United Arab Emirates

The El Al airliner made the three-hour trip, carrying a delegation of Israeli and US officials.

The flight was allowed to cross Saudi Arabian airspace, normally blocked to Israeli air traffic.

The UAE has become only the third Arab country in the Middle East to recognise Israel since its founding in 1948.

On Saturday, the UAE repealed a law boycotting Israel which had been in place since 1972, and last month the two countries opened direct telephone services for the first time.

Ambassador ‘Akau’ola’s credentials were received by Sheik Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai.

Ambassador ‘Akau’ola had the great honour being first of the 12 ambassadors to present credentials to Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.

The establishment of a Tongan Embassy in the UAE is an incredible milestone for the Kingdom of Tonga and marks the fruition of new but on going relations between the small island Kingdom and the UAE.

United Arab Emirates batted first and finished the innings all out for 221.

With the Duckworth/Lewis method in play, the target was reduced to a 170 for victory in 28 overs.

A batting collapse in the top order led to their demise as the Barras were bowled out for 113.

“I didn’t start too well in my first over, but I managed to pull it back after that. Overall I was very happy with my death bowling, which has been a key part of my game over the past couple of months,” said fast bowler, Norman Vanua. 

The Hebou PNG Barramundis:

1.         Assad Vala (Captain)

2.         Vani Vagi Morea

3.         Lega Siaka

4.         Tony Ura

5.         Sese Bau

6.         Mahuru Dai

7.         Damien Ravu

8.         John Boge Reva

9.         Alei Nao

10.       Jason Kila

11.       Chad Soper

12.       Kipling Doriga

13.       Norman Vanua

14.       Jack Vare-Kevere

15.       Charles Amini Jnr

Coach: Joe Dawes

The match will start at 5:30 PM PGT.

UAE captain, Rohan Mustafa, led the way for his side, blasting a 109 to help set up a target of 251.

Barras’ captain, Assad Vala, was the pick of the bowlers, taking 3/30.

The Barras got off to a positive start with openers Tony Ura (40) and Vani Vagi Morea (36) putting on an opening partnership of 76 for the first wicket.

But their dismissals triggered a batting collapse and their demise, with the Barras being all bowled out for 148 inside 35 overs.

With the ball in hand, Mustafa was just as lethal with a maiden five wicket hall.

A statement carried by the UAE's official WAM news agency identified the British hostage as Robert Douglas Semple, after initially referring to him as Douglas Robert Semple. It said Semple, 64, had been working as a petroleum engineer in the Yemeni province of Hadramawt when he was kidnapped in February 2014. The statement did not say where Semple had been held in Yemen or provide any details on the rescue.