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  • Dhoni biopic inspired Pakistan bowler Usman Tariq to leave sales job in UAE for cricket

    Dhoni biopic inspired Pakistan bowler Usman Tariq to leave sales job in UAE for cricket

    In an extraordinary transformation story bridging two cricket-crazed nations, Pakistani spinner Usman Tariq has emerged as an unexpected weapon ahead of Sunday’s high-voltage clash against India at the T20 World Cup. The 30-year-old’s journey from a sales job in Dubai to international cricket stardom began with an unlikely source of inspiration: the 2016 Bollywood biopic “M.S. Dhoni: The Untold Story.”

    Tariq had shelved his cricket ambitions to pursue a conventional career in the UAE until watching the film about India’s World Cup-winning captain. The narrative of perseverance, rejection, and ultimate glory resonated so deeply that he abandoned his sales position to pursue cricket professionally. “I had left behind thinking of making a name in cricket,” Tariq revealed to AFP, “but one day I watched this film and it convinced me that I could also do the same.”

    The double-jointed spinner’s unique bowling action has generated both fascination and controversy. With an exaggerated pause followed by a sling-shot release, his technique has been reported as illegal twice in recent years but was ultimately cleared by the International Cricket Council laboratory. Despite skepticism from players like England’s Tom Banton and Australia’s Cameron Green, who mimicked the action before the World Cup, the bowling has received validation from experts including India’s legendary spinner Ravichandran Ashwin.

    “I believe that it is entirely legal,” Ashwin declared on social media, providing technical analysis supporting his assessment. Tariq attributes his unusual delivery to a rare physical characteristic: “I have two corners of my bowling arm elbow, which is rare. I have been cleared twice so I am confident that it’s legal.”

    Since making his international debut just three months ago, Tariq has taken 11 wickets in four T20 internationals, including a hat-trick against Zimbabwe. His match-defining performance of 3-27 against USA in Colombo this week has positioned him as what Pakistan skipper Salman Agha describes as the team’s “X-factor and key weapon” against their arch-rivals.

    The spinner’s rapid ascent through the ranks saw him take 20 wickets in last year’s Caribbean Premier League, eventually forcing his way into the national team selection—news he received while preparing for his wedding. “I thought it was a prank,” Tariq recalled. “But it was true so I think my wife brought luck for me.”

    From the sales floors of Dubai to the world’s most celebrated cricket grounds, Tariq’s story continues to unfold, proving that sometimes life imitates art in the most extraordinary ways.

  • Flipped in Hainan: Embrace a better you

    Flipped in Hainan: Embrace a better you

    Amidst the tranquil landscapes of Hainan, a chance encounter unfolds into a profound journey of self-discovery. Two strangers find themselves walking along the island’s pristine shores, where the rhythmic cadence of rising and falling tides provides the soundtrack to their connection. Under the expansive tropical sky, their conversations weave through moments of laughter and quiet contemplation, creating a tapestry of shared experience that lingers long after their paths diverge.

    The island’s unhurried pace stretches days into a soothing balm for the soul, blurring the lines between what transpired and what might have been. Her voice remains etched in memory, carrying the gentle resonance of ocean waves that accompanied their time together. Though she remains on the island, it is not in anticipation of another’s return, but rather because Hainan has revealed itself as a sanctuary where one might naturally choose to extend their stay.

    As the Year of the Horse approaches with its symbolic energy for movement and progress, the narrative turns to the broader journey ahead. This Hainan interlude becomes a metaphorical crossroads where travelers are encouraged to embrace the road forward with renewed purpose. The island experience serves as a catalyst for personal growth, inviting all who visit to discover enhanced versions of themselves through the transformative power of place and human connection.

  • Rio Carnival street party dogs parade as humans protest against pet killers

    Rio Carnival street party dogs parade as humans protest against pet killers

    RIO DE JANEIRO — In a vibrant display of compassion and celebration, hundreds of dog owners transformed a traditional Carnival street party into a powerful demonstration against animal cruelty this Saturday. The event, known as “Blocao” (a portmanteau of “bloco” meaning street party and “cão” meaning dog in Portuguese), saw approximately 300 participants and their creatively costumed pets gather in Barra da Tijuca neighborhood.

    Despite Rio’s scorching 30°C (86°F) temperatures, organizers implemented extensive protective measures for the canine attendees. Paws were shielded from hot pavement, hydration stations provided continuous refreshment, and shaded areas ensured comfort throughout the two-hour celebration. The dogs—adorned as alligators, fairies, and superheroes—wagged their tails to samba rhythms while enjoying special breakfast bowls and making new furry friends.

    The gathering took on profound significance as participants waved white ribbons and performed musical tributes to Orelha, a dog whose brutal killing in southern Brazil January sparked national outrage. A 15-year-old has been charged in the case, which remains pending in the juvenile justice system.

    Marco Antonio Marinho, 72, the event’s chief organizer, emphasized the deep bond between pets and families: “Dogs are integral family members who share our emotions—when we’re sad, they comfort us; when we celebrate, they deserve to join our happiness.” The sentiment resonated with attendees like Natalia Reis, 28, who attended with her 11-year-old dog Theo, expressing that Orelha’s tragedy “could have happened to any of us.”

    Now in its twentieth year, Blocao traditionally featured street parades but adapted to stationary celebrations to prioritize animal safety. Passing motorists honked in support of the demonstration, highlighting growing public awareness about animal welfare issues in Brazilian society.

  • Philippine senator Ronald de la Rosa expected to continue hiding

    Philippine senator Ronald de la Rosa expected to continue hiding

    Philippine Senator Ronald de la Rosa, the most absent member of the Senate, is anticipated to prolong his disappearance following revelations identifying him as a co-perpetrator in the impending International Criminal Court (ICC) trial against former president Rodrigo Duterte. The senator has been evading public duties since September 2025 amid circulating rumors of an ICC arrest warrant targeting him.

    De la Rosa served as chief of police in Davao City and later at the national level during Duterte’s terms as mayor and president, respectively. He is widely regarded as the primary executor of the government’s controversial war on drugs, which resulted in the extrajudicial killings of thousands of suspected drug offenders. Both Duterte and de la Rosa have been publicly recorded authorizing and implementing this violent campaign.

    The senator has explicitly stated his refusal to face arrest and transfer to The Hague, Netherlands, where he would stand trial alongside his former superior on charges of crimes against humanity. His concerns gained substantiation on Friday when the ICC released a less redacted version of the complaint, explicitly naming de la Rosa among eight other high-ranking former police and government officials.

    Despite his prolonged absence, de la Rosa continues to receive his monthly senatorial salary of ₱334,059 (approximately Dh21,150), totaling nearly ₱4 million annually excluding additional benefits. His disappearance has drawn sharp criticism from colleagues who argue he should resign from his committee leadership positions.

    As chairperson of the Senate Committee on Public Order and Dangerous Drugs, de la Rosa’s absence has forced the postponement of critical hearings. He also missed crucial bicameral conference committee meetings regarding the 2026 national budget and failed to defend several agencies including the Department of National Defense and Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency in December.

    His consistent absenteeism has inspired legislative measures such as Ilocos Norte Representative Sandro Marcos’ proposed “No work, no pay” bill targeting absent government officials. Senate President Vicente Sotto III confirmed that de la Rosa has been unresponsive to repeated attempts to ascertain his whereabouts.

  • Why moon-sighting with telescopes on Feb 17 may be ‘dangerous’: UAE experts

    Why moon-sighting with telescopes on Feb 17 may be ‘dangerous’: UAE experts

    Astronomical authorities in the United Arab Emirates have issued an urgent safety advisory regarding potentially hazardous moon observation attempts scheduled for February 17, 2026. The International Astronomy Centre based in Abu Dhabi has emphasized that attempting to view the crescent moon through optical instruments on this date poses severe risks of permanent eye damage, including potential blindness.

    The danger stems from an unusual celestial alignment occurring that Tuesday. A solar eclipse earlier in the day will result in the moon maintaining extreme proximity to the sun by sunset—the traditional time for crescent sighting committees worldwide to attempt observations. In Riyadh, the angular separation between the moon and sun will measure merely one degree at sunset.

    Khadijah Al Hariri, Operations Manager at Dubai Astronomy Group, explained the critical safety concerns: “Even though the eclipse occurs earlier, by sunset when people typically search for the crescent, the moon remains dangerously close to the sun. Directing telescopes toward the crescent’s position means the sun will either be within the instrument’s field of view or immediately adjacent to it.”

    The scientific community notes that angular separation measurements occur between the centers of the sun and moon disks, meaning the actual crescent distance from the sun’s disk would be approximately half a degree. This proximity creates unacceptable risks for both observational equipment and human vision without professional-grade solar filters and safety protocols.

    Beyond the safety implications, astronomers have declared public observation attempts astronomically impractical. The IAC stated that even if observers wait for the sun’s disk to fully set before beginning observations, the moon’s lower edge will have naturally set by that time, leaving no crescent visible.

    The advisory specifically warns against using telescopes, binoculars, or any optical instruments without certified solar filters. Professional observatories follow internationally recognized safety standards using specialized equipment that amateur observers typically lack.

    Several Gulf countries, including Oman, have already announced official Ramadan start dates in advance, citing both practical observation challenges and their commitment to scientific certainty rather than potentially contradictory visual reports. The IAC clarified that while they provide scientific awareness, they are not the authority responsible for official crescent sighting declarations or lunar month determinations.

  • UAE steps up food price hike monitoring after 7,702 violations last year

    UAE steps up food price hike monitoring after 7,702 violations last year

    In a decisive move to combat inflation and ensure market stability, the UAE Ministry of Economy and Tourism is amplifying its monitoring of essential food prices in preparation for Ramadan 2026. This enhanced vigilance follows the identification of 7,702 regulatory violations during a comprehensive 2025 inspection campaign that encompassed 155,218 tours across the nation’s markets.

    The Ministry has issued a firm guarantee that the cost of nine fundamental commodities—including rice, wheat, bread, sugar, cooking oil, dairy, eggs, poultry, and legumes—will remain frozen throughout the holy month. To enforce this pledge, authorities are implementing a sophisticated, multi-layered strategy. This includes the deployment of a real-time electronic price monitoring system integrated with 627 major retail outlets, which collectively represent over 90% of the domestic trade in basic consumer goods.

    Supply chain preparedness forms a critical pillar of this initiative. Early coordination with major suppliers and importers has been prioritized to bolster strategic food reserves and streamline distribution networks. Trade data from logistics hubs like DP World’s Jebel Ali port indicates that retailers are proactively importing larger quantities of essentials six to eight weeks ahead of Ramadan to preempt any supply chain pressures and efficiently manage anticipated demand surges.

    On-the-ground enforcement has been significantly scaled up, with 420 field inspections already conducted. In Dubai alone, the Consumer Protection and Fair Trade Corporation has executed more than 220 visits to reinforce price stability and product availability. These inspections span wholesale markets, traditional retail stores, and e-commerce platforms to ensure comprehensive market coverage.

    Complementing these regulatory measures, a robust consumer awareness campaign is underway. The Ministry is promoting a ‘Consumer Rights Guide’ on digital platforms and encouraging the public to report any instances of unjustified price hikes. Simultaneously, private sector retailers have announced extensive plans to increase stock levels and launch promotional campaigns, offering significant discounts on a wide range of Ramadan essentials while committing to stable pricing across groceries, fresh food, and other consumer goods.

    Through this coordinated alliance of government action, technological surveillance, and private sector cooperation, the UAE aims to deliver a well-supplied, affordable, and transparent market environment for all residents during the Ramadan period.

  • Qatar Emir arrives in UAE; Sheikh Mohamed welcomes him at Abu Dhabi airport

    Qatar Emir arrives in UAE; Sheikh Mohamed welcomes him at Abu Dhabi airport

    In a significant diplomatic development, His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, the Emir of Qatar, arrived in Abu Dhabi on Saturday for an official fraternal visit. The Qatari leader was received with high honors at Al Bateen Airport by UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, who personally welcomed his counterpart in a demonstration of Gulf solidarity.

    The arrival ceremony featured an impressive assembly of UAE leadership, including His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President and Deputy Prime Minister; and His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Minister of Defence. The presence of such high-ranking officials underscored the importance both nations place on strengthening bilateral relations.

    Sheikh Tamim’s delegation included several senior Qatari officials, indicating the comprehensive nature of the discussions planned during the visit. The timing of this federal visit, occurring amid regional developments, suggests both nations are prioritizing coordination on matters of mutual interest including economic cooperation, security coordination, and regional stability initiatives.

    The warm reception and high-level participation from both sides reflect the continuing normalization and enhancement of Qatar-UAE relations following the resolution of previous regional disagreements. This visit represents another step forward in Gulf Cooperation Council unity, demonstrating how member states are increasingly aligning on strategic priorities and diplomatic engagement.

  • Family reunion turns tragic as Indian toddler visiting father in UAE dies in accident

    Family reunion turns tragic as Indian toddler visiting father in UAE dies in accident

    A heartrending incident in Sharjah’s Muweilah area has cut short what was meant to be a joyous family reunion, claiming the life of a 19-month-old Indian toddler. The child, who had arrived in the United Arab Emirates just one month earlier with his mother to visit his father, tragically died after being struck by a vehicle on Wednesday evening.

    The accident occurred approximately at 7 PM while the boy was walking with his mother beneath their residential building. According to family friend M.K., a colleague of the father, the mother was momentarily disposing of garbage when the child abruptly broke free and darted onto the roadway. The driver of the approaching vehicle was unable to stop in time to prevent the collision.

    The father, employed as a salesperson at a local company and originally from Kerala, India, was working in Qusais at the time of the incident. Despite the challenging evening traffic between Dubai and Sharjah, he immediately coordinated with colleagues to transport the child to medical facilities. Emergency services rushed the toddler to the hospital, but medical intervention proved unsuccessful.

    Local authorities demonstrated exceptional compassion by expediting administrative procedures, enabling the family to conduct burial services following Asr prayers in Dubai on Thursday. The funeral proceedings were marked by profound grief, with the mother collapsing upon viewing her son’s body and the father comforting her through shared anguish.

    The couple, who had welcomed their only child after six years of marriage, had anticipated this reunion as a celebration of family togetherness. The father had specifically taken time off work to greet his wife and son upon their arrival at Abu Dhabi International Airport just weeks earlier.

    Following the funeral, the grieving parents returned to their hometown in Kerala. Their employer has offered unlimited leave and comprehensive support, emphasizing the community’s commitment to helping the family navigate this profound loss. Friends report that the mother is gradually showing signs of emotional recovery through ongoing communication with supportive networks.

  • UAE’s du to invest in Singapore-India-Gulf subsea cable system for high data connectivity

    UAE’s du to invest in Singapore-India-Gulf subsea cable system for high data connectivity

    In a significant move to bolster digital infrastructure, UAE telecommunications provider du has entered a strategic partnership with Cyprus-based subsea infrastructure specialist Datawave Networks Limited. The collaboration centers on investment in and the landing of the Singapore-India-Gulf (SING) submarine cable system within the UAE.

    The next-generation SING cable is a major fiber optic network designed to interconnect six pivotal locations across the region: Kalba, UAE; Muscat, Oman; Mumbai, India; Chennai, India; Kedah, Malaysia; and Singapore. This infrastructure is engineered to provide ultra-high-capacity and exceptionally low-latency connectivity, creating a robust digital bridge linking the Middle East, South Asia, and Southeast Asia.

    A primary strategic objective of this project is to diversify international data pathways. By establishing a UAE landing point, the initiative will markedly reduce reliance on traditional and potentially vulnerable routes, such as those transiting the Red Sea corridor. This enhancement in route diversity is critical for strengthening global network resilience and ensuring uninterrupted data flow.

    The investment is a direct response to the UAE’s rapid emergence as a global hub for artificial intelligence (AI) innovation, advanced computing, and cloud expansion. This growth has triggered an exponential surge in demand for international bandwidth and premium low-latency connectivity. The SING cable’s flexible architecture is specifically tailored to allow hyperscalers, cloud providers, and major enterprises to scale their capacity efficiently, thereby supporting the accelerating adoption of AI and digital technologies across the UAE, the broader Gulf region, India, and Southeast Asia.

  • Ireland grinds out a shaky Six Nations win over Italy in second half fightback

    Ireland grinds out a shaky Six Nations win over Italy in second half fightback

    Dublin witnessed a tense Six Nations encounter on Saturday as Ireland narrowly overcame a determined Italian side 20-13 in a match that revealed significant concerns for the home team’s championship aspirations. Despite entering the game under pressure following their record 36-14 defeat to France—their worst Six Nations loss in 16 years—Andy Farrell’s squad delivered another underwhelming performance that failed to silence mounting doubts about their form.

    The match unfolded as a tale of two contrasting halves, with Italy making history by securing their first-ever halftime lead in Dublin. The visitors demonstrated remarkable progress from their traditional tournament underdog status, building on their opening victory against Scotland with courageous, inventive rugby that frequently exposed Irish vulnerabilities.

    Italy’s performance deserved greater reward, with two potential tries denied—one through a forward pass ruling and another lost to an unfortunate bounce. Their scrum dominance proved particularly alarming for Ireland, with prop Simone Ferrari consistently overpowering opposite number Jeremy Loughman and even managing to lift British and Irish Lions star Tadhg Furlong off his feet.

    Ireland’s response came through replacement playmakers Jamison Gibson-Park and Jack Crowley, whose second-half introduction provided crucial impetus. Winger Robert Baloucoune marked his first test appearance in over three years with a decisive try, while Crowley contributed vital points through conversions and penalties.

    The dramatic conclusion saw Ireland’s James Lowe intercepting Italy’s final attack beyond the 80-minute mark, yet instead of securing an easy penalty to deny Italy a losing bonus point, Ireland controversially pursued a fourth try only to kick the ball dead and end the match.

    The result sets up concerning prospects for Ireland’s upcoming clash against England at Twickenham, while Italy travels to face tournament favorites France with reinforced credibility and confidence.