Get ready to lace up! Registration is officially open for the 25th edition of the Dubai Marathon, set to take place on February 1, 2026. Marking a major milestone, the iconic race is celebrating its silver jubilee with special events, elite competition, and a global gathering of runners.

As the Middle East’s oldest international road race, the Dubai Marathon has become a standout on the world running calendar, drawing elite athletes and amateurs from more than 140 countries. Held with the continued backing of the Dubai Sports Council, the race is known for its flat, fast course, perfect for personal bests and record-breaking performances.

The Dubai Marathon made history as the first race in the region to earn World Athletics’ Gold Label status, and it’s no stranger to big moments. Legendary long-distance runner Haile Gebrselassie famously recorded the second-fastest marathon time ever during his debut in Dubai back in 2008 — a performance that helped cement the race’s global reputation.

In addition to the full 42.195 km marathon, the 2026 event will also include a 10 km road race and a 4 km fun run, making it accessible for runners of all ages and fitness levels.

The Dubai Sports Council emphasised the marathon’s importance to the city’s international sporting profile and its positive impact on tourism and hospitality. Now ranked among the top 10 marathons worldwide, the event continues to attract top-tier talent and thousands of passionate runners each year.

Whether you’re an elite athlete chasing a podium finish or a casual runner looking to be part of something special, the 2026 Dubai Marathon promises to be a race to remember.

For more info and to register, visit dubaimarathon.org.

Pro Panja League, India’s premier professional Arm Wrestling tournament, is set to mark a significant moment in the league’s journey, making its international debut on April 19th at the India Club, who are also the venue partner for the tournament in Abu Dhabi, UAE.

The ‘Pro Panja UAE Cup’ is the first-ever occasion when the league is organizing an international event. The event will bring together some of India’s best arm wrestlers alongside the best arm wrestlers from around the world.

The event is sanctioned by the Dubai Sports Council and will technically be overlooked by the Emirates Body Building and Fitness Federation. Actor and Co-Founder of the Pro Panja League, Mr. Parvinn Dabass and Bollywood Star and President of the People’s ArmWrestling Federation India , Mrs. Preeti Jhangiani will be making a special appearance at the event, alongside Mr. Raz Khan, who is the representative for Pro Panja League in the UAE.

A total of five matches will be played at the event, with the huge India-Pakistan headline clash being between India’s Mazahir Saidu (110 kg), who is India’s Number 1 and also the captain of Kochi KD’s in the Pro Panja League, and Pakistan’s Omer Jamshaid (105 kg).

In the 90 kg category, Arjun Menon from India will take on Talal Ali from Bahrain, while another Indian, Umesh Kattuparambil (80 kg) will compete against Ameer Alturkumani (85 kg) from UAE. In the other three matches at the landmark event, Prasad Kanhangad (75 kg) of India will be pitted against UAE’s Rambo (80 kg), while India’s Asker Ali (85 kg) will fight it out against Ali (90 kg).

Speaking about the international debut, Parvinn Dabass, Co-founder of Pro Panja League, said, “The Pro Panja UAE Cup is a natural progression in our vision to make arm wrestling a mainstream, globally recognized sport. The UAE has emerged as a hub for combat sports and we are thrilled to bring the energy and excitement of Pro Panja to such an enthusiastic audience and I thank our UAE partners especially India Club and Mr Faisal Alzaabi for their support .”

Sharing her enthusiasm for the same, Bollywood Star, Preeti Jhanghiani added, “Having seen the Pro Panja League up close, I have to say it’s a superb mix of sports and entertainment and Bollywood masala, everyone who watches falls in love with Pro Panja and now I’m honoured to be meeting my UAE fans through this platform .”

Indian Olympic medalist and boxing legend Mary Kom stepped into a different kind of ring this week as she officially inaugurated Aster Hospital Mankhool’s state-of-the-art robotic surgery facility, a first for the healthcare group in the UAE.

The highlight? The launch of the ROSA robotic knee replacement system, a high-tech marvel that blends real-time data, 3D modelling, and a personalised approach to revolutionise how knee surgeries are done.

“This is a big leap forward for patient care,” said Kom. The six-time world champion, who’s also served in India’s Parliament, hailed the hospital’s push for smarter, safer surgeries.

Precision Power

Unlike traditional knee replacements, the ROSA robot acts as a high-tech co-pilot, guiding surgeons from planning to execution. The system uses detailed CT scans to create a 3D model of the patient’s knee, allowing for precise implant placement, better joint function, and faster recovery.

Safer, Smarter, Stronger

The robotic approach means smaller incisions, less tissue damage, and a lower risk of complications – like infections or nerve damage. Patients with complex anatomy or severe arthritis, in particular, stand to benefit the most.

And the best part? The minimally invasive nature means less blood loss, quicker healing, and a better quality of life – helping patients get back on their feet faster and stronger than ever.

(Source: Zawya)