UAE hosts 23rd Asia & Middle East Bridge qualifiers

Sharjah 24 – WAM: Under the patronage of Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence, and attended by Ghanem Al Hajeri, Under-Secretary of the Ministry of Sports, the 23rd edition of the Asia and Middle East Zone 4 Bridge Qualifiers began at Media Rotana Hotel in Dubai. The event welcomed 10 countries: UAE, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Kuwait, Palestine, Syria, India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka.

Celebrating the spirit of tolerance and excellence

Dr Rusul Al Nuaimi opened the ceremony with a welcoming speech on behalf of the “House of Tolerance,” praising the event’s role in fostering cultural exchange. The UAE national anthem and a short film celebrating the nation’s achievements followed.

UAE reinforces its role in mind sports

Ahmed Al Mudfa, Chairman of the UAE Bridge Committee, underscored the country’s dedication to promoting mind sports and its growing status as a premier host of international tournaments.

Sheikh Nahyan highlights Bridge as a symbol of cooperation

In a video message, Sheikh Nahyan emphasized the significance of bridge as a game that promotes cooperation, excellence, and mutual respect. He also linked the values of bridge to the UAE’s broader commitment to peace, inclusion, and global engagement under the leadership of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

International recognition and local collaboration

Bahjat Al-Majali, President of the Asia and Middle East Bridge Federation, praised the UAE for its professional event organisation. Saif Al Nuaimi, Vice President of the UAE Chess Federation, highlighted joint efforts to promote mind sports across the country.

Sponsors and participants honoured

During the ceremony, players and referees took the official oath, and national anthems of the participating countries were played. Organisers honored key sponsors:

Platinum: Crescent Petroleum

Gold: United Arab Bank, National Paints, Sultan Bin Ali Al Owais Real Estate, Swiss Arabian

Silver: Unique, EMEC, Sharjah Insurance Company, Al Sarh Al Kabeer Construction, NASCO, Media Rotana Hotel

Championship opens with a call for unity

Ghanem Al Hajeri officially opened the qualifiers, wishing teams success. These qualifiers will determine the top two teams in each category—Open, Women’s, Senior, and Mixed Teams—to represent the region at the 2025 World Bridge Championships in Denmark.

UAE continues to lead in hosting mind sports

Bridge, a globally recognized mind sport governed by the World Bridge Federation, is supported in the UAE by the UAE Bridge Committee under the UAE Chess Federation. The event was flawlessly executed by Ramooz Advertising and International Events & Exhibitions Organisers, led by Championship Director Omar Makki.