as Al Warqa 1, 3 and 4, Al Safa 1, Al Barsha 1, Al Garhoud, Al Mizhar 1 and 4, Al Qusais and Al Barsha South, benefiting 27 schools in total.

What changed?

Wider roads and smoother traffic flow
New entrances and exits to ease congestion
More parking for parents and staff (up to 90% more in some places)
Safer pedestrian features, including signals and traffic-calming measures

The RTA says some zones have already seen traffic flow improve by up to 40 per cent.

Work is still underway in other school areas like Umm Al Sheif, Al Warqa, and Al Barsha. The project is being carried out in coordination with Dubai Police to ensure safety for students and families.

Parents and school bus drivers are also urged to follow safety rules, use designated drop-off zones, and stay alert around schools.

Crime

UAE: Social media users referred to prosecution for breaking content rules

Published

27 mins ago

August 26, 2025

Michael Gomes

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The National Media Office (NMO) has referred several social media users to the Federal Public Prosecution for posting content that violates UAE media laws.

Officials said a special monitoring team works 24/7 to detect violations, alert users about their mistakes, and give them a chance to correct them. Those who fail to comply face legal action.

The NMO explained that these steps are taken to:

Keep social media safe and respectful
Prevent the spread of harmful or misleading content
Protect community values and ethics

In March, the NMO had already reminded users to follow the UAE’s principles of respect, tolerance, and coexistence when posting online. It warned that anyone breaking these rules will be held accountable under UAE law.