Al Ain First Basketball Team lost to Al Batayeh Basketball Team by 48- 76 in matchweek 4 of the preliminary round of the Vice-President’s Cup which was held at Al Nahyania School.

By this result, Al Ain lost all their chances in the Vice-President’s Cup by occupying the 5th spot in the standing table of Group B.

Noteworthy, Al Ain team will go on their pre-season training sessions in preparations for the Premier Basketball League scheduled to kickoff on 28th October 2018. The final draft of the schedule is underway, and it has not been decided which team will face Al Ain in matchweek 1 of the league.

The Executive Office of the Asian Cup UAE 2019 and the Al Ain Group in Hazza bin Zayed stadium conducted and inspecting to oversee the work in progress of the two stadiums in the city hosting the 24-team continental tournament from January 5 to February 1.

The inspection and the ensuing meeting was attended by HE Aref Hamad Al Awani, Director of the Executive Office, and HE Hamad bin Nikhariat Al Ameri, Chairman of Al Ain Group for the Asian Cup, alongside the directors and members of the two groups.

Al Ameri praised the efforts made by members of the Al Ain Group for the work in progress and to have the stadium ready well in advance of the set dates.

“Volunteering is a favourite for us as a community in the UAE and its residents, and the turnout was great for the purpose of coming out with the best picture through which the country is hosting the big event.

“We have had many workshops and the attendance has been overwhelming. We are very thankful to the Local Organizing Committee and the Abu Dhabi Sports Council for their support and interest in making the event a success.”

HE Al Awani inspected the stadium and the work that have been completed as per the requirements of the Asian Football Confederation (AFC).

“Teamwork is important and as a team we can achieve more, and achieve our goals ahead of the time frame given to us by AFC,” said HE Al Awani.

The Media Committee of the AFC Asian Cup UAE 2019 held its first meeting at the headquarters of the Abu Dhabi Sports Council. The meeting aimed to track the latest progress of media activities and to support the current continental championship with all the requirements that guarantee its success and excellence in all aspects.
The meeting was chaired by H.E. Mr. Arif Hamad Al Awani, Director of the Championship and Director of the Executive Office. It was attended by Mohammed Ali Al Badei, Chairman of the Media Committee, Ahmad Al Qubaisi, Championship Marketing Manager, in addition to the committee members, namely: Ahmad Wahhab Al Jabouri, Nour Amit Pasilla, Sami Abed Al Emam Al Sadi, Mohammed Abdel Rahman Ali Al Hammadi, Ali Saeed Ibrahim Al Zaabi, Essam Hajo Hassan, Ehab Zuhdi Al Khamisi, Noura Khamis Al Alawi.
At the beginning of the meeting, Al Awani congratulated the committee members for being selected to be members of an important committee. He underlined that the directives of H.E. Major General Mohammed Khalfan Al Romaithi, Vice Chairman of the Higher Local Organizing Committee and Chairman of the Executive Committee, will be constantly driving all members to deliver effective and supportive plans with sights set to achieve a remarkable and beyond expectations organization of the championship scheduled to be held in UAE on January 2019. He put an accent on the fact that “Media is main partner in reflecting the ideal image for organizing such a particular event in the manner that promotes the globally prestigious reputation of the UAE and its leading role in organizing the most important sporting events”.
While wishing the committee members all the best in fulfilling their tasks, he pointed out that the Local Organizing Committee aimed by forming the Media Committee to provide the best services to all means of media and media platforms that will cover the activities of the continental championship alongside presenting a media content that reflects the progress of the UAE media and its decent handling of such great sporting events.
On behalf of the Media Committee, Mr. Mohammed Ali Al Badei expressed his deepest appreciation and sincerest gratitude to H.E. Major General Mohammad Khalfan Al Romaithi, Vice Chairman of the Higher Local Organizing Committee and Chairman of the Executive Committee, for his trust in the in the members of the Media Committee and his wishes to be up to the expectations. He underscored that the committee has already developed the essential media plans and important initiatives to put in place during the coming period in support of the advanced organizational processes of the championship. He stressed that the committee is so keen to furnish all grounds of success for the international, continental, regional and local means of media that will be present at UAE stadiums during the media coverage of the continental event.
As part of the approved agenda of the meeting, the attendees reviewed certain work papers and discussed the media content in the social media platforms and the newspapers. They also discussed means of boosting the level of interaction of the UAE society with the continental event, ways of following up all requirements of the media centres and providing the best services in all zones dedicated to the media representatives in the stadiums and during training sessions. Additionally, they reviewed the photography plans of the championship as of the reception of teams at the airports, during training sessions and during the official matches.
Moreover, members of the committee tackled the importance of meetings and workshops for media coordinators and volunteer teams tasked to be available in the stadiums, in addition to the consolidation of the media pre and post press releases in the manner that reflects a robust media identity capable of drafting and presenting a remarkable content worthy of the championship eminence and the UAE prestigious reputation.

A delegation of the broadcasting companies of the AFC Asian Cup UAE 2019 visited Khalifa Bin Zayed Stadium and Hazza Bin Zayed Stadium in Al Ain City. The delegation members were briefed at Khalifa Bin Zayed Stadium on the state-of-the-art equipment, preparations to host the matches, parking areas for TV broadcasting vehicles and the media centre besides all processes and procedures in place for the live broadcasting the matches. The delegation members also visited the Hazza Bin Zayed Stadium and were briefed on the equipment used for the television live broadcasting and the venues of the studios for broadcasting matches. It is scheduled that the delegation will complete their tour to all stadiums to have a complete idea about the equipment assigned for TV broadcasting covering the matches of the 24 participating teams. It is expected that this championship will set a record in numbers of views given the number of participating teams and the considerable interest that the Asian teams enjoy worldwide.

His Excellency Mr. Arif Hamad Al Awani, the Championship Director and Director of the Executive Office, expressed his great satisfaction with the preparations underway for the championship ahead of few months before its kick-off. He praised the great work done by all the groups given all achievements realized so far. He further explained that work has been underway for quite some time to organize such a championship in the manner that reflect the UAE’s name and reputation when hosting any international or continental event.
Al Awani emphasized that all the stadiums and are now fully completed to host the continental event except certain few simple logistical issues which will be completed at the earliest. He pointed out: “The AFC delegation and the accompanying representatives of the participating teams showed their high satisfaction and gave positive feedbacks on the level of readiness that the UAE enjoys prior the kick off of the grand Asian event.” He also stressed that such feedbacks are an important incentive for the working groups to do their best to ensure an impressive organization based on great and well-organized preliminary plans.
He also stated: “The previous period witnessed unprecedented preparations and intensive meetings of the Executive Committee with all the groups that will host the continental championship.” He pointed out that the unremitting and fast pace efforts paid according to the preapproved plans and programs resulted in completing the preparations in a timely manner and ahead of time specified for kicking off the championship. “We were pleased to host the gathering of the Asian football big family few days ago to mark the 100 days left to kick-off the championship. Indeed, the countdown celebration is an important stage for the event organizers prior arriving at the final stages. He also expressed his personal satisfaction with the organizational processes with all sights set to an exceptional event equivalent to the position of the UAE as a developed country and consolidate its leading role in supporting the youth sports at the continental and international levels.
Al Awani went on to say that with the support of His Highness Sheikh Nahyan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Sports Council and the nonstop follow-up and guidance of H.E. Major General Mohammed Khalfan Al Romaithi, Vice Chairman of the Committee and Chairman of the Executive Committee, the Higher Organizing Committee has made important progress in the organizational stages of hosting the new edition of the continental championship. The new edition will have 24 teams competing to clinch the dearest title. As for the stadiums, training, promotional campaigns, logistics, transport, hotels and volunteers are all organized as per robust and sound plans, along with significant efforts exerted by the hosting staffs and groups of work.
Al Awani concluded his statement saying that “We are keen to keep the fast pace of the preparatory works while maintaining the highest standards to go beyond expectations and excellence in organizing an exemplary championship that reflects the gran capabilities and potentials of UAE while offering the guests a genuine overcome the organizational integration of the stage of dazzling and excellence in organizing a model tournament that reflects the capabilities and great potentials of the UAE’s sons and the true eye of hospitality to our dearest and distinguished guests.”

The Higher Committee of the AFC Asian Cup UAE 2019 has finalized all arrangements to host the grand continental event scheduled to be held during 5th January to 1st February 2019 in eight stadiums. 22 years elapsed since UAE organized this competition for the first time in 1996.
The competent committees responsible for the organization of the AFC Asian Cup UAE 2019 tested all the equipment to be used and ensured all arrangements are in place during the tour of the AFC delegations in the stadiums of Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah and Al Ain. The purpose of the field tour was to validate the readiness and ensure arrangements are in line with the requirements to host the championship, particularly that the countdown for the championship has already kicked off as 91 days are left to the inauguration ceremony.
The Higher Committee has assigned 8 stadiums in four cities to host 51 matches with the participation of 24 national teams for the first time of the history of the championship. This indeed gives the 17th edition of the championship special uniqueness and elegance considering that the UAE is the organizer of this wholly new championship.
Noteworthy, H.E. Windsor John Dato, the Secretary General of the AFC, launched 10 days ago the countdown for inaugurating the championship at the Zayed Sports City in the presence of representatives of all the participating teams. H.E. Mr. Windsor underlined that the FCS has great expectations in the success of the UAE to organize such a grand competition and full trust that everyone has in the UAE as the best country to organize the wholly new championship in terms of the number of participating teams. He hailed all renovations made to the sports facilities and logistics which is not unusual for the UAE known to constantly host deferent global sport competitions.
During the last few days, the AFC delegation visited Abu Dhabi City to follow up the recent renovations of the sport facilities, including: Madinat Zayed Sports Stadium, Al Nahyan Stadium in Al Wahda Club, Mohammed Bin Zayed Stadium of Al Jazira Club. These stadiums will be hosting all matches scheduled to be held in Abu Dhabi City, in addition to the Hazza Bin Zayed Stadium and Khalifa Bin Zayed Stadium in Al Ain City.
The AFC delegation was received in Abu Dhabi City by Yousef Al Bloushi, Mohammed Al Romaithi, Bader Al Harethi and Mohammed Al Mustaka. They escorted the delegation members during their filed visits to the stadiums where they were briefed on all equipment and measures taken to make the Abu Dhabi three facilities ready to host the coming grand sport event. Worth mentioning that the Al Nahyan Stadium has been subject to major renovations including the spectator’s standings and viewing stand in preparation for the Asian grand event. The delegation members also visited the Khalifa Bin Zayed Stadium, Hazza Bin Zayed Stadium, Tahnoon Bin Mohammed Stadium in Al Qattara, Al Ain Football School and football field of Persons of Determination Centre. The tour included also the internal facilities of the stadiums including: changing rooms, the technical zone for players’ entry, mix media zone, doping test room, match commissioner zone, the medical clinic, the press conference room, the meeting room assigned for the qualifying and coordination meetings. The delegation members hailed the comprehensive preparations and the well-organized efforts exerted to host this unique Asian sport event.
The AFC delegation members were accompanied by representatives of the participating teams, including: Australia, Lebanon, Kyrgyzstan, Yemen, Jordan, Qatar, UAE, Thailand, South Korea, Vietnam, Syria, North Korea, Uzbekistan, China and Japan, in addition to match commissioners and member of Al Ain Group.
Moreover, H.E. Issa Hilal Al Huzami, Secretary General of Al Sharjah Sports Council and Director of Al Sharjah Group, along with Dr. Ihab Salem, Executive Director of Sharjah Club and Officer in Charge of the matches to be held in Al Sharjah, received the AFC delegation members at Sharjah Club to review the progress of the renovation processes of the Oval Stadium assigned to host the matches of Al Sharjah Group.
Al Huzami welcomed the visiting delegation and reassured that the sport facility is fully ready to host the coming event while leaving the floor to the delegation members to address any questions or remarks that would help further improve the facilities and better serve the goals of the championship.
The delegation toured all the facilities of the stadium, including the media representatives’ room, VIP room, the field of the stadium, the changing room, referees’ rooms and other facilities. By the end of the tour, a meeting was held to discuss certain remarks and listen to answers of the officers in charge.
Likewise, the AFC delegation visited Rashid Stadium and Al Maktoum Stadium in Dubai where a number of the matches of the AFC Asian Cup UAE 2019 is scheduled to be held. Colonel Hamad bin Dilan, Director of the Dubai Group, briefed the visiting delegation headed by Shin Man Jill, Director of the AFC Championships, on the progress achieved regarding preparing and renovating the facilities and work plans of the Dubai Group. An extensive meeting was held in the presence of the members of the teams from both sides. The Asian delegation expressed their satisfaction with all precise onsite preparations and work plans. They expressed their full confidence that completing all onsite works according to the highest quality standards.

Al Ain Men’s Volleyball Team has won Al Wasl Team by three clean rounds in the match held at Al Jazira Club indoor court in Abu Dhabi as part of matchweek 2 of the Vice-President Cup.

It was easy for the Boss to win the three rounds in their favour by 25—13, 25-19 and 25-22. This is the second victory achieved by the team in the current competition following defeating Al Jazira. By this victory, the Boss has 6 points in their balance to be placed in the second spot in Group “B”.

Al Ain is scheduled to play against Al Dhafra on Friday 12th October at the indoor court of Al Wasl Club in Dubai.

Al Ain Sports Games Company has organized Al Ain’s 2nd Marathon on Thursday 5th October at Al Wadi Public Park in Falaj Hazza Area. 400 students within the 13-17 years category of Al Ain schools participated in the event.

The event aims to unearth talents and grant them the opportunity to join Al Ain Club in future in realization of Hi Highness the President of UAE to give the children of Emirati females, holders of UAE passports and residents born in UAE the chance to join the UAE clubs and registered as official players.

By the end of the marathon, H.E. Ahmad Sultan Al Nuaimi, Sports Director of Al Ain Sports Games, and Ali Khalifa Al Wahshi, Administrative Manager of Athletics sports, honored the winners and players won first places and congratulating them for joining Al Ain Club.

(WAM) — H.H. Sheikh Hazza bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council, launched the “First Elderlies Forum,” which was organised by the Family Development Foundation, FDF, under the patronage of H.H. Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, Chairwoman of the General Women’s Union (GWU), President of the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood, and Supreme Chairwoman of the Family Development Foundation (FDF), and under the theme, “You Are Our Support And The Heroes Of Our Advancement,” on the occasion of the International Day for Older Persons, at the FDF’s branch in the Abu Dhabi Centre.

Sheikh Hazza was received by Dr. Mugheer Khamis Al Khaili, Chairman of the Department of Community Development; Major General Mohammed Khalfan Al Rumaithi, Commander-in-Chief of the Abu Dhabi Police and Member of the Board of Trustees of the FDF; Jaber Mohammed Ghanem Al Suwaidi, Director-General of the Abu Dhabi Crown Prince’s Court and Deputy Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the FDF, and Mariam Mohammed Al Rumaithi, Director-General of the FDF, as well as FDF department directors.

During his visit to the exhibition, Sheikh Hazza reviewed the services offered by the FDF to the elderly, including its “Family Social Council Initiative,” which aims to invest in the energies of elderly people and encourage their social participation.

“Launching the First Elderlies Forum during the International Day for Older Persons reflects the considerable interest of the country’s leadership in the entire community, and the elderly are a source of experience and are the living bridge connecting many generations to their heritage and history, which motivates them to preserve and develop their accomplishments” Sheikh Hazza said.

He thanked His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, for supporting the elderly, as well as for his directive to launch initiatives that will strengthen their role in the country’s development. He also thanked Sheikha Fatima, the “Mother of the UAE,” for her patronage of key events that aim to establish social cohesion.

The forum highlighted the importance of benefitting from the elderly as members of the community, and is a realisation of the vision of the founding father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, to invest in their energies and abilities and promote their role in the community.

At the end of the forum, a participant of the FDF’s programmes and services for the elderly presented a commemorative gift to Sheikh Hazza.

Al Ain Basketball First Team lost to Al Sharjah by 43-86 in the match held at Al Wasl Club indoor court as part of matchweek 2 of the preliminary round of the Vice-President’s Cup.

Despite losing the match, Al Ain performed well and pushed themselves to the limit and were better than matchweek 1 following having new players onboard.

It is scheduled that Al Ain will play against Al Wasl on Thursday 11th October at Al Batayeh indoor court in Al Sharjah in matchweek 3 of the same competition.