• The leading Ramadan event is the first of its kind in the UAE and includes eight different sports  
• Shaikha Al Kaabi: The tournament has established its position at the forefront of upcoming youth gatherings

Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, 19 June 2017:  The Abu Dhabi Armed Forces Officers Club and Hotel (AFOCH) – the Emirate’s leading comprehensive hospitality, entertainment and sports destinations – is currently hosting the 21st edition of its Annual Ramadan Tournament under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Presidential Affairs in the UAE. The tournament will continue in the club's Abu Dhabi stadiums until 14th June. 

The Higher Organising Committee headed by former Lt. Gen. Mohammed Hilal Al Kaabi, AFOCH Chairman, has ensured that this year's tournament is aligned with national charitable initiatives, in support of the UAE leadership's focus on establishing a culture of giving among both athletes and the public. Reflecting the purpose of the tournament, the official opening ceremony was hosted on 31st May with a ‘Year of Giving’ themed operetta. 

Shaikha Al Kaabi, CEO of the Armed Forces Officers Club and Hotel in Abu Dhabi, commented: “We are proud of AFOCH’s legacy and reputation, which stretches back to our inception and still plays a vital role for communities in the UAE and in Abu Dhabi in particular. Our longstanding tournament is proof of this, as it has grown to become one of the most highly anticipated Ramadan events as well as an important and positive youth gathering.” 

Shaikha Al Kaabi added: “The annual championship is important for cementing AFOCH’s position in Abu Dhabi, not only as a world-class destination for high-end hospitality and dining experiences of the highest international standards, but also as an institution that effectively launches diverse initiatives to support the local community.”

8 different sports

This year’s edition includes an exciting agenda of eight competitions for men and five competitions for women, including a men's indoor football championship from 3rd to 14th June, and a women's indoor football championship from 1st to 7th June.  Men can participate in the PlayStation football competition from 3rd to 13th June, wrestling competitions from 2nd to 3rd June, and bowling from 2nd to 12th June. Both men and women are welcome to compete in judo from 2nd to 3rd June, chess from 2nd to 5th June, shooting from 3rd to 11th June, and jujitsu from 9th to 10th June. 

The championship contributes to supporting the UAE’s sport development plans – an objective that is embraced wholeheartedly by AFOCH. The club welcomes tourists, visitors, Abu Dhabi residents and the military to enjoy its high quality services, modern facilities, and the warm Arabian hospitality that it provides in a unique and attractive atmosphere that reflects the evolution of the capital.