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Hafeet Challenge establishes Al Ain’s social and sports identity

24.Feb.2026

More than 20 nationalities and 200 games in 4 days

Hafeet Challenge establishes Al Ain’s social and sports identity

Big results in the fourth day elevates the competitive momentum

Khalifa Al Sa’adi: Leadership support and institutional integration are the most important pillars for Hafeet Challenge success

Ahmed Sultan: Hafeet Challenge is a social and sports project that goes beyond competition and discovers talents

The second version of “Hafeet Sports Challenge” continues to establish its position as one of the largest social and sports hubs during the month of Ramadan at the City of Al Ain, after organizing more than 200 matches during the event’s first four days alone, with a vast participation that included more than 20 nationalities across diverse set of sports games, in an index that reflects the accelerating growth of social and sports initiatives in the UAE.

The city’s residential neighborhoods were transformed into a vibrant space that combines sports competition with social interaction, in a model that reflects the adopted approaches to improve social sports and to boost healthy life styles, under a modern organizational vision that is based on digital solutions and professional governance.

According to the data of “Sports 247” application, which is the digital sponsor and the supervisor over the tournament’s official website “Hafeetsc.ae”, competitions recorded high participation ratios and a notable fans interaction, which reflect the success of the adopted organizational model in transforming sports into an interactive platform, that combines all segments of society under the framework of a developed professional framework.

Competitions of the fourth day… High technical level and growing fans turnout

The competitions of the fourth day witnessed big matches in basketball tournaments, which reflected the growth of the competitive momentum and the development of the technical level, the most notable of which are the following:

Hafeet team claims victory over Fighting Eagles with the score of (40-38)
Team Kalwat claims victory over Team Al Jimi with the score of (48-40)
Slpash claims victory over Team Bisdak with the score of (49-27)
Panthers claims victory over ZHIC with the score of (35-32)

In the youth category:

Elite team maintained its brilliance by claiming victory over PHL Academy with the score of (43-16)
Important victories for Black Mountain, Rising, and Alain Heat, which intensified the power of competition.

In “Teba” competitions Um Ghafa claimed victory over Al Nahda with the score of (14-4), in a match that reflected the growing popularity of this heritage game, which has been revisited under a modern organizational framework that combines authenticity with modern sports.

As for the residential neighborhoods football tournament, it continues to attract huge fans attendance, it also witnessed astounding results, the most notable of which are the following:

Al Aamera vs Al Maraba’a (2-0)
Al Niyadat vs Masaken (3-1)
Al Salamat vs Shuabat Al Wotah (5-0)
Al Fuqaa vs Al Khabisi (4-1)
Al Noud vs Al Ameriya (2-1)
Al Markhaniya vs Al Manaseer (5-1)
Um Ghafa vs Al Jimi (4-0)
Al Maryal vs Al Maqam (2-0)
Al Mu‘tarid vs Falaj Hazzaa (2-1)
Al Qoua vs Al‑Bateen (3-0)
Al Dhahir vs Madinat Nahil (4-1)
Ramlit Zakher vs Naama (4-1)
Ghunaymah vs Al‑Hili (2-1)
Zakher vs Al Jahili (3-0)
While the match between Malaqat and Al Sa‘a was over with a scoreless draw.

An official opening ceremony that reflects the spirit of one family

Salem Rashed Bin Hudhairam Al Ketbi, who is the chairman of the higher organizing committee, witnessed the opening of institutions volleyball tournament at the roofed hall attached to Al Ain Club’s Khalifa bin Zayed stadium, amongst distinguished Ramadan atmospheres and an astounding fans turnout, reflecting the social participation spirit by distributing awards and gifts to the attending fans, in a scene that embodies the human values which the tournament aims to establish.

The digital transformation… An organizational success pillar

The tournament’s official application represents one of the most notable elements of institutional excellence, as it has been developed according to the latest global standards in managing sports events. It also provides an integrated digital ecosystem that includes registering the players, managing schedules, statistical monitoring, performance monitoring, archiving matches in addition to connectivity services and electronic notifications for the participants, players and administrators alike.

This technical structure contributed in elevating the efficiency of the organizational operations and boosting the experience of participants and fans, in a way that reflects the adoption of smart digital solutions in managing social sports events.

Praising the supreme support and the role of the media

In his turn, Khalifa Al Saadi, who is a member of the Supreme Organizing Committee and head of the media committee, appreciated the supreme patronage and the continuous support of His Highness Sheikh Hazza bin Zayed Al Nahyan, who is the Ruler’s Representative in Al Ain Region, emphasizing that His Highness’ support represents the fundamental pillar in the success of the social and sports initiatives, as well as elevating the quality of life.

He also praised the pivotal role of the media in highlighting the event, he also pointed out that the distinguished media coverage contributed in establishing “Hafeet Sport Challenge” as one of the most notable social and sports events in the region.

He extended his words of gratitude to Abu Dhabi Counsil and Al Ain Club over professionalism in managing tournaments, he also expressed his appreciation to the various sports unions over supporting organization and providing referees, which contributed in elevating the level of professionalism and technical discipline of the competitions.

A social project that goes beyond the boundaries of the competitions

Ahmed Sultan Al Nuaimi, Executive Director of Al Ain Sports Club Company, emphasized that “Hafeet Sport Challenge” represents an integrated model that combines sports with the social and family aspects, he also pointed out that nearly 340 players participated in basketball, nearly 499 players in Jiu Jitsu, in addition to the integration of hand ball for the first time, with the participation of nearly 150 players, alongside the newly created tug of war competitions which will kick off in march.

With the growing of participants and games numbers, “Hafeet Sport Challenge” continues to establish its position as a leading social and sports event, which seeks to reach a global boundary that reflects the identity of Al Ain as a city that combines authenticity and modernity, it also places sports in the heart of tis social and cultural texture.

“Hafeet Sport Challenge” brings together heritage and institutional momentum and boosts social sports at the City of Al Ain

22.Feb.2026

“Hafeet Sport Challenge” brings together heritage and institutional momentum and boosts social sports at the City of Al Ain

“Teba” returns with modern rules and ambition that go beyond the local boundaries

Powerful competition in institutions tournament… While cricket adds a multi-national cultural dimension

25 matches for age categories in one day, emphasizing over talent acquisition journey and reflecting organizational capabilities

Hafeet Sport Challenge. To be published on| 22-2026

The third day of the second version of “Hafeet Sport Challenge” witnessed the launching of 4 various tournaments, which reflected the width of social participation and the growing presence of heritage and modern games at the City of Al Ain, under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Hazza Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, who is the Ruler’s Representative in Al Ain Region.

Competitions were distributed over the heritage Teba tournament at Um Ghafa and institutions football tournament on Ittihad Club’s stadium at Zakher, as well as football academies tournament for age categories, which took place on the external venues around Hazza bin Zayed stadium and academy branch at Zakher, in addition to cricket competitions on the pitch of Al Ain Cricket Club’s venue, in a scenery that reflects the diversity of programs and the width of activities withing the event.

Digital results and indicators

In Teba tournament, Al Gharbi team claimed a big victory on Al Nahda with the score of (20-4), assuming the lead on the standings table with 2 points, and advancing with the advantage of goals over Um Ghafa who claimed victory over Al Hosson with the score of (20-6), in matches that were characterized with power and technical discipline.

As for institutions tournament for football, the first round recorded the scoring of 26 goals during 8 matches, in an indicator that reflects the attacking aspect of the competitions. Competitions resulted in a draw between Al Heyr and 247 Sport with the score of (1-1), as well as the victory of Al Masri Club over Abu Dhabi University with the score of (2-0), in addition to a victory for Al Hilal Al Ahmar over Al Ain City Municipality with the score of (3-0). In its turn, Strata secured the result of its match vs Al Meah Power with the score of (3-2), as well as a victory for Power for Distribution over Economic Development Department with the score of (3-0), in addition to a victory for Al Ain Club over Shiekh Tahnoon Medical City with the score of (3-1). While Takween led by the seasoned player, Salem Abdullah, who is a former player for Al Ain Club, scored the biggest result and claimed victory over The Czech Hospital with the score of (7-0), and Arab Union for University Sports claimed victory over Al Ain Pharma with the score of (6-3).

At Academies tournament, Al Ain Club’s venues hosted 25 matches for age categories from 2012 to 2016 during the first and second rounds, in a professional organizational environment that contributes in honing the up-and-coming talents and boosting the development paths for age categories.

Teba” … From the popular heritage to a modern competitive ecosystem

“Teba” tournament recorded its presence for the first time during the program of “Hafeet Challenge”, in a step that embodies the organizing committee’s approach into combining popular games in the modern sports events, in a way that boosts the national identity and revisits the sports heritage in an integrated organizational framework.

Mohammed Hamed Al Niady, who is the representative for Teba tournament, emphasized that including this game in the program reflects the keenness of the organizing committee to revive the heritage games and boosts its presence among the new generations, pointing out that the increasing turnout of youth categories towards the game.

In his turn, Saif Miftah Hamad Al Niady, who is the responsible official for Teba Venue at Umm Ghafa, explained that the game was played in the past in the social occasions before declining for a period of time, then returned during the past 15 years thanks to the social efforts that contributed in organizing regular tournaments and providing a dedicated venue that helped in developing the game on the organizational and technical levels.

He also added that “Teba” is being currently held according to a modern ecosystem that includes clear laws and an official refereeing supervision, with the participation of 4 teams, each one of them consists of 24 players, in a competitive framework that reflects the dedication to the organizational discipline and standards. He also appreciated the continuous support by the wise leadership, emphasizing that the supreme patronage has contributed into providing a suitable environment to maintain the status of heritage games and boosting its presence on the local level and aspiration to wider horizons in the future.

Saif Salf Al Nuaimi, who is the administrative of Al Gharbi team for Teba, also pointed out that the game has witnessed a notable improvement in its laws and organization, while social media platforms contributed in boosting is spread and increasing the turnout, despite the physical challenges being imposed by the nature of competitions during the month of Ramadan.

Sports as an integrated social platform

Dr. Essam Abdullah, who is a member at the organizing committee, emphasized that the diversity of tournaments among institutions, academies, Teba, and cricket reflects the inclusive nature of “Hafeet Challenge”, where sports competitions are being blended with the social dimension and the cultrual diversity under a unified organizational framework.

He also pointed out that the events have recorded an increasing fans turnout, contributing in boosting the event’s social impact, as well as establishing sports as a means for social interaction within Ramadan vibes, that combines various categories.

He also emphasized that “Hafeet Sport Challenge”, across the diversity of its programs and the widespread participation, that sport has become one of the fundamental pillars in boosting the quality of life and establishing the cultural identity of the City of Al Ain, in an organizational experience that is steadily advancing towards establishing its position as one of the most prominent social sports projects in the region.

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

21.Feb.2026

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

A geographical spread that boosts the social sports philosophy

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

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

Fans momentum transforms the challenge into a live sports experience

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

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

The statement of His Excellency Saleem Rashid bin Houdairim Al Katabi

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

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

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

Rashid Al Abdullah’s statement:

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

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

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

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

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

Launching Hafeet Sport Challenge amidst an enthusiastic atmosphere during Ramadan a community platform linking sports with innovation

20.Feb.2026

1560 players and 9 tournaments in one night… Al Ain witnesses the launch of Hafeet Challenge

Launching Hafeet Sport Challenge amidst an enthusiastic atmosphere during Ramadan… a community platform linking sports with innovation

Khalaf Salem: Hafeet Sport Challenge represents an advanced model for community sports initiatives

Nine tournaments in one night …. Hafeet Sport Challenge makes the event

Hafeet Sport Challenge –  for publication | February 20, 2026

In a second and more dynamic and expansive edition, Hafeet Sport Challenge competitions will kick off this evening (Friday), with the participation of 1,560 players in football tournaments and 400 competitors in the Jiu-Jitsu tournament, in a sporting event reflecting the remarkable development that the Challenge witnesses since its first launch.

The opening ceremonies will be attended by His Excellency Rashed Musabbeh Al Manei, Director General of Al Ain City Municipality, His Excellency Salem bin Rashid bin Hadhiram Al Ketbi, Chairman of the Supreme Organizing Committee, and a number of officials from the Abu Dhabi Sports Council and Al Ain Sports Club, in a launch confirming the event as a community sports platform that combines athletic competition with professional organization.

On the first day, the competitions are distributed across nine sports tournaments in various regions of the city, in a step reflecting a well-considered approach towards expanding the base of sports participation and enhancing community access. The Challenge includes various categories of football tournaments, the Jiu-Jitsu tournament with the participation of 400 competitors, as well as basketball, cricket, volleyball, Al-Tabaa and competitions for people with determination.

Statement of Abu Dhabi Sports Council’s representative

Khalaf Salem Al Wahidi, Director of Events & Partners at Abu Dhabi Sports Council, emphasized that Hafeet Sport Challenge represents an advanced model of community sports initiatives that combine sports competition with the promotion of human values, in a distinctive Ramadan atmosphere that reflects the spirit of participation and community interaction in Al Ain.

Al Wahidi added that the great diversity of tournaments distributed across various areas of Al Ain reflects a modern organizational vision aimed at expanding the base of sports participation and bringing sports closer to the community. He noted that the integrated efforts between the organizing bodies, foremost among them Al Ain City Municipality as the organizing body, in cooperation with Abu Dhabi Sports Council and Al Ain Sports Club, contributed to delivering a distinguished organizational experience that reflects the highest standards of professionalism and institutional work.

He concluded his statement by emphasizing that Abu Dhabi Sports Council will continue its support to initiatives that promote community sports and support talent, contributing to creating a sustainable sports environment that serves various segments of society.

Numbers reflect the scale of participation and the event’s societal impact

16 teams and 320 players will participate in the Institutions Football Championship, while 32 teams and 640 players will participate in the Residential Neighborhoods Football Championship, in addition to 30 teams and 600 players in the Academies Championship, totaling 1,560 players in football competitions, as a clear indication of the expanded base of sports participation and the competitors’ aspiration to be crowned.

A media platform for exceptional stories

Hafeet Sport Challenge embodies an ideal platform to highlight community success stories, inspiring human experiences, and public interaction in a Ramadan environment combining sports competition and social values. This will enable media professionals to monitor diverse experiences that reflect the spirit of the event and its societal impact.

Under the patronage of Hazza Bin Zayed.. 2nd Hafeet Sport Challenge to launch and raising the value of financial rewards by 100%

17.Feb.2026

Under the patronage of Hazza Bin Zayed

2nd Hafeet Sport Challenge to launch and raising the value of financial rewards by 100%

Al Ain hosts the largest community sports gathering, featuring 20,000 participants and 37 different tournaments

The residential areas AI-powered draw and the customary Institutions Championship

Hafeet Challenge 2026: Launching across 65 venues and a state-of-the-art digital platform for participants and media professionals

 

Hafeet Sport Challenge – for publication | February 17, 2026

Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Hazza bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler’s Representative in Al Ain Region, the Hafeet Sport Challenge will launch its second edition on Friday, the second day of the holy month of Ramadan, until the nineteenth day of the holy month, in the largest interactive sports and social festival the region has ever witnessed, and is organized by Al Ain Municipality in cooperation with the Abu Dhabi Sports Council and Al Ain Sports Club.

In the press conference held in the Chairman’s Hall at Hazza Bin Zayed Stadium on Tuesday, in the presence of Salem bin Rashid bin Hadhiram Al Ketbi, Chairman of the Supreme Organizing Committee of the Championship, Rashid Abdullah, Executive Director of Al Ain Investment Company and Manager of Hafeet Sport Challenge, along with media representatives, the Higher Organizing Committee announced the completion of all preparations to launch the event, with expectations of a 100% increase in the total value of prizes and raffles, a step that reflects the qualitative expansion that the tournament is witnessing and its growing community and sporting presence.

 

A community event reflecting Al Ain spirit

Salem bin Rashid bin Hadhiram Al Ketbi, Chairman of the Supreme Organizing Committee of the Championship, emphasized that the success of the first edition was achieved thanks to God and then to the generous patronage of His Highness Sheikh Hazza bin Zayed Al Nahyan. He pointed out that Hafeet Sport Challenge has transcended the concept of sports competition to become an integrated community platform that enhances the spirit of the holy month of Ramadan, reinforces the values ​​of cooperation and solidarity, and reflects Al Ain status as a global sports and tourism destination.

He added that the tournament’s continued successes embodies the strong strategic partnerships and institutional integration between the organizing and supporting institutions, highlighting the vital role of sponsors and strategic partners, most prominent of which are the diamond sponsors Nayel & Bin Harmal group and ADIB, the platinum sponsors Imkan Properties and Sheikh Tahnoon Bin Mohammed Medical City SEHA, in addition to the technical sponsor 247 Sport.

 

Unprecedented expansion targeting 20,000 participants

On his part, Rashid Abdullah, Manager of Hafeet Sport Challenge that the current edition is witnessing a huge expansion through organizing 37 sports tournaments, representing an increase of 14 tournaments compared to the first edition, targeting the participation of approximately 20,000 male and female participants. This comes in response to the growing participation from various segments of society, including age-group games, women’s sports, senior citizens, and people with determination.

He pointed out that the accumulated organizational expertise and integrated institutional work, along with the partners’ efforts, represent the core pillars for delivering a state-of-the-art edition that reflects Al Ain identity and brings the community together around sports.

 

 

Smart and customary draw… Innovation that enhances competitive justice

The Organizing Committee revealed the adoption of AI technologies in the draw of the Residential Neighborhoods Football Championship, with the participation of 32 teams representing all neighborhoods of Al Ain Region, through data analysis mechanisms that ensure a balanced distribution that enhances competitive justice and organizational transparency in accordance with the latest global practices.

The customary draw for the Institutions Football Championship was also held, which witnessed the participation of 16 governmental and private institutions, as part of promoting institutional sports and expanding the community participation base.

The competitions will be played on 65 venues across Al Ain Region, in an initiative that reflects unprecedented organizational expansion and enhances access to the largest possible segment of society, supporting the initiative’s targets of spreading sports culture and establishing the concept of comprehensive community participation.

 

State-of-the-art digital platform and comprehensive experience for fans

As part of enhancing the experience for participants and fans, the Organizing Committee announced the launch of the official digital platform for the Championship, under the supervision of the technical sponsor 247 Sport, to facilitate registration, participant accreditation, and track schedules, results, and live coverage, thereby strengthening media presence and providing sustainable digital content.

The competitions are scheduled to take place in a number of key sports facilities in Al Ain Region, with the final match and awards ceremony to be held at Hazza Bin Zayed Stadium.

Under the patronage of Hazza bin Zayed 2nd Hafeet Sport Challenge to launch during Ramadan in Al Ain Region

17.Feb.2026

Under the patronage of Hazza bin Zayed 2nd Hafeet Sport Challenge to launch during Ramadan in Al Ain Region

Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Hazza bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler’s Representative in Al Ain Region, the Hafeet Sport Challenge will launch its second edition from 2-19 Ramadan in Al Ain Region. The event is organised by Al Ain City Municipality, in cooperation with Al Ain Club.

The challenge is among the most prominent community sports events held in Al Ain Region during the holy month of Ramadan, combining sports competition with a strong community spirit in a atmosphere that reflects the values of cohesion and social connection encouraged during Ramadan, bringing together amateur and professional male and female athletes from different age groups.

The Higher Organising Committee announced the completion of all preparations to launch the event, with expectations of broad participation from all segments of society, including families, youth and People of Determination. The event aligns with Year of Family launched following the directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, to further strengthen family cohesion, promote community engagement, and support healthy lifestyles.

The Hafeet Sport Challenge features a wide range of individual, team and community sports and activities, including running, shooting, cycling, chess, esports, padel, cricket, basketball, volleyball and football tennis, in addition to football tournaments for institutions and residential neighbourhoods, and dedicated categories for People of Determination.

His Excellency Rashed Musabbeh Al Manei, Director-General of Al Ain City Municipality, said: “The Hafeet Sport Challenge is a community platform that helps embed sport as a sustainable way of life and enhances quality of life. Organising the challenge reflects the municipality’s commitment, together with relevant partners, to reinforcing the importance of investing in community sport as a key pillar supporting social development through hosting and delivering high-quality sports and community events that strengthen social cohesion and reinforce integration between urban development and community wellbeing, supporting the achievement of sustainable development targets in the region.”

The inaugural edition of the challenge attracted approximately 10,000 participants across more than 30 sports tournaments, and concluded after 13 days with the crowning of winners at an awards ceremony recognising outstanding talent for their sporting excellence and community engagement.

Al Ain Jiu-Jitsu Champions Ready for President’s Cup Kickoff

15.Feb.2026

Al Ain Jiu-Jitsu Champions Ready for President’s Cup Kickoff

Preparations continue for the opening round of the UAE President’s Jiu-Jitsu Cup, one of the most prominent competitions on the local sports calendar, set to begin next Saturday, February 21, at Mubadala Arena in Abu Dhabi.

Al Ain’s jiu-jitsu athletes enter the competition in strong technical and physical condition following an intensive preparation period, during which the coaching staff focused on enhancing fitness levels and refining tactical performance to ensure a strong showing and contention for top positions.

The team’s participation reflects Al Ain Club’s ongoing commitment to jiu-jitsu and its continuous pursuit of distinguished results, reinforcing its status among the leading clubs competing for domestic titles.

Al Ain Face Bani Yas in Playoff Clash for Third Place in Volleyball League

15.Feb.2026

Al Ain Face Bani Yas in Playoff Clash for Third Place in Volleyball League

Al Ain men’s volleyball team is preparing to face Bani Yas next Tuesday in the first leg of the playoff matches to determine third and fourth place in the UAE Men’s General League.

The first leg will be held in Al Ain, while the return match will take place the following Friday in Abu Dhabi. If both teams exchange victories, a deciding playoff match will be held on the Tuesday after the second leg to determine the final standings.

Al Ain enter the encounter aiming to settle the contest early and strengthen their league position, supporting the team’s readiness for the upcoming Super Cup — played as a single-match competition — before moving on to the championship gathering stage with the objective of competing for and securing the title this season.

Al Ain men’s volleyball team defeated Al Nasr 3–2 and set up a decisive playoff clash next Friday in Al Ain

11.Feb.2026

Al Ain men’s volleyball team defeated Al Nasr 3–2 and set up a decisive playoff clash next Friday in Al Ain

The men’s volleyball team secured an important victory over Al Nasr by three sets to two in the second leg of the league Playoff stage, in a match marked by intensity and competitiveness until the final points.

The first leg had ended in favor of Al Nasr with a straight-sets win (3–0), which gave the return match added significance for Al Ain. The team managed a strong comeback, clinching the tie-break set to postpone the decision on qualification for the final.

With the two teams now level in results, a decisive match will be played next Friday evening in Al Ain to officially determine the qualifier for the league final.

Al Ain Secures Runner-Up Spot in Mother of the Nation Jiu-Jitsu Cup

07.Feb.2026

Al Ain Secures Runner-Up Spot in Mother of the Nation Jiu-Jitsu Cup

Al Ain Club finished runner-up in the Mother of the Nation Jiu-Jitsu Cup, which concluded at the Fatima Bint Mubarak Ladies Sports Academy in Abu Dhabi, with broad participation from female athletes representing clubs and academies across the country and strong attendance from families and supporters.

Al Ain’s athletes delivered strong technical performances over two days of intense matches, reflecting their experience and the club’s consistent presence on the podium in women’s jiu-jitsu, as the team continues to maintain its status among the sport’s leading competitors.

This participation comes as part of Al Ain Club’s ongoing commitment to supporting and developing women’s jiu-jitsu, strengthening athletes’ presence in domestic competitions, and keeping pace with the continued growth of the sport in the UAE.