Here is a detailed schedule of the events.  Please note that there is time set aside for both drafting and recording decks.  Unlike our other events, we will be starting sharp and on time.  Late registration will not be permitted because of the drafting.

Last Chance Qualifier (Thursday Morning)

Since Nationals are close this year, only people who hold invitations are allowed in.  Some people are pre-qualified based on their DCI rating; others have qualified based on finishing in top positions at recent tournament.  For those who haven't qualified, this is the last chance tournament to get in.

Everyone will be allowed to play.  At the end of the tournament, the two highest-ranked players who have not qualified previously earn invitations to Nationals.

The format will be Rochester Draft, three rounds of Swiss with no finals.  This will be a great chance for pros to practice drafting, and for new players to learn about how Rochester draft works. 

The entry fee will be Dhs. 25.  Players who sign up for this tournament will also get a Dhs. 10 discount on registration for Nationals.

Humorous side note: Wizards has officially sanctioned this tournament under the name "Meatgrinder - Nationals Arab Amirates 2001."  "Meat Grinder" is the unofficial nickname for a last-chance qualifier.  It's usually held during the night just before the event.  Also note Wizards' creative spelling of the country's name.  :-)

Day One (Thursday Afternoon)

The first format for this year is Rochester draft.  Players will draft a deck, then use it for two rounds.  Then they will draft a new deck, and use that one for the last two rounds of this format.

Day Two (Friday)

After player check-in and deck registration, all players will play four Swiss rounds using their Standard decks.  Then, the top eight from both days combined will battle it out for the crown of UAE National Champion!  The format will be Standard, using the same decks from the Swiss rounds.  Matches will be single elimination, and the final match will be best of five rather than best of three.