For those of you running tomorrow's Dubai Marathon, the training miles will already have been run. As the countdown to race day begins, your mind will turn to last-minute preparations: what to eat and drink and, perhaps most importantly, what to wear on your feet. Choosing a pair of trainers used to be a simple shopping decision. But selecting the right pair of shoes from the thousands of styles on sale is now a bewildering task. What's more, say sport scientists and physiotherapists who have been analysing the burgeoning trainer market, make the wrong decision and you could pay the price in the form of leg, back or foot pain that will prevent you from running a step.
Running is a cheap and effective way to keep healthy, but there is no denying that it is a high-impact activity. Each time your foot strikes the ground, a shock equivalent to three times your body weight reverberates from the feet, through the legs and into the spine. Wear inappropriate shoes and you risk suffering shin splints, knee and back pain and tendonitis. Despite advances in shoe technology and manufacturers' claims that their products have advanced features to protect the injury-prone, the latest studies suggest that anything between 40-70 per cent of runners are hurt doing their favourite activity every year. Often, say the experts, running shoes are partly or entirely to blame.
"It's so easy just to pick up a pair or running shoes and be wooed into buying them because of the marketing slogans or the claims that are made about them," says Sammy Margo, a spokesperson for the Chartered Society of Physiotherapists. "What may be good for one person could injure another. It's vital to seek out professional advice when buying any kind of shoe to exercise in but you should also think about what you want them for." Today's trainers offer a range of special features such as anti-pronation devices (designed to prevent feet from rolling inward too much), super-cushioning and extra stability to correct gait problems and awkward running styles.
But in a report, published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine last year, Dr Craig Richards from the University of Newcastle in Australia analysed a range of so-called "prescription" running shoes and found not a scrap of evidence to show the shoes helped prevent or improve injuries. "We searched for studies which compared adult runners who wore modern running shoes, with elevated cushioned heels and pronation-control features tailored to foot type, with those running in bare feet," Richards says. "We restricted our searches to studies which measured the impact of wearing these shoes on a real-world outcomes such as distance running performance, musculoskeletal injury rates, osteoarthritis risk, enjoyment of running or overall health and quality of life. We failed to find a single published study."
So how do you choose a shoe that is going to help rather than hinder performance? Spending top dollar certainly isn't the answer. Some researchers have found that runners who wear more expensive shoes are twice as likely to get injured than those who opt for cheaper designs. In one recent study, Professor Rami Abboud, an orthopaedic surgeon at the University of Dundee's Ninewells Hospital and Medical School, found that a £40 (Dh215) pair of running shoes was as effective, in terms of cushioning and overall comfort, as a pair costing twice as much. "Our advice when shopping for trainers is to try them on, decide which ones seem to fit the best and don't judge them by the price tag," Abboud says. "Expensive trainers may seem to offer more, but you may not need more. In fact, the added extras can cause problems if they don't suit your feet."
Louise Sutton, the head of the Carnegie Centre for Sports Performance and Wellbeing at Leeds Metropolitan University, recommends a shoe with a reasonable amount of cushioning, but not too much. "Highly cushioned trainers are only necessary for people with high arches who need help absorbing impact when they land," she says. "For the rest of us, too much cushioning in the sole of a shoe can literally cause us to wobble out of control when we run, potentially causing strains and injuries." Never wear cross trainers to run in as they provide too little support for the forward to backward motion of running, Sutton says. "And if you are a relative newcomer to the sport, don't opt for any anti-pronation or stability features as they could lead to more problems than they solve."
Wearing trainers that are past their best is another way to raise the likelihood of injury. "Cushioning in the midsole diminishes with age and trainers are literally worn out after 500-800km of wear and tear," says Margo. "Look at the soles to see if there is any tread left - if the pattern has worn away, then there is little protection. If the white midsole looks flattened, the trainers are worn out. Also, take out the removable insole and check whether it has worn away at the ball of the foot or the heel. All of these are signs that you need a new pair."
Experts even suggest that periodically ditching trainers altogether is no bad thing. Emerging research into the benefits of barefoot running are proving that it produces fewer injuries than trainer wearing. In Australia, physiotherapists showed how the extra weight of trainers impeded performance far more than a few excess pounds around the midriff. Ease yourself into it gently by going shoe-free at home until you can manage 30 minutes at a time - it can take a while to develop thickening of the skin and for muscles and ligaments to adapt, but you can then progress to gentle barefoot workouts on springy grass or sand.
Ironically, many sport shoe manufacturers are now catching onto the concept by designing trainers that precisely mimic the form and movement of the human foot. For Dr Richards, shoes such as Dunlop Volleys - a basic canvas plimsoll with a thin PVC sole, thin foam inner sole, no arch support and a very slight heel elevation that have sold in their millions over the last 50 years - are as good as any. Even wearing them in a mini triathlon, Dr Richards says his "gait felt natural and very similar to going barefoot". Could the flashy trainer have had its day?
Guide to intelligent investing
Investing success often hinges on discipline and perspective. As markets fluctuate, remember these guiding principles:
- Stay invested: Time in the market, not timing the market, is critical to long-term gains.
- Rational thinking: Breathe and avoid emotional decision-making; let logic and planning guide your actions.
- Strategic patience: Understand why you’re investing and allow time for your strategies to unfold.
COMPANY PROFILE
Founders: Alhaan Ahmed, Alyina Ahmed and Maximo Tettamanzi
Total funding: Self funded
The Sand Castle
Director: Matty Brown
Stars: Nadine Labaki, Ziad Bakri, Zain Al Rafeea, Riman Al Rafeea
Rating: 2.5/5
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.
German intelligence warnings
- 2002: "Hezbollah supporters feared becoming a target of security services because of the effects of [9/11] ... discussions on Hezbollah policy moved from mosques into smaller circles in private homes." Supporters in Germany: 800
- 2013: "Financial and logistical support from Germany for Hezbollah in Lebanon supports the armed struggle against Israel ... Hezbollah supporters in Germany hold back from actions that would gain publicity." Supporters in Germany: 950
- 2023: "It must be reckoned with that Hezbollah will continue to plan terrorist actions outside the Middle East against Israel or Israeli interests." Supporters in Germany: 1,250
Source: Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution
Paatal Lok season two
Directors: Avinash Arun, Prosit Roy
Stars: Jaideep Ahlawat, Ishwak Singh, Lc Sekhose, Merenla Imsong
Rating: 4.5/5
Cryopreservation: A timeline
- Keyhole surgery under general anaesthetic
- Ovarian tissue surgically removed
- Tissue processed in a high-tech facility
- Tissue re-implanted at a time of the patient’s choosing
- Full hormone production regained within 4-6 months
The specs
Engine: Dual 180kW and 300kW front and rear motors
Power: 480kW
Torque: 850Nm
Transmission: Single-speed automatic
Price: From Dh359,900 ($98,000)
On sale: Now
The specs
Engine: Four electric motors, one at each wheel
Power: 579hp
Torque: 859Nm
Transmission: Single-speed automatic
Price: From Dh825,900
On sale: Now
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
5 of the most-popular Airbnb locations in Dubai
Bobby Grudziecki, chief operating officer of Frank Porter, identifies the five most popular areas in Dubai for those looking to make the most out of their properties and the rates owners can secure:
• Dubai Marina
The Marina and Jumeirah Beach Residence are popular locations, says Mr Grudziecki, due to their closeness to the beach, restaurants and hotels.
Frank Porter’s average Airbnb rent:
One bedroom: Dh482 to Dh739
Two bedroom: Dh627 to Dh960
Three bedroom: Dh721 to Dh1,104
• Downtown
Within walking distance of the Dubai Mall, Burj Khalifa and the famous fountains, this location combines business and leisure. “Sure it’s for tourists,” says Mr Grudziecki. “Though Downtown [still caters to business people] because it’s close to Dubai International Financial Centre."
Frank Porter’s average Airbnb rent:
One bedroom: Dh497 to Dh772
Two bedroom: Dh646 to Dh1,003
Three bedroom: Dh743 to Dh1,154
• City Walk
The rising star of the Dubai property market, this area is lined with pristine sidewalks, boutiques and cafes and close to the new entertainment venue Coca Cola Arena. “Downtown and Marina are pretty much the same prices,” Mr Grudziecki says, “but City Walk is higher.”
Frank Porter’s average Airbnb rent:
One bedroom: Dh524 to Dh809
Two bedroom: Dh682 to Dh1,052
Three bedroom: Dh784 to Dh1,210
• Jumeirah Lake Towers
Dubai Marina’s little brother JLT resides on the other side of Sheikh Zayed road but is still close enough to beachside outlets and attractions. The big selling point for Airbnb renters, however, is that “it’s cheaper than Dubai Marina”, Mr Grudziecki says.
Frank Porter’s average Airbnb rent:
One bedroom: Dh422 to Dh629
Two bedroom: Dh549 to Dh818
Three bedroom: Dh631 to Dh941
• Palm Jumeirah
Palm Jumeirah's proximity to luxury resorts is attractive, especially for big families, says Mr Grudziecki, as Airbnb renters can secure competitive rates on one of the world’s most famous tourist destinations.
Frank Porter’s average Airbnb rent:
One bedroom: Dh503 to Dh770
Two bedroom: Dh654 to Dh1,002
Three bedroom: Dh752 to Dh1,152
Dubai Bling season three
Cast: Loujain Adada, Zeina Khoury, Farhana Bodi, Ebraheem Al Samadi, Mona Kattan, and couples Safa & Fahad Siddiqui and DJ Bliss & Danya Mohammed
Rating: 1/5
Vidaamuyarchi
Director: Magizh Thirumeni
Stars: Ajith Kumar, Arjun Sarja, Trisha Krishnan, Regina Cassandra
Rating: 4/5
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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 five pillars of Islam
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The five new places of worship
Church of South Indian Parish
St Andrew's Church Mussaffah branch
St Andrew's Church Al Ain branch
St John's Baptist Church, Ruwais
Church of the Virgin Mary and St Paul the Apostle, Ruwais
The%20Killer
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Emergency
Director: Kangana Ranaut
Stars: Kangana Ranaut, Anupam Kher, Shreyas Talpade, Milind Soman, Mahima Chaudhry
Rating: 2/5
COMPANY%20PROFILE%20
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Company Profile
Company name: OneOrder
Started: October 2021
Founders: Tamer Amer and Karim Maurice
Based: Cairo, Egypt
Industry: technology, logistics
Investors: A15 and self-funded
EA Sports FC 25
Developer: EA Vancouver, EA Romania
Publisher: EA Sports
Consoles: Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4&5, Xbox One and Xbox Series X/S
Rating: 3.5/5
Top tips
Create and maintain a strong bond between yourself and your child, through sensitivity, responsiveness, touch, talk and play. “The bond you have with your kids is the blueprint for the relationships they will have later on in life,” says Dr Sarah Rasmi, a psychologist.
Set a good example. Practise what you preach, so if you want to raise kind children, they need to see you being kind and hear you explaining to them what kindness is. So, “narrate your behaviour”.
Praise the positive rather than focusing on the negative. Catch them when they’re being good and acknowledge it.
Show empathy towards your child’s needs as well as your own. Take care of yourself so that you can be calm, loving and respectful, rather than angry and frustrated.
Be open to communication, goal-setting and problem-solving, says Dr Thoraiya Kanafani. “It is important to recognise that there is a fine line between positive parenting and becoming parents who overanalyse their children and provide more emotional context than what is in the child’s emotional development to understand.”
The specs
Engine: 4.0-litre flat-six
Torque: 450Nm at 6,100rpm
Transmission: 7-speed PDK auto or 6-speed manual
Fuel economy, combined: 13.8L/100km
On sale: Available to order now
Mercer, the investment consulting arm of US services company Marsh & McLennan, expects its wealth division to at least double its assets under management (AUM) in the Middle East as wealth in the region continues to grow despite economic headwinds, a company official said.
Mercer Wealth, which globally has $160 billion in AUM, plans to boost its AUM in the region to $2-$3bn in the next 2-3 years from the present $1bn, said Yasir AbuShaban, a Dubai-based principal with Mercer Wealth.
“Within the next two to three years, we are looking at reaching $2 to $3 billion as a conservative estimate and we do see an opportunity to do so,” said Mr AbuShaban.
Mercer does not directly make investments, but allocates clients’ money they have discretion to, to professional asset managers. They also provide advice to clients.
“We have buying power. We can negotiate on their (client’s) behalf with asset managers to provide them lower fees than they otherwise would have to get on their own,” he added.
Mercer Wealth’s clients include sovereign wealth funds, family offices, and insurance companies among others.
From its office in Dubai, Mercer also looks after Africa, India and Turkey, where they also see opportunity for growth.
Wealth creation in Middle East and Africa (MEA) grew 8.5 per cent to $8.1 trillion last year from $7.5tn in 2015, higher than last year’s global average of 6 per cent and the second-highest growth in a region after Asia-Pacific which grew 9.9 per cent, according to consultancy Boston Consulting Group (BCG). In the region, where wealth grew just 1.9 per cent in 2015 compared with 2014, a pickup in oil prices has helped in wealth generation.
BCG is forecasting MEA wealth will rise to $12tn by 2021, growing at an annual average of 8 per cent.
Drivers of wealth generation in the region will be split evenly between new wealth creation and growth of performance of existing assets, according to BCG.
Another general trend in the region is clients’ looking for a comprehensive approach to investing, according to Mr AbuShaban.
“Institutional investors or some of the families are seeing a slowdown in the available capital they have to invest and in that sense they are looking at optimizing the way they manage their portfolios and making sure they are not investing haphazardly and different parts of their investment are working together,” said Mr AbuShaban.
Some clients also have a higher appetite for risk, given the low interest-rate environment that does not provide enough yield for some institutional investors. These clients are keen to invest in illiquid assets, such as private equity and infrastructure.
“What we have seen is a desire for higher returns in what has been a low-return environment specifically in various fixed income or bonds,” he said.
“In this environment, we have seen a de facto increase in the risk that clients are taking in things like illiquid investments, private equity investments, infrastructure and private debt, those kind of investments were higher illiquidity results in incrementally higher returns.”
The Abu Dhabi Investment Authority, one of the largest sovereign wealth funds, said in its 2016 report that has gradually increased its exposure in direct private equity and private credit transactions, mainly in Asian markets and especially in China and India. The authority’s private equity department focused on structured equities owing to “their defensive characteristics.”
Kathryn Hawkes of House of Hawkes on being a good guest (because we’ve all had bad ones)
- Arrive with a thank you gift, or make sure you have one for your host by the time you leave.
- Offer to buy groceries, cook them a meal or take your hosts out for dinner.
- Help out around the house.
- Entertain yourself so that your hosts don’t feel that they constantly need to.
- Leave no trace of your stay – if you’ve borrowed a book, return it to where you found it.
- Offer to strip the bed before you go.