Thrilling finals lined up for UAE University Games

The stage is now set for a series of finals as the inaugural edition of the UAE University Games kick-off this weekend.

After the conclusion of all six semi-finals in the men’s and women’s categories, all eyes will now be on which team will be crowned champions in football, basketball and volleyball, on Saturday and Sunday.

In the men’s football, the University of Sharjah will take on American University in the UAE, while it will be American University of Sharjah versus HCT Abu Dhabi in the women’s section.

The University of Sharjah eased past star-studded Al Ain University 3-0, while American University in the UAE got the better of American University in Sharjah 2-1 to set up a meeting in the men’s category final.

In the women’s category, HCT Abu Dhabi defeated New York University 2-1, while American University of Sharjah beat American University in Dubai 3-1.

In men’s volleyball, University of Sharjah and American University in Dubai will be the two finalists following emphatic 2-0 wins against HCT Dubai and University of Dubai, respectively. In the women’s volleyball, New York University had to battle hard for a 2-1 result against University of Sharjah, while American University in Dubai beat RIT Dubai 2-0.

Both the men’s and women’s basketball semi-finals ended in contrasting styles with University of Sharjah digging in deep before winning 68-63 against RIT Dubai. American University in Dubai had an easier outing while winning 60-36 against Canadian University in Dubai.

In the women’s basketball, American University in Dubai toyed with University of Sharjah before winning 70-14, while American University in Sharjah had to stay sharp till the end for a 31-27 win against Abu Dhabi University.

Action this weekend will shift to Al Jazeera Club in Abu Dhabi with the third place matches being followed by the finals of men’s football and men’s and women’s volleyball starting from 2 pm on Saturday (April 19).

On Sunday, the third place in women’s football will be followed by the final followed by the basketball for men and women.

Organised by Abu Dhabi Entertainment Company (ADEC), in cooperation with the Ministry of Sports and the UAE School and University Sports Federation with support from Solutions+ and MBME Group, the inaugural edition drew a total of 1,585 students from 28 universities from across the UAE.

Basma Ahmed Abu Al Nasr, CEO of Abu Dhabi Entertainment Company (ADEC), was thrilled to witness the level of competition between various university teams. “We have to acknowledge the level and amount of talent we have among our youths. This augurs well for sports in the country as we can be hopeful that at least a few of our players can aspire for national duty,” she remarked.