“As the founder of Mo Sports, I am thrilled to announce our exciting collaboration with Abu Dhabi Racket Club, marking a significant milestone for us. We are delighted to host our first international event outside Egypt – the first men’s and women’s tournament in Abu Dhabi.
This collaboration opens new gates for Mo Sports, and we are honoured to bring the exhilarating game of squash to a global stage. As the world eagerly anticipates squash’s inclusion in the 2028 Olympics, our commitment to spreading the love for the sport remains unwavering. This event is a testament to our dedication to fostering international partnerships and creating memorable experiences for squash enthusiasts worldwide. Get ready for an incredible tournament in Abu Dhabi!”
Mohamed Wagih
The end of a great event!
As the final serves echoed through the Abu Dhabi Sports Club courts, we conclude the Abu Dhabi Racket Club Open Squash Tournament. This groundbreaking event marked a significant milestone in the UAE’s squash world. With 48 players in the Men’s category and 16 in the Women’s, 64 players showcased their skill, determination, and sportsmanship over two busy days.
This tournament, held in collaboration with the Abu Dhabi Sports Council, witnessed the support and presence of esteemed personalities. His Excellency Aref Al Awani, General Secretary of the Abu Dhabi Sports Council, emphasized the importance of such events, stating “The Abu Dhabi Racket Club Open Squash Tournament represents the beginning of a new era for the game.” His commitment to hosting more tournaments to discover and nurture talents for the UAE national team reflects his dedication to advancing sports within the region.
During the tournament, recognition was extended to rising talents Jodi Ahmed Al Adl and Ziad Ahmed Al Adl, highlighting their prominence in the squash arena. Their acknowledgement underscores the commitment to developing young talents and fostering a thriving squash community.
Dr. Hamad Abdulla Al Mehyas, Board of Directors of the Abu Dhabi Racket Club, outlined the vision to establish Abu Dhabi as a global centre for squash, aiming to compete for gold at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. The Open Squash Tournament served as a crucial platform for talent discovery and interaction, aligning with the overarching goal of advancing the game of squash.
The tournament reached its pinnacle with Farah Momen‘s triumph in the women’s event and Mostafa Sirty‘s remarkable victory in the men’s category. Their achievements symbolize the dedication, skill, and competitive spirit that define the essence of squash.
International squash legend Amir Wagih, expressed admiration for Abu Dhabi’s sports infrastructure, affirming its position as a top destination for hosting international sporting events. His enthusiasm to contribute his wealth of experience to the development of squash players at all age levels is a testament to the bright future for the sport in Abu Dhabi.
In conclusion, the Abu Dhabi Racket Club Open Squash Tournament has showcased exceptional athleticism and laid the foundation for a flourishing squash community in Abu Dhabi. This tournament hailed as the biggest squash event held in the UAE, marks the beginning of an exciting chapter for squash enthusiasts and players alike. We extend our gratitude to all participants, supporters, and stakeholders who have contributed to the success of this historic event.
Man Draw 35 players
Women Draw 14 Players
The Abu Dhabi Racket Club announced the launch of its Open Squash Tournament on 16 – 17 December at the Abu Dhabi Sports Club, in cooperation with the Abu Dhabi Sports Council.
48 players participate in the Men’s category and 16 in the Women’s, making for 64 players.
The announcement of the Abu Dhabi Racket Club Open Squash Tournament was made in the presence of His Excellency Aref Al Awani, General Secretary of the Abu Dhabi Sports Council (ADSC), and Abdulla Mohamed Alwheibi Clubs Talent Development Department Director (ADSC), and international squash legend, Amir Wagih from Egypt.
During the evening, His Excellency Aref Al Awani honoured the two brothers, Jodi Ahmed Al Adl (17 years old), and Ziad Ahmed Al Adl (14 years old), who are considered among the most prominent and promising talents in squash.
His Excellency said:
“I have always pointed out that we are working at the Abu Dhabi Sports Council to host all available sporting events, and the Abu Dhabi Racket Club Open Squash Tournament represents the beginning of a new era for the game.
The coming period will witness the organisation and hosting of more tournaments in order to discover talents to represent the UAE national team in global forums.”
He also highlighted the Abu Dhabi Sports Council commitment in providing all the expertise and equipment required to make the tournament a success, especially as it will be the first hosted by the capital, Abu Dhabi, to discover talents, advancing the game of squash, and achieving milestones within both the Arab and international spheres.
Dr. Hamad Abdulla Al Mehyas Board of Directors of the Abu Dhabi Racket Club emphasised that the vision of the Abu Dhabi Racket Club aims to establish Abu Dhabi as a global centre for squash through a business strategy that keeps pace with the latest international standards, with the ambition of competing for gold at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
Dr. Al Mehyas said:
“Squash was included in the Abu Dhabi Racket Club games to work on qualifying male and female players to join the ranks of the national teams, and the Open Squash Tournament represents a basis for interaction and talent discovery.”
“We are confident that we are on the right path, thanks to the direct support of Abu Dhabi Sports Council, which has its sights set on advancing sports and athletes in the capital, Abu Dhabi.”
To further prove Dr. Al Mehyas’ point, Amir Wagih praised the sports infrastructure in Abu Dhabi, detailing his admiration for the great development that placed the capital at the top of the cities hosting international sporting events.
Wagih said:
“Abu Dhabi has always attracted my attention with its great sporting development, and today I witnessed the extent of the ambition to develop the game of squash, which sparked my enthusiasm to offer my stock of experience to advance the game and develop players at all age levels.”
The Abu Dhabi Racket Club Squash Tournament, held under the auspices of the Abu Dhabi Sports Council, marks a significant milestone in the region’s sporting landscape.
This prestigious event, hosted at the esteemed Abu Dhabi Country Club, represents the first major and officially sanctioned tournament featuring prize money for both men’s and women’s divisions, with a substantial purse of DHS 22,000.
Scheduled to take place on December 16-17, this tournament not only adds to the vibrant sports culture of Abu Dhabi but also aligns with the global recognition of squash, highlighted by its inclusion in the Olympics.
This initiative sets the stage for Abu Dhabi to emerge as a critical hub for squash enthusiasts in the Gulf countries. Looking ahead, plans are underway to host more such events in the coming year, solidifying Abu Dhabi’s position as a premier destination for squash competitions and reinforcing its commitment to the growth of the sport in the region.
