Dubai Sports World set for takeoff

Leisure activities at the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) kicks off again for the summer at the exhibition halls with an action-packed three month sporting adventure programme.

The Dubai Sports World (DSW) 2012 begins on June 8 and will continue till August 31, in partnership with the Dubai Sports Council (DSC) and Dubai Events and Promotion Establishment (DEPE).

The long drawn programme is supported by the Roads & Transport Authority (RTA).

Doors will open 7 days a week, from 8am to midnight, and 8am to 4am in Ramadan, providing 20 hours of nonstop sporting entertainment.

The event will host a variety of sports and leisure activities for sports enthusiasts, including indoor soccer leagues, rugby, basketball, cricket, futsal, volleyball, fitness areas, and much more.

The second edition of Dubai Sports World will also introduce for the first time, a 660m indoor running track around the perimeter.

Encompassing over 25,000sqm of indoor space, Dubai Sports World will be held in the interconnected Sheikh Saeed Halls 1, 2 and 3, and the Trade Centre Arena.

The multipurpose Sheikh Saeed Halls will be transformed to feature pro-standard full-size playing fields for soccer and rugby, plus six multi-purpose courts for the other sports and leisure activities.

DSW has partnered with leading professional sporting academies and clubs, as well as prominent sporting establishments and renowned athletic trainers to provide an outstanding experience for all, from first-time players to experienced athletes and spectators.

Participants will be mentored and coached by international and local soccer and rugby personalities including professional Emirati sportsmen, who will identify and nurture talent, acting as scouts for sporting stars of the future.

The event will be open to the public for free for the first two days on June 8–9 (Friday and Saturday) from 8am to midnight.

During this time, visitors can try out all the facilities, be it shooting hoops on the basketball courts or a friendly game of beach football, or using the specialist gym equipment under the supervision of trainers.

Beginning on Sunday, June 10, those who wish to use the facilities need to register with the relevant partner academies. Every Saturday is Ladies only from 8am to 3pm.

“Reflecting the spirit of excellence that Dubai is known and celebrated for, DWTC is proud to host the second edition of Dubai Sports World, which supports the Emirate’s efforts in building a community that encourages health and wellbeing for both residents and visitors to the UAE,” said Helal Saeed Almarri, CEO, DWTC.

“Dubai Sports World will provide a unique environment for families and communities to come together, and our focus remains to provide robust infrastructure and facilities to support and strengthen the sporting community and to encourage a healthy lifestyle.”

From July 8-12, leading professional international, regional and local teams will compete in a soccer championship, where up to 2,500 spectators can cheer on their favourite teams. Another exciting feature is the Summer Sports Majlis (SSM) where visitors can catch the UEFA Euro Championship action live from June 8–July 1, as well as other global sporting events that will be broadcast on full-size screens.

Dr Ahmed Al Sharif, Secretary General, DSC said: “We are delighted to support DWTC in its efforts to spread a culture of sports in Dubai. Dubai Sports World will give Emiratis and residents the opportunity to interact with and learn from professionals, as well as compete on a global platform.

The event will play a key role in growing the participation level in sports for youth, adults and the community at large.

It will also enable youth to strengthen their skills, develop their talent, and encourage health and wellbeing.

We anticipate that DSW will achieve even more success than last year due to the public awareness of the importance of the role that the event will play over the next three months, by hosting a range of sporting competitions and events which count as an important part of the Sports Council’s vision to create a unique sporting community.”

This year, Dubai Sports World will be held alongside Dubai Summer Surprises, the region’s much-anticipated summer entertainment and shopping fiesta, which will be located in Halls 1-6 at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre (DICEC).

Laila Suhail, CEO, Dubai Events and Promotion Establishment (DEPE) said: “DEPE is committed to supporting initiatives that ensure Dubai is known to be a year-round destination of events. With Modhesh World, the leading family entertainment destination in the region, being held in conjunction with Dubai Sports World, we are sure that the venue will be the centre of summer fun in Dubai. It is a great opportunity for both, residents and visitors, to remain active during summer, participate in exciting fun filled activities with family and friends, and to take relief from the heat in DWTC’s world-class indoor facilities.”

The Dubai Health Authority (DHA) commended DWTC for its efforts to encourage health and wellness in the Emirate, especially among the youth.

Qadhi Saeed Al Murooshid, director-general, DHA said: “Educating youth about the importance of physical activity and healthy lifestyle will go a long way in reducing the prevalence of chronic diseases such as cardiovascular diseases and diabetes. DSW raises awareness of these issues, and shows everyone that physical activity can be incorporated into your lives in a fun way.”

More information and details of how to book space can be had by visiting www.dubaisportsworld.ae

sports@khaleejtimes.com