Dera Dida typically shuns the spotlight and is barely heard when speaking. But on the road in running the marathon distance, she is a warrior making her voice heard.
The reigning Dubai Marathon women's champion is back in the emirate for Sunday's event looking to both retain her title and secure a spot on the three-member Ethiopian national team heading for the Paris Olympics this summer.
Dida, 27, kicked for home with around two kilometres to go to win last year's race at Expo City. This time around she tackles the flat and fast roads around the landmark Burj Al Arab and Jumeirah Beach Road area.
“I love running in Dubai. I won it last year and this time I want to win as well as try to better my personal best time so I can be a contender for the national team in the Paris Olympics,” she told The National through a translator at Friday's launch ceremony.
“If I can achieve that, it would be a dream come true for me. It’s not easy to represent Ethiopia in any distance races, though. I’ll do my best, and if I achieve my objective, I’ll keep my fingers crossed for a spot in the national Olympic team.”
Dida arrives after running a personal best of two hours, 19 minutes and 24 seconds at the Berlin Marathon last September. As good as that time was, it paled against the mark set by fellow Ethiopian Tigist Assefa, who broke the women’s marathon world record with a time of 2:11: 53.
“That’s full credit to her,” she said of her compatriot’s world record. “We are in two different clubs back home but I have trained with her on and off. I wish Tigist will be in the Olympic team and will be at her best to bring gold for our nation.
“It really doesn’t matter who gets picked for the three-member marathon squad but whoever makes it, I wish them success.”
Deda is running her fourth Dubai Marathon since finishing seventh on her debut. She was fifth two years later, before securing victory last time out.
“I can take a lot of positives from my last marathon by achieving a personal best time,” she said.
“The course around the Burj Al Arab and Jumeirah is flat and fast, and I’m hopeful I can finish my race in a better time than Berlin.
“Anyway, it’s very hard to say what will happen in a race. Sometimes you can’t achieve the result you want, even with the best preparation for a marathon. I don’t know how hard the others have trained on.”
She meets fellow Ethiopian Ruth Aga, whom she edged out to win the Dubai title just under 12 months ago.
“Ruth and I are not in the same club, so I won’t know how much she has changed from last year,” she said.
“That was also the first time we ran in the same race. I would expect a tough challenge, not only from her but the remainder of the elite runners. There can always be an element of surprise in a marathon.”
Winning the Dubai Marathon last year remains her biggest success to date and she intends to make it even more memorable with a personal best time on Sunday (6pm).
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
Formula Middle East Calendar (Formula Regional and Formula 4)
Round 1: January 17-19, Yas Marina Circuit – Abu Dhabi
Round 2: January 22-23, Yas Marina Circuit – Abu Dhabi
Round 3: February 7-9, Dubai Autodrome – Dubai
Round 4: February 14-16, Yas Marina Circuit – Abu Dhabi
Round 5: February 25-27, Jeddah Corniche Circuit – Saudi Arabia
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At a glance
Global events: Much of the UK’s economic woes were blamed on “increased global uncertainty”, which can be interpreted as the economic impact of the Ukraine war and the uncertainty over Donald Trump’s tariffs.
Growth forecasts: Cut for 2025 from 2 per cent to 1 per cent. The OBR watchdog also estimated inflation will average 3.2 per cent this year
Welfare: Universal credit health element cut by 50 per cent and frozen for new claimants, building on cuts to the disability and incapacity bill set out earlier this month
Spending cuts: Overall day-to day-spending across government cut by £6.1bn in 2029-30
Tax evasion: Steps to crack down on tax evasion to raise “£6.5bn per year” for the public purse
Defence: New high-tech weaponry, upgrading HM Naval Base in Portsmouth
Housing: Housebuilding to reach its highest in 40 years, with planning reforms helping generate an extra £3.4bn for public finances
Tips from the expert
Dobromir Radichkov, chief data officer at dubizzle and Bayut, offers a few tips for UAE residents looking to earn some cash from pre-loved items.
- Sellers should focus on providing high-quality used goods at attractive prices to buyers.
- It’s important to use clear and appealing photos, with catchy titles and detailed descriptions to capture the attention of prospective buyers.
- Try to advertise a realistic price to attract buyers looking for good deals, especially in the current environment where consumers are significantly more price-sensitive.
- Be creative and look around your home for valuable items that you no longer need but might be useful to others.
