Sports federations commend the organizational and technical level of the tournament.
The twelfth edition of the “Nad Al Sheba Sports Tournament” achieved significant artistic and organizational successes, solidifying its position as the largest event of its kind. Launched and sponsored by His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defense, and Chairman of the Executive Council of the Emirate of Dubai, it is held annually during the holy month of Ramadan at the Nad Al Sheba Sports Complex, under the directives of His Highness Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Dubai Sports Council, under the slogan “Limitless Abilities.”
Several heads and officials from the sports federations that hosted the competitions of the twelfth edition of the tournament praised the organizational atmosphere, the results, and the impact of the tournament on developing Emirati sports and elevating the level of our athletes by providing them the opportunity to interact with high-level international athletes and compete vigorously during this period. This not only achieves numerous sports benefits but also promotes sports practice and attracts families to follow the tournaments.
Engineer Sheikh Salem bin Sultan Al Qasimi, President of the UAE and Asian Fencing Federations, confirmed that the Nad Al Sheba Sports Tournament has become a prominent feature in the UAE sports agenda and an annual mainstay in the Fencing Federation’s calendar, thanks to its continuous development and the increasing participation in its competitions, which enhances its status as one of the largest community sports events in the region.
Sheikh Salem Al Qasimi pointed out that the participation of more than 80 male and female players from 13 countries in the fencing competitions within the tournament reflects the advanced level the championship has reached, affirming the significant artistic and promotional impact it achieves in expanding participation in various sports, including fencing.
He explained: “By organizing the fifth edition of the fencing championship as part of the Nad Al Sheba Sports Tournament, which enjoys significant public attention, we have succeeded in attracting the interest of many community members to this sport. We have received increasing requests to participate in it, and we have also managed to attract many young boys and girls to this prestigious Olympic sport.”
Sheikh Salem Al Qasimi confirmed that the UAE Fencing Federation pays special attention to this championship due to the unique opportunities it provides for local players to interact with a select group of international champions. He pointed out that the prestigious status of the tournament at the Arab, regional, and international levels, along with the distinguished financial prizes, make it an ideal destination for competition and sports development.
For his part, Major General Dr. Mohammed Al Marri, President of the UAE Athletics Federation, confirmed that the Nad Al Sheba Sports Tournament represents a fundamental pillar in supporting and promoting athletics. The road running competitions have successfully attracted a large number of participants from various nationalities, including Emiratis and residents. This success reflects the diligent efforts of the organizers to establish a sports culture and make it a lifestyle, with a focus on spreading and developing athletics as one of the fundamental pillars of competitive sports.
Lieutenant General Al Mar stressed the federation’s commitment to harnessing all its resources to ensure the success of the event, affirming that the partnership with the Dubai Sports Council and all sports and community entities represents the cornerstone in achieving the federation’s strategic goals. He added that the federation’s ambition goes beyond merely organizing events; it seeks to achieve a qualitative leap in the level of athletics by enhancing pioneering initiatives, honing national talents, and establishing the country’s position as a global sports destination capable of hosting major championships.
Noora Al-Jasmi: The inclusion of badminton in the list of games is our greatest achievement.
Noura Al Jassmi, President of the UAE Badminton Federation, confirmed the success of the badminton competitions held as part of the twelfth edition of the Nad Al Sheba Sports Tournament, which witnessed significant participation from players of various nationalities residing in the country. She said: “The federation has completed two and a half years since its official establishment, and our inclusion in the list of games for the first time in the Nad Al Sheba Sports Tournament is considered our greatest achievement, in addition to the important accomplishments we have achieved during this short period.”
Al-Jasmi explained that including badminton in the schedule of the Nad Al Sheba Sports Tournament enhances the game’s local status and supports the federation’s development plan, increasing the number of practitioners across the country.
She added: “We are proud to include badminton in the program of the Nad Al Sheba Sports Tournament, the distinguished sporting event, and we thank His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defense, and Chairman of the Executive Council of Dubai.”
The President of the UAE Badminton Federation praised the significant role played by the Nad Al Sheba Sports Tournament in encouraging community members to adopt sports as a lifestyle, enhancing talent discovery programs, and providing them with the opportunity to participate at high competitive levels and achieve their ambitions. The Nad Al Sheba Tournament is considered one of the best sports events in the UAE and is a real opportunity to elevate the players’ level.
Al-Jasmi confirmed that badminton has gained several benefits from the tournament, especially since this participation comes as part of the “Road to Los Angeles 2028” initiative launched by the UAE Badminton Federation, aimed at preparing and developing Emirati badminton players with Olympic potential, and qualifying a number of male and female players to participate in the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics.
Dr. Huda Al Matrooshi, President of the UAE Modern Pentathlon Federation, praised the high level of organizational procedures and the exceptional atmosphere witnessed at the Nad Al Sheba Sports Tournament, which has become a model to be emulated in the world of sports. In her statement, she said: “We extend our highest expressions of gratitude and appreciation to His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defense, and Chairman of the Executive Council of Dubai, for launching this pioneering tournament and for his generous patronage and continuous support for sports and athletes. We also extend our sincere appreciation and thanks to the Dubai Sports Council and the organizing committee for their tremendous efforts that resulted in the organization of an exceptional event characterized by excellence and strength in every detail.”
Her Excellency added: “The participation of the UAE Modern Pentathlon Federation for the first time in the Nad Al Sheba Sports Tournament is a significant sports achievement and an important step towards enhancing the status of modern pentathlon on both the local and international stages. We are proud of this participation, which has seen wide interest from athletes of both genders and various levels, reflecting the youth’s passion for this Olympic sport and significantly contributing to its spread and practice among our young men and women.”
Dr. Al Matrooshi affirmed that the remarkable success of the tournament in attracting elite athletes and providing a unique sports experience is clear evidence of organizational excellence and the integration of joint efforts that contributed to the realization of this prominent event.
For his part, Abdulaziz Al-Salman, Secretary-General of the Volleyball Federation, congratulated the success of the 12th edition of the Nad Al Sheba Sports Tournament, which witnessed wide participation from various categories and nationalities. He expressed his pride in the strong presence of volleyball, specifically in the competitions, and said: “The grand finale was marked by the volleyball final match, which reflects the popularity and interest the game enjoys. The strength of the competitions was further enhanced by the participation of a select group of the brightest stars, whether Emirati players or international players who came specifically to the country for this prominent sports event.”
He continued: “The participation of our players with their counterparts, who are considered the best in the world, brought numerous technical benefits, in addition to the strong competition and the atmosphere we experienced during the blessed month of Ramadan. All of these factors enhance the strong presence of volleyball, contribute to its spread, attract more promising players to practice it, and build a solid foundation to build upon for the future.”
