The 2nd Al Aqah East Coast Ramadan football tournament will be held from October 14-31 at the hotel premises, it was announced today.
Over 12 teams will be taking part representing players from East Coast clubs and local government departments including the Royal Court, Civil Defence, Dibba Police, Dibba Municipality, Dibba Club and the Kassarat Ashwaikh Al Za’aim and Al Ahli football clubs.
The organizing committee also announced that high-level international referees would be responsible for supervising the matches.
The tournament is being held under the patronage of Sheikh Saleh Bin Mohammed Al Sharqi, chairman, Department of Industry and Economy in Fujairah, and is supported by Al Rawabi, the local juice company and Mizen mineral water, who will be providing drinking water for the players throughout the tournament.
“Football remains the most popular sport in the UAE and the East Coast is no exception. A sporting event like this provides an exciting opportunity for East coast residents to get together and strengthen social ties as they watch friends and family members compete, in keeping with the spirit of togetherness that is representative of Ramadan ,’ said Patrick Antaki, general manager, Le Meridien Al Aqah Beach Resort.
Extensive arrangements have been made for this year’s event as a large number of football enthusiasts are expected to attend the matches, which will be played every Friday, Saturday, Monday and Tuesday starting at 9:30 pm.
Prior to viewing the matches, spectators can enjoy the spectacular ‘Layali Al Aqah’ Ramadan tent at the hotel, open throughout the holy month from 8 pm to 2 am. Traditional Arabic delicacies and Ramadan beverages, tea, coffees and flavoured Shisha are available for guests to enjoy, while well-known singer, Wagih Kandil, enlivens evenings with his haunting Oudh melodies.
Views restaurant at the resort is also serving a fabulous Iftar buffet with a spread of international and Arabic dishes for only AED 65. Children between the ages of 6-12 may dine for half price whilst children under 6 dine for free. The restaurant also has a lavish Suhour menu that will be served upon request.
A property of the Emirates Group, Le Meridien Al Aqah Beach Resort is located on a two kilometer sand beach, nestled between the Hajar Mountains and the Indian Ocean. Being ISO 9001:2000 certified and applauded at the prestigious DEPA Awards and MENA Travel Awards for its contributions to regional hospitality, Le Meridien Al Aqah provides guests with unrivalled facilities that includes a mini cinema, a Wellness Centre featuring Cleopatra Beauty Rooms, Softouch Ayurvedic Centre, the Baywatch Village restaurant complex, four additional bars and restaurants and a professional diving centre run by Al Boom Marine.
Photo caption (l-r): Patrick Antaki, general manager, Le Meridien Al Aqah Beach Resort announcing the Ramadan Football Tournament with Sultan Al Sharee, organizing committee member, Mohammad Abdullah Al Salami, managing director, Fujairah Civil Aviation and Ahmed Ibrahim, organizing committee member.
Le Méridien is a global hotel group with a portfolio of over 130 luxury and upscale hotels (36,000 rooms) in 56 countries worldwide. The majority of its properties are located in the world's top cities and resorts throughout Europe, the Americas, Asia Pacific, Africa and the Middle East. The company also enjoys a strategic alliance with JAL-owned Nikko Hotels, providing loyal guests access to an additional 44 properties around the world
