Al Dhafra Sports Development Agenda Highlighted During Hamdan Bin Zayed Review

H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan said that sports development in Al Dhafra is moving in step with the national direction set by President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, stressing its importance for public health and community wellbeing.

During a meeting at Qasr Al Nakheel in Abu Dhabi with an Abu Dhabi Sports Council delegation led by Secretary-General Aref Hamad Al Awani, Sheikh Hamdan reviewed current and planned programmes that aim to expand sports facilities and participation across the Al Dhafra Region.

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Sheikh Hamdan underlined that sports are treated as a core element of national planning. He stated, "By integrating sports into the UAE's comprehensive development strategy, the UAE leadership aims to foster community health and enhance the overall quality of life across the region," he said, linking sector growth with long-term social goals.

Officials briefed Sheikh Hamdan on the timetable for sports tournaments and championships scheduled in Al Dhafra for 2026, explaining how these events are designed to engage residents, promote regular physical activity, and support a lifestyle that values health, sustainability and shared community spaces.

The meeting highlighted progress on Abu Dhabi 360 sports centres in the region, including Ghayathi Community Sport Centre, Madinat Zayed Community Centre and Al Sila Center for Care and Rehabilitation, which offer services tailored to different groups and encourage wider involvement in organised and informal sports.

Sheikh Hamdan also examined plans for community-focused events across Al Dhafra this year. These activities will target residents of various ages, seek to strengthen social ties, and support a stronger sports culture by making structured and recreational exercise more visible and accessible in local neighbourhoods.

Routes for the UAE Tour Women and UAE Tour Men stages in Al Dhafra were reviewed as part of the briefing, with the region set to host opening stages of both races on 5 February and 16 February, linked to their fourth and eighth editions.

For his part, Al Awani thanked H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan for continuous backing and close monitoring of Al Dhafra sports projects, noting that this support helps advance programmes designed around the needs of residents in towns and communities across the region.

Al Awani confirmed that the Abu Dhabi Sports Council will keep working on development projects that build a comprehensive and supportive sports environment for all social segments, aligning with the expanding Al Dhafra sports sector and its growing role in wider sustainable community development.

With inputs from WAM