Temperatures have begun to cool and the country's outdoor spaces are once again being used by the public for exercise.
As people slowly return to their daily routines, face masks remain mandatory along with a variety of other safety measures to keep Covid-19 from spreading.
Some activities are doable while wearing a face masks while others must be avoided.
In Dubai, health officials have said that masks can be lowered when carrying out strenuous exercise but what does this comprise? And what are the rules across the rest of the Emirates?
The National speaks to authorities and fitness experts for their advice.
Do wear a mask when:
Walking:
Walking is a great way for people who have fallen off their usual exercise routine over the past few months to get back into it.
But to go for a walk, even a power walk, is not a good enough reason to take a face mask off. Walking is not considered strenuous exercise.
Wearing a surgical mask is best when exercising outdoors because it feels light and will allow sufficient air flow, while still filtering out potentially dangerous particles.
Dr Gaurav Singh, a sports orthopaedic surgeon at Thumbay Hospital in Sharjah, said walking was a great example of a light exercise that can be easily maintained.
“There are some simple exercises you have to maintain,” he said. “You can go for a normal walk while wearing the mask.”
Practicing yoga or any other mat exercises:
Standard yoga practice can be carried out while wearing a face mask.
Dr Singh said it was important to take on activities that encourage proper stretching and breathing exercises, such as yoga, in these times.
He said such exercises improve mobility, help ease anxiety and are not considered strenuous enough to be done without a mask on.
Power exercises:
Taking part in power exercises, such as weightlifting, can mostly be done while wearing a face mask, said Patrick Hegarty, co-owner of Vogue Fitness in Abu Dhabi.
“Say you are doing a bench-press, it would be acceptable [to keep the mask on] if breathing is not restricted,” he said.
Such exercises, when done over a short period of time and while wearing a mask, may cause slight discomfort but will not compromise someone's health.
If using communal equipment, be sure to wipe them down with disinfecting wipes before and after use.
You can lower your mask when:
While jogging or running:
Doctors recommend people lower their masks while jogging or running – but raise it again when they begin walking.
Dr Singh said it was best that people momentarily stop if they feel tired and catch their breath.
“When we are doing physical activities, the oxygen level [in the body] should be higher,” he said.
“If you are wearing a mask you are not getting enough fresh air, that increases the chances of a syncopal attack – like fainting or dizziness.”
Masks should be correctly worn immediately before and after running, particularly if there are other people using the same public space.
While climbing the stairs
People who have taken to running up and down the stairs for exercise should not wear a face mask.
It is not recommended that this exercise is carried out indoors, however, as there is less ventilation.
Dr Singh, from Thumbay Hospital, recommends taking a few laps up and down the stairs to keep the body moving. But, like with running, an individual that feels tired should pause for breath before continuing.
When it becomes difficult to breathe
If someone loses their breath, it is best to stop, lower their mask slightly and take some deep breaths.
“It is advised to lower the mask below the nose if you’re finding it difficult to breathe,” said Mr Hegarty.
People might be reluctant to lower their masks and try fight off any discomfort, thinking they are protecting themselves against Covid-19.
But the opposite can be true; the cardiovascular system must be strengthened to avoid catching diseases like the coronavirus. Manipulating breathing can make someone more vulnerable to Covid-19 and other sicknesses.
While doing a high-intensity work out
“When you start moving to more intense levels of exercise, that is where the mask can restrict breathing,” said Mr Hegarty.
He said, in group classes, the warm up can be done with a mask on but once the workout reaches an intense level, masks should be lowered below the nose.
When doing any exercise that elevates the heart rate above 80 per cent:
Any physical activity that could significantly raise someone's heart rate should be carried out with a lowered mask or no mask at all.
“Long distance runs where your mask starts to get really wet and restricts breathing,” said Mr Hegarty.
Other exercises that could drastically raise someone's heart rate include spinning classes, which involve a high level of cardio and resistance, and functional training classes.
What is the government's health advice?
When training outside, residents must also be wary of the legal implications of lowering their masks.
Across the UAE, authorities stress that mask wearing is necessary in public places.
Exceptions generally include when performing strenuous exercise and outdoor sports, when sitting to eat, and while changing to a fresh mask.
Gyms across the country typically allow members to remove masks when training on machines and in a strenuous class, although it can vary.
In Abu Dhabi, officials said masks should be worn when exercising inside gyms and outside.
In Dubai, authorities have said that masks can be lowered when exercising in public.
Final call …
An individual must assess the situation and make a responsible decision for themselves and those around them.
Many factors need to be considered, including a person's fitness levels, whether the exercise is indoors or outdoors and if there are many other people around.
The health and safety of an individual and the wider public are the top priority. People should be considerate of those around them but also consider their personal safety.
A Dh3,000 fine for not wearing a face mask in public is still in place but the rules slacken slightly when exercising. This has been done to allow people to slowly return to normal life and work on their health and fitness but should not be taken advantage of. Masks should still be worn to and from the gym or before and after exercising in public.
Villains
Queens of the Stone Age
Matador
The specs
Engine: 3.0-litre twin-turbo flat-six
Power: 480hp at 6,500rpm
Torque: 570Nm from 2,300-5,000rpm
Transmission: 8-speed dual-clutch auto
Fuel consumption: 10.4L/100km
Price: from Dh547,600
On sale: now
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
THE TWIN BIO
Their favourite city: Dubai
Their favourite food: Khaleeji
Their favourite past-time : walking on the beach
Their favorite quote: ‘we rise by lifting others’ by Robert Ingersoll
Teaching in coronavirus times
PROFILE OF INVYGO
Started: 2018
Founders: Eslam Hussein and Pulkit Ganjoo
Based: Dubai
Sector: Transport
Size: 9 employees
Investment: $1,275,000
Investors: Class 5 Global, Equitrust, Gulf Islamic Investments, Kairos K50 and William Zeqiri
Paatal Lok season two
Directors: Avinash Arun, Prosit Roy
Stars: Jaideep Ahlawat, Ishwak Singh, Lc Sekhose, Merenla Imsong
Rating: 4.5/5
Ziina users can donate to relief efforts in Beirut
Ziina users will be able to use the app to help relief efforts in Beirut, which has been left reeling after an August blast caused an estimated $15 billion in damage and left thousands homeless. Ziina has partnered with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees to raise money for the Lebanese capital, co-founder Faisal Toukan says. “As of October 1, the UNHCR has the first certified badge on Ziina and is automatically part of user's top friends' list during this campaign. Users can now donate any amount to the Beirut relief with two clicks. The money raised will go towards rebuilding houses for the families that were impacted by the explosion.”
Other workplace saving schemes
- The UAE government announced a retirement savings plan for private and free zone sector employees in 2023.
- Dubai’s savings retirement scheme for foreign employees working in the emirate’s government and public sector came into effect in 2022.
- National Bonds unveiled a Golden Pension Scheme in 2022 to help private-sector foreign employees with their financial planning.
- In April 2021, Hayah Insurance unveiled a workplace savings plan to help UAE employees save for their retirement.
- Lunate, an Abu Dhabi-based investment manager, has launched a fund that will allow UAE private companies to offer employees investment returns on end-of-service benefits.
Terror attacks in Paris, November 13, 2015
- At 9.16pm, three suicide attackers killed one person outside the Atade de France during a foootball match between France and Germany
- At 9.25pm, three attackers opened fire on restaurants and cafes over 20 minutes, killing 39 people
- Shortly after 9.40pm, three other attackers launched a three-hour raid on the Bataclan, in which 1,500 people had gathered to watch a rock concert. In total, 90 people were killed
- Salah Abdeslam, the only survivor of the terrorists, did not directly participate in the attacks, thought to be due to a technical glitch in his suicide vest
- He fled to Belgium and was involved in attacks on Brussels in March 2016. He is serving a life sentence in France
MAIN CARD
Bantamweight 56.4kg
Abrorbek Madiminbekov v Mehdi El Jamari
Super heavyweight 94 kg
Adnan Mohammad v Mohammed Ajaraam
Lightweight 60kg
Zakaria Eljamari v Faridoon Alik Zai
Light heavyweight 81.4kg
Mahmood Amin v Taha Marrouni
Light welterweight 64.5kg
Siyovush Gulmamadov v Nouredine Samir
Light heavyweight 81.4kg
Ilyass Habibali v Haroun Baka
Groom and Two Brides
Director: Elie Semaan
Starring: Abdullah Boushehri, Laila Abdallah, Lulwa Almulla
Rating: 3/5
Top 5 concerns globally:
1. Unemployment
2. Spread of infectious diseases
3. Fiscal crises
4. Cyber attacks
5. Profound social instability
Top 5 concerns in the Mena region
1. Energy price shock
2. Fiscal crises
3. Spread of infectious diseases
4. Unmanageable inflation
5. Cyber attacks
Source: World Economic Foundation
Stuck in a job without a pay rise? Here's what to do
Chris Greaves, the managing director of Hays Gulf Region, says those without a pay rise for an extended period must start asking questions – both of themselves and their employer.
“First, are they happy with that or do they want more?” he says. “Job-seeking is a time-consuming, frustrating and long-winded affair so are they prepared to put themselves through that rigmarole? Before they consider that, they must ask their employer what is happening.”
Most employees bring up pay rise queries at their annual performance appraisal and find out what the company has in store for them from a career perspective.
Those with no formal appraisal system, Mr Greaves says, should ask HR or their line manager for an assessment.
“You want to find out how they value your contribution and where your job could go,” he says. “You’ve got to be brave enough to ask some questions and if you don’t like the answers then you have to develop a strategy or change jobs if you are prepared to go through the job-seeking process.”
For those that do reach the salary negotiation with their current employer, Mr Greaves says there is no point in asking for less than 5 per cent.
“However, this can only really have any chance of success if you can identify where you add value to the business (preferably you can put a monetary value on it), or you can point to a sustained contribution above the call of duty or to other achievements you think your employer will value.”
Past winners of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix
2016 Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes-GP)
2015 Nico Rosberg (Mercedes-GP)
2014 Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes-GP)
2013 Sebastian Vettel (Red Bull Racing)
2012 Kimi Raikkonen (Lotus)
2011 Lewis Hamilton (McLaren)
2010 Sebastian Vettel (Red Bull Racing)
2009 Sebastian Vettel (Red Bull Racing)
What vitamins do we know are beneficial for living in the UAE
Vitamin D: Highly relevant in the UAE due to limited sun exposure; supports bone health, immunity and mood.
Vitamin B12: Important for nerve health and energy production, especially for vegetarians, vegans and individuals with absorption issues.
Iron: Useful only when deficiency or anaemia is confirmed; helps reduce fatigue and support immunity.
Omega-3 (EPA/DHA): Supports heart health and reduces inflammation, especially for those who consume little fish.
Mercer, the investment consulting arm of US services company Marsh & McLennan, expects its wealth division to at least double its assets under management (AUM) in the Middle East as wealth in the region continues to grow despite economic headwinds, a company official said.
Mercer Wealth, which globally has $160 billion in AUM, plans to boost its AUM in the region to $2-$3bn in the next 2-3 years from the present $1bn, said Yasir AbuShaban, a Dubai-based principal with Mercer Wealth.
“Within the next two to three years, we are looking at reaching $2 to $3 billion as a conservative estimate and we do see an opportunity to do so,” said Mr AbuShaban.
Mercer does not directly make investments, but allocates clients’ money they have discretion to, to professional asset managers. They also provide advice to clients.
“We have buying power. We can negotiate on their (client’s) behalf with asset managers to provide them lower fees than they otherwise would have to get on their own,” he added.
Mercer Wealth’s clients include sovereign wealth funds, family offices, and insurance companies among others.
From its office in Dubai, Mercer also looks after Africa, India and Turkey, where they also see opportunity for growth.
Wealth creation in Middle East and Africa (MEA) grew 8.5 per cent to $8.1 trillion last year from $7.5tn in 2015, higher than last year’s global average of 6 per cent and the second-highest growth in a region after Asia-Pacific which grew 9.9 per cent, according to consultancy Boston Consulting Group (BCG). In the region, where wealth grew just 1.9 per cent in 2015 compared with 2014, a pickup in oil prices has helped in wealth generation.
BCG is forecasting MEA wealth will rise to $12tn by 2021, growing at an annual average of 8 per cent.
Drivers of wealth generation in the region will be split evenly between new wealth creation and growth of performance of existing assets, according to BCG.
Another general trend in the region is clients’ looking for a comprehensive approach to investing, according to Mr AbuShaban.
“Institutional investors or some of the families are seeing a slowdown in the available capital they have to invest and in that sense they are looking at optimizing the way they manage their portfolios and making sure they are not investing haphazardly and different parts of their investment are working together,” said Mr AbuShaban.
Some clients also have a higher appetite for risk, given the low interest-rate environment that does not provide enough yield for some institutional investors. These clients are keen to invest in illiquid assets, such as private equity and infrastructure.
“What we have seen is a desire for higher returns in what has been a low-return environment specifically in various fixed income or bonds,” he said.
“In this environment, we have seen a de facto increase in the risk that clients are taking in things like illiquid investments, private equity investments, infrastructure and private debt, those kind of investments were higher illiquidity results in incrementally higher returns.”
The Abu Dhabi Investment Authority, one of the largest sovereign wealth funds, said in its 2016 report that has gradually increased its exposure in direct private equity and private credit transactions, mainly in Asian markets and especially in China and India. The authority’s private equity department focused on structured equities owing to “their defensive characteristics.”
The%20specs
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The specs: 2018 Mercedes-Benz E 300 Cabriolet
Price, base / as tested: Dh275,250 / Dh328,465
Engine: 2.0-litre four-cylinder
Power: 245hp @ 5,500rpm
Torque: 370Nm @ 1,300rpm
Transmission: Nine-speed automatic
Fuel consumption, combined: 7.0L / 100km
Brief scores:
Scotland 371-5, 50 overs (C MacLeod 140 no, K Coetzer 58, G Munsey 55)
England 365 all out, 48.5 overs (J Bairstow 105, A Hales 52; M Watt 3-55)
Result: Scotland won by six runs
Electric scooters: some rules to remember
- Riders must be 14-years-old or over
- Wear a protective helmet
- Park the electric scooter in designated parking lots (if any)
- Do not leave electric scooter in locations that obstruct traffic or pedestrians
- Solo riders only, no passengers allowed
- Do not drive outside designated lanes
SERIE A FIXTURES
Saturday
AC Milan v Sampdoria (2.30pm kick-off UAE)
Atalanta v Udinese (5pm)
Benevento v Parma (5pm)
Cagliari v Hellas Verona (5pm)
Genoa v Fiorentina (5pm)
Lazio v Spezia (5pm)
Napoli v Crotone (5pm)
Sassuolo v Roma (5pm)
Torino v Juventus (8pm)
Bologna v Inter Milan (10.45pm)
