The UFC is returning to Abu Dhabi.
UFC 294 will take place at Etihad Arena, Yas Island, on Saturday. The headline event is the lightweight title fight between titleholder Islam Makhachev and Alexander Volkanovski, who is the featherweight champion.
For fans coming to the UAE capital for the event, here’s what to expect during UFC Showdown Week, including citywide activities, a concert and a comedy show.
Monday to Sunday: Fan Experiences
There will be meet-and-greets and interactive experiences, such as the UFC Striking Challenge or video booth, and merchandise stands for fans throughout the week around Yas Island.
The activations are free and open to the public. They will be at Yas Mall from Monday to Sunday and Yas Bay from Thursday to Sunday.
Wednesday: Official UFC Open Workouts
UFC fighters such as Makhachev, Khamzat Chimaev, Kamaru Usman and home-grown Emirati talent Mohammed Yahya are expected to participate in open workout sessions showing off their training techniques at Yas Mall. The event is open and free for fans to watch.
Wednesday: Robbie Williams concert
The English pop star will perform some of the biggest hits from his 25-year career at Etihad Arena. Expect to hear chart-toppers such as Candy, Angels, She’s the One and Rock DJ.
Thursday: UFC press conference
The anticipated press conference for UFC 294 will take place at Etihad Arena with fans being able to attend on a first-come, first-served basis. Doors will open at 4pm, an hour before the event starts.
Friday: Official UFC weigh-ins
Fans can also watch the fighters face-off as they step on to the scale at Etihad Arena for weigh-in day. This event is also first come, first served. Doors open at 3.30pm with a Q&A session starting at 4pm and the weigh-in beginning at 5pm.
Friday: MMA events
For those who enjoy watching Mixed Martial Arts, UAE Warriors 45 matches will take place at Khabib Gym, while the inaugural Abu Dhabi Extreme Championship makes its debut at Mubadala Arena.
Saturday: UFC 294
The event at is sold out. For those attending, there will be a total of 13 fights – eight on the preliminary card and five on the main card. The main event will be a world title fight.
The preliminary bouts start at 6pm, with the main event fights expected to begin at 10pm.
Sunday: Andrew Schulz comedy show
The New York comedian has sold out arenas as part of his US tour and it is no different for his Abu Dhabi gig, which is also sold out.
Schulz is known for his gritty, no-holds-barred material. He also hosts the popular podcasts Flagrant and The Brilliant Idiots, and stars in the comedy mini-series Schulz Saves America on Netflix.
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Three ways to boost your credit score
Marwan Lutfi says the core fundamentals that drive better payment behaviour and can improve your credit score are:
1. Make sure you make your payments on time;
2. Limit the number of products you borrow on: the more loans and credit cards you have, the more it will affect your credit score;
3. Don't max out all your debts: how much you maximise those credit facilities will have an impact. If you have five credit cards and utilise 90 per cent of that credit, it will negatively affect your score.
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OPINIONS ON PALESTINE & ISRAEL
Tell-tale signs of burnout
- loss of confidence and appetite
- irritability and emotional outbursts
- sadness
- persistent physical ailments such as headaches, frequent infections and fatigue
- substance abuse, such as smoking or drinking more
- impaired judgement
- excessive and continuous worrying
- irregular sleep patterns
Tips to help overcome burnout
Acknowledge how you are feeling by listening to your warning signs. Set boundaries and learn to say ‘no’
Do activities that you want to do as well as things you have to do
Undertake at least 30 minutes of exercise per day. It releases an abundance of feel-good hormones
Find your form of relaxation and make time for it each day e.g. soothing music, reading or mindful meditation
Sleep and wake at the same time every day, even if your sleep pattern was disrupted. Without enough sleep condition such as stress, anxiety and depression can thrive.
The National in Davos
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Malala Yousafzai is enjoying married life, her father said.
The 24-year-old married Pakistan cricket executive Asser Malik last year in a small ceremony in the UK.
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