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.
UK's plans to cut net migration
Under the UK government’s proposals, migrants will have to spend 10 years in the UK before being able to apply for citizenship.
Skilled worker visas will require a university degree, and there will be tighter restrictions on recruitment for jobs with skills shortages.
But what are described as "high-contributing" individuals such as doctors and nurses could be fast-tracked through the system.
Language requirements will be increased for all immigration routes to ensure a higher level of English.
Rules will also be laid out for adult dependants, meaning they will have to demonstrate a basic understanding of the language.
The plans also call for stricter tests for colleges and universities offering places to foreign students and a reduction in the time graduates can remain in the UK after their studies from two years to 18 months.
How has net migration to UK changed?
The figure was broadly flat immediately before the Covid-19 pandemic, standing at 216,000 in the year to June 2018 and 224,000 in the year to June 2019.
It then dropped to an estimated 111,000 in the year to June 2020 when restrictions introduced during the pandemic limited travel and movement.
The total rose to 254,000 in the year to June 2021, followed by steep jumps to 634,000 in the year to June 2022 and 906,000 in the year to June 2023.
The latest available figure of 728,000 for the 12 months to June 2024 suggests levels are starting to decrease.
If you go...
Etihad Airways flies from Abu Dhabi to Kuala Lumpur, from about Dh3,600. Air Asia currently flies from Kuala Lumpur to Terengganu, with Berjaya Hotels & Resorts planning to launch direct chartered flights to Redang Island in the near future. Rooms at The Taaras Beach and Spa Resort start from 680RM (Dh597).
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Islamophobia definition
A widely accepted definition was made by the All Party Parliamentary Group on British Muslims in 2019: “Islamophobia is rooted in racism and is a type of racism that targets expressions of Muslimness or perceived Muslimness.” It further defines it as “inciting hatred or violence against Muslims”.
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Cultural fiesta
What: The Al Burda Festival
When: November 14 (from 10am)
Where: Warehouse421, Abu Dhabi
The Al Burda Festival is a celebration of Islamic art and culture, featuring talks, performances and exhibitions. Organised by the Ministry of Culture and Knowledge Development, this one-day event opens with a session on the future of Islamic art. With this in mind, it is followed by a number of workshops and “masterclass” sessions in everything from calligraphy and typography to geometry and the origins of Islamic design. There will also be discussions on subjects including ‘Who is the Audience for Islamic Art?’ and ‘New Markets for Islamic Design.’ A live performance from Kuwaiti guitarist Yousif Yaseen should be one of the highlights of the day.
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
