Latest news with #MohamedAlRais
The Independent
20-05-2025
- Sport
- The Independent
King's old school launches football partnership with professional club in Dubai
The King's old school in Scotland has formed a sporting partnership with a Dubai professional football club. Gordonstoun, a private boarding school in Moray, has also committed to local partnerships with rugby and football leagues to increase competition and strengthen community links. The school was founded by a Jewish refugee who fled Nazi Germany and alumni include the King and Prince Philip and David Bowie's son, Duncan Bowie, but around a third of pupils attend on a form of scholarship. The school revealed plans to work with professional football club Gulf United, based in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, which is led by an ex-pupil, Mohamed Al Rais. He hailed the school as a 'rich tapestry of nationalities' and said that football was a force for 'unity'. Plans include an exchange programme between Gordonstoun students and young footballers at the club, and education-based football programmes which will allow students to experience what it is like to be a professional footballer while continuing their studies. The club also has scholarships, helping talented student-athletes to gain entry to universities in America and Canada. Gordonstoun will hire a team of experienced coaches as part of the long-term sports strategy, and have formed a partnership with Moray RFC in Elgin to run combined rugby junior age groups, with guidance from Scottish Rugby Union (SRU). The most talented players will be invited to regional training sessions and matches, and the sports strategy is aimed at mixed sex education, from the prep school to sixth form, and also includes cricket, tennis, hockey and netball. Students who demonstrate sporting aptitude will have access to a wider selection of pathways to support their ambitions, and the school said it would develop 'elite academy training facilities' in sports such as golf, sailing, fencing and equestrianism. Headteacher Simon Cane-Hardy said: 'This is an exciting new era for sport at Gordonstoun, a vision where sports provision is designed to benefit all our students while strengthening our links with the local community and building new sporting partnerships around the world. 'Our long-term sports strategy will allow us to support all levels of sporting ability and to better identify the most talented children, supporting them with qualified coaches, offering elite pathways and creating more competitive opportunities. 'New football and rugby and sporting partnerships will offer students a unique opportunity to work in a professional environment to support their ambitions both at home and in other countries around the world. 'The fixture calendar will be focusing on participation in local rugby and football leagues to increase competition opportunities and to minimise regular long-distance travel. 'Overall, this will create greater flexibility in the sporting timetable, ensuring a better balance with other parts of the school curriculum. 'We are continuously improving and innovating the education we deliver, whether that's in the classroom, through service to others, in the mountains or on the sports field.' Mr Al Rais, Gulf United director, said: 'This partnership will create a positive value exchange between Gulf United and Gordonstoun, fostering a rewarding and beneficial environment for young student-athletes to develop. 'Sport, and in particular, football, is a powerful tool for unity. This is evident at Gulf United where we are proudly represented by 82 nationalities, whilst our home city of Dubai boasts over 200 nationalities. Likewise, Gordonstoun is represented by a rich tapestry of nationalities. 'These dynamic and welcoming environments greatly enhance the experience for students, allowing them to broaden their horizons, whilst positively aiding their development, not only as players, but as people.'
STV News
20-05-2025
- Sport
- STV News
King's old school launches football partnership with professional club in Dubai
The King's old school in Scotland has formed a sporting partnership with a Dubai professional football club. Gordonstoun, a private boarding school in Moray, has also committed to local partnerships with rugby and football leagues to increase competition and strengthen community links. The school was founded by a Jewish refugee who fled Nazi Germany and alumni include the King and Prince Philip and David Bowie's son, Duncan Bowie, but around a third of pupils attend on a form of scholarship. The school revealed plans to work with professional football club Gulf United, based in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, which is led by an ex-pupil, Mohamed Al Rais. He hailed the school as a 'rich tapestry of nationalities' and said that football was a force for 'unity'. Plans include an exchange programme between Gordonstoun students and young footballers at the club, and education-based football programmes which will allow students to experience what it is like to be a professional footballer while continuing their studies. The club also has scholarships, helping talented student-athletes to gain entry to universities in America and Canada. Gordonstoun will hire a team of experienced coaches as part of the long-term sports strategy, and have formed a partnership with Moray RFC in Elgin to run combined rugby junior age groups, with guidance from Scottish Rugby Union (SRU). PA Media Gordonstoun Principal, Peter Green, with Gulf United FC director, Mohamed Al Rais, a former pupil at the school The most talented players will be invited to regional training sessions and matches, and the sports strategy is aimed at mixed sex education, from the prep school to sixth form, and also includes cricket, tennis, hockey and netball. Students who demonstrate sporting aptitude will have access to a wider selection of pathways to support their ambitions, and the school said it would develop 'elite academy training facilities' in sports such as golf, sailing, fencing and equestrianism. Headteacher Simon Cane-Hardy said: 'This is an exciting new era for sport at Gordonstoun, a vision where sports provision is designed to benefit all our students while strengthening our links with the local community and building new sporting partnerships around the world. 'Our long-term sports strategy will allow us to support all levels of sporting ability and to better identify the most talented children, supporting them with qualified coaches, offering elite pathways and creating more competitive opportunities. 'New football and rugby and sporting partnerships will offer students a unique opportunity to work in a professional environment to support their ambitions both at home and in other countries around the world. 'The fixture calendar will be focusing on participation in local rugby and football leagues to increase competition opportunities and to minimise regular long-distance travel. 'Overall, this will create greater flexibility in the sporting timetable, ensuring a better balance with other parts of the school curriculum. 'We are continuously improving and innovating the education we deliver, whether that's in the classroom, through service to others, in the mountains or on the sports field.' Mr Al Rais, Gulf United director, said: 'This partnership will create a positive value exchange between Gulf United and Gordonstoun, fostering a rewarding and beneficial environment for young student-athletes to develop. 'Sport, and in particular, football, is a powerful tool for unity. This is evident at Gulf United where we are proudly represented by 82 nationalities, whilst our home city of Dubai boasts over 200 nationalities. Likewise, Gordonstoun is represented by a rich tapestry of nationalities. 'These dynamic and welcoming environments greatly enhance the experience for students, allowing them to broaden their horizons, whilst positively aiding their development, not only as players, but as people.' Get all the latest news from around the country Follow STV News Scan the QR code on your mobile device for all the latest news from around the country
Western Telegraph
20-05-2025
- Sport
- Western Telegraph
King's old school launches football partnership with professional club in Dubai
Gordonstoun, a private boarding school in Moray, has also committed to local partnerships with rugby and football leagues to increase competition and strengthen community links. The school was founded by a Jewish refugee who fled Nazi Germany and alumni include the King and Prince Philip and David Bowie's son, Duncan Bowie, but around a third of pupils attend on a form of scholarship. The school revealed plans to work with professional football club Gulf United, based in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, which is led by an ex-pupil, Mohamed Al Rais. Gordonstoun Principal, Peter Green, with Gulf United FC director, Mohamed Al Rais, a former pupil at the school (Gordonstoun/PA) He hailed the school as a 'rich tapestry of nationalities' and said that football was a force for 'unity'. Plans include an exchange programme between Gordonstoun students and young footballers at the club, and education-based football programmes which will allow students to experience what it is like to be a professional footballer while continuing their studies. The club also has scholarships, helping talented student-athletes to gain entry to universities in America and Canada. Gordonstoun will hire a team of experienced coaches as part of the long-term sports strategy, and have formed a partnership with Moray RFC in Elgin to run combined rugby junior age groups, with guidance from Scottish Rugby Union (SRU). The most talented players will be invited to regional training sessions and matches, and the sports strategy is aimed at mixed sex education, from the prep school to sixth form, and also includes cricket, tennis, hockey and netball. Students who demonstrate sporting aptitude will have access to a wider selection of pathways to support their ambitions, and the school said it would develop 'elite academy training facilities' in sports such as golf, sailing, fencing and equestrianism. Headteacher Simon Cane-Hardy said: 'This is an exciting new era for sport at Gordonstoun, a vision where sports provision is designed to benefit all our students while strengthening our links with the local community and building new sporting partnerships around the world. 'Our long-term sports strategy will allow us to support all levels of sporting ability and to better identify the most talented children, supporting them with qualified coaches, offering elite pathways and creating more competitive opportunities. 'New football and rugby and sporting partnerships will offer students a unique opportunity to work in a professional environment to support their ambitions both at home and in other countries around the world. 'The fixture calendar will be focusing on participation in local rugby and football leagues to increase competition opportunities and to minimise regular long-distance travel. 'Overall, this will create greater flexibility in the sporting timetable, ensuring a better balance with other parts of the school curriculum. 'We are continuously improving and innovating the education we deliver, whether that's in the classroom, through service to others, in the mountains or on the sports field.' Mr Al Rais, Gulf United director, said: 'This partnership will create a positive value exchange between Gulf United and Gordonstoun, fostering a rewarding and beneficial environment for young student-athletes to develop. 'Sport, and in particular, football, is a powerful tool for unity. This is evident at Gulf United where we are proudly represented by 82 nationalities, whilst our home city of Dubai boasts over 200 nationalities. Likewise, Gordonstoun is represented by a rich tapestry of nationalities. 'These dynamic and welcoming environments greatly enhance the experience for students, allowing them to broaden their horizons, whilst positively aiding their development, not only as players, but as people.'
Trade Arabia
16-04-2025
- Business
- Trade Arabia
UAE offers promising opportunities for tourism investment
The UAE continues to strengthen its position as a leading destination for tourism investment, supported by an attractive investment environment, advanced infrastructure, and policies that foster sectoral growth, reported WAM. The UAE's tourism sector is witnessing a surge in investment opportunities across all areas — from infrastructure development to hotels, resorts, entertainment projects, and sustainable tourism initiatives aligned with the country's green economy goals. Government entities continue to play a pivotal role by launching strategic initiatives to enhance tourist destinations, support innovation, and collaborate with the private sector to uphold the highest standards of quality and excellence. Through its National Tourism Strategy 2031, the UAE aims to rank among the world's top tourist destinations. The strategy seeks to increase the tourism sector's contribution to the GDP to AED450 billion ($122 billion), attract AED100 billion in new investments, and welcome 40 million hotel guests annually by 2031. Last year, the UAE recorded strong growth and significant achievements in tourism. Hotel revenues reached nearly AED45 billion, marking a 3% increase compared to 2023. Hotel occupancy rose to 78%, one of the highest rates both regionally and globally. The UAE ranked first in the Middle East and North Africa and 18th globally in the Travel & Tourism Development Index (TTDI) 2024 issued by the World Economic Forum. According to global consultancy Arthur D. Little, the UAE has gone beyond building luxury hotels, successfully integrating hospitality with rich cultural and entertainment experiences. Industry officials and tourism experts affirmed that the sector still holds vast untapped potential. They emphasise that major projects — within tourism and across other sectors — are set to further stimulate tourism growth and boost the attractiveness of investment in the field. Mohamed Al Rais, Honorary Chairman of Dubai Travel and Tour Agents Group (DTTAG), and Executive Director of Al Rais Travel and Shipping Agencies (Al Rais Group), stated that the UAE has witnessed numerous pioneering and exceptional projects in the tourism sector in recent years. These developments, he said, have elevated the sector to a leading position in the region in terms of tourism experiences, and established the UAE as a global leader in various tourism-related fields. He also emphasised that the UAE continues to strengthen its status as a premier global investment and tourism destination through major projects across its emirates — a testament to investor confidence in the sector's long-term sustainable growth prospects. Hosni Abdelhadi, CEO of Carlton Hotel and Suites UAE, emphasised that the strong momentum in the country's tourism sector reflects a clear leadership vision aimed at solidifying the UAE's position as a fully integrated global tourism and investment destination. He also noted that the ongoing expansion of tourism and hospitality infrastructure projects is boosting investor confidence and opening new avenues for growth.
Arabian Business
14-04-2025
- Business
- Arabian Business
UAE tourism sector eyes more growth as experts target untapped potential
The UAE recorded strong growth and significant achievements in tourism in 2024, with hotel occupancy rising to 78 per cent – one of the highest rates both regionally and globally. The high occupancy levels pushed hotel revenues to reach nearly AED45 billion last year, posting a three per cent increase compared to 2023. Industry officials and tourism experts, however, affirmed that the sector still holds vast untapped potential. They emphasise that major projects — within tourism and across other sectors — are set to further stimulate tourism growth and boost the attractiveness of investment in the field. Mohamed Al Rais, Honorary Chairman of Dubai Travel and Tour Agents Group (DTTAG), and Executive Director of Al Rais Travel and Shipping Agencies (Al Rais Group), said the UAE has witnessed numerous pioneering and exceptional projects in the tourism sector in recent years. These developments, he said, have elevated the sector to a leading position in the region in terms of tourism experiences, and established the UAE as a global leader in various tourism-related fields. Hosni Abdelhadi, CEO of Carlton Hotel and Suites UAE, said the strong momentum in the country's tourism sector reflects a clear leadership vision aimed at solidifying the UAE's position as a fully integrated global tourism and investment destination. He also noted that the ongoing expansion of tourism and hospitality infrastructure projects is boosting investor confidence and opening new avenues for growth. Sector experts said the UAE's tourism sector is witnessing a surge in investment opportunities across all areas – from infrastructure development to hotels, resorts, entertainment projects, and sustainable tourism initiatives aligned with the country's green economy goals. The country ranked first in the Middle East and North Africa and 18 th globally in the Travel & Tourism Development Index (TTDI) 2024 issued by the World Economic Forum. According to global consultancy Arthur D. Little, the UAE has gone beyond building luxury hotels, successfully integrating hospitality with rich cultural and entertainment experiences.
