The UAE Football Association say they have entered the final stage of negotiations for the vacant national team job and are hoping an announcement as to Mahdi Ali’s successor can be made in the coming days.
On Wednesday, speculation mounted that Argentine Edgardo Bauza had agreed to terms to fill the void left by Mahdi Ali’s resignation last month, with reports claiming he was set to travel to the Emirates at the beginning of next week to finalise the deal. However, the UAEFA rejected those as nothing more than rumour. The governing body had chosen two potential candidates for the role, who were understood to be Bauza and Colombian Reinaldo Rueda.
A move for Rueda, 60, was complicated by the fact the FA were not dealing directly with the right representative of the former Colombia, Honduras and Ecuador national team manager. Yet they have since done so, with Rueda now favourite to land the job.
Rueda is currently in charge of Atletico Nacional in his homeland, the club he guided to last year’s Copa Libertadores crown.
Bauza, meanwhile, was dismissed earlier this month as Argentina manager with the South American heavyweights fifth in qualification for next year’s World Cup – one place outside the automatic qualification berths. Bauza lasted only eight months in the role.
The UAE are attempting to make Russia, too, and therefore the FA understand the need to quickly install a new man at the helm. The national team resume their bid in little more than seven weeks to make what would be only a second global finals, when they face Thailand in Bangkok on June 13.
At present, the UAE sit fourth in Group B in the final stage of qualification, seven points off the automatic qualification spots. With three matches remaining, they lie four points back from Australia in third, the position that guarantees entry into a series of play-offs to reach the World Cup.
jmcauley@thenational.ae
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Other workplace saving schemes
- The UAE government announced a retirement savings plan for private and free zone sector employees in 2023.
- Dubai’s savings retirement scheme for foreign employees working in the emirate’s government and public sector came into effect in 2022.
- National Bonds unveiled a Golden Pension Scheme in 2022 to help private-sector foreign employees with their financial planning.
- In April 2021, Hayah Insurance unveiled a workplace savings plan to help UAE employees save for their retirement.
- Lunate, an Abu Dhabi-based investment manager, has launched a fund that will allow UAE private companies to offer employees investment returns on end-of-service benefits.
Guide to intelligent investing
Investing success often hinges on discipline and perspective. As markets fluctuate, remember these guiding principles:
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Formula Middle East Calendar (Formula Regional and Formula 4)
Round 1: January 17-19, Yas Marina Circuit – Abu Dhabi
Round 2: January 22-23, Yas Marina Circuit – Abu Dhabi
Round 3: February 7-9, Dubai Autodrome – Dubai
Round 4: February 14-16, Yas Marina Circuit – Abu Dhabi
Round 5: February 25-27, Jeddah Corniche Circuit – Saudi Arabia
Chef Nobu's advice for eating sushi
“One mistake people always make is adding extra wasabi. There is no need for this, because it should already be there between the rice and the fish.
“When eating nigiri, you must dip the fish – not the rice – in soy sauce, otherwise the rice will collapse. Also, don’t use too much soy sauce or it will make you thirsty. For sushi rolls, dip a little of the rice-covered roll lightly in soy sauce and eat in one bite.
“Chopsticks are acceptable, but really, I recommend using your fingers for sushi. Do use chopsticks for sashimi, though.
“The ginger should be eaten separately as a palette cleanser and used to clear the mouth when switching between different pieces of fish.”
The years Ramadan fell in May
If you go
Where to stay: Courtyard by Marriott Titusville Kennedy Space Centre has unparalleled views of the Indian River. Alligators can be spotted from hotel room balconies, as can several rocket launch sites. The hotel also boasts cool space-themed decor.
When to go: Florida is best experienced during the winter months, from November to May, before the humidity kicks in.
How to get there: Emirates currently flies from Dubai to Orlando five times a week.
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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.
The currency conundrum
Russ Mould, investment director at online trading platform AJ Bell, says almost every major currency has challenges right now. “The US has a huge budget deficit, the euro faces political friction and poor growth, sterling is bogged down by Brexit, China’s renminbi is hit by debt fears while slowing Chinese growth is hurting commodity exporters like Australia and Canada.”
Most countries now actively want a weak currency to make their exports more competitive. “China seems happy to let the renminbi drift lower, the Swiss are still running quantitative easing at full tilt and central bankers everywhere are actively talking down their currencies or offering only limited support," says Mr Mould.
This is a race to the bottom, and everybody wants to be a winner.
