The second version of “Hafeet Sport Challenge” transforms the city of Al Ain into a vibrant Ramadan Sports Carnival

Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Hazza bin Zayed Al Nahyan…

The second version of “Hafeet Sport Challenge” transforms the city of Al Ain into a vibrant Ramadan Sports Carnival

10 thousand participants across the official digital platform… And 24 nationality that is granting the challenge an international dimension

The Challenge has been transformed into an integrated carnival that boosts the quality of life and reinvigorate the sports and tourism activity

Fans and awards area add a new interactive dimension… And the challenge has revived sports games

Hafeet Sport Challenge. To be published on| 21-2026

Sports venues at the city of Al Ain has been transformed into a vibrant and exceptional sports scenery, with the launching of the second edition of “Hafeet Sport Challenge” under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Hazza Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, who is the Ruler’s Representative in Al Ain Region, in an event that reflects the growing value of the green city as a leading social sports destination on the region’s level.

Launching the challenge witnessed the attendance of His Excellency Rashed Musabbeh Al Manei, who is the Director General of Al Ain City Municipality, His Excellency Saleem Rashed bin Houdairim Al Katabi, who is the chairman of the higher organizing committee, Rashed Abdullah, the CEO of Al Ain Club Investment Company and the manager of the challenge, Khalaf Salem Al Wahidi, who is the managing director of events and partners in Abu Dhabi sports council, as well as a number of officials and sports and media figures.

Nine tournaments that ignite the kick off… And jiu jitsu assumes the lead

Jiu jitsu competitions, that attracted more than 400 players, witnessed high level competitions that are characterized with enthusiasm and rivalry, as kiosks were transformed into a high level tactical combat areas, reflecting the game’s technical improvement and the rising quality of competitions in martial arts within the country and the region. Competitions resulted in granting 71 various medals as the following: 24 golden medals, 24 silver medals, and 23 bronze medals, in an aggregate that confirms the power of competitions and the narrow margins of technical levels among participants.

On the level of the academic ranking, Al Ain Jiu Jitsu Club assumes the leading position on the best academies list with an aggregate of 785 points, advancing with a clear margin over Sharjah Self-Defense Academy that took the second position with 177 points, while Al Jazira Jiu Jitsu Club took the third position with 171 points, reflecting the coaching and organizational excellence of the Emirati clubs in this sport.

It has been scheduled to coronate the Jiu Jitsu champions and all accompanying championships at the challenge’s official closing ceremony, in a gathering event that embodies the spirit of accomplishment which is the defining feature of the second edition.

A geographical spread that boosts the social sports philosophy

In parallel, the residential neighborhoods tournament on 5 stadiums in the areas of (Namaa, Umm Ghafa, Al Foha, Al Hayer, Al Amera and Al Ain Club for the people of determination), in a scenery that reflects the challenge’s philosophy which relies on brining sports together with society and transforming neighborhoods into vibrant competitive platforms.

Basketball tournament also recorded a remarkable turnout across three categories (women, juniors, and men) on the attached basketball courts to Tahnoon bin Mohammed in Al Qattara, with the participation of 400 players, as well as cricket tournaments, teba games, and tournaments for the people of determination (basketball on wheelchairs), boosting sports diversity and confirms the challenge’s inclusive spirit.

Fans momentum transforms the challenge into a live sports experience

“Hafeet Challenge” recorded a massive fans turnout, infusing the venues with a vibrant spirit in Ramadan atmospheres, where sports competitiveness was blended with the social values, boosting the event’s value as one of the sports and social events in the region, it also contributed into boosting the economical, tourism, and social activity that is related to the sport events within the city of Al Ain.

In light of this fans and organizational momentum, the event’s officials unanimously agreed that the second version represents a milestone in the journey of “Hafeet Sports Challenge”.

The statement of His Excellency Saleem Rashid bin Houdairim Al Katabi

His Excellency Saleem Rashid bin Houdairim Al Katabi emphasized that the second version is witnessing a notable growth on the level of participants’ numbers, the diversity of tournaments and the value of the awards. With the recording of more than 10 thousand participants across the official digital platform, in an index that reflects the challenge’s growing momentum.

He also explained that this version has witnessed the addition of 14 new games, as well as a geographical expansion that covered various areas from Al Hayer to Al Khazna and from Mazyad into Al Waqan, in a way that fortifies the social sports concept and serves all neighborhoods.

He pointed out that the event’s success is related to the generous patronage and the supreme directives of His Highness Sheikh Hazza Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, who is the Ruler’s Representative in Al Ain Region, with the growing attention and the continuous support to the qualitative initiatives that aim to boost the position of Al Ain as a renewable sports and social destination.

Rashid Al Abdullah’s statement:

Rashed Abdullah, the CEO of Al Ain Club Investment Company and the manager of the challenge, said that Jiu Jitsu tournament represents one of the major basis for the second edition, with the participation of 24 nationalities that reflect the event’s international aspect and the cultural diversity, he also pointed out to the notable fans attendance, the organization of fans area, and the accompanying awards that boosted the experience of the spectators across the city’s sports venues.

He concluded his speech by praising the pivotal role of the media in conveying the challenge’s distinguished image and boosting its presence on the local and regional levels.

Al-Nuaimi: Hafeet Challenge is a platform dedicated to discovering talents and reviving group sports

Ahmed Sultan Al Nuaimi, who is the CEO of Al Ain sports games company, emphasized that the participation of of Al Ain sports games company comes in the framework of a strategic plan that aims to boosting the individual and group games, he also pointed out that the tournament has contributed into reinvigorating basketball in the city of Al Ain, as well as providing a platform dedicated to discovering talents and ranking players, paving the way to integrate the distinguished players into the Club’s teams.

He concluded his speech with an emphasis that the second version of “Hafeet Sport Challenge” dedicates its position as an advanced Emarati example that leverage sports to boost the quality of life and to build a more vibrant and cohesive community.