BWF’s development drive in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is continuing to move at a brisk pace with the execution of various initiatives over the last few months.
1. Sharjah MoU
In July, BWF signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Sharjah women’s sports organisation to create more opportunities for young Emirati girls with long-term vision to qualify for the Olympics. BWF will support creating a full-player pathway and run a course to develop the organisation’s capacity.
2. Coach Education
Two weeks of BWF Coach Education Level 1 delivered to 33 participants at Dubai Sports World.
3. National Umpire Course
In August (8-14), Shuttle Time Dubai conducted a National Umpire Certification Course at the Dubai Sports World. This seven-day course had a rich mix of nationalities, emphasising the cultural diversity, tolerance and opportunities laid out by the UAE.
The course consisted theoretical aspects of the laws, instructions, vocabulary and had practical on-court sessions that extended to the Shuttle Time Dubai Club Championship 2022 (National Level Team Championship event).
4. Shuttle Time Dubai Club Championship
The 8th edition of the YONEX Shuttle Time Dubai Club Championship was held on all weekends in August at Dubai Sports World, which had a massive 18-court facility. Sanctioned by the UAE Badminton Federation as a National Team Event, it was divided into three competitive levels.
Of the 34 teams, one consisting local talents mainly developed via Shuttle Time projects was from UAE for the first time in the history of the prestigious event, which had its prize money raised by nearly 20 per cent.
5. Teacher training
Also in August, 50 more teachers were trained under the Unified Champions School programme.
6. Al Nasr Club women’s tournament
Over 80 women participated, with Arab Badminton Federation President, Dr. Sawsan Taqawi, and UAE Badminton President Noura Al Jasmi in attendance. Pre-tournament, both presidents held several meetings with key stakeholders in the UAE and visited Abu Dhabi Sports Council, Special Olympics UAE, Fatima bint Mubarak Academy, Sharjah Women Sports Organisation and West Asia Para Federation.
7. Programme Leads
In October, BWF and the World Academy of Sport (WAoS) teamed up to deliver an innovative five-day Programme Leads Training in Dubai to 16 candidates from five Continental Confederations. (link)
