Abu Dhabi International Shotgun Championship Launches in Al Ain with Global Participation
The Abu Dhabi International Shotgun Championship officially began today in Al Ain, hosted at the Al Ain Equestrian and Shooting Club under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Hazza bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler’s Representative in Al Ain Region. The event, which runs until Thursday, 4th December, brings together more than 300 male and female shooters from 30 countries, including 40 participants from the UAE.
Organised by the Weapons and Dangerous Materials Office in partnership with the UAE Shooting Federation and the International Federation of Sport Shooting (FITASC), this championship features a total prize fund of $400,000 (over AED1.5 million). The closing programme will showcase the special Abu Dhabi Silver Award competition, offering prizes that exceed AED100,000.
On the opening day, participants competed across six categories: Juniors, Women, Masters, Open, Seniors, and Veterans. The championship takes place on eight ranges constructed to the latest international standards, providing a fair, safe, and technically advanced environment for world-class shooting competition.
Mohammed Suhail Al Neyadi, Director-General of the Weapons and Dangerous Materials Office and Chairman of the Higher Organising Committee, described the launch as both smooth and on schedule and highlighted the strong display of skill and organisation.
“We began with three rounds for each shooter, totalling 75 targets. The competition will continue with 75 targets on the second day and 50 targets on the third, all following precise schedules, specific timings and fully equipped ranges.” (Mohammed Suhail Al Neyadi)
The opening saw high enthusiasm from both shooters and judges and intense competition from the outset. The considerable presence of UAE competitors demonstrates the growing popularity of shooting sports within the country. Al Neyadi explained that this broad participation offers valuable opportunities for local athletes to gain international experience and enhance the UAE’s global stature in the sport.
He further noted that the championship is advancing smoothly, with positive feedback from participants and strong technical performance across all categories.
He also outlined plans for the future, announcing, “We envision hosting further competitions, including a shotgun championship next January in Al Ain dedicated to trap and skeet events, which differ from sporting competitions. We expect it to attract a global audience and significant participation.” (Mohammed Suhail Al Neyadi)
With its successful launch, the Abu Dhabi International Shotgun Championship is poised to reinforce Al Ain’s status as a leading venue for world-class shooting events and further boost the UAE’s standing on the international sports stage.
Team V.4-EM-UAE
