Expo 2020 has promised to be the most sustainable edition of the global gathering ever. But what does that mean, exactly? The event’s centerpiece is the dramatic Sustainability Pavilion, Terra. Designed by UK-based Grimshaw Architects, it was created to help visitors better understand the environmental challenges facing the world and to inspire action against climate change. But Terra is most definitely not alone: there are 192 pavilions, not to mention special events, restaurants and other...
It was another blockbuster fortnight for the MENA region after a spectacular 90 medals were won at the 2020 Tokyo Paralympics. Check out our roundup of all the agony and ecstasy — as well as some firsts, some new records, and a whole lot of people making their country proud in this quadrennial celebration of sport. Al-Arayani on target but anguish for Al Hammadi The UAE’s sole gold of the Tokyo Paralympics belonged to sharpshooter...
Swimmer Iyad Shalabi has become the first ever Arab-Israeli to triumph at either the Olympics or Paralympics, winning gold in the 100m backstroke in Tokyo. Israel has traditionally performed significantly better in the Paralympics than the Olympics, with 375 medals won over the years — the latest of which was Shalabi’s history-making effort. The 34-year-old’s story, like many at the Games, is an inspirational one. Shalabi was born deaf-mute before suffering paralysis of all his...
The dust may have settled on the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games but those craving more motivation and inspiration do not have to wait long. On Tuesday August 24 2021, the 2020 Paralympics begins with its own roster of remarkable athletes, many of whom have overcome significant adversity to compete. On the back of a record-breaking Olympics for the Middle East and North Africa, the region once again has a host of medal hopefuls for the...
The curtain has come down on arguably the strangest Olympics in recent memory. But while the absence of fans from events in Tokyo was keenly felt by the participating athletes, it didn’t prevent at-home audiences from being captivated by the globe’s fiercest sporting competitors again. Social media has been abuzz with coverage from the the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games and there have been some incredible stories to tell. Mena athletes were at the heart of some...
When American YouTuber Logan Paul fought legendary boxer Floyd Mayweather in Miami this summer, it was one of the sport’s most divisive nights. For some it was about money, as Paul made more from the fight than most professional boxers do in their entire career. For others, including current heavyweight champ Tyson Fury, it was a “breath of fresh air,” introducing a new generation of fans to boxing. Unsurprisingly, Money Kicks sits firmly in the...
Carlos Mendez Esquivel understands what it is to be a yoga skeptic. When his brother came back from college at age 18 expounding the virtues of the practice, he laughed off it off as just a way to meet girls. Fast forward two decades and Mendez is very much a convert. After going through a period of significant stress and anxiety in his life, his doctor in Mexico recommended he try yoga. That was 11...
The recent Dubai Ride provided a special moment for cycling in the UAE, as Sheikh Zayed Road was closed down for several hours to host those on two wheels. With more than 20,000 participants, it was the latest example of a sport that is booming in the country. Omar Nour knows that better than most. His always-beaming figure has become a familiar fixture at triathlon and cycling events in the UAE. The former professional triathlete...
For most people the Dubai Fitness Challenge has meant making simple changes to their daily exercise routine, maybe by upping their daily step count or working out for a little longer. But for Ghani Souleymane, it has been a little more gruelling. Since the DFC began on October 30, Souleymane has run 45km every day. Note that: Every. Day. After being inspired by the 2018 exploits of Marcus Smith, who ran a marathon a day...
The head of a Dubai hospital urology department says that while openness is increasing among men when it comes to cancer conversations, there still exists a reluctance among many to broach the subject of their health — either with friends or doctors. “Movember is a great opportunity for people to talk about men’s cancer, which is too often overlooked,” says Dr Hosam Al-Qudah, head of urology at Al Zahra Hospital Dubai. “Breast cancer awareness gets...
Every October the UAE, like many countries in the world, turns pink for Breast Cancer Awareness Month (BCAM). From a blush pink Burj Khalifa to rose-tinted burger buns, approaches to BCAM have become increasingly creative. But just how authentic are the intentions of those companies running breast cancer awareness campaigns? For more than 30 years, BCAM has been dedicated to turning the spotlight on breast cancer and there has been much to celebrate in that...