UAE to resume camel races in August after Covid-19 prompted suspension


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Camel races will resume at Dubai's Marmoum track in August after a five-month suspension.

Hundreds attend weekly races from September to April but the season was suspended a month early this year due to the coronavirus pandemic.

At race tracks, camel handlers work in closer proximity as they jostle and guide camels to and from the starting line.

Wealthy owners and traders usually watch races from their cars, driving alongside the track. However, extensive socialising takes place after races, when owners and traders congregate at prominent majlises near the track.

The last major circuit race in the UAE took place in Abu Dhabi’s Al Wathbah track on March 21, five days before the country introduced domestic travel restrictions to curb the spread of the coronavirus.

Two festivals are scheduled for next season. The Dubai Crown Prince Camel Festival will run from January 23 to February 4, 2021 and the circuits grand finale, Al Marmoum Heritage Festival, will run from March 28 to April 8, 2021.

To ensure the events are safe, the UAE Camel Racing Federation has issued new guidelines for future races.

To limit the time handlers gather at the track, camels are not to leave their farms before 6am and tracks will only open at 6.30am

Robot jockeys must be mounted before camels leave farms, not at the racetrack.

Gathering at the side of the track is prohibited and people should maintain a five metre distance from others.

Attendees must wear a face mask and gloves at all times.

The UAE Camel Racing Federation will issue fines if owners fail to comply. Fines will be doubled for repeat offences.

Camel racing is a popular sport across the Gulf.

While Emirati owners do not rely on camel races for their livelihoods, the sport does provide a lucrative hobby, with hundreds of millions in prizes presented to citizens at state-sponsored festivals.

The five pillars of Islam

1. Fasting 

2. Prayer 

3. Hajj 

4. Shahada 

5. Zakat 

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UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Scoreline:

Manchester City 1

Jesus 4'

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While you're here

Huroob Ezterari

Director: Ahmed Moussa

Starring: Ahmed El Sakka, Amir Karara, Ghada Adel and Moustafa Mohammed

Three stars

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Barcelona 4 (Suarez 27', Vidal 32', Dembele 35', Messi 78')

Sevilla 0

Red cards: Ronald Araujo, Ousmane Dembele (Barcelona)

RESULT

Brazil 2 Croatia 0
Brazil: 
Neymar (69'), Firmino (90' 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.

The years Ramadan fell in May

1987

1954

1921

1888

Why does a queen bee feast only on royal jelly?

Some facts about bees:

The queen bee eats only royal jelly, an extraordinary food created by worker bees so she lives much longer

The life cycle of a worker bee is from 40-60 days

A queen bee lives for 3-5 years

This allows her to lay millions of eggs and allows the continuity of the bee colony

About 20,000 honey bees and one queen populate each hive

Honey is packed with vital vitamins, minerals, enzymes, water and anti-oxidants.

Apart from honey, five other products are royal jelly, the special food bees feed their queen 

Pollen is their protein source, a super food that is nutritious, rich in amino acids

Beewax is used to construct the combs. Due to its anti-fungal, anti-bacterial elements, it is used in skin treatments

Propolis, a resin-like material produced by bees is used to make hives. It has natural antibiotic qualities so works to sterilize hive,  protects from disease, keeps their home free from germs. Also used to treat sores, infection, warts

Bee venom is used by bees to protect themselves. Has anti-inflammatory properties, sometimes used to relieve conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, nerve and muscle pain

Honey, royal jelly, pollen have health enhancing qualities

The other three products are used for therapeutic purposes

Is beekeeping dangerous?

As long as you deal with bees gently, you will be safe, says Mohammed Al Najeh, who has worked with bees since he was a boy.

“The biggest mistake people make is they panic when they see a bee. They are small but smart creatures. If you move your hand quickly to hit the bees, this is an aggressive action and bees will defend themselves. They can sense the adrenalin in our body. But if we are calm, they are move away.”

 

 

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UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
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Name: Brendalle Belaza

From: Crossing Rubber, Philippines

Arrived in the UAE: 2007

Favourite place in Abu Dhabi: NYUAD campus

Favourite photography style: Street photography

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Youngest F1 driver to win the same race (Mexico 2017/18)

The specs
 
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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)

SPECS

Nissan 370z Nismo

Engine: 3.7-litre V6

Transmission: seven-speed automatic

Power: 363hp

Torque: 560Nm

Price: Dh184,500