A new ice rink in Ghantoot along with a planned promotion of the game among young nationals are part of the UAE Ice Hockey Association's (UAE IHA) future plans.

The UAE Ice Hockey Association, which is soon to become a UAE Federation and anticipates provisional membership into the International Ice Hockey Federation, has been on the upswing ever since Sheikh Falah bin Zayed Al Nahyan took interest in the sport in June, 2000.

Sheikh Falah, a keen polo player, soon took to the ice and saw the skills and potential of other local players. Sheikh Falah reorganised the pack of Arab players and restructured the team into the Al Wahda Club which joined the expatriate senior ice hockey league. Within a year, two more teams joined to form the first six-team UAE National League. Al Wahda emerged winners in both the League as well as the Dubai Shopping Festival Championship.

THe UAE IHA have drawn out a long-term plan conceived by Sheikh Falah. The Arab Youth Development programme, which is to run through the summer, is expected to help promote the game among youngsters. Any national child who desires to learn the game will be provided with free skating lessons at the ice rink closest to their home.

Once the child shows an interest in the game and the potential to become an ice hockey player, the candidate will be invited to join a group of aspiring players of the same age and skill level.

The developing players will be provided professional coaching and instruction throughout the summer.

Young players, who have continued to develop their skills and team play will be assigned into separate teams to form the "All Arab Development" league. This league is expected to continue through April next year with the All Stars from this league forming the basis for the 2002 'World Ice Hockey 5's" Asian Division tournament team.

Currently there are three Ice Rinks while only two of them are of Olympic size. The existing Abu Dhabi Ice Rink, Al Nasr Ice Rink and the Hili Ice Rink will soon be joined by a fourth which is being planned at the Ghantoot Club.

THe UAE IHA recently organised a season-ending function, awarding the trophies and mementos to the winners of the 2000-01 season. Jamal Dhahiri of Al Wahda Club received the League trophy from Dr. Ahmed Al Khazraji of Al Wasel Holdings. The UAE national ice hockey team was also felicitated.

The following were the winners:
2000-01 League winners: Al Wahda Sports & Cultural Club; 2. Team ABN-AMRO; 3. Team Nokia.
Best Player: Ron Murphy of ABN-AMRO.
Best Goalie: Robert Gayle.
Best Defender: Dave Johnson.
Fair Play Trophy: His Highness Sheikh Khalifa Hospital Team.