Sheikh Hazza reviews Al Ain sports and heritage plans with Abu Dhabi Councils
H.H. Sheikh Hazza bin Zayed Al Nahyan met representatives from the Abu Dhabi Sports Council and Abu Dhabi Falconers’ Club to discuss expanded community events and heritage programmes across Al Ain Region.
Developing sport and conserving heritage in Al Ain Region
On 11th September 2026 H.H. Sheikh Hazza bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler’s Representative in Al Ain Region, received a delegation from the Abu Dhabi Sports Council and the Abu Dhabi Falconers’ Club to review planned initiatives to further develop the region’s sporting ecosystem.
The briefing set out the council’s strategic direction for Al Ain, including intentions to host championships and competitions, expand participation across different community segments and reinforce support for heritage sports. Delegates highlighted a calendar of forthcoming events: running races, half marathons and community sports activities, together with stages of the Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge and a round of the Abu Dhabi Baja Challenge that will be hosted in the region.
Representatives from the Abu Dhabi Falconers’ Club outlined their ongoing programmes to preserve falconry as an integral element of Emirati heritage. The delegation also provided an overview of the Arabian Saluki Championship and its role in promoting the traditional practice and ensuring it is passed on to future generations.
Sheikh Hazza emphasised the importance of continuing to strengthen the sports ecosystem in Al Ain Region in line with the directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, which place sport as a driver of community development, quality of life and healthier lifestyles. He also stressed the need to broaden community sporting events in support of the objectives of the Year of Family, encouraging family participation across a wide range of activities.
The meeting underlined the dual priorities of expanding modern sporting opportunities while protecting and embedding heritage disciplines within the social fabric of the region. Officials noted that increased community engagement and high-profile events would enhance Al Ain’s standing as a sporting destination and provide continuity for traditional practices such as falconry and saluki breeding and exhibition.
Present at the meeting were Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Undersecretary of the Ruler’s Representative Court in Al Ain Region; Faris Khalaf Al Mazrouei, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Abu Dhabi Falconers’ Club; Majid Ali Al Mansouri, Secretary-General of the Emirates Falconers’ Club; Aref Hamad Al Awani, Secretary-General of Abu Dhabi Sports Council; Sultan Ibrahim Al Mahmoud, Executive Director and Managing Director of Abu Dhabi Falconers’ Club; Rashed Musabbeh Al Manei, Director General of Al Ain City Municipality; and other officials.
Source: WAM