DUBAI // A huge community sports tournament involving more than 1,600 players and 144 teams kicks off in Dubai later this month.
Furjan, an initiative by Dubai Sports Council (DSC), involves football, basketball and volleyball competitions being played on local parks, starting on June 20. Matches will take place in two main zones, Deira and Bur Dubai, and teams will play in district competitions with the winners graduating towards the finale on July 29.
The 104 football teams will start their competition at eight centres, four each in Deira and Bur Dubai.
The 24 basketball teams have been divided into two centres at each, while the 16 volleyball teams will be battling it out at centre in each of those to zones.
"With the schools and colleges closed, the young people have a lot of free time during the summers," said Ahmed al Sharif, the secretary general of DSC. "So this is an effort to give them something to do and enjoy the benefits of sports.
"One of our goals is to unearth new talent. In the first year, we discovered one of our best beach soccer players, Adil [al Rahi]. After just one year, he participated in the GCC tournament in Oman and won the best player award.
"We also want to attract the expatriates and encourage them to participate. In the first year, this event was for only the Emiratis, so we had just football. We know the Filipinos love basketball, so we added that in the second year. We know the Indians and Pakistanis enjoy volleyball, so this year it is part of the tournament."
Ahmed Abdulkareem, the director of public gardens at Dubai Municipality, added: "We hope this event will help in increasing the participation … in sports and physical activities."
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Know before you go
- Jebel Akhdar is a two-hour drive from Muscat airport or a six-hour drive from Dubai. It’s impossible to visit by car unless you have a 4x4. Phone ahead to the hotel to arrange a transfer.
- If you’re driving, make sure your insurance covers Oman.
- By air: Budget airlines Air Arabia, Flydubai and SalamAir offer direct routes to Muscat from the UAE.
- Tourists from the Emirates (UAE nationals not included) must apply for an Omani visa online before arrival at evisa.rop.gov.om. The process typically takes several days.
- Flash floods are probable due to the terrain and a lack of drainage. Always check the weather before venturing into any canyons or other remote areas and identify a plan of escape that includes high ground, shelter and parking where your car won’t be overtaken by sudden downpours.
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