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“DP World ILT20 helped me grow as a cricketer,” says UAE U19 Skipper Aayan Afzal Khan

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  • Making rapid strides in international cricket is UAE’s U-19 skipper Aayan Afzal Khan, who has led his team into the semi-finals of the prestigious ACC U19 Men’s Asia Cup 2023. The team will now face-off against Pakistan in an attempt of making it to the tournament final at the Dubai International Stadium on Sunday.

Aayan attributes his exploits as an all-rounder to his stint with the DP World International League T20, where he rubbed shoulders with global stars in its first edition when he turned up for the tournament winners’ Gulf Giants.

“By following multiple international cricketers during the first season, I got an understanding of the approach and process they follow and how they go about each situation. I have tried applying some of their principles to my game and it has certainly helped me grow as a cricketer,” Aayan expressed about his stint in the DP World ILT20 Season 1.

He has been the cynosure of UAE’s performance in the U19 Asia Cup where he was awarded the player of the match twice in a span of three days. His 67 off 41 balls to help his team reach 320-7 in 50 overs against Japan while he played a crucial role in UAE’s win against Sri Lanka too – helping the team seal a berth in the semi-finals.

Aayan’s mercurial rise in international cricket was fostered by the Desert Cubs Cricket Academy, and even before he could turn 17, Aayan made his debut for UAE in both T20s and ODIs. He also represented UAE in the ICC U-19 World Cup in 2022 where he won the player of the match award after helping his team beat the West Indies with a brilliant knock of 93 runs along with a wicket off his bowling.

He holds the distinction of being the youngest cricketer to feature in an ICC Men’s T20 World Cup match at the tender age of 16 years and 335 days, when the UAE played the Netherlands in a Group A first round match in the 2022 edition.

While the Gulf Giants Season 2 side boasts of the likes of global stars James Vince, Chris Lynn, Shimron Hetmyer, Carlos Brathwaite and Chris Jordan, Aayan Afzal Khan, the 18-year-old all-rounder from Sharjah, will be in focus as one of the emerging players in UAE particular after his success in the U19 Asia Cup, where UAE proved their mettle despite being considered as the underdogs in the tournament.

 “I am happy with how my career is shaping, super excited and looking forward to yet another fascinating season with the Gulf Giants. Last season was absolutely magical and I absolutely can’t wait to get on with the upcoming edition. It can help boost my chances of finding a spot in one of the many leagues that take place around the world. Match winning performances will hopefully catch the eyes of scouts who are constantly on the look-out for young talent,” stated an eager Aayan.

Underlining his personal goals in the upcoming edition of the DP World ILT20, Aayan said,“Ultimately, while you do want to do well, there is no point unless the team wins. I would like to go out there and do what the team [Gulf Giants] requires of me whenever they need it so that we can win games by executing our plans,” he said. “On a personal level, I would like to win the UAE Player of the Tournament Award (DP World ILT20 Blue Belt) because of how prestigious it is and the respect the winner draws on winning the award,” he concluded.

The DP World ILT20 Season 2 will feature Australia’s World Cup hero David Warner, Andre Russell, David Willey, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Alex Hales, Shimron Hetmyer, Chris Jordan, Trent Boult, Nicholas Pooran, Chris Woakes and Maheesh Theekshana. More than 100 international and 24 UAE players will feature in the tournament.

The DP World ILT20 will begin on Friday, 19th January in Sharjah with a clash between the Giants and Sharjah Warriors. The tournament final will be staged at the iconic ‘Ring of Fire’ Dubai International Stadium on Saturday, 17 February. 

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UAE launches world’s first AI-powered judicial platform

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The UAE has unveiled what it says is the world’s first fully integrated AI-powered judicial platform, marking a major step in the country’s drive to modernise its justice system through artificial intelligence.

The platform is designed to help judges and legal professionals work more efficiently by analysing case files, searching laws and court precedents, and generating legal insights. Officials stressed that AI will not replace judges, with all final rulings remaining under human oversight.

Innovation will make justice faster

Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, UAE Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister and Chairman of the Presidential Court, described the launch as another global achievement for the country.

In a post on X, Sheikh Mansour said the platform reflects the UAE’s belief that innovation can create a faster and more efficient justice system while strengthening the country’s position as a global leader in government and judicial excellence.

What the AI platform can do

The system integrates AI across several stages of judicial proceedings, including:

  • Analysing case files and legal documents.
  • Searching legislation and regulations.
  • Retrieving and comparing court precedents.
  • Generating legal reports and recommendations.
  • Assisting with drafting legal documents.
  • Speeding up case processing.

Officials said the technology is intended to support judicial decision-making, not replace it.

Combining AI-powered functions

While courts in several countries already use AI for tasks such as legal research and case management, the UAE says this is the first platform to combine multiple AI-powered judicial functions into one integrated system.

The initiative is expected to:

  • Reduce litigation times.
  • Improve court efficiency.
  • Cut administrative workloads.
  • Strengthen investor confidence.
  • Enhance the UAE’s global competitiveness.

Safeguards remain in place

Officials said protecting judicial independence remains a priority.

The platform has been developed with safeguards around data privacy, cybersecurity, transparency and accountability, with judges retaining full authority over every final decision.

The launch builds on the UAE’s broader digital transformation of the justice sector, which has already introduced remote court hearings, digital litigation services and AI-powered legal assistance.

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Salary day scams on the rise, Abu Dhabi Police warn

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Abu Dhabi Police have warned residents to stay alert as online fraud and financial scams tend to increase during the salary payment period.

Authorities said fraudsters are taking advantage of payday by using fake advertisements, phishing links and fraudulent offers to steal money and personal information.

What to watch out for

According to police, scammers are posing as legitimate businesses and organisations to trick victims through:

  • Fake property rental and sale listings.
  • Bogus residency and visa services.
  • Fraudulent job and labour recruitment offers.
  • Fake insurance products.
  • False advertisements for vehicles allegedly seized by Abu Dhabi Customs.
  • Fake investment opportunities.
  • Counterfeit event tickets.
  • Websites impersonating government agencies and well-known organisations.
  • Requests to download remote access apps.
  • Demands for advance payments or deposits for goods, services, training courses or fake certificates.

How to stay safe

Abu Dhabi Police urged residents to:

  • Never share bank account details, passwords or one-time passwords (OTPs).
  • Avoid clicking on suspicious links or responding to unsolicited offers.
  • Verify sellers before transferring money or paying deposits.
  • Use only official websites and mobile apps for government services.

Residents who suspect they have been targeted by fraud are encouraged to report incidents through the Aman service.

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Buying medicines online? UAE issues urgent warning over unapproved drugs

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The Emirates Drug Establishment (EDE) has warned residents to be cautious of misleading online advertisements promoting unapproved medicines, saying fake health claims on websites and social media could put lives at risk.

The warning comes as the regulator announced action against 71 online sources found to be marketing or selling unauthorised peptide-based products, many of which were promoted as weight-loss treatments.

Beware of these misleading claims

According to EDE, illegal sellers are increasingly using professional-looking advertisements and social media campaigns to lure buyers with promises such as:

  • “Miracle cure for every illness”
  • “100% natural and completely safe”
  • “Limited stock available”
  • “Thousands of satisfied customers”

The authority warned that these claims are designed to persuade consumers to buy medicines from unlicensed sources.

“One click could cost you your health—or even your life,” EDE cautioned.

Buy medicines only from licensed stores

Residents are urged to purchase medicines only from licensed pharmacies and authorised healthcare providers and to ensure products are officially approved before use.

The regulator said medicines sold through unofficial online platforms may be counterfeit, substandard or unregistered, posing serious health risks.

Fake medicines a major concern

Citing World Health Organization (WHO) estimates, EDE said one in 10 medicines in some markets may be counterfeit or of poor quality.

It also warned that more than 90% of medicines sold through unauthorised online sources could be illegal or fail to meet regulatory standards.

Counterfeit medicines may contain harmful ingredients, incorrect dosages or expired substances, making them ineffective—or even dangerous.

Unapproved weight-loss drug

EDE also warned against the growing online promotion of peptide-based weight-loss injections that have not been approved in the UAE.

Among them is Retatrutide, an experimental drug that remains under clinical investigation and is not authorised for sale or medical use in the country.

Authorities monitoring online platforms

Fares Al Mazmi, Director of the Inspection and Control Department at EDE, said the authority is continuously monitoring websites and social media accounts promoting illegal medicines.

Working with other government agencies, EDE is blocking offending accounts, investigating violations and taking legal action against those responsible.

The regulator urged consumers to verify that medicines are officially registered before purchasing, stressing that buying from authorised sources remains the safest way to protect their health.

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