DUBAI // Overachievement is a rare thing on the fields of the UAE. Such is the country’s thirst for success, expectations are often inflated, and it inevitably leads to disappointment.
Friday night, however, a team of women representing the Emirates showed courage and class to unexpectedly – and comfortably – finish atop their pool at the Dubai Rugby Sevens.
Dubai Hurricanes are competing in the International Open Women’s tournament for the first time after deciding to step up a level and fill the void left by the UAE national team, who are missing from this year’s tournament.
The jump to international level was expected to be too large for a side playing with only Gulf experience. Yet while they should be losing, instead, they are winning.
Over the past two days, they have played four matches, including games against the Swiss national team and another against representatives of Russia. They have won all four and today will play in the semi-final at 1.20pm.
Their performances have been all-conquering, with 75 points scored across their first three games and only 24 conceded.
Against the Russians yesterday, the Hurricanes went one better, bursting out of the blocks to immediately take the lead with their first attack. The final score read 37-0 and it could have been even more.
“We have done really well,” said Jenny Matheson, the captain of the Hurricanes. “We have a strong team in the league here and knew we would give it a good crack, but I definitely didn’t think we would come top of the pool.
“I thought we would come second or third rather than fourth or fifth, but to finish top of the group and put in the displays we have, it is a bit above and beyond what we expected.”
Matheson warned that today’s opponents, Askaris Predators, will be stronger than any of the sides they have yet played. Though the Predators lost their opening match, Pool B has proven a far-tougher group.
But the team rallied back from the opening day disappointment and progressed yesterday with an aggregate score of 79-51.
gmeenaghan@thenational.ae
Follow us on twitter at @SprtNationalUAE
Team Angel Wolf Beach Blast takes place every Wednesday between 4:30pm and 5:30pm
The specs
Engine: 3-litre twin-turbo V6
Power: 400hp
Torque: 475Nm
Transmission: 9-speed automatic
Price: From Dh215,900
On sale: Now
The specs: 2018 Nissan Patrol Nismo
Price: base / as tested: Dh382,000
Engine: 5.6-litre V8
Gearbox: Seven-speed automatic
Power: 428hp @ 5,800rpm
Torque: 560Nm @ 3,600rpm
Fuel economy, combined: 12.7L / 100km
How to apply for a drone permit
- Individuals must register on UAE Drone app or website using their UAE Pass
- Add all their personal details, including name, nationality, passport number, Emiratis ID, email and phone number
- Upload the training certificate from a centre accredited by the GCAA
- Submit their request
What are the regulations?
- Fly it within visual line of sight
- Never over populated areas
- Ensure maximum flying height of 400 feet (122 metres) above ground level is not crossed
- Users must avoid flying over restricted areas listed on the UAE Drone app
- Only fly the drone during the day, and never at night
- Should have a live feed of the drone flight
- Drones must weigh 5 kg or less
Banned items
Dubai Police has also issued a list of banned items at the ground on Sunday. These include:
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Political flags or banners
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Bikes, skateboards or scooters
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
Smart words at Make Smart Cool
Make Smart Cool is not your usual festival. Dubbed “edutainment” by organisers Najahi Events, Make Smart Cool aims to inspire its youthful target audience through a mix of interactive presentation by social media influencers and a concert finale featuring Example with DJ Wire. Here are some of the speakers sharing their inspiration and experiences on the night.
Prince Ea
With his social media videos accumulating more half a billion views, the American motivational speaker is hot on the college circuit in the US, with talks that focus on the many ways to generate passion and motivation when it comes to learning.
Khalid Al Ameri
The Emirati columnist and presenter is much loved by local youth, with writings and presentations about education, entrepreneurship and family balance. His lectures on career and personal development are sought after by the education and business sector.
Ben Ouattara
Born to an Ivorian father and German mother, the Dubai-based fitness instructor and motivational speaker is all about conquering fears and insecurities. His talk focuses on the need to gain emotional and physical fitness when facing life’s challenges. As well managing his film production company, Ouattara is one of the official ambassadors of Dubai Expo2020.
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Destroyer
Director: Karyn Kusama
Cast: Nicole Kidman, Toby Kebbell, Sebastian Stan
Rating: 3/5
UAE release: January 31
COMPANY PROFILE
Name: Kumulus Water
Started: 2021
Founders: Iheb Triki and Mohamed Ali Abid
Based: Tunisia
Sector: Water technology
Number of staff: 22
Investment raised: $4 million
A State of Passion
Directors: Carol Mansour and Muna Khalidi
Stars: Dr Ghassan Abu-Sittah
Rating: 4/5
The specs
Engine: Dual 180kW and 300kW front and rear motors
Power: 480kW
Torque: 850Nm
Transmission: Single-speed automatic
Price: From Dh359,900 ($98,000)
On sale: Now
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