UAE

Dubai to host inaugural FEI Eventing competition with Olympic hopes

Published

9 months ago

December 5, 2024

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Some of the UAE’s best equestrian athletes will look to make history by becoming the first-ever winner of an FEI-sanctioned eventing competition in Dubai when the ‘FEI WEC – Category A and National’ one-day competition is held at the Emirates Equestrian Centre (EEC) on Saturday.

The inaugural event is being organised and sponsored by the UAE Equestrian and Racing Federation with the intention of providing opportunities to Emirati riders, while getting them the necessary points to qualify for the international stage, with the Olympic Games as the ultimate target.

Eventing has been part of the Olympics’ schedule since the 1912 Stockholm Games and the maiden championship shows the UAE’s ambition in wanting to secure more spots for its athletes at the quadrennial games.

A Category A event is considered a top-tier preparatory or qualifier competition designed to prepare athletes for the first levels of FEI competitions and is open to equestrian athletes aged 14 and above.

Organisers are expecting a healthy turnout with this first-of-its-kind event promising to set the standards nationwide for competitive eventing, which consists of a combination of the three major equestrian events of jumping, dressage and cross-country, blending athleticism with artistry and precision, whilst celebrating the synergy between horse and rider.

According to the International Equestrian Federation (FEI), eventing “is truly a complete sport that tests both the horse and rider in all aspects of horsemanship, and one of the three Olympic disciplines”.

Commenting on the inaugural edition of the competition, Ali Al Ali, Chief Executive Officer and Dubai Racing Club board member, which manages the EEC, said: “This is the start of something really big and we look forward to hosting this event as it gives our equestrian athletes a change to perform on the world stage.

“This is a really a great platform and we encourage our athletes to make the most of this opportunity. Eventing is a sport that we support fully as we hope to nurture the next generation of equine stars that will make the country proud.”

Tahra Ahmad, manager at EEC, said: “This is a great way to promote the sport. Equestrian sport is very much an integral part of UAE culture and is steeped in the traditions of our country. We will do our very best to ensure the event is worthy of its status. We would like to wish all those participating in this historic event all the very best.”

Related Topics:#dubai #FEI #feieventing #sports #UAE

Suhani Singh

As a trainee reporter and creative lead, I focus on curating engaging content and managing the social media presence for the company. I aim to connect audiences with relevant, impactful news through multiple digital platforms.

Tech

UAE warns against using free public Wi-Fi after 12,000 cyber breaches

Published

19 hours ago

August 25, 2025

Michael Gomes

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The UAE Cyber Security Council (CSC) has issued a warning about the dangers of using free public Wi-Fi, revealing that more than 12,000 cyber breaches have been recorded so far this year through unsecured networks.

The risk
These incidents made up nearly 35 per cent of all cyberattacks reported in the UAE. Hackers are using open networks to steal passwords, banking details, and other personal information.

Expert warning
Dr. Mohammed Al Kuwaiti, Head of Cyber Security for the UAE Government, said that while public Wi-Fi may seem convenient, “it is often not sufficiently secured, making it an open arena for fraud and electronic hacking activities.”

Stay safe on public Wi-Fi
The Council urged residents to take simple precautions:

Use a reliable VPN to encrypt your connection
Activate the Safe Browsing feature to block suspicious sites
Avoid logging into sensitive accounts (like banking or personal email) on open Wi-Fi

The CSC stressed that adopting these measures can significantly reduce the risk of cyberattacks and protect users’ data from being exposed.

News

New Saudi platform makes Umrah booking easier for UAE residents

Published

5 days ago

August 21, 2025

Michael Gomes

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UAE residents planning to perform Umrah can now arrange their pilgrimage directly online, thanks to the launch of Nusuk Umrah, a new digital service introduced by Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Hajj and Umrah.

Accessible at umrah.nusuk.sa, the platform allows pilgrims to apply for an Umrah visa and book services in one place, including accommodation, transport, and guided tours. Travellers can either choose ready-made packages or customise their trip according to personal needs and budgets.

The service aims to simplify the journey for Muslims living abroad, offering UAE residents a direct alternative to booking through agents while still keeping that option open for those who prefer it.

Officials said the initiative is part of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 strategy to welcome more visitors and enhance the quality of services for pilgrims.

For many in the UAE, where Umrah is a year-round spiritual journey for families, Nusuk provides greater flexibility and transparency, making it easier than ever to plan a smooth and memorable trip.

How UAE residents can use the Nusuk Umrah platform

1. Visit the official site
Go to umrah.nusuk.sa, the official portal launched by Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Hajj and Umrah.

2. Create an account
Register with your passport details, email, and mobile number.

3. Apply for an Umrah visa
Submit an application for the e-visa directly through the platform.

4. Book your services
Choose between:

Complete packages (visa, flights, hotel, transport, tours)
Individual services (hotel only, bus/flight tickets, or guided tours)

5. Customise your journey
Adjust the length of stay, select preferred accommodation near the Haram, and book transport between Makkah, Madinah, and other cities.

6. Pay securely online
Make payments via the platform’s integrated system.

7. Receive instant confirmations
E-visas, hotel bookings, and transport details are shared directly with you — no middlemen needed.

Pilgrims may choose integrated packages or customise their trip by selecting individual services, tailoring the experience to their needs and budget.

News

Dubai International Airport issues travel alert as 3.6m passengers expected this month

Published

1 week ago

August 18, 2025

Michael Gomes

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Dubai International Airport (DXB) has issued a travel advisory as the summer holidays draw to a close and schools reopen, with more than 3.6 million passengers expected to pass through its terminals until Monday, August 25.

The airport said daily traffic is forecast to average 280,000 passengers. The surge comes as families and students return from their vacations.

DXB, which recently reported handling more than 46 million guests in the first half of 2025, is on track for another record-breaking year.

Preparations and travel tips

Dubai Airports confirmed that it is working closely with airlines, control authorities and service partners to ensure smooth passenger flows during the busy period.

To ease travel, passengers have been advised to:

Use Smart Gates