The speeds were considerably lower than the racetrack has been used to. So was the noise level. But Yas Marina Circuit, which two weeks ago was home to the glamour of the Abu Dhabi Formula One Grand Prix, was back in business Saturday, if at a far more leisurely pace.
Over 2,000 people, young and old, turned out to take part in a 10km run at the Yas Marina Circuit. The event included members of the UAE athletics team such as Faris Al Sultan, the UAE triathlete; he finished eighth.
The event also provided an opportunity for many non-professionals to test out the famous track. "It was a fantastic experience running with so many people," said Tina Wyrill, 27, from the UK. "There was a great energy on the track especially when we were crossing over the finish line as not everyone can say they have completed a 10km on an F1 track."
A day earlier, almost 10,000 people took part in another event at the Circuit, a 5k "Walk For Life" walkathon aimed at raising awareness for diabetes and promoting a healthy lifestyle. The event, organised by Imperial College London Diabetes Centre, also provided entertainment and activities for the many families who participated.
The Grand Prix comes around just once annually, so it is encouraging to see that the Yas Marina Circuit is welcoming all year round.
Changing visa rules
For decades the UAE has granted two and three year visas to foreign workers, tied to their current employer. Now that's changing.
Last year, the UAE cabinet also approved providing 10-year visas to foreigners with investments in the UAE of at least Dh10 million, if non-real estate assets account for at least 60 per cent of the total. Investors can bring their spouses and children into the country.
It also approved five-year residency to owners of UAE real estate worth at least 5 million dirhams.
The government also said that leading academics, medical doctors, scientists, engineers and star students would be eligible for similar long-term visas, without the need for financial investments in the country.
The first batch - 20 finalists for the Mohammed bin Rashid Medal for Scientific Distinction.- were awarded in January and more are expected to follow.
Real estate tokenisation project
Dubai launched the pilot phase of its real estate tokenisation project last month.
The initiative focuses on converting real estate assets into digital tokens recorded on blockchain technology and helps in streamlining the process of buying, selling and investing, the Dubai Land Department said.
Dubai’s real estate tokenisation market is projected to reach Dh60 billion ($16.33 billion) by 2033, representing 7 per cent of the emirate’s total property transactions, according to the DLD.
Paatal Lok season two
Directors: Avinash Arun, Prosit Roy
Stars: Jaideep Ahlawat, Ishwak Singh, Lc Sekhose, Merenla Imsong
Rating: 4.5/5
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World Cup warm up matches
May 24 Pakistan v Afghanistan, Bristol; Sri Lanka v South Africa, Cardiff
May 25 England v Australia, Southampton; India v New Zealand, The Oval
May 26 South Africa v West Indies, Bristol; Pakistan v Bangladesh, Cardiff
May 27 Australia v Sri Lanka, Southampton; England v Afghanistan, The Oval
May 28 West Indies v New Zealand, Bristol; Bangladesh v India, Cardiff
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