While the Covid pandemic led many people to stay indoors, Hala Krunz used it as a time to discover new hobbies and interests. The graphic designer, who lives in Abu Dhabi, wanted to find a way that people could explore the emirate together and so decided to create the Rolleristas.
The group meets to explore parts of Abu Dhabi while roller skating. Krunz says there are two reasons she created the group. "First to exercise and boost our immunity system, second to feel free on wheels and spread positive energy," she tells The National.
Other members who have been a part of the group – some since its formation while others have joined more recently – agree and say the reason they choose to skate with Rolleristas is simply because of how much fun they have doing it together.
The group’s weekly meet-ups are free to attend, and are for people of all ages.
"Skating with Rolleristas is different, the vibes, the events, the places we choose and the friends we make are a combination of the perfect sport," says Melissa Ramirez, a former inline speed skater. "We not only exercise but we also have lots of fun."
Liselotte Neuteboom, who works as cabin crew, joined in 2020. She says that rollerblading has been good for the muscles in her body and she enjoys getting to explore the city.
Sirin Zengin, who works for a production company in Germany, expresses similar sentiments. "Rollerblading always reminds me of the beautiful old days and it’s a great form of self-expression while exercising, plus it’s so much fun that you don’t feel you’re working out," she says.
Krunz says Abu Dhabi is filled with beautiful places to explore –her favourite places to skate include Abu Dhabi Corniche and Mamsha on Saadiyat Island.
“Skating gave us back our freedom; it’s how we got our slogan, ‘freedom on wheels’," Krunz says. "For us, skating is far more than just a sport or exercise. Whatever you’re stressed about, it all disappears when you skate.
“Of course, there are other skating groups in the UAE and across the world, but I haven’t seen any that are exactly like us,” she adds. “We have an individual identity that we love to express through music and dressing up.
"I want to cheer people up, make them dance and forget their worries."
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UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
War 2
Director: Ayan Mukerji
Stars: Hrithik Roshan, NTR, Kiara Advani, Ashutosh Rana
Rating: 2/5
BMW M5 specs
Engine: 4.4-litre twin-turbo V-8 petrol enging with additional electric motor
Power: 727hp
Torque: 1,000Nm
Transmission: 8-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 10.6L/100km
On sale: Now
Price: From Dh650,000
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Dubai works towards better air quality by 2021
Dubai is on a mission to record good air quality for 90 per cent of the year – up from 86 per cent annually today – by 2021.
The municipality plans to have seven mobile air-monitoring stations by 2020 to capture more accurate data in hourly and daily trends of pollution.
These will be on the Palm Jumeirah, Al Qusais, Muhaisnah, Rashidiyah, Al Wasl, Al Quoz and Dubai Investment Park.
“It will allow real-time responding for emergency cases,” said Khaldoon Al Daraji, first environment safety officer at the municipality.
“We’re in a good position except for the cases that are out of our hands, such as sandstorms.
“Sandstorms are our main concern because the UAE is just a receiver.
“The hotspots are Iran, Saudi Arabia and southern Iraq, but we’re working hard with the region to reduce the cycle of sandstorm generation.”
Mr Al Daraji said monitoring as it stood covered 47 per cent of Dubai.
There are 12 fixed stations in the emirate, but Dubai also receives information from monitors belonging to other entities.
“There are 25 stations in total,” Mr Al Daraji said.
“We added new technology and equipment used for the first time for the detection of heavy metals.
“A hundred parameters can be detected but we want to expand it to make sure that the data captured can allow a baseline study in some areas to ensure they are well positioned.”
Game Changer
Director: Shankar
Stars: Ram Charan, Kiara Advani, Anjali, S J Suryah, Jayaram
Rating: 2/5
