Ramadan Football Tournament filled with sporting passion and fun

Off the pitch, families, friends and other spectators enjoyed the Interactive Zone – run by Mubadala’s youth initiative Weyana – with activities including a ‘speed kick challenge’, an inflatable pitch for kids and a ‘super-save’ attraction. Children and adults alike got involved, testing their skills dribbling and shooting, and trying to save shots in an area filled with laughter.

Saoud Karmastaji, Senior Officer, Mubadala Group Communications, said: “We have had more people come along and a more lively tournament than ever. People enjoyed the Interactive Zone and there has been a real buzz around the venue each night. We run this tournament to engage the community in activities that promote an active lifestyle – and the players and spectators have really bought into the whole idea.”

He added: “Right from the group stages the standard of football has been fantastic and all the teams showed a great fighting spirit.” Muhannad Al Atrash, captain of the United, said his winning team had played together for several years and had spent time preparing for their first Mubadala Ramadan Football Tournament. “We were delighted to win,” he said. “But just as important as winning was the enjoyment we got out of the whole occasion.”

Amina Taher, Head of Community Engagement, Mubadala, added: “Mubadala is committed to encouraging young people across the nation to understand the importance of wellbeing and to keeping fit and active. We are proud of this year’s results for the Mubadala Ramadan Football Tournament. The championship was over-subscribed by 50 percent and spectator participation increased significantly as we expanded the interactive zone to include a walking track and healthy-meal recipes from our partners at Imperial College London Diabetes Centre.”