Dubai’s Nad Al Sheba Sports Tournament Concludes Successfully, Honouring Sponsors and Participants
Dubai, The Gulf Observer: Dubai’s 12th edition of the Nad Al Sheba Sports Tournament concluded with resounding success under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defence, and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai. H.H. Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Dubai Sports Council, expressed his gratitude to all national establishments, companies, and institutions that sponsored the prestigious tournament, held from 1st to 20th March under the theme ‘Unlimited Abilities.’
Sheikh Mansoor commended the sponsors and partners for their instrumental role in supporting the tournament’s sporting and community objectives. Their contributions helped solidify the event’s status as the largest sports tournament of its kind, providing a competitive platform for professional and amateur athletes from across the UAE and beyond.
Honouring Key Sponsors and Partners
During the closing ceremony, Sheikh Mansoor honoured key sponsors and partners, presenting them with special tournament shields. Recognised sponsors included Damac Properties, Al Tayer Motors, Dubai Municipality, the Roads and Transport Authority, and Dubai Duty Free. Dr. Sultan Al Neyadi, Minister of State for Youth Affairs, also acknowledged sponsors such as Insurance Market.ae, Tadawi Healthcare Group, Dubai Police General Command, Dubai Corporation for Ambulance Services, Pocari Sweat, and Dubai Health. Khalfan Belhoul, Vice Chairman of the Dubai Sports Council, honoured additional supporters, including the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs in Dubai, DP World, and Dubai Sports Channel.
Expanding Participation and Sporting Disciplines
The 12th edition of the Nad Al Sheba Sports Tournament saw a record-breaking 8,000 male and female participants competing across 11 sporting disciplines. The competition also featured an increased prize pool, reaching AED4.5 million, with AED1.5 million allocated for volleyball, AED764,000 for padel, AED500,000 for cycling, AED370,000 for tug-of-war, and AED350,000 each for road races and the Obstacle Challenge. Additional allocations included AED210,000 for wheelchair basketball, AED150,000 for Jiu-Jitsu, and AED60,000 each for fencing, badminton, and Laser Run.
World-Class Venues and Organisational Excellence
The tournament took place at multiple venues, including the Nad Al Sheba Sports Complex, Meydan Racecourse, Mohammed Bin Rashid City streets, and the Dubai Club for People of Determination in Al Ghusais. The event’s successful execution was credited to the seamless coordination between various departments, institutions, and sponsors, ensuring a safe and competitive environment for athletes and spectators alike.
Promoting Local Talent and Sporting Culture
Since its inception in 2013, the Nad Al Sheba Sports Tournament has attracted nearly 60,000 athletes and hosted 99 sporting events. The tournament continues to serve as a platform for nurturing home-grown talent, enhancing technical skills, and fostering a sporting culture that promotes health, vitality, and community engagement. Despite challenges such as the COVID-19 pandemic, participation numbers have steadily risen, culminating in the record-breaking 2024 edition.
The Nad Al Sheba Sports Tournament remains a cornerstone of Dubai’s sporting calendar, furthering the vision of H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum to develop sports and fitness as integral components of the emirate’s thriving community.
