Fitness fanatics get your trainers ready, as there will be three Tough Mudder events in the UAE throughout this year.
The popular obstacle course, sponsored by Jeep, will host races in Dubai and Ras Al Khaimah, as well as Fujairah for the first time.
The first will take place on Friday, February 26, at Fujairah Adventures Park, followed by an event at Mina Al Arab in Ras Al Khaimah on Friday, March 19.
On Friday, April 9, the course returns to Dubai, at Tilal Al Ghaf.
All three events will offer the classic and five-kilometre routes. The former features more than 20 obstacles, while the latter has a little over 10 obstacles for participants to take on.
Signature obstacles include the Black Widow, a series of 30 elevated tight ropers suspended over water, and the Leap of Faith, where 'mudders' are required to jump and grab hold of a cargo net. Others include The Mud Mile, a run that includes contestants going through ditches caked in mud.
"With event delays last year due to Covid-19 we wanted to give people more opportunity to take on the Tough Mudder challenge this year whilst also getting to explore the UAE," said Nic Cartwright of Sabco Sports, the event organiser. "We can't wait to see people taking on the Fujairah course for the first time."
This year, the event will be operating at a 60 per cent reduced capacity and the obstacles have been adapted to meet Covid-19 safety guidelines. This means everyone involved must wear a face mask, practice social distancing and avoid taking part if they are unwell. A full list of the health and safety guidelines can be viewed here.
Early bird tickets are now on sale for all of the events. It costs $79 for the classic course and $59 for the five-kilometre course.
Who's who in Yemen conflict
Houthis: Iran-backed rebels who occupy Sanaa and run unrecognised government
Yemeni government: Exiled government in Aden led by eight-member Presidential Leadership Council
Southern Transitional Council: Faction in Yemeni government that seeks autonomy for the south
Habrish 'rebels': Tribal-backed forces feuding with STC over control of oil in government territory
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Drishyam 2
Directed by: Jeethu Joseph
Starring: Mohanlal, Meena, Ansiba, Murali Gopy
Rating: 4 stars
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Key figures in the life of the fort
Sheikh Dhiyab bin Isa (ruled 1761-1793) Built Qasr Al Hosn as a watchtower to guard over the only freshwater well on Abu Dhabi island.
Sheikh Shakhbut bin Dhiyab (ruled 1793-1816) Expanded the tower into a small fort and transferred his ruling place of residence from Liwa Oasis to the fort on the island.
Sheikh Tahnoon bin Shakhbut (ruled 1818-1833) Expanded Qasr Al Hosn further as Abu Dhabi grew from a small village of palm huts to a town of more than 5,000 inhabitants.
Sheikh Khalifa bin Shakhbut (ruled 1833-1845) Repaired and fortified the fort.
Sheikh Saeed bin Tahnoon (ruled 1845-1855) Turned Qasr Al Hosn into a strong two-storied structure.
Sheikh Zayed bin Khalifa (ruled 1855-1909) Expanded Qasr Al Hosn further to reflect the emirate's increasing prominence.
Sheikh Shakhbut bin Sultan (ruled 1928-1966) Renovated and enlarged Qasr Al Hosn, adding a decorative arch and two new villas.
Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan (ruled 1966-2004) Moved the royal residence to Al Manhal palace and kept his diwan at Qasr Al Hosn.
Sources: Jayanti Maitra, www.adach.ae
The bio
Favourite vegetable: Broccoli
Favourite food: Seafood
Favourite thing to cook: Duck l'orange
Favourite book: Give and Take by Adam Grant, one of his professors at University of Pennsylvania
Favourite place to travel: Home in Kuwait.
Favourite place in the UAE: Al Qudra lakes
If you go...
Etihad Airways flies from Abu Dhabi to Kuala Lumpur, from about Dh3,600. Air Asia currently flies from Kuala Lumpur to Terengganu, with Berjaya Hotels & Resorts planning to launch direct chartered flights to Redang Island in the near future. Rooms at The Taaras Beach and Spa Resort start from 680RM (Dh597).
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