'Tallest man in the UAE' is...

As soon as the other candidates saw Mohammad, the disappointment grew on their faces.

This was a battle lost for most - with a height of 1.98m, Mohammad was clearly a-head of all.

Mohammad el Moussaoui (25) was crowned 'Imax Maximus' in Grand Cinemas Ibn Battuta Mall on Friday.

Over the last weeks, candidates had been given the opportunity to nominate themselves as the tallest man in  the UAE.

Rumours were of a 2.25m tall man walking around in Ibn Batuta Mall that afternoon.

But when no such man stepped forward, Mohammad was declared the tallest.

For Mohammad, it was not the first time he stood in the spotlight due to his height. "I have always been the tall one. I am the tallest in my family, and I can only recall one student in college who was taller than me."

Being tall has its advantages as well as disadvantages, the Lebanese resident of Sharjah said. "It is very difficult to find clothes in my size. I usually have to order them, and they are more expensive.

"The airplane is always a hassle. If I do not find a seat with extra leg space my knees are killing me, not to mention sitting in a car with limited leg space."

In theme parks, rollercoasters are often not for him, as a maximum height applies. "Then I think 'what can I do about it?'," said Mohammad.

But his height has also served him at times.

"I do not usually like to get in arguments. But when it happens, people are easily intimidated by height. The other day, I got in an argument on the road. Another driver insisted I came out of my car. Once I did, he quickly apologised and took off," Mohammad laughs.

This Friday too Mohammad could see the benefits of his height. In conclusion of the 'month of the gigantic', it was all about size this Friday: there was super-sized popcorn, larger-than-life props and the measurement of all applicants that exceeded 1.90m.

After it was confirmed that Mohammad was indeed the tallest man present, he was handed over the grand prix: a year-long supply of free cinema tickets.

Always picking a seat beside the isle and if possible in the back of the cinema not to form an obstacle for the other cinema-goers, Mohammad was happy to see what his height had brought him.

"It was my birthday only three days ago, this is a very nice birthday gift," he said with a smile.

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