900 participants in the walking race at “Hafeet Sport Challenge”… A 3 years old child, a 90 years old man, and mosques Emams are the one who create the scenery

The Ciry of Al Ain witnesses a rising momentum since the events of “Hafeet Sport Challenge 2026” kicked off, which has been transformed into a vast social sports carnival that brings together all segments of the society, in a social Olympiad that includes nearly 43 sports tournaments which are being hosted in different parts of the city, in one of the most prominent social sports initiatives on the level of the region, which also aims to promote the sports culture as a way of life among society’s members.

Yesterday’s events witnessed the 2.5 km walking tournament kicking off, where the Plaza square in front of the VIP entrance at Hazza Bin Zayed Stadium was the starting and finishing point. The event took place among vast participation that exceeded 900 participants of women, children, people of determination, men, and senior citizens, in a scenery that reflects the spirit of social interaction, which is a defining characteristic of the event.

The race also witnessed an official participation of His Excellency Salem Rashed Bin Hadhiram Al Ketbi, who is the Chairman of the Supreme Organizing Committee, as well as Rashid Abdulla, who is the CEO of Al Ain Club investment company and the manager of Hafeet Sport Challenge, as they were keen to be present among the participants and to follow up with the event’s kick off, in an emphasis over leadership’s support to the social sports program and to promote physical fitness culture in the society of the City of Al Ain.

The event recorded a notable presence of a number of mosques Emams affiliated to the General Authority of Islamic Affairs, Endowments and Zakat – AWQAF, who were participating in the walk after performing Taraweeh prayers, in an image that reflects the Challenge’s social and human dimension and establishes its message in transforming sports into a way of life for all segments of society.

Bin Hadhiram: “Hafeet Sport Challenge” is expanding year after year, while our sought after goal is to reach the international level

His Excellency Salem Rashed Bin Hadhiram Al Ketbi, who is the Chairman of the Supreme Organizing Committee, emphasized that the event is witnessing a continuous expansion since its kick off, whether on the level of the number of games or the volume of social participation, he also pointed out that the current version includes tens of tournaments within 43 different games.

He also explained that this development reflects society’s huge turnout, he also emphasized that the City of Al Ain has become vibrant in sports life with the Challenge’s events spreading into multiple locations, he also pointed out that hosting a huge number of tournaments in one day reflects the volume of the great organizational work, as well as the exerted efforts by the organizing committee to facilitate the event.

He added that the main sought after goal is represented in the culture of physical activity and social welfare, with futuristic aspirations to develop the Challenge into attracting regional and international participation.

Rashid Abdullah: “Lifetime is only a number” in Hafeet Sport Challenge

In his turn, Rashid Abdulla, who is the CEO of Al Ain Club investment company and the manager of Hafeet Sport Challenge, emphasized that the walking race, which has been hosted in cooperation with Abu Dhabi Sports Council, represented the event’s social aspect, where individuals from different age categories were participating.

He also pointed out that the most prominent message which the walking event carries is that “lifetime is only a number”, he also referred to the participation of children and elderly people, some of whom were over ninety years of age, in addition to the presence of families, government and private entities, which were keen to engage their employees in the event.

He also added that the distinguished Ramadan atmospheres at Hazza Bin Zayed Stadium and the accompanying events contributed in promoting the spirit of social engagement, which is a defining characteristic of the event.

Among the participants: Hafeet Sport Challenge brings together families in Ramadan atmospheres

A number of participants praised the vibes that accompanied the walking event, as they emphasized that the event carries a distinguished social aspect that brings together families in positive Ramadan atmospheres.

The participant Haytham bin Salama explained that his son Ibrahim (who is 3 years of age) was the youngest participant in the race, he also pointed out that the event came amid distinguished organization and beautiful Ramadan atmospheres.

The two participants Nyashi and Lee expressed their cheerfulness over participating in the Challenge, as they emphasized that the collective atmospheres grant the sports activity a greater momentum in comparison with the individual training.

Dr. Abdullah Abbas, who is the 95 years old former educator and the founder of Zayed Library at the UAE University, expressed his cheerfulness over participating, he also emphasized that such initiatives promote bonds among members of society and encourage the adoption of a healthy lifestyle.

The final matches of institutions tournament and residential neighborhoods tournament will be moved into Hazza Bin Zayed Stadium

The supreme organizing committee of Hafeet Sport Challenge 2026 announced that the final matches of institutions tournament and residential neighborhoods tournament will be moved into Hazza Bin Zayed Stadium on today’s evening, taking into consideration the increasing fans turnout and the value of competitions the tournament has reached.

The final match of the residential neighborhoods tournament will be bringing together Um Ghafa team with Al Myrial at 09:30 pm, while the final match of the institutions tournament will be bringing together Al Ittihad Al Arabi for Universities with Al Hayer sports team on 10:30 pm.

“Hafeet Sport Challenge” launches an initiative dedicated for content creators

In the framework of promoting the event’s media presence and its digital promulgation, the organizing committee announced the launching of a creative initiative, which targets photographers and content creators across the two tournaments of “Photograph Challenge” and “Content Challenge”.

The organizing committee allocated 4 awards totaling 10000 AED to the participants who document the Challenge with their lenses and digital creativities, while submissions will be accepted until the 7th of March.

The coronation of champions across several tournaments

On the level of sports competitions, yesterday’s events witnessed the coronation of a number of champions across different tournaments within the Challenge’s program.

In the Hexathlon for the people of determination, Khalifa Mubarak Al Yahiai was crowned with the first place, followed by Sultan Salem Al Shamsi who claimed the second place, then came Rashed Mattar Al Dhairi in the third place.

In the shooting tournament – the air rifle for juniors, Hashem Ibrahim Hashem was successful in claiming the first place with an aggregate of 199.4 points.

While Ali Mubarak Omar Salem claimed the first place in the archery tournament with an aggregate of 277 points, while Salwa Salem Al Hadrami was crowned with the first place in the competitions of 9mm pistole for women with an aggregate of 197 points.

In the team games, Lahore Darbar team reached the final match of Al Ain Ramadan Cricket Cup after claiming victory over TNS Al Ain team with a margin of 32 points.

While Al Batin team was crowned with the title of tennis ball tournament after claiming victory over Al Jahili Fort team with three sets vs one set.

In women basketball tournament, Fatima Bint Mubarak Ladies Sports Academy was crowned with the title after claiming victory in the final match over E-United team with the score of 79 to 50.

Official participation that reflects the event’s significance

800 runners of 43 nationalities dominate the scenery in the running race on the 13th day of Hafeet Sport Challenge

196 players of 30 nationalities are competing in the Blitz Chess tournament at Hazza Bin Zayed Stadium

With the participation of 800 runners of 43 nationalities, the running race at Hafeet Mountain and Green Mubazzarah dominated the scenery of the 13th day of “Hafeet Sport Challenge”, with the attendance of His Excellency Rashed Musabbah Al Manei, who is the Director General of Al Ain City Municipality, and Salem Rashed Bin Hadhiram Al Ketbi, who is the Chairman of the Supreme Organizing Committee.

The race was held across three tracks, where the track 1 km has been dedicated to beginners, children, and families, track 3 km has been dedicated to the middle category for ages between 16 and 20 years old, while track 5 km has been dedicated to the advanced and open category.

Official participation that reflects the event’s significance

The race witnessed the participation of His Excellency Aref Hamad Al Awani, who is the General Secretary of the Abu Dhabi Sports Council, as well as Rashid Abdullah, who is the CEO of Al Ain Club investment company and the manager of “Hafeet Sport Challenge”, in a scenery that reflects the event’s social dimension and the keenness of the sports leadership to support initiatives that promote sports culture and physical activity across the society.

The results of the running race

Competitions of the 5 km race resulted in the victory of the runner Yasser Al Shashwy, who claimed the first place after recording a timing estimated at 13:57 minutes, followed by Ismail Al Kharshi who claimed the second position with a timing estimated at 14:02 minutes, then came Numaan Al Assawi at the third place with a timing estimated at 14:17 minutes.

As for the competitions of the 3 km race, the runner Abdul Samad Al Habbaz was crowned with the first place with a timing estimated at 09:16 minutes, followed by Mohammed Hajo who assumed the second place with a timing estimated at 09:29 minutes, while Nasser Al Kaabi came at the third place with a timing estimated at 09:53 minutes.

As for the 1 km race, Ali Salah was capable of claiming the first place with a timing estimated at 02:48 minutes, then came Rashed Abdullah Al Aawi who claimed the second position with a timing estimated at 02:49 minutes, while Ahmed Mishaal Saleh claimed the third position with a timing estimated at 02:51 minutes.

In the category of the people of determination for the distance of 1 km, Mohammed Al Dhairi was crowned with the first place with a timing estimated at 05:48 minutes.

In synchronization with this event, the competitions of a number of sports tournaments at Hafeet Sport Challenge went on, among which are the tournaments of table tennis, badminton, cricket, shooting, physical fitness challenge, and laser shooting. In addition to the competitions of the people of determination, which included the tournaments of bowling, goalball, and hexathlon, in a scenery that reflects the diversity of the sports program and the vast expansion of the social participation base.

The results of the shooting tournament

During the competitions of the 6mm pistole (men category), Ali Mubarak Omar was crowned with the first place with an aggregate of 193 points, followed by Abdullah Al Naqabi who claimed the 2nd position with the same aggregate of 193 points, while Abdullah Saleh Al Minhali claimed the 3rd position.

As for the air rifle competitions (men category), Naif Saeed Al Katheri was capable of claiming the first place with an aggregate of 204.5 points, followed by Hamdan Nasser Salem Al Mahrami who claimed the 2nd position with an aggregate of 204.2 points, while Mohammed Salem Saeed Al Qaidi managed to claim the 3rd position with an aggregate of 203.8 points.

Blitz Chess attracts elite international players

In his turn, Hisham Ali Mohammed Al Taher, who is the managing director and the CEO of Al Ain Chess Club, explained that the Blitz Chess tournament comes among the events of “Hafeet Sport challenge”, which includes more than 43 sports tournaments, he also emphasized that the competitions are witnessing vast participation from the international players.

He pointed out that the tournament includes players from almost 30 countries, he also explained that the nature of Blitz Chess corresponds to the Ramadan atmospheres and grants the players a chance to compete in an adopted tournament on the international level, he also expressed his cheerfulness overt the technical level and the vast international participation.

The international chess master, Giorgi Sibashvili, who is the head coach at Abu Dhabi Chess Club, emphasized that the tournament is witnessing a high technical level, with the participation of a number of international masters and ranked players from different countries across the globe, he also praised the tournament’s organizational level.

He also said that organizing such events reflects the United Arab Emirates interest in developing the sport of chess and supporting its spread, he also emphasized that the competition is granting the young players a distinguished opportunity to engage with the higher levels and to acquire more experiences.

In his turn, the young player Ahmed Mohammed Saeed (who is 17 years of age) expressed his cheerfulness over participating in this tournament, he also emphasized that the powerful competition among players from different countries across the globe is helpful in developing the level of the young players, as well as acquiring important experiences by playing vs seasoned international players.

The international master Khaled Abdulrazzaq pointed out that the Blitz Chess tournament is characterized with its fast momentum, which attracts the audience and grants the players the chances to compete in thrilling atmospheres, he also emphasized that the tournament is bringing together the international players with the up-and-coming players, which boosts the value of the competition.

The sought after ambitions of the up-and-coming players

In his turn, the Indian player Soufiane (who is 10 years of age) emphasized that the competition is powerful and includes distinguished players, he also expressed his sought after ambition which is to claim advanced results and working in the future to reach the world champion title.

As for the player Mahmoud Shayan Naushad Ibrahim, he expressed his cheerfulness over participating in this tournament, he also pointed out that his sought after goal is to claim nine points and to compete over an advanced position among the best ten players.

In the same context, the international master Oliver Demakeleng from the Philippines emphasized that the tournament represents an important hub to discover the young talents in the United Arab Emirates, he also expressed his hope that the coming years will witness the rising of a new international champion from the country.

Notable participation from women

In her turn, Wafia Darwish Al Mimari, who is a player at Al Ain Chess Club and the UAE Chess Federation, expressed her cheerfulness over participating in the tournament that is being held in the City of Al Ain, she also pointed out that Chess was an integral part of her life since she was 6 years old.

She also emphasized that the tournament has witnessed a vast participation of players from different countries and levels of performance, which grants the players a big opportunity to improve their skills and to acquire new experiences, she also explained that she was capable of claiming seven points out of nine rounds of competitions during her current participation.

12 synchronized tournaments in one day…

The City of Al Ain promotes the model of “the Social Olympics” at Hafeet Sport Challenge

The expansion of participation base and the integration of the organizational administration emphasize over the event’s rising popularity on the social level

People of determination at the heart of the event… While Abu Dhabi Club has been crowned with the title of five-a-side football tournament

The City of Al Ain witnessed one of the most vibrant nights of the current version of “Hafeet Sport Challenge”, with the holding of 12 synchronized tournaments in one day, in a scenery that reflects the expansion of the participation base and the efficiency of the event’s organizational administration, which is being organized by Al Ain City Municipality in cooperation with Al Ain Club and Abu Dhabi Council, under an integrated vision to cement sports as a social way of life during the holy month of Ramadan.

Competitions of the people of determination carried a prominent human character, as the U16 Bowling tournaments were held at Himma School, while five-a-side football for the people of determination were held at Al Ain Club, alongside manual handcycles and bicycles that were held at Al Ain cycling track, in a practical embodiment for the values of integration and equality.

On the conclusion of the five-a-side football tournament, Abu Dhabi Club was crowned with the title after claiming victory over Qasr Al Ain team with the score of 2-0, while Qasr Al Muwaiji team assumed the third position, in a tournament that embodied the spirits of administration, discipline, and honest competition.

Baraa Al Wadiyan, who is a player for Jordan’s women national table tennis team, emphasized that her participation represents a distinguished experience, she also described the challenge as “Olympics” for the diversity of games and locations, especially amid the Ramadan atmospheres which brought together spiritualities with physical activity.

In her turn, the international Indonesian player, Nurani Ratu Azhara, stressed that her first participation in the badminton tournament represents an important milestone in her career, she also emphasized that her sought after ambition is to compete over Golden award and acquiring new experiences within a professional administrative environment.

Dr. Sherif Hamdy, who is the sports activities manager at the Abu Dhabi Racket Club, explained that badminton and table tennis competitions at Al Qattara Sports Hall witnessed a high technical level and a noteworthy international participation, he also emphasized that the event reflects the success of “the social Olympics” model, that is based on bringing together multiple sports in an integrated administrative framework.

As for Al Ain Ramadan Cricket Cup, Al Ain DCC Club managed to qualify into the semi-finals round of competitions after claiming victory over Ceylon Warriors CC team with the margin of 53 sprints, as they scored 4/230 in 20 overs vs 6/177 for the competing team. This result came in a match that emphasized over the team’s readiness to go through the decisive stage.

As for neighborhood Volleyball tournament, Al Shoaba team was crowned with the title after claiming victory over Al Khaldiya team with the score of 2-1, in a match that was secured in the tie-break set. While the competitions of table tennis, badminton, laser run (Modern Pentathlon), rifle and pistole racing, and institutions football went on, in a spread that reflects the diversity of the sports program and the expansion of its geographical area.

The 12th day indicators in numbers

A rising national model

With the 12th day of the Challenge, venues go beyond being arenas for competition to transform into platforms for daily gathering, which reflect the spirit of the society and its diversity. Thanks to this continuous momentum, “Hafeet Sport Challenge” emphasizes that it is steadily moving forward into establishing a national model for the administration of social sports events, that brings together identity, heritage with professional organization, as well as promoting sports presence as a choice for sustainable life at the City of Al Ain.

Al Ain Men’s Volleyball Continues Preparations Under New Head Coach

The men’s volleyball team of Al Ain Club continued its daily training sessions at the club’s indoor hall under the leadership of newly appointed Head Coach Jamal Al-Maamari, as part of preparations for the upcoming competitions.

The training session focused on technical and tactical aspects, in addition to enhancing physical readiness. The coaching staff worked on correcting certain technical details and strengthening team cohesion to ensure a strong competitive performance in the upcoming matches.

The session also included specialized drills on reception, serving, and defensive and offensive organization, within a comprehensive technical plan aimed at improving overall team performance and increasing on-court effectiveness.

The technical staff emphasized the importance of the current phase, stressing the need for intensified efforts and tactical discipline ahead of the Super Cup and UAE Cup competitions, with the objective of achieving positive results that reflect the club’s ambitions and those of its supporters.

The team will continue its preparations according to the approved training program, in an atmosphere of focus and determination as players look to deliver strong performances in the next stage of the season.

Al Ain Appoints Jamal Al-Maamari as Head Coach of the Volleyball Team

Al Ain Club has announced the appointment of Omani coach Jamal Al-Maamari as Head Coach of the Men’s Volleyball Team until the end of the current season, as part of the club’s plan to strengthen the technical staff and support the team’s campaign in the upcoming competitions.

This appointment comes within the club’s ongoing efforts to enhance technical performance and elevate the team’s competitive readiness by bringing in experienced coaching expertise capable of delivering the required technical impact during this stage of the season.

The team previously concluded the league competition in fourth place, and through this appointment, the club aims to improve overall performance, strengthen its competitive presence, and compete strongly for the remaining titles during the current season.

The club’s management affirmed that this step aligns with its vision to support the team and provide the appropriate environment to achieve positive results that reflect the ambitions of the club and its supporters.

For his part, Al-Maamari expressed his pride in joining Al Ain Club, emphasizing his full commitment to working closely with the technical and administrative staff and players in a unified team spirit to achieve the set objectives before the end of the season.

The Head Coach will assume his duties effective immediately, overseeing the team’s technical and physical preparations ahead of the upcoming competitions, most notably the Super Cup and the UAE Cup.

Al Ain Club reiterates its commitment to continuously developing all its sports teams and strengthening its competitive presence across all competitions.

The minister of youth participates in the final match of “Teba” tournament…

384 sprints and 9 goals ignite the 11th day of the Hafeet Sport Challenge

For the consecutive 11th day, the City of Al Ain continues to maintain its presence as an open platform for sports, as the events of “Hafeet Sport Challenge 2026” continue, which is being organized by Al Ain City Municipality in cooperation with Al Ain Club and Abu Dhabi Council, in a scenery that embodies the integration of the national identity with the institutional development, in harmony with the spirit of “the year of the family”.

The final match of “teba” tournament witnessed the participation of His Excellency Dr. Sultan bin Saif Al Neyadi, Minister of State for Youth Affairs, in an attendance that reflects the official attention in reviving popular sports and establishing them under amodern organizational framework.

His Excellency emphasized that organizing the social sports tournament in the holy month of Ramadan represents a successful vision, which boosts the balance between spirituality and physical activity, as well as contributing in establishing sports as a way of life. He also praised the generous patronage of His Highness Sheikh Hazza bin Zayed Al Nahyan, who is the Ruler’s Representative in Al Ain Region. At the same time, he pointed out that the support from His Highness reflects the keenness of the leadership into spreading the culture of sports and boosting the positive collective vibes in the society.

He explained that “teba” sport represents a model to develop popular games from a heritage activity into an organized competitive sport, he also emphasized that his participation stems from a personal conviction that sport is a way of life and a fundamental tributary to general welfare.

Competitions spread into a variety of facilities within the city, where the tournaments of Ice Hockey, basketball, tug of war, football, volleyball, paddle went on, as well as physical fitness challenge, amid a noteworthy fan’s attendance and a professional organization that reflects the expansion of participation base.

In the Cricket tournament, the match that brought together AACC Senior with Al Falah XI was over with a rare draw 192 to 192 on the pitch of Al Ain Club Cricket venue, in a match that had its result hanging up until the final bowling, so each team claimed one point while qualification calculations to the semi-final round of competitions remain open.

As for “Al Dhabi team”, they were successful in securing the title of Ice Hockey title after claiming victory over “Shaheen” team with the score of 9-2 at Hili Ice Rink, after they managed to impose their excellence on the forward line of play and scoring 39 shots on target vs 6 shots to its competing team.

In Paddle game, the due Nasser Al Katibi and Ramy Yasslem Al Jabiri were crowned with the title, while Mohammed Al Mansouri and Mohammed Ahmed Salam assumed the second position.

In Basketball, CST team secured the title of men category after claiming victory over Team Tribu Kaliwat with the score of 70-51, while DA Pearl Basketball Academy elite was crowned with juniors’title after claiming victory over Al Ain Heat team with the score of 77-43.

As events go on with this momentum, the City of Al Ain confirms that when sports are managed with a clear vision and an integrated partnership, it transforms from sporadic competitions into a sustainable social project that brings together all generations, it also boosts the identity and create a daily impact that goes beyond the boundaries of the venue.

From heritage to digital platforms…

300 players ignite the Challenge at Hazza Bin Zayed Stadium

The City of Al Ain celebrates sports with all means possible Heritage and modernity meet in one scenery

The runner-up team transforms into a champion… While 2009 talent claims the bronze award at Hafeet Sport Challenge

In a sports scenery that brings together the authenticity of heritage with the modernity of digital transformation, the City of Al Ain witnessed a celebratory day during the events of “Hafeet Sport Challenge 2026”, where heritage and modern sports met within a scenery that reflects the vast expansion of participation and the development of the event’s organizational model in “the year of the family”, during a social activity that reflects the vitality of the city and its diversity.

The final match of “Teba” tournament… When heritage leads the scenery

The events of Hafeet Sport Challenge were initiated by the heritage “Teba” tournament, which emphasized over the presence of the popular heritage in the heart of the sports activity, where Um Ghafa team was capable of securing the title after claiming a deserved victory over Al Gharbi team with the score of 12-4, thus assuming the lead on the tournament’s standings table with 6 points after delivering an organized and balanced performance.

Al Gharbi team assumed the second position on the tournament’s standings table with an aggregate of 4 points, followed by Al Nahda team on the third position, then came Al Hosoon team on the fourth position. This ranking was the culmination of competitions that were characterized with rivalry and the proximity of performances, so the tournament embodied a practical model to combine authenticity with development, as well as boosting connectivity between generations, in addition to establishing sports as a sustainable cultural and social bridge.

A diversity that reflects the vast expansion of the social base

Competitions went on at Hazza Bin Zayed Stadium, the external venues attached to the private football academy, and the Paddle venue. The competitions witnessed the attendance of His Excellency Rashed Musabbah Al Manei, who is the Director General of Al Ain City Municipality, His Excellency Salem Rashed Bin Hudhairam Al Ketbi, who is the chairman of the higher organizing committee, as well as Rashid Abdullah, who is the CEO of Al Ain Club Investment Company and the manager of Hafeet Sport Challenge.

Events included tug of war competitions, Paddle, and electronic games, in a diversity that reflects the event’s capability to bring together team sports with modern specialties, in an integrated operational ecosystem that boosts the social interaction and establishes the concept of sports as a way of life.

Electronic games… A platform for talents and digital transformation

At Hazza Bin Zayed Stadium, the electronic games tournament dominated spotlights, taking into consideration that they are the largest on the level of the country in terms of the awards’ value, where the number of registered participants reached 300 players, in an apparent index that points out to the increasing presence of the digital sports in the national scenery.

The competitions witnessed notable sports paradoxes, where Mohanad Al Mismari was crowned as the champion after assuming the runner-up position in the previous version, emphasizing that continuity makes the difference. While Mohammed Mahd advanced from the fourth position to the runner-up position during this year, in a development that reflects the dynamics of competitions.

The talented player, Mohamed Al Dharmaki, who was born in 2009, rose into prominence by assuming the third position after delivering a grown-up technical performance, emphasizing over the tournament’s capability to discover the up-and-coming talents and enabling them into creativity, while the Sudanese player Bassel (who is 18 years old) assumed the fourth position after delivering a powerful performance that reflects his readiness to engage in higher levels of the competition.

Billiards… Concentration secures the details

Hafeet Sport Challenge continues to highlight its diversity through the billiards tournament, which witnessed higher technical levels that were characterized with accuracy and mental stability up until the final moments. Saif Al Nuaimi was capable of claiming the title after going through a balanced journey through the competition race, while Othman Al Bloushi assumed the second position, then Thiab Al Dhairi assumed the third position, and Hameed Al Qubaisi assumed the fourth position.

This tournament reflects the event’s skillful and mental dimension, where “Hafeet Sport Challenge” celebrates a variety of sports styles in a competitive and organized framework, that boosts the cultural discipline and excellence.

A praise to the partnership and organization

Engineer Hasan Abu Ubaid, who is the representative of Al Rayis Contracting Company (the Golden Sponsor) for Hafeet Sport Challenge, emphasized that the Challenge represents a social platform that boosts the culture of health and positive competition, it also contributes in energizing the sports and tourism activity as well as supporting the local economy, he also pointed out that the partnership comes under a long-term strategic vision for investment in human beings, in a way that reflects the integration between the public and private sectors in supporting the social initiatives.

A strategic conclusion

This day emphasizes that “Hafeet Sport Challenge” went beyond its status as a competitive event, to become a national model that redefines the concept of social sports at the City of Al Ain, through an ecosystem that brings together heritage with innovation, in addition to the institutional planning and the popular participation, in a sustainable developmental project that reflects the vitality of the society and boosts the culture of sports as a life style.

Competition rages on and the champion has been knocked out… Hafeet Challenge enters a decisive stage

Bin Hudhairim opens Ice Hokey as part of the event’s qualitative expansion track

The competitions of “Hafeet Sport Challenge” continues to rise on the technical and organizational levels, as Ittihad Club’s Al Ghaf stadium at Zakher neighborhood witnessed the hosting of the matches of the round of 16 of the residential neighborhoods tournament, amid atmospheres characterized with high rivalry and tactical discipline with a notable social attendance, especially that the competitions are nearing a decisive stage.

The matches were attended by His Excellency Aref Hamad Al Awani, who is the secretary general of Abu Dhabi council, and welcoming him was His Excellency Salem Rashid bin Hudhairim Al Ketbi, who is the chairman of the higher organizing committee, Rashid Abdullah, who is the CEO of Al Ain Club investment company and the manager of “Hafeet Sport Challenge”, as well as a number of members of the higher organizing committee and officials from Al Ain City Municipality and Al Ain Sports Club, in an attendance that reflects the continuous institutional support for the tournament’s journey.

The qualified teams to the quarter finals round of competitions

Matches resulted in the qualification of 8 teams to the quarter finals round of competitions, where Al Nayadat team claimed victory over Al Sa’a team with the score of (5-0), while Mirial team claimed victory over Zakher team with the score of (3-1), Um Ghaf claimed victory over Al Qawo with the score of (4-0), and Al Faqa team claimed the biggest victory of this round of competitions over Ghunaima with the score of (6-0). As for Al Hayer team, they managed to qualify after claiming victory over Falaj Hazza team with the score of (3-1), with Al Amera team claimed victory over Al Dhaher team with the score of (2-1).

Two matches were thrillingly secured via penalty kicks, where Al Markhaniya team managed to qualify after settling for a draw vs Ramlat Zakher team with the score of (1-1), then they secured match’s final result with the score of (8-7). While Al Manaser Club managed to qualify after a draw vs Al Salamat team with the score of (2-2), afterwards they claimed victory vs penalty kicks with the score of (7-6).

In an index that reflects shifting the balance of competitions during this season, where Neama team, who is the champion of the previous version, was knocked out of competitions from Group stage, they have also failed to play through the round of 16, in an emphasis over the expansion of rivalry and the rising of the technical level among the participating teams.

In the context of the tournament’s qualitative expansion, His Excellency Salem Rashid bin Hudhairim Al Ketbi opened the Ice Hockey tournament at Hili Ice Rink, in a step that reflects the diversity of games that are included in the program and the event’s continuity in attracting new segments of the society.

Regarding the reactions, Hazza Al Shiriani, who is the manager of Al Faqa team, emphasized that the current version of the tournament is witnessing an apparent improvement in comparison with the previous version, he also pointed out that the team is working, through the current season, to compete over the title and to reach the final match of the first version. He also praised the high level of the referee staffs this year, with the assistance of first class referees, as well as the quality of venues and organization, he also considered that the Ramadan atmospheres are adding a distinguished social dimension to the tournament, in light of the continuous support for the sports activities at the City of Al Ain.

In his turn, Shihab Ahmed, who is a former player for Al Ain Club and a player for Um Ghafa team, described the tournament as an “Ainawi Carnival” that reflects the spirit of the city and its sports history, he also emphasized that the event has become an annual hub awaited by everybody, thanks to its social and sports activities that contribute in boosting affiliation and pride of the city’s residents, he also expressed his expectancy to maintain the tournament’s expansion through the upcoming years.

In his turn, William Baco, who is a player for Faqa team, praised the technical level that has been delivered by his team after claiming the big victory with the score of (6-0), he also emphasized that the victory came as a result of the teamwork and the tactical discipline, he also pointed out that the competition requires higher concentration in every match to be played, he also expressed his team’s ambition to continue its journey up until the final rounds of competitions.

As for Hamdan Al Katebi, who is the captain of Dhaher team, praised the tournament’s higher level of organization and the referee staffs, he also emphasized that the presence of an integrated refereeing staff contributed in fortifying justice inside the pitch, while the competitive atmospheres in the round of 16 reflected the power of the tournament this season, he also wished for the continuity of this tournament on the annual level thanks to its added sports and social value to the City of Al Ain.

The City of Al Ain embraces the world (more…)

Senior citizens dominate the scenery at Al Tiwayya

Hafeet Challenge launches fitness program targeting 500 participants amid notable turnout and passion

An integrated medical supervision that keeps up with the launching of fitness challenge at the City of Al Ain

The second version of “Hafeet Sports Challenge 2026” continues to establish its position as one of the largest social and sports activities in the region, with the expansion of its activities to include various neighborhoods and vital amenities, in an integrated experience that transformed the City of Al Ain into a vibrant hub that combines sports with family and the spirit of society, amid distinguished Ramadan atmospheres. This event comes as a part of a continuous series that succeeded in attracting thousands of participants across several locations, which is an index that reflects the accelerated growth of the initiative and boosting its social presence.

Al Tiwayya garden witnessed the launching of the fitness program for senior citizens and residents, amid vast turnout and huge anticipation preceding the holy month of Ramadan. The event targets more than 500 participants of both sexes and various age categories, in an initiative that reflects a special attention towards this precious segment and boosts the concept of sustainable and healthy lifestyle.

The events took place amid thrilling family atmospheres and under the supervision of an integrated medical attention and supervision in cooperation with Abu Dhabi Center for Public Health and Al Tiwayya Clinic, where pressure, height, and weight measurement services and periodical check-ups were provided for the participants, alongside the presence of coaches specialized in physical fitness to guarantee practicing exercises in line with the highest safety standards, and under the supervision of dedicated staffs and modern organizational standards.

Establishing the concepts of sustainable health

Mohammed Mattar Al Niady, who is the manager at the City of Al Ain’s Al Tiwayya center for municipal presence, emphasized that hosting the physical fitness program within “Hafeet Sport Challenge” at Al Tiwayya Garden comes under the framework of supporting the social initiatives that boost the quality of life and establish the concepts of sustainable health.

He said the following statement: “In the beginning we congratulate everyone on the occasion of the holy month of Ramadan, we also ask Al Mighty Allah to bring the holy month again upon our beloved nation, our wise leadership, and the people of the United Arab Emirates -citizens and residents alike- with good health and safety. Today we embrace at Al Tiwayya Garden one of the events of Hafeet Sport Challenge under the supreme patronage of His Highness Sheikh Hazza bin Zayed Al Nahyan, who is the Ruler’s Representative in Al Ain Region, as physical fitness activity represents an important hub to establish the healthy and sustainable lifestyle for participants of various categories.”

He added that such events contribute in activating gardens and public amenities, as well as transforming them into vital interactive spaces, which boost practicing sports and support social bonds amid distinguished Ramadan atmospheres.

37 games… And continuous expansion

In his turn, Saeed Abdullah Al Jaberi, who is a member at the supreme organizing committee, emphasized that physical fitness program represents one of the events of “Hafeet Sport Challenge”, which includes 37 sport games distributed all over the residential neighborhoods of the City of Al Ain.

He also explained that the supreme organizing committee targets more than 500 participants in this event alone, he also pointed out that the challenge will be moved into six different locations during the upcoming stage, under the framework of a strategic plan that aims to expand participation and boosting the concept of sports health and social participation, in a way that transforms the initiative into one of the most prominent integrated models for social sports.

He added the following statement: “We aim to establish the sports culture as a way of life, in a method that enables the participants to practice exercises not only in the event’s location, rather, within their homes under an integrated family framework.”

Vast turnout and anticipation before the holy month of Ramadan

In her turn, Hamda Al Dhahiri, who is the head of community services and client’s satisfaction department at the City of Al Ain’s Al Tiwayya center for municipal presence, emphasized that fans turnout reflects the volume of anticipation that preceded the launching of the events.

She said the following statement: “Even before the holy month of Ramadan, everyone was inquiring about the launching date of Hafeet Challenge. Today, we witness vast turnout of various age categories, youngsters and elderly, men and women. Dedicating a full day for senior citizens reflects true attention for this segment of society, and we are proud of this Ainawi carnival that brings together society under the umbrella of sports.”

Sports meeting… And a family message

Mr. Ubaid Al Hajj Al Ka’abi, who is a senior citizen affiliated to Barakat Al Dar Club, emphasized that the event represents a special joy to the people of Al Ain City, he also pointed out that organizing Hafeet Sport Challenge in the holy month of Ramadan adds a distinguished social and human dimension.

He said the following statement: “This tournament is precious to us all, especially that it is being held in the month of blessings and welfare, it also brings together sports meeting with family cohesion. Everyone welcomed the event, while senior citizens were attending with passion and full readiness to provide an honorable image for their sports spirit.”

He added that choosing Al Tiwayya Garden reflects an important approach to revive public spaces and transform them into open interactive platforms for all segments of society.

Year of the family… And establishing social integration

Khalaf Al Ka’abi, who is one of the participating senior citizens (61 years old), pointed out that the event comes in accordance with the leadership’s directions to make 2026 “year of the family”, he also emphasized that such initiatives boost the concept of family meetings and family integration on the city’s level.

Integrated medical supervision

Ula Kamel, who is a nurse from Al Tiwayya Clinic, emphasized that the medical staff was keen to keep up with the medical condition of the senior citizens before, during, and after the exercises, by measuring the vital indicators and providing the essential preventative instructions, in accordance with the highest safety standards to guarantee a safe and sustainable sports environment for the participants.

A social project that goes beyond the boundaries of the competitions

“Hafeet Sport Challenge” continuity in igniting sports and social activity all over the City of Al Ain emphasizes that the event is no longer a mere tournament, rather, it has been transformed into an integrated social project that boosts the quality of life and establishes the values of good health and family integration, it also places sports in the middle of city’s social and cultural scenery. With the continuity of momentum and the increase in turnout, the challenge establishes its position as a leading national model that is open to regional expansion in designing social and sports activities in accordance with a modern growth vision.