Opening ceremony of the first University Games in Abu Dhabi draws large crowds; Leading figures including Brazilian star Ronaldinho attends event

H.E. Dr. Ahmad Belhoul Al Falasi: “University Games represent a crucial step in the development of Emirati sports, as schools and universities play a significant role in identifying and nurturing sports talents.”

• AED 3.4 million will be used to support athletes participating in the University Games through financial incentives and rewards.
• The results of the draw to determine the opening matches for each team competing in the six competitions were also announced.
• The opening ceremony was attended by several ministers and prominent sports figures in the country, along with more than 2,500 participants and followers.
• To make the University Games more competitive and establish a robust sports environment that strengthens the UAE's standing as a top regional and international sports destination, upcoming editions will feature more teams and new competitions.

United Arab Emirates, Wednesday, November 6, 2024- The International Tennis Centre in Abu Dhabi Sports City hosted the opening ceremony of the first University Games Championship on Tuesday, 05 November 2024.

The event was held in the presence of Sheikh Mohammed bin Khalifa bin Mohammed bin Khalid Al Nahyan, Sheikh Rashid bin Humaid Al Nuaimi, Vice President of the National Olympic Committee, His Excellency Dr. Ahmad Belhoul Al Falasi, Minister of Sports, His Excellency Dr. Abdulrahman Al Awar, Minister of Human Resources and Emiratisation and Acting Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, His Excellency Dr. Sultan Al Neyadi, Minister of State for Youth Affairs, His Excellency Issa Hilal Al Hazami, Chairman of the Sharjah Sports Council, H.E. Aref Hamad Al Awani, Secretary General of the Abu Dhabi Sports Council, H.E Ghanem Mubarak Al Hajeri, Director-General of General Authority of Sports, His Excellency Faris Al Mutawa, Secretary-General of the National Olympic Committee, His Excellency Sheikh Suhail bin Butti Al Maktoum, Secretary-General of the Emirates Sports Federation for School and University Education Institutions, Homaid AlShimmari, Deputy Group CEO and Chief Corporate & Human Capital Officer at MUBADALA, Mr Nasser Ali Al Nabhani, Managing Director of Solutions+ – MUBADALA, in addition to many representatives from sports federations across the UAE.

The University Games are organised by the UAE School and University Sports Federation in cooperation with Abu Dhabi Entertainment Company (ADEC), under the supervision of the Ministry of Sports. The championship aims to promote university sports through annual competitions to create a stimulating sports environment in universities that help discover and develop exceptional Emirati talents. The initiative also aligns with the objectives of the National Sports Strategy 2031, which aims to shape a distinguished sports ecosystem for students that enhances the country’s position as a leading sports destination, both regionally and globally.

His Excellency Dr. Ahmad Belhoul Al Falasi, Minister of Sports, said: “The University Games, one of the most significant initiatives that emerged from the ‘Future of Sports Retreat,’ represent a crucial step forward in developing the UAE’s sports ecosystem and achieving the goals of the National Sports Strategy 2031. This is accomplished by expanding avenues for participation within universities and enhancing competitiveness among Emirati students, in line with the vision and directives of our wise leadership.”

His Excellency added: "Our commitment to school and university games stems from our strong belief in the role of educational institutions in the discovery and development of athletic talents. Schools and universities lay the groundwork for the younger generation to achieve significant milestones that will position the UAE on the global sporting map."

H.E. further emphasised that university games and events help foster a culture of sportsmanship among the country's youth, inspire the next generation to embrace sports on a foundational basis, and give them access to competitive opportunities in a variety of sporting events. These competitions will also enhance social cohesion among members of society and support the comprehensive development of Emirati sports.

Notably, the opening ceremony was attended by Brazilian football player Ronaldinho, one of the most renowned figures in the Brazilian national team and Barcelona Club. He also witnessed the announcement of the results of the draw to determine the opening matches for each team competing in the University Games, in front of over 2,500 participants and supporters. At the ceremony, organisers went on to announce that AED 3.4 million would be awarded as financial incentives and rewards to support the athletes competing in the tournament. This demonstrated their dedication to giving athletes the opportunity to grow and succeed, as well as their commitment to making this initiative a success.

With 105 teams and over 1,100 male and female players, the championship, which is being attended by 28 universities from across the nation, features six competitions throughout the season in three main sports – football, basketball, and volleyball. Future iterations are also expected to feature more teams and new sporting events to make university competitions more effective and establish a resilient environment for sports that will establish the UAE as a leading sports destination.

Notably, the University Games Championship is the first of its kind in the UAE. They will unite universities from all over the nation in a dynamic competition that will begin in November and run through February 2025, with the winning teams being crowned in a special closing ceremony.