Latest news with #2025Games
Gulf Today
05-05-2025
- Sport
- Gulf Today
Minister of Sports honours winners of inaugural edition of UAE University Games
The inaugural edition of the UAE University Games concluded on Sunday with a grand awards ceremony at Emirates Palace in Abu Dhabi, celebrating student-athletes and top-performing universities from across the country. Organised by the Abu Dhabi Entertainment Company (ADEC) in collaboration with the Ministry of Sports and the UAE School and University Sports Federation, and supported by Solutions+ and MBME Group, the 2025 Games marked a major milestone in youth sports development and talent promotion in the UAE. The closing ceremony was attended by an array of distinguished officials. Dr Ahmad Belhoul Al Falasi, Minister of Sports, presented awards to the winning teams and athletes, joined by Dr Sultan Bin Saif Al Neyadi, Minister of State for Youth Affairs; Ghanem Mubarak Al Hajiri, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Sports and Sheikh Suhail Bin Butti Al Maktoum, Executive Director of the Sports Development Sector at the Ministry of Sports and Secretary-General of the UAE Sports Federation for School and University Sports. The event also welcomed senior figures from sports and education, including Dr Bakhit Al Kathiri, Chief Investment Officer at Mubadala; His Excellency Obaid Salem Al Shamsi, Second Vice President of the UAE Football Association; and His Excellency Abdullah Juma Al Darmaki, President of the UAE Volleyball Association. The American University in Dubai (AUD) emerged as the standout performer of the competition, capturing three titles in men's and women's basketball as well as women's volleyball, earning the prestigious 'Overall Excellence Shield.' The University of Sharjah followed closely, winning the men's football and men's volleyball titles to secure second place overall. The University of Rochester rounded out the top three. Speaking at the ceremony, Al Falasi hailed the Games as a key step in realising the goals of the National Sports Strategy 2031. He noted that the participation of more than 1,800 students from 28 universities reflected the growing importance of university sports in shaping a healthy, active, and socially responsible generation. He underlined the tournament's contribution to building a sustainable sports culture that spans all levels of education, complementing efforts such as the UAE School Games to identify and nurture national athletic talent capable of competing at regional and global levels, including the Olympics. Sheikh Suhail Bin Butti Al Maktoum described the University Games as a foundational pillar in creating a comprehensive and integrated university sports ecosystem. He praised the synergy between academic institutions and sports federations in delivering a successful inaugural edition. Sheikh Suhail highlighted the importance of aligning the university-level sports pathway with international best practices and partnerships in talent development and performance analysis. He emphasised that the tournament's outcomes reflected effective institutional collaboration and national integration, affirming the UAE's broader vision of empowering Emirati youth and supporting national teams with homegrown champions. The first edition of the University Games brought together 1,585 students from 28 universities, showcasing high levels of competition and enthusiasm. Organisers have expressed their intent to build on this momentum in future editions, solidifying university sports as a cornerstone of the UAE's sporting and youth development landscape. WAM
Al Etihad
05-05-2025
- Sport
- Al Etihad
Minister of Sports honours winners of inaugural edition of UAE University Games
5 May 2025 18:30 ABU DHABI (WAM)The inaugural edition of the UAE University Games concluded on Sunday with a grand awards ceremony at Emirates Palace in Abu Dhabi, celebrating student-athletes and top-performing universities from across the by the Abu Dhabi Entertainment Company (ADEC) in collaboration with the Ministry of Sports and the UAE School and University Sports Federation, and supported by Solutions+ and MBME Group, the 2025 Games marked a major milestone in youth sports development and talent promotion in the closing ceremony was attended by an array of distinguished officials. Dr. Ahmad Belhoul Al Falasi, UAE Minister of Sports, presented awards to the winning teams and athletes, joined by Dr. Sultan bin Saif Al Neyadi, Minister of State for Youth Affairs; Ghanem Mubarak Al Hajiri, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Sports; and Sheikh Suhail Bin Butti Al Maktoum, Executive Director of the Sports Development Sector at the Ministry of Sports and Secretary-General of the UAE Sports Federation for School and University event also welcomed senior figures from sports and education, including Dr. Bakhit Al Kathiri, Chief Investment Officer at Mubadala; Obaid Salem Al Shamsi, Second Vice President of the UAE Football Association; and Abdullah Juma Al Darmaki, President of the UAE Volleyball American University in Dubai emerged as the standout performer of the competition, capturing three titles in men's and women's basketball as well as women's volleyball, earning the prestigious 'Overall Excellence Shield'. The University of Sharjah followed closely, winning the men's football and men's volleyball titles to secure second place overall. The University of Rochester rounded out the top at the ceremony, Dr. Ahmad Belhoul Al Falasi hailed the Games as a key step in realising the goals of the National Sports Strategy 2031. He noted that the participation of more than 1,800 students from 28 universities reflected the growing importance of university sports in shaping a healthy, active, and socially responsible underlined the tournament's contribution to building a sustainable sports culture that spans all levels of education, complementing efforts such as the UAE School Games to identify and nurture national athletic talent capable of competing at regional and global levels, including the Suhail bin Butti Al Maktoum described the University Games as a foundational pillar in creating a comprehensive and integrated university sports ecosystem. He praised the synergy between academic institutions and sports federations in delivering a successful inaugural Suhail highlighted the importance of aligning the university-level sports pathway with international best practices and partnerships in talent development and performance analysis. He emphasised that the tournament's outcomes reflected effective institutional collaboration and national integration, affirming the UAE's broader vision of empowering Emirati youth and supporting national teams with homegrown champions. The first edition of the University Games brought together 1,585 students from 28 universities, showcasing high levels of competition and enthusiasm. Organisers have expressed their intent to build on this momentum in future editions, solidifying university sports as a cornerstone of the UAE's sporting and youth development landscape.
Telegraph
17-02-2025
- Entertainment
- Telegraph
Prince Harry says ‘bring on' Invictus Games in UK despite security concerns
The Duke of Sussex has said 'bring on' the next Invictus Games in the UK despite the security challenges it will present for him and his family. Speaking at the closing ceremony of the Games in Vancouver, the Duke, 40, told a crowd of 20,000 at the Rogers Stadium 'the Games will go on' as he looked ahead to the 2027 event in Birmingham. The prospect of the Games returning to the UK for the first time since its inception raises questions about whether the Duke and Duchess will return to their former home, potentially with their two children, Prince Archie, five, and Princess Lilibet, three, after leaving the UK in 2020. Security remains a concern for the Duke after he lost a High Court challenge last year over his right to state-funded police protection in the UK. Unless he can overturn the ruling, he is understood to feel it is too dangerous to bring his wife or children to the UK, telling an ITV documentary, Tabloids on Trial, last year that he feared a knife or acid attack. But the Duke appeared to show no signs of concern as he brought the 2025 Games to a close on Sunday night after nine days of competition for wounded, injured and sick veterans. He said: 'So long as our brothers and sisters are striving to heal and grow, the Games will go on. 'So long as there are those around the world who view you with sympathy, rather than admiration and respect, the Games will go on. 'And so long as the challenges around us demand it and require it, the Games will go on. Bring on Invictus Birmingham 2027.' It also remains to be seen whether other working royals will be present for the Birmingham Games, as they were in 2014, when the then Prince Charles, the Duchess of Cornwall and Prince William all joined the Duke for the opening ceremony. The Duke returned to the UK at least four times last year, but was not joined by his wife or children for any of the trips. He briefly visited his father in February after Buckingham Palace announced that the King had been diagnosed with cancer. He opted to stay at a hotel on that trip, with sources citing security concerns because of the public entrances and exits at the palace. He is currently required to give 30 days notice of his travel plans so that each visit may be assessed on its merits. The Duke revealed this week he wanted Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet to attend future Games, but did not comment on whether they would come to Birmingham, saying 'right now, they're still young'. 'I'd love for them to experience the Invictus spirit first-hand one day,' he told Town & Country, an American lifestyle magazine. 'Right now, they're still young, but we already talk about the importance of resilience, community, and service—everything Invictus represents.' At the ceremony, the Royal British Legion's Team UK Captains, Stephen 'Hoops' Hooper, Neil Thomas and Gemma Barnes received the Invictus Games Foundation flag to signify the handover of the Games to Birmingham. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau paid tribute to the Duke, telling him 'you have changed the lives of so many people for the better and we all owe you the deepest debt'. The speech by Mr Trudeau, 53, who announced his resignation last month after nine years in power, prompted tears from the Duke and a standing ovation from the crowd. Earlier in the day, Mr Trudeau had sat with The Duke in the stands to watch the indoor rowing finals, the final event of the Games. The closing ceremony also featured performances by rapper Jelly Roll, Canadian singer Marie-Mai, and the rock band Barenaked Ladies.
Arabian Business
10-02-2025
- Business
- Arabian Business
Dubai Corporate Games set to return for 2025 edition with record participation
The Dubai Corporate Games, Dubai's largest corporate multi-sports event, will welcome more than 3,000 participants from 55-60 companies for its 19 th edition at Dubai Sports City and various satellite venues across the emirate. Held under the patronage of the Dubai Sports Council, the two-day weekend event has established itself as an inclusive sporting celebration, welcoming participants regardless of gender, age, fitness level, or organisation size. The event, established in 2006, brings together professionals and executives from diverse sectors including media, FMCG, oil and gas, logistics, technology, finance, and consultancy firms. The organisers, High Five Events, report a 70 per cent year-on-year participant retention rate. Inside the Dubai Corporate Games 'We are now looking forward to the 2025 Games which we promise will be bigger than ever,' the company said on its website. The competition will take place across multiple venues including the Dubai Kartdrome, Emirates Golf Club, Royal Grammar School, Dubai Bowling Center, Riva Beach Club, and Meydan Cycle Track. Participants will compete in team sports such as football, basketball, volleyball, cricket, tug of war, dragon boat racing, and bowling. Individual athletes can participate in running, swimming, fitness competitions, cycling, karting, and golf. The games also feature racket sports including tennis, badminton, padel tennis, and table tennis. Additional competitions include FIFA gaming, backgammon, chess, and table football. The scoring system awards three points for first place, two for second, and one for third, with the company accumulating the highest total being crowned the Best Performing Company. Beyond the sporting events, the Games will feature entertainment including DJ performances, sponsor activations, and dedicated children's activities. Food and beverage options will be available throughout, and families and friends are welcome to attend. The event will conclude with an Awards Ceremony on Sunday evening.
