Sheikh Hasher Bin Maktoum Al Maktoum, Chairman of the UAE Tennis Federation, commended the vital role played by national talents through their participation in international ATP tournaments held in the UAE, such as the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships and the Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open.
This recognition took place during an honorary ceremony where Sheikh Hasher honoured individuals who contributed as referees, ball kids, organizers, players and participants in these tournaments.
He also praised the significant progress in tennis within the UAE, highlighting the country’s success in organizing and hosting international tournaments for men, women, and youth across both genders.
Furthermore, he acknowledged the esteemed position held by the UAE Tennis Federation, emphasizing its growing influence in the sport’s spectrum in the UAE.
The event was attended by Ahmed Abdul Malik Ahli, Vice Chairman of the Federation, Nasser Yousef Al Marzouqi, Secretary-General, Khalifa BinHendi, Board Member and Chairman of the Outreach and Partnerships Committee, Alia Bujsaim, Board Member, alongside other federation officials, distinguished players, and media representatives.
The ceremony began with the recognition of national talents, including line umpire Khalifa Khalid Al Reyami, Farah Saeed Belhasa, Marwan Al Marzouqi, Mohamed Fouad, and national player Abdulrahman Al Janahi.
Sheikh Hasher also commended the UAE Tennis Federation for its strategic efforts in promoting a strong tennis culture by fostering an ideal environment for both UAE nationals and residents. This includes supporting tennis clubs and academies, regularly organizing competitions, and creating opportunities to discover and develop Emirati talents, further enriching the country’s tennis landscape.
Additionally, Sheikh Hasher praised the federation’s organizational excellence in hosting international youth tournaments and local competitions. He expressed his satisfaction with the remarkable progress made by Emirati tennis umpires in officiating and lauded the federation’s efforts in this area, wishing them continued success in achieving the highest standards in the future.
Sheikh Hasher also honored several federation officials, as well as talented players from the UAE national junior and youth teams, encouraging them to continue their development and strive to represent the UAE in upcoming international competitions.
In return, the UAE Tennis Federation board members expressed its gratitude and appreciation to Sheikh Hasher for his unwavering support and commitment to recognizing outstanding national talents. They emphasized that his patronage serves as a significant motivation for national athletes and enhances the federation’s ability to implement its development strategies in a sustainable and impactful manner, both locally and internationally. The federation also affirmed that the coming phase will witness further achievements, elevating the sport and strengthening the support for national talents.