As the weather starts to cool, sporting events are set to make a welcome return. Looking for a reason to lace up those running shoes and jump-start your exercise routine? Here are some upcoming events to help keep those fitness goals on track...
Al Marmoom Dune Run
When: Friday, November 13
UAE residents can now sign up for the Al Marmoom Dune Run, a new addition to Dubai's sporting calendar. The event, organised by Dubai Sports Council, will take place on Friday, November 13, in Al Marmoom Desert Conservation Reserve.
Participants will run a five-kilometre course that takes them across the dunes and around the lakes on hard and soft sand. The reserve is home to hectares of shrub land and species of native birds and animals such as the Arabian oryx.
The Dune Run is open to ages 15 and above, and has four categories – Elite 5km for male and female, and Open 5km for men and women. Those below the age of 18 must get permission from a parent or guardian.
All registered participants are also invited to four free "build-up" runs in Al Marmoom Desert Conservation Reserve in the lead up to the event. The practice sessions will take place on Saturday, September 26; Saturday, October 9; Friday, October 23; and Friday, November 6.
Finisher medals will be given to participants, while the top three in each category – male and female – will be awarded trophies.
Tickets are priced at Dh130 per person, and can be purchased through Hopasports and Premier Online.
Jeep Tough Mudder UAE
The Tough Mudder UAE event was due to take place in April, but was postponed due to the coronavirus.
It’s now set to take place on Friday, November 20, on the island of Mina Al Arab in Ras Al Khaimah. UAE residents can sign up for the Classic Tough Mudder 10km course or the Tough Mudder 5km. The event is open for those aged 13 years and above.
The event will follow Covid-19 safety precautions including operating at 60 per cent reduced capacity. Participants must wear a face mask, practise two-metre social distancing rules and avoid gathering in large crowds.
The Tough Mudder 5km is priced at $89 (Dh326) while the Classic Tough Mudder is priced at $109. Those who purchase tickets before Wednesday, September 30, will receive a $25 discount on each ticket purchased.
Ras Al Khaimah Half Marathon
When: Friday, February 19
Those looking to challenge themselves can sign up for the Ras Al Khaimah Half Marathon.
The event is known to attract athletes from around the world. In the 2020 Ras Al Khaimah Half Marathon, Ababel Yeshaneh from Ethiopia covered a distance of 21.09km within 64 minutes 31 seconds, breaking a world record – an achievement recognised by World Athletics.
The 2021 Ras Al Khaimah Half Marathon will take place on Friday, February 19 – which gives you more than enough time to get yourself in shape.
The event will take place on Al Marjan Island, known for its water and beach views.
Event organisers have stated that safety measures will be in place to safeguard participants and guests.
Registrations will open in October. More information can be found here.
Groom and Two Brides
Director: Elie Semaan
Starring: Abdullah Boushehri, Laila Abdallah, Lulwa Almulla
Rating: 3/5
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What are NFTs?
Are non-fungible tokens a currency, asset, or a licensing instrument? Arnab Das, global market strategist EMEA at Invesco, says they are mix of all of three.
You can buy, hold and use NFTs just like US dollars and Bitcoins. “They can appreciate in value and even produce cash flows.”
However, while money is fungible, NFTs are not. “One Bitcoin, dollar, euro or dirham is largely indistinguishable from the next. Nothing ties a dollar bill to a particular owner, for example. Nor does it tie you to to any goods, services or assets you bought with that currency. In contrast, NFTs confer specific ownership,” Mr Das says.
This makes NFTs closer to a piece of intellectual property such as a work of art or licence, as you can claim royalties or profit by exchanging it at a higher value later, Mr Das says. “They could provide a sustainable income stream.”
This income will depend on future demand and use, which makes NFTs difficult to value. “However, there is a credible use case for many forms of intellectual property, notably art, songs, videos,” Mr Das says.
The past winners
2009 - Sebastian Vettel (Red Bull)
2010 - Sebastian Vettel (Red Bull)
2011 - Lewis Hamilton (McLaren)
2012 - Kimi Raikkonen (Lotus)
2013 - Sebastian Vettel (Red Bull)
2014 - Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes)
2015 - Nico Rosberg (Mercedes)
2016 - Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes)
2017 - Valtteri Bottas (Mercedes)
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
How to apply for a drone permit
- 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
- Ensure maximum flying height of 400 feet (122 metres) above ground level is not crossed
- Users must avoid flying over restricted areas listed on the UAE Drone app
- Only fly the drone during the day, and never at night
- Should have a live feed of the drone flight
- Drones must weigh 5 kg or less
