Abu Dhabi is proving to be a home for jiu-jitsu fighters reviving their careers on the world stage.
The Abu Dhabi-based Brazilian jiu-jitsu instructor Jose Junior returned from semi-retirement to become the World No 1 last season and his compatriot Igor Silva is now following on a similar path.
Igor, who moved to Abu Dhabi four years ago as an instructor, consolidated his lead in the world rankings after victory over Mauricio Lima in the Grand Slam Abu Dhabi 110kg final at the Mubadala Arena on Saturday.
Igor’s victory earned him 200 world ranking points and take his tally to 1,280, 200 more than his closest challenger Adam Wardzinski of Poland, who went down to another Brazilian Helton Silva Junior in the 94kg final.
“The race for the World No.1 spot is going to go to the wire as we both (Wardzinski) plan to compete in most of the ranking events,” said Igor.
“Like is the previous season, I think the World No 1 will be decided at the season-ending Abu Dhabi World Professional Championship.”
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Read more
Omar Al Fadhli expects Abu Dhabi Grand Slam to be 'toughest competitions for me'
A family affair: Al Hanaei sisters set sights on jiu-jitsu success at Abu Dhabi Grand Slam
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Igor won by two advantage points over Lima after a 2-2 deadlock in the final black belt division fight in the two-day competition that had a total prize fund of US$190,000 (Dh697,700) and 147 gold medals up for grabs.
The men’s seven black belt divisions were once again dominated by the Brazilians but in the women’s event saw Briton Samantha Cook and Charlotte von Baumgarten of Germany break the South American domination.
Cook won the black belt 90kg final from Brazilian Thamara Silva by submission and Von Baumgarten edged out another Brazilian Nadia Melo on advantage points after a scoreless deadlock.
Among the Emirati’s, Omar Al Fadhli bagged his seventh gold for the season in as many competitions.
Al Fadhli, 17, overcame Brazil’s Giovanny do Nascimento in the final on points 4-0 in the adult blue belt 62kg final.
“It was very tough but good result for me,” said Al Fadhli. “The Grand Slam London in March and the Abu Dhabi World Pro in April are the next big objectives for me.
"There are a few local competitions in-between and I’ll take my coach’s advice in competing on those.”
Wadima Al Yafei suffered a semi-final defeat to compatriot Sharifa Al Naamani, the eventual winner of the adult blue belt 49kg.
The Al Hanaei sisters took home two golds with Mahra, 16, claiming the juvenile blue belt 57kg final from Reem Al Mehairbi and her younger sister Hana, 14, successful in the junior yellow belt 44kg.
Maha, 18, making her debut in the adult purple belt and competing in a heavier 70kg category could not join her younger siblings on a podium finish.
“It was very hard for Maha but she’s a part of our success and will celebrate the medals we won for the family,” said Mahra, a member if the UAE women’s national team, after grabbing her third Grand Slam gold following earlier successes in Tokyo and Rio de Janeiro.
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The currency conundrum
Russ Mould, investment director at online trading platform AJ Bell, says almost every major currency has challenges right now. “The US has a huge budget deficit, the euro faces political friction and poor growth, sterling is bogged down by Brexit, China’s renminbi is hit by debt fears while slowing Chinese growth is hurting commodity exporters like Australia and Canada.”
Most countries now actively want a weak currency to make their exports more competitive. “China seems happy to let the renminbi drift lower, the Swiss are still running quantitative easing at full tilt and central bankers everywhere are actively talking down their currencies or offering only limited support," says Mr Mould.
This is a race to the bottom, and everybody wants to be a winner.
Five healthy carbs and how to eat them
Brown rice: consume an amount that fits in the palm of your hand
Non-starchy vegetables, such as broccoli: consume raw or at low temperatures, and don’t reheat
Oatmeal: look out for pure whole oat grains or kernels, which are locally grown and packaged; avoid those that have travelled from afar
Fruit: a medium bowl a day and no more, and never fruit juices
Lentils and lentil pasta: soak these well and cook them at a low temperature; refrain from eating highly processed pasta variants
Courtesy Roma Megchiani, functional nutritionist at Dubai’s 77 Veggie Boutique
Who's who in Yemen conflict
Houthis: Iran-backed rebels who occupy Sanaa and run unrecognised government
Yemeni government: Exiled government in Aden led by eight-member Presidential Leadership Council
Southern Transitional Council: Faction in Yemeni government that seeks autonomy for the south
Habrish 'rebels': Tribal-backed forces feuding with STC over control of oil in government territory
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
Dr Afridi's warning signs of digital addiction
Spending an excessive amount of time on the phone.
Neglecting personal, social, or academic responsibilities.
Losing interest in other activities or hobbies that were once enjoyed.
Having withdrawal symptoms like feeling anxious, restless, or upset when the technology is not available.
Experiencing sleep disturbances or changes in sleep patterns.
What are the guidelines?
Under 18 months: Avoid screen time altogether, except for video chatting with family.
Aged 18-24 months: If screens are introduced, it should be high-quality content watched with a caregiver to help the child understand what they are seeing.
Aged 2-5 years: Limit to one-hour per day of high-quality programming, with co-viewing whenever possible.
Aged 6-12 years: Set consistent limits on screen time to ensure it does not interfere with sleep, physical activity, or social interactions.
Teenagers: Encourage a balanced approach – screens should not replace sleep, exercise, or face-to-face socialisation.
Source: American Paediatric Association
Benefits of first-time home buyers' scheme
- Priority access to new homes from participating developers
- Discounts on sales price of off-plan units
- Flexible payment plans from developers
- Mortgages with better interest rates, faster approval times and reduced fees
- DLD registration fee can be paid through banks or credit cards at zero interest rates
