Brazilian jiu-jitsu has rapidly become one of the toughest fighting arts in the world and a dominant discipline in all-styles martial contests. Can that level intensity and competition accommodate women wearing the hijab?
Well, it already does. Of the four Emirati women who competed in the Abu Dhabi World Professional Jiu-Jitsu Championship last week, Shamsa Hassan won gold in her category; Eman Mohammed took bronze in hers. All four wore the hijab.
In modern-day sport, the ability of women to compete at this level - wearing the hijab or not - should not even be an issue. But the hijab is still banned in international competitions, meaning that while the UAE's female competitors can successfully compete, they can only do so at home.
The coach of the UAE's women's team, Caroline De Lazzer, has called for the International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation to lift the ban. De Lazzer has some compelling arguments: female competitors already wear modified equipment for modesty; other international sports such as taekwondo permit the hijab; and Emirati competitors have already proven that it is not a problem.
We presume that it is just a matter of time before the ban is overturned. Just as the UAE has welcomed the world of jiu-jitsu, so too should that world welcome the UAE.
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October 18 – November 2
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Friday, October 18
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THE BIG THREE
NOVAK DJOKOVIC
19 grand slam singles titles
Wimbledon: 5 (2011, 14, 15, 18, 19)
French Open: 2 (2016, 21)
US Open: 3 (2011, 15, 18)
Australian Open: 9 (2008, 11, 12, 13, 15, 16, 19, 20, 21)
Prize money: $150m
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20 grand slam singles titles
Wimbledon: 8 (2003, 04, 05, 06, 07, 09, 12, 17)
French Open: 1 (2009)
US Open: 5 (2004, 05, 06, 07, 08)
Australian Open: 6 (2004, 06, 07, 10, 17, 18)
Prize money: $130m
RAFAEL NADAL
20 grand slam singles titles
Wimbledon: 2 (2008, 10)
French Open: 13 (2005, 06, 07, 08, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 17, 18, 19, 20)
US Open: 4 (2010, 13, 17, 19)
Australian Open: 1 (2009)
Prize money: $125m
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The West became aware of the catastrophe through a series of BBC News reports by journalist Michael Buerk in October 1984 describing a “biblical famine” and containing graphic images of thousands of people, including children, facing starvation.
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Dos
- Wear the right fabric for the right season and occasion
- Always ask for the dress code if you don’t know
- Wear a white kandura, white ghutra / shemagh (headwear) and black shoes for work
- Wear 100 per cent cotton under the kandura as most fabrics are polyester
Don’ts
- Wear hamdania for work, always wear a ghutra and agal
- Buy a kandura only based on how it feels; ask questions about the fabric and understand what you are buying
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- Individuals must register on UAE Drone app or website using their UAE Pass
- Add all their personal details, including name, nationality, passport number, Emiratis ID, email and phone number
- Upload the training certificate from a centre accredited by the GCAA
- Submit their request
What are the regulations?
- Fly it within visual line of sight
- Never over populated areas
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- Users must avoid flying over restricted areas listed on the UAE Drone app
- Only fly the drone during the day, and never at night
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- Drones must weigh 5 kg or less
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The bio
Favourite book: Peter Rabbit. I used to read it to my three children and still read it myself. If I am feeling down it brings back good memories.
Best thing about your job: Getting to help people. My mum always told me never to pass up an opportunity to do a good deed.
Best part of life in the UAE: The weather. The constant sunshine is amazing and there is always something to do, you have so many options when it comes to how to spend your day.
Favourite holiday destination: Malaysia. I went there for my honeymoon and ended up volunteering to teach local children for a few hours each day. It is such a special place and I plan to retire there one day.
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