With his booming British accent and trusty drum in hand, super fan William Luke certainly stands out from the crowd cheering on Abu Dhabi's high-flying football side Al Wadha.
The devoted supporter – affectionately known as Wolfie – has found a spiritual home among the thousands who flock to Al Nahyan Stadium since moving to the UAE in 2015.
He has become something of a cult hero among the predominantly Emirati fanbase over the years, many of whom stop to have their picture taken with him at games. He has even won recognition from one of the club's star players.
A chance encounter with his local team has stretched into a decade-long love affair and highlighted football's enduring power to bring all backgrounds and nationalities together.
“I was quite bored, it was hot, so I went out for a long walk," he said. "It just so happened that I passed by Al Wahda Mall, saw the colour of the team is maroon, which is just the same as [my team] Aston Villa. It was an epiphany, 'Wow, I found a team.'”
Spreading the word
In the past year, he has been building his brand “Wolfie in the Desert” and attracted a niche following from young Emirati football fans on platforms including TikTok and Instagram.
He has won prominence within the UAE Pro League, thanks to his matchday vlogs. But for him it was never about getting attention, it was about sharing his passion and getting more people involved.
“It's strange, but now even on a Saturday, if Aston Villa are playing at the same time as Al Wahda, or there's a UAE Pro League game, I will go to the UAE Pro League game. I'd rather sit with 1,000 fans, 500 fans – that, to me, is real," Mr Luke said.
“When you're an expat living out here watching your team on the television, it's not the same, and I think that's what I try to put on people, make the effort to get to games, enjoy the live atmosphere.
Embracing the beautiful game
“I've not liked the fan culture back in Europe these days, there is too much hooliganism. Here it's a pure love of football. If I compare it to England, there's a massive drinking culture, bad language, swearing. That's part and parcel of the football in Europe and you don't get that in the UAE.
"It's just a safer environment. The football is probably not as good as Europe yet, but the quality of the teams is improving."
In search of glory
Khalid Almarzooqi, 25, grew up with his family supporting Al Wahda. He is a proud supporter who travels with the team to any game they play.
“These fans are loyal compared to other fans. For years, we haven't won the league, but still they are supporting, pushing the club until we win,” he said.
Al Wahda are currently tied for first place in the AFC Champions League Elite, alongside Al Ahli from Saudi Arabia, and are in second spot in the UAE Pro League.
Dusan Tadic, who has played for Serbia, Fenerbahce and Southampton, is one of the recent high-profile signings who joined Al Wahda this season. For him, fans like "Wolfie" make a difference in the game.
“Wolfie gives a lot of positive energy and a lot of nice things for our fans, for our club. It's nice to have him,” he told The National.
“It's great to see the fans in the stadium follow us, and I think also today they made a great atmosphere,” he said, speaking after Al Wadha secured a 3-1 home win over Qatar's Al Duhail in the Asian Football Confederation [AFC] Champions League on Monday.
UAE national team player Caio Canedo agreed with his teammate, saying he knows the fans make a difference especially when they play at home. “I've been here just two or three months. But I felt at home since the first day,” he added.
Joining the football community
“I was a bit shy in the first few years to get involved, but I realised that they're such loving, warm people," Mr Luke said. "I've even brought in a couple of my own English versions of songs into the ground. I'm probably the first Englishman that's ever been on the microphone during the match as a non-Arab and, you know, that for me was probably my greatest moment."
Watching Mr Luke with fellow Al Wahda fans, or Wahdawis as they are known, it is clear they have welcomed him as one of their own. “I think it's very accessible, and we would love to see more women at matches. But it's not like it's a taboo in any way,” he added. “The initiative of the UAE Pro League is to get more families. But it's a very welcoming environment.”
This month, the UAE Football Association received the AFC President Recognition Awards for Grassroots Football – Gold Category. Team representatives can frequently be seen before matches handing out free tickets, with many going to young fans.
“I hope one day we could get more expats involved, and wanting to go to the games live, and being part of the atmosphere,” Mr Luke said.
The UK citizen, who is a physical education teacher, sees how the children have a love for their local teams. "There's so much love for the game here. I'm there every day, watching the kids. They don't talk about the Premier League teams or La Liga," he added. "They've got a love of Barcelona or Madrid, the big teams, but they want to talk about the UAE Pro League.”
Day 3, Dubai Test: At a glance
Moment of the day Lahiru Gamage, the Sri Lanka pace bowler, has had to play a lot of cricket to earn a shot at the top level. The 29-year-old debutant first played a first-class game 11 years ago. His first Test wicket was one to savour, bowling Pakistan opener Shan Masood through the gate. It set the rot in motion for Pakistan’s batting.
Stat of the day – 73 Haris Sohail took 73 balls to hit a boundary. Which is a peculiar quirk, given the aggressive intent he showed from the off. Pakistan’s batsmen were implored to attack Rangana Herath after their implosion against his left-arm spin in Abu Dhabi. Haris did his best to oblige, smacking the second ball he faced for a huge straight six.
The verdict One year ago, when Pakistan played their first day-night Test at this ground, they held a 222-run lead over West Indies on first innings. The away side still pushed their hosts relatively close on the final night. With the opposite almost exactly the case this time around, Pakistan still have to hope they can salvage a win from somewhere.
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Terror attacks in Paris, November 13, 2015
- At 9.16pm, three suicide attackers killed one person outside the Atade de France during a foootball match between France and Germany
- At 9.25pm, three attackers opened fire on restaurants and cafes over 20 minutes, killing 39 people
- Shortly after 9.40pm, three other attackers launched a three-hour raid on the Bataclan, in which 1,500 people had gathered to watch a rock concert. In total, 90 people were killed
- Salah Abdeslam, the only survivor of the terrorists, did not directly participate in the attacks, thought to be due to a technical glitch in his suicide vest
- He fled to Belgium and was involved in attacks on Brussels in March 2016. He is serving a life sentence in France
RESULTS
1.30pm Handicap (PA) Dh 50,000 (Dirt) 1,400m
Winner AF Almomayaz, Hugo Lebouc (jockey), Ali Rashid Al Raihe (trainer)
2pm Handicap (TB) Dh 84,000 (D) 1,400m
Winner Karaginsky, Tadhg O’Shea, Satish Seemar.
2.30pm Maiden (TB) Dh 60,000 (D) 1,200m
Winner Sadeedd, Ryan Curatolo, Nicholas Bachalard.
3pm Conditions (TB) Dh 100,000 (D) 1,950m
Winner Blue Sovereign, Clement Lecoeuvre, Erwan Charpy.
3.30pm Handicap (TB) Dh 76,000 (D) 1,800m
Winner Tailor’s Row, Royston Ffrench, Salem bin Ghadayer.
4pm Maiden (TB) Dh 60,000 (D) 1,600m
Winner Bladesmith, Tadhg O’Shea, Satish Seemar.
4.30pm Handicap (TB) Dh 68,000 (D) 1,000m
Winner Shanaghai City, Fabrice Veron, Rashed Bouresly.
What can victims do?
Always use only regulated platforms
Stop all transactions and communication on suspicion
Save all evidence (screenshots, chat logs, transaction IDs)
Report to local authorities
Warn others to prevent further harm
Courtesy: Crystal Intelligence
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Fresh faces in UAE side
Khalifa Mubarak (24) An accomplished centre-back, the Al Nasr defender’s progress has been hampered in the past by injury. With not many options in central defence, he would bolster what can be a problem area.
Ali Salmeen (22) Has been superb at the heart of Al Wasl’s midfield these past two seasons, with the Dubai club flourishing under manager Rodolfo Arrubarrena. Would add workrate and composure to the centre of the park.
Mohammed Jamal (23) Enjoyed a stellar 2016/17 Arabian Gulf League campaign, proving integral to Al Jazira as the capital club sealed the championship for only a second time. A tenacious and disciplined central midfielder.
Khalfan Mubarak (22) One of the most exciting players in the UAE, the Al Jazira playmaker has been likened in style to Omar Abdulrahman. Has minimal international experience already, but there should be much more to come.
Jassim Yaqoub (20) Another incredibly exciting prospect, the Al Nasr winger is becoming a regular contributor at club level. Pacey, direct and with an eye for goal, he would provide the team’s attack an extra dimension.
MATCH INFO
FA Cup final
Chelsea 1
Hazard (22' pen)
Manchester United 0
Man of the match: Eden Hazard (Chelsea)
Gulf Under 19s final
Dubai College A 50-12 Dubai College B
A State of Passion
Directors: Carol Mansour and Muna Khalidi
Stars: Dr Ghassan Abu-Sittah
Rating: 4/5
Company Fact Box
Company name/date started: Abwaab Technologies / September 2019
Founders: Hamdi Tabbaa, co-founder and CEO. Hussein Alsarabi, co-founder and CTO
Based: Amman, Jordan
Sector: Education Technology
Size (employees/revenue): Total team size: 65. Full-time employees: 25. Revenue undisclosed
Stage: early-stage startup
Investors: Adam Tech Ventures, Endure Capital, Equitrust, the World Bank-backed Innovative Startups SMEs Fund, a London investment fund, a number of former and current executives from Uber and Netflix, among others.
More from Neighbourhood Watch:
COMPANY PROFILE
Name: Kumulus Water
Started: 2021
Founders: Iheb Triki and Mohamed Ali Abid
Based: Tunisia
Sector: Water technology
Number of staff: 22
Investment raised: $4 million
Sole survivors
- Cecelia Crocker was on board Northwest Airlines Flight 255 in 1987 when it crashed in Detroit, killing 154 people, including her parents and brother. The plane had hit a light pole on take off
- George Lamson Jr, from Minnesota, was on a Galaxy Airlines flight that crashed in Reno in 1985, killing 68 people. His entire seat was launched out of the plane
- Bahia Bakari, then 12, survived when a Yemenia Airways flight crashed near the Comoros in 2009, killing 152. She was found clinging to wreckage after floating in the ocean for 13 hours.
- Jim Polehinke was the co-pilot and sole survivor of a 2006 Comair flight that crashed in Lexington, Kentucky, killing 49.
How to apply for a drone permit
- Individuals must register on UAE Drone app or website using their UAE Pass
- Add all their personal details, including name, nationality, passport number, Emiratis ID, email and phone number
- Upload the training certificate from a centre accredited by the GCAA
- Submit their request
What are the regulations?
- Fly it within visual line of sight
- Never over populated areas
- Ensure maximum flying height of 400 feet (122 metres) above ground level is not crossed
- Users must avoid flying over restricted areas listed on the UAE Drone app
- Only fly the drone during the day, and never at night
- Should have a live feed of the drone flight
- Drones must weigh 5 kg or less
Who's who in Yemen conflict
Houthis: Iran-backed rebels who occupy Sanaa and run unrecognised government
Yemeni government: Exiled government in Aden led by eight-member Presidential Leadership Council
Southern Transitional Council: Faction in Yemeni government that seeks autonomy for the south
Habrish 'rebels': Tribal-backed forces feuding with STC over control of oil in government territory
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Mercer, the investment consulting arm of US services company Marsh & McLennan, expects its wealth division to at least double its assets under management (AUM) in the Middle East as wealth in the region continues to grow despite economic headwinds, a company official said.
Mercer Wealth, which globally has $160 billion in AUM, plans to boost its AUM in the region to $2-$3bn in the next 2-3 years from the present $1bn, said Yasir AbuShaban, a Dubai-based principal with Mercer Wealth.
“Within the next two to three years, we are looking at reaching $2 to $3 billion as a conservative estimate and we do see an opportunity to do so,” said Mr AbuShaban.
Mercer does not directly make investments, but allocates clients’ money they have discretion to, to professional asset managers. They also provide advice to clients.
“We have buying power. We can negotiate on their (client’s) behalf with asset managers to provide them lower fees than they otherwise would have to get on their own,” he added.
Mercer Wealth’s clients include sovereign wealth funds, family offices, and insurance companies among others.
From its office in Dubai, Mercer also looks after Africa, India and Turkey, where they also see opportunity for growth.
Wealth creation in Middle East and Africa (MEA) grew 8.5 per cent to $8.1 trillion last year from $7.5tn in 2015, higher than last year’s global average of 6 per cent and the second-highest growth in a region after Asia-Pacific which grew 9.9 per cent, according to consultancy Boston Consulting Group (BCG). In the region, where wealth grew just 1.9 per cent in 2015 compared with 2014, a pickup in oil prices has helped in wealth generation.
BCG is forecasting MEA wealth will rise to $12tn by 2021, growing at an annual average of 8 per cent.
Drivers of wealth generation in the region will be split evenly between new wealth creation and growth of performance of existing assets, according to BCG.
Another general trend in the region is clients’ looking for a comprehensive approach to investing, according to Mr AbuShaban.
“Institutional investors or some of the families are seeing a slowdown in the available capital they have to invest and in that sense they are looking at optimizing the way they manage their portfolios and making sure they are not investing haphazardly and different parts of their investment are working together,” said Mr AbuShaban.
Some clients also have a higher appetite for risk, given the low interest-rate environment that does not provide enough yield for some institutional investors. These clients are keen to invest in illiquid assets, such as private equity and infrastructure.
“What we have seen is a desire for higher returns in what has been a low-return environment specifically in various fixed income or bonds,” he said.
“In this environment, we have seen a de facto increase in the risk that clients are taking in things like illiquid investments, private equity investments, infrastructure and private debt, those kind of investments were higher illiquidity results in incrementally higher returns.”
The Abu Dhabi Investment Authority, one of the largest sovereign wealth funds, said in its 2016 report that has gradually increased its exposure in direct private equity and private credit transactions, mainly in Asian markets and especially in China and India. The authority’s private equity department focused on structured equities owing to “their defensive characteristics.”
