The organising committee of the first Gulf Youth Games, to be held in the UAE from Tuesday to May 2, has announced that all sports facilities are fully prepared to host the event.
The committee has ensured the provision of all necessary requirements and equipment in co-ordination with the National Olympic Committee, the General Sports Authority, and sports councils, Emirates News Agency (WAM) said.
The inaugural Games, ‘UAE 2024’, will 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 while Dubai will stage 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, 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 country are primed to host sporting events, and final approval serves as a measure to ensure their absolute readiness.
“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,” Ashour added.
Furthermore, 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 be on padel competitions, while Sharjah will host the handball tournaments, reflecting the popularity of these sports in these emirates.
A meeting is scheduled to be held in Dubai on Sunday, bringing together directors of delegations from GCC countries participating in the event. The purpose of this gathering is to meticulously oversee all developments pertaining to hosting sports facilities, accommodation arrangements, transportation logistics, and delegation reception protocols.