A tactical ride from Mansoor Al Shedi aboard Nil Boy 16 ensured Zabeel Stables won the DIEC 101km Commemoration Day Cup for Private Stables at Dubai International Endurance City in Seeh Al Salam on Thursday.
Partnering the nine-year-old gelding, Al Shedi won the four-loop ride in a time of three hours, 25 minutes and one second (3:25:01), the pair going about their business at an average speed of 29.56kph, which was marginally faster than the average speed recorded by second finishing pair of Fares Al Mansoori and Al Tantawy, representing SS Stables, who completed the ride in 3:25:27.
Placing a distant third, with 3:26:53 on the clock, were Ahmed Al Marzooqi and Adrar, who competed in the colours of Al Qubaisi Private Stables.
Al Shedi and his mount were third at the end of the first loop, where the lead was secured by Anan Al Katheeri aboard Dakar who were quickest in the opening stage.
In a race that saw the lead change hands constantly, Khalifa Salem Al Ameemi of SS Stables took over at the end of the second phase aboard Ras Trovador. However, their elimination during the course of the third loop, left Al Marzooqi and Adrar in charge of the leaderboard.
Al Shedi had dropped four places during the second loop, but worked his way up from that seventh position he found himself at to reach second going into the fourth and final phase.
And as he turned on the heat, leader Al Marzooqi and his mount Adrar failed to keep pace and ceded the initiative to them with Al Mansoori and his racing partner Al Tantawy doing well to sneak into second with Al Marzooqi forced into the third and final podium spot.
Board Member and General Manager of Dubai Equestrian Club, Major General Dr. Mohammed Essa Al Adhab, presented the winners with their trophies, commenting: “It was a terrific effort from the winning combination to finish the way they did and I would like to congratulate the winners for their efforts. I would like to thank the stables for participating in the event and getting their horses and riders ready for this very important ride.
“We have a long season ahead of us that is going to be very exciting and we wish all of those involved all the very best for what lies ahead.”
The season at Dubai International Endurance City includes a series of top rides with the world-renowned HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Endurance Festival and Crown Prince of Dubai Endurance Festival, the two showpiece events on its calendar.
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The AjmanGovernment has introduced a new flexible work schedule for public sector employees during the summer months, from July 1 to August 22, under the ‘Our Summer is Balanced’ initiative.
The move was announced during a meeting of the Ajman ExecutiveCouncil, chaired by CrownPrince Sheikh Ammar bin Humaid Al Nuaimi. The initiative supports the UAE’s Year of Community, aiming to promote work-life balance and employee wellbeing during the peak heat period.
What’s Changing:
100 per cent remoteworkonFridays
Shorter workdays Monday to Thursday: 7:30am – 2:30pm (7 hours instead of 8)
Flexible internal arrangements to ensure vital public services continue smoothly
Sheikh Ammar said the decision reflects Ajman’s commitment to building a flexible, productive, and people-focused government, guided by the vision of Sheikh Humaid bin Rashid Al Nuaimi, Ruler of Ajman.
The summer work model will serve as a pilot programme, with future expansions considered based on its impact.
Abu Dhabi Police, in partnership with the Abu Dhabi Civil Defence Authority, has launched the sixth edition of the Safe Summer Campaign, running until August 31.
The campaign aims to raise public awareness around essential summer safety precautions, with a focus on fire prevention, road safety, and accident reduction during the hotter months.
Using digital platforms, print media, videos, and community majlis, the campaign will deliver targeted messages to residents across the emirate.
Key safety messages include:
Home safety tips for families
Parental guidance on supervising children in swimming areas
Vehicle safety checks, especially tyre inspections
Fire and accident prevention protocols
Authorities urge residents to take extra precautions during the summer and follow safety guidelines to protect their families and communities.
Travelling soon? Check your flight status. Tensions are rising in the Middle East after US airstrikes on Iranian nuclear sites, and UAE airlines are adjusting fast.
Due to regional airspace closures, several routes have been suspended or rerouted, especially over Iran, Iraq, Syria, and Israel. Here’s what you need to know.
What UAE Airlines Are Doing
Etihad Airways
Abu Dhabi–Tel Aviv flights suspended until July 15
Transit passengers heading to Tel Aviv will not be accepted
Emirates
Flights to Tehran, Baghdad, and Basra suspended until June 30
Air Arabia
Flights to/from Iran, Iraq, Russia, Armenia, Georgia, and Azerbaijan paused until June 30
Jordan flights suspended until June 25
No transit via Sharjah or Abu Dhabi to these destinations
flydubai
Flights to Iran, Iraq, Israel, Syria, and St. Petersburg suspended until June 30
Transit passengers to these destinations are not allowed
Wizz Air
Flights to TelAviv and Amman suspended until September 15
Flights rerouted to avoid high-risk airspace
Refunds or rebooking options available
Global Airlines Also Affected
British Airways: Flights to Dubai, Doha, Bahrain paused through June
United, American Airlines: Suspended Dubai/Doha services
Air Canada, Air France-KLM, Finnair: Select Dubai routes affected
Travel Tips
Check your flight status before heading to the airport
Update your contact details in your booking for real-time alerts
Transit passengers to suspended destinations will not be accepted
Expect delays or reroutes, especially to the Middle East, Caucasus, and surrounding regions
Airlines continue to monitor the situation. Passenger safety is the top priority.