Latest news with #MohammedBinHamadAlSharqi
Gulf Today
24-05-2025
- Sport
- Gulf Today
FMAC wins SPIA Middle East 2025 Award for Best Sports Event of 2024
In a remarkable sporting achievement that highlights its organizational excellence and professionalism, Fujairah Martial Arts Club was awarded the Sports Industry Awards (SPIA) Middle East 2025 for Best Sports Event of 2024, in recognition of the outstanding success of the 11th Fujairah Open International Taekwondo Championship. The event attracted over 2,000 athletes from across the globe and stood out as a premier sporting platform on both regional and international levels. This prestigious recognition is a reflection of the visionary leadership of Sheikh Mohammed Bin Hamad Al Sharqi, Crown Prince of Fujairah and President of Fujairah Martial Arts Club, whose strategic direction continues to elevate Fujairah's status as a global destination for elite sports events. The award ceremony took place at Space 42 Arena in Abu Dhabi, in the presence of key figures from the regional sports sector, decision-makers from across the Mena region, and representatives from leading media outlets. The award was supported by the Abu Dhabi Sports Council, underscoring the institutional synergy in celebrating and empowering sporting excellence in the region. The category featured strong competition from globally recognized events, including the DP World Tour Championship, the Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, and the NBA Abu Dhabi Games, further affirming the prominence of the Fujairah Open among the region's top-tier sports organizers, and the growing global recognition of Fujairah as a leader in sports event management. Commenting on the award, Nader Abushawish, Director of Fujairah Martial Arts Club, stated: 'We proudly dedicate this award to Sheikh Mohammed Bin Hamad Al Sharqi, the visionary leader and primary supporter of sports in Fujairah. This recognition crowns years of dedicated work and seamless team coordination, and reflects the international sports community's trust in our standards of excellence.' The Fujairah Open International Taekwondo Championship (G2) is regarded as one of the most prestigious combat sports events globally, attracting top athletes and international referees to highly competitive matches. Each year, it offers participants the opportunity to push the limits of excellence and determination in the sport of Taekwondo. In 2025, the championship made history by entering the Guinness World Records, with a record-breaking 2,332 participants, earning the title of the world's largest international Taekwondo competition by participation. Founded in 2012, the SPIA Middle East Awards are held under the patronage of the Abu Dhabi Sports Council and serve as the region's official platform to honor influential leaders, organizations, facilities, and initiatives that contribute to the development of the sports industry in the Middle East.
Gulf Today
12-05-2025
- Sport
- Gulf Today
Crown Prince of Fujairah attends opening of World Taekwondo Cadet Championships
Under the patronage of Sheikh Mohammed Bin Hamad Al Sharqi, Crown Prince of Fujairah, the 7th edition of the World Taekwondo Cadet Championships commenced on Saturday in Fujairah. The five-day event began with a grand opening ceremony at the Zayed Sports Complex in Fujairah. Sheikh Mohammed attended the opening ceremony and emphasised that Fujairah's hosting of international championships reflects the trust that global sports community places in the UAE and particularly Fujairah due to its advanced infrastructure and qualified organisational teams. Sheikh Mohammed emphasised that hosting such events allows Fujairah to attract major competitions, strengthening its position as an international sports hub. He also highlighted the continued support and commitment of Sheikh Hamad Bin Mohammed Al Sharqi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Fujairah, in promoting the sports sector, which he views as a crucial pillar for achieving ongoing excellence in various international arenas. Sheikh Dr Rashid Bin Hamad Al-Sharqi, Chairman of the Fujairah Authority for Culture and Information, Dr Choue Chung-won, President of the World Taekwondo Federation, along with members of the Federation's Executive Board, joined Sheikh Mohammed at the opening ceremony. During the opening ceremony, Dr Ahmed Hamdan Al Zeyoudi, Chairman of the Higher Organising Committee of the World Taekwondo Cadet Championships 2025, President of the UAE Taekwondo Federation and a member of the World Taekwondo, said, 'This championship is driven by the directives of His Highness Sheikh Hamad Bin Mohammed Al Sharqi along with the visionary guidance of Sheikh Mohammed Bin Hamad Al Sharqi. This championship marks a significant milestone, featuring participation from 93 countries and a total of 811 athletes, both male and female. Fujairah is honoured to host this prestigious taekwondo event, and we extend our gratitude to World Taekwondo, the Ministry of Sports, and all of our valued partners for their unwavering support, which has been essential in making this championship a success.' For his part, Dr Choue Chung-won noted that this is the largest cadet championship to date, highlighting the importance placed by Member National Associations (MNAs) on youth development. He expressed gratitude to Sheikh Mohammed Bin Hamad Al Sharqi, for his support in organising this record-setting event and for his extensive contributions to refugees and displaced persons globally. Dr Chung-won further emphasised that this support enables World Taekwondo to field a refugee team, bringing joy to children and youths in refugee camps. He pointed out that cadet athletes are the foundation of taekwondo, and many competitors from past World Taekwondo Cadet Championships have gone on to become Olympic champions, world champions, and medalists. The opening ceremony featured oath-taking of athletes, referees, and coaches, as well as a flag parade and cultural performances that showcased Emirati heritage. A highlight of the ceremony was a performance by the World Taekwondo demonstration team. The sponsors, e& and the Fujairah Investment Company, along with partners such as the Ministry of Sports and the Fujairah Police General Headquarters, were also recognised during the event. The seventh edition of the World Taekwondo Cadet Championships will continue until May 14 at the Zayed Sports Complex in Fujairah. Meanwhile, the World Taekwondo Council met prior to the World Taekwondo Cadet Championships in Fujairah, and elected a series of future hosts to establish an extensive competition calendar through to 2027. World Taekwondo Grand Prix hosts were decided for 2026 and 2027, providing important opportunities for athletes as part of the qualifying process for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics. Next year's World Taekwondo Grand Prix will feature events in Rome, Italy (Grand Prix 1); Muju, Korea (Grand Prix 2); and Paris, France (Grand Prix 3) before the Grand Prix Final and World Taekwondo Gala Awards in Astana, Kazakhstan.
Gulf Today
10-05-2025
- Sport
- Gulf Today
Stage set for Fujairah 2025 World Taekwondo Cadet Championships
More than 800 young athletes from around the world are set to compete in the Middle East's first-ever World Taekwondo Cadet Championships, which will be held in Fujairah from Saturday until May 14. The landmark event will be under the patronage of Sheikh Mohammed Bin Hamad Al Sharqi, Crown Prince of Fujairah, featuring participation from over 811 athletes representing 93 countries. Since its inaugural edition in 2014, the World Taekwondo Cadet Championships has served as a vital platform for athletes aged 12 to 14 to gain experience at a major international event, hone their skills, and compete for prestigious titles on the global stage. Often considered the launching pad for future taekwondo stars, the 2025 edition in Fujairah is poised to be the largest and most significant since the first championship was held in Baku, Azerbaijan. The details of the region's first World Taekwondo Cadet Championships were disclosed in a press conference held at the Al Bahar Hotel and Resort in Fujairah on Thursday. Hosted by the Fujairah Martial Arts Club under the auspices of the UAE Taekwondo Federation, the championships will take place at the Zayed Sports Complex. The higher organising committee of the championships emphasised their full commitment to international standards set by World Taekwondo to ensure a world-class event that reflects the highest levels of professionalism and excellence. Dr. Ahmed Hamdan Al Zeyoudi, President of the UAE Taekwondo Federation, member of World Taekwondo, and Chairman of the Supreme Organizing Committee, affirmed that hosting the championship in Fujairah aligns with the vision of the Crown Prince to elevate the emirate's status as a global sports destination. He noted that all preparations are proceeding according to the highest standards to deliver an exceptional event that honours the UAE's reputation. He added, 'We are proud of this achievement and will work with all partners to ensure the event's success in every aspect.' This year's event has drawn an impressive 807 athletes and 467 officials from 89 Member National Associations, along with participants from the World Taekwondo Refugee Team, Individual Neutral Athletes (AIN), and athletes competing under the World Taekwondo flag. Dr. Chungwon Choue, President of World Taekwondo, expressed his delight in selecting Fujairah to host this prestigious global event. He praised the UAE's advanced infrastructure and unwavering support for sports, which makes it an ideal destination for major international tournaments. He also noted that the Fujairah World Taekwondo Cadet Championships 2025 is the largest of its kind globally in terms of participation, with over 800 male and female athletes, and highlighted the notable presence of the Refugee Team, which gives the event a humanitarian dimension that transcends competition. Dr. Choue highlighted that this championship serves as a crucial platform for unearthing young talent and elevating taekwondo's global stature by bringing together diverse cultures through the power of sport. The Fujairah 2025 World Taekwondo Cadet Championships will include competitions in 10 weight categories for both boys and girls. Male athletes will compete in divisions ranging from under 33kg to over 65kg, while female athletes will compete in divisions from under 29kg to over 59kg. Nader Abu Shawish, Tournament Director, stated: 'We are immensely proud to host this prestigious event, which represents a significant milestone for both our local sporting community and the wider taekwondo world. 'This championship offers a rare and invaluable opportunity for our young Emirati athletes to test their skills against some of the best competitors from around the globe, helping to elevate their performance and inspire their growth. 'Beyond the competition, our goal is to provide all participants with a truly exceptional sporting experience—one that reflects the UAE's deep commitment to youth development and sporting excellence. This event is also a powerful platform to showcase the incredible talent and potential of our young athletes and to reinforce the UAE's status as a leading destination for world-class sports events,' he added.
Gulf Today
06-05-2025
- Sport
- Gulf Today
World Taekwondo Cadet Championships Fujairah 2025 to kicks off on May 10
Under the patronage of Sheikh Mohammed Bin Hamad Al Sharqi, Crown Prince of Fujairah, the World Taekwondo Cadet Championships Fujairah 2025 will kick off on May 10 at the Zayed Sports Complex in Fujairah. The championship will feature elite teams and clubs from around the world. The World Taekwondo Cadet Championships Fujairah 2025 marks the first time a championship of its kind is being held in the region. It will showcase widespread participation from international players and champions in a highly competitive atmosphere supported by professional organisations. Dr Ahmed Hamdan Al Zeyoudi, President of the UAE Taekwondo Federation, a member of the World Taekwondo Federation, and Chairman of the Higher Organising Committee of World Taekwondo Cadet Championships Fujairah 2025, said that the launch of this championship highlights the significant attention given to individual sports by His Highness Sheikh Hamad Bin Mohammed Al Sharqi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Fujairah. He also emphasised the continuous support from Sheikh Mohammed Bin Hamad Al Sharqi, Crown Prince of Fujairah, and added that Sheikh Mohammed's support plays a crucial role in establishing this unique sporting event in Fujairah and the wider region. For his part, Nader Abu Shawish, Director of the Fujairah Martial Arts Club, said that organising this championship is the culmination of ongoing efforts to develop the sports infrastructure in Fujairah. He added that the championship will draw broad international participation and implement the latest technologies in refereeing and organisation to ensure success, aligning with the UAE's position in global sports. The Higher Organising Committee of the championship confirmed that all technical as well as organisational preparations are complete for welcoming participating delegations. The committee also pointed out that this year's edition will receive extensive international media coverage and is expected to attract a large audience due to the growing popularity of the championship. This championship is considered a significant addition to the taekwondo landscape in the UAE and the region. It aims to support young athletes and highlight promising talents in an environment that fosters sportsmanship, discipline and commitment.
Gulf Today
21-04-2025
- Business
- Gulf Today
Fujairah to host conference on adventure tourism
The Fujairah Adventures Centre is all set to host the first-of-its-kind conference in the country, the Fujairah International Conference of Adventures Tourism from April 30 to May 2, 2025. The three-day conference organised with the participation of the United Nations World Tourism Organisation, will be held under the patronage of Sheikh Mohammed Bin Hamad Al Sharqi, Crown Prince of Fujairah, leveraging the region's natural assets, existing infrastructure, and potential for adventure tourism. The conference aims to align with economic diversification goals and strategies for growth within the tourism industry, positioning Fujairah as a leading tourism hub in the Middle East and globally. The sessions are designed to enhance Fujairah's international visibility, attract strategic investments and establish a regional framework for sustainable adventure tourism. Additionally, the conference is expected to drive new partnerships, stimulate investment, and set benchmarks for excellence in adventure tourism. Fujairah Adventure Park. File/WAM Amr Zein Eddine, Director of Fujairah Adventures Centre, and Head of the Higher Organising Committee of Fujairah International Conference of Adventures Tourism, said, 'Hosting this international conference marks a strategic milestone in the development of the adventure tourism sector in the region, and we are grateful for the unwavering support and guidance from Sheikh Mohammed Bin Hamad Al Sharqi, Crown Prince of Fujairah. The choice of Fujairah as the host for this conference reflects our commitment to promoting sustainable tourism, preserving our unique geological and cultural heritage, and strengthening the UAE's position as a global hub for responsible tourism. 'By bringing together top experts from our regional partners and around the world, we are shaping the future of this industry in a way that benefits local communities while also protecting the environment.' Fujairah is a leading tourism hub in the Middle East and globally. The event will feature sessions on adventure tourism, including industry talks, keynote speeches, and five panel discussions. These discussions will cover the following topics: Investment & Growth: Opportunities & Challenges in the Adventure Industry; Safety & Standards: Global Best Practices in Exploration & Recreation; Sustainability & Community: Preserving Nature & Empowering Local Economies; Innovation & Youth: Startups, Universities, Influencers and UN Tourism Affiliate Members Leading the Way in Sports & Adventure Tourism. A representative from the United Nations World Tourism Organisation, along with decision makers and industry leaders in the tourism sector, will also attend and speak at the conference.
