Manchester City's Ferran Torres is set to join La Liga giants Barcelona. Reuters
Manchester City's Ferran Torres is set to join La Liga giants Barcelona. Reuters
Manchester City's Ferran Torres is set to join La Liga giants Barcelona. Reuters
Manchester City's Ferran Torres is set to join La Liga giants Barcelona. Reuters

Sport

Football

Manchester City have no plans to replace Barcelona-bound Ferran Torres

Manager Guardiola admits it is hard for Spanish players to turn down Barca or Real Madrid while insisting City will not be signing a new striker in January

Richard Jolly
Richard Jolly

December 23, 2021

  • English
  • Arabic

Manchester City are close to agreeing a deal to sell Ferran Torres to Barcelona and Pep Guardiola has insisted they will not sign a striker in January if he goes.

Guardiola believes it is hard for Spanish players to turn down Real Madrid and Barcelona and insisted he will never stand in the way of a player who wants to leave City.

But though he did not replace Sergio Aguero when City’s record goalscorer went to Camp Nou in the summer, he is prepared to let Torres leave without bringing in another attacker as well.

City are set to make a sizeable profit on the 21-year-old, who joined from Valencia last year, has scored 16 goals for them and has become Spain’s first-choice centre-forward.

Torres became a target for Barcelona even before a heart condition forced Aguero to retire and Guardiola said: “I hear it is really close. No, I am not getting to bring a striker in January.

“Always I have the feeling that when Barcelona or Real Madrid knock on the door of players then it is difficult to say no. So difficult. They are still the strongest teams in the world in terms of fashion, cities and many reasons. He is from Spain, Barcelona knock and I understand.

“When he knocked on my door and said, ‘I want to leave,’ I said, ‘leave.’ I cannot convince the players to do something when their mind isn’t here. It makes no sense. If you believe you will be happier in another place, you have to go. The career is short, in one day it is over. If the clubs reach an agreement, I am happy for him.”

Guardiola’s forward options were reduced for Sunday’s 4-0 win at Newcastle when he chose to leave Jack Grealish and Phil Foden as unused substitutes after they were pictured on a night out following the 7-0 thrashing of Leeds.

The City manager did not confirm if they are back in contention to start against Leicester on Sunday but argued that professionalism on and off the pitch is still more significant now and will help each play for longer.

Newcastle 0 Manchester City 4: player ratings

Jacob Murphy - 6: Both of Newcastle’s full-backs are out-of-position wingers but did a fine job keeping Sterling relatively quiet. Skinned by Jesus ahead of fourth goal. AFP
Jacob Murphy - 6: Both of Newcastle’s full-backs are out-of-position wingers but did a fine job keeping Sterling relatively quiet. Skinned by Jesus ahead of fourth goal. AFP
Ciaran Clark - 4: First game since brainless sending off against Norwich and gifted opening goal to Dias after five minutes when, incredibly, he decided not to head away cross. Failed to close down and then turned his back on Cancelo strike for City's second. AFP
Ciaran Clark - 4: First game since brainless sending off against Norwich and gifted opening goal to Dias after five minutes when, incredibly, he decided not to head away cross. Failed to close down and then turned his back on Cancelo strike for City's second. AFP
Matt Ritchie - 6: Did fine job on Mahrez for 64 minutes … then lost Algerian who volleyed home third goal. Excellent ball down left to put Saint-Maximin away on run at start of second half. EPA
Matt Ritchie - 6: Did fine job on Mahrez for 64 minutes … then lost Algerian who volleyed home third goal. Excellent ball down left to put Saint-Maximin away on run at start of second half. EPA
Isaac Hayden - 6: Deserved booking minutes for foul on De Bruyne and now suspended for next game. Left on backside by Cancelo ahead of second goal. Headed corner wide when should have done better in eventful first half for midfielder. AFP
Isaac Hayden - 6: Deserved booking minutes for foul on De Bruyne and now suspended for next game. Left on backside by Cancelo ahead of second goal. Headed corner wide when should have done better in eventful first half for midfielder. AFP
Ryan Fraser - 5: Had shot cleared off line in first half that would have been chalked off anyway for Hayden foul. Should have earned Newcastle penalty after being brought down by Ederson but somehow not given by referee or VAR. Reuters
Ryan Fraser - 5: Had shot cleared off line in first half that would have been chalked off anyway for Hayden foul. Should have earned Newcastle penalty after being brought down by Ederson but somehow not given by referee or VAR. Reuters
Joe Willock - 4: Left for dead by one piece of Silva quality in first half and then by another from Cancelo before second goal. Hooked at half-time and struggling badly for form this season. PA
Joe Willock - 4: Left for dead by one piece of Silva quality in first half and then by another from Cancelo before second goal. Hooked at half-time and struggling badly for form this season. PA
Joelinton - 6: Drilled shot just wide of target from edge of box in 12th minute and good ball into feet of Wilson late in opening half. Brazilian is certainly playing better under Eddie Howe than he ever did under predecessor Steve Bruce – but still lacks cutting edge in terms of goals or assists. EPA
Joelinton - 6: Drilled shot just wide of target from edge of box in 12th minute and good ball into feet of Wilson late in opening half. Brazilian is certainly playing better under Eddie Howe than he ever did under predecessor Steve Bruce – but still lacks cutting edge in terms of goals or assists. EPA
SUBS: Allan Saint-Maximin – (On for Willock 46’) 5: Nearly found Wilson with ball into middle minutes into second half but was his usual mix of dangerous running and wasteful final balls. EPA
SUBS: Allan Saint-Maximin – (On for Willock 46’) 5: Nearly found Wilson with ball into middle minutes into second half but was his usual mix of dangerous running and wasteful final balls. EPA
Sean Longstaff – (On for Hayden 61’) 5: Sporting a dubious moustache, Geordie midfielder couldn’t change game City were already dominating. EPA
Sean Longstaff – (On for Hayden 61’) 5: Sporting a dubious moustache, Geordie midfielder couldn’t change game City were already dominating. EPA
MANCHESTER CITY RATINGS: Ederson - 6: Beaten by Joelinton shot that flew just wide early on and lucky not to concede first-half penalty after clumsy challenge on Fraser. Not the most convincing of days dealing with crosses but one brilliant save from Wilson header. Reuters
MANCHESTER CITY RATINGS: Ederson - 6: Beaten by Joelinton shot that flew just wide early on and lucky not to concede first-half penalty after clumsy challenge on Fraser. Not the most convincing of days dealing with crosses but one brilliant save from Wilson header. Reuters
Ruben Dias - 8: Free header to open scoring after woeful Newcastle defending and should have had second but flicked header wide after break. Reuters
Ruben Dias - 8: Free header to open scoring after woeful Newcastle defending and should have had second but flicked header wide after break. Reuters
Rodri - 7: Booked for cynical foul on Willock in first half but strolled through rest of match with little problem, sitting in front of defence and such was City’s dominance Pep Guardiola was able to give him a rest in second half. PA
Rodri - 7: Booked for cynical foul on Willock in first half but strolled through rest of match with little problem, sitting in front of defence and such was City’s dominance Pep Guardiola was able to give him a rest in second half. PA
Kevin De Bruyne - 7: Lucky to get away with one after 15 minutes when lost possession in own box, handing chance to Fraser but dubious foul given. No repeat of his brilliant double against Leeds last time out but a fine, controlled passing performance from the Belgian. Reuters
Kevin De Bruyne - 7: Lucky to get away with one after 15 minutes when lost possession in own box, handing chance to Fraser but dubious foul given. No repeat of his brilliant double against Leeds last time out but a fine, controlled passing performance from the Belgian. Reuters
Bernardo Silva - 8: Tremendous run past two players to set-up chance for Zinchenko that Ukrainian wasted. Booked for taking down Joelinton. Superlative tracking back in last 10 minutes to take ball off toes of Wilson in City penalty area. AFP
Bernardo Silva - 8: Tremendous run past two players to set-up chance for Zinchenko that Ukrainian wasted. Booked for taking down Joelinton. Superlative tracking back in last 10 minutes to take ball off toes of Wilson in City penalty area. AFP
Riyad Mahrez - 7: Strangely subdued in first half but volleyed home emphatically after 64 minutes from excellent Zinchenko ball for his 50th City goal. EPA
Riyad Mahrez - 7: Strangely subdued in first half but volleyed home emphatically after 64 minutes from excellent Zinchenko ball for his 50th City goal. EPA
Raheem Sterling - 7: In top form at moment but very little influence in opening half. Shanked volley well wide at start of second before stinging hands of keeper with curling effort just before hour. Tapped home fourth goal from close range. EPA
Raheem Sterling - 7: In top form at moment but very little influence in opening half. Shanked volley well wide at start of second before stinging hands of keeper with curling effort just before hour. Tapped home fourth goal from close range. EPA
SUBS: Fernandinho – (On for Rodri 68’) 6: Match was well and truly won by the time veteran came on, although he was beaten to one header by Wilson that needed save from Ederson. AFP
SUBS: Fernandinho – (On for Rodri 68’) 6: Match was well and truly won by the time veteran came on, although he was beaten to one header by Wilson that needed save from Ederson. AFP
John Stones – (On for Dias 70’) 6: Nice and easy time to come on with score at 3-0. EPA
John Stones – (On for Dias 70’) 6: Nice and easy time to come on with score at 3-0. EPA
Cole Palmer – (On for Mahrez 77’) N/A. Would have made it 5-0 but couldn’t get ball out from under feet and chance went begging. AFP
Cole Palmer – (On for Mahrez 77’) N/A. Would have made it 5-0 but couldn’t get ball out from under feet and chance went begging. AFP

Guardiola added: “They are not rules. I am not the police, telling them what they have to do. Everyone is old enough and experienced enough to know what they have to. We are living [in] special circumstances in our lives that everyone cannot live free like they did in the past due to the pandemic.

“In this type of career, the work you do on and off the pitch is the same importance. It’s so demanding physically and mentally. You have to live for your profession: all the time, every single second. Otherwise, guys that are going to live every single day this profession are going to sustain longer in it.”

Guardiola believes that, while it will not happen, footballers and managers should go on strike to ensure that player welfare and workload is addressed properly.

The City manager’s gripe is not with the Christmas fixture list, but the permanent overload of a calendar with international tournaments every summer, meaning players only get two or three weeks’ holiday, and with the Premier League, for not allowing clubs in England to make five substitutions per game.

“The players and managers should all together make a strike,” he said. “The words alone are not going solve it. It's not necessary to do it we talk about the welfare just for the players and the associations say we don't play any more until we solve that situation.

“The simplest example is that all around the world they have five substitutions, here it's still three. Tell me one argument to take care of players' welfare [better] than this one. But you have to decide for the broadcaster, for the Premier League, for the rest to take decisions on behalf of the welfare of the players. This is not going to happen.”

Manchester City 7 Leeds 0: player ratings

MANCHESTER CITY RATINGS: Ederson 6 - The Brazilian could have used a deck chair for the majority of the game as he watched his team completely dominate the game. EPA
MANCHESTER CITY RATINGS: Ederson 6 - The Brazilian could have used a deck chair for the majority of the game as he watched his team completely dominate the game. EPA
Oleksandr Zinchenko 7 - Got forward on the left flank to stretch the Leeds defence, and that opened up plenty of space for City’s attacking players in the middle of the park. Getty
Oleksandr Zinchenko 7 - Got forward on the left flank to stretch the Leeds defence, and that opened up plenty of space for City’s attacking players in the middle of the park. Getty
Aymeric Laporte 7 - Brought the ball out of defence when the opportunity presented itself and didn’t allow Leeds attacks to develop on the rare occasion that the ball got worked into City’s defensive third. EPA
Aymeric Laporte 7 - Brought the ball out of defence when the opportunity presented itself and didn’t allow Leeds attacks to develop on the rare occasion that the ball got worked into City’s defensive third. EPA
Ruben Dias 7 - Played aggressively to be first to the ball and pressed high to help maintain lengthy spells of pressure for City. AP
Ruben Dias 7 - Played aggressively to be first to the ball and pressed high to help maintain lengthy spells of pressure for City. AP
John Stones 7- Caught in no mans land close to halftime which presented Leeds with their best attack of the first period, but was solid other than that. Got on the scoresheet. Getty
John Stones 7- Caught in no mans land close to halftime which presented Leeds with their best attack of the first period, but was solid other than that. Got on the scoresheet. Getty
Rodri 8 - Involved in all of City’s best attacking moves as Rodri looked to advance and challenge Leeds defence. Picked out De Bruyne after half of an hour for City’s third of the game. AFP
Rodri 8 - Involved in all of City’s best attacking moves as Rodri looked to advance and challenge Leeds defence. Picked out De Bruyne after half of an hour for City’s third of the game. AFP
Kevin De Bruyne 9 - Pulled the strings from the middle of the park and got himself a brace with a left-foot finish and a thunderous strike on his stronger side. Reuters
Kevin De Bruyne 9 - Pulled the strings from the middle of the park and got himself a brace with a left-foot finish and a thunderous strike on his stronger side. Reuters
Bernardo Silva 6 - Silva has been in great form this season but he has to do much better with his chance, placing wide with an empty net to aim at. Reuters
Bernardo Silva 6 - Silva has been in great form this season but he has to do much better with his chance, placing wide with an empty net to aim at. Reuters
Jack Grealish 7 - The £100million man is finally back among the goals and took his header in the manner of an assured targetman. EPA
Jack Grealish 7 - The £100million man is finally back among the goals and took his header in the manner of an assured targetman. EPA
Phil Foden 8 - Reacted quickest when Meslier pushed the ball out into the dangerzone and had some luck to see his effort fail to be cleared by Stuart Dallas. Close to getting a second but was marginally offside. AFP
Phil Foden 8 - Reacted quickest when Meslier pushed the ball out into the dangerzone and had some luck to see his effort fail to be cleared by Stuart Dallas. Close to getting a second but was marginally offside. AFP
Riyad Mahrez 8 - A well delivered cross saw Mahrez ease the ball into the danger area for Grealish to head home. Got on the scoresheet courtesy of a wicked deflection. A threat for the full 90 minutes. EPA
Riyad Mahrez 8 - A well delivered cross saw Mahrez ease the ball into the danger area for Grealish to head home. Got on the scoresheet courtesy of a wicked deflection. A threat for the full 90 minutes. EPA
SUBS: Ilkay Gundogan (Silva, 46’) 7 - Quickly involved and was unlucky not to score when guiding the ball just past the post. Linked play well to maintain City’s dominance. Reuters
SUBS: Ilkay Gundogan (Silva, 46’) 7 - Quickly involved and was unlucky not to score when guiding the ball just past the post. Linked play well to maintain City’s dominance. Reuters
Fernandinho (Rodri, 56’) 7 - An enjoyable outing for Fernandinho who came on and kept things simple as his team cruised to victory. Reuters
Fernandinho (Rodri, 56’) 7 - An enjoyable outing for Fernandinho who came on and kept things simple as his team cruised to victory. Reuters
Nathan Ake (Dias, 65’) 7 - On for Dias and found the back of the net for the seventh. PA
Nathan Ake (Dias, 65’) 7 - On for Dias and found the back of the net for the seventh. PA
LEEDS RATINGS: Illan Meslier 3 - His goal was peppered throughout the match as he watched his defensive line make needless mistakes, and it’s hard to give anything more than a three after conceding seven times. EPA
LEEDS RATINGS: Illan Meslier 3 - His goal was peppered throughout the match as he watched his defensive line make needless mistakes, and it’s hard to give anything more than a three after conceding seven times. EPA
Junior Firpo 3 - Lost the ball in some dangerous areas and struggled to cope with the threat of Mahrez. Unlucky to be involved in City’s fourth after a deflection sent the ball past his own goalkeeper. Getty
Junior Firpo 3 - Lost the ball in some dangerous areas and struggled to cope with the threat of Mahrez. Unlucky to be involved in City’s fourth after a deflection sent the ball past his own goalkeeper. Getty
Diego Llorente 3- A shocking pass was picked off but the centre-back was relieved to see Silva miss an open goal from the resulting play. Looked messy at times when isolated. Getty
Diego Llorente 3- A shocking pass was picked off but the centre-back was relieved to see Silva miss an open goal from the resulting play. Looked messy at times when isolated. Getty
Luke Ayling 3 - The defender was beaten by Rodri too easily for the opening goal. The tackle looked lacklustre, and he then stood still instead of trying to react to the next phase of play. AP
Luke Ayling 3 - The defender was beaten by Rodri too easily for the opening goal. The tackle looked lacklustre, and he then stood still instead of trying to react to the next phase of play. AP
Jamie Shackleton 3 - A tough night at the office before Shackleton was withdrawn for Mateusz Klich. AFP
Jamie Shackleton 3 - A tough night at the office before Shackleton was withdrawn for Mateusz Klich. AFP
Adam Forshaw 4 - Struggled with the opponent’s movement as Manchester City’s midfield took full control of the game. EPA
Adam Forshaw 4 - Struggled with the opponent’s movement as Manchester City’s midfield took full control of the game. EPA
Jack Harrison 5 - Had space in the box during the second half but got the final decision all wrong to give possession straight back to City. AP
Jack Harrison 5 - Had space in the box during the second half but got the final decision all wrong to give possession straight back to City. AP
Tyler Roberts 5 - Worked hard and tried to get Leeds moving in the right direction, only for his final ball to let him down. EPA
Tyler Roberts 5 - Worked hard and tried to get Leeds moving in the right direction, only for his final ball to let him down. EPA
Stuart Dallas 5 - A poor attempted clearance did little to divert Phil Foden’s shot away from the goal for the opener, but almost made amends with an excellent strike that struck the post. Getty
Stuart Dallas 5 - A poor attempted clearance did little to divert Phil Foden’s shot away from the goal for the opener, but almost made amends with an excellent strike that struck the post. Getty
Raphinha 4 - Too wasteful on the ball on the night, though the Brazilian winger wasn’t helped by the lack of impetus Leeds showed when attacking as a team. PA
Raphinha 4 - Too wasteful on the ball on the night, though the Brazilian winger wasn’t helped by the lack of impetus Leeds showed when attacking as a team. PA
Daniel James 5 - Largely a spectator throughout the match from a stranded position upfront. The 24-year-old had no service at all on the night and was replaced at the break. AP
Daniel James 5 - Largely a spectator throughout the match from a stranded position upfront. The 24-year-old had no service at all on the night and was replaced at the break. AP
SUBS: Mateusz Klich (Shackleton 38) 6 - Looked bright when deployed in midfield and began some attacks by getting the ball down and transitioning it forward. AFP
SUBS: Mateusz Klich (Shackleton 38) 6 - Looked bright when deployed in midfield and began some attacks by getting the ball down and transitioning it forward. AFP
Gelhardt (James, 46) 5 - Showed intensity when on the ball, but the young striker found the same issues as James when introduced - a complete lack of service. Cody Dramer (Firpo, 73) N/R - Introduced for Firpo in the 73rd minute. Getty
Gelhardt (James, 46) 5 - Showed intensity when on the ball, but the young striker found the same issues as James when introduced - a complete lack of service. Cody Dramer (Firpo, 73) N/R - Introduced for Firpo in the 73rd minute. Getty
%20Ramez%20Gab%20Min%20El%20Akher
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ECreator%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Ramez%20Galal%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EStarring%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Ramez%20Galal%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EStreaming%20on%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EMBC%20Shahid%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ERating%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E2.5%2F5%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Some of Darwish's last words

"They see their tomorrows slipping out of their reach. And though it seems to them that everything outside this reality is heaven, yet they do not want to go to that heaven. They stay, because they are afflicted with hope." - Mahmoud Darwish, to attendees of the Palestine Festival of Literature, 2008

His life in brief: Born in a village near Galilee, he lived in exile for most of his life and started writing poetry after high school. He was arrested several times by Israel for what were deemed to be inciteful poems. Most of his work focused on the love and yearning for his homeland, and he was regarded the Palestinian poet of resistance. Over the course of his life, he published more than 30 poetry collections and books of prose, with his work translated into more than 20 languages. Many of his poems were set to music by Arab composers, most significantly Marcel Khalife. Darwish died on August 9, 2008 after undergoing heart surgery in the United States. He was later buried in Ramallah where a shrine was erected in his honour.

On Women's Day

Frankenstein in Baghdad
Ahmed Saadawi
​​​​​​​Penguin Press

Pandemic Parenting
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
Getting there

The flights

Flydubai operates up to seven flights a week to Helsinki. Return fares to Helsinki from Dubai start from Dh1,545 in Economy and Dh7,560 in Business Class.

The stay

Golden Crown Igloos in Levi offer stays from Dh1,215 per person per night for a superior igloo; www.leviniglut.net 

Panorama Hotel in Levi is conveniently located at the top of Levi fell, a short walk from the gondola. Stays start from Dh292 per night based on two people sharing; www. golevi.fi/en/accommodation/hotel-levi-panorama

Arctic Treehouse Hotel in Rovaniemi offers stays from Dh1,379 per night based on two people sharing; www.arctictreehousehotel.com

INDIA SQUAD

Rohit Sharma (captain), Shikhar Dhawan (vice-captain), KL Rahul, Suresh Raina, Manish Pandey, Dinesh Karthik (wicketkeeper), Deepak Hooda, Washington Sundar, Yuzvendra Chahal, Axar Patel, Vijay Shankar, Shardul Thakur, Jaydev Unadkat, Mohammad Siraj and Rishabh Pant (wicketkeeper)

Our family matters legal consultant

Name: Hassan Mohsen Elhais

Position: legal consultant with Al Rowaad Advocates and Legal Consultants.

Director: Laxman Utekar

Cast: Vicky Kaushal, Akshaye Khanna, Diana Penty, Vineet Kumar Singh, Rashmika Mandanna

Rating: 1/5

More from Firas Maksad
Kareem Shaheen on Canada
Disturbing%20facts%20and%20figures
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3E51%25%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20of%20parents%20in%20the%20UAE%20feel%20like%20they%20are%20failing%20within%20the%20first%20year%20of%20parenthood%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3E57%25%20vs%2043%25%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20is%20the%20number%20of%20mothers%20versus%20the%20number%20of%20fathers%20who%20feel%20they%E2%80%99re%20failing%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3E28%25%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20of%20parents%20believe%20social%20media%20adds%20to%20the%20pressure%20they%20feel%20to%20be%20perfect%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3E55%25%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20of%20parents%20cannot%20relate%20to%20parenting%20images%20on%20social%20media%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3E67%25%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20of%20parents%20wish%20there%20were%20more%20honest%20representations%20of%20parenting%20on%20social%20media%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3E53%25%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20of%20parents%20admit%20they%20put%20on%20a%20brave%20face%20rather%20than%20being%20honest%20due%20to%20fear%20of%20judgment%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cspan%20style%3D%22font-size%3A%2014px%3B%22%3ESource%3A%20YouGov%3C%2Fspan%3E%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
the pledge

I pledge to uphold the duty of tolerance

I pledge to take a first stand against hate and injustice

I pledge to respect and accept people whose abilities, beliefs and culture are different from my own

I pledge to wish for others what I wish for myself

I pledge to live in harmony with my community

I pledge to always be open to dialogue and forgiveness

I pledge to do my part to create peace for all

I pledge to exercise benevolence and choose kindness in all my dealings with my community

I pledge to always stand up for these values: Zayed's values for tolerance and human fraternity

The specs

Engine: 4-litre twin-turbo V8

Transmission: eight-speed PDK

Power: 630bhp

Torque: 820Nm

Price: Dh683,200

On sale: now

While you're here
The specs

Engine: 1.5-litre turbo

Power: 181hp

Torque: 230Nm

Transmission: 6-speed automatic

Starting price: Dh79,000

On sale: Now

yallacompare profile

Date of launch: 2014

Founder: Jon Richards, founder and chief executive; Samer Chebab, co-founder and chief operating officer, and Jonathan Rawlings, co-founder and chief financial officer

Based: Media City, Dubai 

Sector: Financial services

Size: 120 employees

Investors: 2014: $500,000 in a seed round led by Mulverhill Associates; 2015: $3m in Series A funding led by STC Ventures (managed by Iris Capital), Wamda and Dubai Silicon Oasis Authority; 2019: $8m in Series B funding with the same investors as Series A along with Precinct Partners, Saned and Argo Ventures (the VC arm of multinational insurer Argo Group)

PROFILE OF HALAN

Started: November 2017

Founders: Mounir Nakhla, Ahmed Mohsen and Mohamed Aboulnaga

Based: Cairo, Egypt

Sector: transport and logistics

Size: 150 employees

Investment: approximately $8 million

Investors include: Singapore’s Battery Road Digital Holdings, Egypt’s Algebra Ventures, Uber co-founder and former CTO Oscar Salazar

Classification of skills

A worker is categorised as skilled by the MOHRE based on nine levels given in the International Standard Classification of Occupations (ISCO) issued by the International Labour Organisation. 

A skilled worker would be someone at a professional level (levels 1 – 5) which includes managers, professionals, technicians and associate professionals, clerical support workers, and service and sales workers.

The worker must also have an attested educational certificate higher than secondary or an equivalent certification, and earn a monthly salary of at least Dh4,000. 

Related
What vitamins do we know are beneficial for living in the UAE

Vitamin D: Highly relevant in the UAE due to limited sun exposure; supports bone health, immunity and mood.Vitamin B12: Important for nerve health and energy production, especially for vegetarians, vegans and individuals with absorption issues.Iron: Useful only when deficiency or anaemia is confirmed; helps reduce fatigue and support immunity.Omega-3 (EPA/DHA): Supports heart health and reduces inflammation, especially for those who consume little fish.

Trump v Khan

2016: Feud begins after Khan criticised Trump’s proposed Muslim travel ban to US

2017: Trump criticises Khan’s ‘no reason to be alarmed’ response to London Bridge terror attacks

2019: Trump calls Khan a “stone cold loser” before first state visit

2019: Trump tweets about “Khan’s Londonistan”, calling him “a national disgrace”

2022:  Khan’s office attributes rise in Islamophobic abuse against the major to hostility stoked during Trump’s presidency

July 2025 During a golfing trip to Scotland, Trump calls Khan “a nasty person”

Sept 2025 Trump blames Khan for London’s “stabbings and the dirt and the filth”.

Dec 2025 Trump suggests migrants got Khan elected, calls him a “horrible, vicious, disgusting mayor”

If you go

The flights Etihad (www.etihad.com) and Spice Jet (www.spicejet.com) fly direct from Abu Dhabi and Dubai to Pune respectively from Dh1,000 return including taxes. Pune airport is 90 minutes away by road. 

The hotels A stay at Atmantan Wellness Resort (www.atmantan.com) costs from Rs24,000 (Dh1,235) per night, including taxes, consultations, meals and a treatment package.
 

Electric scooters: some rules to remember
  • Riders must be 14-years-old or over
  • Wear a protective helmet
  • Park the electric scooter in designated parking lots (if any)
  • Do not leave electric scooter in locations that obstruct traffic or pedestrians
  • Solo riders only, no passengers allowed
  • Do not drive outside designated lanes
New schools in Dubai
Tomorrow 2021

THE SPECS

Aston Martin Rapide AMR

Engine: 6.0-litre V12

Transmission: Touchtronic III eight-speed automatic

Power: 595bhp

Torque: 630Nm

Price: Dh999,563

Book%20Details
%3Cp%3E%3Cem%3EThree%20Centuries%20of%20Travel%20Writing%20by%20Muslim%20Women%3C%2Fem%3E%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EEditors%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3ESiobhan%20Lambert-Hurley%2C%20Daniel%20Majchrowicz%2C%20Sunil%20Sharma%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EPublisher%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EIndiana%20University%20Press%3B%20532%20pages%3Cbr%3E%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Tamkeen's offering
  • Option 1: 70% in year 1, 50% in year 2, 30% in year 3
  • Option 2: 50% across three years
  • Option 3: 30% across five years 
The specs

AT4 Ultimate, as tested

Engine: 6.2-litre V8

Power: 420hp

Torque: 623Nm

Transmission: 10-speed automatic

Price: From Dh330,800 (Elevation: Dh236,400; AT4: Dh286,800; Denali: Dh345,800)

On sale: Now

Match statistics

Dubai Sports City Eagles 8 Dubai Exiles 85

Eagles
Try: Bailey
Pen: Carey

Exiles
Tries: Botes 3, Sackmann 2, Fourie 2, Penalty, Walsh, Gairn, Crossley, Stubbs
Cons: Gerber 7
Pens: Gerber 3

Man of the match: Tomas Sackmann (Exiles)

The BIO:

He became the first Emirati to climb Mount Everest in 2011, from the south section in Nepal

He ascended Mount Everest the next year from the more treacherous north Tibetan side

By 2015, he had completed the Explorers Grand Slam

Last year, he conquered K2, the world’s second-highest mountain located on the Pakistan-Chinese border

He carries dried camel meat, dried dates and a wheat mixture for the final summit push

His new goal is to climb 14 peaks that are more than 8,000 metres above sea level

Our family matters legal consultant

Name: Hassan Mohsen Elhais

Position: legal consultant with Al Rowaad Advocates and Legal Consultants.

While you're here
On Women's Day
Updated: December 23, 2021, 2:27 PM
Manchester CityPep GuardiolaPremier LeagueBarcelona