With the transfer window in England having come to a close on Tuesday, Richard Jolly gives his pick of the top five deals done by Premier League sides.
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Andre Ayew (Swansea City)
A sensational signing. The Ghanaian struck in the draw at Chelsea and the win over Newcastle United. He scored one and made the other in victory over Manchester United. He arrived on a free transfer. He is quick, versatile and very talented.
Bakary Sako (Crystal Palace)
Another fine free transfer. Yohan Cabaye was the statement signing, and is a class act, but the muscular, aggressive Sako’s eye for goal has helped propel Palace to second. He scored a debut winner against Aston Villa and got the opener in the win at Chelsea.
Raheem Sterling (Man City)
Yes, £49 million (Dh275m) is a lot to pay for a work in progress. But Sterling has started superbly at City, helping to give them width. He is already combining well with David Silva. Adding Kevin de Bruyne to the side makes for a mouth-watering prospect.
Matteo Darmian (Man United)
United have paid over the odds for many a player. They seem to have got Darmian cheap, spending just £12.7m to get a player who looks defensively solid and quick on the counter. The Italy international already appears their best right-back since Gary Neville.
Dimitri Payet (West Ham United)
Payet created more chances last season than anyone else in Europe’s top five leagues. For the comparatively meagre sum of £10.7m, West Ham have found a high-class inventor, whose excellence was apparent in their away wins over Arsenal and Liverpool.
Blackpink World Tour [Born Pink] In Cinemas
Starring: Rose, Jisoo, Jennie, Lisa
Directors: Min Geun, Oh Yoon-Dong
Rating: 3/5
Israel Palestine on Swedish TV 1958-1989
Director: Goran Hugo Olsson
Rating: 5/5
How to protect yourself when air quality drops
Install an air filter in your home.
Close your windows and turn on the AC.
Shower or bath after being outside.
Wear a face mask.
Stay indoors when conditions are particularly poor.
If driving, turn your engine off when stationary.
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Know before you go
- Jebel Akhdar is a two-hour drive from Muscat airport or a six-hour drive from Dubai. It’s impossible to visit by car unless you have a 4x4. Phone ahead to the hotel to arrange a transfer.
- If you’re driving, make sure your insurance covers Oman.
- By air: Budget airlines Air Arabia, Flydubai and SalamAir offer direct routes to Muscat from the UAE.
- Tourists from the Emirates (UAE nationals not included) must apply for an Omani visa online before arrival at evisa.rop.gov.om. The process typically takes several days.
- Flash floods are probable due to the terrain and a lack of drainage. Always check the weather before venturing into any canyons or other remote areas and identify a plan of escape that includes high ground, shelter and parking where your car won’t be overtaken by sudden downpours.
The biog
Name: Mariam Ketait
Emirate: Dubai
Hobbies: I enjoy travelling, experiencing new things, painting, reading, flying, and the French language
Favourite quote: "Be the change you wish to see" - unknown
Favourite activity: Connecting with different cultures
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The specs
Engine: 2.7-litre 4-cylinder Turbomax
Power: 310hp
Torque: 583Nm
Transmission: 8-speed automatic
Price: From Dh192,500
On sale: Now
Honeymoonish
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EDirector%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Elie%20El%20Samaan%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EStarring%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3ENour%20Al%20Ghandour%2C%20Mahmoud%20Boushahri%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ERating%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%203%2F5%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
The Perfect Couple
Starring: Nicole Kidman, Liev Schreiber, Jack Reynor
Creator: Jenna Lamia
Rating: 3/5
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How to help
Send “thenational” to the following numbers or call the hotline on: 0502955999
2289 – Dh10
2252 – Dh 50
6025 – Dh20
6027 – Dh 100
6026 – Dh 200
ZAYED SUSTAINABILITY PRIZE
Company%20Profile
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COMPANY%20PROFILE
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The specs
Engine: 2-litre 4-cylinder and 3.6-litre 6-cylinder
Power: 220 and 280 horsepower
Torque: 350 and 360Nm
Transmission: eight-speed automatic
Price: from Dh136,521 VAT and Dh166,464 VAT
On sale: now