Abu Dhabi: A major two-day showcase of Irish sport got under way at Zayed Sports City in Abu Dhabi on Friday, in what is a global first.
The inaugural Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA) World Games were opened by Shaikh Nahyan Bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Culture, Youth and Community Development in the presence of UAE and Irish sporting and Government dignitaries.
The event was conceived by the Middle East GAA to capitalise on the burgeoning worldwide popularity of traditional Irish sports such as Gaelic football.
Hurling, which combines elements of hockey, lacrosse and baseball and which is considered one of the fastest sports in the world, is also one the activities being showcased this weekend. Rounders and camogie, a stick-and-ball team sport played by women, are the other sports that will be played. Entry is free on both days between 9am and 6pm.
The Games coincided with the staging of the Middle Eastern GAA Championships on Friday. The Middle East Nationals’ squad was to compete in the international competition against players from Kuwait, Sudan, Bahrain, Oman and Egypt, among other countries.
In addition to the main competition, spectators can enjoy family-friendly activities, with the evenings’ entertainment featuring Irish dancing and music.
For more information on the event, visit www.middleeastgaa.com or www.gaa.ie. Fans can keep up to date with the competition on the free app, Team App, which will have the fixtures, tables and live scores of the weekend’s games.
