Al Derie Chairs the Meeting.. Abu Dhabi Group Tracks the Progress of Preparations for the AFC Asian Cup UAE 2019

The Abu Dhabi Group held an extensive meeting to track and follow up the latest updates on the preparations, plans and organizational progress, given the kickoff of the countdown for the continental championship scheduled to be held during 5th January 2019- 1st February 2019 with the participation of 24 teams.
The meeting was held at the headquarters of the Abu Dhabi Sports Council and chaired by H.E. Mohammed Bin Thaloub Al Deri, Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Group, in the presence of H.E. Mr. Arif Hamad Al Awani, Championship Director and the Director of the Executive Office, and John Larch, CEO of Flash Entertainment Co., in addition to the group members.
At the beginning of the meeting, Al Deri welcomed the attendees and underscored the importance of continuing the work and efforts to achieve the expected high levels of success for all the matches of the upcoming continental event scheduled to be held in Abu Dhabi. He added: “We have to consider that the opening and closing games are scheduled to be held in Zayed Sports City, in addition to other matches set to be held in Mohammed Bin Zayed Stadium and Al Nahyan Stadium.”
Al Deri also availed the opportunity to extend his sincerest appreciation and gratitude to UAE wise leadership for their unlimited support and interest in developing and improving the sport sector. He stressed that sport has achieved advanced top ranks for the extensive support it receives incessantly. He also hailed the directives and constant follow up of H.H. Sheikh Nahyan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Chairman of Abu Dhabi Sports Council and Chairman of the Local Organizing Committee of the AFC Asian Cup- UAE 2019.

Al Deri underscored the fact that UAE has already passed the stage of winning the challenge of organizing the upcoming continental event to move forward. “In light of the great and rich expertise that the State gained over the past years through organizing and hosting the most significant international sporting events, we gained the admiration and appreciation of the international and continental associations and the international media.”
“The UAE and the eight stadiums that will host the matches will attract the attention of the whole continent and the world as well. Indeed, through the constant organizational preparations and the big role of the working groups, we will make sure to have a distinguished championship that match the high prestige and reputation of the UAE,” he said.

Bin Thaloub went on to say: “I have been briefed today during the Abu Dhabi meeting on the overall organizational plans and happy that everything is on the right track. Thanks indeed to the great efforts paid by the members and national staff for their prominent role in exerting sincere efforts to emphasize the importance and role of the astounding organizational scene of the championship.”

“Abu Dhabi Group is so keen to follow up the progress of all the works and to complete all the steps. Based on that, we assure you that all Abu Dhabi stadiums are ready to host the championship in addition to the training fields,” he added.

Bin Thaloub stressed also the importance of the upcoming event and that it is necessary that all authorities cooperate to come up with an incredible organization at all levels. He stated: “I have full confidence in having a successful championship given the great potentials that the UAE enjoys, and the significant preparations carried out and supervised by the Local Higher Organizing Committee in coordination with the AFC, the organizing staff, volunteers and the various working teams. The UAE will always welcome everyone on the land of Zayed and the land of goodness, tolerance, love and peace.”

H.E. Arif Hamad Al Awani, Director of the Executive Office, also reviewed the latest updates on the progress achieved with regard to the organizational stages, the status of the stadiums, promotional campaigns, media, areas and zones assigned for the fans and services to delivered to all spectators, media representatives and VIP guests. Al Awani also gave a presentation on the accompanying activities scheduled to be held by the Local Higher Organizing Committee which aim to attract the attention of all segments of the UAE society. He also shed the light on the increasing number of volunteers of all nationalities. “This assures that all the society members are keen to be serve the championship which represents a unique getting together event for the big Asian football family in the UAE, the land of harmony and giving.