While dates for this year's Jeep Tough Mudder events were only announced a few weeks ago, they have already been postponed.
This includes the event in Fujairah, which was set to be the first in the emirate. It was scheduled for February 26, but will now take place on Friday, April 9, subject to government clearance.
Dubai’s Tough Mudder will also be postponed, from Friday, April 9 to the fourth quarter of this year. A specific date has yet to be announced.
As will Ras Al Khaimah's event, which was meant to go ahead on this Friday, but will now be pushed back until later this year.
The changes are a response to recent restrictions set out by UAE authorities in a bid to stem the spread of Covid-19.
"We apologise for any inconvenience caused to ticket holders, but the health and safety of our Mudders and staff is our number one priority," said Nic Cartwright, managing director of event organiser Sabosports.
He said the postponed events will be back "bigger and better than ever”.
A statement also notes that Tough Mudder is working closely with the UAE's National Emergency Crisis and Disasters Management Authority on the planning of the Fujairah event and will communicate any date changes by Sunday.
All existing participants will be able to use their tickets at events later this year or can receive a full refund by contacting support@toughmudder.ae before April 30.
What to expect at Tough Mudder
All three events will offer the classic and 5-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 ropes 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.
This year, the events 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.
More information is at toughmudder.ae
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Tips on buying property during a pandemic
Islay Robinson, group chief executive of mortgage broker Enness Global, offers his advice on buying property in today's market.
While many have been quick to call a market collapse, this simply isn’t what we’re seeing on the ground. Many pockets of the global property market, including London and the UAE, continue to be compelling locations to invest in real estate.
While an air of uncertainty remains, the outlook is far better than anyone could have predicted. However, it is still important to consider the wider threat posed by Covid-19 when buying bricks and mortar.
Anything with outside space, gardens and private entrances is a must and these property features will see your investment keep its value should the pandemic drag on. In contrast, flats and particularly high-rise developments are falling in popularity and investors should avoid them at all costs.
Attractive investment property can be hard to find amid strong demand and heightened buyer activity. When you do find one, be prepared to move hard and fast to secure it. If you have your finances in order, this shouldn’t be an issue.
Lenders continue to lend and rates remain at an all-time low, so utilise this. There is no point in tying up cash when you can keep this liquidity to maximise other opportunities.
Keep your head and, as always when investing, take the long-term view. External factors such as coronavirus or Brexit will present challenges in the short-term, but the long-term outlook remains strong.
Finally, keep an eye on your currency. Whenever currency fluctuations favour foreign buyers, you can bet that demand will increase, as they act to secure what is essentially a discounted property.
How to watch Ireland v Pakistan in UAE
When: The one-off Test starts on Friday, May 11
What time: Each day’s play is scheduled to start at 2pm UAE time.
TV: The match will be broadcast on OSN Sports Cricket HD. Subscribers to the channel can also stream the action live on OSN Play.
Dates for the diary
To mark Bodytree’s 10th anniversary, the coming season will be filled with celebratory activities:
- September 21 Anyone interested in becoming a certified yoga instructor can sign up for a 250-hour course in Yoga Teacher Training with Jacquelene Sadek. It begins on September 21 and will take place over the course of six weekends.
- October 18 to 21 International yoga instructor, Yogi Nora, will be visiting Bodytree and offering classes.
- October 26 to November 4 International pilates instructor Courtney Miller will be on hand at the studio, offering classes.
- November 9 Bodytree is hosting a party to celebrate turning 10, and everyone is invited. Expect a day full of free classes on the grounds of the studio.
- December 11 Yogeswari, an advanced certified Jivamukti teacher, will be visiting the studio.
- February 2, 2018 Bodytree will host its 4th annual yoga market.