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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.

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Norway Chess launches Total Chess World Championship Tour with FIDE approval

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Norway Chess, the prestigious organiser of elite international chess tournaments, has officially launched a new World Championship series approved by the International Chess Federation (FIDE).

Dubbed the Total Chess World Championship Tour, the initiative aims to identify the player who excels across three formats: Fast Classic, Rapid, and Blitz.

“We are looking for ‘The Total Chess Player’, a versatile, tactically intelligent, and technically skilled athlete who seamlessly adapts to multiple time controls,” said Kjell Madland, CEO of Norway Chess and the new championship.

The Total Chess World Championship Tour will consist of four tournaments annually, held in different cities worldwide. A pilot tournament is planned for fall 2026, with the first full championship season kicking off in 2027. The overall winner at the final stop will be crowned the official FIDE World Combined Champion.

Tour Structure and Prize Pool

Each of the first three events will carry a minimum prize pool of $750,000, while the Finals, featuring the top four competitors, will award at least $450,000, in addition to performance bonuses for top scores at individual events and across the tour.

The Fast Classic format, featuring 45 minutes plus 30-second increments per move, will receive a classical chess rating, giving players the chance to demonstrate strategic skill in a faster-paced environment.

A New Era for Chess Fans

FIDE President Arkady Dvorkovich expressed strong support for the initiative: “Chess is already a global phenomenon, but the Total Chess World Championship Tour will bring a new title, faster formats, and engaging broadcasts to captivate both existing fans and new audiences. This complements the traditional World Chess Championship and represents a long-term collaboration with Norway Chess.”

Norway Chess is now inviting host cities, investors, and partners to join discussions about the tour, which promises cutting-edge technology, innovative broadcasts, and an exciting format aimed at broadening the global appeal of chess.

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UAE cracks down on unlicensed training centre: Parents warned to verify before enrolling

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The Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research has permanently closed a training centre in the UAE after discovering a series of serious violations, including running an unlicensed nursery and promoting unaccredited educational programmes. Authorities said the facility operated illegally, putting students and young children at risk.

The crackdown followed thorough inspections that revealed multiple offences, from operating without proper educational licences to employing unqualified staff. The centre also failed to meet safety standards, according to the Ministry.

“This action underscores our zero-tolerance approach to unlicensed educational operators,” the Ministry said in a statement. “Parents and students must verify an institution’s legitimacy before enrolling to protect themselves and their children.”

Illegal Operations Uncovered

Investigators found that the centre:

  • Operated without mandatory licences
  • Ran unaccredited courses with no official recognition
  • Maintained an unlicensed nursery
  • Employed unqualified teachers and trainers
  • Violated basic safety regulations

Legal Action Taken

The Ministry has permanently shut the centre, referred its administrators to the Public Prosecution, imposed financial penalties, and blocked its online platforms to prevent further enrolment. Social media accounts promoting the centre’s fake programmes have also been flagged.

A Warning to Parents

Authorities emphasised that unlicensed operators often use professional-looking websites, social media ads, or fabricated reviews to appear legitimate. Parents are urged to check official licences, programme accreditation, and staff qualifications before paying fees or signing contracts.

Red flags include unusually low fees, pressure to enrol immediately, vague answers about accreditation, and absence of a verifiable physical campus.

How to Verify Institutions

  • Ministry Website: Check the database of licensed institutions and accredited programmes.
  • Customer Happiness Centre: Call 800511 to confirm licence status, programme recognition, and any complaints.

Enrolling in unlicensed institutions can result in invalid certificates, wasted fees, and career setbacks, the Ministry said.

“Legitimate institutions welcome verification. If an operator hesitates or provides vague responses, it’s a major red flag,” the statement added.

Parents and students are reminded: take two minutes to verify licences before enrolling. It could save years of wasted time and thousands of dirhams.

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India’s BCKIC 2025 Conclave to unlock $10–50 billion green market access for UAE and GCC leaders

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The stage is set for one of the most significant India–Middle East business dialogues of the decade, as the Bhubaneswar City Knowledge Innovation Cluster (BCKIC) 2025 Conclave prepares to open in India this November, offering, according to organisers, a $10–50 billion sustainability and investment opportunity for Gulf-based leaders.

Scheduled for November 21 and 22 in Bhubaneswar, Odisha, the two-day conclave will bring together senior representatives from government entities, sovereign funds, and the private sector across the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and the wider GCC region. 

The event is organised by the BCKIC Foundation, supported by the Government of Odisha’s Department of Energy, under the aegis of the Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India.

Themed around The Next Wave of Sustainability Policy and Investment Flows”, the summit seeks to bridge India’s rapidly expanding green economy, valued at over $165 billion, with the Middle East’s capital, innovation and policy frameworks under Vision 2030 and UAE Centennial 2071.

“This is not just another global summit, it’s a strategic inflection point for India–Middle East collaboration,” said Dr Mrutyunjay Suar, Chairman of the BCKIC Foundation.

“From green hydrogen and water security to circular economy and AI-driven sustainability, the synergies between India’s innovation scale and the Gulf’s execution capacity are unparalleled. Missing this window could mean losing the first-mover advantage in shaping global sustainability frameworks.”

A New Era of India–Middle East Sustainability Partnership

The conclave comes at a pivotal moment for both regions. Following India’s G20 presidency in 2023 and the UAE’s hosting of COP28, both nations have emerged as global voices in sustainability transition and climate finance.

Dr. Suar noted that the conclave will act as a strategic platform for Gulf leaders to consolidate their role within the India–Middle East–Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC), while also gaining access to India’s technology, research, and policy innovation ecosystem.

“Gulf sovereign funds now control over $2 trillion in assets and are increasingly looking for sustainable, high-return projects,” he said. 

“India’s innovation and affordability, combined with the Middle East’s capital and implementation speed, make this partnership an unprecedented opportunity to move from commitment to concrete outcomes.”

Access to Proven Technologies and MoU-Ready Projects

Middle Eastern delegates will gain direct access to Indian policymakers and experts from NITI Aayog, DST, and the Principal Scientific Adviser’s Office, with discussions focused on green hydrogen, renewable energy, waste-to-energy, and climate-resilient infrastructure.

The event will also unveil a pipeline of over 50 proven Indian technologies relevant to Gulf market needs, ranging from water management systems to digital smart-city solutions, many of which have demonstrated cost efficiencies of 30–50% compared to Western alternatives.

The BCKIC Foundation confirmed that the conclave is structured to deliver tangible outcomes, with more than 20 Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) already in advanced stages of preparation. The targeted projects are expected to offer internal rates of return (IRR) between 15% and 25%, appealing to investors seeking both profitability and environmental impact.

Odisha: A Live Model for Sustainable Urban Innovation

The conclave will take place in Bhubaneswar, the capital of Odisha, one of India’s fastest-growing hubs for renewable energy and smart cities. The venue itself will serve as a live showcase of sustainable urban development, featuring zero-waste hospitality, circular economy practices, and local sourcing models.

Organisers say the event is designed to foster lasting bilateral frameworks that will drive long-term cooperation between India and the Middle East across sustainability, technology transfer, and impact investment.

“This is the decade of decisive climate action and cross-regional collaboration,” Dr Suar added. 

“The BCKIC 2025 Conclave will not just discuss ideas but catalyse partnerships that define the global sustainability roadmap for years to come.”

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