Latest news with #DubaiGames
Khaleej Times
23-02-2025
- Sport
- Khaleej Times
Dubai: Meet athletes who climbed Burj Khalifa's 160 floors in 31 minutes with 10kg vests
For Team Colorado from the US, the Burj Challenge in the Dubai Games was an unexpected but thrilling addition to their competitive obstacle race journey. When they first heard about it, they were excited and eager to take on the challenge, drawing from their experience of climbing mountains back home. The Burj Challenge demanded exceptional physical and mental endurance. Competitors had to climb 160 floors of the world's tallest building while wearing weighted vests — 10kg for men and 7kg for women — adding intensity to the already gruelling race. Team Colorado, consisting of Anthony, Ethan, Jack, Isaac, Veejay, and Ryan, claimed victory in the Burj Challenge. Competing against 50 teams from cities worldwide, each wearing weighted vests, they successfully completed around 3,000 steps as they raced up 160 floors of the Burj Khalifa and secured the win. 'The climb was extremely difficult. We knew exactly what we wanted to do, and we executed our plan as a team, trusting each other,' said Veejay as he reflected on the team's victory. While the team initially anticipated a different challenge for the year, their excitement grew when the Burj Climb was announced. 'Back in Colorado, we climb mountains for fun. But this time, we were ready to conquer the tallest building in the world,' shared Veejay. Team Colorado completed the climb in 31 minutes and 10 seconds. Coordination among the members was crucial to avoid tripping over one another. 'It was a true test of endurance. Our lungs were burning, and our heart rates were skyrocketing. Pacing ourselves was key to preserving energy,' Veejay explained. 'One of our team members was completely exhausted towards the end, and we had to pull him up for the last few steps. We aimed to complete it in 30 minutes but missed it by just one minute,' added veejay. Despite being from different parts of Colorado and not training together regularly, Dubai has become the place that unites them as a team. 'We all have an obstacle course racing background, and the challenges this year wer the hardest yet in the Battle of the Cities. We've been competing for the past three years, and each year, it's become progressively tougher,' Veejay noted. He further mentioned that the organisation gets better each year, with transparent scoring and excellent judges. "This is the best event we participate in all year. It's our first time making it to the finals, and we're hoping to take home the win," Veejay added. Team Zwolle from the Netherlands, consisting of Mathijs, Joey, Rick, Frank, Bo, and Carlos, also took on the Burj Challenge. Mathijs reflected on their experience, saying it was much harder than expected. 'The ascent took longer than we anticipated. We reached the top in 40 minutes and 20 seconds after climbing nearly 3,000 steps." For Team Zwolle, the challenge was made even tougher by the rope tying them together while carrying a 10kg vest. 'Other teams were faster, and the climb was both mentally and physically exhausting,' Mathijs added. The team had prepared for the Burj Challenge a week in advance but admitted that they underestimated its difficulty. 'We couldn't reach first place because we may not have put in as much effort during our training,' Mathjis said.
Khaleej Times
20-02-2025
- Sport
- Khaleej Times
Look: Teams battle in Dubai Games for Dh3.1 million prize pool after intense training
Having flown all the way from Scotland, Graeme Smith stood proudly amidst a cheering crowd and applauded for her daughter, Rachael Forbes. Rachael was among the participants competing for the Ministry of Education in the Battle of the Government, part of the Dubai Games held on Thursday, February 20. 'I arrived on Saturday just to support her,' said Graeme. Along with her stood Marie Forbes, Rachel's husband, who took a day off work to support his wife in her second year at this event. 'We love to come and be here with her,' Marie said. 'The atmosphere here is amazing, and being part of such an inspiring event feels great. It's not just about winning but being part of something bigger.' Under the bright Dubai sun, a competitive atmosphere enveloped the Dubai Games, where government teams from various ministries engaged in thrilling competitions. Each team faced a series of challenging obstacles designed to test their strength and resilience. With an overall prize fund exceeding Dh3.1 million, the Battle of the Government for both men and women was set to compete for Dh500,000. Stay up to date with the latest news. Follow KT on WhatsApp Channels. As families gathered to support their loved ones, the excitement was palpable. The cheers of trainers filled the grounds, rallying their teams and fuelling their determination. Months of rigorous training culminated in this moment, and the teams were ready to give it all. Tara Cooney, a sports specialist and captain of the Ministry of Education team, expressed her enthusiasm for the event. 'Every year, the Dubai Games gets bigger and better. The challenges are tough, but they foster teamwork and collaboration,' she said, noting that their team had over 300 sign-ups just for trials this year. Andrew Wilks, the trainer for the Ministry of Education team, emphasised the importance of teamwork in their training. 'We've focused not only on physical strength but also on communication skills. In stressful environments, precise communication is key to overcoming obstacles,' he explained. 'Last year, our girls won first place, and we are aiming to defend our title.' As the competition kicked off, the sound of cheers and encouragement echoed across the venue. Families watched eagerly, their support evident as participants tackled each challenge. "It's more than just a game; it's about community and collaboration," Andrew concluded. Rawdha Qatami Almansoori, a participant from Dewa, reflected on her journey since the inception of the Dubai Games in 2018. 'This is our sixth year, and I've witnessed our team's growth firsthand. We've secured second place three times, and each year, the competition becomes increasingly fierce. But it's the spirit of teamwork that drives us. The support from our authority is incredible, and the turnout keeps growing.' Meanwhile, Saud Alsuwaidi, senior manager of Employee Engagement at Dubai Airport, explained how their male team prepared for the games. 'We started training in August, conducting evaluations to select our team. As the competition neared, our training increased to three times a week to ensure we're in top shape,' he said. 'The flexibility our authority provides allows us to balance work and training effectively.' Launched in 2018 as 'Gov Games' under the directives of Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defence, and Chairman of The Executive Council, the event aimed to promote teamwork and strategic thinking. in 2025, the tournament was rebranded as 'Dubai Games', reflecting Dubai's leadership as a global hub for sporting events. The event, which will conclude on Sunday, February 23, will offer prizes across various categories. In addition to the Battle of the Government, the Battle of the Community will award Dh500,000 for 1st place. In the Battle of the Cities, the top prize will also be Dh500,000 for 1st place and Dh250,000 for 2nd place, while the prizes for the Battle of the Juniors are Dh70,000 for the first place.
Emirates 24/7
19-02-2025
- Sport
- Emirates 24/7
25 Various Sports Events, including 6 International Championships, take place in Dubai during this Week in Collaboration with Dubai Sports Council
25 various competitive & community sports events, including 6 international championships, take place in several locations of Dubai during this week, in collaboration with Dubai Sports Council, and with distinctive participation of different classes of society from UAE & overseas; top of these events are the UAE Tour (Men's Category), Dubai Games, Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships, Dubai Polo Gold Cup, the ICC Champions Trophy and Dubai Spinneys 92 Cycle Challenge. The 7th stage of the UAE Tour (Men's Category), the only cycling race in the Middle East that is held as part of the Union Cycliste International's agenda, will commence on Friday Morning 21st Feb. 2025, under title 'From University to University'. This stage celebrates education in general and distinguished universities, which are joined by students of multi-nationalities, and contributes to the qualifying of competent generations who are able to lead the sectors of work in the UAE and the entire world. The event will launch from the American University and continue up to the finishing line at Hamdan Bin Mohammed Smart University. The 160 km cycling race will pass through several urban, residential & tourist areas of global popularity; the most eminent of which are: the Emirates Hills, Emirates Golf Club, Jumeirah Islands, Jumeirah Village, Dubai Sports City, Dubai Autodrome, Jumeirah Golf Estates, Dubai Polo & Equestrian Club, Al-Qudra Lakes in Al-Marmoom Desert Area, which comprises the biggest natural Reserve, Sustainability City and Hamdan Sports Complex The 6th Dubai Games, the most prominent sports team event in Dubai, is held under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al-Maktoum, the Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister & Minister of Defense of the UAE. The four-day event will commence on Thursday 20th Feb. 2025 at Dubai Festival City & continue up to next Sunday with participation of more than 1300 male & female players from 250 teams, competing in 5 categories; these are the two men & women governmental categories, community challenge category, city challenge category & juniors challenge category. The 25th version of Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships continues at Al-Garhoud with unprecedented participation of elite of the best tennis players in the globe. The event is joined by 17 of the best female players from the first 20 world raked, besides 26 of the best 30 female players in the globe; among them are 9 of the 10 first ranked in the world. The ICC Champions Trophy will take place at Dubai International Tennis Stadium. The opening match is scheduled on Thursday 20th Feb. between India vs. Bangladesh. India will compete vs. Pakistan on 23rd Feb. & vs. New Zealand on 2nd March. The Championship will be held with participation of eight teams; these are: Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, New Zealand, Afghanistan, South Africa, Australia & England. Dubai Polo Gold Cup continues at the pitches of Al-Habtoor Polo & Equestrian Club & Resort with participation of six teams; these are: Al-Habtoor, Bangash, Wolves Team, Ghantoot, Jahangiri Team and the Emirates Team, led by H.H. Sheikha Maitha Bint Mohammed Bin Rashid Al-Maktoum. The Championship to conclude on Saturday 22nd Feb. Dubai Spinneys 92 Cycle Challenge will launch on Sunday 23rd Feb. at the Expo City Dubai. It is one of the eminent races qualifying to World Cycling Championship, to be held next Oct. at Victoria State in Australia. 25% of the first placed racers in 11 age groups will qualify to the World Finals; the biggest of its kind in the world. The 2nd UAE National Mixed Martial Arts Championship will be held on 22nd & 23rd Feb. at Shabab Al-Ahli Club with distinctive participation of prominent athletes who represent clubs & academies from all over the UAE. Participants in the Tournament are classified into different categories; these are: 10 to 11 years old / 12 to 13 years old / 14 to 15 years old / 16 to 17 years old / 18 & above. Dubai Open Gymnastics Academies Championship (DOGA) will be organized on 21st & 22nd Feb. with participation of gymnastic male & female players, who gather to present amazing performances in an atmosphere that full of excitement and challenge. The cricket competition of the 6th Labor Sports Tournament is held at Dubai Holding Pitches. The 16th UAE Down Syndrome Boccia Championship will be held at the Dubai Centre for People of Determination, while the Handball Competition of Dubai Schools Games will take place Shabab Al-Ahli Club, and DASA Athletics Competition to be arranged at Dubai Sports City. The Big Bang Boxing Championship takes place at the Space Sports Events Hall, and Dubai Canal Run is organized at Dubai Design District. The Run for Education is held at Kite Beach, Spinneys Dubai 92 Kids Run takes place at Expo City Dubai, and Psoriasis Awareness Walk at Al-Safa Park. Dubai 60ft Sailing Race to launch from Dubai Offshore Sailing Club, Dubai Investments Run is held at Dubai Investments Park, and the Lulu Walk at Al-Mamzar Park. Dubai Polo & Equestrian Club hosts Emaar Polo Cup, while the Wheel Run is organized at Dubai Wildlife Park, the Tristar Half Marathon is held at Meydan, and Sigma Eurasia Gaming Conference takes place at the Festival Arena. Follow Emirates 24|7 on Google News.
Hi Dubai
19-02-2025
- Sport
- Hi Dubai
Dubai Hosts 25 Sports Events This Week, Including 6 International Championships
25 various competitive & community sports events, including 6 international championships, take place in several locations of Dubai during this week, in collaboration with Dubai Sports Council, and with distinctive participation of different classes of society from UAE & overseas; top of these events are the UAE Tour (Men's Category), Dubai Games, Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships, Dubai Polo Gold Cup, the ICC Champions Trophy and Dubai Spinneys 92 Cycle Challenge. The 7th stage of the UAE Tour (Men's Category), the only cycling race in the Middle East that is held as part of the Union Cycliste International's agenda, will commence on Friday Morning 21st Feb. 2025, under title 'From University to University'. This stage celebrates education in general and distinguished universities, which are joined by students of multi-nationalities, and contributes to the qualifying of competent generations who are able to lead the sectors of work in the UAE and the entire world. The event will launch from the American University and continue up to the finishing line at Hamdan Bin Mohammed Smart University. The 160 km cycling race will pass through several urban, residential & tourist areas of global popularity; the most eminent of which are: the Emirates Hills, Emirates Golf Club, Jumeirah Islands, Jumeirah Village, Dubai Sports City, Dubai Autodrome, Jumeirah Golf Estates, Dubai Polo & Equestrian Club, Al-Qudra Lakes in Al-Marmoom Desert Area, which comprises the biggest natural Reserve, Sustainability City and Hamdan Sports Complex The 6th Dubai Games, the most prominent sports team event in Dubai, is held under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al-Maktoum, the Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister & Minister of Defense of the UAE. The four-day event will commence on Thursday 20th Feb. 2025 at Dubai Festival City & continue up to next Sunday with participation of more than 1300 male & female players from 250 teams, competing in 5 categories; these are the two men & women governmental categories, community challenge category, city challenge category & juniors challenge category. The 25th version of Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships continues at Al-Garhoud with unprecedented participation of elite of the best tennis players in the globe. The event is joined by 17 of the best female players from the first 20 world raked, besides 26 of the best 30 female players in the globe; among them are 9 of the 10 first ranked in the world. The ICC Champions Trophy will take place at Dubai International Tennis Stadium. The opening match is scheduled on Thursday 20th Feb. between India vs. Bangladesh. India will compete vs. Pakistan on 23rd Feb. & vs. New Zealand on 2nd March. The Championship will be held with participation of eight teams; these are: Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, New Zealand, Afghanistan, South Africa, Australia & England. Dubai Polo Gold Cup continues at the pitches of Al-Habtoor Polo & Equestrian Club & Resort with participation of six teams; these are: Al-Habtoor, Bangash, Wolves Team, Ghantoot, Jahangiri Team and the Emirates Team, led by H.H. Sheikha Maitha Bint Mohammed Bin Rashid Al-Maktoum. The Championship to conclude on Saturday 22nd Feb. Dubai Spinneys 92 Cycle Challenge will launch on Sunday 23rd Feb. at the Expo City Dubai. It is one of the eminent races qualifying to World Cycling Championship, to be held next Oct. at Victoria State in Australia. 25% of the first placed racers in 11 age groups will qualify to the World Finals; the biggest of its kind in the world. The 2nd UAE National Mixed Martial Arts Championship will be held on 22nd & 23rd Feb. at Shabab Al-Ahli Club with distinctive participation of prominent athletes who represent clubs & academies from all over the UAE. Participants in the Tournament are classified into different categories; these are: 10 to 11 years old / 12 to 13 years old / 14 to 15 years old / 16 to 17 years old / 18 & above. Dubai Open Gymnastics Academies Championship (DOGA) will be organized on 21st & 22nd Feb. with participation of gymnastic male & female players, who gather to present amazing performances in an atmosphere that full of excitement and challenge. The cricket competition of the 6th Labor Sports Tournament is held at Dubai Holding Pitches. The 16th UAE Down Syndrome Boccia Championship will be held at the Dubai Centre for People of Determination, while the Handball Competition of Dubai Schools Games will take place Shabab Al-Ahli Club, and DASA Athletics Competition to be arranged at Dubai Sports City. The Big Bang Boxing Championship takes place at the Space Sports Events Hall, and Dubai Canal Run is organized at Dubai Design District. The Run for Education is held at Kite Beach, Spinneys Dubai 92 Kids Run takes place at Expo City Dubai, and Psoriasis Awareness Walk at Al-Safa Park. Dubai 60ft Sailing Race to launch from Dubai Offshore Sailing Club, Dubai Investments Run is held at Dubai Investments Park, and the Lulu Walk at Al-Mamzar Park. Dubai Polo & Equestrian Club hosts Emaar Polo Cup, while the Wheel Run is organized at Dubai Wildlife Park, the Tristar Half Marathon is held at Meydan, and Sigma Eurasia Gaming Conference takes place at the Festival Arena. News Source: Dubai Sports Council
Emirates 24/7
08-02-2025
- Sport
- Emirates 24/7
DUBAI GAMES' Battle of the Juniors celebrates rising talents; winners crowned after thrilling contests
The Organising Committee of DUBAI GAMES 2025, the premier community sporting event in Dubai held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defence, and Chairman of The Executive Council, announced today the winners of the Battle of the Juniors, following a day of intense and competitive action. The event is organised in collaboration with the Dubai Sports Council, and the support of official partner DP World, and DAMAC and Emarat as diamond sponsors. Gravity x Backyard Ninjas was crowned the Battle of the Juniors 2025 champions after an outstanding performance that secured their victory with 97.79 points. Block20 x Empire finished in second place with 94.71 points, while Rashid Bin Humaid Boys School – Cycle 2 claimed third place with 83.42 points. The competition remained fiercely contested until the final moments, intensifying the excitement and engagement for both players and spectators. Marwan bin Essa, Director of Dubai Games, said: "The Battle of the Juniors is a powerful platform for identifying and nurturing young athletic talent while promoting a culture of sportsmanship among children aged 10 to 13. This competition embodies Dubai's commitment to creating a dynamic and competitive environment where young athletes can develop their skills, build confidence, and push their limits. Beyond physical activity, sports at this age serve as a vital learning experience, instilling values of dedication, teamwork, and perseverance. Watching these young athletes rise to the challenge and embrace the spirit of competition reflects the success of DUBAI GAMES as a platform that inspires, empowers, and prepares the next generation for future success." The sixth edition of Dubai Games featured a dedicated day for the Battle of the Juniors and saw more than 390 young athletes from 56 teams competing with exceptional determination and team spirit. The event reflects Dubai's ongoing commitment to supporting youth development through sports. The Battle of the Juniors competition attracted a significant crowd, with more than 6,000 spectators in attendance, creating an electrifying atmosphere as young athletes showcased their skills and determination. The tournament also featured specialised training workshops focused on physical development and the importance of proper nutrition in optimising sports performance. In its sixth edition, DUBAI GAMES continues to receive strong support from prominent public and private sector partners, further solidifying its status as one of the world's leading sporting events. This year's partners include DP World as the Official Partner, DAMAC Group, Emirates General Petroleum Corporation (Emarat) as Diamond Partners, and Dubai Electricity & Water Authority (DEWA), First Abu Dhabi Bank, and M42 as Gold Sponsors. C4 serves as the Bronze Sponsor, with Dubai Festival City as the official venue partner, Al Futtaim Automotive as a supporting partner, and Dubai Media Incorporated and Arabian Radio Network as media partners. Additional sponsors include Adidas, Viya, and Mai Dubai. DUBAI GAMES 2025 is set to welcome 246 teams across various categories, including 84 teams in the Battle of the Government – Men; 28 teams in the Battle of the Government – Women; 28 teams in the Battle of the Community and 50 teams in the Battle of the Cities. The main championship will run from 20 to 23 February at Dubai Festival City. The total prize pool exceeds AED 3.1 million. With its refreshed identity, DUBAI GAMES serves as an inspiring platform to encourage future generations to adopt an active lifestyle that embodies the core values of renewal, ambition, and resilience—reflecting the vibrant spirit of Dubai Follow Emirates 24|7 on Google News.
