ABU DHABI // Ice hockey in the Emirates has been on an upwards trend since the UAE team's triumph in the Challenge Cup of Asia, which they hosted in 2009.
Following that success, the Abu Dhabi Ice Sports Club (ADISC) was established to oversee the overall development of the sport in the country.
And working on the recommendations of the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF), it founded the Emirates Hockey League (EHL), which is in its third year, and introduced an Under 20 league that gets underway from Saturday. It also started various age-group competitions in Under nines, 12s, 16s and 18s.
Last week, they broke new ice with the first official women's game between the Dubai Cameluscious and the Abu Dhabi Storms, a team in which the majority of the players are Emiratis, at the Abu Dhabi Ice Rink.
There are more than 50 players in the Storms squad, and the number is growing with several young prospects waiting for their turn to be enrolled, according to Alia Al Alawi, the Storms's goalkeeper. "The game was introduced to us last year, and it took off like a storm, literally," said the 16 year old.
"Almost all of the Emirati players in the team were skating for recreation, and when we were told if we would be interested in playing hockey, most of us liked the idea, and now we really enjoy and look forward for the training we do twice a week."
It was not the Storms' first competitive game, though. They took part in the Asian Cup in Hong Kong last year.
"We were thrown into the deep end straightaway," said Al Alawi. "We didn't win any games and naturally we were not expected to, having never played any competitive matches.
"Yet it was a good experience and, more importantly, it has opened the doors for us to pursue in the sport."
Mariam Al Mazrouie, 15, said she was enjoying the switch from skating for fun to playing hockey, and hopes for opportunities to play more games.
"It's a very exciting time for the Emirati girls with the prospect of playing for the national team," she said.
Kelly Jones, the Cameluscious coach, said the women's game is now on the right track.
"We have around 25 players in training and this number could grow with the prospects of more competitive games. The players are young, keen and looking forward for more competitive matches, and this is the best way forward for any game."
According to Khaled Al Qubaisi, the Storms's manager, a women's league is in the pipeline with the Al Ain Theebs, who play in the EHL, set to form a women's team.
"We are working closely with the IIHF, and to start the women's league is one of their recommendations," said Al Qubaisi.
"We have enough players to have at least four teams. It is a matter of time before we start the women's league."
apassela@thenational.ae
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At a glance
Global events: Much of the UK’s economic woes were blamed on “increased global uncertainty”, which can be interpreted as the economic impact of the Ukraine war and the uncertainty over Donald Trump’s tariffs.
Growth forecasts: Cut for 2025 from 2 per cent to 1 per cent. The OBR watchdog also estimated inflation will average 3.2 per cent this year
Welfare: Universal credit health element cut by 50 per cent and frozen for new claimants, building on cuts to the disability and incapacity bill set out earlier this month
Spending cuts: Overall day-to day-spending across government cut by £6.1bn in 2029-30
Tax evasion: Steps to crack down on tax evasion to raise “£6.5bn per year” for the public purse
Defence: New high-tech weaponry, upgrading HM Naval Base in Portsmouth
Housing: Housebuilding to reach its highest in 40 years, with planning reforms helping generate an extra £3.4bn for public finances
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Tom Walker - Just You and I
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Camila Cabello
Lana Del Rey
Lizzo
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Dermot Kennedy
Post Malone
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beabadoobee
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Skewed figures
In the village of Mevagissey in southwest England the housing stock has doubled in the last century while the number of residents is half the historic high. The village's Neighbourhood Development Plan states that 26% of homes are holiday retreats. Prices are high, averaging around £300,000, £50,000 more than the Cornish average of £250,000. The local average wage is £15,458.
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If you’re going to go grey, a great style, well-cared for hair (in a sleek, classy style, like a bob), and a young spirit and attitude go a long way, says Maria Dowling, founder of the Maria Dowling Salon in Dubai.
It’s easier to go grey from a lighter colour, so you may want to do that first. And this is the time to try a shorter style, she advises. Then a stylist can introduce highlights, start lightening up the roots, and let it fade out. Once it’s entirely grey, a purple shampoo will prevent yellowing.
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