Showing posts with label Dubai. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Dubai. Show all posts
Sunday, 1 March 2026
Saturday, 28 February 2026
Friday, 27 February 2026
Thursday, 26 February 2026
Wednesday, 25 February 2026
Saturday, 21 February 2026
Wednesday, 18 February 2026
Tuesday, 17 February 2026
Monday, 29 December 2025
Saturday, 27 December 2025
ARYNA SABALENKA READY FOR 'UNPREDICTABLE' NICK KYRGIOS SHOWDOWN AT CONTROVERSIAL 'BATTLE OF THE SEXES'
Aryna Sabalenka has revealed her excitement to take on the “unpredictable” Nick Kyrgios in their high-profile ‘Battle of the Sexes’ showdown this weekend.
Reigning WTA world No 1 Sabalenka and Kyrgios will face off inside the Coca-Cola Arena in Dubai this Sunday (December 28), in a showdown that has attracted huge attention and debate, both within and outside of tennis.
Both the Belarusian and Kyrgios, a former world No 13 and 2022 Wimbledon finalist, have defended their encounter in recent weeks, with the likes of Billie Jean King and Garbine Muguruza among those criticising the event.
The match will be broadcast live across the world and is likely to attract huge interest and debate, ahead of the upcoming 2026 season.
Speaking in a new interview with Gulf News ahead of the ‘Battle of the Sexes’, four-time Grand Slam champion Sabalenka revealed that she was looking to “push” tennis in different directions.
“I’m really excited,” said the world No 1.
“Nick is one of the most talented and unpredictable players in the game, and he brings an intensity and entertainment factor that fans love.
“I enjoy challenges that push the sport in new directions. This match is competitive, fun and on a big stage, so I’m really looking forward to it.”
Sabalenka and Kyrgios’s match will take place inside the Coca-Cola Arena, a 17,000-capacity indoor stadium in the heart of Dubai.
While the arena itself is new for both players and for tennis, having been predominantly used for concerts in the past, Dubai is hardly new territory for either player.
Several players across both the ATP and WTA Tours are based in the city, and the WTA 1000 Dubai Tennis Championships are held in February every year, an event at which Sabalenka often participates.
The world No 1 has never made it past the last eight of the WTA 1000 event, but is looking forward to once again competing in the city.
She added: “Dubai is always an amazing place to play.
“The facilities, organisation and fans are top class, and the tournament keeps getting better every year. I love coming back here — the energy around tennis in Dubai is something I really enjoy.”
Action between Sabalenka and Kyrgios is scheduled to start at approximately 20:00 local time on Sunday.
- Oli Dickson Jefford
Thursday, 18 December 2025
SHEIKH AHMED AL-MAKTOUM IN TEARS AFTER SHA'CARRI RICHARDSON SPEACH
SHOCKING NEWS: Sheikh Ahmed Al-Maktoum, a renowned oil billionaire famous for his multi-billion dollar collection of supercars and yachts, reportedly spent around $5 million to invite Sha’Carri Richardson – the number one sprint athlete in the United States – as a special guest at his 50th birthday party.
Sheikh Ahmed is known to be a die-hard fan of Sha’Carri Richardson, following all of her competitions. This time, he not only invited Richardson but also offered an incredibly attractive “special package”: a private jet flight from the United States to Dubai, a seven-day stay at the Burj Al Arab penthouse, and a two-hour appearance at the party, with the task of cutting the birthday cake with the host and posing for photos with VIP guests. Afterward, Sha’Carri delivered a speech that moved Sheikh Al-Maktoum to tears!
Monday, 17 November 2025
Friday, 7 November 2025
FORMER NFL WIDE RECEIVER ANTONIO BROWN EXTRADITED TO U.S. TO FACE TRIAL ON ATTEMPTED MURDER CHARGES
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| Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Antonio Brown (81) walks on the field during an NFL football game against the New York Jets, Sunday, Jan. 2, 2022, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger) |
Former NFL wide receiver Antonio Brown has been extradited back to the U.S. to face trial for the attempted murder charge levied against him in June in connection with firing a gun at a boxing match.
A spokesperson for the U.S. Marshals Service told WTVJ-TV that Mr. Brown arrived at Newark Liberty International Airport in New Jersey from Dubai Thursday. Miami police officials confirmed that Mr. Brown would face further extradition from New Jersey to the Miami area.
Mr. Brown is currently in custody at the Essex County Jail in Newark, New Jersey, according to jail records.
He had been living in Dubai since June 11, when a warrant was issued for his arrest.
Mr. Brown is accused of firing a gun at and trying to kill Zul-Qarnain Kwame Nantambu, 41, at a boxing event in Miami hosted by influencer Adin Ross in May, according to the Miami Herald.
Mr. Nantambu and Mr. Brown knew each other prior to the incident; the former NFL wideout falsely accused Mr. Nantambu of stealing $3 million in jewelry from him. Mr. Nantambu spent time in jails in Oman and the United Arab Emirates before being exonerated when it was proven in court that Mr. Brown lied, according to the Miami Herald.
In a post on X on May 17, Mr. Brown wrote that “I was jumped by multiple individuals who tried to steal my jewelry and cause physical harm to me,” leading to the incident.
- Brad Matthews
Thursday, 16 October 2025
INQUEST INTO RICKY HUTTON'S DEATH REVEALS HE WAS FOUND BY MANAGER
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| The 46-year-old was discovered “unresponsive” by his manager, Paul Speak, on the morning of Sunday, September 14th, at his house in Hyde, Greater Manchester, Stockport Coroner’s Court was told. Photo: PA |
Former boxing world champion Ricky Hatton was found hanged at his home, a coroner’s court heard.
The 46-year-old was discovered “unresponsive” by his manager, Paul Speak, on the morning of Sunday, September 14th, at his house in Hyde, Greater Manchester, Stockport Coroner’s Court was told.
The details were given during a brief 10-minute hearing as the inquest into the death of the popular former boxer was opened and adjourned until March 20th next year, by Alison Mutch, senior coroner for Manchester South.
The court heard some details of the discovery of Hatton’s body given by police coroner’s officer Alison Catlow.
The court was told Hatton was last seen by his family on September 12th when he appeared “well”.
But the day after he did not attend an event as expected and on the morning of the 14th his manager arrived at his home to take him to Manchester Airport to catch a flight to Dubai.
Hatton was found unresponsive.
Ms Mutch said: “The provisional cause of death is given as hanging.”
There were no family members present for the hearing, but Ms Mutch said Mr Speak was attending on behalf of the family.
He sat before the bench, with around 20 reporters sitting behind him listening to proceedings.
The coroner told Mr Speak: “If I could just ask you to pass on my condolences to his family at this time.”
Ms Mutch continued: “This is a straightforward legal step that the law does require you to take to move on to the inquest next year.”
The address of Hatton was given and his occupation as a boxing trainer and company director.
She said Hatton was identified to police by Mr Speak.
Ms Mutch continued: “In relation to Mr Hatton’s death, I think it’s right, it was Mr Speak who found him?”
Ms Catlow replied: “That’s correct.”
Ms Mutch then asked for a “brief indication of the circumstances” of the death.
Ms Catlow said: “Mr Hatton lived alone. He was last seen on the evening of the 12th of September by his family when he appeared well.
“On Saturday, September 13th, he did not attend an event as expected.
“On the morning of September 14th, his manager arrived at his home address to take him to Manchester Airport for a flight to Dubai.
“Mr Hatton was found unresponsive.”
Hatton’s death left his family heartbroken and his army of fans stunned.
A proud Mancunian and avid Manchester City supporter, tributes poured in from across the world of boxing and the wider sporting community.
Last week, celebrities including Oasis frontman Liam Gallagher, former England and Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney and his wife Coleen, and boxers Tyson and Tommy Fury attended a memorial service at Manchester Cathedral.
Likeable, humble and a joker, Hatton, also known as “The Hitman”, was regarded as a “People’s Champion” and adored by thousands of fans.
His all-action fighting style and down-to-earth demeanour made him one of the most popular fighters on both sides of the Atlantic.
Hatton’s family insisted the former world champion was “in a good place”, a doting father and grandfather, who had plans for the future including his bags packed for a comeback fight in Dubai in December.
But Hatton had also been candid about his mental health struggles with drink and drugs and past suicide attempts after he retired from the ring for a second time following an ill-advised comeback in 2012.
- Pat Hurst, PA
Monday, 10 March 2025
HERE'S WHY PAKISTAN CRICKET BOARD WAS ABSENT FROM THE AWARD CEREMONY OF CHAMPIONS TROPHY 2025 FINAL
Pakistan Cricket Board was noticeably absent from the award ceremony of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 final.
India clinched their third Champions Trophy title by defeating New Zealand in the summit clash.
In a surprising turn of events, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) was noticeably absent from the award ceremony of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 final held in Dubai. Despite being the official hosts of the tournament, no PCB representative was present on stage during the presentation, sparking controversy and criticism from the cricket community.
No PCB official in the award ceremony
The Champions Trophy 2025 concluded with India claiming the title by defeating New Zealand. However, the post-match ceremony was marred by the absence of any PCB officials, which is unusual for the host nation. Typically, the host country’s cricket board is present during such ceremonies.
ICC Chairman Jay Shah handed over the Champions Trophy to India skipper Rohit Sharma. Having witnessed the heartbreak of the ODI World Cup 2023 closely as the BCCI Secretary, the delight on the face of Shah after India’s victory was evident.
Reasons for the absence of PCB officials
PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi was unable to attend due to prior commitments as Pakistan’s Federal Minister for Interior, according to reports. However, PCB CEO Sumair Ahmed, who was also the tournament director, was present at the venue but was not invited to the stage during the final ceremony. Media reports suggest that a misunderstanding might have led to Ahmed’s exclusion.
Reaction of former Pakistan cricketers
The absence of PCB officials has been met with disappointment and criticism from former Pakistan cricketers like Shoaib Akhtar and Wasim Akram. Akhtar expressed his dismay, stating that it was odd for no PCB representative to be present, especially since Pakistan was the host. The PCB is expected to address the matter with the ICC to clarify why its CEO was not included in the ceremony.
- Anirudh Singh
Saturday, 1 March 2025
Friday, 21 February 2025
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