UAE’s golden moments to come alive at ‘Emirates Sports in 50 Years’

Amir Naqvi, Sports Editor

Mirroring the country’s sporting achievements of the past five decades, an exhibition, titled ‘Emirates Sports in 50 Years’, will be held at the Dubai World Trade Centre from December 2-4.

The exhibition, taking place under the auspices of the General Authority of Sports and organised by BB Sports, will shed light on the unforgettable moments of the UAE’s sports history.

Top soccer stars, clubs, professional boxers, legendary athletes and other sports personalities are expected to attend the event.

Former Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Ronaldinho and Egyptian club football powerhouse Zamalek have already confirmed their participation.

The organisers are in talks with former heavyweight champion Mike Tyson and expect to get his confirmation soon as well.

The exhibition will mark the UAE’s Golden Jubilee celebrations.

The country’s Year of the 50th celebrations was officially launched on April 6, with year-long events, and the country will celebrate its remarkable journey of the last 50 years until March 31, 2022.

Former Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Ronaldinho has already confirmed participation.

The UAE’s leadership had earlier declared 2021 as the Year of the 50th — celebrating the fact that it has completed 50 glorious years since the Union of the seven Emirates in 1971.

Khaled Issa Al Midfa, Assistant Secretary-General of the General Authority for Sports, said: “An exhibition organised by BB Sports Services Company, on display at the Dubai World Trade Centre in the first week of December, documents the country’s progress in sport over the past 50 years.”

“UAE sport has been through many stages since it was founded in 1971, and the exhibition traces the timeline of this glorious journey, ‘’ he added.

Midfa also suggested that the authorities welcome suggestions and ideas that could document the march and achievements of the UAE athletes in different fields, from soccer to Olympics, including Sheikh Ahmed Bin Hasher Al Maktoum, who became the first Emirati to win an Olympic gold medal when he cruised to the double-trap shooting title at the Athens Games in 2004.

Since the formation of the UAE in 1971, the country’s wise leadership has given every attention to the growth, welfare and institutionalisation of the sports sector in view of the significant role it plays in the development and advancement of the nation. Establishing and maintaining sports clubs is under the scope of social development services.

The UAE is keen on providing the necessary support for sports in the country, through the construction of many modern sports facilities such as football stadiums, car-racing tracks, golf courses and training centres across the country, to serve professionals and beginners.

The UAE regularly hosts championships, which involve renowned international players, big rewards and huge public following. Some of the major global events taking place in the UAE include season-ending Formula 1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, Abu Dhabi Golf Championship, Mubadala World Tennis Championship, Dubai Desert Classic, Dubai Tennis Championships, Dubai Rugby Sevens and Dubai World Cup.

The UAE is also the host for several international cricket tournaments including Indian Premier League and bilateral series.

“UAE’s sports sector has contributed to many of the country’s sporting achievements at the local, regional and international levels, which makes it important to remember these achievements during the Golden Jubilee festivities, ‘’ said Midfa.

Besides hosting top-notch events, the UAE provides the best of facilities in terms of cricket, football stadiums, equestrian clubs, tennis courts, racetracks and a dedicated circuit for Formula 1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

“In addition to providing a platform to all workers in the sports industry, in various disciplines and fields, the exhibition will be a chance for them to showcase their services and sporting products to a wide audience,” said Abdullah Murad, general coordinator of the exhibition and general manager of BB Sports.

“The UAE’s remarkable development and great accomplishments in the past 50 years are a testament to its ability to achieve even greater heights in the next 50 years, and goes to show its belief that nothing is beyond reach,” Murad added.

He said an invitation has also been sent to Nazir Ahmed, a member of the British House of Lords.

Dr Bu Abdullah, also known as Yaqoub Mousa Mohammed, Chairman of Bu Abdullah Group, said: “The exhibition will introduce new generations to the UAE’s sports history.

“We assure that we will do our best to make it a success.

“During the exhibition the UAE youths will also have the opportunity to meet their legends and interact with them.”

Meanwhile, Murad, Dr Bu Abdullah, Syed Raza Abidi, Chief Coordinator UAE Hockey Federation, Raja Ubaid Ur Rehman, marketing head of BB Sports, and Kishore Shetty held a meeting to review the preparations for the exhibition.