Category: Press Release

Dubai, 11 December 2022: The mood was electrifying and the level of competition was high as the quest for the next Meydan Grand Knight for the 23rd Fazza Championship for Youlah and 18th edition of Al Meydan Program kicked off on Friday night in Al Marmoom.

Organised annually by Hamdan Bin Mohammed Heritage Centre (HHC), 16 yuweels (participants) are competing this year for the Gold Cup and Meydan Grand Knight title. The first batch of four yuweels competed in the first episode of the elimination round, that was handily won by Muhammad Al-Ketbi in first place and Abdullah Al-Hali in second spot. Both of them have qualified for the next round.

Al-Ketbi said the competition was tough but he got strong support from the audience and that  inspired him to excel in the competition. Al-Hali, for his part, said his determination to win helped him overcome the challenges.

Intensive training

To make the competition more exciting, and in line with promoting the UAE’s intangible cultural heritage, HHC organised an intensive training for all the yuweels in various sections of the tournament, including Youlah, Arabic poetry reading, camel racing, and Saktoun (traditional Emirati rifle) shooting.

The first episode of the elimination round was presented by Rashid Al Khasouni, HHC Director of Championships, and broadcast live over Sama TV Dubai and Al-Oula Radio. Khalifa Bin Sabaeen, who served as judge and adjudicator, gave important points to the participants.

Results

Al-Ketbi received a total of 60 points, followed by Al-Hali with 55 markers, while Shabib Al-Darmaki and Abdullah Al-Falahi finished with 25 and 20 points respectively. Only Al-Ketbi and Al-Hali will advance to the next round.

The participants showcased their youlah skills, where they performed the spinning and throwing of a replica rifle while they danced to the rhythm of the song “Jannat Muhammad” from the words of HHC CEO Abdullah Hamdan Bin Dalmook.

The yuweels were judged based on their footwork and overall fluidity of performance, and both Al-Ketbi and Al-Hali showcased their skills in this traditional event to earn 25 points each.

Earlier in the week, the swimming competition was held at the Hamdan Sports Complex,  where Al Darmaki and Al Falahi finished on top to gain 10 marks apiece.

In saktoun rifle shooting, Al Darmaki and Al Ketbi got 15 marks each; while Al-Hali Al-Falahi both excelled in the traditional poetry reading. The participants recited verses from the poems of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai. Mohammed Almr Bilabed was the judge of the Arabic poetry reading.

Al Ketbi and Al Hali cemented their win with 20 points each in the camel race that was held at Al Marmoom race track on Friday night.

High level of competition

HHC CEO Abdullah Hamdan Bin Dalmook, expressed his admiration for commitment of the participants. He underlined the main focus of the 23rd Fazza Championship for Youlah and 18th edition of Al Meydan Program is to promote the UAE’s national and cultural heritage.   

Bin Dalmook added the championship is getting tougher every year and winning the Gold Cup requires diligence, dedication and strong focus to keep pace with the high level of competition.   

Episode 2

The second part of the elimination will take place on Friday, December 16, at 9pm.

Dubai, 5 December 2022: In a show of pride and love for the UAE on its 51st National Day, the Hamdan Bin Mohammed Heritage Center (HHC) held the second preliminary race for the National Day Camel Marathon at Dubai Camel Racing Club’s Al Marmoom Race Track over the weekend.

Three races in three different age groups were held for the second preliminary race and the distance was also increased to six kilometres, from the previous 4km.

The National Day Camel Marathon  is held annually in conjunction with the Arabian Camel Festival under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai. The main marathon will be held on January 6, 2023.

Winners

Emirati teen Issa Nasser Al-Ghafli dominated the 16-19 years old age group and finished first with a time of 10minutes and 54.01seconds. He was followed by Saeed Rashid Al-Khatiri with a time of 11mins and 10.08secs. Finishing in third place was Abdullah Saif Al-Ketbi with a time of 11mins and 26.04secs.

Al-Ghafli said winning the second preliminary races gave him enough confidence coming into the main race next year. “Everyone aspires to be crowned the National Day Camel Marathon champion and I’m looking forward to liftering the cup,” the young Emirati camel rider added. 

In the 20-29 category, Suhail Muhammad Al-Hamiri finished the 6km race in first place with a time of 11mins and 8.02secs, while Khalifa Saad Al-Qamzi came second. Al-Hamiri said he is also confident winning the main race, following his strong showing in the preliminary race. 

Khaled Ali Al-Nuaimi again won first place in the above-30 age group with a time of 11mins and 21.04secs. He previously won the first preliminary race in the same age group last month. He added he will continue to train hard to win the main race.

Yahya Ali Al-Malai finished second in the above-30 category with a time of 11mins and 43.08secs, while Khamis Ali Al-Malai settled for third place after clocking in 11mins and 46.01secs.

Strong competition

His Excellency Abdullah Hamdan bin Dalmook, CEO of HHC, witnessed the race and congratulated the winners for raising the bar of the competition. He said: “After two preliminary races, we have witnessed the high level of preparation and training by the participants. We are looking forward to holding main marathon on January 6, which is open to all participants in all age groups.”

Dubai, 5 December 2022: As part of the UAE’s 51st National Day celebrations, the second preliminary race for the 4th edition of the Camel Trek Marathon for UAE expats, organised by the Hamdan Bin Mohammed Heritage Center (HHC), was held over the weekend at Dubai Camel Racing Club’s Al Marmoom Race Track.

The 1,500-metre camel race saw the participation of 20 expatriate riders from 12 countries, including USA, Czech Republic, France, Saudi Arabia, Yemen, Germany, Jordan, Russia, Pakistan, China, Estonia and Brazil. They were trained by the HHC in the past months on camel riding and will participate in the upcoming Camel Trek desert voyage organised by HHC.

The race was tightly fought from start to finish but in the end, it was the superiority of Maryam Suhrawardi, an American of Arab origin, that came above everyone else as she finished in first place with a time of 3mins and 25.5seconds. She was closely followed by 14-year old German student Emilia Piesker, who timed 3mins and 27.2seconds. In third place was Madawi Al-Ahmad, from Saudi Arabia, with a time of 3mins and 29.5seconds.

Excellent start and finish

Suhrawardi said: “It was a wonderful race. My start was excellent and I maintained the lead throughout the race. Last year’s race gave me a lot of experience and confidence. I will continue to work and train hard for the upcoming final race.

Piesker, who is the youngest participant in the race, meanwhile grabbed first place in the first preliminary camel race. Piesker, who was nicknamed ‘Rawda’, also joined the Camel Trek voyage last year with her mother. 

Al-Ahmad likewise joined last year’s Camel Trek, that saw participants concluding their 11-day desert voyage at Expo 2020 Dubai. She said: “My participation in the Camel Trek was unforgettable, particularly when we entered the Expo grounds and we were warmly welcomed by the crowd. It was a great moment of joy and celebration.”

Spreading the UAE spirit

The camel race, which promotes UAE’s cultural heritage and embodies the spirit of tolerance and camaraderie, is held annually under the patronage of Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai.

HHC CEO Abdullah Hamdan Bin Dalmook congratulated the winners and all the participants. He also underlined the HHC’s role in implementing the directives of Sheikh Hamdan and achieving his vision and the government’s role in promoting heritage sports in the framework of spreading peace and tolerance among the different peoples and cultures of the world.

> Hamda Mohammed Abdullah Hamdan dominated the female category; Al-Khatiri, Al-Kutbi and Al-Nuaimi won first places in various age groups in the male category

Dubai, 7 November 2022: The first preliminary race for the National Day Camel Marathon, organised by the Hamdan Bin Mohammed Heritage Center (HHC), witnessed the holding of competitions for three different age groups for the first time over the weekend at Dubai Camel Racing Club’s Al Marmoom Race Track.

A separate category was also allocated for female participants that saw Emirati camel rider Hamda Mohammed Abdullah Hamdan dominating the field in the 16 to 19 years old group.

The National Day Camel Marathon  is held annually in conjunction with the Arabian Camel Festival under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai. The main event of the National Day Camel Marathon will be held on January 6, 2023.

Results

Ali Matar bin Dahroui Al-Amri won first place in the 4km race for those 19 years old and below with a time of 6min and 59.04 seconds. He was followed by Hamdan Farhan Ali Musleh Al-Ahbabi, who finished in 7min and 91 seconds.

In the 20 to 29 years old category, Salem Hamad Saeed Al-Malhouf Al-Ketbi finished the 4km distance in 6min and 53.11 seconds to finish first place. He was followed by Ahmed Abdullah Muhammad bin Al-Muharrami with a time of 7min and 14.31 seconds, while Suhail Muhammad Suhail Al-Hamiri came third with a time 7min and 17.66 seconds.

In the 30 years old and above category, Khaled Ali Saif Al-Nuaimi grabbed the top spot with a time of 7min and 9.37 seconds, while Yahya Ali Saeed Al-Malayi came in close second place with a time of 7min and 15.28 seconds, and Khamis Ali Saeed Al-Mallai finished third 7 minutes and 18.21 seconds.

​ 

Honouring the winners

His Excellency Abdullah Hamdan bin Dalmook, CEO of HHC, witnessed the race and honoured the winners. He said: “This year, we have launched three categories in the National Day Camel Marathon in response to the proposal by the Dubai Camel Racing Club to take into account the age differences and to level the playing field for the participants.”

He added preliminary races are held to allow participants to get more training opportunities and be more familiar with the racetrack before the main event next year.

Meanwhile, Khaled Al-Nuaimi, who won first place in the 30-and above age group, said he the first preliminary race was a good indicator to assess the abilities of each participant. “As for me, I will train more to achieve my goal of winning the cup,” he added.

Next race

The second preliminary race is scheduled on December 2, coinciding with the country’s 51st National Day celebrations, and the main marathon will be held on January 6 next year.

Dubai, 6 November 2022: The 4th edition of the Camel Trek Marathon for UAE expats, organised by the Hamdan Bin Mohammed Heritage Center (HHC), went off to a strong start with the first preliminary race over the weekend at Dubai Camel Racing Club’s Al Marmoom Race Track.

The camel race, which promotes UAE’s cultural heritage and embodies the spirit of tolerance and camaraderie, is held annually under the patronage of Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai.

The first preliminary race for this year’s Camel Trek Marathon covered a distance of 1,500 meters, with 22 participants from 15 nationalities residing in the UAE. They came from Germany, Jordan, China, Saudi Arabia, France, Estonia, America, Czech Republic, Russia, Brazil, Iran, Yemen, Italy, Belgium and Luxembourg. They were trained by the HHC in the past months on camel riding skills and had previously participated in the past Camel Treks organised by HHC.

Young winner

Topping all the riders, 14-year-old German student Emilia Piesker grabbed first place with a time of 1 minute and 55.78 seconds. She was closely followed by Jordanian expat Rawan who finished the race with a time of 1 minute and 55.81 seconds, while third place went to Chinese national Alexis (Xiaozhe Huo) with a 1 minute and 58.75 seconds.

Strong partnership

HHC CEO Abdullah Hamdan Bin Dalmook, who expressed his happiness with the high number of participants and the diversity of nationalities in the annual camel race for expats, crowned the top finishers. 

Bin Dalmook also took note of HHC’s strong partnership with Dubai Camel Racing Club in holding the annual event also and he underlined the HHC’s role in implementing the directives of Sheikh Hamdan and achieving his vision and the government’s role in promoting heritage sports in the framework of spreading peace and tolerance among the different peoples and cultures of the world.

Proud mother

German mother Pauline Piesker, who also participated in the race, expressed her pride for her daughter Emilia. She said: “Our participation last year in the camel ride earned us a lot of experience and skills.”

“I work as a teacher, and I must say that participating in annual heritage sport shows you an aspect that gives you a complete picture of Dubai,” she added.

French support

Meanwhile, a large delegation from French Community Club in Dubai were present during the race to support their compatriot who is joining the camel race for the first time. Family and friends of other participants were also present to give them cheer during the race.

Dubai, 11 October 2022: The quest for the next Meydan Grand Knight has begun as Hamdan Bin Mohammed Heritage Centre (HHC) named the 16 Yuweels (participants) who have qualified for the 23rd Fazza Championship for Youlah and 18th edition of Al Meydan Program.

The announcement was made following two days of intense qualifying rounds on October 8 and 9 at AL Meydan stage in Global Village, where over 300 hopefuls from various parts of the UAE and other Arab countries tried to make the cut. 

Only 16 were chosen, and three were put in reserve list, who will compete in the elimination round that will start on December 9. The format will have four Yuweels competing in the elimination round every Friday leading up to the championship round.

Yuweels

Those who made it are: Khaled Saleh Taya Al-Menhali, Issa Saeed Mohammed bin Khasib Al Dhaheri, Mohammed Ahmed Ali Issa Al Ketbi, Ali Mubarak Ali Mulaifi Al Azizi, Ali Abdullah Khalfan Mohammed Al Ghafli, Abdullah Mohammed Obaid Saeed Al Heli, Shabib Abdullah Khalifa Mohammed Al Darmaki, Diab Obaid Malfi Ali Al Kutbi, Diab Rashid Ali Al Salaf Al Nuaimi, Saeed Obaid Muhammad Balarhad Al Shamsi, Obaid Nasser Obaid Fadel Al Ketbi, Muhammad Saeed Muhammad Al Owaid Al Muhairi, Abdullah Khalfan Matar Fairouz Al Falahi, Humaid Obaid bin Rakad Al Ali, Zayed Ahmed Khalifa Obaid Al Marri, and Ahmed Khamis Sultan Saeed Al Rashidi.

The Yuweels will undergo an intensive training programme in the various sections of the tournament, including Youlah, Arabic poetry reading, camel racing, swimming, and Saktoun (traditional Emirati rifle) shooting. The first episode will be held on December 9 (Friday) on Meydan grounds in Al Marmoom. Each episode is broadcast live every Friday night over Sama TV Dubai and Al-Oula Radio

Commitment to the championship

With the popularity of the competition among the youth, Hamdan Bin Dalmook, the CEO of HHC, expressed his admiration for the level commitment of the participants and also noted their preparation and commitment to the championship.

He underlined the main focus of the 23rd Fazza Championship for Youlah and 18th edition of Al Meydan Program is to promote the UAE’s national and cultural heritage.

Bin Dalmook added the championship is getting tougher every year and winning the Gold Cup requires diligence, dedication and strong focus to keep pace with the high level of competition.

Enhancing national identity

For his part, Rashid Al Khasouni, HHC Director of Fazza Championships, expressed his happiness with the presence of new faces in competition, noting that the changes made in tournament had a significant impact in attracting fresh participants from across the UAE. 

He added: “We all feel proud and happy when we see Emirati youth full of desire and enthusiasm to embrace their national heritage. They are very passion to learn and preserve their culture and enhance their national identity.”

Accepting the challenge

Muhammad Ahmad Issa Al-Ketbi, one of the Yuweels, expressed his happiness for his qualification, and promised to his best to win the crown. Mohammed Rashid Al-Nuaimi also shared his indescribable joy at qualifying next stage of the championship in his first participation. He said is an able camel rider, which will give him an advantage in the championship.

What is Youlah

Youlah is a heritage sport that involves spinning and throwing a replica rifle made of wood and metal plating. It is an integral part of the Emirati culture, with its origins in the army as a celebratory jig that was done with real weapons in the past. 

Participants called ‘Yuweel’ fling the rifle as high as possible before catching it. They are judged based on their footwork and overall fluidity of performance.   Participants are also judged based on their competencies in literary and cultural competitions, as well as Saktoun rifle shooting, swimming, and camel riding.

Dubai, March 27, 2022: The Hamdan Bin Mohammed Heritage Center (HHC) has shortlisted 32 participants for the 23rd Fazza Championship for Youlah and 18th edition of Al Meydan Program organised by HHC in Dubai.

A total of 400 applicants from across the UAE and neighbouring countries have auditioned during the preliminaries that were held at Dubai Global Village. The shortlisted 32 participants will be further cut down to 12 finalists who will compete in the various heritage sports, including horse riding, camel race, Saktoun rifle shooting, swimming and Youlah, as well as Arabic poetry recitation. 

The over-all winner will lift the Fazza Gold Cup and will be hailed as the Meydan Grand Knight.

Rashid Al Khasouni, HHC Director of Championships, who oversaw the preliminaries, was impressed with the high turnout of applicants. He said the 32 shortlisted participants will have ample time to prepare for the competition that will kick-off in November later this year. 

Nathalie Awadissian, chairman of the Organising Committee of the Fazza Championship for Youlah and HHC Director of Radio Stations Department, Media and Corporate Communication, added: “Holding the preliminaries is a big help for participants to prepare them for the competitions. The Fazza Championship for Youlah is a comprehensive competition where participants undergo gruelling tasks to win the title.”

Bahraini participant

Abdullah Waleed, 15, from Bahrain, said he came specifically to Dubai to participate in the competition. He said: “I have been following Youlah for a long time and it was my dream to participate in the competition and display my skills.” 

*Young Yuweels*

Another young Yuweel (participant) is 14-year old Fahid Al-Ali who is a second-time participant. He said he will do his best to reach the final round, adding he has been training a lot to make his dream come true.

Suhail Al Shamsi, 15, for his part, shared: “My friends encouraged me to participate, and I think I have a good chance to win because I’m confident with my skills in horse riding, camel racing and swimming.”

Mohammed Salem Al-Amri, 20, from Al Ain is also confident to lift the Fazza Gold Cup. He said he will do his best and train hard to win the cup. The same spirit was shown by second-time participant Muhammad Saeed Al-Muhairi, who promised that he will reach the final round this time. 

Dubai, 19 March 2022: On the occasion of Haq Al Laila, a caravan of 50 camels – organised by Hamdan Bin Mohammed Heritage Center (HHC) – made their to the world’s greatest fair, Expo 2020 Dubai, on Friday night.

Haq Al Laila is celebrated on the 15th day of Sha’ban, serving as a precursor to the holy month of Ramadan. On this night children are dressed up in traditional, colourful clothing while singing in their neighbourhoods for sweets. This authentic Emirati tradition was celebrated at Expo 2020 Dubai with a parade of camels and a convoy of 89 participants – Emirati men, women and children, with ages ranging from five to 80 years old.

Visitors to Expo 2020 Dubai interacted with caravan as they took photos, and learned about the meaning of the celebration.

Led by Abdullah Hamdan Bin Dalmook, CEO of HHC, the caravan toured the Expo and distributed sweets to children to celebrate the night. “The distribution of sweet treats during Haq Al Laila is a long-held tradition by Emiratis and people in the region which we continue to strengthen our national identity especially among children,” said Bin Dalmook.

Bin Dalmook noted Expo 2020 Dubai is an important platform to highlight the rich Emirati heritage to the whole world. He thanked the organisers of Expo 2020 Dubai, led by Her Excellency Reem bint Ibrahim Al Hashemi, Minister of State for International Cooperation and Director General of Expo 2020 Dubai, for all the efforts in promoting Emirati culture.

Dubai, March 13, 2022: The UAE Ministry of Education, in cooperation with its strategic partners, has organised a dialogue session on ‘Emirati Sanaa’ program on Sunday at the “Fazaa Pavilion” at Expo 2020 Dubai. The discussion focused on Emirati way of life governing social ethics, culture, norms and customs.  Al Sanaa is part of the UAE educational curriculum. 

The activities and panel discsussion at Expo 2020 Dubai was graced  by His Excellency Hussain bin Ibrahim Al Hammadi Minister of Education; His Excellency Abdullah Hamdan Bin Dalmook, CEO of Hamdan Bin Mohammed Heritage Center (HHC);  His Excellency Dharar Belhoul Al Falasi, Member of the Federal National Council and Executive Director of Watani Al Emarat Foundation; His Excellency Issa Saif Al Mazrouei, Vice President at The Cultural and Heritage Festivals and Programs Management Committee, and Dr. Hamad Al Yahyai, Assistant Undersecretary for the Curriculum Sector at the Ministry of Education. The session was moderated by Dr. Faisal Al Bakri, Head of the National Team for Education 2030.

The dialogue session also reviewed the book Al Sanaa – available in both Arabic and English and authored by HHC CEO Abdullah Hamdan Bin Dalmook. The book highlights Emirati customs, manners, social practices, traditions, and other rules governing daily interactions and behaviors. It also promotes the intangible cultural heritage of the UAE.

*Respect and good morals*

Bin Dalmook said: “The book provides important details of the traditional aspects of the UAE society, as well as its rich customs, traditions and noble values that embody the meanings of tolerance, respect and good morals passed on from generations from parents and grandparents.”

For his part, His Excellency Dirar Belhoul Al Falasi, Member of the Federal National Council and Executive Director of the Watani Al Emarat Foundation, noted “it is from the grace of God Almighty that He bestowed upon us a wise leadership that instills in us goodness and high morals”.

Al Falasi also stressed the practical applications of the book, by instilling it in students, parents and society as a whole, to enhance tolerance and security in the land. 

His Excellency Issa Saif Al Mazrouei, Vice-Chairman of the Cultural and Heritage Programs and Festivals Management Committee, focused on the important role of education and teachers in imbibing good manners to the students. Dr. Hamad Al Yahyai, Assistant Undersecretary for the Curriculum Sector of the Ministry of Education, for his part reviewed the implementation of the Sanaa program in schools across the UAE. 

His Excellency Dr. Faisal Al Bakri, Head of the National Education 2030 Team, emphasised Al Sanaa must be adopted and preserved, which is being done by the Ministry of Education and its strategic partners. 

*Honouring outstanding schools* 

His Excellency Hussain bin Ibrahim Al Hammadi, Minister of Education, honoured the schools that participated and excelled in implementing the Emirati Al Sanaa Program.

He said Al Sanaa Program consolidates the efforts of the Ministry of Education to promote social values, moral virtues, and positive behaviour. The program, prepared by the Ministry in cooperation with heritage and cultural institutions, is aimed at highlighting the UAE national identity and values. 

Dubai, 6 March 2022:  The final championship round of Fazza Championship for Saktoun Shooting, organised by Hamdan Bin Mohammed Heritage Center (HHC) at Dubai’s Al Ruwayyah desert area, concluded on a strong note on Saturday, with the awarding of winners in the Men’s category. 

This year’s edition of Fazza Championship for Saktoun Shooting  has recorded the most number of participants, with more than 2,000 male and female shooters competing in the five categories:  Men’s Open; Women’s; Juniors (Boys) Juniors (Girls), and Shooting Plates.

In the Men’s Open category, Shamis bin Ali Al-Mashali from Oman achieved first place, scoring 80 points, including 6 bullseye (X). His compatriot Hassan Salem Kashoub came second with 80 marks and 3 X, while another Omani national, Hamad Jadad, finished with 79 points and 5 X to finish in third place.

In the Shooting Plates category, first place was achieved by the duo of Younis Hamad Al-Siyabi and Awf Khasib Al-Awfi; second place by Marwan Al-Siyabi and Ali Al-Siyabi, and third place by Ahmed Khaled Al-Kaabi and Muhammad Hilal Al-Kaabi.

His Excellency Abdullah Hamdan Bin Dalmook, CEO of HHC, graced the closing day competitions and crowned the winners in the presence Brigadier General Mohammed Obaid Al Muhairi, Chairman of the Tournament Organizing Committee

Ibn Dalmouk praised the levels of participants and the strength of the competitions, which were characterized by the professionalism of shooters and accuracy in the work and preparations of the organising committee, especially with the application of the electronic system in registration and the conduct of competitions – all with the strong objective of preserving and promoting heritage sports.

For their part, the Omanis, Auf bin Khasib Al-Awfi and Younis Al-Siyabi, expressed their happiness at winning the first place in the category of Shooting Plates, which they had previously won back in 2017. They said the secret to their superiority has always been their continuous friendship over the years. Younis Al-Siyabi said: “In the competitions, there were many factors that decide victory and we remained focused on our goals.”