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“DP World ILT20 helped me grow as a cricketer,” says UAE U19 Skipper Aayan Afzal Khan
Published
9 months agoon
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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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Milestone Systems Brings Next-Gen Video Innovations to Dubai at XPerience Days 2024
Published
2 days agoon
September 5, 2024By
SudhashreeMilestone Systems is bringing its global flagship event, Milestone XPerience Days (MXD), back to the Middle East, highlighting the latest advancements in video technology. The event will be held on September 9-10, 2024, at Mina A’Salam Madinat Jumeirah, Dubai, featuring innovations aimed at enhancing both physical and cyber security.
With 17 technology partners showcasing seamlessly integrated solutions powered by Milestone prodigies; the event is a curated opportunity for industry peers to connect over trends, innovations, and challenges. Resellers, distributors, architects & engineers (A&Es), and end customers are set to gain valuable insights from industry experts and thought leaders sharing perspectives on the future of video technology.
According to market research company Omdia, the global video management software (VMS) and Video-Surveillance-as-a-Service (VSaaS) market is expected to reach USD 4.5 billion by 2028, driven by increasing concerns over public security and the integration of AI and IoT in urban environments. Milestone Systems, a leader in this space, continues to push the boundaries of video technology with a focus on scalability, operational efficiency, and security.
“Our goal is to strengthen our partnerships with our resellers, distributors, and technology partners to provide state of the art video technology to our end users,” said Louise Bou Rached, Sales Director, MENAT, Milestone systems. “This event is about showcasing the wide range of possibilities with video management software, video analytics, and cloud solutions as well as demonstrating how Milestone’s expertise can enhance security and optimize operations.”
With dedicated R&D focussed on innovation, Milestone drives technological advancements to redefine perceptions of how possible with video technology. Its collaboration with industry tech leaders like Intel and Nvidia allows access to the latest AI developments, improving operational efficiency and security. The cloud-hosted Milestone prodigies have also been revamped for greater scalability to optimize allocations. All the products and technology partners will be present at the Milestone XPerience Days underscoring the commitment to leveraging video technology that drives efficiency and productivity across various industries.
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UAE sends 90 metric tons of urgent relief supplies to Sudan
Published
4 days agoon
September 3, 2024By
SudhashreeOn the directions of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President, Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, the Dubai Humanitarian (DXB-H) has facilitated urgent relief supplies to Chad’s capital, Ndjamena, to support over 70,000 Sudanese people, alleviating their suffering and safeguarding lives in the region.
In a swift response to the escalating humanitarian crisis, a Boeing 747 cargo flight departed from Al Maktoum International Airport on Saturday, August 31, at 9:00 am carrying 90 metric tonnes of essential medical supplies, shelter materials, and relief items provided by the World Health Organisation (WHO) and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). These critical resources are expected to support over 70,000 Sudanese people, alleviating their suffering and safeguarding lives in the region.
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Gaming meets speed: Ferrari launches first-ever esports arena in Abu Dhabi
Published
7 days agoon
September 1, 2024By
SudhashreeFerrari World Yas Island, Abu Dhabi’s acclaimed Ferrari-themed park, has once again redefined entertainment by launching the world’s first Ferrari-themed Esports Arena. This state-of-the-art venue is set to become the go-to destination for racing enthusiasts, Formula 1 aficionados, and thrill-seekers alike.
The newly unveiled Ferrari World Esports Arena features an impressive lineup of 20 Gran Turismo simulators, thoughtfully designed to cater to a broad audience. Fourteen simulators are dedicated to adult racers, while six are specifically designed for younger guests, creating a family-friendly atmosphere that welcomes visitors of all ages.
The arena also includes three specialised F1 simulators, offering participants the exhilarating experience of sitting in the driver’s seat of a Ferrari race car and racing on legendary F1 Grand Prix circuits, including the Yas Marina Circuit. Open daily from 10am to 6pm, the Ferrari World Esports Arena offers access to the Gran Turismo simulators as part of the theme park ticket until the end of the year. The exclusive F1 simulators are available for an additional fee, starting from Dh60 per race.