Challenge Dubai or the colors of a vibrant metropolis

Challenge Dubai, 2015
A competition that took place in a politically controversially discussed area organized by Europeans paid for by the kingdom of Bahrain. A situation that is made for standpoints to clash. We Westerners have little knowledge of the oriental culture, but are quick in uttering judgments.
Maybe shifting the focus and opening our eyes can help to remove our preconception. We shouldn’t only see the money located there, and on the one side greedily grabbing for the penny and on the other hand condemn the people, their behavior and attitude collectively.

With Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa from Bahrain entering the endurance sports arena with all his passion for the sport the Middle East may experience the beginning of a new era. We are currently witnesses of an imminent change in the mindset of the Middle East.

Over decades sport has not been part of the oriental lifestyle. One drove the car to everywhere, even though the destination happened to be just around the corner, an attitude Shaikh Nasser wants to change for the sake of the people. This idle lifestyle caused huge health problems in the countries at the Arabian golf.

Honestly I think, the difference between our countries are not that conspicuous. All over world wealth is associated with obesity, diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular diseases, metabolic syndrome and many more illnesses. They are wide-spread phenomena among people of all ages.

I dare to assume that these small autocratic countries may be more successful in implementing a new lifestyle as they are small and ruled by one authority, a top-down system that may have its advantages.
 
Here is not the place to discuss politics, but maybe we once in while should look back into our history and the current status concerning human rights. Propaganda and censorship is not only an attribute of the Middle East.
 
After Challenge Bahrain in December 14 Challenge Dubai followed within a time gap of one breath of air only.

The venue and the weather have been wonderful, the wind, the desert, the light breath-taking. And even though no Biest athlete was racing I enjoyed the race. The photos may give you an idea of the differences of races in Europe or the US and in the Middle East.

In case you have reservation concerning this race especially because of the shortcut issue on bike course, please read Terenzo Bozzone blog post.
 
Since I have lived there in the mid 80ties Dubai turned into metropolis with all its advantages and disadvantages. Some impressions of the contradictions that are colliding in Dubai you may retrieve from the photos underneath.