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“Want to replicate Azam Khan’s style in my game,” says Desert Vipers all-rounder Aryan Lakra

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Making an impactful international debut is not a privilege too many cricketers can boast of but Aryan Lakra made his presence felt when he scored 84 on his ODI debut against USA in August, 2022.

The Desert Vipers have acquired the services of all-rounder Aryan Lakra for season 2 of the DP World International League T20 after finishing as runners-up in the inaugural edition of the tournament. The left-arm-spinner-cum-left-hand-batsman who made a humble beginning playing school cricket went on to captain the UAE U16 and U19 squads including the one that participated in the 2020 ICC U19 World Cup, where he played a crucial role in their qualification.

Just as he was to transition into the senior national team, he suffered a setback. “I was supposed to make my debut for the senior team against Ireland in early 2021 but I tested positive for. This delayed my debut by about 16 months but I eventually had the opportunity to make my ODI debut against USA where I did well and 11 days later, I made my T20I debut against Singapore. I also went on to play for UAE in the ICC Men’s T2o World Cup in Australia later that year,” said the 22-year-old Aryan Lakra who has his roots in Haryana, India.

Aryan believes the DP World ILT20 provides a massive platform for young players like him. “Season 1 was a great success and going forward the tournament is only going to get a lot bigger with more superstars coming in. Getting a chance to play alongside them is an opportunity everyone looks for.”

“I think if players like us do well in this tournament and show the world that we are as good as any of the players coming in, it could help us get a chance to be a part of any of the franchise-based leagues that take place around the world,” he said.

Speaking about the upcoming season, Aryan said, “The Desert Vipers were the runners-up last season so this team definitely knows how to go about winning games. I’m really excited and extremely grateful to be a part of the squad this year. It’ll be great to contribute to the team in a way that’ll hopefully help us lift the cup.”

Aryan also looks forward to interacting with all the big names that’ll be a part of the 2024 edition of the tournament scheduled to begin in January. “Our team has the likes of Alex Hales, Colin Munro and Azam Khan so I look forward to sharing the field with them. David Warner, a modern-day legend, is also a part of this tournament and I would love to be able to interact with him,” he said.

“Azam Khan is one of the cleanest strikers of the cricket ball you’ll see and we bat in similar situations so I’d definitely pick his brain on a thing or two and try to replicate his style in my game,” 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 19th January in Sharjah while the tournament final will be staged at the iconic ‘Ring of Fire’ Dubai International Stadium on Saturday, 17 February. 

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UAE sends strong message: No food shortages, prices under watch amid massive market crackdown

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Amid global uncertainty, the UAE is making one thing crystal clear: there is no shortage of food, and authorities are stepping up efforts to keep it that way.

During a recent market inspection, Abdulla Bin Touq Al Marri reassured residents that food supplies across the country remain stable, with warehouses fully stocked and daily imports flowing without disruption.

Speaking after a visit to a key market in Al Ain, the minister emphasised that safeguarding food availability and protecting consumers are top national priorities. The visit is part of a wider push to monitor prices, ensure fair trade practices, and maintain stability in the market.

Strict monitoring

Officials confirmed that supply chains are operating efficiently, backed by strong strategic reserves and advanced logistics systems. Behind the scenes, authorities are working continuously to redirect supplies when needed and prevent any disruptions.

At the same time, enforcement has ramped up. Since the start of the current period, the Ministry of Economy and Tourism has carried out over 12,000 inspection campaigns, uncovering violations such as unjustified price hikes and issuing hundreds of warnings to businesses.

Warning against panic buying

Authorities also issued a clear message to the public: buy responsibly. Excessive purchasing and stockpiling can lead to waste and unnecessary price pressure, even when supplies are stable.

Strengthening local food production

The UAE is also boosting its domestic food production. During a separate visit to Grand Mills, officials reviewed flour production and strategic stock levels, highlighting the growing role of local industries in securing the nation’s food future.

With advanced infrastructure, flexible supply chains, and strict market oversight, the UAE is positioning itself as one of the most resilient food systems in the region.

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UAE’s mega highway plan: A new public transport system could change your daily commute forever

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The UAE is gearing up for a massive transformation in how people move across the country, and it could redefine your daily commute.

In response to rapid population growth and rising traffic pressure, the government has unveiled an ambitious infrastructure plan that includes a game-changing addition: a new national highway designed to ease congestion and supercharge connectivity.

Announced by Suhail Al Mazrouei, Minister of Energy and Infrastructure, during the UAE Infrastructure and Housing Council meeting, the project signals a bold new phase in the nation’s mobility strategy, one that aims to make travel faster, smoother, and far more efficient.

Game-changer for Dubai–Sharjah–Ajman commutes

One of the biggest highlights is a new public transport system connecting Dubai, Sharjah, and Ajman, one of the busiest commuter corridors in the country.

The plan includes 10 major routes powered by Bus Rapid Transit (BRT), a high-capacity system that runs on dedicated lanes, offering metro-like speed but with greater flexibility. With direct links to metro stations and key city hubs, the network aims to cut travel time and reduce reliance on private cars.

Officials say the move could significantly ease daily congestion while improving connectivity across densely populated areas.

Fourth federal corridor takes shape

Alongside public transport upgrades, progress is underway on the Fourth Federal Corridor, a major new highway set to stretch 68km with up to 8 lanes in each direction.

Designed to boost capacity and improve traffic flow, the corridor will feature 10 major intersections and four flyovers, strengthening links between emirates and supporting smoother movement of goods and people.

Once complete, it will join the UAE’s key highways: E11 (Al Ittihad Road), E311 (Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road), and E611 (Emirates Road).

Crack down on rising car numbers

Beyond infrastructure, authorities are also looking at ways to curb the rapid rise in vehicle ownership.

According to Al Mazrouei, car growth in Dubai has surged past 8%, far exceeding the global average of around 2%. This has prompted discussions around stricter ownership policies, alongside expanding road networks and integrating smarter transport systems.

If these plans move forward as expected, daily commutes between emirates could soon look very different, faster, more connected, and far less stressful.

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Dubai Police alert: Fake insurance scams are exploding, don’t pay until you read this

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A new warning from Dubai Police is putting residents on high alert as fraudulent insurance schemes surge across the emirate, many of them spreading rapidly through social media.

As part of its ongoing BewareofFraud campaign, authorities revealed that unlicensed companies are luring victims with “too-good-to-be-true” deals, often advertising heavily discounted vehicle and health insurance packages designed to trick unsuspecting buyers.

These fake operators typically promise quick, hassle-free policies at prices far below market rates—pushing some residents to make payments without checking whether the company is legitimate. By the time doubts arise, the money is often gone.

Officials stressed that all legitimate insurers in the UAE are tightly regulated and must follow strict procedures to protect customers. Any offer that seems unusually cheap or rushed should raise immediate red flags.

Despite ongoing monitoring and legal action against fraudsters, Dubai Police made it clear: awareness is your strongest defence. Residents are strongly urged to verify licences, double-check documentation, and avoid engaging with suspicious online ads.

Anyone who encounters potential scams is encouraged to report them immediately via the eCrime platform or by calling 901, the dedicated non-emergency helpline.

With scams becoming more sophisticated, one simple rule could save you: if it feels too good to be true, it probably is.

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