Nad Al Sheba tournament wins praise for developing Emirati sports, raising level of athletes

Khaleej Times

23-03-2025

The 12th edition of the Nad Al Sheba Sports Tournament achieved significant technical and organisational successes, cementing its position as the largest sporting event of its kind.
Launched and sponsored by Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defence, and Chairman of the Dubai Executive Council, the tournament is held annually during the holy month of Ramadan at the Nad Al Sheba Sports Complex, under the directives of Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Dubai Sports Council, under the slogan 'Unlimited Abilities'.
Several heads and officials of the sports federations whose championships were held during this edition of the tournament praised the organisational atmosphere, the results, and the tournament's impact on developing Emirati sports and raising the level of local athletes by providing them with the opportunity to interact with high-level international athletes and engage in strong competition during this period.
This provides numerous sporting benefits, in addition to promoting the practice of sports and attracting families to follow the tournaments.
Engineer Sheikh Salem bin Sultan Al Qasimi, President of the UAE and Asian Fencing Federations, said that the Nad Al Sheba Sports Tournament has become a prominent landmark in the UAE sports agenda and a major annual event in the Fencing Federation's calendar, thanks to its continuous development and the increasing demand for participation in its competitions.
This reinforces its position as one of the largest community sporting events in the region.
Sheikh Salem Al Qasimi noted that the participation of more than 80 men and women players from 13 countries in the tournament's fencing competitions reflects the advanced level reached by the tournament, emphasising the significant technical and promotional impact it has had in expanding participation in various sports, including fencing.
'By organising the fifth edition of the fencing championship as part of the Nad Al Sheba Sports Tournament, which enjoys a large public following, we have succeeded in attracting the interest of many members of the community in this sport. We have received increasing applications to participate, and we have also been able to attract many clubs and juniors to this ancient Olympic sport,' Sheikh Salem explained.
Sheikh Salem Al Qasimi said that the UAE Fencing Federation attaches special importance to this tournament because it provides unique opportunities for local players to interact with elite international champions. He pointed out that the tournament's prestigious status at the Arab, regional, and international levels, in addition to the distinguished financial prizes, make it an ideal destination for competition and sports development.
Major General Dr Mohammed Al Murr, President of the UAE Athletics Federation, said that the Nad Al Sheba Sports Tournament represents a fundamental pillar in supporting and promoting athletics, as the road running competitions have succeeded in attracting a large number of participants of various nationalities, including Emiratis and residents. This success reflects the tireless efforts of the tournament organisers to instill a culture of sports and make it a way of life, with a focus on promoting and developing athletics as one of the cornerstones of competitive sports.
Major General Al Murr added that the federation's commitment to harnessing all its capabilities to ensure the event's success, showed that the partnership with the Dubai Sports Council and all sports and community entities represents the cornerstone in achieving the federation's strategic objectives. He added that the federation's ambition goes beyond simply organising events; it seeks to achieve a qualitative shift in the level of athletics by promoting pioneering initiatives, honing national talent, and consolidating the country's position as a global sports destination capable of hosting major tournaments.
Noura Al Jasmi, President of the UAE Badminton Federation, confirmed the success of the badminton competitions held during the 12th edition of the tournament, which witnessed a large participation of male and female players from both UAE nationals and various nationalities residing in the country.
She said: 'The federation has been officially established for two and a half years, and our inclusion for the first time in the list of sports at the tournament is our greatest achievement, in addition to the significant accomplishments we have achieved in this short period.'
Al Jasmi explained that including badminton in the tournament's schedule enhances the sport's local standing and supports the federation's development plan, increasing the number of players across the country.
The President of the UAE Badminton Federation praised the significant role played by the organisers in motivating members of the community to adopt sports as a way of life, enhancing talent discovery programmes, and providing them with the opportunity to participate at a high level of competition and achieve their ambitions. This tournament is one of the best sporting events in the UAE and a real opportunity to advance the level of players.
Al Jasmi said that badminton has gained several benefits from the tournament, especially since this participation falls within the framework of the 'Road to Los Angeles 2028' initiative launched by the UAE Badminton Federation, which aims to prepare and develop Emirati badminton players with Olympic potential and qualify a number of male and female players to participate in the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics.
Dr Huda Al Matrooshi, President of the UAE Modern Pentathlon Federation, praised the high level of organisational procedures and the exceptional atmosphere witnessed at the Nad Al Sheba Sports Tournament, which has become a model to be emulated in the world of sports.
In a statement, she said: 'We extend our deepest thanks and gratitude to Sheikh Hamdan for launching this pioneering tournament and his generous patronage and continuous support for sports and athletes. We also extend our sincere appreciation and thanks to the Dubai Sports Council and the organising committee for their great efforts, which resulted in the organisation of an exceptional event characterised by magnificence and strength in every detail.'
Dr Al Matrooshi added: "The UAE Modern Pentathlon Federation's participation for the first time in the Nad Al Sheba Sports Tournament is a qualitative sporting achievement and an important step towards enhancing the status of modern pentathlon on the local and international scene. We are proud of this participation, which has been widely attended by athletes of both genders and at various levels. This reflects the youth's passion for this Olympic sport and contributes significantly to spreading it and expanding its practice among our young men and women."
Dr Al Matrooshi emphasised that the tournament's resounding success in attracting elite athletes and providing a unique sporting experience is clear evidence of the organisational excellence and integrated efforts that contributed to the realisation of this prominent event.'