Much-awaited Zayed Sports Tournament makes return to Erth Abu Dhabi

Gulf Today, Staff Reporter

Erth Abu Dhabi, the UAE capital’s treasured destination of Emirati hospitality is delighted to announce that the Zayed Sports Tournament under the patronage of Sheikh Mansour Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Presidential Court, is returning to the UAE capital.

The first hosting of the iconic community event since 2019, the Zayed Sports Tournament 2023 invites the UAE’s finest sporting talents and teams to showcase their skills and compete for an incredible Dhs184,000 in prize money.

Spanning gripping competitions in football, boxing, padel tennis, shooting and swimming, families and friends are also encouraged to come along, soak up the electric atmosphere, and cheer the athletes on from the sidelines.

Guaranteed to be an incredible display of speed, strength and agility, and offering competitions for men, women, children and those of all ages, the much-anticipated tournament will take place across the state-of-the-art sports facilities at Etizan Fitness.

Founded 26 years ago in tribute to the Founding Father of the UAE, the annual Zayed Sports Tournament honours Sheikh Zayed’s passion for sport, and the kind, generous and community-orientated spirit of Ramadan.

Throughout the last quarter of a century, the momentous initiative has grown into an extraordinary platform for the UAE’s thriving sporting community. Since its formation in 1997, it has inspired over 40,000 athletes and 590 teams, welcomed more than 68,000 spectators, and awarded a staggering Dhs28 million in prize money.

Organised by Erth Abu Dhabi, there is still time for any interested teams and athletes to sign up and take part in one of the five sports categories taking place each day, post-Iftar.

Those willing to register for boxing categories can do that through the UAE Boxing Federation.

The astounding prizes on offer include Dhs24,000 for the top men’s and women’s football team, Dhs10,000 for first place in shooting and Dhs5,000 for first place in padel, Dhs5,000 for first place in men's boxing, and Dhs2,500 for first place in youth boxing.

Lt. Gen. (Rtd) Mohammed H. Al Kaabi, Chairman of Erth Abu Dhabi stated: “Under the patronage of Sheikh Mansor and following in the footsteps of our founding father Sheikh Zayed, we are proud to present this year's 26th Zayed Sports Tournament and revive a cherished event following a three-year break.

“Up and coming athletes and fitness enthusiasts are showing great passion and ambition this year, and we wish every participant the very best of luck.”

Shaikha Al Kaabi, CEO of Erth Abu Dhabi, says: “After a three-year break, Erth Abu Dhabi is incredibly excited to bring back the Sheikh Zayed Tournament, and carry on its proud legacy for the 26th year.

“Erth Abu Dhabi, formerly known as the Armed Forces Officers Club & Hotel, has always hosted the Sheikh Zayed Tournament ever since its inception in 1997, and it forms an integral part of our history and heritage. A number of talented athletes and teams have already signed up to take part, and every match is sure to be filled with unmissable thrills and captivating displays of sporting prowess.

“we would like to encourage everyone who isn’t competing to come along and support our community of participants post-Iftar, during this year’s Holy Month of Ramadan.”

The Sheikh Zayed Tournament 2023 will start on Saturday and continue till April 8.

The junior football matches will be held on Saturday, women’s football will be held from March 27 to 29, padel will be held from March 27 to March 31, boxing competition will be held on March 31 and April 1, swimming will take on April 1, shooting event will be held on April1, 4 and 8, and the men’s football matches will round off the tournament from April 2 to 8.