Raha Open Cubing Competition 2023 - in pictures

  • From left, contestants Niila Kauppi, 13, Nitesh Siva,12, Kirill Michenko, 12, and Zohair Imad Ahmed, 10, show off their Rubik's Cube skills at the Raha Open 2023. All photos: Victor Besa / The National
    From left, contestants Niila Kauppi, 13, Nitesh Siva,12, Kirill Michenko, 12, and Zohair Imad Ahmed, 10, show off their Rubik's Cube skills at the Raha Open 2023. All photos: Victor Besa / The National
  • The Raha Open 2023, a speedcubing competition, is held at the Raha International School, Khalifa City campus in Abu Dhabi
    The Raha Open 2023, a speedcubing competition, is held at the Raha International School, Khalifa City campus in Abu Dhabi
  • Contestant Armax Zander Guevara Laurel, 13, a pupil at British Modern International School in Qatar
    Contestant Armax Zander Guevara Laurel, 13, a pupil at British Modern International School in Qatar
  • Marshals at the competition use a laptop to guide them on how to scramble the competitors cubes
    Marshals at the competition use a laptop to guide them on how to scramble the competitors cubes
  • Gabriel Mansour, 8, a pupil at American School Dubai, during the speed competition
    Gabriel Mansour, 8, a pupil at American School Dubai, during the speed competition
  • Speed Stacks is a mat used for speeding competitions and has a G5 timer that accurately measures the start and stop times for competitors
    Speed Stacks is a mat used for speeding competitions and has a G5 timer that accurately measures the start and stop times for competitors
  • Zohair Imad Ahmed, 10, a pupil at Safa Community School in Dubai, during the speed-cubing competition
    Zohair Imad Ahmed, 10, a pupil at Safa Community School in Dubai, during the speed-cubing competition
  • Cubers practising on the sidelines before attempting to solve a Rubik's Cube as fast as they can
    Cubers practising on the sidelines before attempting to solve a Rubik's Cube as fast as they can
  • Pupils from different schools around the UAE taking part in the Raha Open 2023
    Pupils from different schools around the UAE taking part in the Raha Open 2023
  • Aidan Dobrowski, 9, a student at American School Dubai, proudly displays his solved Rubik's Cube
    Aidan Dobrowski, 9, a student at American School Dubai, proudly displays his solved Rubik's Cube
  • Niila Kauppi, 13, at the cube submission table, where his cube is randomised and then given back for him to solve
    Niila Kauppi, 13, at the cube submission table, where his cube is randomised and then given back for him to solve
  • The table where competitors pick up their scrambled cube
    The table where competitors pick up their scrambled cube
  • A competitor lubricates his cube before he competes
    A competitor lubricates his cube before he competes
  • Remi Thiemens, 14, a pupil at Gems Winchester School in Fujairah
    Remi Thiemens, 14, a pupil at Gems Winchester School in Fujairah
  • Krill Michenko's parents supporting their son in the competition
    Krill Michenko's parents supporting their son in the competition
  • The Raha Open 2023 cubing competition attracts pupils from all over the UAE
    The Raha Open 2023 cubing competition attracts pupils from all over the UAE
  • Nitesh Siva, 12, a pupil at Woodlem Park School in Ajman, after his speedcubing attempt
    Nitesh Siva, 12, a pupil at Woodlem Park School in Ajman, after his speedcubing attempt
  • Aidan Dobrowski and Nico Dyet wait their turn to compete
    Aidan Dobrowski and Nico Dyet wait their turn to compete