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UAE v West Indies: Talking points on eve of ICC World Cup Qualifier

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The UAE suffered a chastening 3-0 one-day international series whitewash to West Indies on the eve of the ICC World Cup Qualifier where both teams are slotted in different groups.

Ahead of the June 18 start in Zimbabwe, both teams naturally tried to count it as a learning experience, but UAE interim manager Mudassar Nazar took the boys out of the Sharjah Cricket Stadium early without addressing the media.

 

UAE lose the plot

It did not help that the third game finished two hours earlier than time, due to a collapse of the batting order which needs the most urgent attention. West Indies reached the target of 185 in 35.1 overs but lost six wickets in the process to some fighting performances by the UAE bowlers.

The couple of players who spoke during the prize distribution ceremonies over the course of the three matches could only talk about how they are soaking in the experience, because most of them are finding their way to the top. There was Ali Naseer who hit back-to-back 50s in the first two games – also his international career’s first, a steady bowling performance from Aayan Khan and Karthik Meiyappan as well as two wickets for the debutant in the third ODI, Muhammad Jawadullah.

Kevin Sinclair does a flip in his signature-style celebration on course to taking four wickets. Emirates Cricket

West Indies fly high

For West Indies, there was more validation to the revival of Brandon King as an opener which materialised by captain Shai Hope dropping down the order. King was adjudged Player of the Series. Kevin Sinclair, 23, took four wickets on Friday.

Along with two run-outs, he was instrumental as UAE lost eight wickets for the addition of 42 runs in less than 14 overs. Then Alick Athanaze, 24, served notice in the ODI format in blazing fashion. His 65 from 45 balls comprised the joint-fastest half-century by a debutant, matching India’s Krunal Pandya 26-ball effort against England.

Visitors show spunk and attitude

The heat made for challenging conditions and gave a stark reminder to the Asian Cricket Council officials, who are deliberating the hybrid model of staging the Asia Cup by Pakistan. The 2023 hosts are trying to accommodate India at a neutral venue at the latter’s insistence and Sri Lanka is winning the battle currently over the regular option of UAE.

“We are professionals and we have to adapt to every condition that we have in front of us,” said Darren Sammy, the West Indies coach. “In fact, we are trying to be where we were (as two-time world champions in the 1970s) and the road is very long. We need to first recognize our position, where we stand and then take one step at a time.

“Seven of the players heading to Zimbabwe were part of this squad. We tried a few things and achieved some things with a lot of positives. Getting to bowl the opposition out in two games given the conditions has given us a lot of confidence,” he said.

Former legendary all-rounder Carl Hooper has joined the team and he, too, exuberate positivity with his trademark swagger and calm confidence. “We are getting there one day at a time. The weather will be cold in Zimbabwe but we are also not playing much cricket. So coming here and challenging ourselves has been good for our preparations. We must adapt and accept the challenges that come our way.”

Still needing direction

Meanwhile, in the local camp, coach Nazar has been left holding the rebuilding team after the departure of Robin Singh in March. The UAE were due to fly on Sunday, but there was no official communication until the time of writing this on late Saturday evening. The UAE squad will be the last to be announced out of the 10 teams in action.

Captain Muhammed Waseem and the recalled Rameez Shahzad had mixed fortunes with the bat, while Aryansh Sharma, Lovepreet Singh, Aayan Khan and Asif Khan failed to make an impression on the scoreboard. It was left to Ali Nasser to hit two back to back half-centuries in the first games to prop up some fighting total for the hosts to have a go at.

Nasser revealed to Headline UAE that he bats at No 8 on the domestic circuit. It was perplexing to see him continue to arrive at No 7 in the third ODI as well. The other senior player Rohan Mustafa also proved to be a hole in the top-five batting order that the UAE needs to still fix going into the Qualifier. Ten teams will whittle down to a Super Six stage before two teams make it to the grand stage. Based on this showing, Nazar’s UAE side has its task cut out if it wants to avoid disappearing without a trace.

Health

Free mineral water for all: UAE startup to launch groundbreaking public hydration initiative

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Staying hydrated just got easier, and greener, thanks to Ourwatr, a homegrown UAE startup that’s launching a nationwide free mineral water programme starting June 2025. It’s a first in the region: clean, refreshing mineral water made freely available across the country, delivered through a unique model that blends sustainability, community care, and social impact.

From metro stations and shopping malls to parks and government offices, thousands of chilled bottles of mineral water, sourced locally from Dibba, Fujairah, UAE, will soon be within everyone’s reach, every day. Ourwatr’s mission is simple: hydration is a right, not a privilege.

“At Ourwatr, we believe that drinking water should be accessible to all,” says Abhinav Murali, Co-founder. 

“That’s why we’re giving away premium mineral water for free, and every bottle supports communities in need. It’s hydration with heart, proudly made right here in the UAE.”

Stamp of UAE quality
All Ourwatr bottles carry the prestigious EQM (Emirates Quality Mark) certification, guaranteeing they meet strict UAE national and international quality standards. When you grab a bottle, you’re assured of top-quality water, safe, pure, refreshing and approved by the country’s standardisation authority.

Mission in a bottle

With temperatures rising across the UAE, especially during summer, access to clean drinking water is more important than ever for workers, families, children, and the elderly alike.

“In our desert climate, hydration isn’t just healthy; it’s life-saving,” adds co-founder Bharath Mohan.
“Each bottle we provide is a small act of kindness toward our community.”

Ourwatr is more than just a startup, it’s a mission in a bottle. Launched by three young, UAE-based entrepreneurs, the idea was sparked by a simple but powerful observation: access to free, convenient hydration isn’t always a given.

Wanting to change that, the trio built a business with heart at its core. The team is also in talks with various UAE charitable organisations and government agencies to expand its reach and impact. For every bottle distributed, a portion will be donated to local charities, turning everyday hydration into a meaningful act of giving.

A Model Built on Purpose and Sustainability
Ourwatr isn’t just about water, it’s about doing good. Instead of selling to consumers, the company partners with brands and organisations that cover the production and distribution costs. In return, sponsors co-brand the bottles, using them as a platform to share positive messages and shared values, while making a real difference.

“Sustainability isn’t just about less waste,  it’s about creating lasting, meaningful change,” explains Sharat Nair, Co-founder. 

The bottles are crafted from recyclable materials, aligning with the UAE’s zero-waste goals and green agenda.

Backing UAE Vision 2030
Ourwatr’s initiative supports the UAE’s Vision 2030 goals around health, sustainability, and quality of life. The startup is already collaborating with local authorities to expand water access and reach as many people as possible.

More than just water, Ourwatr is delivering hope, equality, and care, one bottle at a time.

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Health

Free annual check-ups coming for Filipino workers under new health initiative

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Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) in the UAE and other parts of the world will soon receive free annual medical check-ups while working abroad, thanks to a new government-backed effort aimed at protecting their health and well-being.

The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) announced yesterday that the initiative will be funded through its AKSYON Fund, a support mechanism designed to assist OFWs in urgent need. The plan was confirmed by Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac during a Senate inquiry earlier that day, where concerns over irregular and costly medical exams were raised.

“We will fund follow-through medical check-ups for our OFWs through the AKSYON Fund to ensure their health and welfare while they are abroad and before they return home,” Cacdac told the committee.

The AKSYON Fund (short for Agarang Kalinga at Saklolo para sa mga OFWs na Nangangailangan) will cover routine health monitoring not only during an OFW’s deployment but also ahead of their repatriation.

A Response to Medical Irregularities

The move came after Senator Raffy Tulfo raised red flags about questionable practices in pre-employment medical exams, including reports of overcharging and lack of transparency by some clinics.

Tulfo specifically mentioned SuperCare Medical Services, Inc. (SMSI), a maritime clinic reportedly billing OFWs between Dh79 (PHP1,200) to Dh86 (PHP1,300 ) for initial and repeat tests without sufficient explanation. He urged the DMW to formalise a partnership with the Department of Health (DOH) through a memorandum of agreement (MOA), ensuring that all clinics conducting OFW medical clearances are properly regulated.

“Medical clinics must coordinate with and be accredited by the DOH to prevent exploitation and ensure proper care,” Tulfo said.

Ensuring Accountability

In response, Secretary Cacdac clarified that private recruitment agencies (PRAs) are currently responsible for pre-employment medical exams. However, the DMW maintains the authority to investigate and take action against any agency involved in malpractice.

A Healthier Future for OFWs

This initiative is a significant step forward in safeguarding the health of Filipino workers abroad, especially amid rising living costs and the often-overlooked burden of out-of-pocket medical expenses.

(Source: PNA)

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Crime

UAE: Up to Dh2 million for social media violations under new media rules

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Individuals promoting content or advertising on social media in the UAE will soon need to follow stricter rules under a new comprehensive regulatory system introduced by the UAE Media Council.

The new framework, announced this week, is designed to build public trust, protect viewers, especially children and adolescents, and raise the quality of online media content. It also outlines heavy penalties for violations, with fines reaching up to Dh1 million for first-time offences and up to Dh2 million for repeat breaches. In serious cases, violators could face temporary or permanent shutdowns, along with permit revocations.

“The new system transforms the way the media sector is regulated and developed,” said Mohammed Saeed Al Shehhi, Secretary-General of the UAE Media Council. 

“It combines updated legislation, comprehensive services, and forward-looking policies to support sustainable growth.”

Fee exemptions and local support

To encourage creativity and responsible content creation, the council announced a three-year exemption from permit fees for individuals and influencers who promote content online. This is part of a broader move to support Emirati talent and creative industries, with similar exemptions offered to local media services, producers, and writers whose work promotes national identity.

The initiative builds on last year’s Media Regulation Law and its Executive Regulation, and aims to stimulate growth in the sector while maintaining strong ethical and professional standards.

New age-rating and licensing systems

A key feature of the new regulations includes a media age-rating system, ensuring that content shared online is appropriate for different age groups, especially young viewers.

The council is also developing a new licensing policy for digital news platforms, with a focus on enhancing credibility and journalistic standards. The goal is to create a balanced legal environment that supports responsible reporting while safeguarding freedom of expression.

The updated system also outlines resolutions related to media service fees, violations, and administrative penalties, offering clearer guidelines for all stakeholders in the media landscape.

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