The 13th edition of the Nad Al Sheba Sports Tournament delivered another night of high-octane action as the UAE national team emerged victorious in the teams padel competition, reinforcing the nation’s growing dominance in the sport. Held annually during the holy month of Ramadan in Dubai, the tournament continues to stand tall as one of the region’s premier sporting spectacles, uniting elite athletes, officials and fans under one roof.
Under the patronage of Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense, and guided by Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Dubai Sports Council, this year’s tournament carried the inspiring slogan “Unlimited Capabilities,” a message that echoed across every competition arena.
UAE Clinch Padel Gold with Commanding Performance
The UAE national team was crowned teams padel champions by Saeed bin Maktoum bin Juma Al Maktoum, President of the UAE Tennis and Padel Federation, following a confident 2-0 victory over Egypt in the final.
Watched by His Excellency Khalfan Belhoul, Vice Chairman of the Dubai Sports Council, along with board members, tournament officials and sports dignitaries, the UAE squad demonstrated composure and tactical sharpness from the very first serve.
Abdullah Al Abdullah and Francisco Jurado set the tone with a commanding 6-1, 7-6 triumph over Ali Shaker and Wajdi Raslan. Their blend of aggressive net play and precise placement gave the hosts an early advantage and electrified the home crowd.
The second match proved more intense. Fares Al Janahi and Inigo Giuffre were pushed to their limits by Ali Zaghloul and Mohamed Abouelkasem. After trading sets, the UAE duo held their nerve in a tense decider to secure a 7-5, 3-6, 7-6 victory, sealing the championship in dramatic fashion.
During the medal ceremony, the UAE players were awarded gold medals, while the Egyptian team received silver, marking a proud moment for both nations and highlighting the tournament’s competitive spirit.
Moroccan Runners Dominate Road Races
Beyond padel, the athletics events brought remarkable performances, particularly from Moroccan runners who dominated multiple categories of the road races.
Yassir Echchaachoui powered to victory in the men’s 10km race, displaying both stamina and strategic pacing. In the women’s 10km race, Roukia Al Moukim delivered a commanding performance to claim top honors.
The men’s 5km race saw Noauman El Assaoui cross the finish line first, while Mubarak Rahane triumphed in the senior citizens and residents category. In the boys’ youth category, Imrane Aznaq showcased promising talent, securing first place and drawing praise from spectators and coaches alike.
The races were flagged off by His Excellency Saeed Hareb, Secretary General of the Dubai Sports Council, in the presence of Event Director Hassan Al Mazrouei and Rashid Nasser Al Ali, Board Member of the UAE Athletics Federation and Chairman of the National Teams and Talent Committees. The atmosphere reflected both community engagement and elite athletic excellence, hallmarks of the Nad Al Sheba tradition.
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Al Tadawi Extend Volleyball Dominance
The volleyball courts also witnessed dominant displays as defending champions Al Tadawi continued their impressive run. Facing Zaabeel, Al Tadawi secured a straight-sets victory, winning 25-21, 26-24, 25-11. Their sharp coordination and disciplined defense proved too strong for their opponents.
In another fixture, M.N. Investment delivered an identical 3-0 win over Tiger Zaabeel, with set scores of 25-15, 25-21, 25-22. The consistency of both winning sides sets the stage for an exciting continuation of the competition.
The upcoming clashes will see M.N. Investment take on Zaabeel, while Al Tadawi face Tiger Zaabeel, as teams battle for momentum and a coveted place in the final stages.
Semi-Final Line-Up Confirmed in Wheelchair Basketball
The wheelchair basketball championship added another layer of intensity to the tournament, with four teams securing their places in the semi-finals after four days of competitive action.
In Group A, Dubai Courts finished as group winners, while the Roads and Transport Authority claimed second place. Group B saw Dubai Municipality top the standings, with Dubai Police General Headquarters finishing second to book their semi-final berth.
Key results included the RTA’s 35-16 victory over the Community Development Authority and Dubai Courts’ 24-15 win against Aswan Real Estate Development. Dubai Police General Headquarters delivered one of the most emphatic performances of the tournament with a 49-14 triumph over the Dubai Electricity and Water Authority. Meanwhile, the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship edged past the Department of Finance with a 32-22 result.
These outcomes underline the depth of competition and inclusivity that define the Nad Al Sheba Sports Tournament, where athletes from diverse sectors and abilities compete on equal footing.
A Celebration of Sporting Excellence
The Nad Al Sheba Sports Tournament has once again demonstrated why it holds a special place on Dubai’s sporting calendar. From the precision and teamwork of the UAE’s padel champions to the endurance of Moroccan road runners and the tactical battles in volleyball and wheelchair basketball, the event continues to embody ambition, resilience and unity.
More than just a competition, the tournament is a celebration of human potential. Under the banner of “Unlimited Capabilities,” it brings together professionals, government entities, community athletes and rising youth stars in an atmosphere charged with energy and mutual respect.
As the competitions progress toward their finals, anticipation continues to build. With every serve, sprint and score, the Nad Al Sheba Sports Tournament reinforces its reputation as a beacon of sporting excellence in the UAE and beyond.
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