2024 Paris Olympics: as they happened
The 2024 Paris Olympics has spawned many inspirational stories, from Simone Biles seemingly defying the laws of gravity to Algerian boxer Imane Khelif overcoming online critics to win gold.
Many will have been happy enough to cheer on from the comfort of a couch, but others might be inspired to follow in the footsteps of the athletes and sign up for a gym class or take up a new sport.
For those in the latter camp, here are some suggestions in Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
Women's boxing
Khelif's journey through has got the world talking. Not allowing critics to slow her down, the Algerian took home a gold medal on Friday. Across the UAE, there are lots of ways to get into women's boxing.
Final Round in Umm Suqeim, Dubai, has a ladies-only workout space fitted with 10 stations for boxing exercises, from kick-boxing with a bag to practising jabs, uppercuts and hooks with a trainer holding pads. Other gyms across the emirate offering similar classes include Boxica in Studio City, Warehouse's women-only gym and Seven Wellness, both in Al Quoz.
Golden Ring is a boxing, kick-boxing and Muay Thai school tempting first-timers with three introductory sessions, while Rocky Road (both in Al Quoz) offers a split boxing training session, ideal for those who want to team up with a friend.
In Abu Dhabi, Cobra Fitness has sparring for adults, plus boxing and Muay Thai lessons for children and adults.
Breakdancing
Breaking, or breakdancing as it is more commonly known, was added to this year's Olympic line-up. Victor Montalvo, dubbed the LeBron James of breakdancing, was the favourite to win, but Canadian Philip Kim, better known as Phil Wizard, took home gold.
Australia's Rachael Gunn, nicknamed Raygun, went viral online after scoring zero during the round-robin stage of the competition, later becoming the subject of mocking memes online owing to her unusual approach. But the athlete hit back at trolls on social media, saying: “Don’t be afraid to be different.”
Tempo is a dance school in JLT that offers everything from salsa to belly dancing classes, alongside breakdancing lessons for children and teenagers. For adults, it's a little trickier, but there are plenty of hip-hop and street dance classes to explore.
Step Up Academy in Springs Souk and Hip-Hop Cardio in Business Bay both offer class packages for adults, while gym StudioRepublik offers drop-in classes for hip-hop, Afro-fusion, contemporary dance and more. James and Alex Dance Studio in Media City has drop-in classes – including all-level hip-hop available to book directly and through partners such as ClassPass.
Gymnastics
All eyes were on Biles after heartbreak at Tokyo 2020, but the American became the word's most decorated gymnast by winning three golds and a silver in Paris.
Inspired by Biles? Then check out Shams Gymnastics Club in Al Safa, which offers twice-weekly gymnastic training sessions for adults that can be purchased on a term-by-term basis. FitRepublik in Sports City provides both adult gymnastic sessions and callisthenics strength training classes. Fly High Fitness in Dubai Investment Park 1, meanwhile, offers six beginner-friendly adult gymnastic classes per week.
Want to hone a skill? Topstretching in Dubai Marina runs split training classes, too.
Surfing
Surfing was a new addition to the Olympics in Paris and made headlines with the standout picture of the competition: Brazilian surfer Gabriel Medina riding a huge wave which gave him a 9.90 score and set an Olympic record.
While mimicking Medina is more that a stretch, there are plenty of opportunities to dip a toe in the water in the UAE. Surf House Dubai in Umm Suqeim 2 has been established in the region since 2005 and offers private, couple and group classes for all levels. Amphibious Surf School along Jumeirah Public Beach in Umm Suqeim 3 likewise serves mixed-group sizes and provides private surfing lessons.
In the capital, Surf lo Dhabi recently announced it will open on Hudayriyat Island in October, complete with the world's longest ride, largest barrel as well as highest man-made wave. The park is designed for surfers of all skill levels, from beginners to elite.
Skateboarding
Skateboarding was introduced to the Olympics at Tokyo 2020 and all the talk in Paris was the wide ranging ages taking part. Zheng Haohao, 11, competed for China, while Andy Macdonald, 50, represented Britain.
Dubai Skateboarding School in Damac Hills offers a range of tutorial packages, including an adult and/or family-friendly bundle, while GoSkate can help you get set up with a certified instructor.
Shooting
It was on nobody's bingo card that this year's shooting would create new style icons. South Korean shooter Kim Yeji's baseball cap and glasses get-up (a magnifying lens on one eye and a sight blocker on the other) was the first to catch spectators' attention, followed by Turkish shooter Yusuf Dikec's casual demeanour as he shunned ear protectors and specialised lenses, consequently stealing the show.
Feeling inspired? JA Shooting Club in Jebel Ali offers beginner's sessions for indoor target shooting and outdoor clay pigeon shooting.
Both Al Forsan International Sports Resort in Khalifa City, Abu Dhabi, and Al Ain Equestrian, Shooting & Golf Club offer shooting packages with professionals on hand to train and assist.
Climbing
Climbing is another sport that debuted in Tokyo, mirroring the rise of bouldering and rope climbing as weekend activities in the real world. In Paris, the sport was split into two categories – bouldering/lead combined and speed climbing, meaning more opportunities for medals and the chance to flex different skill sets this time around.
Ascents Sports Academy in Wafi City Mall offers private training sessions for up to two aspiring climbers and a beginner's course package deal for those keen to get to grips with the sport. Intro sessions can be booked directly or via ClassPass. Rock Republic in Dubai Investment Park 1 also offers a two-hour private coaching session alongside drop-in sessions.
Mountain Extreme in Al Quoz offers a short induction class before starting.
In Abu Dhabi, Clymb on Yas Island has the tallest indoor climbing wall in the Middle East and offers five experiences, including guided sessions.
Obstacle course
Obstacle racing will be added to the 2028 Games in Los Angeles. Some may recognise the sport from the Japanese game show Sasuke, which has inspired spin-offs worldwide, including the popular American Ninja Warrior. Each show recruits people to compete in different rounds of physical feats through qualifying courses to win life-changing cash prizes.
Keen for the challenge? Bounce UAE (located in Marina Mall and Khalifa City in Abu Dhabi; and Festival City and Al Quoz), has an adventure obstacle course that features warped walls familiar to the game's viewers, challenging opponents on speed, strength and timing. Bia Warrior ladies' gym in Al Quoz has several weekly ninja warrior sessions, while Wellfit gym, located in Meyden and JVC, has drop-in obstacle classes, too.
For those ready to test their skills, forthcoming races include Tough Mudder, XQuarry's Gladiator Obstacle Course and Desert Warrior Challenge Dubai.
What is the FNC?
The Federal National Council is one of five federal authorities established by the UAE constitution. It held its first session on December 2, 1972, a year to the day after Federation.
It has 40 members, eight of whom are women. The members represent the UAE population through each of the emirates. Abu Dhabi and Dubai have eight members each, Sharjah and Ras al Khaimah six, and Ajman, Fujairah and Umm Al Quwain have four.
They bring Emirati issues to the council for debate and put those concerns to ministers summoned for questioning.
The FNC’s main functions include passing, amending or rejecting federal draft laws, discussing international treaties and agreements, and offering recommendations on general subjects raised during sessions.
Federal draft laws must first pass through the FNC for recommendations when members can amend the laws to suit the needs of citizens. The draft laws are then forwarded to the Cabinet for consideration and approval.
Since 2006, half of the members have been elected by UAE citizens to serve four-year terms and the other half are appointed by the Ruler’s Courts of the seven emirates.
In the 2015 elections, 78 of the 252 candidates were women. Women also represented 48 per cent of all voters and 67 per cent of the voters were under the age of 40.
Moon Music
Artist: Coldplay
Label: Parlophone/Atlantic
Number of tracks: 10
Rating: 3/5
Conflict, drought, famine
Estimates of the number of deaths caused by the famine range from 400,000 to 1 million, according to a document prepared for the UK House of Lords in 2024.
It has been claimed that the policies of the Ethiopian government, which took control after deposing Emperor Haile Selassie in a military-led revolution in 1974, contributed to the scale of the famine.
Dr Miriam Bradley, senior lecturer in humanitarian studies at the University of Manchester, has argued that, by the early 1980s, “several government policies combined to cause, rather than prevent, a famine which lasted from 1983 to 1985. Mengistu’s government imposed Stalinist-model agricultural policies involving forced collectivisation and villagisation [relocation of communities into planned villages].
The West became aware of the catastrophe through a series of BBC News reports by journalist Michael Buerk in October 1984 describing a “biblical famine” and containing graphic images of thousands of people, including children, facing starvation.
Band Aid
Bob Geldof, singer with the Irish rock group The Boomtown Rats, formed Band Aid in response to the horrific images shown in the news broadcasts.
With Midge Ure of the band Ultravox, he wrote the hit charity single Do They Know it’s Christmas in December 1984, featuring a string of high-profile musicians.
Following the single’s success, the idea to stage a rock concert evolved.
Live Aid was a series of simultaneous concerts that took place at Wembley Stadium in London, John F Kennedy Stadium in Philadelphia, the US, and at various other venues across the world.
The combined event was broadcast to an estimated worldwide audience of 1.5 billion.
Retirement funds heavily invested in equities at a risky time
Pension funds in growing economies in Asia, Latin America and the Middle East have a sharply higher percentage of assets parked in stocks, just at a time when trade tensions threaten to derail markets.
Retirement money managers in 14 geographies now allocate 40 per cent of their assets to equities, an 8 percentage-point climb over the past five years, according to a Mercer survey released last week that canvassed government, corporate and mandatory pension funds with almost $5 trillion in assets under management. That compares with about 25 per cent for pension funds in Europe.
The escalating trade spat between the US and China has heightened fears that stocks are ripe for a downturn. With tensions mounting and outcomes driven more by politics than economics, the S&P 500 Index will be on course for a “full-scale bear market” without Federal Reserve interest-rate cuts, Citigroup’s global macro strategy team said earlier this week.
The increased allocation to equities by growth-market pension funds has come at the expense of fixed-income investments, which declined 11 percentage points over the five years, according to the survey.
Hong Kong funds have the highest exposure to equities at 66 per cent, although that’s been relatively stable over the period. Japan’s equity allocation jumped 13 percentage points while South Korea’s increased 8 percentage points.
The money managers are also directing a higher portion of their funds to assets outside of their home countries. On average, foreign stocks now account for 49 per cent of respondents’ equity investments, 4 percentage points higher than five years ago, while foreign fixed-income exposure climbed 7 percentage points to 23 per cent. Funds in Japan, South Korea, Malaysia and Taiwan are among those seeking greater diversification in stocks and fixed income.
• Bloomberg
Milestones on the road to union
1970
October 26: Bahrain withdraws from a proposal to create a federation of nine with the seven Trucial States and Qatar.
December: Ahmed Al Suwaidi visits New York to discuss potential UN membership.
1971
March 1: Alex Douglas Hume, Conservative foreign secretary confirms that Britain will leave the Gulf and “strongly supports” the creation of a Union of Arab Emirates.
July 12: Historic meeting at which Sheikh Zayed and Sheikh Rashid make a binding agreement to create what will become the UAE.
July 18: It is announced that the UAE will be formed from six emirates, with a proposed constitution signed. RAK is not yet part of the agreement.
August 6: The fifth anniversary of Sheikh Zayed becoming Ruler of Abu Dhabi, with official celebrations deferred until later in the year.
August 15: Bahrain becomes independent.
September 3: Qatar becomes independent.
November 23-25: Meeting with Sheikh Zayed and Sheikh Rashid and senior British officials to fix December 2 as date of creation of the UAE.
November 29: At 5.30pm Iranian forces seize the Greater and Lesser Tunbs by force.
November 30: Despite a power sharing agreement, Tehran takes full control of Abu Musa.
November 31: UK officials visit all six participating Emirates to formally end the Trucial States treaties
December 2: 11am, Dubai. New Supreme Council formally elects Sheikh Zayed as President. Treaty of Friendship signed with the UK. 11.30am. Flag raising ceremony at Union House and Al Manhal Palace in Abu Dhabi witnessed by Sheikh Khalifa, then Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi.
December 6: Arab League formally admits the UAE. The first British Ambassador presents his credentials to Sheikh Zayed.
December 9: UAE joins the United Nations.
TERMINAL HIGH ALTITUDE AREA DEFENCE (THAAD)
What is THAAD?
It is considered to be the US's most superior missile defence system.
Production:
It was created in 2008.
Speed:
THAAD missiles can travel at over Mach 8, so fast that it is hypersonic.
Abilities:
THAAD is designed to take out ballistic missiles as they are on their downward trajectory towards their target, otherwise known as the "terminal phase".
Purpose:
To protect high-value strategic sites, such as airfields or population centres.
Range:
THAAD can target projectiles inside and outside the Earth's atmosphere, at an altitude of 150 kilometres above the Earth's surface.
Creators:
Lockheed Martin was originally granted the contract to develop the system in 1992. Defence company Raytheon sub-contracts to develop other major parts of the system, such as ground-based radar.
UAE and THAAD:
In 2011, the UAE became the first country outside of the US to buy two THAAD missile defence systems. It then stationed them in 2016, becoming the first Gulf country to do so.
Lexus LX700h specs
Engine: 3.4-litre twin-turbo V6 plus supplementary electric motor
Power: 464hp at 5,200rpm
Torque: 790Nm from 2,000-3,600rpm
Transmission: 10-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 11.7L/100km
On sale: Now
Price: From Dh590,000
Benefits of first-time home buyers' scheme
- Priority access to new homes from participating developers
- Discounts on sales price of off-plan units
- Flexible payment plans from developers
- Mortgages with better interest rates, faster approval times and reduced fees
- DLD registration fee can be paid through banks or credit cards at zero interest rates
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
Tips to stay safe during hot weather
- Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids, especially water. Avoid alcohol and caffeine, which can increase dehydration.
- Seek cool environments: Use air conditioning, fans, or visit community spaces with climate control.
- Limit outdoor activities: Avoid strenuous activity during peak heat. If outside, seek shade and wear a wide-brimmed hat.
- Dress appropriately: Wear lightweight, loose and light-coloured clothing to facilitate heat loss.
- Check on vulnerable people: Regularly check in on elderly neighbours, young children and those with health conditions.
- Home adaptations: Use blinds or curtains to block sunlight, avoid using ovens or stoves, and ventilate living spaces during cooler hours.
- Recognise heat illness: Learn the signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke (dizziness, confusion, rapid pulse, nausea), and seek medical attention if symptoms occur.
SPECS
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EEngine%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E2-litre%204-cylinder%20petrol%20(V%20Class)%3B%20electric%20motor%20with%2060kW%20or%2090kW%20powerpack%20(EQV)%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EPower%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20233hp%20(V%20Class%2C%20best%20option)%3B%20204hp%20(EQV%2C%20best%20option)%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ETorque%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20350Nm%20(V%20Class%2C%20best%20option)%3B%20TBA%20(EQV)%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EOn%20sale%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EMid-2024%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EPrice%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3ETBA%0D%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
The Perfect Couple
Starring: Nicole Kidman, Liev Schreiber, Jack Reynor
Creator: Jenna Lamia
Rating: 3/5
The biog
Hobby: "It is not really a hobby but I am very curious person. I love reading and spend hours on research."
Favourite author: Malcom Gladwell
Favourite travel destination: "Antigua in the Caribbean because I have emotional attachment to it. It is where I got married."
Profile
Company: Libra Project
Based: Masdar City, ADGM, London and Delaware
Launch year: 2017
Size: A team of 12 with six employed full-time
Sector: Renewable energy
Funding: $500,000 in Series A funding from family and friends in 2018. A Series B round looking to raise $1.5m is now live.
more from Janine di Giovanni
The Bio
Name: Lynn Davison
Profession: History teacher at Al Yasmina Academy, Abu Dhabi
Children: She has one son, Casey, 28
Hometown: Pontefract, West Yorkshire in the UK
Favourite book: The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho
Favourite Author: CJ Sansom
Favourite holiday destination: Bali
Favourite food: A Sunday roast
The biog
Name: Mariam Ketait
Emirate: Dubai
Hobbies: I enjoy travelling, experiencing new things, painting, reading, flying, and the French language
Favourite quote: "Be the change you wish to see" - unknown
Favourite activity: Connecting with different cultures
MATCH INFO
Mainz 0
RB Leipzig 5 (Werner 11', 48', 75', Poulsen 23', Sabitzer 36')
Man of the Match: Timo Werner (RB Leipzig)
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
VERSTAPPEN'S FIRSTS
Youngest F1 driver (17 years 3 days Japan 2014)
Youngest driver to start an F1 race (17 years 166 days – Australia 2015)
Youngest F1 driver to score points (17 years 180 days - Malaysia 2015)
Youngest driver to lead an F1 race (18 years 228 days – Spain 2016)
Youngest driver to set an F1 fastest lap (19 years 44 days – Brazil 2016)
Youngest on F1 podium finish (18 years 228 days – Spain 2016)
Youngest F1 winner (18 years 228 days – Spain 2016)
Youngest multiple F1 race winner (Mexico 2017/18)
Youngest F1 driver to win the same race (Mexico 2017/18)
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
About Karol Nawrocki
• Supports military aid for Ukraine, unlike other eurosceptic leaders, but he will oppose its membership in western alliances.
• A nationalist, his campaign slogan was Poland First. "Let's help others, but let's take care of our own citizens first," he said on social media in April.
• Cultivates tough-guy image, posting videos of himself at shooting ranges and in boxing rings.
• Met Donald Trump at the White House and received his backing.
What can victims do?
Always use only regulated platforms
Stop all transactions and communication on suspicion
Save all evidence (screenshots, chat logs, transaction IDs)
Report to local authorities
Warn others to prevent further harm
Courtesy: Crystal Intelligence
The Freedom Artist
By Ben Okri (Head of Zeus)
Most sought after workplace benefits in the UAE
- Flexible work arrangements
- Pension support
- Mental well-being assistance
- Insurance coverage for optical, dental, alternative medicine, cancer screening
- Financial well-being incentives
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
UPI facts
More than 2.2 million Indian tourists arrived in UAE in 2023
More than 3.5 million Indians reside in UAE
Indian tourists can make purchases in UAE using rupee accounts in India through QR-code-based UPI real-time payment systems
Indian residents in UAE can use their non-resident NRO and NRE accounts held in Indian banks linked to a UAE mobile number for UPI transactions
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
More from Neighbourhood Watch
Tips for used car buyers
- Choose cars with GCC specifications
- Get a service history for cars less than five years old
- Don’t go cheap on the inspection
- Check for oil leaks
- Do a Google search on the standard problems for your car model
- Do your due diligence. Get a transfer of ownership done at an official RTA centre
- Check the vehicle’s condition. You don’t want to buy a car that’s a good deal but ends up costing you Dh10,000 in repairs every month
- Validate warranty and service contracts with the relevant agency and and make sure they are valid when ownership is transferred
- If you are planning to sell the car soon, buy one with a good resale value. The two most popular cars in the UAE are black or white in colour and other colours are harder to sell
Tarek Kabrit, chief executive of Seez, and Imad Hammad, chief executive and co-founder of CarSwitch.com
SPECS
Engine: 4-litre V8 twin-turbo
Power: 630hp
Torque: 850Nm
Transmission: 8-speed Tiptronic automatic
Price: From Dh599,000
On sale: Now
The candidates
Dr Ayham Ammora, scientist and business executive
Ali Azeem, business leader
Tony Booth, professor of education
Lord Browne, former BP chief executive
Dr Mohamed El-Erian, economist
Professor Wyn Evans, astrophysicist
Dr Mark Mann, scientist
Gina MIller, anti-Brexit campaigner
Lord Smith, former Cabinet minister
Sandi Toksvig, broadcaster
Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week
More from our neighbourhood series:
Best Foreign Language Film nominees
Capernaum (Lebanon)
Cold War (Poland)
Never Look Away (Germany)
Roma (Mexico)
Shoplifters (Japan)
