Abu Dhabi emerged the leading destination for sports tourism in the world at the 26th edition of the World travel Awards 2019.
The capital city demonstrated its global position by hosting a number of high-profile international sporting events under the aegis of the world governing bodies for sports coordinated and managed by the Abu Dhabi Sports Council (ADSC).
Abu Dhabi has attracted elite players, international teams, legends and top officials from almost every field of sports over the last five years.
Some of the sporting events staged in Abu Dhabi are: FIFA Club World Cup 2017 and 2018, AFC Asian Football Cup 2019, Special Olympics World Games 2019, Abu Dhabi World Professional Jiu-Jitsu Championship, UFC242 fight card, UCI Emirates Tour, Abu Dhabi HSBC Golf Championship, Abu Dhabi International Triathlon Championship, World Sports Leadership Summit, Swimming World Cup, World Cup of High Diving, Etihad Airways Formula 1 Grand Prix, ADNOC Abu Dhabi Marathon, Mubadala World Tennis Championship, and an International friendly match between Brazil and South Korea.
His Highness Sheikh Nahyan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the Abu Dhabi Sports Council, presented the travel award to the UAE President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan and His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces.
“The award is the result of nation’s ability to successfully host international sporting events and to attract global audiences aside from the infra structures and security the country offers,” HH Sheikh Nahyan said.
“The Abu Dhabi government has paid boundless attention to the development of the sports sector, an important sector supporting the development of economic and tourism resources for the emirate.
“Hosting multiple global sporting events did not come by chance, and Abu Dhabi did not gain the trust of global sports federations and institutions from nothing, but with immaculate planning and the vision of the Abu Dhabi Sports Council.
“Of course a number of factors have gone in to establish Abu Dhabi as the sporting destination it has become.
“The infrastructure, transportation network, top-class hotels, security, a variety of leisure and entertainment for the entire family to enjoy, and above all, the Emirati hospitality.”
“We are really proud of this award. The recognition we have received represents a true reflection of the work that has gone in to make Abu Dhabi as one of the leading destination for hosting a variety of international sporting events.
“Such global recognition wouldn’t have been possible without the backing of the country’s wise leadership. Their vision to elevate the country to be among the best in the world, particularly in terms of being a hot bed for hosting international sporting events.
“Abu Dhabi Sports Council is proud to present this award to the leadership and people of the Emirates, even as we continue to build on this success to take our nation to the next level.”
HE Abdul Rahman Al Owais, Minister of Health and Community Protection, and Chairman of the Public Authority for Sports, acknowledged the award as the first of many to come considering the efforts that had gone into establishing Abu Dhabi as a leading destination for sports tourism.
“This award doesn’t come as a surprise for the amount of work that has gone into making Abu Dhabi as one of the leading sports destination around the world,” he said.
