6th Dubai Labour Sports Tournament To Kick Off In September 2024

The 6th Dubai Labour Sports Tournament is set to commence on 15th September. Organised by the Dubai Sports Council (DSC) in collaboration with the Permanent Committee of Labour Affairs in Dubai, Dubai Police, and the Federal Authority for Identity & Citizenship, Customs & Port Security, the event will run until 23rd February 2025. This year’s slogan is "Making them happy is our goal," with over 46,000 workers from 270 companies expected to participate.

This edition sees an increase in sports disciplines to 12, spread across ten locations in Dubai. The tournament was announced at a press conference attended by Khalfan Belhoul, Vice Chairman of DSC; Saeed Hareb, Secretary General of DSC; Major General Obaid Muhair bin Suroor, Chairman of the Permanent Committee of Labour Affairs in Dubai; and Brigadier Ali Khalfan Al Mansouri, Director of the General Department of Community Happiness at Dubai Police.

Saeed Hareb highlighted the significance of this event for workers in Dubai. He stated, "The wide participation in the tournament is the best evidence that sports have become an essential part of the life of our society with all its components, and workers in particular have a great love for sports, and possess great skills and good technical levels."

Hareb also emphasised that the competition programme includes various sporting events suitable for different cultures and abilities. "We are keen to ensure that the competition programme includes various sporting events that suit the cultures, abilities and hobbies of workers of different nationalities," he said.

Major General Obaid Muhair bin Suroor expressed gratitude towards DSC and other partners. He noted, "We thank the Dubai Sports Council, the strategic partner of the Permanent Committee for Labour Affairs, and we thank all partners and sponsors for this session." He further added that they aim to increase participants to over 100,000 in future editions.

Supporting Worker Engagement

Brigadier Ali Al Mansouri praised DSC’s efforts and partnership with Dubai Police. He remarked, "The success of this event will only push us to continue our successful partnership with the Dubai Sports Council as we realise the importance of sports initiatives that target different segments of society and work to make them happy."

This year’s tournament features an increase in tournaments dedicated to working women such as badminton, yoga, and thrash ball championships. The event aims to enhance engagement among workers from different nationalities and specialisations.

Now in its sixth year, this annual competition continues to grow. The number of participants has risen to over 46,000 male and female workers from 31 nationalities representing 270 companies. These participants form 873 teams competing in 12 diverse sports across ten locations within a distinguished labour environment.

The organisers are committed to ensuring that everyone has an opportunity to practice sports. Hareb mentioned that sports are vital for health and happiness which boosts productivity. "We are keen on its continuity and development based on our eagerness to provide everyone with the opportunity to practice sports as it is one of the most important sources of health," he said.

Major General Obaid highlighted their continuous efforts towards worker well-being through various initiatives. He said: "We will continue our partnership with the Council to achieve these goals by launching various initiatives directed at workers."

The tournament not only focuses on physical activities but also aims at making workers happy by engaging them in community events. This initiative reflects appreciation for their efforts in building the nation while contributing significantly towards development.

As this year's event unfolds over six months starting from September till February next year, it promises a blend of excitement through multiple sporting events designed specifically for labourers’ enjoyment across Dubai's vibrant landscape.

With inputs from WAM