Welcome to The National's weekly newsletter Beshara, where we share the most positive stories of the week.
Often, the biggest personal breakthroughs begin with someone refusing to accept a perceived limitation.
For Nick Coats, 39, a former British soldier, that meant running 1,700km across three countries – braving wild animals, blisters and extreme heat to raise awareness of men’s mental health.
Emirati swimmer Maha Al Shehhi turned the words “you can’t swim” into the motivation that would eventually take her to the Olympics.
Their stories are testament that resilience isn’t only about physical strength. It’s about challenging boundaries and proving that what once seemed impossible can become a reality.
And as more people across the Middle East take charge of their health and fitness, technology is catching up. Wearable fitness company Whoop has launched an Arabic-language option, recognising the region as its fastest-growing market and making personal health insights more accessible to Arabic speakers.
In this edition of Beshara, we explore the determination to break new ground, the courage to overcome barriers and the advancing tools helping us understand our bodies better.
Do you have good news or positive stories you want us to share? Email me at: falmahmoud@thenationalnews.com
More than miles
What does it take to run 1,700km, unsupported, across three countries in only 40 days?
For Coats, the former UK soldier who is now a Dubai-based fitness coach, it meant battling extreme heat, painful blisters and even encounters with bears, wolves and wild dogs.
He completed the extraordinary journey through Greece, Albania and Turkey to raise awareness and support for men’s mental health, a cause close to his heart after witnessing friends and colleagues struggle.
But beyond the physical challenges, Coats says the experience taught him an important lesson: endurance isn’t only about how far you can push your body, but how you navigate life’s struggles.
Quoted
'They were like, 'You can’t swim. We won’t give you a pool; it’s impossible'. I was like, 'What do you mean? I can''
– Emirati athlete Maha Al Shehhi was told there was no pathway for girls like her to compete in the pool. Now she is determined to make the journey easier for the next generation.
A purr-fect new beginning
Eight rescued cats found their forever homes at an adoption event in Abu Dhabi, with four more adoptions pending.
Hosted by Microchipped.ae and Rosewood Abu Dhabi, the event brought together animal lovers, rescuers and volunteers, with 56 cats up for adoption.
Beyond finding new homes, the initiative highlighted responsible pet ownership and caring for the city’s stray cats.
“It went beyond what we hoped,” said Dave Appleby, founder of Microchipped.ae.
“Seeing rescuers, adopters, families and our community all in one room at Rosewood … it felt like everything we’ve been working for over the last four years finally came together. It was emotional but also full of hope.”
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