The rise of shooting sport in Dubai
As sports continues to play a defining role in the UAE's national identity, shooting is entering a new chapter – blending heritage with innovation to grow the sport, attract new talent, and expand public participation.
Shooting sport, deeply rooted in Emirati culture, are evolving into a modern, year-round pursuit bolstered by major infrastructure investments.
Leading the charge is a new 15,000 sqm indoor shooting range at JA Sports & Shooting Club – set to be one of the regions most advanced when it opens in early 2026.
The facility forms the centrepiece of a broader multi-sport development aimed at serving elite athletes, seeking dynamic sporting experiences.
The initiative aligns closely with calls from the UAE's leadership to uphold and expand the nation's legacy of sporting excellence on the global stage.
By combining advanced infrastructure with inclusive, year-round access, venues like JA Sports & Shooting Club are positioned to play a pivotal role in delivering on that vision.
'We're not just building a facility—we're helping shape the future of competitive shooting in the UAE,' said Stuart Gibb, Group General Manager - Sports at JA Resorts & Hotels.
'From training future athletes to offering unforgettable experiences for guests, it's about creating something that supports both high performance and broader public engagement.'
The shooting range will feature 25m and 50m pistol ranges, as well as a 200m multifunctional trap and rifle range. Its fully indoor, climate-controlled setup allows athletes and guests to train comfortably and consistently throughout the year – particularly valuable in preparation for high-level international events where precision and repetition are key.
Construction on the wider JA Sports & Shooting Club is already underway, with the multi-sport complex scheduled to open in phases from the end of summer 2025. In addition to the shooting facility, the development will include six elite football pitches as well as a international-standard cricket ovals with a dedicated training nets.
The result is a seamless, all-encompassing experience – where an aspiring athlete can start the day on the range, unwind on a pristine private beach, and recover in a state-of-the-art wellness facility, all within the same destination. 'Sporting infrastructure doesn't just serve current athletes; it inspires the next generation,' Gibb added.
'We're creating a place where people can visualise themselves reaching the very top. That kind of belief is powerful – and it starts with access.'
The project also supports broader national strategies such as the Dubai Quality of Life Strategy 2033, which places strong emphasis on public wellbeing through inclusive, active lifestyles.
As Dubai's population and global appeal continue to rise, developments like this are designed to meet the needs of both residents and the growing number of international visitors seeking active, premium travel experiences.
While final opening dates and programme details will be announced in due course, the message is clear: the UAE is raising the bar for what sport and recreation can look like.
And with JA Sports & Shooting Club at the heart of this evolution, the future of shooting sports in the region looks more promising – and more exciting – than ever before.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Gulf Today
2 hours ago
- Gulf Today
Sharjah Self-Defence Sports Club marks 10 years of excellence
The Sharjah Self-Defense Sports Club continues to solidify its status as the first specialised club of its kind in the UAE, marking ten years since its official establishment in 2015. The club stands as a pioneering model in promoting and developing self-defense sports across all segments of society — for both genders and all age groups — by providing a safe and motivating environment for practice, in both government clubs and private centers across the Emirate of Sharjah, in line with the vision of the Sharjah Sports Council. Since its inception, the club has steadily raised its ambitions to embed a culture of sport and apply sustainability practices. It has done so through a series of technical and competitive achievements and clear, forward-looking plans — all while preparing to celebrate its 10th anniversary in April 2025. The club exclusively focuses on Jiu-Jitsu, Judo, and Taekwondo, and currently trains around 1,500 athletes, approximately 80% of whom are UAE nationals. Among them are elite junior and youth national team players — 71 athletes have been selected to represent national teams in the current and previous seasons. Sharjah Self-Defense Sports Club is the most widespread specialized club of its kind in the country, operating five training branches in addition to four more centers launched in collaboration with the Sharjah Municipality. On the achievements front, the club has so far earned around 35 prestigious local and international awards. It is also the first club in Sharjah to receive ISO certification, reflecting its commitment to the highest standards of technical and administrative performance — and reinforcing its status as a national role model in the field of self-defense sports. The club continues to serve as a specialized platform for nurturing talent and producing champions in self-defense sports, reaffirming its dedication to performance development and achieving elite sporting outcomes based on global best practices. Ahmed Saeed Al Jarwan, Chairman of the Club's Board of Directors, emphasized that the club is working to enhance its sporting environment to be more attractive to Emirati talent — in line with the vision of His Highness Dr. Sheikh Sultan Bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah — that clubs serve as incubators for athlete development. He added that the club is committed to expanding its international presence, both by contributing top players to national teams and through direct representation in international championships, aligning with the strategic goals of the Sharjah Sports Council. Al Jarwan also highlighted the importance of instilling sportsmanship and educating young athletes, while continuing to work closely with parents, strategic partners, and sponsors. He stressed that the next phase will focus on strengthening ethical values and reinforcing the role of sport as a tool for character-building. Omar Bukhlef, Director of Strategy and Institutional Excellence at the club, noted that the club is progressing steadily within its 2023–2026 strategic plan, developed based on a specialized foresight study. The goal is to position the club as a smart and attractive environment capable of continued international success, with a focus on sustainability, digital transformation, and advanced training systems. Sharjah Self-Defense Sports Club is recognized as one of the leading Jiu-Jitsu institutions both locally and globally. In 2023, it was awarded the title of 'Best Academy in the World for Nurturing Juniors,' and it secured first place in the inaugural Khaled Bin Mohamed bin Zayed No-Gi Jiu-Jitsu Championship, along with second place in the Gi division. Ibrahim Al Hosani, Technical Director of Jiu-Jitsu and UAE Junior National Team Coach, stated that the club has adopted a comprehensive technical plan aimed at elevating training levels — in line with the remarkable progress Jiu-Jitsu is experiencing in the UAE and globally. He said the plan includes enhancing athletes' competitive skills, expanding the future leadership pool, promoting international cooperation, leveraging modern technologies in training programmes, and preparing qualified Emirati coaching staff from former athletes to ensure continuity and excellence.
Arabian Post
2 hours ago
- Arabian Post
Emirati Dominance Marks Abu Dhabi Grappling Grand Prix
Arabian Post Staff -Dubai Abu Dhabi hosted the culminating round of the Grand Prix Grappling World Tour at Mubadala Arena, Zayed Sports City, drawing hundreds of athletes from over 50 nations yesterday. The UAE secured top position in the overall standings, with 31,000 points, narrowly surpassing Brazil's 30,600 and Russia's 19,000, highlighting Emirati athletic rise in combat sports. Leading the charge was Khaled Al Shehhi, who seized gold in the professional division after a series of commanding performances. Demonstrating exceptional physical strength and technical finesse, Al Shehhi attributed his victory to years of rigorous training and unwavering institutional backing from national leadership. He praised the diversity of grappling styles present and affirmed that the title represents a 'significant milestone' in his career. ADVERTISEMENT In the heavyweight division, Pouya Rahmani also took home gold. He commended the tournament's professionalism, citing world‑class refereeing and flawless logistical arrangements, which, he added, elevated his performance amid a passionate crowd. Organised by the Abu Dhabi Jiu‑Jitsu Pro Federation, the event underlined Abu Dhabi's growing stature as a global combat‑sports hub. Its presence on the AJP calendar consistently attracts elite talent and contributes to the city's international sporting profile. Analysts note that this iteration—held on 14 June 2025—reflects a wider trend of rising investment and performance in grappling disciplines across the Gulf. With significant prize money and global ranking points at stake, UK‑based grappling commentator James Carter remarked: 'This tournament is fast evolving into a key international stage for pro grapplers—it draws tactical competitors from Europe, South America, and Asia alike.' Data from AJP shows this year's event awarded 2,000 global ranking points to each champion—an incentive that has increased both participation and competitive intensity. At the closing ceremony, Tareq Al Bahri, general manager of AJP, lauded the standard of competition and Emirati athletes' achievements. He emphasised that national development programmes have been instrumental in nurturing home‑grown talent, with jiu‑jitsu federations investing in grassroots camps and international coaching exchanges. Veteran coach Maria Fernandez, who oversees female grappling teams across the region, observed that the UAE's multi‑tiered strategy—combining youth training, scholarships, and elite events at Mubadala Arena—has yielded visible results. 'What we've seen here isn't just isolated wins; it's structural change. The UAE is visibly closing the gap with traditionally dominant nations like Brazil and Russia,' she said. Looking ahead, organisers confirm that the Abu Dhabi stop is set to remain a keystone of the 2025‑26 AJP Grappling World Tour. Future events, including youth and professional categories, will continue at Mubadala Arena and additional venues across the emirate, reinforcing Abu Dhabi's role in hosting elite martial‑arts competition. For Khaled Al Shehhi and Pouya Rahmani, the gold medals on home soil represent both personal triumph and national pride. Their performances, supported by a robust governance and funding framework, signal a shifting landscape in global grappling—a sport now gaining serious ground in the Middle East.
Sharjah 24
11 hours ago
- Sharjah 24
UAE tops Abu Dhabi Grand Prix Grappling World Tour
UAE claims first place in overall rankings The UAE led the final standings with 31,000 points, followed closely by Brazil with 30,600 points, and Russia with 19,000 points. The strong performance highlights the growing international success and development of Emirati athletes in combat sports. Khaled Al Shehhi wins gold in professional division Emirati grappling star Khaled Al Shehhi secured a gold medal in the professional division, impressing with his strength, technique, and tactical mastery. He expressed pride in representing the UAE and credited his victory to years of preparation and support from the country's leadership. Pouya Rahmani dominates heavyweight division In the heavyweight division, Pouya Rahmani also clinched gold after a series of commanding performances. He praised the event's organization, the quality of competition, and the passionate crowd that motivated him to deliver his best. Abu Dhabi reinforces its status as a global combat sports hub The event further solidified Abu Dhabi's reputation as a premier destination for international combat sports. As a key fixture in the AJP calendar, the Grand Prix continues to attract top-tier athletes and raise the global profile of grappling sports.
