Al Ain Has the Infrastructure of International Clubs like Liverpool and Real Madrid

I kept this Secret for 22 years?! Being A Coach is an Annoying Profession

Al Ain Club “Facilities” Fascinated Me and Its Business Activities Stunned Me

I Still Remember When We Qualified to Semifinals of the AFC Champions League on the Expense of Saudi’s Hilal

I Did Not Lose to Balaci While Playing for Al Ain … I was the Winner by proofs and evidences
I Felt Sad When Al Ain Did Not Win Any Title Last Season

So Proud I Defended the Crest of Al Ain Club One Day

When I Joined Al Ain Club Coming from Munich I was Surprised by the Boss’ Fans Enthusiasm

Al Ain is a Big Club Supported by Millions …. The Boss Ambitions Do Not Soar Below the Skies and Never Affected by the Absence of Any Player

I Declined a Tempting Qatari Offer as I decided to Conclude my Career When I Left the Boss Squad

It is the Time to See an Asian or African National Team Holding the World Cup High
So Happy with the Principles Adopted by the FIFA … But?!

I Nominate Mohammed Salah and Sadio Mane for the African Footballer of the Year Award for they Deserve Such A Credit

Put an Accent on the Fact that Hazza bin Zayed Established Success Parameters and Consolidated Excellence and Creativity Culture.
Abedi Pele: Hope Al Ain Wins the League Title and Back Strongly to Represent UAE in AFC Champions League
Al Ain Has the Infrastructure of International Clubs like Liverpool and Real Madrid
I kept this Secret for 22 years?! Being A Coach is an Annoying Profession
Al Ain Club “Facilities” Fascinated Me and Its Business Activities Stunned Me
I Still Remember When We Qualified to Semifinals of the AFC Champions League on the Expense of Saudi’s Hilal
I Did Not Lose to Balaci While Playing for Al Ain … I was the Winner by proofs and pieces of evidence
I Felt Sad When Al Ain Did Not Win Any Title Last Season
So Proud I Defended the Crest of Al Ain Club One Day
When I Joined Al Ain Club Coming from Munich, I was Surprised by the Boss’ Fans Enthusiasm
Al Ain is a Big Club Supported by Millions …. The Boss Ambitions Do Not Soar Below the Skies and Never Affected by the Absence of Any Player
I Declined a Tempting Qatari Offer as I decided to Conclude my Career When I Left the Boss Squad
It is the Time to See an Asian or African National Team Holding the World Cup High
So Happy with the Principles Adopted by the FIFA … But?!
I Nominate Mohammed Salah and Sadio Mane for the African Footballer of the Year Award for they Deserve Such a Credit.

Last night members of the Board of Directors of Al Ain Football Club received Al Ain former player, Abedi Pele as part of the Club’s guiding principle of honoring the loyal former and legend players of the Al Ain Football Club who held the full responsibility to defend the team’s crest one day.

The legend player was honored during the break time of the Boss match against the Emirates FC as part of the PLC Pro Cup. It was a moment of embodying the principle of communication between the Al Ain Club’s various generations.

Abedi Pele’s visit program included receiving him elegantly by Abdullah Ali, Supervisor of Al Ain First Football Team, and his former teammate at Hazza bin Zayed Stadium. In addition, Al Ain Club Media Office staff took the opportunity to interview the legend footballer tackling many issues and went deep in details and secrets of 22 years that the players kept for himself, and we had this long conversation with him.

Al Ain Is Different

Speaking about the close relationship that kept him with Al Ain Club and his intimate generation at the time, Abedi Pele said: “I had wonderful friends and teammates and associated with each other. The team consisted of young players, and the team leader was Mohammed Obaid “Hamdoun”. I was and am still in contact with certain players with whom I have a close relationship, and I do not want to enumerate the names not to forget one of them. Indeed, I was thrilled to meet the current team supervisor, Abdullah Ali, and his warm welcome to me at Hazza Bin Zayed Stadium. I still remember that he was a young player at the time, and his supervision of the team’s affairs is evidence of the commitment of Al Ain Club to the vision of its leadership. My presence today, yesterday, and every moment here is a confirmation of Al Ain Club’s interest in everyone who defended its badge. That is why we always repeat, as players of various successive generations, shared the same goal: defending the Club’s crest, the saying “The Boss is Different”.

He added: “When I come to Al Ain Club, I do not feel estranged, which I confirmed to Abdullah Ali during our tour of this superb architectural masterpiece, Hazza Bin Zayed Stadium, which is considered one of the most attractive football stadiums in the world.”

He stated that he and Abdullah talked about memories and accomplishments achieved together and cherished moments and other achievements I was following up from distances away.

Abedi focused on the memories of winning the title of the AFC Champions League. He mentioned to me that I was motivating them to fight hard to beat the AFC Champions League title when they were young, and “here lies the importance of those beautiful situations and memories that I recalled with the team supervisor.”

When someone you know receives you and knows you well, you would feel it is excellent, and when you visit the Club and find the administrative staff are the Club’s former players, this is a positive and great indicator.

The Asian Title 2003

Tell us about your memories with Al Ain Club, starting with the negotiations stage and your long journey and career in the European football fields.

My memories with Al Ain are decent and outstanding. However, I do not forget specifically when we played in the AFC Champions League at Al Ain Stadium, for the peculiarity of that competition, which is a beautiful event for the management, players, and fans of this lofty sports club.

At that time, we qualified for the quarter-finals in the Asian competition, and Al Ain fans showed great enthusiasm at those moments and massive power in cheering and encouraging the squad because they love the Club.

I will not forget our match against Saudi Arabia Al Hilal and other strong teams from Iran and other Asian clubs. It seemed like an achievement at that time, as the scene was terrific, and the whole city was happy with what was achieved and came out to the streets to celebrate the victories. Indeed, the vision of the Club’s senior management was crystal-clear, and the goal was superior, that is, to prepare for the crowning of Al Ain with the AFC Champions League title. It was a dream for some, but the management of Al Ain Club developed plans and worked hard to prepare everyone to achieve this goal. Al Ain did it and embraced the continental glory two seasons after I left the Club. I followed up the celebrations of crowning the “Boss” with the continental title from Ghana in 2003, i.e., two or three years after I left the team. I was proud of what my young colleagues had achieved at the time. Yes, they ascended the throne of the Asian continent. If you want to open the dossier of memories in Al Ain, it is a lot with the management, the technical staff, my fellow players, and the fans of Al Ain Club.

From Munich to Al Ain City

We would keep talking about memories! What were you thinking about during your flight from Munich, Germany, to Al Ain, UAE?

It is not a secret to tell you that journey, although some would see it as a bit strange, during which I felt so happy because I accepted the challenge on a personal level and my sincere feeling at the time assured me that my experience with the Al Ain was reasonable and natural. However, I was a true believer that I was going to a different environment than the one I was used to in the European football fields and other traditions and cultures. However, I was pleased with my new place and my great desire to win the challenge.

Indeed, I did not feel the difference because I am a Muslim, and the customs and traditions in any Islamic country are the same. But, for example, we as Muslim players face particular challenges in not fulfilling all our religious obligations on time, and fasting is also one significant challenge.

Hazaa’s Vision

How did you find the atmosphere in Al Ain Club since you joined the team at the level of performance and relationships with your new colleagues?

What distinguishes Al Ain is its clear vision laid out by His Highness Sheikh Hazza bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council, First Vice President of the Club, First Vice President of the Al Ain Honorary Council, and Chairman of the Board of Directors of Al Ain Sports and Cultural Club.

The vision, which is based on the principle of dealing with the spirit of the family, embodies the idea of transformation for the better to achieve remarkable goals so that Al Ain is always at the forefront as one of the best clubs in the world. This is achieved by working hard to keep pace with development indicators and exerting more efforts to succeed and adhere to the vision. This led Al Ain Club to this beautiful position and made it easy for the Club to achieve its ambitions and the fans’ aspirations.

On a personal level, I am still keen to watch and follow up Al Ain matches. Therefore, sometimes I come to the stadium to watch some games in direct coordination with the Club management.

I consider Al Ain one of the best clubs I played for in terms of communication, promoting relationships with the old players, and consolidating the concept of various generations of communication. In addition, we all always get pleasant surprises from the club management.

I Was Not Surprised

Pele added: I will not disclose a secret if I tell you that I was not surprised that Al Ain Club reached the FIFA Club World Cup finals, nor was the team crowned the Asian Champions League two or three years after I left the Club. I was sure that Al Ain will always be a great club and a strong team for everyone who wears the Al Ain badge is required to arm themselves with the culture of winning, and the current Al Ain players have a winning mentality and enjoy the culture of clinching titles and cups.

Strength and Enthusiasm

Abedi went on to say that the atmosphere in the Club was beautiful and reminded me of the situation with my former team, Marseille, France, as well as Torino in Italy and Munich in Germany. I had never thought there would be enthusiastic fans when I arrived to join the team. Instead, I found an exciting work atmosphere pushing us to work and play hard. I experienced pleasant moments and ket excellent relationships with everyone.

The Al Ain management members were constantly briefing us about the Club’s vision, so I was not surprised at the level that Al Ain has reached. On the contrary, I am very proud that I was part of the generations who worked to achieve the Club’s goals.

Abedi and Ilie Balaci

I will start my question where you ended up by talking about good relationships. But, honestly, how would you describe your relationship with Balaci, Al Ain Team, former Romanian head coach?

Indeed, my relationship was good with everyone, as I mentioned to you, including the Romanian coach Balaci. This is the first time I would talk about this relationship after 22 years.

Yes, it is a fact. Once certain conditions push you to select between a star player or a head coach, wisdom should prevail by conceding one to the other. The Al Ain administration adopted the principle of team interest so that the coach could control matters to achieve its goals and the aspirations of its fans. Abedi Pele is one player, but the Al Ain team is supported by 3 or 4 million worldwide, and we could not think except the team’s interest. I have had enough patience and intelligence to think about it, and 22 years later, I think the answer is I was the Winner, not Balaci.

Al Wahda and Al Wasl

Against which team were you playing your most vital matches in that period and felt that it was “El Classico” matches?

Our most decisive matches at that time were against Al Wasl and Al Wahda teams. I remember that I played against Al Wasl in Al Ain Stadium, and we won the guests by 2-1, and I scored the first goal.

Those moments are still present on social media, and during my visit to the Club and during the past two days, in particular, I met a fan, and he showed me the goal I scored against Al Wasl on his mobile phone. It gave me a feeling of happiness because I felt that what I did here was still in the fans’ minds after the elapse of 22 years.

A Secret I Kept for 22 Years

After you left the Al Ain Club, you announced your retirement. What did you do after that, and what projects do you have?

The matter here is related to one of my secrets that I do not want to talk about. However, when I am at Al Ain Club, I will never keep a secret.
My decision was clear that if I left Al Ain, I would not play football again. When I was packing my bags traveling back to my homeland, I received a Qatari delegation offering to play for the Qatari league, but I declined the offer. This is why I flew back to Ghana, and immediately after that, I signed a contract with the Republic of South Africa to be one of the ambassadors in charge of supporting the country’s profile for hosting the World Cup. My contract extended for ten years during “2000- 2011,” and I participated in the organization of that championship.

Annoying Profession

We expected you to be a coach, join the media, or be an analyst in famous sports channels?

I do not want to be a head coach for a football team, for I am convinced that coaching is a troublesome profession. I consider it a direct cause of turning my hair to white compared to the pressures over the coach to win titles.

I have always preferred to work as part of a football team system to develop the skills of young players, juniors, and even young people through providing them with consultations and advice and giving them the full opportunity to achieve their legitimate aspirations in football. I always focus on those who do not have the chance to play football and enjoy playing it because I love doing this kind of work to help people.

French and German

A project you still dream of implementing?

Indeed, I have my project! I am currently managing the affairs of my football academy, which I established after my retirement. Also, I have other businesses not related to the football game. I work hard to turn these businesses to be successful fashionable ones. As my academy has been introducing top players, especially in the German and French leagues and, of course, other leagues, and I’m looking forward to adding more activities to my track record.

On Alert and All is Set

What were the main challenges you faced with Al Ain Club at the time?

They were not challenges in the known sense as upon my arrival here, I found young players armed with desire and ambition and have a fighting spirit and love of the badge. I remember when we went to Iran to play our match in the AFC Champions League. We were surprised to see large crowds of fans in the stands. I told my colleagues to take a good look at the spectacle of the stands, which were full of spectators, before I asked them if they had experienced such as atmosphere before. They all replied, “No!”. The majority of the players were promoted to the first team recently. I told them that at that time, it was the time to face such a challenge. They all responded that they were ready to go and all set to learn and improve their performance.

They said we were ready, which confirms that everyone was prepared to learn and improve their performance.

Like a Miracle

How do you see the Al Ain City?

Al Ain is a historical and typical city represented by one of the largest clubs in the Asian continent. I always describe it as wonderful and full of archaeological sites, historical forts, recreational places, and charming nature. If you dig deep into the history of this city, you will be sure that the quantum leap witnessed by this city throughout its history is like a miracle.

While I was on my way from the hotel to Hazza bin Zayed Stadium, I saw beautiful landmarks, modern residential complexes, banks, hotels, commercial centers, health services centers all in one place. It is available even here in the vicinity of Hazza Bin Zayed Stadium. Therefore, I decided to invite some people from my country, Ghana, to benefit from the great work that this wonderful city has achieved.

Big Businesses

Abedi Pele added, “I am really amazed and have feelings of surprise for the development I saw here. However, I am so happy at the same time because I am seeing Al Ain Club, which some thought is dedicated only to playing football, has turned into a great business institution and what I saw are outstanding achievements and excellent work.

I came to Hazza bin Zayed Stadium to see one of the world-class football stadiums. In addition, I was briefed about its remarkable design story. It is magnificent and makes me happy, and I am proud that I belong to Al Ain Club, which establishes the concept of a comprehensive club.

Asia and Africa

When will we see an African or Asian team win the World Cup?

That day will come and will see one of the Asian or African countries wins the World Cup. However, I do not know when? If you visit Africa, you will find people there working hard, and you will see significant changes and things that have become different from what they were in the past 20 or 30 years ago.

If you look at the Asian continent and the Gulf region, in particular, you will find that things have become different, and the situation that we see in Europe has become available in the countries of this region in terms of the ability to organize and provide sponsorship offers and football stadiums. I do believe that it will not take much time for that to happen. You will see an Asian or African country winning the World Cup.

We Will Win the Title

Pele added: We must have faith that if we can organize the World Cup successfully, we will win the title.

Yesterday, I witnessed the training session, and I am confident that everything that international clubs such as Liverpool and Real Madrid have is available here at Al Ain Club. We must bring the specialized experts to inform us how to do things properly and how we can do that and win the title. I am sure we will win one day. I cannot say that it will be in 5 or 10 years, but we are not far from achieving that, winning the title.

Be Confident

He added: We have to have a sufficient level of confidence and belief in what we are doing and what our leaders are doing. Just for you to have the critical success factors, this championship will be held here one day. I hope I will have the opportunity to be present and watch the matches here.

Africa had organized this championship successfully, and this region will organize the next edition in a year or less. We are very close to that and win the title, but gradually and with organized work. Therefore, I am very hopeful that we will win the World Cup soon.

Confederation of African Football (CAF)

I mentioned earlier that everything is changing in Africa. There were certain significant controversies, but the situation is back to normal now.

The Fédération Internationale de Football Association “FIFA” supports the efforts of the CAF and pushes it forward in the right way. I see many good changes taking place on the ground, and I believe the CAF is improving, and things are going well.

I wish the African clubs come here and play in the Arab Gulf region in their stadiums and witness the beautiful methods of matches organization and generous hospitality. The main aim is to play football and work hard to achieve development and promote the capabilities to host the world in one country. This is what we are looking forward to attaining soon.

Fédération Internationale de Football Association “FIFA”

As for FIFA, I believe it is required to promote a policy of change. Yes, the president of the federation “Joseph Blatter” has been replaced, but FIFA has not changed, and certain things remain the same. We find the same concepts and way of working implemented in supporting all sports federations that sponsor their clubs, setting policies, and ensuring that other federations comply with their terms.

He added: “I believe FIFA is at its best during the times of the World Cup. Of course, FIFA works like a machine, but I believe that FIFA is in good shape and very happy with certain decisions it has recently made.

We are all footballers, and the members of the FIFA represent football game and understand the problems that each country suffers. They also understand the difficulties that each continent suffers and the issues facing all sports clubs. Therefore, they are all set to handle and overcome any challenge.

Pele added: In general, I am delighted with the performance of FIFA, the activities it supervises at the global level, and the projects it implements in other countries. It is not only about football, but helping people to play football and setting specific measures to help others to play football. For me, I am pleased with the concepts adopted by FIFA and implemented at the global level.

On the Sidelines

• The UAE League will be exciting for the current season, and I felt sad that Al Ain did not win any titles last season.
• I hope that Al Ain will win the league title this season and represent UAE in the AFC Champions League.
• My choice is logical to nominate Egypt’s Mohammed Salah and Senegal’s Sadio Mane for the African Footballer of the Year Award as both deserve the title. Results will be revealed at the beginning of next year. However, I insist that both deserve the award and will see soon who the boss is.

Childhood

Abedi Pele did not know that he would become a famous player in his childhood, especially after he made a great effort and received massive support from his father. He allowed me to play football before sending Pele to school to enhance his confidence in himself. When Pele had the opportunity to become a professional football, he did not hesitate to invest in it in the right way and worked hard and diligently until he became one of the most prominent football players in the world. As a result, he received great appreciation and acceptance from everyone.

Eternal Love

Pele had an eternal love for the largest clubs in the Asian continent, a magician and artist… he imposed his name… as one of the best African football ambassadors.

He scattered creativity… in the three continents, Europe… Africa… and Asia.

He played 31 matches with Al Ain. He scored 28 goals and won the League and Cup championships with the Boss respectively in the 1998-1999 and 1999-2000 seasons before announcing his retirement.

He won several individual awards during his career, most notably the African Footballer of the Year Award for three years (1991, 1992, and 1993). He also entered the list of 10 nominees for the FIFA World Player of the Year Award twice (1991, 1992). In 2011, he won the Legends Golden Football Award.

H.H. Sheikh Hazza Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Chairman of Abu Dhabi Executive Council, will sponsor the activities of Abu Dhabi 50th Judo Grand Slam Tournament organized by the UAE Judo and Wrestling Association. The tournament is scheduled to be held during 26-28 November 2021 in the Arena courts in Mohmammed Bin Zayed Sports City in Abu Dhabi.

The participating teams represent countries from all over the world which reflects the successes achieved by the UAEJWA to mark the UAE National Day and the 50th (Jubilee) Anniversary of establishing the union and a message of peace and tolerance to all countries.

H.E. Mohammed bin Thaloub, Chairman of UAEJWA, stated: “In realization of the directives of H.H. Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Abu Dhabi Crown Prince and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, that “life started to back to normal in UAE given that we are experiencing safe health situation in UAE and we are out of Covid-19 pandemic safely and learnt many lessons and experiments out of this challenge”.

The Chairman of the Organizing Committee added: “Following the statements made by the UAE wise leadership, we were given the green light to hold the second big event sponsored by the UAEJWA that is usually held in five big cities, namely: Abu Dhabi, Paris, Moscow, Pako, Tokyo.”

He also pointed out that preparations were kicked off earlier to ensure the success of the 11th edition of this tournament hosted by UAE.

Bin Thaloub concluded his statement by saying: “40 days ahead of starting the celebrations marking the 50th anniversary, the UAEJWA announced opening the registration window to participate in the tournament. 9 countries registered immediately: Denmark, UK, Chinese Taipan, Ukraine, Czech Republic, Serbia, Slovenia, Poland. It is expected the number will increase to reach 70 countries in total.”

Chaired by Saleh Al Shuaili, member of the Al Ain Sporys Games Company and Supervisor of the Handball Sector, Al Ain Handball Team departed to Tunisia on Friday 15 October. The team is scheduled to play in the Prince Feisal bin Fahd Arab Handballs Tournament 36 during 23 October until 2 November in Al Hammamat City.

The Boss looks forward to performing honorably on behalf of the UAE handball given the team won the title of the sixth edition of the tournament held in Jordan in 1981 and was placed sixth in tournament held in 2014 in Tunisia. The Boss will spare no effort to clinch the title of this edition and it is a precious opportunity to prepare for the current season.

Al Ain team concluded their home preparations for this tournament by holding Al Ain Friendly Tournament which lasted for four days. The participating teams included Al Jazira, Mlaiha and Al Wasl. The team achieved their desired goals before heading to Tunisia to kickoff the second stage of their preparations. The team will hold a training camp in Al Hammamt City for one week where they will play several friendly matches.

Al Ain Sports Games Company expressed its sincerest appreciation to Sharjah Sports Games Company for their cooperation and granting green light to Tariq Shaheen and Ahmad Al Dhanhani to play for the Boss squad on loan. The regulations of the tournament allows the participating teams to involve two local players from other local clubs to join the teams lineup.

Saleh Al-Shouaili, member of the Board of Directors of Al Ain Sports Games Company and Supervisor of the Handball Sector, expressed his appreciation to the Abu Dhabi Sports Council for their support for sports and athletes in whole Abu Dhabi, especially the support and efforts they exerted to make Al Ain Handball Tournament 2 a success story.
He stated: “This is what we are trying to maintain and keep going on holding such tournaments and friendly matches in the coming years to improve the game.”

Al Shouaili praised the team’s level of performance during the friendly tournament organized by Al Ain Club during 10 to 13 October, in which Al Jazeera, Al Wasl, and Maliha participated. The matches were held in the indoor courts of Khalifa bin Zayed Stadium
He stated: “We achieved many gains out of the matches of the friendly tournament. This tournament is a preparatory stage for the 36th Arab Handball Championship scheduled to be held in Tunisia scheduled to be kicked off on 23rd October 2021 in Al Hammamet City in Tunisia. The Al Ain Friendly Tournament was held ahead of the Arab Championship as part of a two-stage preparation camp. The second stage will be held in Tunisia where the team will play friendly matches a week ahead of the championship.

Regarding the friendly tournament, he said: “I am happy with the good performance of the team, and this is what we are looking for, especially since we played 3 matches. We lost against Al Wasl and drew with Maliha. The team achieved valuable gains before playing in the Arab Handball Championship.”

He added, “The Czech and Croatian resident players were terminated given that their performance was not up to the expectations during the matches of the league and the friendly championship. We did not see any significance of keeping them with the team. This is why we decided to terminate their contracts and we hope that we will be lucky in finding a successful replacement to them before the league kicks off. Indeed, we have new players onboard as of the beginning of the season including local and resident players and we look forward to winning titles and ascending to the podiums this year.”

As for the team’s participation in the 36th Arab Handball Championship, Saleh stressed that the team is going to benefit from such valuable participating through playing against several sports teams and schools of playing that enjoy excessive experience in handball.

Member of the Board of Directors of Al Ain Sports Games Company, Saleh Al Shouaili thanked the Sharjah Club for their support to Al Ain Club by loaning the players Tariq Shaheen and Ahmed Al Dhanhani to join the team during the 36th Arab Handball Championship.

“This is not unusual for Al Sharjah Club and all UAE clubs who always cooperate and support the clubs representing UAE in away sports events,” he concluded.

Al Ain Sports and Cultural Club has officially signed a partnership agreement with Expo 2020 Dubai this evening to join the largest event ever held in the region.

World Expos began 170 years ago, and have since served as a platform to showcase the latest inventions and innovations that have shaped the planet.

Expo 2020 will welcome Al Ain Club players and fans for on-site appearances, training sessions at the Expo Sports, Fitness & Wellbeing Hub, and collaborate on joint marketing and promotions. The Expo 2020 logo will also appear on the Al Ain Club football kit, with additional Expo branding at Al Ain Club home games and across their social media channels and website.

H.E. Mohammed bin Thaloub Al Deri, Chairman of Al Ain Club Investment Company, praised the generous support of the UAE’s wise leadership across all sectors to promote the nation in all fields.

He pointed out that it is the commitment of the UAE’s loyal people, who spared no effort to achieve the aspirations of the whole nation, that make it possible.

H.E. Al Deri added: “We are proud to sign the partnership agreement with Expo 2020 Dubai based on the Club’s vision, which supports participation in global forums, national events and community initiatives.”

“With the participation of 192 countries, we are honoured to enter into this partnership with Expo 2020 Dubai. It showcases the true capabilities of our beloved homeland, hosting one of the first events of this size and scale since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic.”
Expo 2020 Dubai is the first World Expo where every participating nation will be showcased in its own pavilion.

Mukhtar Safi, Chief Financial Officer, Expo 2020 Dubai, said: “We are extremely pleased to be working with Al Ain Club. The club shares our aspirations, and just as it has been an important part of the history of our nation, which will be celebrated this year with the UAE’s Golden Jubilee, I am sure it will be an important part of the future, as we look towards the next 50 years.”

H.E. Al Deri went on to say: “Our fledging country showed its firm will to win the most significant challenge globally and is dazzling the whole world with its sons’ inventions, innovations, developments in technology, digital transformation, industry, artificial intelligence, future sciences, arts, intellectual aspects, and various fields of creativity and humanity.”

The Chairman of Al Ain Club Investment Company expressed his sincerest pride in this partnership, as it coincides with the UAE’s celebrations of its Golden Jubilee and its aspirations for the next 50 years.

He concluded his statement by saying: “Emiratis and all residents of this blessed land have proved their ability to achieve success despite all the circumstances and challenges that face the world. Indeed, the UAE is writing an inspiring success story that definitely will be immortalised in history. It is turning the vision of the UAE’s late Founding Founder, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, may God rest his soul in peace, into reality.”

In realization of the directives of Al Ain Club senior management on the importance of consolidating the role of the Al Ain Sports and Cultural Club and its affiliate companies to support the distinguished and showing appreciation to the role of partners, Al Ain Club organized a special ceremony to mark the Teacher’s Day in cooperation with the UAE University. The ceremony was held at the Chairman’s Lounge in the Hazza bin Zayed stadium.

The ceremony was held to recognize teachers’ roles and show appreciation to them in transferring knowledge and in appreciation of the role of the UAE University since its establishment in graduating leaders who have effectively contributed to the development process. Also, it was held to highlight the efforts exerted by the UAE University to be classified as one of the best universities in the world.

Hamad Nukhairat Al Ameri, Managing Director of Al Ain Sports and Cultural Club and the club’s affiliates, was keen to honor several UAEU professors. So they were issued certificates of appreciation and souvenirs that included membership of the “Ainawi” seasonal card.

The ceremony was attended by Rashid Abdullah, Executive Director of Al Ain Investment Club Company, the players of the first team Jamal Marouf and Ali Eid, and the directors of the departments and staff of the club and its subsidiaries.

The ceremony was organized and supervised by the Club’s Corporate Communication Department through direct coordination with the Communication Department of the UAE University.

(WAM) — H.H. Sheikh Hazza bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Chairman of Abu Dhabi Executive Council, visited the 18th edition of Abu Dhabi International Hunting and Equestrian Exhibition (ADIHEX), which is being staged at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC).

H.H. Sheikh Hazza bin Zayed toured various exhibitors and stands, representing 44 countries from around the world, and was briefed on the latest trends and technology solutions for use in hunting, equestrian activities and environmental protection.

H.H. said ADIHEX contributes to promoting the country’s authentic heritage and presenting it to the world and acts as a platform for cultural exchange.

He also highlighted the significance of the event in providing a platform that celebrates and preserves cultural heritage for future generations.

ADIHEX is the largest exhibition of its kind in the MENA region. The 2021 edition is taking place over seven successive days for the first time, hosting 680 companies and 319 exhibitors across 50,000sqm – the largest area in the event’s history.

(WAM) — H.H. Sheikh Hazza bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Chairman of Abu Dhabi Executive Council, today separately received Paul Kagame, President of the Republic of Rwanda, Patrick Ache, Prime Minister of the Republic of Côte d’Ivoire, and Prime Minister and Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Albania, Edi Rama, who are participating in the 14th World Policy Conference (WPC), currently hosted by Abu Dhabi.

Each year, WPC gathers political, economic and social leaders, including heads of states and governments, ministers, members of parliaments, ambassadors, CEOs, experts, journalists and NGOs’ members.

Sheikh Hazza welcomed the distinguished guests, wishing them success in this significant conference, which, he said, is an opportunity to converge ideas, visions and aspirations and produce fruitful results that contribute to formulating common visions and solutions to face various challenges and consolidate cooperation and joint solidarity for promoting peace, security, stability and global development.

He exchanged views with the state’s guests about the prospects of enhancing UAE’s bilateral cooperation with their countries.

The guests expressed appreciation of UAE hosting of the conference, hailing its role in embracing such intellectual forums that contribute to building civilisational awareness about the necessity of forging solutions to multifaceted global challenges and developmental issues.

Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Cabinet Member and Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence, Sheikh Shakhbout bin Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of State, and Ahmed Ali Al Sayegh, Minister of State, attended parts of the meetings.

Founded in 2008 by Thierry de Montbrial, Chairman of the French Institute of International Relations, the World Policy Conference (WPC) is holding its fourteenth edition from October 1-3, 2021, in Abu Dhabi.

The WPC’s mission is to reflect upon and to come up with solutions to the constant upheavals of today’s world and to create lasting bonds between the participants. This international conference gives a voice to political, economic, academic and media players from over 40 countries – from major powers to medium and small countries, including emerging countries, thus ensuring a diversity and plurality of debates.

The support of members of the Honorary Council Will Take up repeatedly

H.E. Mohammed bin Thaloub Al Deri, Chairman of Al Ain Club Investment Company, valued the support of the members of the Al Ainawi Honorary Council to the “Boss” fans ahead of the team’s match against Al Wahda.

Noteworthy, the members of the Al Ainawi Honorary Council purchased 25% of the tickets and offered them as a gift to the loyal fans, in addition to cheering equipment. The matchweek 6 of ADNOC Pro League was held this evening at Hazza bin Zayed Stadium and Al Ain was held at a 1-1 draw to Al Wahda.

Al Deri praised at the same time the Club’s partners for their keenness to contribute to the creative community initiatives that Al Ain Club has been implementing in the City of Gardens and all over our beloved homeland.

H.E. Al Deri acclaimed the massive number of fans who attended the match and supported the two teams in the “Derby” match. Their presence reflected a fantastic image in the best football stadiums in the world.

He pointed out: “Al Ain Nation still has the highest attendance rates in our League. The number of Boss fans attending matches is proof that they are the most important player in the team lineup, and one of the main reasons that led Al Ain Team to win titles throughout our Club’s broad history.”

In response to a question about Al Ain’s performance in the match against Al Wahda, he said: “I believe that the draw result is not fair compared to the sensational performance of the stars of the team as of the kickoff whistle until the last minute of the match.”

He added that the Boss squad dominated the match, especially during the second half of the game, and missed several scoring chances. He confirmed that the Boss deserved to win the match and add three points to its balance. However, the team was not lucky enough, and he hoped that tomorrow would be better.

He went on to say: “Al Ain deserves to be at the top of the standing table as of the second round until the sixth despite being held at a draw in the last two matches. This is a shred of evidence that the team’s performance is improving in pursuit of its goals set in the current season. We all have full confidence in the quality players in light of the support of the loyal fans in the way the Boss would achieve their desired aspirations.”

Al Deri also hailed the efforts exerted by Sergiy Rebrov to improve the squad’s performance and correct mistakes with sights set to maintain the gains achieved by the Boss in the current season and enhance the team’s strengths. He pointed out that the Boss with the elite quality players will be able to be back to the victories track maintain the top spot of the ADNOC Pro League.

Rashid Abdullah confirms the increase in the sale of tickets for the “Derby” match, which gives rise to optimism

During the press conference held today to announce signing a new partnership between Al Ain Football Club and Burjeel Hospitals Group, Rashid Abdullah, Executive Director of Al Ain Club Investment Company, revealed a noticeable rise in the ticket sales index for the “Derby” match between Al Ain and Al Wahda. The game is scheduled to be held on Wednesday 29th September 2021, at Hazza Bin Zayed Stadium.

The Executive Director of Al Ain Investment Club explained that the stands allocated for the fans are in line with the protocol for returning the fans to the stadiums is limited to 60%.

He stated that it is expected that all tickets will be sold out by the afternoon of the matchday, given that a number of the Ainawi Honorary Council were keen to offer fans free tickets in Sections 312 and 313. He pointed out that it was decided that those tickets would be distributed in coordination with the Al Ain Club Fans Affairs Office.

Abdullah Rashid added that members of the Honor Council were also keen to provide cheer tools to support the Ainawi Nation.

Concluding his statement, he said this initiative in support of the “Boss” fans is not unusual for the Ainawi Honorary Council, who always incites to furnish all types of support to the Ainawi fans.