The UAE is set to host the Gulf Youth Games as regional countries go head-to-head in junior sporting championships.
The Organising Committee of first Gulf Youth Games has announced that all sports facilities in the five host Emirates — Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, and Fujairah —are fully prepared to host the event.
They have ensured the provision of all necessary requirements and equipment in coordination with the National Olympic Committee, the General Sports Authority, and sports councils.
UAE Gulf Games 2024
The inaugural Gulf Youth Games will take place in the UAE from April 16 to May 2 and feature 3,500 male and female athletes from across the GCC competing in 25 individual and team sports under the theme “Our Gulf is One… Our Youth is Promising.”
Abu Dhabi will host football, swimming, judo, track cycling, sailing, jiu-jitsu, and boxing competitions.
Dubai hosts table tennis, athletics, volleyball, e-sports, athletic events for people of determination, and golf competitions.
In Sharjah, competitions will take place for basketball 3×3, handball, karate, chess, archery, equestrian events such as show jumping and dressage, and track cycling.
Fujairah is the venue for taekwondo, fencing, and badminton competitions, while Ajman hosts triathlon competitions.
Nabil Ashour, Chairman of the Technical Committee of the first Gulf Youth Games “UAE 2024,” emphasised the committee’s dedication to fulfilling the needs of all GCC teams, including training venues, equipment, and amenities.
The historic hosting of the inaugural edition underscores the UAE’s esteemed reputation in organising significant sporting events.
Ashour confirmed that 99 per cent of the stadiums and sports facilities designated to host official competitions have received approval, with only final steps remaining for full approval.
He highlighted that all sports facilities across the UAE are primed to host sporting events, and final approval serves as a measure to ensure their absolute readiness.
He said: “All facilities are 100 per cent ready to host various sporting events, but there are some facilities and stadiums that require additional special equipment, because they will host specialised sports such as equestrian, archery and chess.
“These venues will undergo thorough assessments to ensure they are fully equipped and prepared for training sessions”.
Furthermore, Nabil Ashour disclosed that the allocation of games across different regions of the country was determined through collaboration between the relevant federations and the organising committee of the tournament.
As an example, it was decided to host the jiu-jitsu events in Abu Dhabi, given its significance as the capital of this sport.
In Dubai, the spotlight will shine on padel competitions, while Sharjah will host the handball tournaments, reflecting the popularity of these sports in these Emirates.
As for the arrival dates of the participating teams, Nabil Ashour clarified that they will vary depending on the competition schedule.
Each team is expected to arrive one day prior to the technical meeting preceding their respective games.
“To ensure seamless communication and coordination with government agencies, representatives from each emirate have been designated. Their role is to facilitate the provision of all necessary arrangements to ensure the comfort of all participating teams,” he revealed.
