Connect with us

News

All roads lead to Dubai International Stadium for epic India-Pakistan clash

Published

on

Spread the love

The buzz is real, and the excitement is off the charts as India and Pakistan prepare to lock horns in the ICC Champions Trophy in Dubai.

The ICC Academy, where the Indian team held their practice session, turned into a frenzy as security guards struggled to hold back hundreds of eager fans, desperate for a glimpse of their favourite cricketers. With just hours to go before the highly anticipated clash, ticket holders, access ID carriers, and even security personnel were bombarded with requests for that pass to the big match.

Few Lucky Fans Get a Helping Hand

The demand for tickets has skyrocketed, given Dubai’s massive Indian and Pakistani communities. But there’s a catch — the cheapest seat in the 30,000-capacity stadium is said to cost a whopping Dh500.

For many blue-collar workers, attending the game seemed impossible — until Indian businessman Anis Sajan, vice-chairman of the Danube Group, stepped in as an unexpected hero. He held a lucky draw and gifted 100 tickets to his employees. For those who missing out, he has set up a special screening for them.

Said Sajan: “Many of these workers are die-hard fans, but high ticket prices keep them from watching their idols live. This is my way of making their dream come true.”

And he’s not the only one. Some other employers too have gifted match tickets.

Cricket Mania Grips the City

Dubai’s cricket fever has reached new heights. Malls are dealing with staff shortages as leave applications have poured in, and a popular cinema chain has arranged live screenings for those unable to secure stadium seats.

Security measures will be tight, with roads leading to the Dubai International Stadium set to close from 10:30 am ahead of the match start. The venue will be packed, and fans are hoping for a classic clash.

A Rivalry Like No Other

The anticipation is palpable, but there’s no interaction between the two teams ahead of the game. While India practised at the ICC Academy, Pakistan trained at the Dubai Stadium. Even fan groups are keeping their celebrations separate to avoid any tensions.

Ahead of the match, India’s in-form batter Shubman Gill was asked whether the hype around India-Pakistan clashes is overblown. His response? “India-Pakistan has a long history. It’s always an exciting contest. If so many people love watching it, who are we to say if it’s overhyped or not? We’re here to play cricket.”

Meanwhile, Pakistan coach Aaqib Javed also acknowledged the pressure. “Every game has pressure, but against India, it doesn’t matter if it’s a must-win or not—our players are ready to raise the bar.”

Legendary Pakistan all-rounder Mudassar Nazar believes his team must step up. “Playing India in Dubai is different. 

They have all bases covered,” he admitted. Still, he remains hopeful: “We’ve beaten India twice here. We’ll aim for a third. It’ll be a great match.”

Despite missing ace pacer Jasprit Bumrah and having an out-of-form Virat Kohli, India enters the contest as favourites. But as history has shown, anything can happen in an India-Pakistan match.

One thing’s for sure — come match day, Dubai will witness cricket at its most electrifying. Buckle up, because this one’s going to be special, and fingers crossed that rain doesn’t play spoilsport.

The Squads for the match

India: Rohit Sharma (captain), Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul, Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami, Arshdeep Singh, Harshit Rana, Rishabh Pant, Ravindra Jadeja, Varun Chakravarthy.

Pakistan: Mohammad Rizwan (captain), Salman Ali Agha, Babar Azam, Imam-ul-Haq, Kamran Ghulam, Saud Shakeel, Tayyab Tahir, Faheem Ashraf, Khushdil Shah, Usman Khan, Abrar Ahmed, Haris Rauf, Mohammad Hasnain, Naseem Shah, Shaheen Shah Afridi.

What time will the match start:

The match will begin at 1:00 pm (UAE time). Toss is scheduled for 12:30 pm.

Where is the match being played?

The India vs Pakistan, Group A match will be played at the Dubai International Stadium.

Which channels will broadcast the match?

  • Star Sports Network and Network 18 channels in India.
  • Tamasha and PTV Sports will stream the matches live in Pakistan
  • You can watch live streaming on Willow in the US.
  • Sky Sports Cricket in the UK
  •  Prime Video in Australia

(Source: Agencies)

With over 35 years of experience in journalism, copywriting, and PR, Michael Gomes is a seasoned media professional deeply rooted in the UAE’s print and digital landscape.

Continue Reading
Advertisement

News

Parents, take note: Dubai Police warn about teens riding motorbikes after Iftar in residential areas

Published

on

Spread the love

As Ramadan evenings get busier, Dubai Police are warning parents about a rise in teenagers riding motorcycles and recreational bikes in residential areas, especially after Iftar.

Why this matters

Police say many teens are:

  • Riding without proper safety measures
  • Using service roads and neighbourhood streets
  • Putting themselves at risk of collisions with cars or pedestrians

Residential areas are often filled with families, children and elderly residents during Ramadan nights, making the danger even greater.

What parents should know

Authorities have already:

  • Impounded motorcycles
  • Summoned parents
  • Filed official police reports

This behaviour is considered a legal violation and can have serious consequences.

What you can do

  • Talk to your children about road safety and legal responsibilities
  • Ensure any bike use follows UAE traffic laws
  • Supervise younger teens, especially during busy evening hours

Residents can report unsafe riding via the 901 hotline (‘We Are All Police’ service) or through the Dubai Police app.

A quick conversation at home today could prevent a serious accident tomorrow.

Continue Reading

News

Foodilicious: A new Dubai-based TV series that brings Ramadan culinary traditions and cultural stories to screen

Published

on

Spread the love

A new Ramadan television series is bringing communities together across the GCC, not through debate or drama, but through the shared experience of Iftar.

Haier presents Foodilicious, produced by Rigel Global Media, which premiered in February and airs every Saturday at 7:30pm (GST) on Zee TV, with streaming available on demand.

The English-language lifestyle series blends Iftar traditions, chef-led dining, hospitality features and cultural storytelling, reflecting the diversity that defines Ramadan in Dubai and across the Middle East.

More than a food show

Unlike conventional cooking programmes, Foodilicious positions food as a narrative tool.

Founder and CEO Abhishek K. Mishraa said the editorial approach mirrors news storytelling,  rooted in real life, cultural context and human experience.

The show was developed alongside Creative Head Puneet Verma and storyteller Aryaman Singh, who brought a contemporary lens to Ramadan traditions to connect with younger audiences.

Their goal? To treat food as memory, devotion and belonging, not just spectacle.

Familiar face fronts the series

Hosting the show is Lokesh Dharmani, radio jockey at City 101.6 FM, whose warm, conversational style anchors the format.

Behind the scenes, Production Manager Mukesh Dubey and Line Producer Tanim Ayub lead operations, while digital strategy is managed by social media personality Altamash Iqbal.

Backed by global brand support

The series is presented by Haier Gulf Electronics LLC, signalling growing brand investment in culturally resonant Ramadan programming, a season known for some of the region’s highest TV viewership figures.

Ramadan in the UAE brings together Emiratis, expats and visitors from across the world. By showcasing Iftar tables, chefs, hospitality experiences and shared traditions, Foodilicious aims to reflect that diversity on screen.












Continue Reading

News

Huge relief for drivers: New Dubai bridge cuts travel time to 1 minute

Published

on

Spread the love

Commuters using one of Dubai’s busiest corridors just got a major upgrade.

The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has officially opened a new 1,000-metre bridge linking Sheikh Zayed Road to Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Street, slashing journey times from six minutes to just one minute.

And this is only part of a much bigger transformation.

What’s the new bridge?

  • It spans 1,000 metres
  • Has two lanes
  • Handles up to 3,000 vehicles per hour
  • Connects traffic from Sheikh Zayed Road towards Al Karama and Deira

It’s the third bridge completed under the wider World Trade Centre Roundabout Development Project.

Two earlier bridges opened in February 2026, improving traffic from 2nd December Street towards Sheikh Rashid Street and Al Majlis Street.

Why this intersection matters

The World Trade Centre Roundabout is one of Dubai’s most critical traffic nodes. It connects five major roads:

  • Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Street
  • Sheikh Rashid Street
  • 2nd December Street
  • Zabeel Palace Street
  • Al Majlis Street

It also serves key destinations like:

  • Dubai World Trade Centre
  • Dubai International Financial Centre

More than half a million residents and visitors rely on this corridor daily.

From 12 Minutes to 90 Seconds

When the full five-bridge project is completed:

  • Average delays will drop from 12 minutes to 90 seconds
  • That’s a 92% reduction
  • Free-flow traffic will operate in multiple directions
  • The existing roundabout will become a signalised junction

Two additional bridges, connecting traffic from Sheikh Rashid Street and Al Majlis Street towards 2nd December Street, are set to open in October.

Who benefits most?

  • Daily commuters heading to Deira and Karama
  • Residents in Zabeel, Al Satwa, Al Jafiliya and Al Mankhool
  • Businesses in DIFC
  • Event attendees at Dubai World Trade Centre

For drivers, the impact is immediate. For central Dubai’s traffic grid, the biggest gains are still coming later this year.

If you drive this stretch daily, you’ll likely feel the difference from your very next commute.

Continue Reading

Popular

Exit mobile version
https://headline.ae/