Latest news with #TalalAlHashemi


Gulf Today
13 hours ago
- Sport
- Gulf Today
Countdown begins as logo unveiled for Al Ain Masters 2025
The official logo for the Al Ain Masters 2025 was unveiled on Sunday, marking 100 days to go until the start of the UAE's premier badminton event — the only BWF Tour event in the region. The logo, a rich blend of purple and gold, reflects both Al Ain's proud heritage and its future. It shows a badminton shuttlecock alongside Al Ain's iconic fort and mountains – a perfect mix of sport and culture. The Al Ain Masters 2025, a BWF World Tour Super 100 tournament, will be held from September 30 to October 5, 2025 at the Al Ain Club in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi. Organised by the UAE Badminton Federation with the support of Abu Dhabi Sports Council, the event will host 250 shuttlers from 55 countries aiming for valuable world ranking points in the lead-up to the LA 2028 Olympics. This is the first time the oasis city of Al Ain will host a BWF event of this calibre and the city's rich cultural and natural landmarks — from its majestic oases to the iconic Jebel Hafeet — promises an unforgettable experience for players, fans, and visitors alongside the high-intensity action on the court. Speaking at the unveiling, Noura Aljasmi, UAE Badminton Federation President, said: 'We are proud to bring the only BWF Tour event in the region to Al Ain. The Al Ain Masters is more than just a world-class competition — it's a powerful platform to promote badminton in the UAE, inspire the next generation of players, and put our country on the international badminton map. The unveiling of the logo signals the start of this exciting journey, and we can't wait to showcase Al Ain to the world.' Talal Al Hashemi, Executive Director of the Events Sector at the Abu Dhabi Sports Council said: 'The Al Ain Masters underscores Abu Dhabi's growing role as a destination for international sport and highlights our strong commitment to developing badminton in the UAE. We are proud to support this milestone event and look forward to seeing its lasting impact on the future of badminton in the UAE.' Over the years, UAE badminton players have raised the nation's profile on the world stage, firmly placing the UAE on the world badminton map. In a recent groundbreaking milestone, Taabia Omar and Mysha Omar have made history by becoming the first-ever players to represent the UAE at the 2025 BWF World Championships in Paris. This marks a proud moment for the country and a big step for badminton in the region. At the upcoming Al Ain Masters 2025, the only BWF Tour event in the Middle East, the local stars will be aiming to shine in front of their fans. With the countdown underway, excitement is building as the city prepares to host this world-class event. To further grow and popularise the sport, a series of community and school events will also be held in Abu Dhabi in the lead-up to the Al Ain Masters 2025. These initiatives are designed to cultivate a strong badminton culture across the UAE and support the development of future talent.


Hans India
a day ago
- Sport
- Hans India
Logo unveiled on 100-day milestone for Al Ain Masters 2025
The official logo for the Al Ain Masters 2025 was unveiled on Sunday, marking 100 days to go until the start of the UAE's premier badminton event - the only BWF Tour event in the region. The logo, a blend of purple and gold, reflects both Al Ain's proud heritage and its future. It shows a badminton shuttlecock alongside Al Ain's iconic fort and mountains – a perfect mix of sport and culture. The Al Ain Masters 2025, a BWF World Tour Super 100 tournament, will be held from September 30 to October 5 at the Al Ain Club in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi. Organised by the UAE Badminton Federation with the support of Abu Dhabi Sports Council, the event will host 250 shuttlers from 55 countries aiming for valuable world ranking points in the lead-up to the LA 2028 Olympics. This is the first time the oasis city of Al Ain will host a BWF event of this calibre and the city's rich cultural and natural landmarks — from its majestic oases to the iconic Jebel Hafeet — promises an unforgettable experience for players, fans, and visitors alongside the high-intensity action on the court. Speaking at the unveiling, UAE Badminton Federation President Noura Aljasmi said, "We are proud to bring the only BWF Tour event in the region to Al Ain. The Al Ain Masters is more than just a world-class competition — it's a powerful platform to promote badminton in the UAE, inspire the next generation of players, and put our country on the international badminton map. The unveiling of the logo signals the start of this exciting journey, and we can't wait to showcase Al Ain to the world.' Talal Al Hashemi, Executive Director of the Events Sector at the Abu Dhabi Sports Council said: 'The Al Ain Masters underscores Abu Dhabi's growing role as a destination for international sport and highlights our strong commitment to developing badminton in the UAE. We are proud to support this milestone event and look forward to seeing its lasting impact on the future of badminton in the UAE.' Over the years, UAE badminton players have raised the nation's profile on the world stage, firmly placing the UAE on the world badminton map. In a recent groundbreaking milestone, Taabia Omar and Mysha Omar have made history by becoming the first-ever players to represent the UAE at the 2025 BWF World Championships in Paris. This marks a proud moment for the country and a big step for badminton in the region. At the upcoming Al Ain Masters 2025, the only BWF Tour event in the Middle East, the local stars will be aiming to shine in front of their fans.


Gulf Today
15-04-2025
- Business
- Gulf Today
UAE athletes from Special Olympics World Winter Games Turin get heroes' welcome
Majid Al Futtaim's Ski Dubai, in partnership with the UAE Winter Sports Federation, welcomed the UAE delegation of the Special Olympics World Winter Games Turin 2025 at a homecoming celebration in their honour. The ceremony was held at the Ski Dubai, Mall of the Emirates, reinforcing the nation's commitment to championing and advancing inclusion in sports. The UAE delegation, composed of 11 athletes of determination, proudly represented the nation as their largest team to date at the Special Olympics World Winter Games Turin 2025. Held from March 8-15, the delegation achieved outstanding success, securing an impressive tally of 16 medals, including four gold, five silver, and seven bronze medals. During their homecoming celebration, the athletes showcased their world-class talent by performing a synchronised skiing and snowboarding run and carrying the UAE Flag and Special Olympics Flag on the snow-covered slopes of Ski Dubai, in front of their families, coaches, senior officials from the UAE Government and Special Olympics UAE, Majid Al Futtaim. The event was graced by Talal Al Hashemi, National Director of the Special Olympics UAE, Ahmed Galal Ismail, CEO of Majid Al Futtaim Holding, Ignace Lahoud, CEO of Majid Al Futtaim Entertainment, Mohammad El Etri, Managing Director of Operations of Majid Al Futtaim Entertainment, and representatives of Special Olympics UAE. Hashemi said 'We are incredibly proud of our athletes who represented the UAE with passion, perseverance, and pride at the Special Olympics World Winter Games Turin 2025. Their remarkable achievement of 16 medals is not just a testament to their talent, but also to the power of inclusion and what can be accomplished when individuals of determination are given the opportunity to thrive. 'Our heartfelt thanks go to Majid Al Futtaim and the UAE Winter Sports Federation for their unwavering support in preparing our delegation. This homecoming celebration is a reminder of the progress we are making as a nation towards building a more inclusive sporting community.' Lahoud said: 'We are extremely proud to see our homegrown athletes achieve the historic victory they deserve. For over a year, our world-class facilities at Ski Dubai and Snow Abu Dhabi have been a training ground for their incredible talent, determination, and resilience, and now the rest of the world has witnessed it too.' 'Majid Al Futtaim is committed to making winter sports accessible for all, right in the heart of the desert. Through the transformative power of sports, we aim to foster inclusivity and celebrate diversity among people of determination. We look forward to strengthening our partnership with the Special Olympics and UAE Winter Sports Federation to continue achieving the extraordinary.' Since 2024, the ongoing partnership between Majid Al Futtaim and Special Olympics UAE have made winter sports even more accessible to athletes with intellectual disabilities by focusing on talent identification, team building, skill development, performance monitoring, and overall readiness, empowering them to reach new heights and represent their country on the global stage.


Mid East Info
14-04-2025
- Business
- Mid East Info
UAE Athletes from Special Olympics World Winter Games Turin 2025 Celebrate Homecoming at Ski Dubai - Middle East Business News and Information
11 UAE athletes of determination return home with 16 medals after competing in six winter sports from 08-15 March in Turin, Italy Homecoming celebration was hosted by Majid Al Futtaim's Ski Dubai, in partnership with Special Olympics UAE and UAE Winter Sports Federation Dubai, United Arab Emirates: Majid Al Futtaim's Ski Dubai, in partnership with the UAE Winter Sports Federation, proudly welcomed the UAE delegation of the Special Olympics World Winter Games Turin 2025 at a homecoming celebration in their honour on 10 April at Ski Dubai, Mall of the Emirates, reinforcing the nation's commitment to championing and advancing inclusion in sports. The UAE delegation, comprised of 11 athletes of determination, proudly represented the nation as its largest team to date at the Special Olympics World Winter Games Turin 2025. Held from 08-15 March, the delegation achieved outstanding success, securing an impressive tally of 16 medals, including 4 Gold, 5 Silver, and 7 Bronze medals. During their homecoming celebration, the athletes showcased their world-class talent by performing a synchronised skiing and snowboarding run and carrying the UAE Flag and Special Olympics Flag on the snow-covered slopes of Ski Dubai, in front of their families, coaches, senior officials from the UAE Government, Special Olympics UAE, Majid Al Futtaim, and key media partners. The exclusive event was held in the presence of H.E. Talal Al Hashemi, National Director of the Special Olympics UAE, Ahmed Galal Ismail, CEO of Majid Al Futtaim Holding, Ignace Lahoud, CEO of Majid Al Futtaim Entertainment, Mohammad El Etri, Managing Director of Operations of Majid Al Futtaim Entertainment, and representatives of Special Olympics UAE. H.E. Talal Al Hashemi, National Director, Special Olympics UAE, said 'We are incredibly proud of our athletes who represented the UAE with passion, perseverance, and pride at the Special Olympics World Winter Games Turin 2025. Their remarkable achievement of 16 medals is not just a testament to their talent, but also to the power of inclusion and what can be accomplished when individuals of determination are given the opportunity to thrive. Our heartfelt thanks go to Majid Al Futtaim and the UAE Winter Sports Federation for their unwavering support in preparing our delegation. This homecoming celebration is a reminder of the progress we are making as a nation towards building a more inclusive sporting community.' Ignace Lahoud, CEO of Majid Al Futtaim Entertainment, said, 'We are extremely proud to see our homegrown athletes achieve the historic victory they deserve. For over a year, our world-class facilities at Ski Dubai and Snow Abu Dhabi have been a training ground for their incredible talent, determination, and resilience, and now the rest of the world has witnessed it too.' 'Majid Al Futtaim is committed to making winter sports accessible for all, right in the heart of the desert. Through the transformative power of sports, we aim to foster inclusivity and celebrate diversity among people of determination. We look forward to strengthening our partnership with Special Olympics and UAE Winter Sports Federation to continue achieving the extraordinary.' Since 2024, the ongoing partnership between Majid Al Futtaim and Special Olympics UAE have made winter sports even more accessible to athletes with intellectual disabilities by focusing on talent identification, team building, skill development, performance monitoring, and overall readiness, empowering them to reach new heights and represent their country on the global stage.


Al Etihad
02-04-2025
- Sport
- Al Etihad
Special Olympics UAE team secures 16 medals at Special Olympics World Winter Games Turin 2025
2 Apr 2025 14:41 ABU DHABI (ABU DHABI)The Special Olympics UAE team delegation has secured 16 medals – 4 gold, 5 silver, and 7 bronze – at the Special Olympics World Winter Games Turin 2025, which took place in historic victory presents the best results for a delegation from the MENA region at the games and reinforces the UAE's commitment to inclusion, building on the legacy of the Special Olympics World Games Abu Dhabi in the largest number of sports among delegations from across the MENA Region, the 11-member UAE team showcased their talents across six disciplines: snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, figure skating, alpine skiing, speed skatingو and Director, Special Olympics UAE and Head of Delegation to Turin 2025, His Excellency Talal Al Hashemi, said, "I have witnessed firsthand the resilience and determination of our athletes as they competed on the snow-covered slopes of Turin. Their success is the result of months of rigorous training and preparation. Today, they return home with remarkable achievements, a testament to their diligent training and preparation."'We proudly dedicate this success to His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, a steadfast supporter of People of Determination and a champion of inclusion. This achievement would not have been possible without the unwavering commitment of our partners, coaches, and the families who supported our athletes every step of the way.'The UAE's participation in the Special Olympics World Winter Games Turin 2025, which hosted 1,500 athletes from 102 countries, highlights the nation's commitment to advancing inclusion in sports. The Special Olympics UAE athletes underwent extensive training programmes in the lead-up to the games, including two training camps—one in Uzbekistan in January 2025 and another in Dubai in March 2025, before their departure to the official team sponsor, Mubadala played a pivotal role in supporting the delegation, alongside supporting partner the UAE Winter Sports Federation, and Majid Al Futtaim through Ski Dubai and Snow Abu Dhabi, the delegation's official a specialised coaching programme was conducted in November 2024 to ensure the team was fully prepared for Group CEO and Chief Corporate & Human Capital Officer at Mubadala, Homaid Al Shimmari, said, 'Mubadala is proud to stand behind our athletes as they compete on the world stage. Sports are a powerful tool for inclusion, fostering unity and opportunity for all. Special Olympics UAE team's participation reflects both our and the nation's dedication to ensuring empowerment and excellence in sports. Their journey to Turin and the great wins that they have secured are truly inspiring, and we are all delighted to have wholeheartedly supported them every step of the way.'Vice President, UAE Winter Sports Federation, Hamel Al Qubaisi, said, 'Seeing our athletes excel at the Winter Games fills us with pride. Their hard work inspires us immensely and reflects the UAE's commitment to inclusive sports. We hope that these incredible results will encourage greater participation in winter sports across the UAE.'Managing Director, Majid Al Futtaim Entertainment, Mohammad El Etri, said, "The incredible athletes' achievement at the Special Olympics World Winter Games Turin 2025 fills us with immense pride. This success is not only a testament to their talent, but also to their perseverance and the unwavering support of their coach, Leena Reda. Despite the challenges posed by the absence of natural snow in the UAE, Ski Dubai provided them with the chance to train relentlessly, fostering their growth and passion for winter sports. Leena's guidance and inspiration were truly transformative, and this victory is a culmination of hard work, dedication, and belief in their potential."The Special Olympics UAE team's achievements comprise: Mina Al Mazrouei, who won Gold in Novice Super-G Snowboarding, Silver in Slalom Snowboarding, and Bronze in Giant Slalom Snowboarding; Zulekha Al Mansoori, who won Gold in 100m Cross-Country Skiing; Yousef Al Mulla, who won Gold in Novice-G Alpine Skiing, and Bronze in Slalom Alpine Skiing and Novice Super-G Alpine Skiing respectively; Kholoud Al Khoori, who won Silver in the 500m Speed Skating event, and a bronze medal respectively for the 333m Speed Skating and 777m Speed Skating events; Abdullah Al Nuaimi won a Gold and Bronze medal for Giant Slalom Snowboarding and Novice Super-G Snowboarding respectively; Salma Al Salami won respective Silver and Bronze medals in the 200m Snowshoeing and 100m Snowshoeing events; Hazza Al Mehairbi won Silver in the Figure Skating – Singles competition; Ahmed Al Jilani, who won Silver in the 100m Snowshoeing event, and Hamda Al Hosani who secured fourth place in the Figure Skating – Singles event; and Khalifa Al Ameri, who secured fourth place in the 100m Cross-Country Skiing athletes underwent comprehensive health screenings as part of the Healthy Athletes Programme, ensuring their well-being throughout the competition. This initiative is a core component of Special Olympics International's ongoing commitment to athlete health and development.