"The final of the Al Rawabi inter schools cricket tournament will be held at the new Abu Dhabi cricket stadium next year," announced Abdulreham Falaknaz, the chairman of the Dubai Cricket Council (DCC) during the Al Rawabi schools cricket awards ceremony for this year held at the Le Meridian Hotel on Monday night.

"The Al Rawabi cricket tournament is UAE's most popular school's event today, and next year the final of this tournament will be staged at the newly built world class stadium in Abu Dhabi . In 2004, the tournament will be played in Dubai's own cricket stadium," remarked Falaknaz amidst applause from the budding cricketers.

Earlier, Hayat Yar Khan, Joint Secretary of the DCC, welcoming the gathering said: "Al Rawabi tournament has laid the foundation for cricket. Their slogan 'Nothing but cricket. Nothing but Al Rawabi" speaks highly of their commitment towards the promotion of the game."

The awards were presented by Robinder Singh, Al Rawabi Group Sales and Marketing Manager, Abdul Razzak Kazim, chief selector of the UAE and Capt. P.P. Singh, Regional Director Air India.

Mohammed Lokhandwala, Media Co-ordinator DCC, announced the awards. Cricketers and representatives of all participating schools attended the function.

Dr. Tapan Das, Physical Education Director of the Indian High School, Dubai, the winners of the Under-14 event, attributed his team's success to regular practice.

"The coaching and the facilities at our school helps to bring out the best from the players. We could not perform equally well in the Under-18 event due to examinations and non-availability of some good players." Ajit Kumar Singh and Menino Po are the cricket coaches of the school.

Mohammed Atiq Butt, sport-in-charge of Pakistan Islamia Higher Secondary School Sharjah, the winners of the Under-18 event, said: "We are proud of winning this tournament for the second time. Our victory is mainly due to hard work and dedication of our players and full support from the principal and our consulate."

DCC officials Farooq Siddique and Anwar Zadi attended the function.