UAE Volleyball Association To Ensure Successful Staging Of Dubai Beach Volleyball Open

The newly elected board of the UAE Volleyball Association (UAE VA) put its weight behind the staging of the Swatch FIVB World Tour, a world ranking Men's Beach Volleyball tournament scheduled to take place in the emirate from November 14 to 18, 2005.

"The Dubai Beach Volleyball Open will help us showcase our potential to host an international beach volleyball tournament in Dubai and promote the sport’s popularity among fans throughout the region and worldwide," said Mohammed Abdul Karim Julfar, President of the UAE VA, reinforcing the commitment of the association to the development of the sport.

"Over the years, volleyball has progressed and changed in status from that of a pure recreational game, to one that is both demanding and highly competitive," Mr. Julfar remarked. "Today, the game attracts all levels of players from those seeking pure recreation to those gearing up for competition, from varying ages and skill levels," he said.

Volleyball’s appeal is increasing because it is fairly easy to master and can be played on a variety of surfaces. Additionally, the sport requires a minimum of equipment and other gear, which gives it an advantage over many other sports that stress the need for expensive equipment and clothing.

"Through the successful staging of the volleyball event in Dubai, we are hoping to make the sport more popular in the country and also contribute to the development of young Olympic hopefuls in the long run," Mr. Julfar added.

Local event management company - Abjad Sports & Events - will be managing the Dubai tournament on behalf of the FIVB and in collaboration with the UAE Volleyball Association.

Tournament Director, Erwan Jouan remarked: "It is very encouraging to see the UAE VA making sincere efforts to broaden the appeal of beach volleyball by supporting the Dubai Beach Volleyball Open and giving the sport more exposure in the country."

Dubai has been chosen as the location for the Swatch FIVB World Tour because of its world-class infrastructure that has enabled this dynamic emirate to attract the best international sporting events.

The Dubai tournament is expected to be a major milestone in the history of beach volleyball not just in the UAE but also in the entire Arab world.

Dubai is fast acquiring a global reputation for combining adventure, fun and sports with sand and year-round sunshine to offer a very cosmopolitan atmosphere for organisers of sports events. The emirate's first-class sporting facilities and climactic conditions make it an ideal sports destination.

Over the last decade, volleyball has witnessed unprecedented growth. The beach volleyball phenomenon that is hugely visible is also gaining overwhelming popularity as a spectator sport.

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