Outdoor fitness enthusiasts and adventure seekers in the capital have a brand new reason to lace up their trainers. The UAE's biggest permanent obstacle course, OCR Park, has opened on Abu Dhabi's new Hudayriyat Leisure and Entertainment District.
Set across 94,000 square metres of space, the fitness destination features eight obstacles and eight fitness stations for adults, and six obstacles for children. The park opened its gates on Thursday, November 12.
Abu Dhabi residents can run, jump, climb and challenge themselves at the venue with adult obstacles such as Wrong Way Around (where a 10-foot wall needs to be tackled), Drop and Roll (be prepared for a bit of a crawl) and Behind Enemy Lines (where participants have to swing using metal rings).
Some of the children’s challenges include Up and Over (for a run and a climb), I See the Light (a trudge through a tunnel) and Rambo, for those who enjoy monkey bars.
The obstacles vary in complexity and difficulty levels, giving both beginners and seasoned athletes plenty of reason to challenge themselves.
It also includes a 3-kilometre track for adults and a 1.5km track for children. In addition, OCR Park has been specifically designed to be accessible for people of determination, with dedicated classes available and specialist staff on site to assist.
The park, which is operated by Middle East sports agency Sabco Sports, has put health and safety measures in place including hourly sanitisation of equipment, touchless hand sanitisers within the park, mandatory face masks, two metres of social distancing and advance online booking. The maximum number of participants at any one time will be limited to 20 people, every 15 minutes, and there will also be a reduced number of participants at any scheduled fitness class.
"We are passionate about shaking up the way people in the Middle East exercise, move their bodies, and stay healthy. OCR Park is a fun and inclusive challenge for all, that will give people the chance to improve their fitness, and also build on their confidence," says Nic Cartwright, Sabco Sports, operators of OCR Park.
Open daily from 6am to 9pm; a one-day pass for adults costs Dh100 for weekdays and Dh150 for weekends, and Dh50 for weekdays and Dh75 for weekends for children aged 5-15; Hudayriyat Island, Abu Dhabi; 026910259; ocrpark.com
RESULT
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Liverpool: Ings (4'), Salah (72')
Analysis
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The biog
Full name: Aisha Abdulqader Saeed
Age: 34
Emirate: Dubai
Favourite quote: "No one has ever become poor by giving"
Mohammed bin Zayed Majlis
Coming soon
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Another exciting opening at the W Dubai – The Palm hotel is South Korean chef Akira Back’s new restaurant, which will continue to showcase some of the finest Asian food in the world. Back, whose Seoul restaurant, Dosa, won a Michelin star last year, describes his menu as, “an innovative Japanese cuisine prepared with a Korean accent”.
Dinner by Heston Blumenthal
The highly experimental chef, whose dishes are as much about spectacle as taste, opens his first restaurant in Dubai next year. Housed at The Royal Atlantis Resort & Residences, Dinner by Heston Blumenthal will feature contemporary twists on recipes that date back to the 1300s, including goats’ milk cheesecake. Always remember with a Blumenthal dish: nothing is quite as it seems.
Essentials
The flights
Etihad and Emirates fly direct from the UAE to Delhi from about Dh950 return including taxes.
The hotels
Double rooms at Tijara Fort-Palace cost from 6,670 rupees (Dh377), including breakfast.
Doubles at Fort Bishangarh cost from 29,030 rupees (Dh1,641), including breakfast. Doubles at Narendra Bhawan cost from 15,360 rupees (Dh869). Doubles at Chanoud Garh cost from 19,840 rupees (Dh1,122), full board. Doubles at Fort Begu cost from 10,000 rupees (Dh565), including breakfast.
The tours
Amar Grover travelled with Wild Frontiers. A tailor-made, nine-day itinerary via New Delhi, with one night in Tijara and two nights in each of the remaining properties, including car/driver, costs from £1,445 (Dh6,968) per person.
What can you do?
Document everything immediately; including dates, times, locations and witnesses
Seek professional advice from a legal expert
You can report an incident to HR or an immediate supervisor
You can use the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation’s dedicated hotline
In criminal cases, you can contact the police for additional support
The specs
Price, base / as tested Dh135,000
Engine 1.6L turbo
Gearbox Six speed automatic with manual and sports mode
Power 165hp @ 6,000rpm
Torque 240Nm @ 1,400rpm 0-100kph: 9.2 seconds
Top speed 420 kph (governed)
Fuel economy, combined 35.2L / 100km (est)
UK-EU trade at a glance
EU fishing vessels guaranteed access to UK waters for 12 years
Co-operation on security initiatives and procurement of defence products
Youth experience scheme to work, study or volunteer in UK and EU countries
Smoother border management with use of e-gates
Cutting red tape on import and export of food
Results
6.30pm: Mazrat Al Ruwayah Group Two (PA) US$55,000 (Dirt) 1,600m; Winner: Rasi, Harry Bentley (jockey), Sulaiman Al Ghunaimi (trainer).
7.05pm: Meydan Trophy (TB) $100,000 (Turf) 1,900m; Winner: Ya Hayati, William Buick, Charlie Appleby.
7.40pm: Handicap (TB) $135,000 (D) 1,200m; Winner: Bochart, Richard Mullen, Satish Seemar.
8.15pm: Balanchine Group Two (TB) $250,000 (T) 1,800m; Winner: Magic Lily, William Buick, Charlie Appleby.
8.50pm: Handicap (TB) $135,000 (T) 1,000m; Winner: Waady, Jim Crowley, Doug Watson.
9.25pm: Firebreak Stakes Group Three (TB) $200,000 (D) 1,600m; Winner: Capezzano, Mickael Barzalona, Salem bin Ghadayer.
10pm: Handicap (TB) $175,000 (T) 2,410m; Winner: Eynhallow, Mickael Barzalona, Charlie Appleby.
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