Latest news with #SheikhKhaled
Emirates 24/7
2 days ago
- Sport
- Emirates 24/7
Sixth edition of IMMAF Youth World Championships kicks off in Al Ain
Under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council, the sixth edition of the IMMAF Youth World Championships kicked off on Monday at ADNEC Centre Al Ain. The event, held in the city for the first time, features a record participation of more than 1,000 male and female athletes representing 60 countries. Organised by the International Mixed Martial Arts Federation (IMMAF) and hosted by the UAE Jiu-Jitsu and Mixed Martial Arts Federation, the championship runs until 27th July. The opening day featured high-intensity bouts and a vibrant atmosphere, with strong attendance from spectators and the participation of rising talent from across the globe. For the first time since the championship's inception, competitions in the Youth D category, for athletes aged 10 to 11, were held. This milestone reflects the organisers' commitment to broadening participation and supporting the development of young athletes from an early age. Kerrith Brown, President of IMMAF, expressed pride in the ongoing partnership with the UAE Jiu-Jitsu and Mixed Martial Arts Federation. He noted that this edition is the largest since the championship began in 2019 and serves as an ideal platform for cultural exchange and for promoting positive values among youth worldwide. He added that the UAE has become a leading model for hosting international sporting events, supported by its ambitious vision, world-class infrastructure and commitment to empowering youth in the field of sports. Mohammed bin Dalmouj Al Dhaheri, Board Member of the UAE Jiu-Jitsu and Mixed Martial Arts Federation and Chairman of the MMA Committee, said, 'Hosting the championship in the Al Ain Region for the first time reflects the international sporting community's confidence in the UAE's organisational capabilities. It also highlights the country's efforts to enhance its sports infrastructure and expand its hosting map to cover all emirates. He added that the inclusion of the Youth D category this year introduces a new dimension to the competition and aligns with a forward-thinking vision to support and nurture talent from a young age. 'This contributes to developing future champions, instilling a positive competitive spirit early on, and preparing a generation with the skills and mindset needed to represent the UAE on the global stage,' he stated. Al Dhaheri expressed his sincere gratitude to the wise leadership and extended his appreciation to H.H. Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan for his generous patronage of this global event. He emphasised that such support serves as a powerful motivator for the younger generations to continue striving for excellence and to elevate Emirati sports to greater heights. Kyle Wilson, coach of the United States national team, said his team is participating in the championship with around 30 male and female athletes, praising the outstanding level of organisation.
Khaleej Times
3 days ago
- Sport
- Khaleej Times
IMMAF Youth World Championships gets underway in Al Ain
Under the patronage of Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council, the sixth edition of the IMMAF Youth World Championships got underway on Monday in the Al Ain Region, Abu Dhabi. The event, held in the city for the first time, is taking place at ADNEC Centre Al Ain and features a record participation of more than 1,000 male and female athletes representing 60 countries. Organised by the International Mixed Martial Arts Federation (IMMAF) and hosted by the UAE Jiu-Jitsu and Mixed Martial Arts Federation, the championship runs until July 27. The opening day featured high-intensity bouts and a vibrant atmosphere, with strong attendance from spectators and the participation of rising talent from across the globe. For the first time since the championship's inception, competitions in the Youth D category, for athletes aged 10 to 11, were held. This milestone reflects the organisers' commitment to broadening participation and supporting the development of young athletes from an early age. The UAE National Team made an impressive start on the opening day. Their performance highlighted their strong technical preparation and determination to achieve further success throughout the week. Kerrith Brown, President of IMMAF, expressed pride in the ongoing partnership with the UAE Jiu-Jitsu and Mixed Martial Arts Federation. He noted that this edition is the largest since the championship began in 2019 and serves as an ideal platform for cultural exchange and for promoting positive values among youth worldwide. He added that the UAE has become a leading model for hosting international sporting events, supported by its ambitious vision, world-class infrastructure and commitment to empowering youth in the field of sports. Mohammed bin Dalmouj Al Dhaheri, Board Member of the UAE Jiu-Jitsu and Mixed Martial Arts Federation and Chairman of the MMA Committee, said: 'Hosting the championship in the Al Ain Region for the first time reflects the international sporting community's confidence in the UAE's organisational capabilities. It also highlights the country's efforts in enhancing its sports infrastructure and expanding its hosting map to cover all emirates. 'The inclusion of the Youth D category this year introduces a new dimension to the competition and aligns with a forward-thinking vision to support and nurture talent from a young age. This contributes to developing future champions, instilling a positive competitive spirit early on, and preparing a generation with the skills and mindset needed to represent the UAE on the global stage."
Arab News
4 days ago
- Sport
- Arab News
Al-Ain set for IMMAF Youth World Championships
AL-AIN: The sixth edition of the IMMAF Youth World Championships it set to get underway on Monday in Al-Ain for the very first time. For the latest updates, follow us @ArabNewsSport Held under the patronage of Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al-Nahyan, crown prince of Abu Dhabi and chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council, the event will run from July 21-27 at ADNEC Centre Al-Ain. More than 1,000 male and female athletes from over 60 countries will compete in what is shaping up to be the biggest edition in the championships' history. Participants will compete across four age divisions: Youth D (10–11 years), Youth C (12–13 years), Youth B (14–15 years) and Youth A (16–17 years). The UAE National Team enters the competition with 57 athletes, following a training camp in Phuket, Thailand, as part of their final preparations. The team is aiming for a strong showing and hopes to build on last year's success, where they finished fourth overall and secured 12 medals. Mohammed Al-Hosani, a member of the MMA Committee, UAE Jiu-Jitsu and Mix Martial Arts Federation, said that hosting the championship in Al-Ain for the first time with a record number of participants reflects the UAE's growing stature on the global combat sports map. He described the event as a sporting and cultural platform that promotes cross-cultural understanding and empowers youth. 'The championship serves as a launchpad for future champions and a bridge to connect nations through sports. A series of tailored experiences have also been designed for the athletes and delegations, offering them a well-rounded Emirati experience that blends hospitality, entertainment and cultural exchange. 'The UAE National Team is approaching the championship with high spirits and a strong sense of determination. We have all the confidence in athletes' capabilities to deliver a powerful performance that highlights the progress of MMA in the country,' Al-Hosani added.
Khaleej Times
5 days ago
- Lifestyle
- Khaleej Times
Jiu-jitsu, football: How Brazilian expats in UAE are shaping country's cultural landscape
A vibrant community of over 12,000 Brazilians is quietly reshaping the cultural landscape of the UAE, building bridges between two nations separated by oceans yet bound by shared values of "warmth, family, and (a deep sense of) community". What began with the arrival of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu coaches has since evolved into a diverse and thriving expatriate population spanning fields such as engineering, medicine, fashion design, and the arts. This evolution, according to Brazilian Ambassador Sidney Leon Romero, reflects a deeper cultural affinity that makes the UAE feel like 'Latin America' to his countrymen. "We don't feel like foreigners here. We feel embraced — and this is very rare," Romero told Khaleej Times."The way we are embraced by the UAE is very special. It feels like Latin America." The ambassador estimates 1,500 Brazilians work directly in jiu-jitsu as coaches, contributing to regular championships and teaching the sport across the UAE. The martial art has found particular resonance with the UAE's royal family, with the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, Sheikh Khaled bin Mohammed's daughter practising the sport. "We feel very proud because Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is the martial art that is adopted here. It's respected — and that brings us a lot closer to each other,' Romero noted. Cultural connection Beyond the sporting arena, Brazilians in the UAE have found long-term success in high-skilled, technical professions. Many have lived in the Emirates for over a decade, drawn not only by opportunity but also by the lifestyle. For many, the safety, order, and daily optimism of life in the UAE are reminiscent of home — or perhaps, a better version of it. "It's very safe here. It's a very predictable country, and it brings a lot of confidence and positivity to our routine life. You open the newspapers, and you see good news every day," said Romero. Romero also highlights striking cultural parallels between Emirati society and Brazil's northeastern region. Both cultures evolved under arid climates and share nomadic roots. This has resulted in surprising linguistic overlaps: Brazilian Portuguese retains several Arabic-derived words such as algirda, matula, and algebra. "Both societies are family-oriented, warm, and emotionally expressive," he said, explaining: "There are strong community ties, respect for traditions, and emotional connections that are shared traits." These shared values have helped fuel a blossoming of cultural and artistic exchange. A group of 10 Brazilian women in Dubai regularly writes poetry, fiction, and short stories. Meanwhile, Brazilian actress and influencer Sabrina Petrovsky, who boasts 1.5 million followers, has become what the ambassador calls "the best promoter of the UAE in Brazil today". Brazilian footballers have also contributed to the UAE's sporting landscape, with several playing for Al Ain FC, helping the club qualify for the FIFA Club World Cup. 'We have a bunch of players playing in the UAE, but Al Ain is my team here. It represents the country. It's traditional. I'm proud Brazilians played a role in that," Romero said. The Brazilian Embassy is currently working on a project in the cultural field and plans to expand its efforts. "There is real demand for more cultural exchange," Romer noted. "This people-to-people diplomacy is very important. It opens doors for economic sectors, science, and technology, but starts with people and their demands."
Khaleej Times
17-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Khaleej Times
Watch: UAE Vice-President plays volleyball with residents at Abu Dhabi summer event
The UAE's royal family has long been admired for its approachable nature and active engagement with the community. Whether through public appearances, sporting events, or cultural initiatives, the country's leaders are often seen interacting directly with citizens and residents alike. A recent example where this has been displayed is when Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the Vice-President and Deputy Prime Minister of the UAE, joined community members and athletes for a game of volleyball, as seen in a video shared by Wam on Wednesday. The leader met the organisers of the 'Abu Dhabi Summer Sports' event and toured some of the major facilities while being informed of the programmes. Watch the video of him playing ball below: The current leadership of the UAE is widely recognized for its strong affinity for sports, with many senior figures actively participating in, excelling at, and promoting various athletic disciplines. Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, for instance, is a prominent figure in global football through his ownership of Manchester City Football Club. In 2023, he made a rare public appearance at the UEFA Champions League final in Istanbul, where he was seen in the VIP box proudly wearing a Manchester City scarf. Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed, the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, is an avid martial arts enthusiast and a dedicated Jiu-Jitsu practitioner. He also played a key role in securing a multi-year partnership between Abu Dhabi's Department of Culture and Tourism and the National Basketball Association (NBA), paving the way for the first-ever NBA games to be hosted in the Gulf region. Meanwhile, Dubai's Crown Prince, Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, frequently uses social media to promote a range of sports through his own participation. Most recently, he shared a video on Instagram of himself horseback riding through the English countryside.
