UAE fast bowler Khuzaima Tanveer has credited the DP World ILT20 with accelerating his rise to international cricket, saying the league gave him the confidence and experience needed to represent the UAE on the global stage.

The 26-year-old, who made his international debut earlier this year, believes competing alongside some of the world’s top cricketers helped prepare him for the demands of international cricket.

“Representing the UAE was a proud moment for me and it’s something every young cricketer dreams about. The DP World ILT20 helped prepare me because you’re constantly competing against high-quality players. It gives you confidence that you belong on the international stage,” he said.

Breakthrough performances

Khuzaima announced himself during DP World ILT20 Season 3 with impressive figures of 4/22 against Sharjah Warriorz.

Since joining the Desert Vipers, he has claimed 24 wickets in 18 matches across two seasons. During the Vipers’ title-winning campaign, he finished with 17 wickets, making him the second-highest UAE wicket-taker in the tournament and third overall. He was also shortlisted for the Blue Belt, awarded to the competition’s best UAE player.

Learning from the world’s best

Khuzaima said one of the league’s biggest advantages is the opportunity to learn from elite players and coaches.

“A lot of the learning happens during training sessions, team meetings and conversations. I was fortunate to share the dressing room with Sam Curran, Naseem Shah and Lockie Ferguson. Even small pieces of advice from players like them help you become a better cricketer.”

He also described interacting with legendary fast bowlers Waqar Younis and Wasim Akram as one of the highlights of his career.

Inspired, not compared

While fans have compared his bowling action to Pakistan legend Waqar Younis, Khuzaima insists he is focused on building his own identity.

“Waqar Younis is a legend of the game. If people see similarities, I take it as a compliment, but my focus is on becoming the best version of myself.”

Eyes on future

Now a UAE international, Khuzaima says wearing the national jersey comes with greater responsibility.

“Once you represent the UAE, people expect more from you and you expect more from yourself. My aim is to keep improving, perform consistently and contribute whenever I get the opportunity.”

He also praised UAE captain Muhammad Waseem for setting an example for local players, saying his performances in the DP World ILT20 have shown that Emirati cricketers can compete with the world’s best.

Looking ahead to DP World ILT20 Season 5, Khuzaima hopes to continue developing his game and make the most of every opportunity.

“Every season brings new challenges and new opportunities to learn. My goal is to keep improving, contribute to my team and continue making the most of the opportunities the DP World ILT20 provides.”

Two of Dubai’s largest Catholic churches have resumed full operations, ending temporary restrictions introduced in April and allowing parishioners to return to normal church activities.

Here’s what has changed.

Which churches have reopened?

The following churches are now fully open from July 1:

• St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Oud Metha
• St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, Jebel Ali

Both churches confirmed they are resuming all parish activities following the latest directives from the authorities.

What restrictions have been lifted?

Parishioners can now:

• Attend all Masses and services.
• Participate in parish activities and community events.
• Return to regular church life without the temporary attendance restrictions.

Why were restrictions introduced?

The measures, announced in April, were aimed at preventing overcrowding and included:

• Suspension of outdoor church activities.
• Weekend Masses limited to adults aged 18 and above.
• Mandatory online registration.
• No entry for children or unregistered visitors.
• Livestreamed Masses for those unable to attend.

Are any guidelines still in place?

Yes. While churches have fully reopened, worshippers are encouraged to continue following any applicable guidelines and to be respectful and considerate of others during services.

What does this mean for parishioners?

The reopening restores normal parish life, allowing families and worshippers to once again take part in religious services, community events and other church activities without the temporary restrictions.

The UAE has introduced a visa-on-arrival facility for eligible Filipino passport holders, making it easier for many travellers to visit the country without applying for a visa in advance.

If you’re planning to travel to the UAE, here’s everything you need to know.

Who is eligible for visa on arrival?

Filipino passport holders can obtain a visa on arrival if they have a valid visa, residence permit or Green Card issued by any of the following:

• United States
• Canada
• Australia
• New Zealand
• Japan
• Singapore
• South Korea
• Any European Union (EU) member state

Travellers must ensure that their supporting visa, residence permit or Green Card is valid at the time of arrival in the UAE.

According to the DFA, the UAE introduced the new policy on June 25 in recognition of the strong and growing bilateral relationship between the two countries.

What visa options are available?

Eligible Filipino travellers can choose between two visa-on-arrival options:

14-day visa

• Fee: Dh100
• Valid for 14 days
• Can be extended once for another 14 days for an additional fee of Dh250

60-day visa

• Fee: Dh250
• Valid for 60 days
• Cannot be extended

Why has the UAE introduced this facility?

The new visa-on-arrival policy is expected to make travel easier for eligible Filipino tourists, business travellers and those visiting family and friends in the UAE.

It also reflects the close diplomatic ties between the UAE and the Philippines and is expected to encourage tourism, business activities and stronger people-to-people connections.

Does every Filipino passport holder qualify?

No. The visa-on-arrival facility is not available to all Filipino passport holders.

Only those who hold a valid visa, residence permit or Green Card from one of the eligible countries are covered under the new policy. Travellers who do not meet these requirements must continue to apply for a UAE visa through the standard application process before travelling.

What does this mean for travellers?

The new policy simplifies entry into the UAE for thousands of eligible Filipino travellers by reducing paperwork and offering more flexibility when planning trips. It is expected to benefit tourists, professionals and families while further strengthening travel and economic ties between the UAE and the Philippines.