Amid a large audience, the third edition of the Fazza Cup for Al-Rizza and the Fazza Sword for Zumait concluded at the Hamdan bin Mohammed Centre for Heritage. The event was held in conjunction with the activities of the Dubai Crown Prince Festival for Camel Racing 2026 at the Dubai Camel Racing Club in Al-Marmoom. The final heats of the Fazza Cup for Al-Rizza saw fierce competition and the setting of impressive records. Musab and Saif Amir Al-Saidi secured first place, while second place went to Sultan Ahmed Al-Khawaldi and Majid Khateer Al-Saidi. Third place was claimed by Abdullah and Ali Hamis Al-Qutaiti. In the Zumait competitions, now in their third season, held in a heats format, Khalifa Mohammed Al-Awaisi won first place on the camel 'Jabara', followed by Jasim Khasib Abdul Salam in second on 'Farha'. Third place went to Ahmed Salem Al-Salimi on the camel 'Mansoura'. In the women's Al-Rizza competitions, which the Hamdan bin Mohammed Centre for Heritage has organized for the second consecutive year, British Rachel Stratton and Irish Jady Luca Butler took the title. Second place went to Polish Barbara Iva and Belarusian Marina Panchanka, while third place was secured by Emirati Nura Al-Zaabi and German Annie Rondi. Abdullah Hamdan bin Dulumok, the President and CEO of the Hamdan bin Mohammed Centre for Heritage, who crowned the winners, affirmed that the widespread attendance and follow-up of the championship from various emirates of the state and neighboring countries reflects the depth of the historical and cultural bond that links camels to the Arabian Gulf region. Camels have, through the ages, been an unifying symbol for the region. He noted that the championship comes as a celebration of this authentic bond on the land of the UAE and an appreciation of the value and status of camels in the memory of the Gulf peoples. Bin Dulumok added that the centre views these competitions as more than just sporting events; they are vibrant platforms for reviving deeply rooted Emirati traditions and embodying the close relationship between humans and their environment, carrying meanings tied to the land, work, and daily life. He pointed out that the continuity of such events reflects the centre's commitment to enhancing the presence of popular heritage and traditional sports and cementing them as an active part of the cultural and social landscape. Bin Dulumok stated that traditional sports, led by Al-Rizza and camel racing, are a fundamental pillar of the UAE's cultural identity. These practices, at their core, carry the legacy of ancestors, their experiences, and their deep-rooted values, contributing to the transmission of the meanings of courage, patience, and the spirit of cooperation to future generations, ensuring the sustainability of this rich heritage.Values of Brotherhood among the Sons of the GulfMusab and Saif Amir Al-Saidi expressed their happiness at being crowned champions of the Fazza Cup for Al-Rizza, emphasizing that this achievement holds a special value as they had also won the same title in the first edition of the championship. The brothers thanked the Hamdan bin Mohammed Centre for Heritage for organizing this Gulf fraternal meeting that brings together the sons of the region around their ancient popular heritage in an atmosphere that reflects the spirit of authenticity and rapprochement. They stated that participating in the championship is a 'duty' in itself, as it is a sincere celebration of shared heritage. They mentioned that they came from the Sultanate of Oman driven by the honor of participation and exchange of experience, before success crowned them with the championship title. They considered this success a motivation to continue participating in such events that strengthen the unity of heritage and consolidate the values of brotherhood among the sons of the Gulf. In the women's Al-Rizza competitions, Rachel Stratton and Jady Luca Butler won the title.Abdullah bin Dulumok:Traditional championships are living platforms for reviving deeply rooted Emirati traditions and embodying the close relationship between man and his environment.
