Hundreds of fitness enthusiasts in Abu Dhabi are getting ready to sprint, squat, row and lunge their way through one of the world’s fastest-growing competitions: Hyrox.
Established in Germany in 2017, it’s a fitness race combining endurance and functional strength; the name Hyrox is derived from the words “hybrid” and “rock star”.
The competition comes to the capital for the first time on Saturday. While it has previously been held in Dubai and Sharjah, the sold-out Abu Dhabi race offers both newcomers and returning participants another chance to put their fitness to the test.
‘We can do hard things’
Abu Dhabi resident Sumayyah Marit Raidvere is giving Hyrox a try for the first time. She was convinced to join after seeing videos of the Sharjah event on social media. She says she gave in to the “social pressure” when she heard the race was coming to the UAE capital. Although she’s never participated in an endurance competition, Raidvere has run the Brussels and Adnoc 10K races.
Ranim Kaddoura is also a newcomer who decided to take on a Hyrox event after completing the Adnoc 10K run last year.
Kaddoura originally thought she’d need a full year to prepare after seeing videos online. So when a friend suggested they team up for the July event, she was hesitant. After some convincing, she eventually signed up, with a little more than two months’ notice to train.
She explains that she has a mantra in her household: “We can do hard things.” It’s a message she makes it a point to teach her children. “I don’t like the phrase ‘I can’t’ existing in our house. So this was really a confrontation of things I preach at home. I felt I needed to live up to my word.”
What is Hyrox?
Hyrox has four divisions: open, pro, doubles and relay. Each race – no matter where the location – always has the same format.
I love competition, and I’m constantly chasing that next challenge, so Hyrox felt like the perfect fit
Mariam Tarek,
performance coach in Abu Dhabi
It consists of eight 1km runs, each immediately followed by a functional workout station in this order: 1,000-metre SkiErg, 50-metre sled push, 50-metre sled pull, 80-metre burpee broad jumps, 1,000-metre rowing, 200-metre kettlebell farmer’s carry, 100-metre sandbag lunges and 100 repeated wall balls. The weight for some of the stations will vary based on division.
The energy at a Hyrox event can be electric as it consists of a mix of music, cheering spectators and the constant movement of athletes powering through each station.
‘Constantly chasing that next challenge’
Though the competition is strenuous, those who have participated before believe it is worth it. Mariam Tarek, a performance coach in Abu Dhabi, has taken part in three events already.
“I love competition, and I’m constantly chasing that next challenge, so Hyrox felt like the perfect fit,” she says. “The adrenalin makes you want to go out hot, but that’s mistake number one. Pacing is key. It’s a long race, and if you don’t respect the structure, it will humble you.”
Mariam Diab, a marketing manager who also works as a personal trainer and group fitness instructor, has competed in Hyrox events in both Dubai and Sharjah. Her interest was sparked by her fitness community, made up of fellow trainers and athletes.
“The training journey was fun, having to do it together. Although it was challenging, it was a new type of training,” says Diab, who had only done HIIT and group classes before.
“We had only started training about two or three months before. My partner and I ended up doing the race and were happy with our time result.”
‘Built for inclusivity’
While Raidvere and Kaddoura are preparing for the event in different ways, they share one common denominator: training with a coach who has Hyrox experience.
Steve Pere is the co-founder and a personal trainer at boutique gym GritnCode in Abu Dhabi. Like other gyms, such as F45, GymNation and Warehouse Gym, he runs classes aimed at training those who want to take part. As a bonus, he’s also participated in Hyrox himself.
“Hyrox is built for inclusivity. Unlike CrossFit or obstacle races that require specific skills or technical movements, Hyrox focuses on functional exercises that most gym-goers are already familiar with, such as running, rowing, skiing, sled pushes and pulls, farmer’s carries, lunges and burpees,” he says.
“It’s repetitive by design, with a standard format that allows participants to track and improve their personal time, whether or not they want to compete against others. The structure and exercises help reduce the risk of injury, making it accessible to a wide range of fitness levels.”
Pere has seen people in their 60s as well as those with disabilities successfully cross the finish line, noting there’s a mental and physical toughness in it. Tarek also agrees that although it is challenging, it is something everyone can do.
“The best part about Hyrox? It’s accessible. You don’t have to be an elite athlete. You just need the courage to start,” she says. “Anyone can complete the race. Truly anyone. That’s what makes it special. It welcomes all levels and shows you what you’re really made of.”
‘Movements most people already know’
In terms of physical preparation, Pere says Hyrox offers a weekly training programme for gyms to use, noting that it “doesn’t require mastering complex skills”.
“It’s built on movements most people already know from regular gym training,” he adds. “At GritnCode, our programming is split into specific sessions focused on what you want to improve: strength, endurance, conditioning or technical skills like rowing mechanics.”
Even with a familiar course, nerves can still creep in. For Raidvere, the start corridor, burpee broad jumps, and pacing her runs are like “kryptonite”. Kaddoura points to running as her weakest point. Despite having competed in previous Hyrox races, Diab, too, says running remains the most challenging part for her, while Tarek finds the final workout station the toughest.
“Wall balls, hands down,” she says. “You get to the last station and think ‘this is it’, but your legs are jelly, your arms are shaking and your lungs are begging for air. Still, it’s the most epic part too, especially if the crowd is loud and you’re feeding off that energy. It pushes you through the pain,” she says.
Although difficult, Diab says one of the most memorable moments from the event came as she neared the finish line.
“I loved that my family was cheering me on in my first race,” she says. “It was my birthday, so it was a very memorable moment – celebrating being a year older but also stronger, doing things I’ve never done before, challenging myself, only to prove that age is just a number. And to also set an inspiring example to my daughters.”
Tarek aims to become one of the first Egyptian women to rank among Hyrox’s top athletes. Raidvere, meanwhile, hopes to improve her 5K run time and compete in Hyrox Stockholm later this year alongside her sister. For Kaddoura, the race is a chance to strengthen her mindset beyond just fitness.
Those who have already taken part say Hyrox is more than just a race and that it is for everyone. For those still hesitant, Diab offers some encouragement.
“Go for it, enjoy the journey, don’t think about the time you finish,” she says. “Stepping into the racecourse and taking part means you already achieved and won. Also, never underestimate what you can do; you will be surprised.”
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pocketsWho is Tim-Berners Lee?
Sir Tim Berners-Lee was born in London in a household of mathematicians and computer scientists. Both his mother, Mary Lee, and father, Conway, were early computer scientists who worked on the Ferranti 1 – the world’s first commercially-available, general purpose digital computer. Sir Tim studied Physics at the University of Oxford and held a series of roles developing code and building software before moving to Switzerland to work for Cern, the European Particle Physics laboratory. He developed the worldwide web code as a side project in 1989 as a global information-sharing system. After releasing the first web code in 1991, Cern made it open and free for all to use. Sir Tim now campaigns for initiatives to make sure the web remains open and accessible to all.
Civil%20War
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EDirector%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Alex%20Garland%C2%A0%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EStarring%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Kirsten%20Dunst%2C%20Cailee%20Spaeny%2C%20Wagner%20Moura%2C%20Nick%20Offerman%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ERating%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%204%2F5%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Yahya Al Ghassani’s bio
Date of birth: April 18, 1998
Playing position: Winger
Clubs: 2015-2017 – Al Ahli Dubai; March-June 2018 – Paris FC; August – Al Wahda
More from Rashmee Roshan LallThe Bio
Favourite place in UAE: Al Rams pearling village
What one book should everyone read: Any book written before electricity was invented. When a writer willingly worked under candlelight, you know he/she had a real passion for their craft
Your favourite type of pearl: All of them. No pearl looks the same and each carries its own unique characteristics, like humans
Best time to swim in the sea: When there is enough light to see beneath the surface
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pocketsThe%20US%20Congress%2C%20explained
%3Cp%3E-%20US%20Congress%20is%20divided%20into%20two%20chambers%3A%20the%20House%20of%20Representatives%20and%20Senate%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E-%20435%20members%20make%20up%20the%20House%2C%20and%20100%20in%20the%20Senate%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E-%20A%20party%20needs%20control%20of%20218%20seats%20to%20have%20a%20majority%20in%20the%20House%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E-%20In%20the%20Senate%2C%20a%20party%20needs%20to%20hold%2051%20seats%20for%20control%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E-%20In%20the%20event%20of%20a%2050-50%20split%2C%20the%20vice%20president’s%20party%20retains%20power%20in%20the%20Senate%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Zayed Sustainability PrizeSPECS
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EEngine%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%206-cylinder%203-litre%2C%20with%20petrol%20and%20diesel%20variants%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ETransmission%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E8-speed%20automatic%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EPower%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20286hp%20(petrol)%2C%20249hp%20(diesel)%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ETorque%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E450Nm%20(petrol)%2C%20550Nm%20(diesel)%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EPrice%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EStarting%20at%20%2469%2C800%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EOn%20sale%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3ENow%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
COMPANY PROFILE
Name: Qyubic
Started: October 2023
Founder: Namrata Raina
Based: Dubai
Sector: E-commerce
Current number of staff: 10
Investment stage: Pre-seed
Initial investment: Undisclosed
Ferrari 12Cilindri specs
Engine: naturally aspirated 6.5-liter V12
Power: 819hp
Torque: 678Nm at 7,250rpm
Price: From Dh1,700,000
Available: Now
The five pillars of IslamSpecs
Engine: Electric motor generating 54.2kWh (Cooper SE and Aceman SE), 64.6kW (Countryman All4 SE)
Power: 218hp (Cooper and Aceman), 313hp (Countryman)
Torque: 330Nm (Cooper and Aceman), 494Nm (Countryman)
On sale: Now
Price: From Dh158,000 (Cooper), Dh168,000 (Aceman), Dh190,000 (Countryman)
Killing of Qassem SuleimaniThe specs
Engine: 2.0-litre 4cyl turbo
Power: 261hp at 5,500rpm
Torque: 405Nm at 1,750-3,500rpm
Transmission: 9-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 6.9L/100km
On sale: Now
Price: From Dh117,059
Labour dispute
The insured employee may still file an ILOE claim even if a labour dispute is ongoing post termination, but the insurer may suspend or reject payment, until the courts resolve the dispute, especially if the reason for termination is contested. The outcome of the labour court proceedings can directly affect eligibility.
– Abdullah Ishnaneh, Partner, BSA Law
How to come clean about financial infidelity
- Be honest and transparent: It is always better to own up than be found out. Tell your partner everything they want to know. Show remorse. Inform them of the extent of the situation so they know what they are dealing with.
- Work on yourself: Be honest with yourself and your partner and figure out why you did it. Don’t be ashamed to ask for professional help.
- Give it time: Like any breach of trust, it requires time to rebuild. So be consistent, communicate often and be patient with your partner and yourself.
- Discuss your financial situation regularly: Ensure your spouse is involved in financial matters and decisions. Your ability to consistently follow through with what you say you are going to do when it comes to money can make all the difference in your partner’s willingness to trust you again.
- Work on a plan to resolve the problem together: If there is a lot of debt, for example, create a budget and financial plan together and ensure your partner is fully informed, involved and supported.
Carol Glynn, founder of Conscious Finance Coaching
SHAITTAN
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EDirector%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EVikas%20Bahl%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EStarring%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EAjay%20Devgn%2C%20R.%20Madhavan%2C%20Jyothika%2C%20Janaki%20Bodiwala%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ERating%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E3%2F5%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
BIGGEST CYBER SECURITY INCIDENTS IN RECENT TIMES
SolarWinds supply chain attack: Came to light in December 2020 but had taken root for several months, compromising major tech companies, governments and its entities
Microsoft Exchange server exploitation: March 2021; attackers used a vulnerability to steal emails
Kaseya attack: July 2021; ransomware hit perpetrated REvil, resulting in severe downtime for more than 1,000 companies
Log4j breach: December 2021; attackers exploited the Java-written code to inflitrate businesses and governments
Conflict, drought, famine
Estimates of the number of deaths caused by the famine range from 400,000 to 1 million, according to a document prepared for the UK House of Lords in 2024.
It has been claimed that the policies of the Ethiopian government, which took control after deposing Emperor Haile Selassie in a military-led revolution in 1974, contributed to the scale of the famine.
Dr Miriam Bradley, senior lecturer in humanitarian studies at the University of Manchester, has argued that, by the early 1980s, “several government policies combined to cause, rather than prevent, a famine which lasted from 1983 to 1985. Mengistu’s government imposed Stalinist-model agricultural policies involving forced collectivisation and villagisation [relocation of communities into planned villages].
The West became aware of the catastrophe through a series of BBC News reports by journalist Michael Buerk in October 1984 describing a “biblical famine” and containing graphic images of thousands of people, including children, facing starvation.
Band Aid
Bob Geldof, singer with the Irish rock group The Boomtown Rats, formed Band Aid in response to the horrific images shown in the news broadcasts.
With Midge Ure of the band Ultravox, he wrote the hit charity single Do They Know it’s Christmas in December 1984, featuring a string of high-profile musicians.
Following the single’s success, the idea to stage a rock concert evolved.
Live Aid was a series of simultaneous concerts that took place at Wembley Stadium in London, John F Kennedy Stadium in Philadelphia, the US, and at various other venues across the world.
The combined event was broadcast to an estimated worldwide audience of 1.5 billion.