In an atmosphere decorated with national flags and a spirit of unity, the fourth round of the 25th Fazza Championship for Yola and the 21st season of the Al-Maidan program took place. The event is organized by the Fazza Championships Management at the Hamdan bin Mohammed Centre for Heritage. Ahmed Ali Al-Habsi and Mubarak Mohammed Al-Shamsi completed the group of eight qualifiers for the second round. The round featured a high level of competition, and audiences at Al-Maidan Fort in Al-Rimail, Dubai, enjoyed the best moments while following the riders as they presented their strongest levels in their quest for the Fazza Gold Cup. Al-Maidan in Al-Rimail was adorned with its new environment, inspired by the 'frajans' (oases) of the UAE, complete with authentic details. The flags of the UAE were raised there in a scene embodying pride and belonging, celebrating Union Day and reaffirming the values of unity established by the nation's founders. The program also presented a special report on this national occasion, reviewing the Yola riders' visit to the Union Museum, an experience that reinforced their sense of belonging and pride in the nation's history, journey, and achievements. The competition in the fourth round, broadcast live on Dubai TV and on Al-Oula radio, was strong, with participants excelling amidst very close competition in the championship challenges. Ahmed Ali Al-Habsi (Ras Al Khaimah) secured first place with 80 points, followed by Mubarak Mohammed Al-Shamsi (Abu Dhabi) with 60 points, while Ahmed Rashid Al-Mansoori (Dubai) came third with 50 points. Al-Habsi and Al-Shamsi joined the qualifiers from the first three rounds: Obaid Hamid Al Ali, Salem Faisal Al Huz, Hamad Zafar Al Ahbabi, Nihyan Masri Al Mansoori, Salih Hamad Al Muhannadi, and Saeed Mohammed Al Mahiri. The fourth round began with a Yola performance to the song 'Salt of the UAE' with lyrics by the CEO of the Hamdan bin Mohammed Centre for Heritage, Abdullah Hamdan bin Dalmaq, performed by artist Mehad Hamad and composed by Fayez Al Sayed, narrated by Khalifa bin Sabain. In this challenge, both Al-Habsi and Al-Shamsi earned 25 points. In the 'Shadda' (wooden pole) assembly challenge, only Al-Habsi managed to score points. In the swimming challenge, held at the Hamdan Sports Complex, Al-Habsi and Al-Mansoori outperformed the others, earning 15 points each. In the archery challenge, held directly on the Al-Maidan stage in a running style to pick up the weapon and aim at targets, Al-Habsi and Al-Mansoori earned 15 points. In the poetry recitation challenge, Al-Habsi and Al-Shamsi earned their points. In the camel race, held at the Al-Rimail racetrack in cooperation with the Dubai Camel Racing Club at the same venue, Al-Shamsi and Al-Mansoori excelled, earning 20 points each. Natalie Joseph Ovadyssian, Head of the Radio, Media, and Corporate Communications Department and Chair of the Championship's Organizing Committee at the Hamdan bin Mohammed Centre for Heritage, stated: 'We operate in the Fazza Yola Championship within a comprehensive training system that serves as a cornerstone in the journey of preparing Yola riders to reach the highest levels of performance. Training is not just daily sessions; it is a structured process supervised by specialized trainers with extensive experience in traditional arts and physical conditioning methods, ensuring the progressive and professional development of participants' skills.' She added: 'This approach has yielded tangible results. We have observed the Yola riders' ability to acquire new skills and polish their talents remarkably, which has directly reflected in the strong competitive level and the narrow gap in points among the contestants. The continuous training throughout the week has also elevated their technical and physical readiness, making their performance in a state of sustainable development, reflecting the seriousness and commitment of the new generation of Yola riders.' She also noted that the centre's focus on providing the best training talents and diversifying development methods gives participants a real opportunity for growth and excellence and enhances the championship's status as one of the most important platforms dedicated to preserving Emirati heritage and presenting it in a modern manner befitting its place in society's consciousness. Al-Kebali sings... the audience reactsArtist Ahmed Al-Kebali was a guest on the fourth round of Al-Maidan, where he performed the song 'Mut Fi Gadik' (Death in Your Anger) to great audience interaction, filling the stands at Al-Rimail. Natalie Ovadyssian:• We work in the 'Fazza Championship' according to a comprehensive training system that is a cornerstone in the journey of preparing Yola riders to reach the highest levels of performance.• Ahmed Ali Al-Habsi scored 80 points to win first place.
