Skating scene grows at Circuit X on Hudayriat Island in Abu Dhabi


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Skateboarding enthusiasts recently made their way to Circuit X.

The adventure centre, which opened in November 2020, is on Hudayriat Island in Abu Dhabi. It features a range of activities and challenges spread across four main parks — BMX, Ropes, Skate and Splash — that cover 15,000 square metres.

Skateboarding is one of the world's fastest growing sports, having made its Olympic debut at the Tokyo 2020 games last year, which helped bring it more mainstream attention. One of the missions of Circuit X is to help grow the sport in the UAE by allowing skateboarders to have a place to go as well as for it to be somewhere that like-minded people can meet up.

Circuit X was also the site of the Summer Skate Fest competition on June 19, which was open to participants of all ages and skill levels. It was hosted by skate instructor Jimmy Williams.

Skate instructor Jimmy Williams was MC at an event at Circuit X. Khushnum Bhandari / The National
Skate instructor Jimmy Williams was MC at an event at Circuit X. Khushnum Bhandari / The National

"This is our third skate competition, which we started organising in 2021, aiming to grow the skateboarding community of Abu Dhabi and the UAE, and showcasing amateur and pro skateboarders at Circuit X," says managing director Hadi Fakhoury.

"This Skate Fest was organised with small competitions held throughout the event, to allow all ages and skill levels to participate, that gave us the opportunity to have beginners and pros mixing it up."

Zarah Annglady, 6, from Dubai receives her award for Best on the Mini-Ramp at the Summer Skate Festival 2022. Khushnum Bhandari / The National
Zarah Annglady, 6, from Dubai receives her award for Best on the Mini-Ramp at the Summer Skate Festival 2022. Khushnum Bhandari / The National

The event attracted about 40 participants — from children to teenagers and amateurs to professionals — who whizzed around in the shaded bowls, showing off their best tricks while meeting other fans of the sport.

"People loved this format because it allowed everyone to take part, and was more dynamic than the typical competition format," Fakhoury says.

Mohamed Mansour, a skateboarder from Dubai, did not compete but was supporting the event. Khushnum Bhandari / The National
Mohamed Mansour, a skateboarder from Dubai, did not compete but was supporting the event. Khushnum Bhandari / The National

"We had about 40 competitors, which is a great number reflecting the interest in the sport, especially since there were no big cash prizes, but rather awards recognising the best moves, tricks and efforts."

The event offered complimentary bites and refreshments for contestants and other live entertainment, such as a DJ and MC. There was also custom-made skater merchandise from local designers on sale. Even for those who were not participating in the competition, they were still able to enjoy the various parts of the skatepark.

Participants enjoy a snack. Khushnum Bhandari / The National
Participants enjoy a snack. Khushnum Bhandari / The National

"We will definitely have more competitions coming after the summer break," Fakhoury says. "We will organise skateboarding and BMX competitions in November and December, as we plan to continue to develop and support these action sports and their communities."

A young skateboarder gets encouragement ahead of his run. Khushnum Bhandari / The National
A young skateboarder gets encouragement ahead of his run. Khushnum Bhandari / The National

The Skate Park offers a mix of challenges for all skill levels, with three skate bowls in addition to an array of ledges, handrails, quarter pipes and bridges. Professionals and beginners can bring their own skateboard or scooter, or rent one at the park.

The event was open to everyone, regardless their age and skill level. Khushnum Bhandari / The National
The event was open to everyone, regardless their age and skill level. Khushnum Bhandari / The National
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Trump v Khan

2016: Feud begins after Khan criticised Trump’s proposed Muslim travel ban to US

2017: Trump criticises Khan’s ‘no reason to be alarmed’ response to London Bridge terror attacks

2019: Trump calls Khan a “stone cold loser” before first state visit

2019: Trump tweets about “Khan’s Londonistan”, calling him “a national disgrace”

2022:  Khan’s office attributes rise in Islamophobic abuse against the major to hostility stoked during Trump’s presidency

July 2025 During a golfing trip to Scotland, Trump calls Khan “a nasty person”

Sept 2025 Trump blames Khan for London’s “stabbings and the dirt and the filth”.

Dec 2025 Trump suggests migrants got Khan elected, calls him a “horrible, vicious, disgusting mayor”

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RESULT

Arsenal 1 Chelsea 2
Arsenal:
Aubameyang (13')
Chelsea: Jorginho (83'), Abraham (87') 

MATCH STATS

Wolves 0

Aston Villa 1 (El Ghazi 90 4' pen)

Red cards: Joao Moutinho (Wolves); Douglas Luiz (Aston Villa)

Man of the match: Emi Martinez (Aston Villa)

The specs

Engine: 2.0-litre 4cyl turbo

Power: 261hp at 5,500rpm

Torque: 405Nm at 1,750-3,500rpm

Transmission: 9-speed auto

Fuel consumption: 6.9L/100km

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Price: From Dh117,059

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- Abdullah Ishnaneh, Partner, BSA Law 

Biog

Mr Kandhari is legally authorised to conduct marriages in the gurdwara

He has officiated weddings of Sikhs and people of different faiths from Malaysia, Sri Lanka, Russia, the US and Canada

Father of two sons, grandfather of six

Plays golf once a week

Enjoys trying new holiday destinations with his wife and family

Walks for an hour every morning

Completed a Bachelor of Commerce degree in Loyola College, Chennai, India

2019 is a milestone because he completes 50 years in business

 

The BIO:

He became the first Emirati to climb Mount Everest in 2011, from the south section in Nepal

He ascended Mount Everest the next year from the more treacherous north Tibetan side

By 2015, he had completed the Explorers Grand Slam

Last year, he conquered K2, the world’s second-highest mountain located on the Pakistan-Chinese border

He carries dried camel meat, dried dates and a wheat mixture for the final summit push

His new goal is to climb 14 peaks that are more than 8,000 metres above sea level

Desert Warrior

Starring: Anthony Mackie, Aiysha Hart, Ben Kingsley

Director: Rupert Wyatt

Rating: 3/5

List of alleged parties

 

May 12, 2020: PM and his wife Carrie attend 'work meeting' with at least 17 staff 

May 20, 2020: They attend 'bring your own booze party'

Nov 27, 2020: PM gives speech at leaving party for his staff 

Dec 10, 2020: Staff party held by then-education secretary Gavin Williamson 

Dec 13, 2020: PM and his wife throw a party

Dec 14, 2020: London mayoral candidate Shaun Bailey holds staff event at Conservative Party headquarters 

Dec 15, 2020: PM takes part in a staff quiz 

Dec 18, 2020: Downing Street Christmas party 

What went into the film

25 visual effects (VFX) studios

2,150 VFX shots in a film with 2,500 shots

1,000 VFX artists

3,000 technicians

10 Concept artists, 25 3D designers

New sound technology, named 4D SRL

 

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David Mackenzie, founder of recruitment agency Mackenzie Jones Middle East

The specs
  • Engine: 3.9-litre twin-turbo V8
  • Power: 640hp
  • Torque: 760nm
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What vitamins do we know are beneficial for living in the UAE

Vitamin D: Highly relevant in the UAE due to limited sun exposure; supports bone health, immunity and mood.Vitamin B12: Important for nerve health and energy production, especially for vegetarians, vegans and individuals with absorption issues.Iron: Useful only when deficiency or anaemia is confirmed; helps reduce fatigue and support immunity.Omega-3 (EPA/DHA): Supports heart health and reduces inflammation, especially for those who consume little fish.

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Polarised public

31% in UK say BBC is biased to left-wing views

19% in UK say BBC is biased to right-wing views

19% in UK say BBC is not biased at all

Source: YouGov

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 
Classification of skills

A worker is categorised as skilled by the MOHRE based on nine levels given in the International Standard Classification of Occupations (ISCO) issued by the International Labour Organisation. 

A skilled worker would be someone at a professional level (levels 1 – 5) which includes managers, professionals, technicians and associate professionals, clerical support workers, and service and sales workers.

The worker must also have an attested educational certificate higher than secondary or an equivalent certification, and earn a monthly salary of at least Dh4,000. 

Updated: July 01, 2022, 6:01 PM