Abu Dhabi is empowering young athletes and people of determination with an all-inclusive sports programme that nurtures tomorrow’s champions
Abu Dhabi has long been renowned as a bastion of culture and heritage, with its rich history, stunning architecture, and some of the world’s most iconic museums. But alongside cultural landmarks like the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, Louvre Abu Dhabi and Qasr Al Watan, the UAE capital is also home to state-of-the-art sporting facilities that have attracted some of the biggest events and competitions in the region and around the world.
The unique mix of sports and culture somehow underlines Abu Dhabi’s nuanced approach to sports, which has seen a select number of world-class events being hosted in the UAE capital, as well as a strong focus on community and youth sports initiatives.
With world-class sporting facilities and venues such as Etihad Arena, Yas Marina Circuit, Zayed Sports City Stadium, Abu Dhabi Golf Club, Al Forsan International Sports Resort and Erth, Abu Dhabi’s ambition to become a global sports powerhouse cannot be understated. The emirate has already played host to numerous major global sporting events, including the World Triathlon Championship Series, Formula One Grand Prix, T20 Cricket World Cup and Mubadala World Tennis Championship, and so on, with plenty more being lined up this year alone.
Drive for excellence
With Abu Dhabi Sports Council (ADSC), the driving force behind the sport and youth initiatives, it is clear that the emirate is on the path to becoming a major sporting destination – and this bodes well for young athletes in the capital.
Indeed, alongside the many elite sporting events happening across the emirate, Abu Dhabi is also seeing numerous sporting venues big and small hosting sports leagues for students and young athletes, supported by the government, schools and various private entities.
Among these youth-focused events is the recent Jiu-Jitsu President’s Cup at the Mubadala Arena in Zayed Sports City, whose cash-rich AED 1 million prize fund demonstrates Abu Dhabi’s uncompromising commitment to youth sports development.
Abu Dhabi’s mission to develop the next generation of elite athletes has been further bolstered by a new initiative that supports UAE-based talents to pursue a career in sports, providing much-needed financing for their training and travel.
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The Mubadala Excellence Program, which was launched in 2021, has already produced a new breed of sporting heroes, including Faris Al Zaabi, the UAE’s first international duathlon medallist at the Pan Arab Championships and the first full-time Emirati triathlete.
Focus on inclusivity
But more than its pursuit of sporting excellence, Abu Dhabi’s successful sports programme more importantly embodies the spirit of inclusivity. And such commitment to providing equal access to all has been delivering fantastic results – at the Special Olympics National Games Austria last year, the UAE contingent harvested 16 medals, including eight gold, two silver and six bronze.
In fact, Abu Dhabi has been a global forerunner in promoting sports for people of determination, having hosted the Special Olympics World Games 2019, bringing the event to the Middle East and North Africa for the first time since its founding more than 50 years ago.
Global partnership Abu Dhabi has also found strong support from some of the world’s biggest sports leagues in its quest for sports supremacy. The Jr. NBA Abu Dhabi League, organised by the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) in partnership with the National Basketball Association (NBA), went from 30 school teams in its inaugural season last year to 60 teams this season.
The programme is part of a “groundbreaking multi-year partnership” between the NBA and DCT Abu Dhabi, which resulted in Abu Dhabi hosting the first-ever NBA games in the region last year, with another two games scheduled this year – a sporting spectacle that has certainly served as a huge motivation for young athletes in the city.
Abu Dhabi’s rise as a sports powerhouse has been nothing short of impressive, but the emirate’s commitment to developing youth sports is equally remarkable. From state-of-the-art training facilities and world-class coaching to partnerships with some of the biggest leagues in the world, Abu Dhabi is investing heavily in the next generation of athletes, ensuring that they have the support and resources needed to achieve their full potential.
With a focus on inclusivity, Abu Dhabi’s commitment to youth sports is truly helping break down barriers and ensure that all young people have an opportunity to pursue their passion and realise their dreams, regardless of their background.
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