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Al Nahda Club from Oman claimed the traditional Al-Tebba championship title at the Abu Dhabi 2026 Masters Games after defeating Abu Dhabi Police 4-3 in the final. The traditional Al-Tebba competition concluded yesterday evening at the Al-Tebba field in the Um Ghafa area of Al Ain, according to the Emirates News Agency.
Both teams advanced to the final through semifinal victories earlier in the tournament. Al Nahda defeated the Um Ghafa team 6-4, while Abu Dhabi Police secured their spot by overcoming Al Saruj with a commanding 10-2 scoreline.
Officials Honor Al-Tebba Champions
His Excellency Dr. Sultan Saif Al Neyadi, Minister of State for Youth Affairs, presented the awards to the winning team. Additionally, Saif bin Muftah Al Neyadi, Chairman of the Al-Tebba Committee, and Ayed Hamad Al Ahbabi, Director of Legal Affairs at Abu Dhabi Sports Council, participated in the trophy ceremony.
The traditional Al-Tebba sport represents an important part of Emirati cultural heritage. The game has been preserved and passed down through generations as a traditional team sport unique to the region.
Growing Interest in Traditional Sports
Mohammed Hamed Al Neyadi, Deputy General Supervisor of the game, emphasized the significant success of the event held at the Um Ghafa field. The large attendance from various community groups demonstrated strong public interest in preserving traditional Emirati sports.
According to Al Neyadi, the enthusiastic response serves as major motivation for developing strategic plans to expand Al-Tebba practice across the country. However, he noted that efforts would focus on reaching optimal levels of participation at the national level during the coming period.
Traditional Al-Tebba Competition Within Masters Games Framework
The inclusion of Al-Tebba in the Abu Dhabi 2026 Masters Games highlights efforts to integrate traditional heritage sports alongside modern athletic competitions. Meanwhile, the event showcased the sport’s competitive nature while maintaining its cultural authenticity.
The tournament attracted teams from both the UAE and neighboring countries, with Omani participation demonstrating the sport’s cross-border appeal. In contrast to many modern sporting events, Al-Tebba competitions maintain traditional rules and playing methods that have remained largely unchanged for decades.
The Um Ghafa venue in Al Ain provided an authentic setting for the traditional competition. The field’s location in the eastern region of Abu Dhabi emirate holds historical significance for Al-Tebba enthusiasts and practitioners.
Future Development Plans
Organizers expressed commitment to expanding Al-Tebba’s reach beyond current participation levels. The strong community response at Um Ghafa reinforced the viability of growth strategies aimed at introducing the sport to wider audiences across the United Arab Emirates.
Support from government officials, including the Minister of State for Youth Affairs and Abu Dhabi Sports Council representatives, signals institutional backing for traditional sports preservation. Furthermore, this official recognition may facilitate increased resources for developing Al-Tebba infrastructure and training programs.
The successful staging of the traditional Al-Tebba championship demonstrates balancing cultural heritage preservation with organized competitive sports frameworks. The event’s integration into the Masters Games format provides a model for showcasing traditional Emirati sports to broader audiences while maintaining their authentic character.
Authorities have not yet announced specific details regarding the next Al-Tebba competition or the timeline for implementing the strategic development plans mentioned by organizers. Further information about expanding the sport’s national reach is expected to emerge as officials finalize their strategies for the coming period.
