Have you ever tried to eat a salad with a plastic fork? It is next to impossible, and certainly not enjoyable. Not only are these inferior utensils my personal pet peeve, they mark yet another drain on the environment. It has been estimated that each year Americans throw out enough of this cutlery (along with paper bags and plastic cups) to circle the equator 300 times. One can only imagine how much is produced in the UAE.
I keep a proper fork, knife and spoon in my desk drawer so I can avoid the plastic ones, but this is not the greatest option for kids and carting items to and fro. Ekotribe (www.thegreenecostore.com) offers a lovely solution: reusable utensils made from bamboo. The durable and renewable grass creates products that are both lightweight and strong. The company uses a natural, vegan, food-safe sealant, meaning the finished product doesn't stain or absorb food flavours. The cutlery can be hand washed with soap and water or tossed in the dishwasher.
Not only is the cutlery itself cool, but the sets come in one of two eco-friendly holders. To-Go Ware's RePEat Utensil holder is a snazzy carrying case made out of recycled plastic bottles available in five colours. The cotton holders are produced by Weave, a project for Burmese refugee women. Both are Dh55 per set.
Formula Middle East Calendar (Formula Regional and Formula 4)
Round 1: January 17-19, Yas Marina Circuit – Abu Dhabi
Round 2: January 22-23, Yas Marina Circuit – Abu Dhabi
Round 3: February 7-9, Dubai Autodrome – Dubai
Round 4: February 14-16, Yas Marina Circuit – Abu Dhabi
Round 5: February 25-27, Jeddah Corniche Circuit – Saudi Arabia
THREE POSSIBLE REPLACEMENTS
Khalfan Mubarak
The Al Jazira playmaker has for some time been tipped for stardom within UAE football, with Quique Sanchez Flores, his former manager at Al Ahli, once labelling him a “genius”. He was only 17. Now 23, Mubarak has developed into a crafty supplier of chances, evidenced by his seven assists in six league matches this season. Still to display his class at international level, though.
Rayan Yaslam
The Al Ain attacking midfielder has become a regular starter for his club in the past 15 months. Yaslam, 23, is a tidy and intelligent player, technically proficient with an eye for opening up defences. Developed while alongside Abdulrahman in the Al Ain first-team and has progressed well since manager Zoran Mamic’s arrival. However, made his UAE debut only last December.
Ismail Matar
The Al Wahda forward is revered by teammates and a key contributor to the squad. At 35, his best days are behind him, but Matar is incredibly experienced and an example to his colleagues. His ability to cope with tournament football is a concern, though, despite Matar beginning the season well. Not a like-for-like replacement, although the system could be adjusted to suit.
Analysis
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2025 Fifa Club World Cup groups
Group A: Palmeiras, Porto, Al Ahly, Inter Miami.
Group B: Paris Saint-Germain, Atletico Madrid, Botafogo, Seattle.
Group C: Bayern Munich, Auckland City, Boca Juniors, Benfica.
Group D: Flamengo, ES Tunis, Chelsea, Leon.
Group E: River Plate, Urawa, Monterrey, Inter Milan.
Group F: Fluminense, Borussia Dortmund, Ulsan, Mamelodi Sundowns.
Group G: Manchester City, Wydad, Al Ain, Juventus.
Group H: Real Madrid, Al Hilal, Pachuca, Salzburg.
