Sports in UAE – From the Traditional to the Modern

Sports were always a main part of our traditional activities. I can still remember my small ball made of strings and the metal wheel controlled through a stick I always used to play with while envying my father and grown up uncles for their camel, horse racing and boat racing. I always enjoyed hearing my grandpa singing HOYAMAL to encourage his team to win the race.

Sports were one of the priorities, our late Sheikh Zayed always emphasized. He always supported building facilities for the youth of the UAE. Sports clubs have been formed with government support, stadiums built and football has become the national game. First-class government and private sports and leisure centers have been established throughout the country.