Under patronage from His Highness Sheikh Hazza Bin Zayed Al Nahyan

Al Ain hosts the region’s largest sports congregation in Ramadan

More than 5 thousand athletes to participate in the first edition of “Hafiet Sports Challenge” tournaments

Residential neighborhoods and government entities to represent the principle of sportsmanship and community competition

Up to 2.5 million AED in financial awards to the winners in 14 sports competitions

Al Ain municipality adopts the organizational standards in cooperation with Al Ain sports and cultural club to guarantee tournament’s success

The largest sports carnival to be hosted by the city.. And a final with international standards at Hazza Bin Zayed stadium

Under patronage from His Highness Sheikh Hazza Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, who is the ruler’s representative in Al Ain area, Al Ain municipality in cooperation with Al Ain sports and cultural club announced the launching of the first edition of “Hafiet Challenge” Ramadan tournaments for sports games. This event comes in line with the exerted efforts to boost community sports and to cement the culture of challenge and the constructive competition.

The announcement of this tournament came  during the press conference which took place on today’s evening at the board of directors’ hall within Hazza Bin Zayed stadium. The press conference took place with the attendance of Hamad Nakhirat Al Ameri, who is the managing director of Al Ain sports and cultural club, Rashid Musbeh Al Ma’anei, who is the general manager of Al Ain City’s municipality, Salem Rashid Bin Hadrim Al Kattbi, who is the chairman of the tournament’s supreme organizing committee, as well as department managers, employees from Al Ain football club and Al Ain municipality, members of the organizing committees, in addition to representatives from the participating teams and media outlets.

Rashid Musbeh Al Ma’anei, who is the general manager of Al Ain City’s municipality, expressed his deep gratitude and appreciation for His Highness Sheikh Hazza Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, who is the ruler’s representative in Al Ain area, over the supreme patronage and the limitless attention towards the interests of Al Ain city’s community, as well as for providing the best services and all signs of luxurious life to the people of Al Ain, whether they are local citizens or residents all over the city.

Al Ma’anei said that the responsiveness of all participating neighborhoods through the “Hafeit Challenge” tournaments over a short period of time, embodies the spirit of one family which has always been a defining feature of Al Ain people, pointing out that the cooperation with Al Ain football club in organizing the tournament came out of the club’s accumulated experience in organizing the best and most important sports events, in addition to the club’s higher professionalism in keeping up with all signs of development, as well as the club’s name being linked to the highest success indicators all along its distinguished participation on the local and offshore levels.

In his turn, Salem Rashid Bin Hadrim Al Kattbi, who is the chairman of the tournament’s supreme organizing committee, emphasized that “Hafeit sports challenge” is considered an important sports event that connects various residential neighborhoods with the city, as well as the government and private organizations, so he explained through the following statement: “Competitions race starts on the fifth day of the holy month of Ramadan and continues to the eighteenth of the same month, amongst thrilling atmospheres that boost sportsmanship. The highest organizational standards have been adopted in order to guarantee the provision of an integrated sports experience that meets the aspirations of the participants and fans alike. This will be conducted under the supervision of Al Ain municipality and Al Ain sports and cultural club.”

Salem Rashid Bin Hadrim Al Kattbi pointed out that “Hafeit Challenge” is considered the biggest sports congregation hosted by the city of Al Ain, where Al Ain municipality’s stadiums all over the residential neighborhoods will host football competitions, while the other games will be hosted within the attached gym to Khalifa Bin Zayed stadium and Al Qattarah’s Tahnon Bin Mohammed stadium. As for the final match and the coronation ceremony, it has been scheduled to host both events within Hazza Bin Zayed Stadium, in an exceptional ceremony that is befitting the tournament’s size and its social goals.

The chairman of the tournament’s organizing committee added the following statement: “36 teams compete over football tournament’s title, 24 of which are from residential neighborhoods and 12 teams are representing government and private institutions and bodies, as well as 9 other sports which include the following: “Volleyball, basketball, jiu-jitsu, running, cycling, shooting, pedal, PlayStation, as well as 7 competitions dedicated to the people of determination. This comes out of our commitment to provide equal opportunities for all members within the society.”

Over awards, Salem Rashid Bin Hadrim Al Kattbi, revealed that the organizing committee has dedicated 2.5 million AED in financial awards, which include awards to the winners of the first place in various sports, as well as appreciative awards for the best individual and team performance, emphasizing that the goal of those awards is to motivate athletes to show their best performance, in addition to boosting competition spirit among participants.

The chairman of the tournament’s supreme organizing committee praised the important role with which the sponsors are in charge, most notably we have the diamond sponsor “Nael & Bin Harmal” (Nael General Contracting LLC), in addition to support from the following: Abu Dhabi council, IMKAN Properties, Emirates NBD Bank, Department of Community Development, Al Ain pharmacy, Elrayes General Contracting, Burjeel Group Holdings, Al Ain Water, Pro Events, 247 sports, and Daman.

He concluded his speech by saying the following statement: “We have full confidence that this tournament will leave a positive impact over the sports and social scene, and it will become a starting point for future sports events which will contribute in realizing the vision of the wise leadership for a more coherent and luxurious society.”

36 teams

36 teams are competing over football competition’s title, which will be taking place from the fifth up to the sixteenth of the holy month of Ramadan, where the draw divided the residential neighborhoods’ football teams over 8 groups. The first group included the following teams of (Mazeed, Al Tawiah, Masaken, and Al Thaher), while the second group included the following teams of (Al Khasibi, Neima, Al Gimi, and Al Haili), the third group included the following teams of (Al Waqn, Shabeiat Al Difa’a, Al Butain, and Shoubat Al Watah), the fourth group included the following teams of (Al Heer, Al Mutarid, Al Mireal, Al Jaieia), the fifth group included the following teams of (Mabzarah, Al Markhaniah, Al Jahili, and Al Manaseer), the sixth group included the following teams (Al Mouaijai, Thakher, Al Kuwaitat, and Al Wathbah), as for the seventh group it included the following teams of (Falaj Hazza, Asharej, Al Qaw’a, and Al Faqe’a), and the eighth group included the following teams of (Al Masowdi, Al Amerah, Al Qatara, and the Al Rawda Al Sharqiah).

Draw distributed institutions teams into two groups, the first group included the following teams of (Al Ain FC “A”, Al Nadi Al Masri, Al Ain Municipality, Ethmar International Holding, Department of Community Development, and Al Ain Pharmacy), while the second group included the following teams of (Al Ain FC “B”, Agthia, Czech Rehabilitation Hospital, Emirates University, Higher Colleges of Technology, General Directorate of Residency & Foreign Affairs).

Volleyball

Over the volleyball tournament’s title we have 12 competing teams, during the period that spans from the sixth to the eleventh of the current month. The competing teams were distributed over three groups, the first group included the following teams of (Al Maher, Thakher, Al Mireal, Al Masoudi), as for the second group it included the following teams of (Al Tha’ad, Al Aliah, Al Amerah, Al Salamat), while the third group it included the following teams of (Al Qawh, Al Waqan, Al Thaherah, and Boukrieh).

Shooting competition

It has been scheduled to hold the shooting competition during the period that spans from the eleventh to the nineteenth of March. The competition will be distributed over four categories, the first category will be men’s rifling (skeet shooting), the second will be women’s rifling (skeet shooting), the third will be women and men category (9 mm pistols), the fourth will be for the youth from 18 to 30 years old (shotguns sporting).

PlayStation competition

PlayStation competition will be held over the period that spans from the 6th to the 9th of the current month of March. Registering starts during the period that spans from the fourth to the fifth of the current month.

Basketball

Basketball competition will be held over the period that spans from the 7th to the 15th for men category and U18 category.

Cycling race

Cycling race will take place on Saturday, the 8th of the current month, for 4 categories, which are: women, men, as well as citizen women category, and citizen men category.

Running race at Hafeit Challenge

Running race at Hafeit Challenge, which is scheduled to take place on Saturday, the 10th of the current month. The race also consists of four categories, which are as the following: general category for women, general category for men, as well as citizen women category, and citizen men category.

Jiu-jitsu competition

It has been scheduled to hold the jiu-jitsu at Hafiet challenge on the tenth of the current month at the gym attached to Al Qattarah’s Tahnon Bin Mohammed stadium.

7 championships for the people of determination

Zayed Higher Organization for People of Determination will be supervising the organization of the seven competitions. Which are as the following: (football of seven, the local qualifiers for team athletics, hand and bicycle race, local qualifiers for boccia – under 16, individual athletics competitions, as well as shooting competition). Those competitions are scheduled to be hosted by Al Ain club for the people of determination, during the period that spans from the 4th up to the 20th of the current month.

A new partnership of exclusive features and exceptional surprises for the Ainawi nation

Al Ain announces a new strategic partnership with “Jetour” Emirates

Al Ain sports and cultural club announces the signing of a new strategic partnership with “Jetour” Emirates, along side its exclusive distributor Elite Group Holdings. With this significant partnership “Jetour” Emirates officially joins the “The Boss” list of partners.This partnership is scheduled to bring about a series of exceptional offers and exclusive features to the Ainawi loyal fans.

The announcement of this agreement came in the press conference that took place in Hazza Bin Zayed stadium, which is the home of the United Arab Emirates football, with that attendance of representatives from Al Ain sports and cultural club and Elite Group Holdings. Rashid Abdullah, who is the chief executive officer of Al Ain investment company, signed on behalf of Al Ain sports and cultural club, while Elite Group Holdings was represented by Samer Constantine, who is the sales manager at “Jetour” Emirates. The signing ceremony was attended by Khalid Al Hashimi, who is a central defender for Al Ain first football team, and Mateo Sanabria, who is a forward player for Al Ain first football team. The ceremony was also attended by a number of officials, employees, representatives, and media outlets.

At the onset of the conference, Rashid Abdullah, conveyed the salutations of the club’s administration, expressing his pride and appreciation over the success partners with the club, among them “Jetour” Emirates, along side its authorized dealer Elite Group Holdings, which is one of the most prominent holding companies in the Middle East and the authorized dealer for “Jetour” Emirates.

Rashid Al Abdullah said the following statement: “The new partnership goes beyond the boundaries of the financial value, and focuses on providing unforgettable experiences for our loyal fans, as the club’s administration has always been giving a great attention for the lovers of Al Ain football team. We are always looking forwards to provide exceptional features and exclusive surprises for the holders of the “Ainawi” badge, in addition to several distinguished features for the Ainawi nations.”

Rashid Al Abdullah concluded his speech by emphasizing over Al Ain sports and cultural club’s commitment to keep up with the all signs of development across all sectors in order to reach the highest indicators of success, he also expressed his hope that this new partnership will realize the sought after mutual goals and provide the exceptional addition to both parties.

In his turn, Mr. Samer Constantine, who is the sales manager at “Jetour” Emirates, said the following statement: “As the exclusive partner for “Jetour” brand within the United Arab Emirates, Elite Groups Holdings is proud to cooperate with Al Ain sports and cultural club, which is one of the most distinguished and successful football teams in the region. This partnership reflects our mutual commitment towards excellence and innovation, we are also looking forwards to provide valuable experiences for Al Ain community along side showcasing our excellence in cars sector.”

He also added the following statement: “Al Ain football team’s fans will be able to enjoy exciting promotional campaigns, exclusive offers, and exceptional surprises related to “Jetour” cars. This initiative aims to award fans for their loyalty and to boost their experience with the club. The details of the upcoming promotional campaign will be announced later.

UAE university, Al Ain sports and cultural club organize “Artificial Intelligence Football Hackathon” and Sports Media Content competition

UAE university, Al Ain sports and cultural club organized “Artificial Intelligence Football Hackathon and Sports Media Content competition” event, which brings together innovation and technology in the realm of sports, with the attendance of His Excellency Hamad Nakhirat Al Ameri, who is the managing director of Al Ain sports and cultural club, His Excellency Dr. Ahmed Ali Al Raisi, who is the university’s acting president, an elite congregation of creators and innovators in the field of artificial intelligence and sports, as well as the faculty members and students. The event took place in the grand hall at the crescent building within the university campus at the city of Al Ain.

His Excellency Hamad Nakhirat Al Ameri, who is the managing director of Al Ain sports and cultural club, referred to the fruitful cooperation between the university and Al Ain sports and cultural club, as this major event reflects the spirit of integration between the academic institutions and sport, emphasizing over the importance of the combined efforts for the sake of realizing comprehensive integration within our country. This initiative proved that integrating advanced technology with the sports sector opens new horizons to develop the up-and-coming talents. Through the Football Hackathon and the Sports Media Content Creation competition, UAE university’s students excelled in providing innovative solutions that relies on artificial intelligence to analyze performance and improve strategies, in a way that bolsters the technological awareness among future generations.

His Excellency Dr. Ahmed Ali Al Raisi, who is the acting president of the university explained “that this event comes in cooperation with Al Ain sports and cultural club, as part of UAE university’s strategic initiatives for social partnership, where Al Ain sports and cultural club is considered one of the major partners with the university. As a result of this cooperation, several initiatives, insights, and an action plan took shape through this partnership. We, at UAE university, believe in the significance of integrating variant roles and efforts for the sake of effectively contributing to achieve sustainable development in the city of Al Ain, in line with the Year of the Community 2025.    He added the following statement: “We announce a research partnership between UAE university and Al Ain sports and cultural club, by providing a research project in the field of using artificial intelligence technologies to raise the efficiency of sports work within Al Ain football club, we will also be working with Al Ain football club and the strategic partners to improve outputs of research results.”

Artificial Intelligence Football Hackathon, which is the unique event that brings together innovation and technology in the realm of sports, aims to embody a futuristic vision to analyze sports performance by using artificial intelligence, along with reforming the club’s historical storytelling through creative content driven by technology. This event comes as part of a more extensive strategy by the United Arab Emirates to bolster digital transformation, for the sake of building local talents in the fields of artificial intelligence. Artificial Intelligence Hackathon also contributes in establishing the position of Al Ain football club as a leader in adopting the intelligent technologies, with the ability to export successful models to the global football clubs, in a way that boosts technological cooperation with the academic institutions.

During the “Artificial Intelligence Football Hackathon and the Sports Media Content competition” event, the participating projects were reviewed and the names of the winner students and teams were announced. Within the Sports Media Content Creation competition, the first position went to student Khaled Oussama, the second position to student Shahd Emad, while the third position went to student Noura Abdullah. As for Artificial Intelligence Hackathon, The Boss team “AI&Seen” won the first place, while “Talente.dev” team won the second position, and the third position went to Al Namous team “Oasis&innovative mind”. As for the best user experience design, the award went to “GoalNet AI” team.

Al Ain Football Club and Burjeel Holdings Renew Partnership Until 2027

Since 2021, Burjeel Holdings has served as the official healthcare partner of Al Ain Football Club

Abu Dhabi: In a step towards enhancing well-being in the sports community, Asian Champions Al Ain Football Club and Burjeel Holdings, a leading super-specialty healthcare provider in the MENA region, have announced the renewal of their strategic partnership, for three years. Burjeel will continue to be one of the main partners of “the boss” until 2027.

The ceremony was attended by Mohammed Bin Tha’aloob Al Darei, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Al Ain Club Investment Company, Dr. Shamsheer Vayalil, Founder and Chairman of Burjeel Holdings, and Mr. John Sunil, Group CEO, Burjeel Holdings, along with members of the Board of Directors of Al Ain Club Investment Company. The contract was signed by Mr. Rashid Abdullah, Chief Executive Officer of Al Ain Club Investment Company, and, Dr. Aysha Almahri, CEO, Al Region, Burjeel Holdings, on behalf of the entities.

During the event, Mohammed Bin Tha’aloob Al Darei welcomed the renewal of the partnership with Burjeel Holdings and commended the Group for its contributions since partnering with the club in 2021. He highlighted Burjeel Holdings’ pivotal role in providing top-tier medical services to all teams within the club, spanning various age groups and sporting categories.

Mohammed Bin Tha’aloob Al Darei remarked, “We take great pride in our partnership with Burjeel Holdings, which has consistently supported our sporting and cultural activities while earning a reputation for its social contributions. Through the renewal of this partnership, we look forward to enhancing joint efforts to serve the Al Ain community and all club fans in the beloved capital, Abu Dhabi.”

He added, “The name of Al Ain Football Club has always been synonymous with the timeless achievements for our beloved homeland, leading the nation to the global stage, and the distinctive social initiatives rooted in the club’s vision. We affirm our commitment to moving forward towards achieving our goals across marketing, sports, community, and culture, in accordance with our strategic plans and corporate values to achieve the aspirations of loyal Al Ain Club fans everywhere.”

Mr. John Sunil, Group CEO of Burjeel Holdings, highlighted the partnership’s importance in nurturing excellence in sports and healthcare. He said, “We are proud to extend our association with Al Ain Football Club, an institution synonymous with success and innovation. This renewed partnership allows us to continue delivering exceptional healthcare services tailored to the needs of athletes, ensuring they perform at their best. This partnership reinforces our shared commitment to enhancing the well-being of athletes and the broader community. We look forward to deepening our collaboration and contributing to the lasting legacy of the Club.”

Since 2021, Burjeel Holdings has served as the official healthcare partner of Al Ain Football Club. As part of the renewed partnership, Burjeel will provide comprehensive medical support during tournaments, including first aid, first responder services and ambulance and trauma care. It will also provide annual and general health checks for all registered players of Al Ain FC and its affiliates, along with outpatient and inpatient medical treatments. For events at Hazza bin Zayed Stadium, Burjeel will deliver full medical support for activities under the Al Ain Football Club’s banner.

His Highness Sheikh Khalid Bin Mohammed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the crown prince of Abu Dhabi and the chairman of Abu Dhabi executive council, has witnessed the conclusion of the fifth round of the competitions of Khalid Bin Mohammed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan tournament for Ju Jitsu for the season 2024, which was held at Moubadala Arena at Abu Dhabi, the capital city of the United Arab Emirates.

His Highness crowned Al Ain club and the winner of the first title of Khalid Bin Mohammed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan tournament at the uniform level, who performed very well and showed a highly competitive spirit all over the first edition of this tournament, that included five rounds and took place at various emirates in the country.

With the participation of ‎Alfhood Sport Academy‎, Oman

Al Ain Football Private Academy organizes a sports festival on the occasion of the 53rd National Day

As part of the Club’s celebratory programs on the occasion ofthe 53rd National Day, Al Ain Football Private Academy organized a distinctive national sports festival last Friday, in the headquarters of Al Ain Club, Zakher, with the participation of ‎Alfhood Sport Academy, Oman.

The festival comprised a series of events, including friendly matches between the teams of the two academies, shows of Omani folk arts, in addition to recreational activities for children, such as face painting and coloring. Moreover, the event witnessed the exchange of commemorative shields between representatives of the two clubs, in a friendly atmosphere that embodied the depth of sports and cultural relations between the two countries.

The festival was attended by a number of officials from Al Ain Club and Alfhood Sports Academy, in addition to the players’ parents who expressed their happiness to participate in this event that combined sports and culture in a distinctive celebratory and national framework.

With the participation of ten thousand persons of all different ages

Al Ain Club inaugurates their ceremonial programs commemorating the 53rd United Arab Emirates National Day at Hazza Bin Zayed Stadium

On today’s morning and with the emotions of pride and honor towards a lofty, precious, and generous nation, Al Ain Club inaugurated their ceremonial programs on the occasion of the 53rd United Arab Emirates National Day at Hazza Bin Zayed Stadium. These ceremonial events took place among an exceptional atmosphere full of the spirit of patriotism and affiliation, in a scene that reflects love for the nation and bolsters its position in all our hearts.

The ceremonial events of Al Ain Club witnessed the participation of a number of managers of government and private entities and institutions, in addition to an elite of “The Boss” stars. The total number of attendees has reached up to ten thousand persons of different ages, men and women, representing 25 government and private entities within Al Ain. The events included some distinguished and diverse programs that casted a light upon the national heritage and emphasized upon the values of unity and solidarity laid down by the founding fathers.

The ceremonial events of Al Ain Club arescheduled to continue up until December 2nd, where it will include more activities and programs that reflect the aspirations of the Emirati people and their festivities over the accomplishments of the nation within different fields.

Through this event, Al Ain Club renews their commitment to bolstering the spirit of nationalism, as well as representing the authentic Emirati values that form the basis for nation’s unity and power.

Held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Khalid bin Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan

Al Ain Book Festival 2024 kicks off on the wings of culture and heritage

Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council, and organised by the Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre (ALC), the Al Ain Book Festival 2024kicks off its activities at Al Ain Square – Hazza Bin Zayed Stadium, where it is set to take place, along with various other heritage, cultural, and tourist locations across the city, from 17 to 23 November under the theme ‘All Eyes on Al Ain’.

This year’s festival presents more than 200 events and activities, bringing together a distinguished group of pioneers in culture, art, and poetry from various creative fields. The event aims to promote a culture of reading and encourage members of the community, especially youth and young adults, to engage with Emirati cultural heritage and appreciate its rich legacy.

His Excellency Dr. Ali bin Tamim, Chairman of the ALC, said:“The patronage of the Al Ain Book Festival by His Highness Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council, underscores the success of the festival and consolidatesits position as a prominent cultural destination that promotesknowledge, embraces culture, contributes to the publication of books, and celebrates icons of culture, science, knowledge, and arts.”

“With its distinguished vision,” H.E. continued, “the festival has supported the Centre’s strategic efforts to promote the presence of the Arabic language as a key component of cultural identity, in line with the Emirate of Abu Dhabi’s vision to create ageneration of avid readers with strong ties to their language and culture and to the Emirati heritage and authentic values.”

“The festival promotes Al Ain’s position as a cultural and intellectual hub, highlighting its deep connections to culture, books, and education, while being home to some of the UAE’s oldest and most prominent universities,” H.E. bin Tamim added. “Furthermore, the event supports Al Ain’s presence as the Capital for Gulf Tourism 2025 by promoting its leading cultural and heritage sites that were selected to host the Al Ain Book Festival’s cultural and recreational activities, inspired by the UAE’s rich heritage.”

The exhibition allows visitors to explore notable publications across all cultural fields, with 200 exhibitors showcasing 100,000 scientific and intellectual titles. The ALC invites the public to visit the festival, which has become a unique movement in harmony with Abu Dhabi’s cultural and intellectual achievements. Visitors can enjoy events at six main venues: Al Ain Square – Hazza Bin Zayed Stadium, Al Jahili Fort, and the United Arab Emirates University (UAEU), in addition to the ‘Khazanat Al Kutub’ activities in three malls across Al Ain. This, in turn, reflects the Centre’s vision and strategic objectives to create a knowledge-based society and foster a community-wide cultural movement.

Preserving folk poetry and heritage

The ‘Poetry Nights: The Sung Poetry’ programme, one of the festival’s key initiatives, highlights the UAE’s pioneering experience in preserving folk poetic heritage. It features three segments: ‘The Missing Yet Present’, which commemorates notable poets who enriched the poetry scene and passed away in 2024; ‘Beginnings and Development’, which discusses the role of the media, government initiatives, and private efforts in documenting and preserving poetry; and ‘Poets Majlis’, which recreates the atmosphere of poetry gatherings that were broadcast on television stations in the 1980s.

In its current edition, the festival celebrates through “Poetry Nights” the legacy of the late Sheikh Tahnoun bin Mohammed Al Nahyan and his notable support for literature and poetry and his keenness to promote culture among generations.

The Zayed Central Library will host a ceremony to honour the winners of this year’s third edition of the Kanz Al Jeel Award.

Diverse cultural and artistic programmes

The Al Ain Book Festival offers a variety of cultural and artistic programmes that cater to all family members, including a range of seminars and discussions on topics like sustainability, fostering a culture of innovation, youth empowerment, and child development.

The UAE University will host sessions from the Cultural Programme, covering topics like novels, children’s literature, and cinema. The programme also provides a space for new initiatives to support young Emirati talents, including the ‘Creative Walks’ initiative, which highlights writers, illustrators, and photographers, hosting talented young Emiratis in workshops across Al Ain’s cultural sites, as well as the ‘DawahiAl Ain’ initiative, another activity on the festival’s agenda designed to empower young talents.

As part of the festival events, the winners of the Al Ain City Photography Competition, organised in collaboration with the United Arab Emirates University, in addition to celebratingWorld Children’s Day and the National Day of Oman at the Library.

The festival’s agenda also includes a range of activities focused on children and youth culture, featuring art, environment, and heritage workshops that will contribute to their growth and enable them to develop new skills. The event will also host impressive young talents, such as Mahra Al Naqbi, the UAE’s youngest beekeeper.

The Al Ain Book Festival will collaborate with Ajyal Al Mustaqbal library at the Mohammed bin Khalid Al Nahyan Future Generation Society to host the Mobile Smart Library, which specialises in children’s literature, to provide specialreading services.

The festival will also feature a special pavilion titled ‘Words of the Founding Father,’ featuring the words of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, may he rest in peace, in an innovative display designed by artist Salim Al Kaabi.

Elsewhere, the agenda features live performances by talented artists, along with roaming performances throughout the festivalvenues and the concert ‘In the Presence of Melodies’ by the Arab Choir that will take audiences on an artistic journey thatcelebrates heritage and creativity. The group will perform a collection of timeless poems by the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan and a selection of Arabic songs.

Al-Ain volleyball first team qualifies to the semi-final round of the UAE Cup on last Saturday’s evening, this qualification comes after they have successfully managed to defeat Al-Jazeera with the score of three rounds for Al-Ain to two rounds for Al-Jazeera. Al-Ain with its purple outfit has successfully managed to knock out the champion of Pro League tournament from the competition race to claim the tournament’s trophy and managed to qualify to the semi-final round of the tournament to meet Al-Wasl on next Wednesday the 8th of May.

Mohammed Saif Al-Nouaimi, the member of Al-Ain sports affairs company committee and the supervisor over Al-Ain volleyball team, praised the team’s very well performance vs Al-Jazeera, asserting that perseverance, determination and the spirit of one team are the secret that lies behind our success all over this match, this match that took us to the semi-final round of the tournament.

Al-Nouaimi asserted that concentration on the next stage is a must, and we have to be prepared very well to take it on, especially that we will face Al-Wasl, this team that performed very well this season and competed to claim the title of most of this season’s tournaments, we also have to prepare very well in order to be able to reach the final stage of the tournament.

Al-Nouaimi, the supervisor over Al-Ain volleyball team, said: “We did not perform very well all over this season, we also did not see the expected performance out of Al-Zaeem volleyball first team, this team that has been standing away from coronation podiums for a very long time. We aspire through this tournament to return to the path of claiming trophies, return to our normal position in the United Arab Emirates volleyball, and claim the title of more tournaments.”

Al-Ain hand ball first team have successfully managed to qualify to the final stages of the local hand ball league, which includes the leading four places on the standings table, after claiming victory over Al-Nasr and Al-Jazeera’s defeat. With this result Al-Ain occupies the 3rd place on the standings table. Al-Ain hand ball first team will face at the final stages Shabab Al-Ahli in the first and second leg matches, while the winner at this round will face the team who achieves victory at the match that will bring together Sharjah and Mleiha at the conclusion of the local hand ball league for this season.

From his side Mr. Youssef Al-Amiri, the member of Al-Ain club sports affair company committee and the supervisor of the club’s handball, praised the team’s performance during this season despite some obstacles that stood in their way, starting from players’ injuries that excluded some important team members from playing list and were the main reason that lies behind losing many matches and the associated points at most tournaments, but the team have successfully managed to quickly return to the victories path and claiming what is required from them, in addition to climbing the ladder to the final stages to face Shabab Al-Ahli in the first and second leg matches, in order to reach the final match of the local league tournament and claim its trophy, and this is a righteous goal to seek for all clubs.

Al-Amiri laid complaints over some wrong decisions that have been taken in the team’s regard during the team’s previous match vs Shabab Al-Ahli, these decisions that deprived the team of claiming many goals, gave the rival team the advantage over Al-Ain, and was the reason behind losing 3 points. We are always supporting refereeing and respect their decisions, but these decisions have caused the match to divert into other directions that are difficult to control, and this is the reason that made us unhappy with those decisions and expressed our extreme dissatisfaction, we also hope that hand ball confederation to take into consideration the big matches and hire the right person for that important match during the final stages of the tournament.

Youssef Al-Amiri pointed out that the team is ready to take on Shabab Al-Ahli on next Friday at Dubai, while the 2nd leg match is scheduled to take place on next Tuesday. We are looking forwards to perform very well in a way that is up to the reputation of Al-Zaeem hand ball team, this team that have managed to claim many titles during the past years. We are striving to perform very well and stand out in a distinctive manner during this edition of the hand ball tournament, then return to the coronation podiums during this season or during the next seasons, especially that our start at this season was not very well, this start that we are working to improve at the local league and at the president’s cup.