Page 10 - MOS PR REPORT - November 2024

Opening ceremony of the first University Games in Abu

Dhabi draws large crowds; Leading figures including

Brazilian star Ronaldinho attends event

>>H.E. Dr. Ahmad Belhoul Al Falasi: “University Games represent a crucial step
in the development of Emirati sports, as schools and universities play a significant
role in identifying and nurturing sports talents.”

• AED 3.4 million will be used to support athletes participating in the

University Games through financial incentives and rewards.
• The results of the draw to determine the opening matches for each team
competing in the six competitions were also announced.

• The opening ceremony was attended by several ministers and prominent
sports figures in the country, along with more than 2,500 participants and
followers.
• To make the University Games more competitive and establish a robust sports
environment that strengthens the UAE's standing as a top regional and
international sports destination, upcoming editions will feature more teams

and new competitions.

United Arab Emirates, Wednesday, November 6, 2024- The International Tennis Centre in Abu
Dhabi Sports City hosted the opening ceremony of the first University Games Championship on
Tuesday, 05 November 2024.

The event was held in the presence of Sheikh Mohammed bin Khalifa bin Mohammed bin Khalid
Al Nahyan, Sheikh Rashid bin Humaid Al Nuaimi, Vice President of the National Olympic
Committee, His Excellency Dr. Ahmad Belhoul Al Falasi, Minister of Sports, His Excellency Dr.
Abdulrahman Al Awar, Minister of Human Resources and Emiratisation and Acting Minister of
Higher Education and Scientific Research, His Excellency Dr. Sultan Al Neyadi, Minister of State

for Youth Affairs, His Excellency Issa Hilal Al Hazami, Chairman of the Sharjah Sports Council,
H.E. Aref Hamad Al Awani, Secretary General of the Abu Dhabi Sports Council, H.E Ghanem
Mubarak Al Hajeri, Director-General of General Authority of Sports, His Excellency Faris Al
Mutawa, Secretary-General of the National Olympic Committee, His Excellency Sheikh Suhail
bin Butti Al Maktoum, Secretary-General of the Emirates Sports Federation for School and