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
When: Friday, November 20
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.
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Ajax v Juventus, Wednesday, 11pm (UAE)
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What the law says
Micro-retirement is not a recognised concept or employment status under Federal Decree Law No. 33 of 2021 on the Regulation of Labour Relations (as amended) (UAE Labour Law). As such, it reflects a voluntary work-life balance practice, rather than a recognised legal employment category, according to Dilini Loku, senior associate for law firm Gateley Middle East.
“Some companies may offer formal sabbatical policies or career break programmes; however, beyond such arrangements, there is no automatic right or statutory entitlement to extended breaks,” she explains.
“Any leave taken beyond statutory entitlements, such as annual leave, is typically regarded as unpaid leave in accordance with Article 33 of the UAE Labour Law. While employees may legally take unpaid leave, such requests are subject to the employer’s discretion and require approval.”
If an employee resigns to pursue micro-retirement, the employment contract is terminated, and the employer is under no legal obligation to rehire the employee in the future unless specific contractual agreements are in place (such as return-to-work arrangements), which are generally uncommon, Ms Loku adds.
FINAL SCORES
Fujairah 130 for 8 in 20 overs
(Sandy Sandeep 29, Hamdan Tahir 26 no, Umair Ali 2-15)
Sharjah 131 for 8 in 19.3 overs
(Kashif Daud 51, Umair Ali 20, Rohan Mustafa 2-17, Sabir Rao 2-26)
The specs: 2018 Volkswagen Teramont
Price, base / as tested Dh137,000 / Dh189,950
Engine 3.6-litre V6
Gearbox Eight-speed automatic
Power 280hp @ 6,200rpm
Torque 360Nm @ 2,750rpm
Fuel economy, combined 11.7L / 100km
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THE SPECS
Engine: Four-cylinder 2.5-litre
Transmission: Seven-speed auto
Power: 165hp
Torque: 241Nm
Price: Dh99,900 to Dh134,000
On sale: now
ELIO
Starring: Yonas Kibreab, Zoe Saldana, Brad Garrett
Directors: Madeline Sharafian, Domee Shi, Adrian Molina
Rating: 4/5
THREE
MOUNTAINHEAD REVIEW
Starring: Ramy Youssef, Steve Carell, Jason Schwartzman
Director: Jesse Armstrong
Rating: 3.5/5
RESULTS
Timeline
2012-2015
The company offers payments/bribes to win key contracts in the Middle East
May 2017
The UK SFO officially opens investigation into Petrofac’s use of agents, corruption, and potential bribery to secure contracts
September 2021
Petrofac pleads guilty to seven counts of failing to prevent bribery under the UK Bribery Act
October 2021
Court fines Petrofac £77 million for bribery. Former executive receives a two-year suspended sentence
December 2024
Petrofac enters into comprehensive restructuring to strengthen the financial position of the group
May 2025
The High Court of England and Wales approves the company’s restructuring plan
July 2025
The Court of Appeal issues a judgment challenging parts of the restructuring plan
August 2025
Petrofac issues a business update to execute the restructuring and confirms it will appeal the Court of Appeal decision
October 2025
Petrofac loses a major TenneT offshore wind contract worth €13 billion. Holding company files for administration in the UK. Petrofac delisted from the London Stock Exchange
November 2025
180 Petrofac employees laid off in the UAE
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How the bonus system works
The two riders are among several riders in the UAE to receive the top payment of £10,000 under the Thank You Fund of £16 million (Dh80m), which was announced in conjunction with Deliveroo's £8 billion (Dh40bn) stock market listing earlier this year.
The £10,000 (Dh50,000) payment is made to those riders who have completed the highest number of orders in each market.
There are also riders who will receive payments of £1,000 (Dh5,000) and £500 (Dh2,500).
All riders who have worked with Deliveroo for at least one year and completed 2,000 orders will receive £200 (Dh1,000), the company said when it announced the scheme.
The Details
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Produced by: Cinestaan Studios, T-Series
Directed by: Sandeep Reddy Vanga
Starring: Shahid Kapoor, Kiara Advani, Suresh Oberoi, Soham Majumdar, Arjun Pahwa
Rating: 2.5/5
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Houthis: Iran-backed rebels who occupy Sanaa and run unrecognised government
Yemeni government: Exiled government in Aden led by eight-member Presidential Leadership Council
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What is blockchain?
Blockchain is a form of distributed ledger technology, a digital system in which data is recorded across multiple places at the same time. Unlike traditional databases, DLTs have no central administrator or centralised data storage. They are transparent because the data is visible and, because they are automatically replicated and impossible to be tampered with, they are secure.
The main difference between blockchain and other forms of DLT is the way data is stored as ‘blocks’ – new transactions are added to the existing ‘chain’ of past transactions, hence the name ‘blockchain’. It is impossible to delete or modify information on the chain due to the replication of blocks across various locations.
Blockchain is mostly associated with cryptocurrency Bitcoin. Due to the inability to tamper with transactions, advocates say this makes the currency more secure and safer than traditional systems. It is maintained by a network of people referred to as ‘miners’, who receive rewards for solving complex mathematical equations that enable transactions to go through.
However, one of the major problems that has come to light has been the presence of illicit material buried in the Bitcoin blockchain, linking it to the dark web.
Other blockchain platforms can offer things like smart contracts, which are automatically implemented when specific conditions from all interested parties are reached, cutting the time involved and the risk of mistakes. Another use could be storing medical records, as patients can be confident their information cannot be changed. The technology can also be used in supply chains, voting and has the potential to used for storing property records.
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Age: 46
Number of Children: Four
Hobby: Reading history books
Loves: Sports
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The specs
Engine: 4.0-litre V8 twin-turbocharged and three electric motors
Power: Combined output 920hp
Torque: 730Nm at 4,000-7,000rpm
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On sale: Now, deliveries expected later in 2025
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Mini John Cooper Works Clubman and Mini John Cooper Works Countryman
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The Nobel Prize was created by wealthy Swedish chemist and entrepreneur Alfred Nobel.
- In his will he dictated that the bulk of his estate should be used to fund "prizes to those who, during the preceding year, have conferred the greatest benefit to humankind".
- Nobel is best known as the inventor of dynamite, but also wrote poetry and drama and could speak Russian, French, English and German by the age of 17. The five original prize categories reflect the interests closest to his heart.
- Nobel died in 1896 but it took until 1901, following a legal battle over his will, before the first prizes were awarded.
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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.
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