Latest news with #AbdullahShahdad
Hi Dubai
08-04-2025
- Sport
- Hi Dubai
Dubai Showcases Aquatic Excellence with Open Water and Water Polo Events at DIAC
The Dubai International Aquatics Championships (DIAC) continued to make waves with its open water swimming and water polo competitions, held on April 5 and 6 at the Hamdan Sports Complex. Part of the month-long aquatic showcase running from March 21 to April 20, 2025, these events were hosted in collaboration with the UAE Swimming Federation, Dubai Sports Council, and local academies. Drawing more than 380 athletes, the competitions spotlighted both endurance and team strategy in two of the sport's most demanding disciplines. The water polo tournament on April 5 featured teams from various countries, reflecting the sport's growing momentum across the region. The fast-paced matches highlighted skill and teamwork, drawing enthusiastic support from spectators. Following this, over 300 swimmers took to the waters for the open water races on April 5 and 6, braving long distances in tests of stamina and technique. DIAC, one of the Middle East's premier aquatics events, features five disciplines: diving, water polo, open water swimming, synchronised swimming, and swimming. With over 3,000 elite athletes from 40 countries participating, the championship serves as a global hub for aquatic sports talent. Abdullah Shahdad, Director of Hamdan Sports Complex, emphasised the importance of diversifying aquatic offerings. 'Hosting a full spectrum of disciplines, including open water swimming and water polo, reinforces our commitment to growing aquatic sports in the UAE and beyond,' he said. As the competition progresses, DIAC continues to cement Dubai's status as a leading international destination for world-class sports events. News Source: Emirates News Agency
Khaleej Times
13-02-2025
- Sport
- Khaleej Times
Top stars to compete at Dubai Open Swimming Championship
The Dubai Open Swimming Championship 2025, one of the most prominent events in the world of swimming this year, will kick off on Friday at the prestigious Hamdan Sports Complex. Organized by Hamilton Aquatics Academy and ESM in cooperation with the Dubai Sports Council from February 14 to 16, this event falls within the framework of the policy of attracting and developing sports talents launched by the Dubai Sports Council, in keeping with the directives of the Government of Dubai for developing talents in all spheres. Details of this championship were announced during a press conference held at the Dubai Sports Council headquarters in the presence of Abdullah Shahdad, Managing Director of Hamdan Sports Complex, Ghazi Al Madani, Head of Private Establishment & Licensing Section, Sports Development Department at the Dubai Sports Council, Pippa Clarke, Managing Director of ESM and Hamilton Aquatics, and British champion swimmer Duncan Scott, who has won several medals at the Olympics, World Championships and Commonwealth Games. 'We are pleased at Hamdan Sports Complex to host this international event that brings together a large number of swimmers from different countries of the world, led by Olympic champions and elite world champions," said Abdullah Shahdad. "We expect this championship to witness great success, especially with the wide participation of world champions, which gives it weight and distinction and contributes to enhancing competitiveness. It also constitutes an incentive for local athletes to participate and interact with various international schools, which contributes to developing their technical aspects. The great diversity in levels will result in attracting many talented athletes from inside and outside the country.' The championship will act as a platform to inspire the next generation of swimmers while supporting the growth of swimming in the UAE and the region. As many as 1,294 swimmers representing 122 international clubs will be competing in 136 diverse races over a period of three days. This includes junior and professional categories, giving local swimmers the opportunity to interact with top-level international swimming stars. The championship will see the participation of a group of Olympic champions and world record holders, in addition to a group of elite swimmers from different countries of the world, making it one of the most competitive and diverse editions ever so far. The cream of the swimming world led by Olympians Duncan Scott, Noé Ponti, Ben Proud and Mary-Sophie Harvey, will be seen alongside World Championship medalist Lara van Niekerk and Hamilton Aquatics' Olympians Karin Belbeisi and Christina Rach alongside top swimmers from the UAE and beyond.
