Latest news with #AlDhaid
Time of India
6 hours ago
- Sport
- Time of India
Who is Andrea Pirlo, the Italian world cup legend appointed head coach of Dubai's United FC?
Pirlo's first match in charge of United FC is scheduled for September 20, when they face Al Dhaid in Dubai/ Image: X Italy's legendary midfielder and World Cup winner Andrea Pirlo has officially embarked on a fresh chapter in his managerial career as the newly appointed head coach of Dubai-based United FC. The club, only founded in 2022, has quickly risen through the ranks of UAE football and now looks to Pirlo's vast experience to push them toward greater heights in the country's competitive first division. A Landmark Signing for a Young Club United FC, also known as Dubai United, is a rapidly emerging Emirati professional football club. Founded just under three years ago in September 2022, the club immediately set ambitious goals for itself. Under the leadership of President Ilie Cebanu, the club has focused on laying a strong foundation both on and off the pitch. Playing home matches at Dubai's ISD Stadium Pitch, United FC has paired its investment in infrastructure with impressive on-field results. In their inaugural 2022-23 season, United FC earned promotion from the UAE Second Division by finishing second, boasting the best offensive and defensive records in the league. Their dramatic end to that campaign included crucial victories over Fleetwood United FC and Al-Hilal United FC, securing their spot in the UAE First Division for the 2025-26 season. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like TV providers are furious: this gadget gives you access to all channels Techno Mag Learn More Undo With such rapid progress, the appointment of Andrea Pirlo signals United FC's desire to establish themselves as a formidable force in the UAE. Club President Ilie Cebanu expressed his enthusiasm: 'We are proud to welcome Andrea to the United FC family. He embodies the values and ambitions of our club, and we believe he will be a key figure in taking us to the next level.' The club's official statement added: "United Football Club is delighted to officially announce the appointment of Andrea Pirlo as the new head coach of the first team. A World Cup winner with Italy in 2006 and one of the most iconic midfielders of his generation, Pirlo brings with him a unique footballing vision and valuable coaching experience gained at Juventus and Sampdoria. His arrival marks an exciting new chapter in United's history and reflects the club's growing ambitions on the football pitch in the UAE. " Andrea Pirlo: From Midfield Maestro to Managerial Mind Andrea Pirlo, now 46, is widely regarded as one of the best deep-lying playmakers in football history. Known for his sublime vision, impeccable technique, and exceptional free-kick ability, Pirlo's playing career is decorated with top honors. He played 116 matches for Italy, becoming a key figure in their 2006 FIFA World Cup triumph, where he earned the Bronze Ball and was named in the Team of the Tournament. Beyond that, he starred in multiple European Championships and World Cups, earning recognition among the world's elite midfielders. At club level, Pirlo's journey took him from his hometown Brescia to Inter Milan, then to AC Milan, where he won two Serie A titles and two UEFA Champions League trophies. Later, at Juventus, he collected four consecutive Serie A titles and domestic cups before finishing his playing career with a stint in MLS at New York City FC. He retired in 2017 after a remarkable 22-year professional career. Pirlo transitioned to coaching in 2020. His managerial timeline includes: Juventus (2020-2021): Taking over from Maurizio Sarri, Pirlo won the Supercoppa Italiana and Coppa Italia in his first year. Despite this, he was dismissed after one season due to a fourth-place Serie A finish and a round-of-16 exit in the Champions League. Fatih Karagümrük (2022-2023): Pirlo signed a one-year contract with the Istanbul-based Turkish Süper Lig club. Under his guidance, the team finished 9th. The club decided not to renew his contract before the season's end. Sampdoria (2023-2024): Appointed in June 2023 to lead the recently relegated Serie B club back to Serie A, Pirlo faced a challenging campaign. Sampdoria finished seventh and were eliminated in the promotion playoffs. A poor start to the following season led to his dismissal in August 2024. Despite these mixed managerial results, Pirlo remains a respected football thinker, known for his unique style and vision on the pitch. What Lies Ahead for Pirlo and United FC? Pirlo's appointment is more than a routine coaching hire; it is a statement by United FC about their ambitions in the UAE's football scene. For Pirlo, this role offers a significant opportunity to rebuild and redefine his coaching philosophy in a new environment. Having been out of management since August 2024, when he left Sampdoria, Pirlo arrives in Dubai refreshed and eager. The club confirmed that he has already arrived and will start training the team soon in preparation for the upcoming season. His first official match in charge is scheduled for September 20 against Al Dhaid.
Khaleej Times
7 hours ago
- General
- Khaleej Times
UAE: Meet teen gifted land by Fujairah Ruler 4 years ago, now known as 'the little farmer'
From rare Emirati date varieties to bold experiments with tropical fruits, the 9th edition of the Al Dhaid Date Festival put a spotlight on the UAE's growing spirit of agricultural innovation — one rooted in tradition but reaching toward the future. At the heart of this transformation is 17-year-old Sultan Ali Al-Khuzaymi, affectionately known as 'The Little Farmer'. At just 13, he received a plot of land as a gift from Sheikh Hamad bin Mohammed Al Sharqi, the Ruler of Fujairah. Since then, Sultan has cultivated a vibrant blend of traditional crops and experimental varieties, including lemons, figs, dates, and a unique palm tree of his own design. "One variety is gaining special attention for its unique qualities locally known as 'Bahri'. The term doesn't refer to a specific type of date, but rather to a feature: dates with a noticeably large seed inside. In simple terms, Bahri means 'with a seed'," explained Sultan. Now a recent high school graduate, Sultan plans to study agricultural engineering at UAE University. 'This is just the beginning,' he said, expressing his ambition to fuse Emirati heritage with modern techniques and imported varieties. Making every land count But Sultan isn't the only farmer making waves at this year's festival. Also capturing attention is Muhammad Al-Saadi, a seasoned farmer from the mountainous village of Nahwa. Over the years, he has quietly transformed turned his small, scattered plots into a hub of crop experimentation. Al-Saadi's farm, known locally for cultivating rare date varieties like Alwan and Khashkar, alongside Egyptian Zaghloul palms, has become a testing ground for crops seldom in the region, including moringa, Pakistani mangoes, figs, and the fast-growing papaya, also known as 'fefay'. Despite the limited space, Al-Saadi makes every metre count. By propagating a single offshoot into dozens, he not only boosts his farm's output but shares them with other farmers, helping diversify and strengthen the region's agricultural landscape. For Al-Saadi, farming is as much about community as it is abut cultivation. Collaborating with farmers across the region, Al Saadi regularly trades offshoots and seeds, testing imported crops for adaptability and quality. His standout success? Moringa — a fast-growing, resilient, multi-purpose tree that, as he says, 'comes right back' after cutting, making it perfect for small-scale farms. 'Not about dates anymore' The Al Dhaid festival, organised by the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI), was scheduled for its official inauguration on July 24 and will continue until July 27. New competition categories were introduced, including regional exclusives for Al Dhaid and the central region, which expands the event's reach, according to Director-General Mohammed Ahmed Amin Al Awadi. Farmers will compete across several categories, including popular date types like Khneizi, Khalas, and Shishi, along with two elite classes: the 'General Al Dhaid Elite Dates' and the 'Special Al Dhaid Elite Dates', reserved specifically for farmers from the Northern Emirates. 'It's not just about dates anymore,' said Al Awadi. 'We've added lemons, figs, and other fruits to promote broader agricultural development and food security.' Educational workshops held by the Chamber's Youth Council, the Sharjah Youth Council, and the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment are also helping farmers improve production and share sustainable practices. With more than 40 varieties of local dates and fruits on display, the Al Dhaid Date Festival has become more than just an agricultural showcase. It is now a testament to the UAE's next generation of farmers: young, resilient, and rooted in both tradition and change.
Gulf Today
6 days ago
- Sport
- Gulf Today
At least 1,000 camels compete in Sharjah 1,500 metre race
Under the patronage of His Highness Dr Sheikh Sultan Bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, Al Dhaid Camel Race Track hosted the Fatameen race for locally bred camels on Saturday. The event was organised and supervised by the Sharjah Camel Racing Club. A total of 1,000 young camels bred by members of local tribes competed across 18 heats, including eight for female participants from Al Dhaid, six in the open category, and four in the Saoub class. The race covered a distance of 1,500 metres. The event highlighted the growing enthusiasm for camel racing in Sharjah and the continued support of traditional heritage sports. WAM
Sharjah 24
18-07-2025
- General
- Sharjah 24
Emirati Heritage: Crafts and Customs Workshop at Al Dhaid Club
The workshop was presented by Emirati heritage researcher Khalifa Rashid bin Hamoud Al Tunaiji as part of the third week of the "I Am the Community" programme, held as part of the "Sharjah Sports Summer - Our Holiday Is Different" programe. Large Turnout The workshop was attended by a large number of participants, including members of the Sharjah City for Humanitarian Services - Al Dhaid branch, in an atmosphere brimming with heritage and belonging. The workshop was attended by Mr. Muhair Obaid Al Khayal Al Tunaiji, Executive Director of Al Dhaid Club, who praised the participants' interaction, stressing that the club will continue to organise such events that contribute to educating young people and instilling authentic Emirati values, enhancing their community awareness and sense of national belonging. Emirati Craftsmanship, Pillar of Cultural Heritage The workshop, held on Thursday, addressed the in-depth aspects of Emirati craftsmanship as a pillar of cultural heritage. The lecturer reviewed the most prominent aspects of social behaviour and etiquette in Emirati society, from welcoming guests to the etiquette of gatherings, pouring coffee, welcoming visitors, and dealing with special occasions.
Zawya
16-07-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Sharjah Chamber finalises preparations for 9th Al Dhaid Date Festival, set to open on July 23
Sharjah: The Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI) has finalised all preparations to launch the 9th edition of the Al Dhaid Date Festival, which will take place from July 23 to 27 at Expo Al Dhaid. This year's edition will feature extensive participation from palm farmers and date producers from across the UAE, alongside government entities, private agricultural organisations, and home-based businesses. The Al Dhaid Date Festival is one of the most important economic, heritage-themed, and agricultural events annually organised by the Sharjah Chamber. It focuses on promoting palm cultivation by encouraging farmers to implement advanced agricultural practices to enhance palm tree protection and date quality, thereby contributing to the UAE's food security and sustainable agricultural growth. This year's festival will feature multiple competitions with substantial prizes allocated to winners, categorised into major segments, including 'Ratb (Date) Beauty' Contest, 'Best Lemons', 'Fig Contest', 'Ratb Al Kharaif Beauty' Contest for children, and a homegrown date competition (only for women). Furthermore, the festival will host a variety of cultural and heritage-themed activities, as well as a series of workshops focused on modern agricultural methods and palm tree care. These events aim to foster agricultural innovation and drive the adoption of advanced agricultural techniques to increase productivity and improve product quality. In his remarks, H.E. Mohammad Amin Al Awadi, Director-General of SCCI, emphasised that the festival aligns with Sharjah's strategic vision of promoting sustainable food security through agriculture that combines inherited traditions with modern technologies. 'Al Dhaid Date Festival serves as a vital platform to support agricultural growth in Sharjah, enabling hundreds of farmers to adopt best practices, innovate, and engage in knowledge-sharing with investors and young entrepreneurs. This contributes to economic empowerment, promotes palm cultivation as a strategic crop, and strengthens Al Dhaid's position as a leading agricultural and tourism destination,' he added. The festival will commence on July 23 with the 'Best Lemons', 'Fig Contest' and 'Ratb Al Kharaif Beauty' competitions, to be followed by the 'Khneizi Dates Beauty Contest' on July 24 and 'Al-Khalas Dates Beauty Contest' on Friday, July 25. On Saturday, July 26, the festival will host the 'Shishi Dates' competition, while the festival's concluding day (Sunday, July 27), will announce the winners of both the 'General Dhaid Elite Dates' and the 'Northern Emirates Dhaid Elite Dates' competitions. The Organising Committee of the Al Dhaid Date Festival has set a few general conditions and specific terms for participation in dates competitions of this year's edition. These include using locally produced dates for the 2025 season that are only grown in the participants' own farms. Participants must also present dates that are at an optimal ripeness stage. The dates should be free from insect infestations, dead insects, or any apparent defects, weigh 4kg, and be presented in a traditional basket, with specific conditions applying to elite categories and the lemon and fig contests. Participation in the home-grown dates competition is limited to women from the Northern Emirates, while the children competition is restricted to participants from Sharjah's Central Region, to maximize community engagement and promote inclusivity. For further information, please contact: Ali Elgendy Misbar Communications ali@ Ahmad Aldwairi Misbar Communications
