Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan Inaugurates Ghayathi Sports and Community Center in Al Dhafra
ABU DHABI, 6th October 2025 – Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler’s Representative in the Al Dhafra Region, has inaugurated the Ghayathi Sports and Community Center, marking another milestone in the UAE leadership’s commitment to promoting healthy lifestyles, enhancing quality of life, and fostering community wellbeing.
During the inauguration, Sheikh Hamdan emphasized that the initiative reflects the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, to establish sports as a key pillar of comprehensive and sustainable development. The opening also aligns with the objectives of the UAE Year of the Community, a national initiative focused on strengthening social cohesion and encouraging sustainable engagement across all sectors of society.
Sheikh Hamdan toured the state-of-the-art facilities at the new center, which was designed to promote sports and community activities throughout the Al Dhafra Region. The project supports the vision of both the Abu Dhabi Government and the Abu Dhabi Sports Council (ADSC) to encourage active living and improve overall quality of life for residents.
Accompanying Sheikh Hamdan at the inauguration were Sheikh Rashid bin Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Nasser Mohammed Al Mansouri (Undersecretary of the Ruler’s Representative Court in Al Dhafra Region), and other senior officials and dignitaries. Upon arrival, Sheikh Hamdan was received by Aref Hamad Al Awani, General Secretary of the Abu Dhabi Sports Council, along with senior representatives of the council.
Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan called on community members of all ages to make sports a daily habit, noting its positive impact on both physical and mental health, as well as its role in building a more active and productive society.
“Sports are a key element in achieving balance and quality of life,” he said, “and they contribute to fostering values of cooperation, belonging, and social unity.”
For his part, Aref Hamad Al Awani expressed his appreciation to Sheikh Hamdan for his ongoing support of sports and community development in Al Dhafra.
“The Ghayathi Sports and Community Center represents a model for modern sports facilities that cater to all segments of society and embody the concept of sports as a way of life,” he stated.
The Ghayathi Sports and Community Center stands as an integrated facility aimed at empowering people of all backgrounds to adopt a healthy and active lifestyle. It includes advanced sports amenities for both men and women, as well as multi-purpose halls for various sports and recreational activities.
The centerpiece of the facility is a multi-purpose sports hall that accommodates four major sports — football, basketball, volleyball, and handball — meeting the needs of diverse community groups and inspiring physical fitness and competition. Additional amenities include two world-class swimming pools, dedicated fitness halls, and aerobics rooms for both men and women. The center also houses a children’s nursery, administrative offices, and retail outlets, making it a comprehensive hub for wellness, sports, and community engagement.
Team V.4-EM-UAE
