DUBAI, 18th March 2017: Ahmed Mohammed Saeed Al Habsi (number 16) basked in glory after winning the prestigious Fazza Youlah Cup and the grand prize of AED 1 million at the conclusion of the 17th edition of the Fazza Championship for Youlah organized and supervised by the Hamdan Bin Mohammed Heritage Center (HHC) during the 13th episode of the event held in Al Meydan quadrant at Global Village on Friday 17th March.

The final episode of the biggest Fazza Youlah Championship in the region was attended by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid bin Mohammed bin Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum, HE Abdullah Hamdan Bin Dalmook, CEO of the HHC, Mr. Rashid bin Mirkhan, Deputy Executive Director of HHC, Ms. Suad Ibrahim Darwish, Director of Championships at HHC, a number of officials, guests and representatives of local and international media.

Votes

Al Habsi emerged as the popular winner after getting the most number of votes from the public to edge out Hamdan Mohammed bin Musleh Al Ahbabi (number 3).

Fireworks and a carnival atmosphere prevailed after the announcement of the champion with friends and family members of Al Habsi joining him on stage to celebrate the joyous occasion.

Program

The 13th episode that was broadcast live on Sama Dubai TV channel and Al Oula radio station began with the national anthem of the UAE and after the welcome address by the hosts of the show, a special program was presented on the support extended by HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Crown Prince Dubai, the patron of this heritage activity specifically Youlah Championship and Fazza Championships through sports throughout the season.

Best Yuweel

Mabkhoot Salim Hamad Al Ameri (number 8) was adjudged the Best Yuweel artiste receiving the Award for Excellence in the Fazza Youlah Championship for 2017 from Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid bin Mohammed bin Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum.

The Youlah season-finale was illuminated by a song dedicated to His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai.

Foundation of success

Ms. Suad Ibrahim Darwish, Director of Championships at HHC, said that the support of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, is the foundation of success and excellence, both from an organizational and technical level to inspire Youlah participants to showcase their best skills and honour this popular tradition.

Expressing her appreciation to the jury for their efforts this season, she said: “The hard work and dedication put in by members of the jury to train participants and transfer their expertise, has contributed to enriching and raising the standards of performances to a professional level.”

Ms. Suad Ibrahim Darwish recalled that the Youlah Summer tournament initiated by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, in 2006, formed an important basis for the training of young people and contributed directly in the emergence of the current champs. “We are proud to see champions of six years ago, all of whom are graduates of these summer tournaments, getting on the podium and winning titles,” she said.

She explained that these competitions which began in 2001 have made significant strides and played a key role in the consolidation of national identity and become a part of the annual activity of the Dubai calendar.

“By broadcasting these tournaments, we have always sought to instill patriotic spirit among young people and motivate them to practice these traditional sports, whether it is through the use of the Youlah weapon, singing the national anthem, wearing uniforms or showing off their skills.”

She stressed that the Youlah Championship is open to all nationalities because this traditional sport is not restricted to nationals only, and urged everyone to experience the art of performing the beautiful art of Youlah.

Honoring

HE Abdullah Hamdan Bin Dalmook, CEO of HHC, honoured the artists Mehad Hamad, Fayez Al Saeed and poet Saeed Bin Musleh Al Ahbabi.

Official sponsors

The supporting sponsors of the HHC were also honoured: Mr. Hussein Asal (Al Tayer Motors), Mohammad Al Mulla (Global Village), Mr. Mohsin Hassan and Mr. Ali Al Moussawi (Sama Dubai).

The rest of the sponsors, namely: Dubai Racing Channel, Arabian Automobiles Rostamani and Yas channel were also appreciated with plaques.

Draw

HHC announced that the lucky winner of a car awarded by Arabian Automobiles Rostamani chosen by an electronic draw from among those who voted through their mobiles will be held.

Golden Cup

The glittering Fazza Golden Cup was unveiled in a spectacular manner electrifying the audience who waited with bated breath to know the identity of the hero.

Unspeakable joy

Ahmed Mohammed Saeed Al Habsi, was overwhelmed by emotions as he spoke after winning the title.

“My joy is beyond description. My thanks go to the fans that voted for me, my family and my wife, and all of whom supported me in this championship to achieve the dream of my life to win this prestigious Cup,” he said.

“I committed myself to train and with guidance of my coach during the final stages in particular, I worked hard to give the best performances and thanks be to God for my success.”

Hamdan Mohammed bin Musleh Al Ahbabi accepting the final result in a sporting spirit said: “We are brothers who love each other and everyone who participated is a winner. I hope the audience is fully satisfied with the presentations we made.”

Format

The Championship organizers HHC amended the format of competition this year adding a hint of international television programmes. The 18 finalists were divided into three groups of six each. Each group came under the eyes of an expert member of the jury as his mentor.

The official sponsors of Hamdan Bin Mohammed Heritage Center are: Al Tayer Motors, Land Rover, Dubai Airports, Dubai World Trade Centre, AW Rostamani (Arabian Automobiles), Global Village and Al Oula radio station.

Folk art

‘Youllah’ is a well-established folk art over the years where an iconic rifle is spun around to the rhythmic beat of Arabic music. One of the heritage traditions performed by the young and the not so elderly during ceremonies, Youllah as a sport began with real weapons in the past and then evolved into a weapon used with a hollow inside and free of ammunition. Now it has become even more lighter enabling participants to display greater agility and more skills in a dance form.