Latest news with #Olympic-grade
Al Etihad
22-05-2025
- Business
- Al Etihad
From athlete to boat-maker: Meet the first Emirati woman building Olympic rowing boats
22 May 2025 20:26 MAYS IBRAHIM (ABU DHABI)The sleek shells of Olympic rowing boats all looked the same to Reem Al Hassani: efficient, anonymous, and made elsewhere. With 60 medals of every shade in hand, the Olympic champion traded the podium for a workbench, determined to build a rowing boat with the UAE in its grain – its story etched with Emirati hands into every journey in the field started in 2017 after becoming the first Emirati athlete to join the Abu Dhabi Sailing and Yacht Club. In 2018, she obtained the title of UAE Olympic Rowing Champion.'I wanted more than just to compete,' she told Aletihad in a recent interview. 'I wanted to create something that carries the name of the UAE and revives our maritime heritage with a modern touch.'Al Hassani recalls feeling disconnected from the Olympic boats she rowed in, finding them foreign. 'I realised the boat should reflect who we are, our ideas, our identity, our environment,' she 2021, Al Hassani ventured into the highly specialised and male-dominated world of boat manufacturing. 'It wasn't easy proving that the word 'impossible' means nothing for this daughter of the Emirates,' she said. 'I believed the industry isn't exclusive to anyone and that passion can open up all doors.'Her boats stand out among global counterparts not only for their engineering, but for the story they tell.'They carry the spirit of our land and the pulse of the Gulf Sea,' she said. 'They're made with an Emirati eye.' Al Hassani insists that a product can't truly be Emirati unless it touches the country's soil and draws from its resources.'I make sure that every material, every concept comes from our environment. It's not just a product; it's a message from our land to the world.'Al Hassani also noted that creating an Olympic-grade boat is as much about engineering excellence as athletic insight. Olympic rowing boats are made to exacting standards in weight, measurements, and contour. 'The smallest detail makes a difference,' she said. 'But the boat is more than a tool, it's the athlete's partner in their journey.''I design with the eye of an engineer, the heart of an athlete, and the pride of an Emirati.' Going Global Al Hassani plans on importing her UAE-made boats to global markets. 'I want to see the UAE's name sail across every sea,' she said. 'I want to take Emirati rowing boats to global championships.'To young Emirati women eyeing a future in manufacturing or sports tech, Al Hassani said, 'The UAE has given us opportunity, hope, and support to dream and achieve.''When your country believes in you, there should be no limits to your ambition. With passion, sincerity and determination, your idea can come to reality. The Emirati woman has always been up to the challenge.'Al Hassani was hosted by the Abu Dhabi Exports Office (ADEX) on Wednesday at Make it in the Emirates (MIITE) to share her industrial journey.'I'm thankful to Mohamed Saif Al Suwaidi. Director General of ADFD and Chairman of the Exports Executive Committee of ADEXm, for this trust,' she said. 'It gives me more drive to keep going and proudly represent Emirati women in the industrial field.'
Mid East Info
30-04-2025
- Health
- Mid East Info
The Rise of Gymnastics: A Path to Strength, Discipline, and Confidence - Middle East Business News and Information - mid-east.info
Gymnastics is one of the oldest and most respected sports in the world. With origins dating back to Ancient Greece, it has evolved into a dynamic and demanding discipline that challenges the mind and body. Today, gymnastics is not just for elite athletes; it is a powerful developmental tool for children, a way to stay fit for adults, and a professional sport that captures global attention. From Olympic-level competitions to recreational classes in local communities, gymnastics offers countless physical and mental benefits. Interestingly, it has also found a growing fan base and participation community in regions where the sport was once uncommon—such as the Middle East. One notable example is the rising popularity of gymnastics in Dubai . What Is Gymnastics? At its core, gymnastics is a sport that involves a series of physical exercises requiring strength, flexibility, balance, coordination, and control. The sport is typically divided into various disciplines: Artistic Gymnastics (Men's and Women's) Rhythmic Gymnastics Trampoline Acrobatic Gymnastics Aerobic Gymnastics Each discipline offers unique challenges and skill sets. For example, artistic gymnastics involves apparatus such as the balance beam, rings, parallel bars, and vault. Rhythmic gymnastics, primarily performed by women, includes dance and apparatus like hoops, ribbons, and balls. Benefits of Gymnastics Whether pursued recreationally or competitively, gymnastics provides a wide range of benefits: 1. Physical Strength and Flexibility Gymnastics requires strong core muscles, limb strength, and joint flexibility. Training consistently builds a powerful physique that is both functional and athletic. 2. Balance and Coordination Learning to land safely, hold still positions, and perform complex sequences trains the brain and body to work in perfect harmony. 3. Discipline and Focus Mastering gymnastic skills requires practice, patience, and mental focus. Young gymnasts learn goal-setting and the value of hard work from an early age. 4. Confidence and Self-Esteem Successfully learning a new move or performing in front of an audience provides a massive confidence boost and a strong sense of achievement. 5. Social Skills and Teamwork Though often seen as an individual sport, gymnastics fosters a strong sense of community. Gymnasts encourage each other, learn in groups, and often train in teams. Gymnastics in Dubai: A Growing Phenomenon In recent years, gymnastics in Dubai has seen a tremendous boom. Traditionally dominated by sports like football, cricket, and tennis, Dubai has now opened its arms to the dynamic world of gymnastics. This rise can be attributed to several factors: 1. World-Class Facilities Dubai is known for investing in state-of-the-art infrastructure. Many gyms and academies offer Olympic-grade equipment, certified coaches, and safe training environments for all age groups. 2. Diverse Community and International Coaches Dubai is home to residents from over 200 nationalities, and the gymnastics community reflects this diversity. Children from various backgrounds train under coaches from countries with strong gymnastics traditions like Russia, Romania, the U.S., and China. 3. Increased Awareness and Events Local competitions, workshops, and showcases have become increasingly common. Events like the Dubai International Gymnastics Championship have brought more visibility to the sport, attracting athletes and spectators from around the world. 4. Focus on Child Development Parents in Dubai are increasingly aware of the holistic benefits of enrolling their children in sports early. Gymnastics, being one of the best for overall development, has become a popular choice among parents seeking structured and enriching activities for their kids. Getting Started with Gymnastics For those curious about exploring gymnastics—whether for themselves or their children—starting is easier than it seems. Step 1: Choose the Right Academy Look for a gymnastics academy with experienced coaches, proper safety standards, and structured classes tailored to age and skill level. In Dubai, option like I-Gym is a great place to start. Step 2: Understand the Levels Gymnastics programs are usually divided by age (preschool, kids, teens, adults) and experience (beginner, intermediate, advanced). Progression is based on mastering fundamental skills. Step 3: Gear Up While most gyms provide equipment, gymnasts should wear snug-fitting athletic wear and have bare feet or specialized gymnastics shoes. Hair should be tied back, and no jewelry is allowed during training. Step 4: Stay Consistent Progress in gymnastics comes with regular practice and patience. Set realistic goals, celebrate small wins, and stay motivated. The Future of Gymnastics in Dubai As the city continues to evolve into a global hub for sports and wellness, the future of gymnastics in Dubai looks incredibly bright. Several academies are already producing competitive athletes who represent the UAE on international stages. With growing interest from schools and government support for youth sports programs, the foundation is set for a gymnastics culture to flourish. Moreover, the appeal isn't limited to children. Adult gymnastics classes are also gaining traction. From beginners looking for a new way to stay fit, to former gymnasts returning to the sport, there's a place for everyone. Conclusion Gymnastics is much more than a sport—it's a way to build physical power, mental discipline, and lifelong confidence. Whether you're a parent seeking a rewarding activity for your child or an adult exploring a new fitness challenge, gymnastics offers something for everyone. With its rapidly growing popularity, high-quality facilities, and global community, gymnastics in Dubai is setting a new standard for what's possible in the region. Now is the perfect time to get involved and experience firsthand the transformative power of this incredible sport.
