First it called upon UAE residents to run a marathon at home, and now Dubai Sports Council has launched a new initiative to help keep people fit while in isolation.
The organisation is hosting a virtual cycling challenge, encouraging residents from the emirate to hop on their bikes this week.
The challenge is only for participants who have stationary bikes, such as a Peloton, at home; don't try to cycle around your living room on a mountain bike you usually take to Al Qudra.
Nicknamed the Be Fit Be Safe Sprint Challenge, the idea urges contestants to get on their bikes between Sunday, April 12 and Friday, April 17 and pound the pedals in a 2.1-kilometre dash every day.
Participants must register through the Dubai Cycling app, which is available on both Android and iPhone platforms, and sync their smartwatches to the app for their progress to be tracked.
Cyclists who completed the distance in the fastest time will be awarded with virtual medals once the challenge comes to an end.
The cycling mission follows Dubai Sports Council's Marathon at Home, which took place on Friday, April 10.
Residents were tasked with running a full marathon – 42.2km – within the confines of their own home, whether that meant inside, in a garden or even on a balcony. More than 700 runners took part in the initiative.
Both challenges form part of DSC's Be Fit, Be Safe and #stayhome campaigns, designed to keep residents fit and healthy while also helping to stem the spread of the Covid-19 virus.
The campaigns have received backing from some of sport's most famous faces, including footballers Ryan Giggs, Mikael Silvestre and Luis Figo.
"I know it’s a difficult time but try and find, during the day, time to exercise – we need to stay fit," said former Manchester United star Giggs in a video message to Dubai fans. "Also, make sure you stay home and stay safe."
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It’ll be summer in the city as car show tries to move with the times
If 2008 was the year that rocked Detroit, 2019 will be when Motor City gives its annual car extravaganza a revamp that aims to move with the times.
A major change is that this week's North American International Auto Show will be the last to be held in January, after which the event will switch to June.
The new date, organisers said, will allow exhibitors to move vehicles and activities outside the Cobo Center's halls and into other city venues, unencumbered by cold January weather, exemplified this week by snow and ice.
In a market in which trends can easily be outpaced beyond one event, the need to do so was probably exacerbated by the decision of Germany's big three carmakers – BMW, Mercedes-Benz and Audi – to skip the auto show this year.
The show has long allowed car enthusiasts to sit behind the wheel of the latest models at the start of the calendar year but a more fluid car market in an online world has made sales less seasonal.
Similarly, everyday technology seems to be catching up on those whose job it is to get behind microphones and try and tempt the visiting public into making a purchase.
Although sparkly announcers clasp iPads and outline the technical gadgetry hidden beneath bonnets, people's obsession with their own smartphones often appeared to offer a more tempting distraction.
“It's maddening,” said one such worker at Nissan's stand.
The absence of some pizzazz, as well as top marques, was also noted by patrons.
“It looks like there are a few less cars this year,” one annual attendee said of this year's exhibitors.
“I can't help but think it's easier to stay at home than to brave the snow and come here.”
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
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Key findings of Jenkins report
- Founder of the Muslim Brotherhood, Hassan al Banna, "accepted the political utility of violence"
- Views of key Muslim Brotherhood ideologue, Sayyid Qutb, have “consistently been understood” as permitting “the use of extreme violence in the pursuit of the perfect Islamic society” and “never been institutionally disowned” by the movement.
- Muslim Brotherhood at all levels has repeatedly defended Hamas attacks against Israel, including the use of suicide bombers and the killing of civilians.
- Laying out the report in the House of Commons, David Cameron told MPs: "The main findings of the review support the conclusion that membership of, association with, or influence by the Muslim Brotherhood should be considered as a possible indicator of extremism."
Background: Chemical Weapons
