The Dubai Capitals will take confidence from their performance in the first two matches of the DP World ILT20 when they take the field against the Abu Dhabi Knight Riders at the Dubai International Stadium on Thursday.
Speaking ahead of the game, Zimbabwean Sikandar Raza said, “I do my homework on all the players in the squad, especially if I am playing with them for the first time. Jake (Fraser-McGurk) has had a fantastic BBL, Max (Holden) has had a great County season as well. UAE wicketkeeper-batter Vrittya (Aravind) has hit back-to-back centuries against Nepal. So, as a senior, you show your support by approaching these players and giving them confidence, letting them know that you are tracking their progress,” said the star all-rounder.
Raza also shared his thoughts on how the ILT20 will benefit the UAE players, “Having such domestic leagues will help the young players learn better and quicker. The UAE players have a real chance of building a good cricket team. It’s because of leagues like the ILT20 that they are getting to rub shoulders with some of the best cricketers in the world.”
The Zimbabwean all-rounder showered praise on the Dubai Capitals skipper David Warner, and disclosed how the Australian two-time World Cup winner presents himself in the dressing room, “It’s lovely to play in the same team as David Warner. Since he has joined the team, I have been trying to learn as much as I can from him. He has a great understanding of the game, and as a captain, he’s quite calm and very informative.”
Authorities across the UAE have issued a fresh warning to motorists, urging them to exercise extreme caution during ongoing unstable weather conditions. The reminder comes as part of efforts to enhance road safety and prevent accidents in high-risk areas such as valleys, flood zones, and near dams.
The UAE authorities emphasised that strict penalties are in place for violations during rainfall. Motorists found driving near valleys or flood-prone areas could face a fine of Dh1,000 along with 6 black points on their license.
More severe penalties apply to those who deliberately drive into flooded valleys, regardless of the water level or perceived danger. Offenders risk fines of up to Dh2,000, 23 black points, and a 60-day vehicle impoundment.
Additionally, authorities warned against obstructing emergency responders or traffic officials during adverse weather situations. Such actions could result in a Dh1,000 fine, 4 black points, and vehicle impoundment for up to 60 days.
Officials continue to urge drivers to prioritise safety, follow official advisories, and avoid unnecessary travel during severe weather conditions to prevent accidents and ensure smooth emergency response operations.
In response to ongoing unstable weather conditions, Sharjah City Municipality has announced an extension of its public parking fee exemption across the emirate. The decision, effective from Monday, March 23, will remain in place until further notice, offering temporary relief to residents and visitors.
The waiver applies to all standard public parking zones, including those that typically require payment on weekdays and official holidays. These areas are identifiable by blue informational signage installed throughout the city.
However, authorities clarified that smart parking yards are excluded from the exemption and will continue to operate under regular paid parking rules.
Officials have urged the public to stay informed through official communication channels, including the municipality’s social media platforms and helpline services, as weather conditions continue to evolve.
The move reflects Sharjah’s ongoing efforts to support public safety and convenience during periods of disruption, ensuring smoother mobility across the city.
Behind every safe journey in Dubai, a massive coordinated effort is underway. Safety during rainy conditions remains a top priority, says the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA).
The authority has been operating 24/7 on the ground during the recent spell of unstable weather, working to manage traffic flow, clear water accumulation and provide real-time alerts to motorists across the city.
RTA teams are closely monitoring conditions through a central command system in coordination with strategic partners, ensuring quick response times and minimal disruption on key roads.
Motorists have been urged to follow safety guidelines and drive cautiously during rainy conditions.
At the same time, Dubai Municipality has activated its full emergency response system, deploying more than 2,800 personnel, including engineers, supervisors and field workers, to tackle waterlogging and weather-related incidents.
The large-scale operation includes hundreds of pumps, tankers and heavy vehicles working continuously to drain flooded streets, particularly on major roads and previously affected areas. Ongoing maintenance of drainage networks is also being carried out to boost capacity and reduce water pooling.
Together, these efforts reflect a city-wide response aimed at ensuring residents remain safe and traffic continues to move smoothly despite challenging weather conditions.