Winners celebrate with the trophy after the presentation ceremony.

Under the patronage of Sheikh Mansour Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President and Deputy Prime Minister of the UAE, Minister of the Presidential Court of the UAE, the 27th edition of the Zayed Sports Tournament concluded in Abu Dhabi on Sunday, as jubilant celebrations from athletes and performances from renowned Emirati artists closed the event.

Established in memory of the late Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the founder of the UAE, the tournament is a tribute to his passion and fondness for sports. From the beginning of the Blessed Month of Ramadan, the 2024 edition of this revered event welcomed 1780 national and international sports enthusiasts, alongside crowds of supporting residents and citizens who soaked up the unique and charming atmosphere of the tournament. In a culminating ceremony filled with pride and achievement, a total of Dhs350,000 in prize money, 660 medals, and 85 trophies were handed over to the winning athletes and teams.

Children and adults from across the capital and expatriates from across the globe, took part in thrilling competitions of chess, football, boxing, padel tennis (including Emirati women only), gymnastics, and Petanque. Beyond the tournament, the event served as a platform for community and togetherness. Families and friends united to cheer on the athletes and share experiences cherishing the holy month of Ramadan. The spirit of togetherness was further distinguished by the presence of esteemed dignitaries every day to boost the morale of the teams making it successful.

This year’s tournament included chess for the first time, attracting a diverse range of participants including children. The addition also embraced inclusivity, featuring blind athletes competing using braille and demonstrating exceptional sportsmanship.

The cash prizes for Men’s and Women’s football included Dhs40,000 for first place, Dhs15,000 for second place, and Dhs5,000 for third place.

Taking the top spot in the Men’s football championship was team Arsenal, with second place going to team Bin Hamouda Auto and team Kasukali Select AD in third. It was team Abu Dhabi Country Club A in the Women’s football championship taking the podium in first place, with second place going to team Mubadara Women, and third place to team Abu Dhabi Country Club B. 

The action from the Children’s football championship did not disappoint either, with team Al Jazira FA taking the U10s crown, beating team 7 MANIA FA who took 2nd, followed by team Al Wahda in third. The U12s category was won by team Al Jazira FA after defeating 2nd place team Al Karama FA, with team Al Wahda taking third spot.

The talent of the children from the UAE and other countries was also witnessed during the -day gymnastics tournament. Over 300 boys and girls competed in Floor Exercise, Vault, and Beam. This was thanks to the support of Little Stars Gymnastics, an organization based at The Dome, Erth Abu Dhabi.

One of the fastest growing sports on the planet – padel tennis – also formed part of the robust tournament schedule. Cash prizes for the padel competition included total prizes of Dhs55,000, for each first place Dhs8000 and Dhs3000 for second place for 5 categories.