Saeed bin Saqr inaugurates the 5th Kalba Beach Games

November 08, 2025 / 9:23 PM

Sharjah 24: Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Abdullah bin Salem bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Deputy Ruler of Sharjah, Sheikh Saeed bin Saqr bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Deputy Head of the Ruler's Office in Khorfakkan, inaugurated the 5th Kalba Beach Games on Friday.

The Games, running until November 16, feature seven sports packages, encompassing 29 games and a range of accompanying events, with a total prize pool of AED 800,000.

Distinguished attendance at the opening ceremony

The opening ceremony was attended by Sheikh Dr Khalid bin Humaid Al Qasimi, Chairman of the Sharjah Sports Council; Sheikh Abdullah bin Hamad bin Saif Al Sharqi, President of the UAE Bodybuilding and Fitness Federation; Abdul Malik Mohammed Jani, Chairman of the Organising Committee; Dr Tariq Al Khayyat, Vice President of the Arab Federation and Secretary General of the West Asian Triathlon Federation; Binu Gupta, President of the Indian Olympic Academy and Head of the Faculty of Education and Sports Sciences at Delhi University; as well as representatives from government bodies, sports federations, clubs, sponsors, and media outlets.

Maritime shows and ceremonial highlights

Before the official opening, several maritime shows were held for the public on the beach. The ceremony began with the UAE national anthem, followed by a documentary on the previous edition of the Games.

Dr Yasser Omar Al-Dukhi, Director of the Games, along with his deputy Bakheet Saeed Al-Qurs, raised the Games flag. Abdul Malik Jani then delivered a speech on behalf of the organizing committee, after which a drone display illuminated the skies of Kalba, welcoming guests to the Bride of the East Coast.

The Games torch was lit by a family of seven, symbolizing different generations and marking the Year of the Community 2025 while welcoming the Year of the Family 2026.

Commemorative shields were presented to Sheikh Saeed bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Sheikh Haitham bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Abdul Malik Jani, Dr. Yasser Al-Dukhi, and other distinguished guests. Sheikh Saeed bin Saqr Al Qasimi then officially declared the Games open, followed by a fireworks display that illuminated the sky above the Pearl of the East Coast.

Football matches begin

The football competitions kicked off with a match between Kalba and Emirates B, which ended in a 14–3 victory for Kalba.

Seven sports packages and 29 games

The tournament features seven sports packages consisting of 29 games and associated events:

Individual Games: Triathlon, Road Race, Badminton, Archery.

Team Games: Football, 3x3 Basketball, Volleyball.

Marine Sports: Kayaking, Swimming.

Esports: Esports Rowing, FC25 Football.

Martial Arts: Boxing, Jiu-Jitsu, Taekwondo, Karate, Wrestling, Judo.

Fitness: Tug-of-War, Obstacle Course, Modern Pentathlon.

Associated Games: Yoga, Arm Wrestling, Wheelchair Basketball.

Accompanying Events: Strategic Dialogue Forum, Sea Clean-Up Campaign, and a community march titled “Let’s Walk in Love with Sultan.”

Sunday, November 9th events: “Accrues”

Sunday’s schedule includes the conclusion of the triathlon competitions (swimming, cycling, and running), the UAE Modern Sailing Championship, beach volleyball (youth and women’s categories), triathlon (swimming, shooting, running), 3x3 basketball (women’s category), badminton, FC26 e-football, the kayak challenge, and taekwondo.