Frontline workers will be allowed to attend the season-ending Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Formula 1 Grand Prix after a limited number of passes were allocated at the Yas Marina Circuit to thank them for their efforts in the fight against the coronavirus pandemic.
Saif Al Noaimi, acting chief executive of Abu Dhabi Motorsports Management, added that the Abu Dhabi Hill at capital's racetrack would be renamed "Frontline Heroes Hill" for the December 11-13 grand prix weekend.
A total of 600 passes have been made available, 200 for each day of Friday's practice sessions, Saturday's qualifying and Sunday's race.
"We are really happy to be able to confirm we'll have a number of frontline heroes attending this year's Grand Prix over the three days," Al Noaimi told The National.
“Unfortunately, we are not able to open up the event for the fans in the usual way we always have. But we are fortunate that we have the approvals for the frontline heroes. It is very fitting for us to prioritise them in terms of attendance at this event and offer them an opportunity to come see the race live in real time.
“They have had a very difficult year. We have 600 frontline heroes in total, so 200 attendees across the three days.
“In honour of the frontline heroes we are going to rename Abu Dhabi Hill as the Frontline Heroes Hill for this race,” Al Noaimi said.
“We feel that’s a fitting tribute to those who have sacrificed a lot during this difficult times and this is one way for us to honour them.”
Formula One has been severely disrupted this year as a result of the Covid-19 crisis. The start of the season was delayed by nearly four months, causing many races to be either postponed or cancelled. With the exception of the Tuscan and Russian Grands Prix which allowed limited fans, all races have taken place without trackside supporters.
Given the challenges of staging a grand prix this year, Al Noaimi said his team have adapted to these difficult times.
“We are at the delivery stage of the Grand Prix,” he said. “The energy is high within the team and we are very excited.
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Damon Hill on why Yas Marina Circuit is 'perfect venue' to end F1 season
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“We are ready to go. It is the execution of our plans. The fact the Bahrain Grand Prix right before ours means there is a lot of work that happens the week leading up to our Grand Prix where all of the teams and their freight arrive.”
Al Noaimi said ADMM had worked closely with the government to ensure that the venue complies with all the guidelines for Covid-19 protocols.
“Obviously it’s been a challenging year but we are proud we are able to organise the season finale in Abu Dhabi,” Al Noaimi said.
“It says a lot that we are able to host and organise an event in a safe manner given the difficult period that everyone is facing right now.
“It really demonstrates our ability and also demonstrates all the hard work that the frontline heroes and all of the relevant entities have put over the last few months to make sure Abu Dhabi is safe.”
Looking ahead to next season, Al Noaimi is excited to see Saudi Arabia added to the F1 calendar to make it three races in the Gulf.
“Saudi Arabia’s entry to motorsports and the various events they are doing are really exciting in the region,” he said.
“For us, having more events in the region means you are developing more motorsports interest and developing future generations in motorsports.
“This year, given the challenges we have been facing, for F1 to be hosting 17 races in different countries is an accomplishment. We are happy to be the last race again and for them to celebrate a successful championship here in Abu Dhabi."
Day 4, Dubai Test: At a glance
Moment of the day Lahiru Gamage appeared to have been hard done by when he had his dismissal of Sami Aslam chalked off for a no-ball. Replays suggested he had not overstepped. No matter. Two balls later, the exact same combination – Gamage the bowler and Kusal Mendis at second slip – combined again to send Aslam back.
Stat of the day Haris Sohail took three wickets for one run in the only over he bowled, to end the Sri Lanka second innings in a hurry. That was as many as he had managed in total in his 10-year, 58-match first-class career to date. It was also the first time a bowler had taken three wickets having bowled just one over in an innings in Tests.
The verdict Just 119 more and with five wickets remaining seems like a perfectly attainable target for Pakistan. Factor in the fact the pitch is worn, is turning prodigiously, and that Sri Lanka’s seam bowlers have also been finding the strip to their liking, it is apparent the task is still a tough one. Still, though, thanks to Asad Shafiq and Sarfraz Ahmed, it is possible.
Pox that threatens the Middle East's native species
Camelpox
Caused by a virus related to the one that causes human smallpox, camelpox typically causes fever, swelling of lymph nodes and skin lesions in camels aged over three, but the animal usually recovers after a month or so. Younger animals may develop a more acute form that causes internal lesions and diarrhoea, and is often fatal, especially when secondary infections result. It is found across the Middle East as well as in parts of Asia, Africa, Russia and India.
Falconpox
Falconpox can cause a variety of types of lesions, which can affect, for example, the eyelids, feet and the areas above and below the beak. It is a problem among captive falcons and is one of many types of avian pox or avipox diseases that together affect dozens of bird species across the world. Among the other forms are pigeonpox, turkeypox, starlingpox and canarypox. Avipox viruses are spread by mosquitoes and direct bird-to-bird contact.
Houbarapox
Houbarapox is, like falconpox, one of the many forms of avipox diseases. It exists in various forms, with a type that causes skin lesions being least likely to result in death. Other forms cause more severe lesions, including internal lesions, and are more likely to kill the bird, often because secondary infections develop. This summer the CVRL reported an outbreak of pox in houbaras after rains in spring led to an increase in mosquito numbers.
Scoreline:
Everton 4
Richarlison 13'), Sigurdsson 28', Digne 56', Walcott 64'
Manchester United 0
Man of the match: Gylfi Sigurdsson (Everton)
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UPI facts
More than 2.2 million Indian tourists arrived in UAE in 2023
More than 3.5 million Indians reside in UAE
Indian tourists can make purchases in UAE using rupee accounts in India through QR-code-based UPI real-time payment systems
Indian residents in UAE can use their non-resident NRO and NRE accounts held in Indian banks linked to a UAE mobile number for UPI transactions
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Super heroes
Iron Man
Reduced risk of dementia
Alcohol consumption could be an issue
Hulk
Cardiac disease, stroke and dementia from high heart rate
Spider-Man
Agility reduces risk of falls
Increased risk of obesity and mental health issues
Black Panther
Vegetarian diet reduces obesity
Unknown risks of potion drinking
Black Widow
Childhood traumas increase risk of mental illnesses
Thor
He's a god
Formula One top 10 drivers' standings after Japan
1. Lewis Hamilton, Mercedes 306
2. Sebastian Vettel, Ferrari 247
3. Valtteri Bottas, Mercedes 234
4. Daniel Ricciardo, Red Bull 192
5. Kimi Raikkonen, Ferrari 148
6. Max Verstappen, Red Bull 111
7. Sergio Perez, Force India 82
8. Esteban Ocon, Force India 65
9. Carlos Sainz Jr, Toro Rosso 48
10. Nico Hulkenberg, Renault 34
