The Arabian Gulf League 2016/17 season kicks off on Friday night with three matches across the Emirates. Ahead of the new UAE domestic season, John McAuley takes a look at the league’s new managers and their tasks ahead.
• For more, see John McAuley's other preview items: Emiratis to watch | Foreigners to watch
Rodolfo Arruabarrena (Al Wasl)
The Argentine, 41, replaces Gabriel Calderon following an initially successful two-year spell with South American giants Boca Juniors. He led the club to the 2015 Argentine Primera Division title and the Copa Argentina crown. However, Arruabarrena was dismissed in February after a poor start to the new campaign. Needs to better Wasl’s sixth-place finish last season.
Fred Rutten (Al Shabab)
Seeking a shift from Brazilians, Shabab swapped Caio Junior for Rutten, the Dutch manager with a wealth of experience. Previously employed by, among others, PSV Eindhoven, Schalke and Feyenoord, the 53-year-old left the latter last year having secured a fourth-placed finish in the Eredivisie. Was installed at Shabab in May so has had significant time with new side.
Pablo Repetto (Baniyas)
The Uruguayan, 42, arrives in Abu Dhabi on the back of almost taking Ecuadorian minnows Independiente del Valle to Copa Libertadores glory. Although his side were defeated in the final, Repetto had already agreed to replace Abdullah Misfir at Baniyas. Has managed a number of clubs in his homeland, while also enjoying a brief spell in Bolivia.
Giorgos Donis (Sharjah)
After initially rejecting Sharjah’s offer, the no-nonsense Greek, 46, decided to accept, succeeding Abdulaziz Al Anbari at the ambitious UAE club. Has experience of Gulf football having spent 15 months at Saudi Arabia heavyweights Al Hilal. Won the King’s Cup and Crown Prince Cup there, and took club to 2015 Asian Champions League semi-final. Was dismissed in May.
Paulo Sergio (Dibba)
With Theo Bucker first staying put but eventually leaving for Emirates club, Dibba moved for the much-travelled Sergio. The 48-year-old has managed various clubs in his native Portugal, most notably a disappointing nine-month spell at Sporting Lisbon from 2010. Led Hearts to 2012 Scottish Cup success. Last managed Academia in his homeland.
Fabio Viviani (Kalba)
A curious choice by the newly promoted side, who last month dismissed Division One-winning manager Mourad Okbi. Instead, Kalba recruited Viviani, 49, who recently spent two years on the backroom staff of Italy’s Palermo – a role that included a one-match stint as caretaker manager. Previously assistant manager at Udinese in Serie A, he also managed lower-division Italian clubs.
RACECARD
4.30pm Jebel Jais – Maiden (PA) Dh60,000 (Turf) 1,000m
5pm: Jabel Faya – Maiden (PA) Dh60,000 (T) 1,000m
5.30pm: Al Wathba Stallions Cup – Handicap (PA) Dh70,000 (T) 2,200m
6pm: The President’s Cup Prep – Conditions (PA) Dh100,000 (T) 2,200m
6.30pm: Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club – Prestige (PA) Dh125,000 (T) 1,600m
7pm: Al Ruwais – Group 3 (PA) Dh300,000 (T) 1,200m
7.30pm: Jebel Hafeet – Maiden (TB) Dh80,000 (T) 1,400m
Monster Hunter: World
Capcom
PlayStation 4, Xbox One
THE SPECS
Engine: Four-cylinder 2.5-litre
Transmission: Seven-speed auto
Power: 165hp
Torque: 241Nm
Price: Dh99,900 to Dh134,000
On sale: now
The Perfect Couple
Starring: Nicole Kidman, Liev Schreiber, Jack Reynor
Creator: Jenna Lamia
Rating: 3/5
Jawan
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Cultural fiesta
What: The Al Burda Festival
When: November 14 (from 10am)
Where: Warehouse421, Abu Dhabi
The Al Burda Festival is a celebration of Islamic art and culture, featuring talks, performances and exhibitions. Organised by the Ministry of Culture and Knowledge Development, this one-day event opens with a session on the future of Islamic art. With this in mind, it is followed by a number of workshops and “masterclass” sessions in everything from calligraphy and typography to geometry and the origins of Islamic design. There will also be discussions on subjects including ‘Who is the Audience for Islamic Art?’ and ‘New Markets for Islamic Design.’ A live performance from Kuwaiti guitarist Yousif Yaseen should be one of the highlights of the day.
Our legal columnist
Name: Yousef Al Bahar
Advocate at Al Bahar & Associate Advocates and Legal Consultants, established in 1994
Education: Mr Al Bahar was born in 1979 and graduated in 2008 from the Judicial Institute. He took after his father, who was one of the first Emirati lawyers
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The specs
Engine: 2-litre or 3-litre 4Motion all-wheel-drive Power: 250Nm (2-litre); 340 (3-litre) Torque: 450Nm Transmission: 8-speed automatic Starting price: From Dh212,000 On sale: Now
BEETLEJUICE BEETLEJUICE
Starring: Winona Ryder, Michael Keaton, Jenny Ortega
Director: Tim Burton
Rating: 3/5
THE DETAILS
Director: Milan Jhaveri
Producer: Emmay Entertainment and T-Series
Cast: John Abraham, Manoj Bajpayee
Rating: 2/5