Holiday. It’s defined in the Oxford English Dictionary as “an extended period of leisure and recreation, especially one spent away from home or travelling, where no work is done”.
It doesn’t mean lying around a hotel all day, doing nothing except eating.
Yet, once flights and hotels have been booked, this is precisely what many people end up doing during their time off. But by abandoning our usual sleep and fitness regimes, overeating at hotel buffets, being chauffeured around in cars, taxis and coaches, and perhaps being held back by the inaction of our holiday companions, your fitness goals can take a step backwards on holiday. You can actually end up returning home more tired and overweight, and even more mentally stressed, than when you left.
Being active is often the best way to get the most out of a trip, and it needn’t necessarily involve a huge departure from your usual idea of relaxation. You may find that sleeping in a hut by the beach in Mexico, eating fresh fish and drinking fruit juices, swimming, snorkelling and walking in the fresh air is more restful and transformative than a stay at an expensive luxury hotel crowded with people and with music blaring.
By getting out of vehicles and putting on your hiking boots, or getting on a bicycle, horse or even skis, you can gain a different, clearer and much more relaxing experience of a place – and connecting with your environment brings a valuable sense of perspective. With the wind in your face and nothing between you and the world, you’ll feel calmer and experience a real sense of exhilaration.
What’s best is that it doesn’t have to cost a lot, and activity on holiday need not be exhausting. Organisation and planning are key – if you’re going hiking in remote areas, you probably won’t want to go alone. Long trips may require flying into one airport and out of another. If you don’t know an area, you’ll need detailed maps before setting out. That’s why a growing number of companies have begun offering organised trips that make activity a central part of the experience. It’s in response to a huge demand from people to get more from their time off and actually make their holiday work for them. Whichever way you choose to book, remember that travel offers a chance to start again, and perhaps even make some lasting changes in your life and outlook. Here’s our guide to getting started.
Walking, trekking and cycling holidays
Hiking and cycling are the cheapest and most relaxing ways of seeing a place, and are generally suitable for all ages. Distances and terrain covered depend on your level of fitness and how much time you have, but a single hike or a few hours on a bike will leave you feeling much calmer and may stay longer in the memory than a day spent manically driving around as many towns or villages as possible. Imagine what a whole week could do for your mind and body.
Major reputable travel companies such as Explore!, Exodus, Intrepid Travel and G Adventures have decades of experience in running small-group tours all over the world. Their trips are competitively priced and are ideal for people travelling alone. Explore!'s trips range from eight days walking the Lycian Way in Turkey, from US$770 (Dh2,828) per person, excluding flights, to a two-week trip to Tanzania incorporating a hike to the top of Mount Kilimanjaro and a trip to Zanzibar, from $4,170 (Dh15,317) per person, without flights.
Among many types of activity holidays, Exodus offers dozens of different cycling vacations all over the world, including family cycling holidays and road and off-road trips, These include a “moderate” seven-night trip to Jordan, including Petra and Wadi Rum, from £1,399 (Dh8,269) per person, excluding flights. Cleverly, the route is mostly downhill on the relatively quiet tarmac of the King’s Highway from Amman, taking you to Madaba, the Dead Sea, Karak Castle, Petra and Aqaba. The group returns by vehicle along the Desert Highway via Wadi Rum (after covering that distance by bike, a little assistance is OK).
Other cycling holiday specialists include CTC Cycling Holidays, Headwater, Iron Donkey, Freedom Treks, Saddle Skedaddle and Cycling Holidays Middle East. Specialist walking operators include Ramblers Worldwide Holidays, Walks Worldwide () and One Foot Abroad. Far from being a grim experience, most of these holidays offer gourmet food, charming accommodation and a chance to experience a place in a way that would be impossible from the seat of a coach, bus or train.
If you prefer to organise things yourself, travel in your own group or save some money, even arduous treks can be booked using the services of small local companies. In Nepal, Tibet and Bhutan, arrange a sherpa and guide to hike through mountains such as the Annapurna, or create your own itinerary with added-on activities, such as paragliding and birdwatching, with Kathmandu Travel & Tours; a five-night Annapurna trek costs from $500 (Dh1,837) per person in basic accommodation, excluding flights.
In Kenya, a four-day hike to the summit of Mount Kenya and back with Mountain Rock Kenya (www.mountainrockkenya.com) can cost as little as $610 per person, excluding flights, depending on the size of the group (the price for a single person travelling alone starts from $1,000 [Dh3,673]). Accommodation is basic and the hiking is tough, but the incredible scenery is inaccessible in any other way – and well worth the effort.
Active adventures
Even "adventurous" holidays such as wildlife safaris can involve surprisingly long periods of inactivity, sitting in the back of game-drive vehicles and flying from place to place. Other options, however, can include game watching on foot or horseback, canoeing up rivers and trekking to see mountain gorillas. Real Africa is one of many companies offering itineraries including trekking in Rwanda's Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, canoeing the remote Selinda Spillway in Botswana or walking in South Luangwa National Park in Zambia (a four-night camping canoe safari in Botswana costs from £1,785 [Dh10,550] per person, based on two people sharing). The benefit of these types of trips, besides to your fitness levels, is that they take you to remote areas free of the tourist hordes that can blight the easier-to-get-to locations.
The UAE-based Wild Guanabana, a travel company founded by Omar Samra (the first Egyptian and youngest Arab to climb Mount Everest), specialises in adventure travel in "wild and wonderful" destinations around the world, from rock climbing in Thailand to "Adrenaline Addicts Anonymous" in Costa Rica. It has many hiking and climbing options, including (under the category "Daring Challenges") an eight-day climb of Mont Blanc and a six-day ice-climbing trip to Chamonix, both in the French Alps. Prices start from US$2,600 (Dh9,550) per person, excluding international flights, for the ice-climbing trip.
Fitness holidays
Sometimes you want to use your holiday time to kick-start your fitness regime in a beautiful natural setting with fresh air and good food. While a huge number of travel operators claim to offer this kind of thing, tried-and-tested favourites include Wildfitness, which offers programmes in Kenya, Morocco, Zanzibar, Greece and Spain. Its trips involve group fitness classes and activities such as running and swimming interspersed with periods of rest, attractive accommodation, local and mostly organic food and clean, calming environments. The company promises that you will feel more energised, stronger, fitter, more flexible and have an improved posture, understand how your lifestyle affects your health and how to approach food and healthy eating, among other benefits. Prices are from £2,206 (Dh13,039) for a week, excluding flights, but including massage and a laundry service.
Despite the name, Bikini Bootcamp offers fitness holidays for both men and women by the sea in Tulum, Mexico. It describes itself as "a tune-up for the mind, body and spirit" and each day starts with a one-hour power walk, then varies to include cardio workouts, yoga, salsa, belly dancing or meditation, plus advice on nutrition and excursions in the local area. Prices start from $1,960 (Dh7,199) per person for a week, excluding flights.
For something more gruelling, combine a trip to Thailand with a muay Thai course at a traditional gym. A week's accommodation in a deluxe bungalow at Tiger Muay Thai and Mixed Martial Arts camp in Phuket costs Dh1,000; a full week of training is Dh354 and a private, one-hour muay Thai training session is Dh71. For something more luxurious, the Siam Hotel in Bangkok has its own muay Thai gym and offers a variety of training experiences and spa treatments.
Well-being
Sometimes, if you're feeling burnt out, all you want is to slow down. At Kamalaya Wellness Sanctuary on Koh Samui in Thailand, you can choose and create your own programme, including "detox", "emotional balance", "sleep enhancement" and "yoga", many of which involve traditional therapies including Chinese medicine and Ayurveda. A five-night "sleep enhancement" programme costs from 86,000 Thai baht (Dh9,748) per person, excluding international flights.
In India, there are hundreds of Ayurvedic centres. One of the best and most luxurious is Ananda in the Himalayas. Its seven-day Ananda Ayurvedic Rejuvenation package costs Dh8,794 for a single and Dh13,566 for a double occupancy, including taxes, three meals that suit your dosha (mind-body type) per day, snacks, spa treatments, personalised yoga and pranayama breathing instruction, as well as round-trip airport transfers. The spa also offers 14-day and 21-day packages. Shorter stays can be booked, too.
In Oman, Six Senses Zighy Bay offers activities including paragliding, snorkelling, kayaking, mountain biking, day hikes and rock climbing. It also has a large spa with an experienced full-time yoga teacher and visiting practitioners from around the world. "Yogic detox" programmes of between five and 15 nights can be booked; prices depend on the time of year.
In Jordan, the Evason Ma’in Hot Springs, another Six Senses resort, features a sizeable spa directly under a natural hot spring that cascades into a spa pool; combine this with a hugely scenic hike down Wadi Zarqa to the Dead Sea.
On the shores of the Dead Sea, the Anantara spa at the Kempinski Hotel Ishtar is the largest spa in the Middle East. Combine a single treatment or a full-on two-day spa journey (complete with spa menu for mealtimes) with swims in the Dead Sea and inhaling the oxygen-rich air and you'll leave feeling cleaner than you've ever felt.
Closer to home in Dubai, hotels such as the Madinat Jumeirah have begun offering one-off yoga retreats; Emirates Holidays (www.emiratesholidays.com) has also started to offer a variety of wellness holidays, including slimming and stress management packages at the Carnoustie Ayurveda & Wellness Resort in Kerala, India. A seven-night package costs from Dh13,782 per person, based on two adults sharing, and includes return economy flights, accommodation and a full programme of treatments, including massage, yoga, meditation and a daily consultation. To book, call 800 4969.
If you prefer Germany, stay in the Alpine National Park in the Bavarian Alps at the InterContinental Berchtesgaden Resort, which has world-class spa facilities, an extensive treatment menu and a Michelin-starred restaurant. A four-night holiday here costs from Dh8,888 per person based on two sharing, including return economy class flights on Emirates, four nights’ accommodation with breakfast, five days’ car rental, access to the “Mountain Spa”, “Stay Healthy” minibar and all taxes (also through Emirates Holidays).
rbehan@thenational.ae
The burning issue
The internal combustion engine is facing a watershed moment – major manufacturer Volvo is to stop producing petroleum-powered vehicles by 2021 and countries in Europe, including the UK, have vowed to ban their sale before 2040. The National takes a look at the story of one of the most successful technologies of the last 100 years and how it has impacted life in the UAE.
Read part four: an affection for classic cars lives on
Read part three: the age of the electric vehicle begins
Read part one: how cars came to the UAE
Marathon results
Men:
1. Titus Ekiru(KEN) 2:06:13
2. Alphonce Simbu(TAN) 2:07:50
3. Reuben Kipyego(KEN) 2:08:25
4. Abel Kirui(KEN) 2:08:46
5. Felix Kemutai(KEN) 2:10:48
Women:
1. Judith Korir(KEN) 2:22:30
2. Eunice Chumba(BHR) 2:26:01
3. Immaculate Chemutai(UGA) 2:28:30
4. Abebech Bekele(ETH) 2:29:43
5. Aleksandra Morozova(RUS) 2:33:01
'Morbius'
Director: Daniel Espinosa
Stars: Jared Leto, Matt Smith, Adria Arjona
Rating: 2/5
SPEC%20SHEET%3A%20SAMSUNG%20GALAXY%20S23%20ULTRA
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Dhadak 2
Director: Shazia Iqbal
Starring: Siddhant Chaturvedi, Triptii Dimri
Rating: 1/5
More on animal trafficking
Company%20Profile
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UAE v Ireland
1st ODI, UAE win by 6 wickets
2nd ODI, January 12
3rd ODI, January 14
4th ODI, January 16
The specs: 2017 Dodge Ram 1500 Laramie Longhorn
Price, base / as tested: Dhxxx
Engine: 5.7L V8
Transmission: Eight-speed automatic
Power: 395hp @ 5,600rpm
Torque: 556Nm @ 3,950rpm
Fuel economy, combined: 12.7L / 100km
Company profile
Date started: 2015
Founder: John Tsioris and Ioanna Angelidaki
Based: Dubai
Sector: Online grocery delivery
Staff: 200
Funding: Undisclosed, but investors include the Jabbar Internet Group and Venture Friends
COMPANY%20PROFILE%20
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The years Ramadan fell in May
How to help
Call the hotline on 0502955999 or send "thenational" to the following numbers:
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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.”
FIGHT CARD
Bantamweight Hamza Bougamza (MAR) v Jalal Al Daaja (JOR)
Catchweight 67kg Mohamed El Mesbahi (MAR) v Fouad Mesdari (ALG)
Lighweight Abdullah Mohammed Ali (UAE) v Abdelhak Amhidra (MAR)
Catchweight 73kg Mostafa Ibrahim Radi (PAL) v Yazid Chouchane (ALG)
Middleweight Yousri Belgaroui (TUN) v Badreddine Diani (MAR)
Catchweight 78kg Rashed Dawood (UAE) v Adnan Bushashy (ALG)
Middleweight Sallaheddine Dekhissi (MAR) v Abdel Emam (EGY)
Catchweight 65kg Rachid Hazoume (MAR) v Yanis Ghemmouri (ALG)
Lighweight Mohammed Yahya (UAE) v Azouz Anwar (EGY)
Catchweight 79kg Omar Hussein (PAL) v Souhil Tahiri (ALG)
Middleweight Tarek Suleiman (SYR) v Laid Zerhouni (ALG)
The%C2%A0specs%20
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Points classification after Stage 4
1. Arnaud Demare (France / FDJ) 124
2. Marcel Kittel (Germany / Quick-Step) 81
3. Michael Matthews (Australia / Sunweb) 66
4. Andre Greipel (Germany / Lotto) 63
5. Alexander Kristoff (Norway / Katusha) 43
RedCrow Intelligence Company Profile
Started: 2016
Founders: Hussein Nasser Eddin, Laila Akel, Tayeb Akel
Based: Ramallah, Palestine
Sector: Technology, Security
# of staff: 13
Investment: $745,000
Investors: Palestine’s Ibtikar Fund, Abu Dhabi’s Gothams and angel investors
The Sheikh Zayed Future Energy Prize
This year’s winners of the US$4 million Sheikh Zayed Future Energy Prize will be recognised and rewarded in Abu Dhabi on January 15 as part of Abu Dhabi Sustainable Week, which runs in the capital from January 13 to 20.
From solutions to life-changing technologies, the aim is to discover innovative breakthroughs to create a new and sustainable energy future.
The 12 Syrian entities delisted by UK
Ministry of Interior
Ministry of Defence
General Intelligence Directorate
Air Force Intelligence Agency
Political Security Directorate
Syrian National Security Bureau
Military Intelligence Directorate
Army Supply Bureau
General Organisation of Radio and TV
Al Watan newspaper
Cham Press TV
Sama TV
THE%20SWIMMERS
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Fight Night
FIGHT NIGHT
Four title fights:
Amir Khan v Billy Dib - WBC International title
Hughie Fury v Samuel Peter - Heavyweight co-main event
Dave Penalosa v Lerato Dlamini - WBC Silver title
Prince Patel v Michell Banquiz - IBO World title
Six undercard bouts:
Michael Hennessy Jr v Abdul Julaidan Fatah
Amandeep Singh v Shakhobidin Zoirov
Zuhayr Al Qahtani v Farhad Hazratzada
Lolito Sonsona v Isack Junior
Rodrigo Caraballo v Sajid Abid
Ali Kiydin v Hemi Ahio
COMPANY%20PROFILE
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Ten tax points to be aware of in 2026
1. Domestic VAT refund amendments: request your refund within five years
If a business does not apply for the refund on time, they lose their credit.
2. E-invoicing in the UAE
Businesses should continue preparing for the implementation of e-invoicing in the UAE, with 2026 a preparation and transition period ahead of phased mandatory adoption.
3. More tax audits
Tax authorities are increasingly using data already available across multiple filings to identify audit risks.
4. More beneficial VAT and excise tax penalty regime
Tax disputes are expected to become more frequent and more structured, with clearer administrative objection and appeal processes. The UAE has adopted a new penalty regime for VAT and excise disputes, which now mirrors the penalty regime for corporate tax.
5. Greater emphasis on statutory audit
There is a greater need for the accuracy of financial statements. The International Financial Reporting Standards standards need to be strictly adhered to and, as a result, the quality of the audits will need to increase.
6. Further transfer pricing enforcement
Transfer pricing enforcement, which refers to the practice of establishing prices for internal transactions between related entities, is expected to broaden in scope. The UAE will shortly open the possibility to negotiate advance pricing agreements, or essentially rulings for transfer pricing purposes.
7. Limited time periods for audits
Recent amendments also introduce a default five-year limitation period for tax audits and assessments, subject to specific statutory exceptions. While the standard audit and assessment period is five years, this may be extended to up to 15 years in cases involving fraud or tax evasion.
8. Pillar 2 implementation
Many multinational groups will begin to feel the practical effect of the Domestic Minimum Top-Up Tax (DMTT), the UAE's implementation of the OECD’s global minimum tax under Pillar 2. While the rules apply for financial years starting on or after January 1, 2025, it is 2026 that marks the transition to an operational phase.
9. Reduced compliance obligations for imported goods and services
Businesses that apply the reverse-charge mechanism for VAT purposes in the UAE may benefit from reduced compliance obligations.
10. Substance and CbC reporting focus
Tax authorities are expected to continue strengthening the enforcement of economic substance and Country-by-Country (CbC) reporting frameworks. In the UAE, these regimes are increasingly being used as risk-assessment tools, providing tax authorities with a comprehensive view of multinational groups’ global footprints and enabling them to assess whether profits are aligned with real economic activity.
Contributed by Thomas Vanhee and Hend Rashwan, Aurifer
Know before you go
- Jebel Akhdar is a two-hour drive from Muscat airport or a six-hour drive from Dubai. It’s impossible to visit by car unless you have a 4x4. Phone ahead to the hotel to arrange a transfer.
- If you’re driving, make sure your insurance covers Oman.
- By air: Budget airlines Air Arabia, Flydubai and SalamAir offer direct routes to Muscat from the UAE.
- Tourists from the Emirates (UAE nationals not included) must apply for an Omani visa online before arrival at evisa.rop.gov.om. The process typically takes several days.
- Flash floods are probable due to the terrain and a lack of drainage. Always check the weather before venturing into any canyons or other remote areas and identify a plan of escape that includes high ground, shelter and parking where your car won’t be overtaken by sudden downpours.
Mumbai Indians 213/6 (20 ov)
Royal Challengers Bangalore 167/8 (20 ov)
Profile of Tamatem
Date started: March 2013
Founder: Hussam Hammo
Based: Amman, Jordan
Employees: 55
Funding: $6m
Funders: Wamda Capital, Modern Electronics (part of Al Falaisah Group) and North Base Media
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
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'Midnights'
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Lexus LX700h specs
Engine: 3.4-litre twin-turbo V6 plus supplementary electric motor
Power: 464hp at 5,200rpm
Torque: 790Nm from 2,000-3,600rpm
Transmission: 10-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 11.7L/100km
On sale: Now
Price: From Dh590,000
Pupils in Abu Dhabi are learning the importance of being active, eating well and leading a healthy lifestyle now and throughout adulthood, thanks to a newly launched programme 'Healthy Lifestyle'.
As part of the Healthy Lifestyle programme, specially trained coaches from City Football Schools, along with Healthpoint physicians have visited schools throughout Abu Dhabi to give fun and interactive lessons on working out regularly, making the right food choices, getting enough sleep and staying hydrated, just like their favourite footballers.
Organised by Manchester City FC and Healthpoint, Manchester City FC’s regional healthcare partner and part of Mubadala’s healthcare network, the ‘Healthy Lifestyle’ programme will visit 15 schools, meeting around 1,000 youngsters over the next five months.
Designed to give pupils all the information they need to improve their diet and fitness habits at home, at school and as they grow up, coaches from City Football Schools will work alongside teachers to lead the youngsters through a series of fun, creative and educational classes as well as activities, including playing football and other games.
Dr Mai Ahmed Al Jaber, head of public health at Healthpoint, said: “The programme has different aspects - diet, exercise, sleep and mental well-being. By having a focus on each of those and delivering information in a way that children can absorb easily it can help to address childhood obesity."
Quick pearls of wisdom
Focus on gratitude: And do so deeply, he says. “Think of one to three things a day that you’re grateful for. It needs to be specific, too, don’t just say ‘air.’ Really think about it. If you’re grateful for, say, what your parents have done for you, that will motivate you to do more for the world.”
Know how to fight: Shetty married his wife, Radhi, three years ago (he met her in a meditation class before he went off and became a monk). He says they’ve had to learn to respect each other’s “fighting styles” – he’s a talk it-out-immediately person, while she needs space to think. “When you’re having an argument, remember, it’s not you against each other. It’s both of you against the problem. When you win, they lose. If you’re on a team you have to win together.”
Results
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All you need to know about Formula E in Saudi Arabia
What The Saudia Ad Diriyah E-Prix
When Saturday
Where Diriyah in Saudi Arabia
What time Qualifying takes place from 11.50am UAE time through until the Super Pole session, which is due to end at 12.55pm. The race, which will last for 45 minutes, starts at 4.05pm.
Who is competing There are 22 drivers, from 11 teams, on the grid, with each vehicle run solely on electronic power.
Wicked
Director: Jon M Chu
Stars: Cynthia Erivo, Ariana Grande, Jonathan Bailey
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
MEDIEVIL%20(1998)
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MATCH INFO
Barcelona v Real Madrid, 11pm UAE
Match is on BeIN Sports
The rules of the road keeping cyclists safe
Cyclists must wear a helmet, arm and knee pads
Have a white front-light and a back red-light on their bike
They must place a number plate with reflective light to the back of the bike to alert road-users
Avoid carrying weights that could cause the bike to lose balance
They must cycle on designated lanes and areas and ride safe on pavements to avoid bumping into pedestrians
Zayed Sustainability Prize
