DUBAI // One of the main driving forces behind the International Rugby Board's revamp of rugby in the Middle East is the desire to produce more home-grown players through schools.
As such, the quality of the Under 18s competition at the Dubai Rugby Sevens was a boon for the sport here, as it pointed to a junior game which is in rude health.
Schools rugby in the UAE has traditionally been isolated to Dubai, and furthermore to two establishments in particular, English College and Dubai College.
However, this year's youth tournament was won at a canter by the British School al Khubairat (BSAK) in Abu Dhabi.
They conceded just two tries in the competition, and beat English College 40-0 in front of a packed crowd on Pitch One on Saturday afternoon.
The triumph represented an immediate return on the school's hefty investment in sport. Their rugby department is headed by Lyn Jones, the former Wales international who left behind top-level professional rugby in the UK to move to the capital.
An inter-schools competition was started in Abu Dhabi recently, at Jones's recommendation, in a bid to spread awareness of the sport.
"We are trying to do our part in ensuring schools rugby is more than just BSAK, and Lyn is very passionate about that," Paul Coackley, the school's principal, said.
"To be playing in front of that crowd, aged 17 or 18 is an unbelievable experience. We know we are not going to win it every year, but if it is your year it is a real bonus."
Real estate tokenisation project
Dubai launched the pilot phase of its real estate tokenisation project last month.
The initiative focuses on converting real estate assets into digital tokens recorded on blockchain technology and helps in streamlining the process of buying, selling and investing, the Dubai Land Department said.
Dubai’s real estate tokenisation market is projected to reach Dh60 billion ($16.33 billion) by 2033, representing 7 per cent of the emirate’s total property transactions, according to the DLD.
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Director: Basel Adra, Yuval Abraham, Rachel Szor, Hamdan Ballal
Stars: Basel Adra, Yuval Abraham
Rating: 3.5/5
The National's picks
4.35pm: Tilal Al Khalediah
5.10pm: Continous
5.45pm: Raging Torrent
6.20pm: West Acre
7pm: Flood Zone
7.40pm: Straight No Chaser
8.15pm: Romantic Warrior
8.50pm: Calandogan
9.30pm: Forever Young
Specs
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Torque: 175Nm
Price: From Dh98,800
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The biog
Name: Younis Al Balooshi
Nationality: Emirati
Education: Doctorate degree in forensic medicine at the University of Bonn
Hobbies: Drawing and reading books about graphic design
Living in...
This article is part of a guide on where to live in the UAE. Our reporters will profile some of the country’s most desirable districts, provide an estimate of rental prices and introduce you to some of the residents who call each area home.
The White Lotus: Season three
Creator: Mike White
Starring: Walton Goggins, Jason Isaacs, Natasha Rothwell
Rating: 4.5/5
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The specs
AT4 Ultimate, as tested
Engine: 6.2-litre V8
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Torque: 623Nm
Transmission: 10-speed automatic
Price: From Dh330,800 (Elevation: Dh236,400; AT4: Dh286,800; Denali: Dh345,800)
On sale: Now
Dhadak
Director: Shashank Khaitan
Starring: Janhvi Kapoor, Ishaan Khattar, Ashutosh Rana
Stars: 3
if you go
The flights
Air Astana flies direct from Dubai to Almaty from Dh2,440 per person return, and to Astana (via Almaty) from Dh2,930 return, both including taxes.
The hotels
Rooms at the Ritz-Carlton Almaty cost from Dh1,944 per night including taxes; and in Astana the new Ritz-Carlton Astana (www.marriott) costs from Dh1,325; alternatively, the new St Regis Astana costs from Dh1,458 per night including taxes.
When to visit
March-May and September-November
Visas
Citizens of many countries, including the UAE do not need a visa to enter Kazakhstan for up to 30 days. Contact the nearest Kazakhstan embassy or consulate.
