“One hand on here, the other on here and unhook the carabiners one at a time, then move them to the next section. Don’t go in another section if someone else is already in it,” says Klaus, my rather gruff climbing instructor. “One person in a section,” he repeats in his no-nonsense manner.
Having already been grumpily ordered out of passing travellers' way and almost breaking into a run to keep up with the instructor on what was a steep 15-minute incline just to reach the base of the via ferrata ahead of me, I’m beginning to regret my choice of activity on the slopes surrounding the Inn Valley.
“What is it that people even like about via ferratas?” I ask my peers who are gathered at the base of the 400-metre-high Geierwand. "It makes rock climbing more accessible,” replies Jody – a Canadian freelance journalist who has also signed up for this morning’s iron way challenge. Looking up at the intimidating rockface in front of me, I wonder if I'd have been better opting to explore my hotel sauna instead.
The sun is beating down strong on this exposed alpine ledge, so when it's finally my turn to go, I hope that I'll at least be able to climb into the shade. I step onto the first metal rung and clip my carabiners to the metal rope tacked to the limestone cliff. Edging forward, I move to the next section, stopping to put on some leather gloves to protect my hands. After a few more rungs, the via ferrata winds around the cliff face and I find myself slowly getting more comfortable with the clunky nature of this method of rock scaling.
With section joints every two metres or so, progress isn’t fast, but before long I realise I’m a good 10 metres above the base level. Ten minutes later, I hoist myself up with my arms onto a little ledge where Klaus is sitting, waiting.
“You need to push with your legs, not pull with your arms,” he commands, before unexpectedly adding: “Sit here and rest for a minute, let me get your water bottle out of your backpack for you”. Later, over a plate of delicious Austrian grostl in a nearby tavern, Klaus reveals he works for the military and only guides tours on the weekend. While this explains his strict orders, it's something I wish he’d told us from the beginning. With this knowledge, I realise that his serious manner is simply his way of keeping everyone safe; quite a responsibility when you have nine climbers spread out on a rock face hundreds of metres above the ground.
Around two and a half hours later, and having finally mastered the leg-over-arms climbing technique, I give myself one last push and triumphantly step off the last via ferrata rung. Unclipping my carabiners I sink onto the dirt – exhausted but ecstatic as I take in the stunning valley views below, finally grasping why via ferrata climbing is so popular.
Exploring the capital of the Alps
I’m on a five-day adventure in the Austrian Alps, part of the first AdventureElevate Europe conference being organised by the world’s largest adventure travel network. I'm staying in the nearby city of Innsbruck, known both as the capital of Austria’s Tyrol and the capital of the Alps.
Within touching distance of the city are the jagged peaks of the Nordkette mountains, rising 2,300 metres. Setting the scene for adventure, the range is reachable from the city centre in just 30 minutes with a ride on the Zaha Hadid-designed cable cars that whisk visitors to the top of Innsbruck. On our journey to the viewpoint a few days earlier, we were rewarded with views of Austria's largest nature park overlooking colourful city roofs, turquoise glacial-fed rivers and the imposing Bergisel Ski Jump, also designed by the British-Iraqi starchitect.
Back at river level, Innsbruck is well worth exploring. Dating back to the Bronze Age, the uniformly pretty city boasts a treasure trove of ancient artefacts and impressive architecture. A quick walking tour takes us through medieval winding streets laid with ancient stone and where a city beautification project is currently under way to replace the stones with those of similar stature so they last another several hundred years. It's set to be completed next year.
Along the river, pastel-coloured houses line the banks. "They were painted different colours so people would know where to go to get bread, fish or clothes, even if they weren't able to speak or read the same language," explains Angela, an Innsbruck native and our walking tour guide.
From the river, we head to the Hofburg Palace where an exhibition about Emperor Maximilian I delves into the life of the city's former ruler who was known for his jousting and commitment to dynastic marriage. Afterwards, we stop at the Golden Roof, a Gothic-style building with a shimmering balcony inlaid with 2,657 fire-gilded copper tiles that was built at the order of Maximilian. The unconventional ruler never actually stayed in the building, but used the lavish balcony as a place from which to observe festivals and other events in the square below.
Something of a compulsive character, Maximillian also spent years designing his final resting place in Innsbruck, which was to be an elaborate marble mausoleum surrounded by 40 bronze statues depicting his ancestors and heroes. When we go to visit the magnificent tomb in Court Church, completed well after his death, we learn that it is destined to remain empty as, after a dispute with the city, the emperor decided he should instead be laid to rest in the church of Saint George in the castle of Wiener Neustadt, some 500km away.
Working up an Alpine appetite
Next morning, we're up bright and early for an e-bike tour with a difference. Travelling to Mieming, about an hour from Innsbruck, we collect our bikes and set off on the Cycle and Savour route along the Mieminger Plateau. Before long, we're passing underneath snow-capped peaks and through flower-filled wild meadows where cows lazily graze as their metal bells clang. Steep hills on this 35km pathway are easily managed thanks to the e-bikes, which give plenty of joy for minimal effort.
But the appeal goes beyond the cycling, as this gourmet experience includes regular stops at local businesses where we can sample Tyrolean cuisine. A tiny farm called Dismas Hofladen is our first stop and in the farmer's shop, we taste cuts of chunks of creamy cheese and cured meat, including a pungent grey-hued cheese – a regional speciality made only in the Tyrolean Alps.
Next up is Organic Farm Omesbichl, a tiny wooden shopfront where visitors can purchase eggs, taken directly from the hens being raised here, and organic fruit or vegetables. It's possibly the only e-biking tour I'll do where I finish the ride heavier than I started, but we are in Austria after all, a place where food culture is celebrated and meals are relished. There's even a word for it. "It's called gemuetlichkeit and it's about savouring each bite, relishing simple things and enjoying great company," our tour guide explains when we stop for lunch at a traditional Austrian inn.
With so many active outdoor adventures right on their doorstep, Tyrolians can easily afford to let themselves get carried away when it comes to refuelling. Which is why I decide to embrace my inner Austrian as we cycle into the parking lot at Greenvieh, a mountain-surrounded restaurant, and take a seat on the terrace to drink in stunning alpine views accompanied by a piping hot slice of flaky apple strudel.
How to get there
Etihad Airways operates 10 flights per week between Munich and Abu Dhabi. From May, the national airline of the UAE will operate two daily flights to the German city from where it's a two-hour drive to Tyrol.
Where to stay
Hotel Innsbruck offers a fantastic city centre location and a golden-tiled indoor swimming pool. In the mountains, stay at Holzleiten Bio Wellness Hotel for excellent all-organic food and open-air swimming. Families should head instead to nearby Hotel Stern where there’s an entire array of activities and adventures on offer for little ones.
WOMAN AND CHILD
Director: Saeed Roustaee
Starring: Parinaz Izadyar, Payman Maadi
Rating: 4/5
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The bio
Who inspires you?
I am in awe of the remarkable women in the Arab region, both big and small, pushing boundaries and becoming role models for generations. Emily Nasrallah was a writer, journalist, teacher and women’s rights activist
How do you relax?
Yoga relaxes me and helps me relieve tension, especially now when we’re practically chained to laptops and desks. I enjoy learning more about music and the history of famous music bands and genres.
What is favourite book?
The Perks of Being a Wallflower - I think I've read it more than 7 times
What is your favourite Arabic film?
Hala2 Lawen (Translation: Where Do We Go Now?) by Nadine Labaki
What is favourite English film?
Mamma Mia
Best piece of advice to someone looking for a career at Google?
If you’re interested in a career at Google, deep dive into the different career paths and pinpoint the space you want to join. When you know your space, you’re likely to identify the skills you need to develop.
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.
Honeymoonish
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How Apple's credit card works
The Apple Card looks different from a traditional credit card — there's no number on the front and the users' name is etched in metal. The card expands the company's digital Apple Pay services, marrying the physical card to a virtual one and integrating both with the iPhone. Its attributes include quick sign-up, elimination of most fees, strong security protections and cash back.
What does it cost?
Apple says there are no fees associated with the card. That means no late fee, no annual fee, no international fee and no over-the-limit fees. It also said it aims to have among the lowest interest rates in the industry. Users must have an iPhone to use the card, which comes at a cost. But they will earn cash back on their purchases — 3 per cent on Apple purchases, 2 per cent on those with the virtual card and 1 per cent with the physical card. Apple says it is the only card to provide those rewards in real time, so that cash earned can be used immediately.
What will the interest rate be?
The card doesn't come out until summer but Apple has said that as of March, the variable annual percentage rate on the card could be anywhere from 13.24 per cent to 24.24 per cent based on creditworthiness. That's in line with the rest of the market, according to analysts
What about security?
The physical card has no numbers so purchases are made with the embedded chip and the digital version lives in your Apple Wallet on your phone, where it's protected by fingerprints or facial recognition. That means that even if someone steals your phone, they won't be able to use the card to buy things.
Is it easy to use?
Apple says users will be able to sign up for the card in the Wallet app on their iPhone and begin using it almost immediately. It also tracks spending on the phone in a more user-friendly format, eliminating some of the gibberish that fills a traditional credit card statement. Plus it includes some budgeting tools, such as tracking spending and providing estimates of how much interest could be charged on a purchase to help people make an informed decision.
* Associated Press
More on animal trafficking
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
A new relationship with the old country
Treaty of Friendship between the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and the United Arab Emirates
The United kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and the United Arab Emirates; Considering that the United Arab Emirates has assumed full responsibility as a sovereign and independent State; Determined that the long-standing and traditional relations of close friendship and cooperation between their peoples shall continue; Desiring to give expression to this intention in the form of a Treaty Friendship; Have agreed as follows:
ARTICLE 1 The relations between the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and the United Arab Emirates shall be governed by a spirit of close friendship. In recognition of this, the Contracting Parties, conscious of their common interest in the peace and stability of the region, shall: (a) consult together on matters of mutual concern in time of need; (b) settle all their disputes by peaceful means in conformity with the provisions of the Charter of the United Nations.
ARTICLE 2 The Contracting Parties shall encourage education, scientific and cultural cooperation between the two States in accordance with arrangements to be agreed. Such arrangements shall cover among other things: (a) the promotion of mutual understanding of their respective cultures, civilisations and languages, the promotion of contacts among professional bodies, universities and cultural institutions; (c) the encouragement of technical, scientific and cultural exchanges.
ARTICLE 3 The Contracting Parties shall maintain the close relationship already existing between them in the field of trade and commerce. Representatives of the Contracting Parties shall meet from time to time to consider means by which such relations can be further developed and strengthened, including the possibility of concluding treaties or agreements on matters of mutual concern.
ARTICLE 4 This Treaty shall enter into force on today’s date and shall remain in force for a period of ten years. Unless twelve months before the expiry of the said period of ten years either Contracting Party shall have given notice to the other of its intention to terminate the Treaty, this Treaty shall remain in force thereafter until the expiry of twelve months from the date on which notice of such intention is given.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF the undersigned have signed this Treaty.
DONE in duplicate at Dubai the second day of December 1971AD, corresponding to the fifteenth day of Shawwal 1391H, in the English and Arabic languages, both texts being equally authoritative.
Signed
Geoffrey Arthur Sheikh Zayed
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
The National Archives, Abu Dhabi
Founded over 50 years ago, the National Archives collects valuable historical material relating to the UAE, and is the oldest and richest archive relating to the Arabian Gulf.
Much of the material can be viewed on line at the Arabian Gulf Digital Archive - https://www.agda.ae/en
It Was Just an Accident
Director: Jafar Panahi
Stars: Vahid Mobasseri, Mariam Afshari, Ebrahim Azizi, Hadis Pakbaten, Majid Panahi, Mohamad Ali Elyasmehr
Rating: 4/5
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
KILLING OF QASSEM SULEIMANI
More from Neighbourhood Watch:
NO OTHER LAND
Director: Basel Adra, Yuval Abraham, Rachel Szor, Hamdan Ballal
Stars: Basel Adra, Yuval Abraham
Rating: 3.5/5
The Laughing Apple
Yusuf/Cat Stevens
(Verve Decca Crossover)
GAC GS8 Specs
Engine: 2.0-litre 4cyl turbo
Power: 248hp at 5,200rpm
Torque: 400Nm at 1,750-4,000rpm
Transmission: 8-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 9.1L/100km
On sale: Now
Price: From Dh149,900
Specs
Engine: 51.5kW electric motor
Range: 400km
Power: 134bhp
Torque: 175Nm
Price: From Dh98,800
Available: Now
if you go
The flights
Etihad, Emirates and Singapore Airlines fly direct from the UAE to Singapore from Dh2,265 return including taxes. The flight takes about 7 hours.
The hotel
Rooms at the M Social Singapore cost from SG $179 (Dh488) per night including taxes.
The tour
Makan Makan Walking group tours costs from SG $90 (Dh245) per person for about three hours. Tailor-made tours can be arranged. For details go to www.woknstroll.com.sg
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Countdown to Zero exhibition will show how disease can be beaten
Countdown to Zero: Defeating Disease, an international multimedia exhibition created by the American Museum of National History in collaboration with The Carter Center, will open in Abu Dhabi a month before Reaching the Last Mile.
Opening on October 15 and running until November 15, the free exhibition opens at The Galleria mall on Al Maryah Island, and has already been seen at the Jimmy Carter Presidential Library and Museum in Atlanta, the American Museum of Natural History in New York, and the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine.
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Our legal columnist
Name: Yousef Al Bahar
Advocate at Al Bahar & Associate Advocates and Legal Consultants, established in 1994
Education: Mr Al Bahar was born in 1979 and graduated in 2008 from the Judicial Institute. He took after his father, who was one of the first Emirati lawyers
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.
Defence review at a glance
• Increase defence spending to 2.5% of GDP by 2027 but given “turbulent times it may be necessary to go faster”
• Prioritise a shift towards working with AI and autonomous systems
• Invest in the resilience of military space systems.
• Number of active reserves should be increased by 20%
• More F-35 fighter jets required in the next decade
• New “hybrid Navy” with AUKUS submarines and autonomous vessels
Six large-scale objects on show
- Concrete wall and windows from the now demolished Robin Hood Gardens housing estate in Poplar
- The 17th Century Agra Colonnade, from the bathhouse of the fort of Agra in India
- A stagecloth for The Ballet Russes that is 10m high – the largest Picasso in the world
- Frank Lloyd Wright’s 1930s Kaufmann Office
- A full-scale Frankfurt Kitchen designed by Margarete Schütte-Lihotzky, which transformed kitchen design in the 20th century
- Torrijos Palace dome
The White Lotus: Season three
Creator: Mike White
Starring: Walton Goggins, Jason Isaacs, Natasha Rothwell
Rating: 4.5/5
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ICC Women's T20 World Cup Asia Qualifier 2025, Thailand
UAE fixtures
May 9, v Malaysia
May 10, v Qatar
May 13, v Malaysia
May 15, v Qatar
May 18 and 19, semi-finals
May 20, final
Formula Middle East Calendar (Formula Regional and Formula 4)
Round 1: January 17-19, Yas Marina Circuit – Abu Dhabi
Round 2: January 22-23, Yas Marina Circuit – Abu Dhabi
Round 3: February 7-9, Dubai Autodrome – Dubai
Round 4: February 14-16, Yas Marina Circuit – Abu Dhabi
Round 5: February 25-27, Jeddah Corniche Circuit – Saudi Arabia
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Where can I submit a sample?
Volunteers can now submit DNA samples at a number of centres across Abu Dhabi. The programme is open to all ages.
Collection centres in Abu Dhabi include:
- Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC)
- Biogenix Labs in Masdar City
- Al Towayya in Al Ain
- NMC Royal Hospital in Khalifa City
- Bareen International Hospital
- NMC Specialty Hospital, Al Ain
- NMC Royal Medical Centre - Abu Dhabi
- NMC Royal Women’s Hospital.
THE SPECS
Engine: 3.6-litre V6
Transmission: nine-speed automatic
Power: 310hp
Torque: 366Nm
Price: Dh200,000
The specs
Engine: 3.0-litre six-cylinder turbo
Power: 398hp from 5,250rpm
Torque: 580Nm at 1,900-4,800rpm
Transmission: Eight-speed auto
Fuel economy, combined: 6.5L/100km
On sale: December
Price: From Dh330,000 (estimate)
The Old Slave and the Mastiff
Patrick Chamoiseau
Translated from the French and Creole by Linda Coverdale
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
Kanguva
Director: Siva
Stars: Suriya, Bobby Deol, Disha Patani, Yogi Babu, Redin Kingsley
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Abu Dhabi GP schedule
Friday: First practice - 1pm; Second practice - 5pm
Saturday: Final practice - 2pm; Qualifying - 5pm
Sunday: Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix (55 laps) - 5.10pm
