World Skate Championship 2024
World Skate Championship 2024

Global skateboarding elite compete in Dubai on the road to the Olympics



The World Skate Tour has landed in the UAE for the second consecutive year with back-to-back events happening until March 10.

The adrenaline-filled Street and Park Pro Tour is underway at a new skate park arena built by Arada - a leading real estate company and UAE-based master developer, it is hosting the sporting spectacle with World Skate in partnership with Shamal Holding, owner of Dubai Harbour, in collaboration with Dubai Sports Council and Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism.

First heats commenced yesterday (February 25), further underlining the sport’s place in the UAE after Sharjah’s successful hosting of the World Skate Tour in 2023, and Arada’s role in the evolving skating community.

In a limited time, the developer built a world-class venue for the Street Pro Tour Stop, which runs until March 3, followed by the Park Pro Tour Stop, on until March 10.

Held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, chairman of DSC, the 2024 Tour events hold unparalleled significance for the world’s greatest male and female skateboarders; not only are they competing for the title of world’s best, each competition will serve as a pivotal qualifier for the Olympic Games, in Paris this summer.

Dr Ray Tinston, Arada’s events director, says spectators will witness exiting and future Olympic medallists in action at its “top-notch” C-Class (Championship Class) Park and Street venues.

“We strive to deliver events that not only showcase the prowess of the UAE but also become a source of pride for the nation,” he tells The National.

“With a live broadcast reaching audiences worldwide, we aim to spotlight the beauty of the destination while emphasising Dubai and the UAE’s prowess in organising world-class events.”

For residents and visitors, this marks a fantastic opportunity to witness some of the best in one of the world’s fastest-growing sports.

Sabatino Aracu, World Skate president, describes the “great sporting city of Dubai” as the perfect backdrop for two weeks of “truly world-class competition”.

“Local fans will have a unique opportunity to see the planet’s top professionals up close,” he says. “As the Road to Paris 2024 draws to a close, these two events provide the last opportunity to secure ranking points to qualify for the Olympics, so we expect competition will be intense.”

As well as the 500-plus elite athletes from various countries, organisers expect more than 3,500 people from outside the UAE representing competitors, their

coaches, families, and organisers from World Skate, as well as international media representatives covering and broadcasting the event globally.

Dr Ray says the competition includes participation from more nations than ever.

“We’ve meticulously crafted a world-class park in one of Dubai’s most exciting destinations and the best men and women skateboarders in the world are here, including medallists from the first Olympic Games in Tokyo.

“It is certain that we will be watching the Paris Olympic medal winners in action and what a privilege to see them live in the UAE while the rest of the world watches online.

“These two events hold a special significance within the World Skateboarding Tour, serving as a defining benchmark for the entire tour.”

Dr Ray’s career has taken him across the world, organising events across various verticals, and landing him in the UAE in 2008.

He says skateboarding and its community “radiate a unique energy and camaraderie”, ranking it among the top three fastest-growing sports globally. “Having rarely witnessed such passion in my career, I am captivated by the athleticism, skill, and electric atmosphere that skateboarding brings…whether witnessed live or through broadcast, the experience is truly mesmerising.”

And this latest fortnight of competition further cements Arada’s growing role in that skating community, having first secured the 2023 World Skate World Championships for Park and Street for its Aljada Skate Park, in Sharjah.

“The resounding feedback from the entire skateboarding community was nothing short of remarkable,” says Dr Ray of that iteration.

“We were told that our hosting efforts not only elevated the sport but also marked those events as the pinnacle of skateboarding history - a monumental compliment from both the community and our esteemed partners, World Skate and their Skateboarding Tour.

“At the Dubai Harbour Skate Park, we have once again set a new standard. What we’ve accomplished transcends the boundaries of the World Skateboarding Tour, propelling the UAE to the forefront of one of the fastest-growing sports on the planet.

“Our commitment to excellence and the relentless pursuit of pushing the limits have solidified our position as a key player in the global skateboarding landscape.”

Arada was founded in 2017 by HH Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed Al Qasimi, chairman of Basma Group, and HRH Prince Khaled bin Alwaleed bin Talal, founding chairman of KBW Investments, with the intention of delivering superior properties to the UAE real estate segment.

It has swiftly become renowned for a commitment to excellence, based on a vision to redefine urban living with vibrant and inclusive communities “offering amenities and facilities that foster social interaction, wellness, and a sense of belonging among residents”.

Arada says it incorporates innovative design concepts and architectural elements into its developments, while being committed to sustainability, implementing green building practices and environmentally-friendly features in its projects, beside quality craftsmanship.

World Skate, meanwhile, serves as the premier authority and youth-orientated international governing body on all aspects of roller sports, including governance, competition, and development.

Formerly known as the International Roller Sports Federation (FIRS), it was rebranded in 2017 to reflect its progressive broader focus and remains committed to promoting inclusivity and diversity within roller sports, welcoming athletes of all ages, genders, backgrounds, and abilities to participate and compete.

In embracing innovation and adaptability to keep pace with the evolving landscape of sports and entertainment, World Skate places strong emphasis on youth engagement, recognising the importance of nurturing the next generation of athletes and enthusiasts and maintaining a presence in numerous regions around the world.

Arada’s staging of World Skate’s premium competition fits well with Dubai’s role as a dynamic destination “where the spirit of competition comes alive” and ensures the city takes “centre stage in the grand performance of sports” while delivering a vision for a healthy and inspired country.

So where does Arada’s role in the skate community, a key part of youth culture and a sport driven by creativity, freedom and expression, manifest beyond these events?

Dr Ray says it is “elevating the journey to the podium” as the final destination before the Olympics, but is also a “legacy driver” for the UAE’s fastest growing sport.

“We believe in long-term partnerships and we invest in our communities, not just the built environment but the people who live, work and play there,” he says.

“We have some of the best facilities for skateboarding in the world and our long-term partnership with World Skate is beginning to yield benefits for our communities and the wider UAE. We look forward to a long and healthy partnership with athletes, families, federations, and partners in the skateboarding family.”

He continues: “In this Olympic year, our qualifying events have successfully drawn the participation of the finest athletes in the sport... the eyes of the world will be on us, and we are poised to demonstrate Dubai and the UAE’s capacity to host events of the highest calibre.

“These events have the potential to redefine how the world views a place, its people, and its ability to host events on an unprecedented scale. I firmly believe the standards set at the events in Dubai will mark the inception of a new chapter, not only for the UAE but for the wider GCC.

UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
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The specs

AT4 Ultimate, as tested

Engine: 6.2-litre V8

Power: 420hp

Torque: 623Nm

Transmission: 10-speed automatic

Price: From Dh330,800 (Elevation: Dh236,400; AT4: Dh286,800; Denali: Dh345,800)

On sale: Now

The specs
Engine: 4.0-litre flat-six
Power: 510hp at 9,000rpm
Torque: 450Nm at 6,100rpm
Transmission: 7-speed PDK auto or 6-speed manual
Fuel economy, combined: 13.8L/100km
On sale: Available to order now
Price: From Dh801,800
The specs
Engine: Long-range single or dual motor with 200kW or 400kW battery
Power: 268bhp / 536bhp
Torque: 343Nm / 686Nm
Transmission: Single-speed automatic
Max touring range: 620km / 590km
Price: From Dh250,000 (estimated)
On sale: Later this year
The biog

Favourite hobby: taking his rescue dog, Sally, for long walks.

Favourite book: anything by Stephen King, although he said the films rarely match the quality of the books

Favourite film: The Shawshank Redemption stands out as his favourite movie, a classic King novella

Favourite music: “I have a wide and varied music taste, so it would be unfair to pick a single song from blues to rock as a favourite"

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

UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
The specs

Engine: 3.5-litre twin-turbo V6

Power: 380hp at 5,800rpm

Torque: 530Nm at 1,300-4,500rpm

Transmission: Eight-speed auto

Price: From Dh299,000 ($81,415)

On sale: Now

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
Credits

Produced by: Colour Yellow Productions and Eros Now
Director: Mudassar Aziz
Cast: Sonakshi Sinha, Jimmy Sheirgill, Jassi Gill, Piyush Mishra, Diana Penty, Aparshakti Khurrana
Star rating: 2.5/5

Movie: Saheb, Biwi aur Gangster 3

Producer: JAR Films

Director: Tigmanshu Dhulia

Cast: Sanjay Dutt, Jimmy Sheirgill, Mahie Gill, Chitrangda Singh, Kabir Bedi

Rating: 3 star

The Baghdad Clock

Shahad Al Rawi, Oneworld

The specs

Engine: four-litre V6 and 3.5-litre V6 twin-turbo

Transmission: six-speed and 10-speed

Power: 271 and 409 horsepower

Torque: 385 and 650Nm

Price: from Dh229,900 to Dh355,000

The Bio

Hometown: Bogota, Colombia
Favourite place to relax in UAE: the desert around Al Mleiha in Sharjah or the eastern mangroves in Abu Dhabi
The one book everyone should read: 100 Years of Solitude by Gabriel Garcia Marquez. It will make your mind fly
Favourite documentary: Chasing Coral by Jeff Orlowski. It's a good reality check about one of the most valued ecosystems for humanity

Schedule for Asia Cup

Sept 15: Bangladesh v Sri Lanka (Dubai)

Sept 16: Pakistan v Qualifier (Dubai)

Sept 17: Sri Lanka v Afghanistan (Abu Dhabi)

Sept 18: India v Qualifier (Dubai)

Sept 19: India v Pakistan (Dubai)

Sept 20: Bangladesh v Afghanistan (Abu Dhabi) Super Four

Sept 21: Group A Winner v Group B Runner-up (Dubai) 

Sept 21: Group B Winner v Group A Runner-up (Abu Dhabi)

Sept 23: Group A Winner v Group A Runner-up (Dubai)

Sept 23: Group B Winner v Group B Runner-up (Abu Dhabi)

Sept 25: Group A Winner v Group B Winner (Dubai)

Sept 26: Group A Runner-up v Group B Runner-up (Abu Dhabi)

Sept 28: Final (Dubai)

If you go
Where to stay: Courtyard by Marriott Titusville Kennedy Space Centre has unparalleled views of the Indian River. Alligators can be spotted from hotel room balconies, as can several rocket launch sites. The hotel also boasts cool space-themed decor.

When to go: Florida is best experienced during the winter months, from November to May, before the humidity kicks in.

How to get there: Emirates currently flies from Dubai to Orlando five times a week.

 

 

IF YOU GO
 
The flights: FlyDubai offers direct flights to Catania Airport from Dubai International Terminal 2 daily with return fares starting from Dh1,895.
 
The details: Access to the 2,900-metre elevation point at Mount Etna by cable car and 4x4 transport vehicle cost around €57.50 (Dh248) per adult. Entry into Teatro Greco costs €10 (Dh43). For more go to www.visitsicily.info

 Where to stay: Hilton Giardini Naxos offers beachfront access and accessible to Taormina and Mount Etna. Rooms start from around €130 (Dh561) per night, including taxes.

if you go

The flights

Etihad, Emirates and Singapore Airlines fly direct from the UAE to Singapore from Dh2,265 return including taxes. The flight takes about 7 hours.

The hotel

Rooms at the M Social Singapore cost from SG $179 (Dh488) per night including taxes.

The tour

Makan Makan Walking group tours costs from SG $90 (Dh245) per person for about three hours. Tailor-made tours can be arranged. For details go to www.woknstroll.com.sg

The specs

Engine: Four electric motors, one at each wheel

Power: 579hp

Torque: 859Nm

Transmission: Single-speed automatic

Price: From Dh825,900

On sale: Now

Updated: February 26, 2024, 6:02 AM