Sport

Power Slap: The Rise of a Controversial New “Sport”

In a packed Cobalt Ballroom at the Fontainebleau Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, the boisterous crowd of 3,500 erupted as Vasil Kamotskii, better known as Dumpling, delivered an open-handed slap that sounded like a thunderclap. His opponent, Kamil Marusarz, hit the floor instantly. The referees and medical staff rushed to check on Marusarz, whose limp body stirred just enough to assure the audience he was still breathing. Dumpling, a 360-pound pig farmer from Siberia, raised his fist in victory. For the fans, it was the undisputed highlight of the evening’s Power Slap event.

The brief 30-second bout was emblematic of Power Slap’s appeal: raw, brutal simplicity. Competitors stand their ground, trading ear-splitting slaps until one is knocked out or concedes. Dumpling, a pioneer in slap fighting, is revered for his viral YouTube videos that brought attention to the sport in Russia. His dominance has now reached international stages, thanks to Dana White, president of the UFC and the visionary behind Power Slap.

The Vision Behind Power Slap

Dana White was captivated by Dumpling’s viral videos in 2021. Inspired, he sought to professionalise slap fighting with “official rules” and a commitment to safety. The result was Power Slap, a league that White boasts has amassed over seven billion views across social media platforms like YouTube, TikTok, and Snapchat. “Power Slap has gained over a million and a half Instagram followers just in 2024,” White noted, comparing its growth favourably to established sports like NASCAR and Major League Baseball.

Power Slap’s rapid rise to prominence has been fuelled by its shocking appeal and controversial reputation. The league’s events are streamed live, with clips flooding social media, often accompanied by apocalyptic commentary about the state of humanity. Yet, as White points out, “Negative comments drive engagement. Whenever you leave a bad comment on a Power Slap video, that helps me, so thank you.”

Extreme Risks, Limited Defenses

Slap fighting’s inherent risks are undeniable. Unlike other combat sports, participants cannot defend themselves, leaving them vulnerable to repeated blows to the head. Dr. Gregory O’Shanick, medical director at the Brain Injury Association of America, argues that the sport’s very premise is antithetical to safety. “This is not a sport,” he said. “It’s merely your physiological ability to withstand blunt-force trauma to the head.”

Despite such warnings, Power Slap insists on its safety measures. Competitors undergo rigorous medical evaluations, including MRIs, MRAs, electrocardiograms, and eye tests. Multiple referees and emergency medical teams are present at every event. White points to the UFC’s track record, noting, “Never a death or serious injury in 30 years of the UFC. We’re making Power Slap as safe as you can possibly make it.”

However, critics argue that no amount of regulation can mitigate the fundamental risks. Dr. O’Shanick predicts fatalities, citing the high likelihood of concussions, hearing loss, and chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE). The lack of defensive options only exacerbates the dangers. “There will be deaths from this. There is no doubt,” he warned.

A Polarising Public Response

Power Slap’s combination of spectacle and violence has drawn both fans and detractors. For its enthusiasts, the league represents an electrifying new form of entertainment. For critics, it embodies a troubling descent into sensationalism. Online, reactions range from mockery to moral outrage. Yet, the deluge of attention, positive or negative, only bolsters the league’s visibility.

Social media’s role in Power Slap’s rise cannot be overstated. Algorithms favour high-engagement content, and Power Slap’s shocking clips deliver just that. Videos of brutal knockouts and dramatic moments often go viral, reaching audiences far beyond traditional sports fans. “People are acting like someone got hit with a baseball bat,” White said, laughing. “It’s just a slap.”

The Fighters’ Perspective

For participants like Dayne Viernes, better known as Da Crazy Hawaiian, slap fighting is a calculated risk. Viernes, the reigning super heavyweight champion, acknowledges the dangers but chooses to focus on the rewards. “Right now, I’m listening to my body, and I hear it very well,” he said. “I don’t believe it will affect me the way some people think.”

Viernes’ triumphs are celebrated by fans, but his journey raises questions about the long-term consequences of slap fighting. Critics worry that impressionable children might mimic the sport’s brutal dynamics, leading to injuries on schoolyards. Dr. O’Shanick cautions against normalising such behaviour. “Eventually, all the people engaged in this are going to die out, and you’re not going to have to worry about that population reproducing,” he quipped grimly.

A Historical Parallel: UFC’s Path to Legitimacy

White draws parallels between Power Slap and the UFC, which faced similar criticism in its early years. Dismissed as barbaric and unregulated, the UFC fought for decades to gain acceptance. Today, it generates over $1 billion annually and boasts millions of pay-per-view viewers.

White believes Power Slap can follow a similar trajectory. By embracing regulation and establishing a fan base, the league aims to transform slap fighting from a viral curiosity into a legitimate sport. “They said the same things about the UFC,” White remarked. “And look where we are now.”

The Future of Power Slap

As Power Slap grows, it faces an uphill battle to balance entertainment with ethical concerns. The league’s reliance on social media ensures continued exposure, but it also amplifies scrutiny. Whether Power Slap can achieve long-term legitimacy remains uncertain, but for now, its popularity shows no signs of waning.

At the end of the Las Vegas event, Da Crazy Hawaiian stood triumphant, championship belt in hand. When asked if he would face Dumpling in a future bout, his answer was emphatic: “I want Dumpling so bad. Feed me! Feed me!”

Love it or hate it, Power Slap is here to stay. As Da Crazy Hawaiian put it, “Like it or not, this is a sport. And whether they like it or not, we’re doing it anyway.”

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Sport

Where to Play Tennis in Dubai: The Best Courts to Book Right Now

Fancy yourself the next Federer? Or just looking for a reason to dust off the tennis whites? Whether you’re a seasoned pro or simply tired of volleying a ball off your garage wall, Dubai is home to a wealth of tennis courts where you can serve, swing, and smash your way into the game—all without breaking the bank.

We’ve rounded up the best tennis courts in Dubai that you can book today, complete with pricing, timing, and the lowdown on facilities. Let’s have a ball.

Dubai has many great places to play Tennis

🎾 Al Barsha Pond Park Courts

A serene green space in the city, Al Barsha Pond Park offers great value and a tranquil escape.

Price: AED 85 (per hour)
Timings: 7am–10:30pm daily
Contact: emirates-tennisacademy.com | 050 163 5281

🎾 Al Habtoor Tennis Academy – Polo Club

Play amidst lush polo fields and then unwind at the Horse & Hound pub post-match.

Price: AED 130 (per hour)
Timings: 6am–11am daily
Contact: habtoorpoloresort.com | 04 435 4444

🎾 Al Habtoor Tennis Academy – Al Habtoor City

Choose between indoor or outdoor courts with premium facilities.

Price: AED 225 (outdoor), AED 550 (indoor) per hour
Timings: 6am–11am daily
Contact: emirates-tennisacademy.com | 04 444 1010

🎾 Al Nahda Pond Park Courts

Great for those near the Sharjah border.

Price: AED 90 (per hour)
Timings: 6am–midnight daily
Contact: emirates-tennisacademy.com | 050 163 5281

🎾 Al Nasr LeisureLand

A 48-acre sports complex offering affordable court bookings.

Price: AED 110 (per hour)
Timings: 9am–midnight daily
Contact: alnasrll.com | 04 337 1234

🎾 Athletic Kings Tennis Club

Four shaded courts and available coaching if you want to up your game.

Price: AED 130 (per hour)
Timings: 7am–10:30pm daily
Contact: athletickings.me | 054 375 8584

🎾 Dubai Tennis Academy – Marina

Offering lessons as well as court rentals in a scenic Marina setting.

Price: From AED 180 (30 minutes)
Timings: 10am–7pm daily
Contact: dubaitennisacademy.com | 058 845 0871

🎾 ISD Padel and Tennis – Dubai Sports City

A top-tier facility offering flexible peak and off-peak pricing.

Price: AED 200 (off-peak), AED 160 (peak) per hour
Timings: 7am–midnight (Mon–Fri)
Contact: 052 997 0083

🎾 Mirdif Park Tennis Courts

Great value courts—but limited to two, so book early.

Price: AED 80 (per hour)
Timings: 6am–11pm daily
Contact: emirates-tennisacademy.com | 050 163 5281

Many Hotels in Dubai have their own Tennis Courts

🎾 Satwa Park Tennis Courts

Affordable and family-friendly, with nearby play areas.

Price: AED 80 (per hour)
Timings: 6pm–11pm daily
Contact: emirates-tennisacademy.com | 050 163 5281

🎾 Tennis Three Sixty – Jumeirah Golf Estates

A premium experience with clubhouse access and full facilities.

Price: AED 150 (per hour for non-members)
Timings: 6am–10pm daily
Contact: tennisthreesixty.com | 055 753 7675

🎾 Tennis Three Sixty – Meydan

Championship-grade courts and full-service facilities.

Price: AED 160 (per hour for non-members)
Timings: 6am–10pm daily
Contact: tennisthreesixty.com | 055 753 7675

🎾 Tennis Three Sixty – Safa Club 1

Three full-size courts with on-site showers.

Price: AED 160 (per hour for non-members)
Timings: 6am–10pm daily
Contact: tennisthreesixty.com | 055 753 7675

🎾 Tennis Three Sixty – The Apartments DWTC

Full-size court with racquet rental available.

Price: AED 160 (per hour for non-members)
Timings: 6am–10pm daily
Contact: tennisthreesixty.com | 055 753 7675

🎾 TopSpin Sports Centre

With 10 courts and a pro shop across multiple locations, it’s a top pick for tennis lovers.

Price: AED 140 (per hour)
Timings: Varies by location
Contact: topspin.ae | 050 303 8195

From budget-friendly neighbourhood courts to elite-level tennis academies, Dubai serves up options for everyone. Grab your racket and get booking.

Concerts

F1 Abu Dhabi Concerts Line Up 2025: Your Ultimate Guide to This Year’s Yasalam After-Race Shows

Every year, the Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix isn’t just the final race on the F1 calendar — it’s the biggest music and entertainment celebration in the region. With the track action at Yas Marina Circuit already promising drama, it’s the F1 Abu Dhabi Concerts Line Up that delivers a cultural crescendo each night, bringing some of the world’s biggest artists to Etihad Park for four back-to-back nights of live music.

In 2025, the Yasalam After-Race Concerts are dialling up the energy, mixing chart-topping pop, iconic rock, and fresh global sounds to close the Formula 1 season with a bang. And the best part? Entry to the concerts is absolutely free with your Grand Prix ticket.

Here’s everything you need to know about this year’s unmissable F1 Abu Dhabi Concerts Line Up, including full schedules, artist breakdowns, venue details, ticket access, and insider tips to help you make the most of race week in the UAE.

🎤 Who’s Performing at the F1 Abu Dhabi Concerts 2025?

This year’s line-up is not just impressive — it’s iconic. With a diverse selection of global headliners, Abu Dhabi is hosting one of the most exciting rosters the UAE has ever seen. Here’s what to expect each night:

Thursday, 4 December 2025: Benson Boone

The opening night of the Yasalam Concerts welcomes Benson Boone, the viral American pop star who’s built a loyal global fanbase with emotive songwriting and haunting vocals. Known for tracks like “Beautiful Things” and “Ghost Town”, Boone’s live shows are both intimate and powerful — the perfect way to start the weekend.

Expect a heartfelt performance that will set the tone for the four-night music experience. If you’re into atmospheric pop with real soul, this is one to catch.

Friday, 5 December 2025: Post Malone

On Friday night, get ready for stadium-sized anthems and a back catalogue packed with hits. Post Malone takes over Etihad Park.

The ever-charismatic Post Malone is a seasoned live performer — known for his energetic sets that balance multiple genres with ease.

Saturday, 6 December 2025: Metallica

Things turn heavier on Saturday night with the arrival of metal royalty. Yes, Metallica are returning to the UAE for the first time in over a decade. With anthems like “Enter Sandman”, “One”, and “Nothing Else Matters”, this is a bucket-list performance for every rock fan.

Their live shows are intense, powerful, and driven by decades of global acclaim. If you want to experience a night of unforgettable guitar solos, iconic lyrics, and electric atmosphere, you already know where you need to be.

Sunday, 7 December 2025: Katy Perry

Closing out the F1 Abu Dhabi Concerts Line Up 2025 is none other than Katy Perry — the global pop superstar behind “Roar”, “Firework”, “Teenage Dream”, and “Dark Horse”.

Katy’s shows are not just concerts; they’re full-blown spectacles, complete with elaborate visuals, costume changes, and euphoric energy. Her closing night set will no doubt be the grand finale that wraps up both the race weekend and the F1 season in world-class fashion.

📍 Where Are the Concerts Held?

All four nights of concerts take place at Etihad Park, located on Yas Island next to the Yas Marina Circuit. It’s the largest open-air music venue in the Middle East and can hold over 35,000 fans. The space is custom-designed for major international acts and includes massive LED screens, top-tier sound systems, and excellent views from nearly every angle.

Whether you’re dancing in general admission or securing a Golden Circle upgrade, Etihad Park ensures a seamless live music experience — right in the heart of the F1 celebrations.

🎟️ How to Attend the F1 Abu Dhabi Concerts

If you’re attending the race, you already have access. That’s the beauty of the Yasalam After-Race Concerts: they’re exclusive perks for F1 ticketholders.

Here’s how it works:

Ticket Type	Concert Access
3-Day Race Pass	Access to all 4 concerts
2-Day Race Pass	Access to Saturday & Sunday only
1-Day Pass (Sunday)	Sunday concert (Katy Perry)

Wristbands are required for concert entry and can be collected at the circuit. Make sure to head to the designated kiosks early — queues can get long, especially on Saturday and Sunday.

Want a closer view? Golden Circle Upgrades are available. These give you:

Front-stage access
Dedicated entry lanes
VIP beverage stations

Upgrades sell out fast — book in advance via the official Yas Marina Circuit website.

Parking Availability

As one of the most popular events in the UAE, getting to and from Yas Marina Circuit can be a challenge if you’re not prepared. Fortunately, there are plenty of parking options available for those attending. For VIPs and those with exclusive access, dedicated parking areas are available, offering seamless entry. General parking is also available for ticket holders. However, it’s wise to arrive early to avoid congestion. Shuttle services from nearby hotels and parking zones make transportation more convenient, ensuring you won’t miss a moment of the action.

Alternatively, many attendees choose to use ride-hailing services such as Careem or Uber to avoid the hassle of parking altogether.

Partying on Yachts

For those seeking the ultimate VIP experience, yacht parties at Yas Marina are the pinnacle of luxury. These exclusive parties offer stunning views of the racetrack combined with the glamour of the Abu Dhabi skyline. Guests on these yachts are treated to a premium experience that includes gourmet dining, live DJs, and front-row views of the F1 action.

Yachts have become a signature of the F1 weekend, drawing celebrities, influencers, and high-profile guests. If you want to mingle with the elite, partying on a yacht during the F1 weekend is an unforgettable experience.

The F1 Abu Dhabi Concerts Line Up will mean another great year

Partying at W Abu Dhabi

The legendary W Abu Dhabi – Yas Island is known for hosting some of the most extravagant after-parties during the F1 weekend. The hotel, situated directly over the Yas Marina Circuit, is at the centre of the action. The WET Deck pool parties are not to be missed. These events offer spectacular views of the race while you party with international DJs spinning deep house and electronic beats.

Inside the hotel, VIP lounges cater to those looking for a more intimate party experience. With high-end décor, luxurious seating areas, and exclusive drinks, the W Abu Dhabi transforms into one of the most happening venues for nightlife during F1 weekend.

Other Exciting Things to Do

The Abu Dhabi F1 weekend isn’t just about racing and parties; there’s a host of other exciting activities around Yas Island to keep you entertained:

Ferrari World: Thrill-seekers can enjoy the world’s fastest roller coaster, Formula Rossa, along with other Ferrari-themed attractions.
Yas Waterworld: Perfect for cooling off in between the F1 festivities, this waterpark offers over 40 rides and attractions.
Yas Mall: Take a shopping break with some retail therapy at one of the region’s largest malls. The mall features a range of international brands and dining options.

For motorsport fans, the Pit Lane Walk is an exciting opportunity to get a behind-the-scenes look at the cars and teams. Fans can walk along the pit lane and catch a glimpse of the F1 teams preparing for race day.

Whether you’re there for the exhilarating races, epic concerts featuring Eminem, the mind-blowing Afterlife party, or just to soak up the unique atmosphere, the Abu Dhabi F1 weekend offers an experience like no other.

Sport

Burj2Burj 2025: Dubai’s Most Iconic Half Marathon Returns

After a spectacular debut in January 2024, Burj2Burj is making its highly anticipated return on 9 February 2025. This 21.1km half marathon offers a one-of-a-kind running experience. It takes participants on a breathtaking route between two of Dubai’s most iconic landmarks—from the Burj Khalifa to the Burj Al Arab.

If you missed the first edition, this is your chance to lace up and be part of one of the most scenic races in the world.

The Route: A Run Through Dubai’s Skyline

Designed by experienced runners, the Burj2Burj course offers an unmatched blend of urban energy and coastal beauty. The race begins at the Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building. It weaves through some of Dubai’s most famous streets and finishes at the majestic Burj Al Arab, one of the most luxurious hotels in the world.

Burj2Burj 2025 is a half marathon with a great view

Race Day Experience: More Than Just a Run

🏅 Finisher’s Park: After crossing the finish line, head to the buzzing Finisher’s Park, where you can celebrate your achievement with fellow runners. Enjoy refreshments, and soak in the post-race vibes.

🎶 Live Music & Supportive Crowds: The race route is lined with live music performances and cheering spectators. This ensures every step of your run is filled with energy and motivation.

🎁 Exclusive Goodie Bags: Participants will receive a race bib and a packed goodie bag. Don’t forget to pick yours up at race village registration on 7 February.

How to Register & Get Ready

📅 Live registrations begin on 7 February 2025 at the race village. Participants can collect their bibs and gear up for the big day.

👟 Training Programmes Start in October 2024: Whether you’re a seasoned runner or preparing for your first half marathon, Burj2Burj offers in-person and online training programmes starting in October 2024. These are designed to help you build endurance and confidence.

🔞 Age Requirement: Participants must be 16 years or older to take part in the event.

Burj2Burj returns for 2025 this Frebruary

Why You Should Run Burj2Burj 2025

✅ Race through Dubai’s most famous landmarks 🏙️
✅ Unparalleled views of the city’s skyline 🌅
✅ Incredible race-day atmosphere with live music & cheering crowds 🎶🎉
✅ Comprehensive training support for all participants 👟💪
✅ Exclusive race kits, goodie bags & post-run celebrations 🎁🏅

Burj2Burj 2025 has it's devoted fans — Burj2Burj 2025 has fans

Join the Movement!

Whether you’re chasing a personal record, looking for a fun fitness challenge, or simply want to experience Dubai’s most iconic half marathon, Burj2Burj 2025 is a must!

📆 Mark your calendars: 9 February 2025
📍 From Burj Khalifa to Burj Al Arab
🔗 Get race-ready and register early!

Read more in our online magazine: 😎
https://whatshotinuae.com