Sharjah Week Of The Stars 2025: A Showcase Of Global Football Legends And Tournaments

Under the guidance of Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Crown Prince, Deputy Ruler of Sharjah, and Chairman of the Sharjah Executive Council, the emirate is gearing up for the "Sharjah Week of the Stars."

The "Sharjah Week of the Stars" is not just a series of sports events; it's a strategic initiative to promote Sharjah as a leading destination for sports tourism. By combining athletic excellence with cultural showcases, Sharjah aims to offer a holistic experience to visitors and affirm its place on the global map of premier event destinations. This initiative reflects Sharjah's ongoing commitment to enriching the UAE's cultural and sporting landscape.

The week-long celebration, scheduled from January 10 to 13, 2025, promises a variety of activities. It includes the "Night of the Stars" football match featuring international legends, the "Sharjah International Footgolf Tournament," the "Legends Padel Tour," and an inaugural E-Sports Tournament that's open to the public and will feature football legends actively participating.

Highlights of the Week

The Sharjah International Footgolf Tournament is a premier event, set to occur at the Sharjah Golf and Shooting Club from January 11 to 12. It will draw over 145 competitors from 27 nations. The event will climax on the final day with football legends playing alongside footgolf champions for a $30,000 prize, marking it as a prestigious championship with participation from leading global and eight UAE-based players.

The "Night of the Stars" match is another highlight, taking place at Aljada mini-football stadium on January 11. The stadium, with a capacity for 2,000 fans, will host a friendly match between 22 football legends including Francesco Totti, Fabio Cannavaro, Rivaldo, Michael Owen, Papu Gómez, David Trezeguet, and Essam El Hadary. Moreover, an Italian football icon, soon to be announced, will also participate, adding to the excitement surrounding the event.

Following this, the "Legends Padel Tour" on January 12 at Aljada Padel Courts will see 16 international football legends competing. This event will also arrange special matches between football legends and the top local and regional padel talents, providing an exciting spectacle for fans.

In a unique blend of sports and tourism, Khalid Jasim Al Midfa, Chairman of the Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority, noted the emirate's readiness to host such a significant international event, highlighting the mutual benefits of sports and tourism in fostering growth and attracting tourists.

"Organizing the 'Sharjah Week of the Stars' embodies Sharjah's vision to combine sports, tourism, and culture. The emirate boasts rich natural diversity, heritage, and world-class infrastructure to host major events. This event reflects our commitment to providing exceptional experiences for residents and visitors within the UAE," said Al Midfa.

Sharjah has a precedent for hosting such sports events, as seen with the previous Footgolf Tournament in 2024 which attracted international players vying for $30,000 in prizes. That event also saw the participation of 23 prominent football legends in the "Legends Padel Tour" and "Night of the Stars," reinforcing the emirate's position as a hub for sports and cultural tourism.

This event, orchestrated by the Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority, is poised to elevate the emirate's profile in sports tourism by showcasing its key attractions and landmarks. The initiative underscores Sharjah's commitment to blending sports, tourism, and culture, offering both residents and visitors unparalleled experiences within the UAE.